chapter 12

Chapter 12

Azalea angrily returned to her room, breathing heavily, with her hands tightly balled at her sides. Although her crying had ceased, the pain in her chest persisted, throbbing in sync with her heartbeat. The betrayal by her sister, the person who should have supported her, hurt more than any physical injury. How did everything fall apart so quickly?

She walked back and forth in her room, her fast and uneven steps matching the storm of thoughts in her mind. Once, she had imagined discovering her soulmate, experiencing love, and finding something genuine. However, everything had now been taken abruptly. She was not given a choice and was treated like a mere piece in a political scheme, a marriage intended to benefit others rather than herself.

The door quietly opened with a creak, and a hesitant maid entered, her eyes slightly widening as she observed Azalea's restless pacing.

"Is that Lady Azalea?" the maid inquired, her voice gentle and slightly unsure as she noted the tense atmosphere in the room. "Are you okay?"

Azalea halted in her tracks, pivoting to confront the maid. She had a red face from feelings, but she managed to smile. "Her voice was tense, she stated that she was doing well." "Feeling anxious about the wedding.”

The maid scrutinised her briefly, showing doubt. "I can see how you feel, madam," she said sympathetically. However, it is widely acknowledged that this union will benefit the realm. We will miss you, but your union with Prince Federico is significant. The family requires alliances in every direction. "It is for the benefit of all."

Azalea's smile wavered, her hands shaking as she absorbed the maid's words. Did you not make it on time? The benefit of the majority? Was that the only thing that mattered to anyone—utilising her as a pawn in a grander plan? Fury ignited within her, prompting her to lash out before she could control herself.

"Leave!" she shouted, her tone cutting and filled with anger. The maid recoiled from the unexpected outburst. "Alliances and the kingdom's needs are of no importance to me!" I exclaimed, "LEAVE NOW!"

The maid's eyes grew large with fear and she hastily lowered her head, scurrying towards the door. Azalea quickly turned as soon as the other person left, feeling consumed by her anger. She made a sudden movement towards the dressing table, clearing it of everything in one angry gesture. Containers of fragrance, accessories, and small decorative items fell to the ground, their loud noise resonating in the room.

For a brief moment, she remained standing, taking deep breaths, her chest moving quickly up and down as adrenaline coursed through her body. She still had shaky hands, her heart was racing in her chest. She had the sensation of being engulfed, overwhelmed by the burden of expectations, obligations, and deceit.

Azalea shut her eyes in an attempt to compose herself, but the agony was overwhelming. Each breath was a struggle, each thought a painful reminder of what she had been deprived of.

The maid quickly walked through the hallway, her footsteps gentle on the shiny floor as she headed to Ophelia's rooms. Gently tapping on the door, she waited for a reply before going in.

"Enter," Ophelia's smooth and calm voice called from within, as usual.

The maid entered and walked towards the older sister with her head slightly bowed. Ophelia sat next to the window, gazing at the garden with an open book in her lap that she wasn't reading. Turning her gaze towards the maid, she raised an eyebrow.

"What is the condition of my sister?" Ophelia inquired, her tone lacking warmth.

The maid nervously swallowed. "Lady Azalea... she shouted at me, my lady," she confessed, twisting her hands. "She appeared extremely distressed and instructed me to go away." I believe she is on the verge of losing control.

Ophelia's eyes narrowed a bit, a hint of irritation crossing her expression. "Be mindful of your attitude," she cautioned, her tone icy and cutting. Even though Azalea may be facing challenges, that doesn't justify any lack of respect from you. "Are you able to comprehend?"

"Yes, madam," the maid whispered hastily, lowering her head further as a sign of apology.

Ophelia released a brief sigh, her irritation gradually disappearing from her face as she redirected her focus to the window. For a brief moment, she gazed at the garden, clearly lost in her thoughts. "Make sure to closely monitor her," she eventually stated. Inform me if she engages in any more... peculiar activities.

The maid nodded, moving backward towards the door. "Yes, madam."

After the maid exited and shut the door, Ophelia rose from her seat, her lips forming a wicked grin.

Azalea noticed her room was even chillier after she finished venting her emotions. She was indifferent to the disorderliness or the shattered objects strewn around on the floor. The only thing on her mind was how her life had spun completely out of her grasp. At one time, she had a promising and bright future, but now all she could envision was a dark and desolate road ahead.

Nobody paid attention to her desires. Neither Mack nor Ophelia. Not Prince Federico. Thinking about him caused her stomach to turn unpleasantly. His reasons for accepting the marriage were his own and probably unrelated to her. Everyone around her viewed her as nothing more than a tool to achieve their own goals.

She gazed vacantly at the floor, and once more the door creaked open. This time, no one came in. Azalea's thoughts spun while the silence persisted. She clenched her jaw, determined to hold back the tears once more. She had already been robbed of too many things by them.

However, what options did she have?

Her thoughts were interrupted by a sudden knock, surprising her. She promptly adjusted her stance, tidying her outfit despite its lack of importance.

"Who is that?" she inquired, keeping her voice steady despite the turmoil she felt.

Ophelia was revealed as the door cracked open. Her sister entered with a calm, deceivingly kind expression, but Azalea was wise enough not to trust it.

"I have come to see how you are doing," Ophelia whispered. The maid informed me that you were not in good health.

Azalea averted her gaze, refusing to make eye contact with her. "I'm okay," she whispered.

Ophelia closed the door softly as she entered the room, moving with a practiced elegance that constantly bothered Azalea. "You appear not okay." This marriage is a significant milestone, and I can empathize with how you might feel inundated.

Anger flickered in Azalea's eyes as she confronted her sister, speaking sharply. Do not fake concern for my emotions, Ophelia. Have you both received exactly what you desired, you and Mack?

Ophelia's eyes narrowed slightly, but she promptly concealed it with a calm smile. Azalea, we are related. We all desire what is in our best interest.

"Tell me the truth!" Azalea's voice quivered with anger as she snapped. "You have been anticipating this moment, haven't you? To witness my dismissal, forced into marriage with a prince who has no interest in me. However, do not believe that I am unaware of your true intentions.

Ophelia's smile faded, giving way to a calculating, cold expression. Approaching her sister, she lowered her voice to a whisper. Be cautious, Azalea. You are not in a position to create enemies at the moment.

Azalea tightened her fists, her nails piercing her palms while she locked eyes with her sister. "Have you ensured that I am already left with no options?" You are finding pleasure in this - witnessing my agony, witnessing the destruction of my life.

Ophelia's eyes sparkled with contentment, yet her voice stayed just as silky. "Sister, you have always been dramatic." However, this is the truth of the world we reside in. You are aware just as much as I am that there is no space for vulnerability in this world. We do whatever is necessary to stay alive. Currently, this union is essential for your existence.

Azalea struggled to control her urge to yell at her sister, taking short, sharp breaths. Ophelia's words deepened the betrayal, as the truth behind them plunged the knife deeper into her heart.

Azalea whispered, informing the individual they would not emerge victorious. "Not as you imagine."

Ophelia arched an eyebrow, a glint of amusement in her eyes. "Will we emerge victorious?" Oh, Azalea, I already possess."

Using those words, she spun around and exited the room, gently shutting the door with a quiet click. Azalea remained motionless, her hands continuing to shake. The wall

ls appeared to be closing in on her, suffocating her with their cold indifference.