SWNOVELS Chapter 12
Chapter 12
HENRIETTA
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There were no cheers or applause around us but I had to keep my mouth curved for a perfect smile — a perfect
facade.
It was when Andreas placed the ring on my finger that Philip and Yvette came to our table. Yvette smiled at me and the ring on my finger.
I have known Yvette since we were kids. She loves everything that screams status. I know she loves the ring I was wearing but is too prideful to inquire about it. I let her be.
Andreas was already on his feet before he intertwined both our hands, continuing our act. Philip looked at both of us and the ring on my finger.
“Are
you planning to have the wedding soon?” he asked Andreas to which the latter answered with a nod.
“We’re not ones for waiting. If I had known she was meant to marry me, I would have married her a long time
ago.”
I swallowed and smiled at him. “I am delighted to hear that, Andreas.”
He turned to look at me and smiled as well–the kind of smile I have never seen when we’re not acting.
a fool wouldn’t want you as a wife, Henrietta,” he said and winked. It was clearly a subtle jab towards Philip. Suppressing a chuckle, I restrained my amusement, focusing on the façade.
“Perhaps we could have lunch together?” said Yvette, changing the topic. “This is such a wonderful coincidence.”
Liar. She probably asked Philip to bring her here.
“Of course,” I said, smiling. “While we’re at it, we should talk about your upcoming wedding. If the Alpha King wants a swift ritual, the wedding must follow suit.”
Yvette shot me a dry smile, and my attention turned to Philip. “How’s your planning going?” I inquired as the food arrived. Before I could delve into my meal, Andreas took charge, slicing my meat with surprising finesse. It left me momentarily taken aback. I marveled at his acting prowess, realizing I needed to step up my own
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Chapter 12
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Philip’s gaze fixated on our display, and I shot Andreas a sweet smile before holding his hand. “It’s such a wonder how you two became so close in an instant,” Philip remarked, with a hint of suspicion. Yvette looked at me, clearly wondering the same thing but I could also see the hint of a smile on her face. It was vexing.
“Like I said before, I developed an admiration for him when we were younger. While it never progressed beyond that stage, I can’t deny that given the opportunity, it might have.”
Philip questioned with a tight smile, “So, you developed feelings for another man while being in a relationship with me?” His smile concealed a hint of offense, a look I’ve come to recognize.
Philip’s words stung, and for a moment, doubt crept in. But before I could respond, Andreas gently squeezed my
hand.
“Love is an unpredictable emotion. Perhaps she wasn’t truly in love with you, If someone genuinely loves another, they wouldn’t entertain thoughts of someone else.” His eyes darted to Yvette. “You wouldn’t have married Yvette if you truly loved Henrietta, don’t you think?”
I took a bite from my food and observed them. Andreas and Philip are at their staring battle. Yvette was looking at her food but then she looked up and met my gaze to grin triumphantly.
“I shot her a defiant smile, refusing to get affected.
“So…I am guessing your preparations are doing well? Is there anything I can help you with?” I smiled.
Yvette looked at Philip who was clearly not in the conversation anymore. Getting no answer from Philip, Yvette smiled. “We’re currently doing the best of our abilities for the preparations. After all, we want everything to be perfect for our special day, don’t we, Your Highness?”
Philip, still wearing a distant expression, managed a vague nod. His attention, however, remained divided. between the unfolding spectacle and his own thoughts.
Andreas, seemingly attuned to the delicate dance of the conversation, leaned back in his chair with a casual charm. “Perfection is a noble pursuit, especially when it comes to weddings,” he remarked, his eyes locking with Philip’s as he took a sip from his wine. I couldn’t help but wonder how Andreas is so good with this facade. But then I’ve come to realize he’s good at vexing people with his remarks, even if he doesn’t try. That’s what was happening a this moment.
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Yvette, ever eager to reclaim the spotlight, chimed in, “And what about your wedding plans, Henrietta? I’m sure it will be just as grand as ours.”
I nodded gracefully, taking a sip of my wine before responding. “Of course, Yvette. I believe in celebrating love with the utmost splendor. After all, I sincerely believe our union deserves nothing less.”
Yvette’s forced smile faltered for a moment, a flicker of irritation crossing her features. She quickly recovered, redirecting the conversation toward the wedding details. As they delved into discussions about venues, decorations, and guest lists, I found myself navigating the delicate balance between maintaining the act and subtly asserting my presence.
Meanwhile, Andreas continued to play his part effortlessly, seamlessly blending charm and charisma. I marveled at his ability to manipulate the situation to our advantage, his every move calculated to reinforce the illusion of our newfound affection.
As the conversation progressed, I couldn’t help but feel a mixture of relief and trepidation. Relief, because the act seemed to be working in our favor, and trepidation, as I wondered how much longer we could sustain the charade without succumbing to the complexities beneath the surface. The web of deception we had woven around us threatened to unravel at any moment, and the stakes were higher than ever. I truly need to do better or else we’re bound to get discovered. I could not let that happen.
But for now, amidst the clinking of cutlery and the orchestrated chatter, I remained committed to the role I had chosen to play – the eager bride–to–be. For some strange reason, I find Andreas‘ support truly helpful as he managed to turn the conversation effortlessly. I couldn’t help but smile.
When it was time to leave, Philip stood and straightened his coat before he nodded to his brother. Andreas did the same and without a word, Philip and Yvette left the premises. When they were finally gone and the tension ebbed away, I let out the chuckle I was suppressing earlier. I was surprised to hear Andreas laugh too but I was too satisfied that I couldn’t stop.
“That was a good one,” I said.
He ran a hand through his hair and said, “We’re just getting started.”
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Chapter 13
ANDREAS