LOVESICK

AMELIA'S POV

I donned my most beautiful gown and looked at myself in the mirror. As I raised my arm, I realized that my gown was torn at one side of my armpit. "Oh no!" I quickly doffed the gown and ran a thread through the torn part.

When I was convinced that the gown was okay, I wore it back on. I took my sweet time combing my hair because I had really long and beautiful hair.

When I was done with my hair, I wore a little makeup on my face. I had spent almost all my savings on this makeup kit but it was worth it.

I was going to prince Bastian's palace, I was going under the pretext of seeing my best friend Ivonne who worked as one of his maids. Ivonne was so lucky because she got to see the prince every day. If only I could be blessed with such a privilege, I would be content and willingly be his maid for the rest of my life.

I still remember the first time I set my eyes on him, he had parked his car by the side of the road and stepped out just to help an old lady who wanted to cross the road.

"The billionaire prince, heir to the throne, yet so humble and handsome." That was the first thought that came to my mind. Of course, I had seen him on Tv many times but it was different.

Seeing him in person and that too while performing such a noble service was simply magical. He is the perfect definition of a gentleman. Although the rumors say he is a very rude playboy, I don't believe it.

If he was that way, he wouldn't have cared about an old lady trying to cross the road. I just couldn't help myself, I kept gawking at him shamelessly as he made his way back into his car until I walked into a wall and ended up with a scar on my forehead.

After that incident, I became lovesick and wanted to be close to prince Bastian. I imagined him hugging me tightly and kissing my lips. Each time, I got wet just thinking about it. Yes, I was still a virgin at twenty-two but that was because I never had the time to think about a man or being in love until I met Bastian.

I was from a family of four, my parents were late and we were very poor. I spent most of my time selling at the market since I was the second child and first daughter.

My older brother lived in a world of his own and barely came home, except for when he was hungry or needed money from me. My two younger siblings were a bit industrious so, we all worked hard to pay our rent and care for one another.

Back when I couldn't bear to eat without seeing Bastian again, I decided to apply for a job at his palace and my two younger sisters gave me their support.

My best friend Ivy also decided to apply for work at the palace so we went together. Our motives were different though. Ivy wanted to work at the palace so she could enjoy a little bit of luxury while I wanted to work as Bastian's maid so I could get the chance to see him every day.

I knew that would have been enough for me, however, when we got there, the head maid who was an older lady in charge of female employment at the palace said that there was only space for one.

Ivy was willing to give up for my sake because she knew how much working at the prince's palace meant to me since I was the one who came up with the idea in the first place.

The head maid rejected me with the excuse that I was too beautiful. I wonder why that was a crime. She chose Ivy instead. We both begged her to employ me but she said we could leave if Ivy didn't want the job.

I couldn't be so selfish. I said goodbye to Ivy, went back home, and cried my eyes out. My immediate younger sister Mabel reminded me that all hope was not lost, since I had a friend in the palace, it meant that I had a reason to visit and get the opportunity to behold the handsome prince.

I felt a lot better after hearing that and now, I am getting ready to visit Ivy at the palace. I know that the prince would never notice me and that is okay. I just need to see his face and I will be content for a few months, after which I can go back to see his face again.

Ivy had informed me that the head maid wasn't around. I have no idea why she hates me but I'm happy that she would not be able to stop me from seeing the prince today.

I took one last look in the mirror and felt satisfied with my appearance. I looked good enough. Not classy like my younger sister Mabel looked whenever she went out to see her boyfriend but, I was a bit presentable.

I took my bag, locked the door since I was the only one at home, and walked out to the road to get a bus. Mabel saw me on her way back home. She felt I was underdressed but still wished me luck.

While I was still waiting for the bus, I was so excited that I failed to notice the pothole not too far away from me and the dirty water in it. A car suddenly drove by at full speed and splashed so much dirty water on my dress.

I stared at the car in horror as the driver zoomed off without sparing me an apology. I tried to fight the tears that were forcing their way out of my eyes but it was no use.

My tears fell uncontrollably as more than two hours of hard work had gone down the drain.