It's tonight. After tonight, I get to see this all end. I don't know if I like that idea or not. A part of me wishes to remain friends with Francesco after this.

But the dominant part, tells me to let go. I take in a deep breath, and look at the deep blue gown on the bed.

It's just perfect, with its Swarovski pearls. It doesn't expose anything inappropriate but it's beautiful nonetheless.

He knows my taste. I say to myself, pleased.

I look down at the note that came with it again, "Please wear this for the event. I'll pick you up at 5 PM."

Signed F. R. R.

Well, I guess it's showtime.

~

I feel my palms getting sweaty and the uneasiness in my tummy as I stare at the crowd in the room.

The event is obviously for the youngsters in royal circles — the intention is to get them to socialise with their own kind. From the Velvet themed decoration to the food, everything is exquisite.

But why am I feeling uneasy? I have always hated being the center of attention. And that is what is going on right now.

"You look beautiful. Ignore their stares." Francesco whispers in my ears and gives me a slight smile, squeezing my hand which is in his.

I only force a smile and nod. I have had cases in the WACO before where I had to attend similar events.

I can pull this off.

As we walk further towards the center of the large hall, I only look ahead.

I spot Javier amongst those gathered there, and feel a little relieved to see a familiar face there.

"Javi," Francesco says.

"Frances," Javier responds. He only nods at me. But I guess I'm used to his coldness by now.

I was expecting to see Rosa with him, but didn't.

They go on to chat in Italian and I pretend not to understand and rather glance around me.

"Dov'è Rosa?" (Where is Rosa?) I finally hear Francesco ask.

"I broke it off with her."

I almost gasp but continue to pretend I could understand nothing.

If he is hurting, one can't tell, his voice sounds neither sad nor remorseful.

"Why?" Francesco asks, just as a gentleman and a pretty girl approach us. She is wearing a scarlet dress decorated with jewels and her head is turned as she whispers something in the gentleman's ears.

When she lifts her eyes, I see it is her. Rosa.

I see Francesco tense at the sight of her. One can't deny, she looks stunning. Somehow, I feel an uneasiness different from before.

"Javi, Francesco," she purrs out his name. She barely spares me a glance.

"I believe you remember my cousin, Mauritius."

They greet each other, and at least, Mauritius is courteous enough to say a brief, "Hello," to me.

After a slight conversion, some other friends come and whisk Francesco away.

"I'll be back," he tells me before leaving. As I watch him leave me there alone with the three, I hear a familiar high pitched voice behind me.

"Hey Rosa!"

I turn to see Audrey sashaying up to Rosa. She throws me a disgusted look and whispers something into Rosa's ears, and I feel the uneasiness grow bigger.

(A/N: I almost wrote here that they seemed to have forgotten the social distancing rules. Perks of writing at night. Haha...)

They both giggle and walk away. Mauritius, ever the gentleman, bids me farewell before departing to join other friends.

I feel a little awkward standing there alone with Javier.

The music begins, and the lights dim as lots of couples move onto the dance floor.

I decide it's time to look for a place to sit and just... observe.

As I approach the back table, I see some people gathered around it. I notice Audrey and her date amongst them. But my view is blocked from seeing the main activity. It seems a game is on going.

I hear them begin to chant, "Kiss her!"

Some moments pass when I hear them all cheering and they part a bit giving me a view of what is going on.

I freeze to the spot. I knew this was going to happen one way or the other since I got here. But  I never thought it would be this way.

I feel the tightness in my chest as I watch them together. Francesco and Rosa.

I see people turn to stare at me, Audrey being one of them. A smirk is on her face. I need to get out of here.

I know it is my own fault. I should never have allowed this to go on. I should have listened to the ring of caution I felt within me.

God, please forgive me.

I begin to feel suffocated and glance at the distant clock on the wall in desperation and feel relieved knowing it will soon be time... 3...2...1...

My phone rings, and I use that as an excuse to leave the place for a while.

In case, you are wondering, it's not a fake call. But a planned one. I thought some awkward situation might occur and asked a friend to call me around that time.

Though, I have used the fake call tactic before. Don't blame me.

"Hey, did I call on time?" A deep male voice comes through as I walk into the large garden at the back of the building. It is quiet and dark.

"Yes, you did. Thanks a lot, by the way." I say after swallowing hard and I begin walking deeper into the shadows.

"It's okay. It's the little I can do."

"Is everything okay with your arm?" I ask, hoping for anything to divert my attention.

"It is. Thanks for asking." He sounds tired.

"I guess I'll leave you to rest now. I'll talk to you later."

"Xiao Jaye?" (Little Jaye.)

"Don't call me that..."

"Whatever," I can picture his perfect eye roll. "Get this mess under control as soon as possible, okay?"

"Okay. I hear you. I guess you can say it's finally over now." My voice breaks a bit at the end.

There is a bit of silence on the other end.

"Are you sure you are okay? Need me to pick you up?"

"No, it's okay, I'm going to be fine." I hope. "I'll head home soon."

"Be safe." And the call ended.

I sigh and place the phone back into my purse. As I decide to return, I hear movement among the tall bushes. Being the inquisitive person I am, I tiptoe toward the sound to check.

I see a form standing in the darkness — in the moonlight I make out the broad shoulder... Javier.

He is leaning against a bush, and I see him struggle to take deep breaths. Something about seeing him this way causes my heart to ache. I draw closer.

His beautiful face is contorted in pain. He tries moving and sways.

He is dizzy. I choose to ignore my own pain. 

Here is someone who needs my help.

~

(Some time afore)

"So it is all a lie."

That voice was familiar. Too familiar. Aquilina whirled around.

"Lu Xia!" She exclaimed in joy. It had been so long since she had seen her best friend.

But what is he doing here? He isn't on our block. He is already in the Uni. She thought to herself.

"Why am I here?" He lifted his bandaged arm which she had failed to notice in her excitement.

"Oh, Lu Xia, what happened?"

"I got injured and didn't want KD to find out. Rose is an acquaintance of my mom. So here I am." KD was how he often referred to his step father, King Domingo II.

"What about you, Xiao Jaye? (Little Jaye) What was that all about?"

And she told him everything. For she had never been able to keep secrets from this Prince who was called, The Silent Prince by many.

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Hola! GOD bless you all for sticking around.

What did you think of this chapter? It was my least favourite.

And... this Chapter is dedicated to Liszka_rose

Banner way above by panda_love2004

Thanks so much, girl. 💙