Cillian's smile was a rare sight tonight, especially since Yitty's words were less than polite. However, they cut through the fog, giving him a moment of refreshing clarity. Alright then, he would cast aside his worries for tonight and just revel in the now.Raising his glass like Yitty, they toasted to the night, their glasses chiming before they emptied them in one swift gulp. Glass after glass, the night wore on. Half an hour later, Cillian's endurance waned, and he collapsed onto the table with a thud.He had been at it since the afternoon. By any measure, he had polished off at least a couple of bottles of whiskey, not to mention the rounds of draft beer. Even a seasoned drinker like Cillian had his limits.Yitty, seeing him out cold, gave his cheek a playful pat. "Hey, Cillian. Come on, wake up. You're not telling me you're drunk already? You were supposed to be my drinking buddy, and here you are, out like a light before me?"However, Cillian was beyond reach. Yitty, giving
Yitty's display of strength left the front desk receptionist dumbfounded, wondering if the delicate-looking Yitty was actually a guy in disguise. Back in the room, Yitty dropped Cillian onto the bed with a hint of annoyance. "You're heavier than you look. You almost wore me out..." Cillian, jostled by the drop, felt a wave of nausea and grimaced. He called out for Lucy in his sleep. "Lucy... please, don't leave..." To prevent a mess, Yitty placed a trash can by the bed and coaxed Cillian closer, making sure his head was aimed at it. She then gently tapped his cheek, saying, "Cillian, if you're gonna be sick, aim for the trash can, okay?" He murmured a faint acknowledgment.Cillian let out a soft grunt, which was enough for Yitty to know he was somewhat conscious. She headed off to the bathroom, letting the sound of the running water wash away her worries. She even indulged in a leisurely bath. Her eyes were clear and alert, betraying no sign of inebriation. It almost made so
"He mistakes me for someone else, shows me no respect, and wears me out, huh? Just wait and see how I'll get back at him." Yitty lay next to Cillian, pinching his cheek while she muttered angrily. A wicked plan was already forming in her head.Cillian woke up with the sun streaming through the window, his head pounding. He groaned, realizing last night's drinking escapade had been a colossal mistake.With a grimace, he had not even fully come to his senses when a stinging slap landed across his face."Cillian, I trusted you as a friend, and you turn out to be this kind of guy?"The slap snapped Cillian out of his daze. He held his cheek, blinking in confusion, only to find Yitty in front of him. She was clad in a bathrobe with tears streaming down her face. There was a subtle red mark on her collarbone."Ms. Jenks, what... happened?" Cillian's words tumbled out in a jumble, dread creeping over him.He could not have... Not to Yitty..."You have the audacity to ask me? Cillian, y
Cillian did not waver as he addressed every one of Yitty's doubts with unwavering certainty. However, Yitty suddenly exploded. "Stop it! What is this archaic nonsense? You think you owe me something because of a misunderstanding?"Am I unwanted by everyone? We're all adults here. It was just a mix-up."The only reason I got mad was because you confused me with someone else. I get it, you're not into me, and guess what? The feeling's mutual."Don't dwell on this, okay? Once it's done, it's done. Trust me, I'm Yitty. I'm not the clingy type. I won't hassle you!"With an icy gaze, Yitty dropped those words like bombs and made to leave. Cillian's heart clenched, and he scrambled to his feet to follow her.However, Yitty, who looked so delicate, spun around and gave him a shove that sent Cillian tumbling onto the bed. He could only watch, wide-eyed, as Yitty grabbed her purse and walked out.Stepping out of the hotel, Yitty's head was still pounding with a nagging pain."Damn it!" sh
Watching Caleb fret and fume, Cillian sighed and said, "It's not what you think, Caleb. The Charleston royals have been nothing but kind to us. It's just that I, uh, kind of ended up sleeping with a woman..."Cillian's face was the picture of regret, but Caleb nearly spat out his drink.What! Slept with a woman? His little brother Cillian, the golden boy, actually slept with a woman? That was more jaw-dropping than ticking off the king of Charleston! "Spill it, man. What the heck happened?"Caleb leaned in, his eyes sparkling with a mix of excitement and the irresistible pull of juicy gossip.Cillian's mouth twitched involuntarily. Was his brother actually getting a kick out of that?However, Caleb was the only one he could talk to about it, so Cillian confessed, "Yesterday, Lucy turned me down. I was so bummed out that I hit the bar and got plastered."Caleb had to stifle a laugh, which came out as a coughing fit. It was sad that his little brother was nursing a broken heart wit
"Fine. You're my little brother, so I'll give you a hand this time."Caleb let out a sigh. It was his little brother, after all. What could he do but spoil him a bit?"Thanks, Caleb. You're the best. Her name's Yitty. She looks like a Daburinean, and she's drop-dead gorgeous. I'm counting on you to find her."Cillian rattled off what Yitty looked like in a hurry.Caleb gave him a look and blurted out, "You're not just after her for her looks, are you?"...Cillian just stared back at Caleb, silent. Caleb caved immediately."Alright, alright, I'll drop it. Yitty, got it. If she's in Charleston, I'll find her. But if she's not, don't hold your breath.""It's fine. I'll sketch her portrait. It'll make the search easier with that in hand."Cillian massaged his temples. Reassured by Caleb, he decided it was time to head back to his place. Caleb did not try to keep him any longer but threw in a last-minute caution as Cillian was about to step out. "Oh, and just so you know, Grandp
