SWNOVELS Chapter 49
Chapter 49
O
ANDREAS
I watched as she settled herself in front of the vanity mirror. Her dress looked magnificent on her and the look on her face after the revelation made her glow even more. But I did not voice out my thoughts and instead, leaned on the door frame, watching her as she needed some time for herself.
“I did it,” she muttered and met my gaze on the mirror’s reflection. “I truly did it, Andreas.”
I smiled. “Yes, you did.” My head angled as I observed her. “How are you feeling?”
She tried to smile but it did not reach her eyes. “Terrible.”
I nodded in silent acknowledgments as I truly understand the conflicting emotions she felt.
She swallowed hard. “I should feel good. I saved my father’s riches and I own everything now. But… even as it wasn’t real, I treated them like family. I loved them and doing this to them still makes me feel bad even after what they have done to me.”
I remained quiet and remained leaning on the wall, watching her.
“What does this make me?” she whispered, her voice barely audible. She idly twirled the necklace around her fingers, a familiar gesture that spoke of years of wear. The repetitive motion seemed almost involuntary, leaving faint red marks on her neck where the chain grazed against her skin.
I sighed, daring to step inside the chamber. I stood behind her and watched her in the mirror’s reflection.
“It meant you have a heart,” I said and shoved her hair to the side of her neck, revealing the lock of her necklace. “It meant you’re not the same as them. Your heart is so pure that you still feel compassion and empathy for those people who did you wrong.” I managed to unlock her necklace and gently laid it on the table.
I was careful not to let the tips of my fingers graze her skin. I know what that would do to me. I know what it would do to her, too.
I dared to meet her gaze on the mirror’s reflection. “It means you’re better than them and that you know your value that you refuse to let them trample on you anymore.”
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Her throat bobbed as she rested her hands on the table, touching the necklace. She did not utter another word and as tears brimmed her eyes, I knew she needed time for herself.
I stuffed my
hands to my pocket for the sole reason that I may not be able to stop my hands from touching her.
“I’ll see you
e you downstairs,” I muttered and turned. Before I could even walk to the door, I felt her grip on the hem of my shirt, making me stop.
“Can you…” she trailed off, looking down, embarrassed to tell me whatever it was she was about to tell me. Then she took a deep breath as if finding her courage, before meeting my gaze. “Can you unzip my dress? I can’t reach
it.”
The sentence ignited the fire in me. I do not know if this was deliberate provocation or a genuine ask for help but I decided to believe the latter. My mouth went dry as I took my hands out of my pockets and gently touched the
zipper.
Her back straightened and watched herself in the mirror. I could tell form the look on her face that she was nervous and was just trying her best to keep it together. When my finger gently grazed her skin, I felt her hitch her breathing and I muttered a silent curse.
I wouldn’t be able to keep this up. My tether to my rationality is vulnerable and I fear it woudl break with another slight hitching of her breathing.
Swallowing hard, I pulled the zipper down, not stopping myself from staring at her back, smooth and silken. I almost could not believe that once, my fingers had the h o or to touch the valley of her back, worshipped it even.
But I averted my gaze and immediately inserted my hands to my pockets, clenching it as though it would help me stop the urge to bend her down the table.
“I’ll be downstairs,” I announced and immediately made my way out, not waiting for her reaction or her response. I fear if she calls me again, I might as well decide not to go down and just leave the guests.
Aiden was at the foot of the staircase when I emerged and he nodded, telling me that everything’s ready.
It did not take several minutes before Henrietta arrived, wearing another dress. This time, it was black, accentuating her complexion. Her eyes met mine and I could not help the sigh that came out of my mouth. I heard chuckling beside me.
When she reached the foot of the dais, she looked up at me. There was a certain glint in her eyes that made her
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Chapter 49
look more different. She smiled and then gave a curt nod to Aiden.
“Let’s go,” I said and her arm clung to mine.
As we entered the dining room, the aroma of roasted meats and spices enveloped us, mingling with the murmur of conversation from the assembled guests. The flickering candlelight cast dancing shadows across the opulent furnishings, lending an air of anticipation to the room.
Myrna and Yvette took their seats beside the Alpha King and Philip, their expressions devoid of triumph, signaling their acknowledgment of their misjudgments. It was evident that Philip’s motivations were driven by the pursuit of power, a fact underscored by his eagerness to wed into the influential Silvana family. Their decision to betroth Yvette was undoubtedly influenced by the prospect of gaining control over the Silvana assets, a realization that dawned on me the moment I set foot in the capital and learned of their intentions.
“Thank you so much for waiting.” Henrietta said, her voice smooth and silky as she offered them a smile. I pulled out a chair to sit down and she gave me a small nod before facing everyone once again.
“I am thrilled to see you here and I am very thankful for your presence in this wondrous moment.” Much to my surprise, she reached for my hand and squeezed it. I know it was a signal for the start of our act. So I squeezed
her hand as well.
“Marrying Sir Andreas was never part of my plan,” she said and smiled in Philip’s direction. “As most of you were already aware, I was once His Highness’ betrothed. However, things have changed and I…at the beginning! might have failed to see that it was for the better. The Crown Prince Philip has found his joy in my stepsister, Yvette, and I have found mine.” She looked at me and her smile was the warmest she’s shown so far.
She then took the wine glass and raised it, looking at everyone. “To new beginnings,” she said as a toast and everyone followed. However, the look on Philip’s eyes was gloom and I knew why. The moment he told me to marry Henrietta, I knew he would regret it.
I drank from the wine glass to hide the smile on my face. Seeing his face as he was looking at my wife with such longing told me enough that I was not wrong.
Chapter 50