Crystal's POV:

I knew from the look on Adela's face that she had misunderstood, but I didn't bother clarifying the matter. Because technically, Rufus was telling the truth.

Beryl had been conceived with Rufus' active participation. He just wasn't aware of it now that he had lost his memory.

Just then, a guard appeared and said, "The Queen Mother is looking for you, Miss Castillo. She said she had something to discuss with you."

Knowing that it would be awkward for her to stay after everything that had been said, Adela pounced on the opportunity and ran out of the kitchen like her life depended on it.

It reminded me yet again just why I adored Laura.

And so, Rufus and I were left by ourselves. He looked at me quietly, his eyes pensive. I didn't know what else to say, so I just stared back at him.

The atmosphere soon grew awkward, though not in an entirely bad way.

"Well, I should go now. Arron is..." I racked my brains for an excuse to leave. Since I had successfully stopped Adela's recent attempt to seduce Rufus, I had no reason to stay any longer.

plausible reason, Rufus spoke. "You are indeed targeting Adela. You don't like her." Sᴇaʀch

with their evil deeds, that's all. I'm doing this for the sake of the empire. Your marriage is a national affair, and as your loyal

respond, and just continued to study me in

through my

getting more

with every second

by. I swallowed a lump

marry a virtuous woman, not a cunning she-wolf who only spins lies and

and touched my mask before I could stop myself. It was a good thing that my eyes were partially covered, or Rufus would instantly know that

but he kept his silence. His eyes never

heavy

and I stood there like we were in the middle of a stand-off. And I suppose that was what it was. Neither of us wanted to

I

take it anymore, I helplessly threw my hands in the air. "Fine, I hate Adela, there, I said it! I just don't want to see you marry a manipulative

raised an eyebrow. "I don't recall it being your business who I marry," he said in a deceptively

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