My Love Rival

Duke Kensington stood alone by the window, watching the girl on the bed. She had been unconscious for 4 days now ever since she got injured. The doctor had just left after cleaning and apply new bandage to her wound. There was no positive indication as to when she would wake up. Duke Kensington sighed, worried at her stagnant condition.

The Queen had proposed to both Duke Malcom and Duke Kensington to postpone the wedding, and wait until Lady Melissa was fully recovered. Duke Malcom readily agreed to the plan, as he was worried about his daughter's health.

However, when Duke Kensington heard this, he found himself reluctant to agree. In fact, if he's given the choice, he would've married her even in this state and transport her back to the Kensington's Estates so he could tend to her himself. The sight of the half-read book placed on the small table beside the bed could only mean one thing, the Prince had been visiting Lady Melissa in secret. Duke Kensington had seen the book in the Prince's study once. There was no mistake in that, what he feared had actually happened. With this knowledge, how could he agree to postpone the wedding? Someone's trying to snatch his fiancée away from him!

He's really caught between the devil and the deep blue sea! With this thought, Duke Kensington moved closer to Lady Melissa and sat next to her on the bed. His hand voluntarily reached up and caressed her face. Her skin was smooth to touch. Duke Kensington's hand subconsciously touched her lips and he let his fingers traced the seductive lips of the sleeping woman. Mesmerized at how tender the lips were, Duke Kensington leaned down and kissed Lady Melissa. Although the kiss wasn't long, even at this subtle touch, he felt something ignited in him and he quickly moved his body away from her.

"How could I let you go when all I ever wanted is to hold you in my arms, and kiss you all I want?" Duke Kensington said softly and eventually left the room after giving her one last look.

Unknown to Duke Kensington, Melissa was fully aware of what was happening ever since Duke Kensington stepped into the room. She heard him conversed with the doctor before he was left alone in the room with her. After what seemed like a few minutes of silence, Melissa thought the Duke had left the room. However, the next moment, she sensed him sitting near her. What he did after that was truly unexpected. He actually touched her face and kissed her, ON THE LIPS! That alone was enough to rattle Melissa's feelings towards this man, but what he said next crushed all the defenses she had built against him. 

With such a shocking revelation, Melissa felt her eyes fluttered and she slowly opened them. She stared at the door where Duke Kensington had left moments ago. She was silent, processing what was said to her earlier. Unable to bear the uncertainties in her future, for the first time in her life, she felt lost. 

When Melissa was 4 years old, she knew her parents had abandoned her at the orphanage when she was only a few days old. The principal of the orphanage, a kind older woman decided to tell her the truth when she asked her one day. She was often bullied by the older orphans because of this but she decided to bear with it. Her nickname at the orphanage was 'garbage', as she was thrown away by her parents when she's a baby, and garbage was trash that nobody wanted. She knew that until she's able to fend for herself, she's very much dependant on the orphanage for food and shelter, therefore she didn't want to cause problem for the principal.

Melissa often fantasized at night different scenes of her future. She wished for someone to care for her, love her and cherish her unconditionally. Sometimes, she could see herself surrounded by people whom she called family, a father, a mother, a sister and a brother. She could see herself wearing beautiful clothes and eating the best food, laughing all the way. However, reality was, she's all alone in the world. Hence, in order to secure a happy life in the future, Melissa studied hard in school and worked harder at nurturing her talent in painting. She didn't have any time for leisure, or friendships. She grew up alone, the closest person to her was the principal of the orphanage, and later it was her mentor, Master Edward Graden. She looked up to these two people the most in her life. She didn't need anyone else. Her focus was her work and career. Until she met Professor Derrick Liam. But it was just a crush and nothing materialised from it. Therefore, she had no regrets over that. 

In this novel world, she had everything she often dreamt about. But unfortunately, she had no control over her love life at all. There was nothing in the book which she could reference on with regard to Prince Xavier, and as for Duke Kensington's feelings towards her, he seemed to have deviated from the actual plot of the novel. Being a devout planner of her own life, she tried to think of every possible course of actions, but nothing seemed reliable enough for her to follow. 

As she pondered seriously on this issue at hand, Melissa didn't realize footsteps approaching her room. In the next moment, a loud cry of "MOTHER!" was heard at the door. She was surprised and turned her head, only to find a pair of short arms hugging her tightly. She hugged the young boy and pat his back softly. Lord William was crying out of relief that his 'mother' was finally awake!

"There, there, William, control yourself. Let her go so she can rest." A cold voice sounded behind Lord William, prompting the young boy to calm down and reluctantly let her go. 

Melissa diverted her gaze to Duke Kensington and she was stunned! That guy was actually smiling broadly at her, looking extremely pleased that she had finally woken up. He had stepped out to fetch his son, who had been tormenting him these past few days to see Lady Melissa. He had decided to bring him over today. Duke Kensington didn't expect to see his fiancée's beautiful eyes staring at him, making him nervous as he had earlier stole a kiss from her. He coughed lightly thinking of his 'crime' earlier and after instructing Lord William to behave, he left the room to inform the Queen and call the doctor. 

"Mother, are you feeling alright?" Lord William whispered to Lady Melissa, afraid that if he talked louder, he might made her uncomfortable. 

Melissa laughed softly at his cute behaviour and replied, "I'm fine William. How have you been? Did you miss me?"

"Yes! I miss you Mother! You've been sleeping for so long. I'm afraid you won't wake up anymore." Lord William suddenly exclaimed, dispensing his earlier cautious behaviour. 

"How can I bear to leave you alone? Of course I will wake up." Melissa said while ruffling the boy's soft hair. 

Duke Kensington was just entering the room with the Queen when he heard what Lady Melissa had said. He knew those words were meant for his son, but he couldn't help but feel those words were intended for him too. He instinctively smiled again, somehow feeling proud of himself. 

The Knights had also been informed and they rushed over immediately. Soon the doctor also arrived to check on Lady Melissa. Everyone was overjoyed to see that she's no longer in her previous state. Lady Melissa was quiet the whole time, and only speak when she's spoken to. Duke Kensington, who had been observing her, noticed that she was quieter than before her accident and she seemed to have something on her mind. In his heart, he knew something must've happened between her and Prince Xavier right before she fell and hurt herself. Duke Kensington's gaze darkened at this unpleasant thought. 

Meanwhile, when he received the news, Prince Xavier was away from the palace, visiting the countryside which was located quite a distance from the palace. Luckily he had instructed a page to secretly keep an eye on Lady Melissa's development and to inform him promptly if there's any change in her condition. The page, who had rushed to find the Prince on a horse, was out of breath and could barely speak when he reached the Prince. Luckily he managed to utter the few important words of "The Lady's awake" before he collapsed on the ground. Upon hearing those words, Prince Xavier couldn't contain his happiness and immediately rushed home.