Emily's heart raced as she served dinner, her eyes darting between Leo and Victor. Leo's gaze lingered on her, his expression unreadable. Was it desire or disapproval? Emily's body tingled, her senses heightened.
As the night wore on, Emily's anxiety grew. What did Victor's words mean for her future? And why did Leo's eyes seem to burn with an inner fire?
As the dinner concluded, Emily collected plates, her hands shaking. Suddenly, Leo appeared beside her.
"Emily, may I have a word?" he asked, his voice low.
Emily nodded, following him to a secluded corner.
"You're doing well," Leo said, his eyes softening. "But be cautious. Victor's plans are unfolding."
Emily's heart skipped a beat.
"What plans?"
Leo's gaze locked onto hers.
"I'll tell you soon. Trust me, Emily."
Emily's lips parted, her voice barely audible.
"I trust you, Leo."
Leo's eyes flashed with desire, his face inches from hers.
"Emily, you're—"
His words trailed off as he leaned in, his lips brushing against her neck.
Emily's pulse quickened as Leo left a soft, hot, burning hickey.
She gasped, surprised by the sudden intimacy.
But what surprised Emily more was her lack of reaction – no allergic swelling, no icy chill.
Instead, her skin tingled, her heart racing with excitement.
Mary's shrill voice interrupted.
"Lord Leo, the king requests your presence."
Leo's jaw clenched.
"I'll be right there."
As Leo departed, Emily's mind reeled.
What secrets lay hidden behind Leo's words?
And why did her heart beat faster in his presence?
Emily's fingers touched the hickey, a flutter in her chest.
She couldn't deny the connection between them.
Chapter 22: A Night of Revelations (Continued)
Emily's thoughts swirled, her mind reeling from Leo's sudden intimacy.
Just as she regained composure, Princess Mary stormed towards her.
"You think you can seduce men with your skinny body?" Mary spat.
Emily's eyes narrowed.
"Excuse me, Your Royal Highness?"
Mary's face twisted.
"Leo has someone already. You're just a passing amusement."
Emily's blood boiled.
Who is it? she thought angrily.
Did jealousy make you blind, Mary? You can't see I'm curvy in all the right places?
Emily smiled mockingly.
"I didn't know you were blind, Your Royal Highness."
Mary's face turned crimson.
"How dare you!" Mary slapped Emily.
Emily's cheek stung, but she stood firm.
"You're blinded by jealousy, Mary."
Mary's eyes flashed.
"You'll pay for that insolence!"
Emily's gaze locked onto Mary's.
"I'm not afraid of you."
Suddenly, Leo appeared.
"Mary, stop. Now."
Mary's anger faltered.
"Leo, she—"
"Enough!" Leo's voice commanded.
Leo's eyes locked onto Emily's.
"Are you hurt?"
Emily shook her head.
"No, thank you."
Leo's gaze lingered.
"I'll handle this."
As Leo escorted Mary away, Emily's thoughts swirled.
What secrets lay hidden?
And why did Leo defend her infront of the princess when there relationship is not stable as before ?
What if leo thinks I planned it with victor I need to get stronger and see if he still trusts me and see me as his fiances....####