To top it off, there was an absurdly long line of people trailing behind her.Not this again...Lucy sighed internally. It was the third time this had happened, and she had only been back with her parents for less than two weeks! After the private council meeting, the ministers had showered her with gifts. Even Juliana had sent presents her way.Later that night, Arthur and Juliana had each sent more gifts."Velda, these are all the birthday presents from your mom and dad, from your first birthday to now."Juliana herself had said it. Lucy, who had never before received a birthday gift from her family, was overjoyed to accept the gifts.Imagine her shock when she found out her first birthday present was a pure platinum necklace, centered with a pink diamond as big as a pigeon's egg.Her second birthday present was an emerald stone of immeasurable value, the third a painting by a world-renowned artist, and the fourth a Barbie doll as tall as a child. It was decked out in a diamon
Matthew was ready to politely decline for Lucy, but she responded to the maid with a warm smile, "I got it. Tell my sister I'll be right there."Lucy knew her parents' greatest wish was for her to bond with Charlotte as true sisters.With her parents treating her so kindly, refusing an invitation from Charlotte herself just did not seem right."Of course, Second Princess."The maid nodded and backed out of the room, leaving Matthew to eye Lucy with a hint of disapproval. "Lucy, why on earth did you say yes? What if Charlotte's planning something sinister in her own quarters?"Matthew's concern creased his forehead. He was not one to cry wolf without reason. He had a habit of expecting the worst in people.Lucy shook her head, a gentle smile on her face. "Oh, Matthew, you're worrying too much. We're in the royal palace, for heaven's sake. Charlotte wouldn't dare tarnish her image with our folks watching."And let's be honest, we're only guessing her intentions. She invited me for
As Gabriella examined the luxurious clothes, bags, shoes, and pants, she could not help but feel that Lucy was completely unappreciative of such treasures. She failed to utilize them to enhance her appearance! They spent quite a while going through the various garments and accessories, yet there were still items they had not finished checking out.Lucy gave an awkward smile, acknowledging her own laziness. After a long search, Gabriella finally found a piece that caught her eye. As she checked the tag, she was surprised to find that the dress was designed by a renowned French designer. It featured a V-neck, with simple yet elegant sleeves that revealed a hint of Lucy's arms, while the skirt was a refined and tailored fit.Gabriella held up the dress against Lucy, murmuring to herself, “Hmm, this one’s nice! You should try it on!” Even though she spoke to Lucy in a tone reminiscent of an older sister, she still maintained her authority as a mother-in-law. It made her words both
Since the previous incident, Lucy had become increasingly attentive to her children. She watched over them at nearly every moment. She feared that Charlotte might seize any chance to harm the children, so she remained vigilant and meticulous, avoiding any lapses. In her eyes, Matthew Leon and the children represented her entire world, and she could not afford even the slightest mishap.One day, Gabriella Sharpe visited their home. She arrived as lively as ever, wearing impeccably applied makeup that included an expensive shade of lipstick. Her appearance radiated the elegance of a woman of high social standing, making her stand out among the people on the street.Lucy welcomed Gabriella warmly, treating her with utmost respect. It created an atmosphere of family harmony. Gabriella settled into a chair, savoring the fruit that Lucy offered her. She held Johnny closely, reluctant to part with him. She showered him with compliments and laughter."Mom, you seem to be in a great mood l
Matthew noticed Lucy’s absent-mindedness and asked gently, "Lulu, what’s on your mind?"“Oh, nothing… I just think what happened to Charlotte is so sudden,” Lucy replied.“Don’t worry about it. It has nothing to do with us. She was always trying to harm you. Her fate is something she brought upon herself.” Matthew patted her head comfortingly.However, Lucy found it suspicious. Although the news reported Charlotte’s assassination and that the monastery had burned down to ashes, it did not mention her body. That kind of crucial detail would not have been overlooked by the media.Matthew had also considered this possibility, but he had kept it to himself to avoid alarming Lucy. Charlotte had been sent to the monastery because of him and Lucy, and she had to harbor a deep hatred for them. If she managed to orchestrate her own escape, what if she was now seeking help from Spades to target Lucy? That would be dangerous.“Lulu, don’t worry. I won’t let anything happen to you or the ch
