The next day, the palace buzzed with chatter about the previous night's incident.
The lady's departure, amidst tears and pain, remained fresh in everyone's minds.
In Dominic's chambers, he sat on his sofa, lost in thought, sipping wine.
His brothers, Alex, Lucas, and Ethan, lounged on the bed, engaged in conversation.
Alex's expression turned inquisitive. "Don't you think one of the ladies might have spiked up the food?"
Lucas raised an eyebrow. "Why would you say that?"
Alex's grin hinted at his skepticism. "It's obvious, this is a competition, bro! Everyone wants to come out on top."
Ethan nodded thoughtfully. "Alex is right."
As they continued discussing, their gazes drifted to Dominic, his eyes distant.
Lucas wondered aloud, "What do you think he's thinking about?"
Ethan shook his head. "I have no idea."
Alex's brow furrowed. "Do you think he's worried about what happened?"
Ethan studied Dominic's expression, then replied, "I don't think so. He's thinking of something else."
The brothers sighed, intrigued by Dominic's distraction.
Meanwhile, Dominic's thoughts revolved around Katherine. Her sudden distance puzzled him.
He missed her lively attitude, the way she'd spark conversations.
A faint smile crossed his lips as memories flooded his mind. His eyes narrowed, introspective. Why had she withdrawn from him?
Dominic's gaze drifted, his expression a mix of curiosity and longing.
Unbeknownst to his brothers, Dominic's mind was consumed by Katherine.
Days later, another lady took her turn to prepare food.
Determination etched on her face, she worked diligently to avoid any mistakes.
After finishing cooking, she meticulously set the dining table. Everyone gathered around, anticipation written on their faces. She dished out the meal onto each plate, her hands trembling slightly.
Compliments flowed as they admired the presentation and aroma.
Riley's eyes widened. "Wow, this looks delicious and smells nice!"
Ruby's expression turned impressed. "Indeed, it does."
The lady's face glowed with pride as she took her seat.
Everyone sighed, then took a scoop of the meal into their mouths.
Their faces lit up with surprise and delight.
Riley exclaimed, "Wow! This tastes nice!"
Dominic's eyes sparkled. "This tastes delicious."
The lady beamed, her excitement radiating.
"Thank you, Your Highness," she said, her voice trembling.
Lucas smiled warmly. "I must compliment your skills."
King Ryder's face turned serious. "I rate it 10/10."
Queen Charlotte's expression softened. "It turned out well."
The lady's joy overflowed, her face alight with happiness.
Some ladies praised her meal, their faces reflecting genuine admiration.
The room filled with the sound of satisfied chatter and clinking utensils.
As they continued eating, the lady's confidence soared.
Her success was palpable, a testament to her hard work.
Days flew by, followed by weeks, as the tasks continued relentlessly.
Three ladies had been evicted from the palace after failing their tasks.
Only seven remained.
It was Diana's turn to prepare her food.
Stella and Katherine visited her room, concern etched on their faces.
"Diana, don't worry, your food is going to come out great, just like mine did," Stella said reassuringly.
Katherine's expression turned curious. "Yeah, believe you can do it... but why are you so anxious? It's not your first time cooking."
Diana's brow furrowed, her eyes darting nervously. "Yeah, I know, but it's my first time cooking for hundreds of people in a royal house."
Katherine's lips pursed. "Okay, fine."
Stella's face softened. "Don't worry, I'll look out for you. I've got your back."
Diana's tense features relaxed slightly, her forced smile a mixture of gratitude and apprehension.
The next day, Diana dished out the food, her hands shaking slightly.
The aroma wafted up, tantalizing everyone's nostrils. She took her seat, anticipation written on her face.
Each person took a scoop of the food into their mouth.
Their expressions transformed from curiosity to amazement.
Gasps of delight filled the air.
"Wow, this is incredible!" Katherine exclaimed.
Diana's face glowed with joy, her earlier anxiety forgotten.
Compliments flowed, and she basked in the praise.
Her smile spread, radiant and genuine.
Relief and pride etched on her features. She had done it.
Katherine sat in her room, engrossed in her book, when her phone rang.
A bright smile spread across her face as she saw the caller ID.
"Ah, I'm so happy you called," she said, her voice warm and welcoming.
Tony's voice echoed from the other end, "Were you expecting my call?"
Katherine's eyes sparkled. "Yes, I did. I've missed you."
Tony chuckled. "Me too, sis... So, how's the competition going?"
Katherine's expression turned weary, her shoulders sagging. "Going well, I guess."
Tony laughed, his amusement evident.
"You're still eager to come home, I thought by now you'd get used to living in the palace."
Katherine's face fell, her voice laced with longing. "Nah, I still want to come home. I don't like it here. I'm forced against my will... I just wish you could come to the palace and visit me."
Tony's tone softened. "Yeah, me too, but you know I've taken over Dad's company."
Katherine's eyes drooped, her voice barely above a whisper. "Yeah, but I miss you though."
Tony reassured, "Me too, but don't worry, it will be over soon."
As they continued chatting, the maids assembled in a corner of the palace, their faces agog with surprise.
One maid had just broken the news of Katherine's secret lover.
"Where did you hear that from?" the first maid asked, her eyebrows raised.
The gossiping maid leaned in, her voice hushed. "I was walking along the passageway when I heard her talking on the phone with someone, saying she misses him and even told the person on the phone that she loves him."
The maids exchanged shocked glances.
"No wonder she's not interested in this selection," the third maid whispered.
The first maid nodded, her expression knowing. "Exactly! I've always had my suspicions about her."
Just then, one of the selected ladies approached, curiosity etched on her face.
"What are you all chitchatting about?" she asked.
The maids' faces fell, their heads bowing in unison.
Their guilty expressions betrayed their earlier excitement.
The selected lady's gaze lingered, suspicion flickering in her eyes.
Soon enough, the news of Katherine's secret lover spread like wildfire through the palace.
Katherine and her sisters remained oblivious to the allegations.
The news reached Dominic and his siblings, their faces reflecting shock and intrigue.
However, the king and queen remained unaware of the whispers.
In the living room, the selected ladies gathered, their chatter ceaseless.
Katherine and her sisters entered, and the room fell silent.
The ladies' faces twisted into sly smiles, their eyes glinting with amusement.
Stella's brow furrowed, annoyance etched on her face. "What's amusing you girls? Why not say it?"
Vanessa's expression turned mocking, her lips curling upward. "If I were you girls, I'd be hiding my face. Soon, you and your useless sisters will be chased out of this palace."
Katherine's confusion deepened, her eyes narrowing. "We don't get you, what are you talking about?"
The first lady's face contorted, her voice dripping with malice. "Keep quiet! You're so good at breaking rules, and just so you know, your secret's out."
Diana's expression turned puzzled, her eyebrows knitting together. "Secret? What secret?"
The room fell silent, all eyes fixed on Katherine.
Her face paled, her eyes darting wildly, sensing the accusation.
The selected ladies exchanged knowing glances, their smirks growing wider.
Katherine's sisters exchanged worried glances, their faces reflecting concern.
Tension hung in the air, anticipation building. The scene was set for a dramatic confrontation.