Chapter 41

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Walking felt like floating as I made my way down the stairs. The dress was supposed to fit me and yet it felt tight. Perhaps it was because I was hyperaware of my senses. The sound of my shoes clacking against the marble floor drummed against my ears and the feel of the wood on the banister of the stairs felt too cold.

I looked at my reflection earlier while Niana took her time doing my hair. Unbeknownst to her, I was practicing the look I would wear during the whole ceremony. As I dove deeper into my emotions, the pain lingered, but a small part of me also was glad for them to get married. Even as Philip denies it, the Royal family is after the Silvana’s wealth. I am glad he showed his intentions early on before I got tied to him. Otherwise, it would be hard for me. All the things my father built from his own blood and sweat will all go to waste. That is the last thing I would want to happen.

As I continued to descend the stairs, the front door opened, and in came Andreas, regal in his tailored suit. His clothes failed to hide his magnificent build as he walked towards the bottom of the stairs with innate grace.

The way his eyes surveyed me from head to foot did not go unnoticed. I could not fight against the blush that stained my cheeks. I know he noticed me being flustered judging from the smirk on his face. I hate how he gets so much satisfaction making me feel like this. Like I was a young girl again, giddy after seeing the boy she liked.

I paused and my eyes widened. The realization hit me like a sudden storm. Did I really have feelings for Andreas? The thought echoed in my mind, a tumultuous whirlwind of confusion and denial.

“My lady?”

What did I just think about? What did I just compare myself to? Do I like Andreas? I compared myself to a girl feeling giddy after seeing the boy she likes. Does that mean I like Andreas?

The thought made me grip the wooden banister tighter. I shook the thought away and smiled at Niana. “Apologies,” I said and continued to descend the steps until I reached the bottom and stood face-to-face with Andreas.

“Red is your color.” His eyes raked me once again.

“Yvette warned me not to wear white.” I almost rolled my eyes saying those words.

Andreas couldn’t help but chuckle. “Even if you wear the most peculiar shade known to humanity, you will still manage to capture the attention of everyone around, especially the gentlemen.”

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Chapter 41

I shot him a scowl. “I’d rather not be bothered by admirers tonight.”

na

His charming, boyish smile tugged at my heartstrings. Extending his arm, he playfully remarked, “Well then, my lady, allow me to escort you. I’ll ensure any potential suitors are promptly chased away.”

my arm

I raised an eyebrow, giving him a skeptical look, but eventually gave in with a chuckle as I looped my through his.

“No need for such efforts to drive them away. Your mere presence is deterrent enough.”

He gave me an offended look. “Do I look that terrible?”

It was a trick question which I easily fell into as I replied, “Quite the opposite.”

His brow raised, and he stopped walking, facing me. The corner of his mouth tugged upward. “Could you elaborate on that?”

I fought another blush on my cheeks and cleared my throat. “We’re going to be late

We have to get going.”

However, before I could even walk away, his hand grabbed my wrist, making me face him once again.

“Andreas–”

“Tell me about what you were mumbling earlier.” His grin was enough to tell me he was enjoying this too much– teasing me. His gaze lingered on me, an unreadable expression in his eyes. I wondered if he sensed the turmoil within me, the conflicting emotions that threatened to surface as he teases me like this.

“Must I really say it?”

He nodded, still grinning. I rolled my eyes and sighed. “Fine.” I crossed my arms. “I don’t find you terrible. You’re probably the most good-looking man I have ever met.” I paused, daring to meet his gaze. “And I know you’ve heard me say this before, but your eyes are of the most beautiful shade of blue they sometimes make me forget

my name.”

My eyes then darted to his lips. The same lips that graced the shoulders that are now exposed because of my dress. The same lips I think about every night, wondering when would I ever feel it again.

I was about to open my mouth to say my thoughts when Aiden from the carriage called our attention. He then gestured for us to hurry up. I sighed in relief for his interruption.

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Chapter 41

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“This ba st ard always has impeccable timing,” Andreas muttered and looked at me. He leaned in and whispered, “We’re not yet done.”

A mix of anticipation and apprehension flickered in his eyes. He just said four words and yet, I could sense the unspoken promise that now linger between us.

And before I could say something, he grabbed my hand and led me through the carriage.

Yvette and Myrna have stayed in the palace for several days now. Myrna only comes to the house when she feels like it or when she feels like she needs to assert her authority as the Lady of the House.

As I was left alone in the huge manor, I could not help but reminisce the times we spent together– the time when I thought I had found a new family from them. However, the memory seemed to fade. As though time knew what happened and was helping me erase it.

“We’re here,” Andreas announced, and I was pulled back from my reverie.

I know Andreas was observing me as I had been quiet the whole ride. I was thankful for his silence as well, as though he knew I needed it.

Aiden opened the carriage, and Andreas helped me get down. The palace looked even more beautiful with the decorations that adorned the whole place. Flowers were meticulously arranged on pillars, making it look like

time for the wedding.

vines had been creeping there for a long time and blossoms.

Guests started filling in, and I stood in front of the carriage, looking around. The place looked magical. This could have been my and Philip’s wedding. It made me sick. I do not know if it was the right choice to come here.

But Andreas suddenly laid his coat on my shoulders, making me look at him.

