It was annoying that no matter what he did, the Whitlock's name would forever be stained due to her actions.
Why was he so worried? Why was reputation so important to him? He did not want to remember the past. The time he had been humiliated.
But was that the only reason why he was so bitter? He once loved a person and dreamt of their life together but that dream shattered. When he came to face with the reality, his personality changed.
Selena looped her arm through Alex's without hesitation, her chin held high as they followed Lucien out the door. Alex felt a strange sense of pride as they stepped into the night together. Whatever awaited them at the ball, he was ready.
Lucien climbed into the carriage, his expression sour. He didn't bother waiting for Selena or offering her a hand to help her in—a decision he immediately regretted when he glanced back and saw Alex stepping forward to assist her.
His sister's hand was delicately resting on Alex's as she stepped into the carriage, her gown glinting in the faint moonlight. Her smile—small but noticeable—made Lucien's stomach churn. Watching their exchange, he clenched his jaw, a deep scowl settling on his face.
The worst part? Alex looked just as flustered as he had earlier in the house. His cheeks had a slight flush, and he avoided eye contact as if he didn't know what to do with himself.
Sickening.
When Selena entered the carriage, she gracefully sat opposite her brother, crossing her legs in a way that made the slit of her gown shift slightly. Lucien didn't comment, though his disapproval was practically palpable.
When Alex climbed in after her, Lucien quickly shifted in his seat to make sure Alex sat next to him. The thought of the two of them sitting side by side, possibly sharing more smiles or light touches, was unbearable.
Alex seemed surprised but didn't argue. He simply gave Selena a polite smile as he took his seat next to her brother, though he couldn't help but steal another glance at her.
Lucien noticed.
All the way to the palace, the tension in the carriage was thick enough to cut with a knife. Selena and Alex seemed blissfully unaware—or worse, indifferent—to Lucien's obvious discomfort. They kept exchanging glances, subtle enough to go unnoticed by most, but not by Lucien.
Alex's gaze would flicker to her before darting away, and Selena would smirk slightly, clearly amused. Lucien's grip on the armrest tightened with every stolen glance.
Unable to bear the silence any longer, Lucien finally broke it. "So, you're really going to end your engagement?"
His tone was sharper than he intended, but he didn't bother correcting himself. The words hung in the air like a challenge.
Selena's gaze snapped to her brother. Her expression didn't betray any emotion, but her reply was swift and pointed. "It certainly wouldn't be the first time for our house."
The jab hit its mark. Lucien stiffened, his jaw clenching as he stared out the window. He didn't respond, but the reminder stung.
Selena's words had a clear subtext. Their family had seen its share of broken engagements, but she wasn't just talking about herself. She was referring to him.
Lucien's own engagement—one he rarely spoke about—had ended in a humiliating fashion. His fiancée, a woman he had once cared for deeply, had called off their engagement after falling in love with someone else.
It was a wound he kept buried, but Selena's comment brought it to the surface.
The air in the carriage grew colder, the siblings locked in a silent standoff.
After that incident he hated 'love' and seeing them be so lovey-dovey in front of him triggered him. He drowned himself in work after the engagement was called off. He truly detested those feelings.
Alex, who had been sitting quietly, suddenly felt very out of place. He didn't want to get involved in what was clearly a personal matter, but the tension was impossible to ignore. He leaned slightly back in his seat, pretending to admire the view outside the carriage window as if the scenery could save him from the brewing storm.
Thankfully, the awkward ride didn't last much longer. The royal palace soon came into view, its grand silhouette illuminated by the glow of hundreds of lanterns. The towering spires and intricate carvings were a breathtaking sight, even for someone like Alex, who wasn't easily impressed.
Not bad for a small kingdom.
As the carriage came to a stop, Alex was the first to step out. He took a moment to scan the surroundings before turning back to assist Selena.
She accepted his outstretched hand with a small nod of thanks, stepping down gracefully. Her movements were smooth, but the slit in her dress shifted again, revealing even more of her leg as she descended.
Alex's reaction was immediate. Without thinking, he stepped closer, positioning himself in front of her to shield her from the curious gazes of onlookers.
Selena paused, blinking up at him. For a moment, she was caught off guard. His action was sweet, almost protective, and she found herself wondering what he was thinking.
"Alex," she said, her voice soft but amused. "You don't have to—"
"I know," he interrupted, his tone firm but gentle. "But I'd rather not give anyone a reason to stare.
Selena smiled faintly, appreciating the sentiment even if she didn't share his concern. She wasn't here to avoid attention. On the contrary, she fully intended to make an impression tonight, even if it was a scandalous one.
Lucien, who had exited the carriage moments earlier, watched the scene unfold with growing irritation. He rolled his eyes, muttering under his breath as he strode toward the palace entrance.
"Idiots," he grumbled. Why could they not read the room? I am clearly uncomfortable! No wonder people hate lovers. They act like no one is around them, like they are in a world of their own.
Again, not waiting for them, he stormed off.
The grand entrance to the palace was bustling with activity. Nobles dressed in their finest attire milled about, exchanging pleasantries and waiting to be announced. The atmosphere was electric, the air filled with the hum of conversation and the occasional burst of laughter.
It is time...