Back To The Palace

"What happened?" Nicholas asked, looking at Sophie with compassion in his eyes.

"It's okay," Sophie said. She was reluctant to tell Nicholas about her problem because she didn't want to be taken to the palace.

"Is that true?" Nicholas took a step closer. "Then why are your eyes puffy? Why are you so pale and what are you doing with the kids on a night like this? Where are you going?"

Sophie was silent, not knowing what to say to answer Nicholas' question. She finally could only look down while holding back her tears.

Seeing Sophie like that, Nicholas clenched his fists. "So it's true? Leland broke up with you?"

Sophie was stunned and looked at Nicholas questioningly. She was surprised to hear Nicholas' words. How did the man know this?

"I know it all," Nicholas said.

"How do you know?"