With nothing left to hold onto, Charlotte walked down the empty streets, her heart heavy with despair. She wore a black veil that covered her completely, revealing only her eyes. She even had on dark sunglasses. She dared not walk in the open or be seen, nor did she dare expose Juliana’s crimes to the world.She used to be a princess. Everything she had done, every privilege and indulgence, was backed by Arthur and Juliana’s love and permission. Now that her supporters had betrayed her, what right did she have to be reckless or demand anything? Surviving itself was a luxury. How could she even think of acting willfully?As she wandered in anguish, Charlotte found herself by the river. She remembered coming here with Arthur and Juliana when she was a child, laughing and walking along the bank. Now, each memory felt painfully ironic, and every kiss from Juliana seemed sickening. How could her world be so false? How could even the people she trusted most turn against her?Charlotte cou
Charlotte continued to hide within the castle, unwilling to leave and equally unwilling to let anyone know she was alive—unless they promised never to send her back to the monastery. However, she doubted that would happen, so she kept to the shadows. After all, the castle had plenty of food. It was far better than anything at the monastery.One night, Charlotte quietly slipped into Arthur and Juliana's bedroom. To her surprise, Arthur was not there, and only Juliana was present. 'Dad must be too upset to sleep,' Charlotte thought. She knew him well—whenever he was troubled, he would retreat to the study rather than go to bed.As she watched her beloved mother, a tiny bit of her resolve wavered. Juliana looked utterly exhausted, as if she had lost a lot of weight in just a few days. Charlotte had a sudden urge to go in and comfort her, but she knew that was impossible. Charlotte realized that seeing someone through a wall of separation was the most painful thing of all.Just as
The next morning, news of the assassination attempt on Charlotte was sensationalized across all media outlets. The internet was flooded with headlines about her close brush with death, sparking worldwide shock. No one could believe that Charlotte, notorious for her arrogance and harsh treatment of offenders, could have been targeted like this. Many who resented her strict, often cruel ways were both thrilled and stunned by the news. The royal family immediately tightened security at the monastery, dispatching a large police force to investigate what had happened. The monastery became a focal point of public intrigue.“What? That's impossible! How could there be no trace?” Juliana exclaimed in disbelief. Standing before her was the chief forensic investigator.“Yes, Your Majesty, there's no sign of Princess Charlotte’s remains,” the investigator confirmed firmly.“Fine, I understand. Leave me, and keep me informed if anything changes,” Juliana replied, pressing her fingers to her
As the footsteps came closer, Charlotte held her breath, not daring to make a sound. Suddenly, a shadowy figure appeared—it was clear they were targeting her. She watched as the figure approached the bed, moving so quietly it was as if they made no sound at all. What could they possibly be planning? Surely, the headmistress would not go this far?The figure drew closer to the bed, bundled up the pillows and blankets, and then doused something over them. Charlotte could smell it—it was gasoline! Was the headmistress planning to kill her to silence her? She froze, unable to move. The shadow struck a match and dropped it onto the bed. In an instant, flames surged up from the blankets.In the fire’s glow, Charlotte could make out that it was not the headmistress but a man. After setting the fire, he quickly slipped away without making a single sound. Charlotte crept out while stifling a cough, afraid he might hear and return. The flames grew quickly, engulfing the bed and spreading t
Over the past year or so, Charlotte had gradually come to understand that the world was not just about picturesque landscapes and lavish feasts. In the shadows, beyond her sight, lay a world full of schemes and deception. Despite her ongoing attempts to plot against Lucy Quinn, she had not noticed this aspect at all until she arrived at the monastery. Here, she realized how dark human nature could truly be.The women at the monastery constantly criticized and belittled her, while the headmistress was corrupt, using her position for personal vendettas. She was also driven by greed for wealth and status. All Charlotte wanted was to escape this dreadful place and return to her castle. She wanted to go back to her plush, comfortable bed. There, she led a life surrounded by maids tending to her every need.Thinking of this, she remembered Lucy and envisioned her seated in her rightful place, basking in the affection of Arthur and Juliana. She could see Lucy's haughty expression starin
In a moment of heat, Charlotte blurted everything out. Joan was dumbfounded! Was this really Charlotte? She usually did not talk this much, did she? It was not just Joan who was shocked; the headmistress across from Charlotte was equally taken aback. Charlotte was usually so obedient. How had her tongue turned so venomous today? The headmistress was left speechless as every word Charlotte said was so reasonable that no one could argue against it, and it even warranted some compliments! Although Charlotte was confronting the headmistress, each of her statements felt like a plea for justice.Charlotte was not done yet and continued, “Since you know I’m a princess, you should give me some consideration. Yet, in reality, I’m the one giving you all the consideration. Is that reasonable?” Charlotte’s arguments were layered and logical, her thoughts clear. It left the headmistress in a muddle while Joan looked on with envy! The headmistress glanced at Charlotte, feeling quite displease