Chapter 008: Announce Her Instead

Ophelia’s Point Of View

"Caroline!" My voice echoed through the room, icy and threatening, as I flicked on the light, illuminating the darkness around us. The clarity of the moment suddenly heightened the emotions swirling within me.

Before Caroline could utter a word, I unleashed a flurry of slaps across her cheek, each one accompanied by the soft gasps of shock from those nearby.

“How dare you!” Berry shouted at me, his voice filled with outrage, and I couldn't help but let out a scoff, dismissing his anger as if it were nothing.

It was astonishing to me that he had actually been taken in by the nonsense Caroline had just spewed.

Tears began to stream down my face uncontrollably, an overwhelming wave of emotion crashing over me as I sank to the floor in despair.

My heart ached, and I could barely breathe as I sobbed, “Why did you do that to me?!” The question tore itself from my throat amidst the choking sobs.

I could feel the weight of what she had done hanging over me like a dark cloud, haunting me and filling me with frustration toward myself for allowing it to affect me so deeply.

“What did I do?” Caroline attempted to feign innocence, cradling her face with her hands, her own eyes welling up with tears that threatened to spill over.

It was effortlessly manipulative and only added to my pain.

Just when I thought it couldn't get any worse, I felt a sharp, sudden sting on my cheek—a strong hand had struck me.

“How could you, you filthy woman!” Berry screamed at me, his words cutting deep and making me feel even smaller.

“So you really believed her lies?” I asked, shock flooding my voice, as I turned to look at Berry, hoping to see some sense of understanding in his expression.

But instead, he simply shifted his focus back to Caroline, leaving me standing in a whirlwind of confusion and hurt, grappling with the betrayal and the emotional turmoil engulfing me.

“Return the favor for the slap she gave you—double it!” I proclaimed fiercely, feeling the adrenaline surge through my veins.

“Honestly, let’s just forget about it and let her go. After all, she is still my sister,” Caroline replied, feigning a sense of care that only deepened the rage boiling within me.

Her words were like nails on a chalkboard, each one driving me further into a state of frustration.

“How dare you act like you’re innocent and pitiful when you’ve caused me so much pain?” I screamed, my voice echoing in the room, the anger pouring out like a flood spilling from a broken dam.

It felt good to let it out, even though my heart was heavy with sorrow. The usual chaotic whirl of emotions in my head was heightened; I was not just angry, I was heartbroken.

As I caught a glimpse of Berry smirking before she walked away, it sent another wave of despair crashing over me.

Caroline stepped closer, her eyes filled with nothing but hatred and malice, which sent shivers down my spine.

“You should consider yourself fortunate to still be here. I wanted far more than just King to have his way with you.

I actually found pleasure in hearing you scream,” she let out a cruel laugh, thick with sarcasm, that made my stomach churn.

“Why does everyone seem to hate me so much?” I asked in a voice so quiet, it was almost a whisper.

I felt small and vulnerable standing before her, the weight of my emotions overwhelming me.

“Because you took everything that was rightfully mine!” she spat, each word laced with venom as she gritted her teeth, clearly seething with rage.

“You stole my fame, my awards, and even my boyfriend! And just so you know, I haven’t forgotten about that bet we made.”

Her expression turned into one of sinister delight as she pronounced her next command, “You have to leave.”

With that, Caroline wore a smug smirk, and just as the sound of Berry’s footsteps approached, she hastily stepped back, suddenly putting on that pathetic façade of innocence once more.

It was infuriating to watch her pretend like she hadn’t just threatened me moments ago, her capability for deceit leaving a sting in my heart that felt unbearable to bear.

The moment my gaze fell upon the sharp, gleaming scissors clutched tightly in Berry's hands, a jolt of dread surged through me.

I could feel my heart racing, pounding so fiercely inside my chest that it felt as if it might leap out at any moment.

“What on earth does he plan to do with those?” I thought, a mix of fear and confusion swirling within me.

As I stood there frozen, I watched in utter disbelief as Berry slowly moved his hand forward, the scissors glinting ominously in the light, ready to cut my precious hair.

“Berry!” I cried out, my voice filled with a blend of horror and disbelief, as I saw strands of my hair drift down to the floor like fallen leaves.

Each lock that fell felt like a direct blow to my heart because I had cherished my hair for so long, nurturing it and watching it grow.

It was not just hair to me; it was a part of my identity, something that brought me joy and confidence.

I couldn’t fathom why he would want to do this, why he would want to take away something so personal and meaningful to me.

“Why do you have to do this?” I shouted in frustration, feeling a heat of anger bubbling up inside me that I had never experienced so intensely before.

It was as though I could feel the fire of my emotions burning bright, ready to explode.

Just as he stepped even closer, the tension hanging thick in the air, his phone suddenly rang, cutting through the moment like a knife.

After what felt like an eternity, Berry answered the call, his expression shifting as he started talking.

I was left standing there, heart racing and frustration bubbling over, while he seemed completely absorbed in this unexpected conversation.

It didn’t take long for him to finish, and when he hung up, I noticed a smile replacing the earlier concentration on his face, which only perplexed me further.

“Caroline,” he said, his voice now smooth and inviting, “how would you feel about being my lady at a noble's party? I want to announce you as my hidden bride.”

Those words floated towards me, surprising me with their unexpectedness. In that moment, a whirlwind of emotions collided within me – confusion, curiosity, and still, betrayal mingling together in a chaotic dance.

How could he turn such a drastic moment into something so seemingly grand and romantic? I was left grappling with the mix of feelings that surged within me, unsure of how to respond to his bold proposal.