“It’s cold,” he just said and offered his hand once again. “This will also chase away any potential suitors if they’re are any who would attempt while I’m not at your side.” And re a s’s eyes were fixed ahead, seemingly unaffected by the stares around us. Draping his coat over my shoulders felt both protective and strangely intimate.

Was he truly serious earlier when he told me he’d chase any potential suitors?

I just let out a small smile and let him lead me to the stairs.

The path to the front door of the Palace was made of stone, and the sound of my shoes echoed across the stairs.

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Chapter 41

“Have I told you how stunning you are in that dress?”

I looked at Andreas, and he was just looking ahead. He need not tell me about it. The look in his descended the stairs in my house earlier was enough to tell me.

“Relish this moment. For this is the moment that you’re losing two people who betrayed you.”

eyes a

I looked at him, and he was still looking ahead. I was aware of the people staring in our direction, and contrary to what he said earlier, the people were looking at him and not at me. However, Andreas did not look like he cared

about it at all.

“I know,” I replied, earning me a sidelong glance. “I intend to do just that.”

His answering smile reflected mine as we stood in front of the palace’s entrance.

Music filled my ears and the hushed whispers of the guests. I looked straight ahead and imitated Andreas. I did not look at the guest and walked straight to the foot of the dais.

I straightened my back and looked at the top of the dais where the Alpha King sat. Andreas’ hand was warm against mine before he let it go. Then we both bowed.

“I’m glad to have your presence both. Especially you, Lady Henrietta.”

I forced out a practiced smile. “There is no reason for me not to attend, Your Majesty.”

He nodded, a grin still plastered on his face. “Of course. Tonight is a historic night for the union of both our

families.”

“Speaking of union, I will marry Henrietta in a matter of days. We want to ask for your permission.”

My mouth went dry but I did not speak a word. The Alpha King, on the other hand, looked surprised. Then he let out a hearty laugh.

“If it’s my permission then I give it to you. Where do you plan to have it?”

Andreas looked at me. “That would be Henrietta’s decision.”

My eyes widened. The Alpha King watched my reaction and I cleared my throat.

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Chapter 41

“I figured having it in my residence would be most convenient.”

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The Alpha King nodded. “Is there anything you wish me to help you with?” The Alpha King’s gaze shifted to Andreas, a glimmer of longing in his eyes. As if he wanted to be of help to his other son whom he had not seen for a long time. I was not foreign to the kind of relationship they had. Perhaps the King regrets his past decisions and wants to make up with Andreas.

However, Andreas shook his head and gave a cordial smile before saying, “I already have everything arranged, Your Majesty. Thank you for the offer.”

The Alpha King tried to hide his disappointment but it did not escape my ey

eyes.

“Very well,” the King said and we bowed. Just as when we were about to go

back to where we should sit, Philip emerged from the shadows. He was straightening his coat and it was clear he went out in a hurry.

He paused as he looked at us. At me. My face remained stoic as I waited for that familiar feeling of pain.

It did not come.

Instead, I felt sorry for I knew what was bound to happen.

“Henny,” he called and I dipped my head.

“Your Highness. I congratulate you.”

He let out a dry laugh. “Thank you.” His eyes scanned me and he said, “I must say you are a sight to behold, Henny. You look wonderful.”

“Isn’t she?” chimed Andreas before he wound his arm around my waist. “I just told her on the way here that she

would be h oar ding all the attention.”

Philip’s eyes never left mine as he said, “Indeed.”

He stared at me for a beat longer before the wedding march started to play. As the music played, Andreas held my hand, guiding me toward our seats. My gaze remained fixed ahead, though the weight of the moment hung heavily in the air.

I stared up ahead – at the dais, while I was aware of the man at the foot of the dais looking in my direction.

I

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Chapter 41

I heard Andreas chuckle and whispered, “It seems my dear brother has had a moment of reflection from all the poor choices he made after seeing you tonight.”

I did not say a word but I stopped myself from laughing.

“Shall we give him a show?” he asked and I looked at him in question.

“What are you talking about?”

Instead of answering, his gaze dipped to my lips and I instantly knew what he was meaning to say. My cheeks.

flustered.

“A-Are you out of your senses?”

“Perhaps but he’s still looking,” he grinned. I did not need to look at Philip to know Andreas was telling the truth.

He was too close to me. Too close to be considered appropriate. And when I nodded subtly, I heard him chuckle.

“That’s a good girl.”

Before I could even prepare myself, I felt his lips on the side of my mouth. He pulled back and smiled. I blinked at him.

“Were you expecting the kiss on the lips?”

“I was not!” I hissed.

He chuckled. “I’ll settle with the side of your mouth. I fear that if I truly kiss you I won’t be able to stop and would just take you out of here.”

The idea sounds tempting but I did not dare voice it. I just gave Andreas a scowl before I straightened and watched ahead, fighting the blush that did not fail to surface. I did not notice Yvette was already there taking Philip’s hand.

When my gaze landed on Philip, I was surprised to see him still holding my gaze. Yvette followed his gaze and the moment she saw me, the warmth drained from her smile.

I summoned the sweetest smile I could muster.

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Chapter 41

I would wish for them to have a good life but knowing what’s in store for their future, I would be lying. I vowed to bring them down and I have not started yet.

So I composed myself and sat upright, observing with an unwavering gaze as the man I once loved exchanged vows with my stepsister.

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Chapter 42

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