Chapter 52
Ophelia sat patiently in the examination room at the hospital, glancing around with her usual air of detachment. Vick stood beside her, arms folded, her face an impassive mask as she waited. Ophelia had insisted on Vick’s company, using the checkup as an excuse, but Vick knew better-Ophelia was never one for random small talk.
The nurse stepped in to take Ophelia’s blood pressure, and Ophelia shot Vick a pointed look, a silent command for her to speak up. “I’m fine,” Vick murmured, recognizing Ophelia’s questioning gaze. “Just thinking about Azalea.”
Ophelia raised a brow, her lips curling into a faint smirk. “Azalea? And Federico?” she inquired with thinly veiled curiosity.
Vick hesitated, choosing her words carefully. “They’re… getting along, from what I’ve seen.”
Ophelia’s smirk deepened, clearly pleased. “Interesting. They’ve had their challenges,” she remarked as if testing Vick’s knowledge of the couple. “But I can’t help but feel there’s more happening behind closed doors.”
Vick simply nodded, not wanting to reveal anything more. This was Ophelia, after all, and her curiosity was rarely harmless.
The nurse completed the checkup, and Ophelia, satisfied, adjusted her coat and gestured for Vick to lead them out. She kept her composure, but Vick could see the flicker of satisfaction in her eyes. Ophelia had obtained what she wanted: confirmation that there was something more happening between Federico and Azalea.
—
Back at the palace, Azalea paced her room, thoughts swirling. Memories of last night filled her mind, the unexpected intimacy between her and Federico. She could still feel the warmth of his touch, the way he’d held her, as though all the barriers between them had dissolved. The realisation left her with a confusing mix of emotions-her heart racing with excitement, yet wary of what it all meant.
A soft knock on her door snapped her out of her thoughts. “Come in,” she called.
Vick entered, her usual composed self, but Azalea could see a glint of curiosity in her eyes. “How are you this morning, Azalea?”
Azalea gave her a weak smile. “I’m… alright, I suppose.”
Vick tilted her head, clearly unconvinced. “After last night?” she asked gently, her tone inviting Azalea to confide in her.
Azalea sighed, running a hand through her hair. “It’s complicated, Vick. I don’t know what to make of it. Federico and I… we’ve had our share of conflicts, but last night… it felt different.”
Vick listened patiently, her expression softening as she watched Azalea wrestle with her thoughts. “You care about him, don’t you?” she asked quietly.
Azalea hesitated, biting her lip. “I don’t know. Maybe. I mean, we’re bound by this contract, but… last night, it didn’t feel like a contract.” Her voice softened, a faint hint of vulnerability breaking through.
Vick nodded, offering a reassuring smile. “Perhaps it’s best to take things as they come. Federico may be difficult, but he has his way of showing… loyalty.”
Azalea managed a small smile in return. “Thank you, Vick. I just hope I can make sense of all this soon.”
Vick reached out and gave her hand a gentle squeeze. “You will, Azalea. Just give it time.”
—
Meanwhile, across the city, Maya stepped into the dimly lit bar, her heart pounding with anxiety. She scanned the room, and her gaze fell upon Bennett, lounging at a corner booth with an air of smug confidence. He beckoned her over with a tilt of his head, and she reluctantly made her way to him.
As she slid into the booth, Bennett gave her a slow, predatory smile. “Maya,” he greeted, his tone almost mocking. “Glad you could make it.”
Maya swallowed, feeling a wave of discomfort under his gaze. “What do you want, Bennett?” she asked, trying to keep her voice steady.
He leaned forward, his eyes gleaming with a dangerous intensity. “It’s simple. I want the throne.”
Maya’s eyes widened, and she shook her head, incredulous. “Are you insane? You’re asking me to betray the entire kingdom?”
Bennett chuckled darkly. “Oh, don’t act so righteous, Maya. You’ve already been in too deep, haven’t you? I know things about you-secrets that, if revealed, would ruin you.”
Her heart raced, panic rising within her. “What… what are you talking about?”
Bennett’s smile widened, clearly enjoying her discomfort. “Let’s just say I have information that could make life very difficult for you. You’ve been involved in… certain activities, and I doubt Federico and his family would be pleased to hear about them.”
Maya’s hands shook, and she clenched them tightly to steady herself. “What do you want from me?” she whispered, feeling trapped.
Bennett’s voice dropped to a low, menacing tone. “You’re going to help me, Maya. If I want something from the palace, you’ll get it. If I need information, you’ll provide it. In short, you’re going to be my eyes and ears within those walls.”
Maya stared at him, horrified. “You’re blackmailing me.”
He shrugged nonchalantly, his smile cold. “Call it whatever you like. But unless you want everyone to know what I know, you’ll do as I say.”
She bit her lip, torn between fear and anger. “And what about Azalea? Does she know any of this?”
Bennett’s expression turned thoughtful, a glint of cruelty in his eyes. “Azalea? She’s of no concern to me… unless, of course, she gets in my way.”
Maya’s heart sank, realising how deeply she was trapped in Bennett’s web. He’d positioned himself perfectly, and now, she had no choice but to comply.
“Fine,” she muttered, looking away from him. “But if you ever expose me-” He cut her short.
“Relax, Maya,” Bennett interrupted, leaning back with a smug grin. “As long as you do what I say, you have nothing to worry about. Remember, you’re the one in control… for now.” He whispered, a small smile playing on his face.
He stood, straightening his jacket with a casual air, before giving her one last, lingering look. “See you soon, Maya.”
With that, he walked away, leaving Maya alone, trembling in the dim light, a storm of dread building within her.