Chapter 17 - Don't Know What Is Going On Anymore

No... This can't be.

No, no, no, no, no.

This had to be a nightmare. I just need to wake up. Ji-eun, just wake up, okay?

Please let's just wake up....

The world around me spun. My ears rang with the Emperor's words, but my mind refused to process them.

Betrothed? To Kael? Without my consent? Who decided my marriage!? I never wrote a marriage in the novel.

The gasps and murmurs of the crowd rose in waves, but all I could hear was the furious pounding of my heart.

My hands curled into fists at my sides as I turned sharply toward Kael. He was still staring at the Emperor, his jaw clenched so tightly I thought it might shatter.

"You knew about this." My voice was quiet, but it carried all the sharp-edged fury clawing at my insides.

Kael's head snapped toward me. "Lina—"

I laughed. A short, bitter sound. "You knew."

His lips parted like he wanted to argue, but I saw it—the guilt of something.

That was all the confirmation I needed.

The world blurred. My breaths came sharp and shallow.

Of course. Of f**king course. He betrayed me too. My favourite character I carved. There's no difference between Wei or Kael or Adrain. They are all liars. Men are all liars.

Love is just a big f**king lie!

I'm so stupid.

I made a big mistake, writing this novel. Evelina had to suffer so much because I created these characters. I created these men.

I'm sorry, Eve.

I needed to get out of here.

The murmurs grew louder, pressing into me, suffocating me. The golden glow of chandeliers felt blinding, the jeweled masks and painted smiles of the nobles a sickening blur. I turned on my heel, stepping away from Kael, away from Adrian, away from this suffocating nightmare.

I need to get out of this ballroom.

Kael caught my wrist. "Lina, wait."

I ripped my hand away. "Don't touch me."

His eyes darkened. "You're making a scene and your reputation will get caught again because of your emotional hurricane."

"Oh, so you care only what people think of me?" I laughed, not caring how unhinged I sounded. "Love? Lina? Seriously? Just, how easy do you think it is to play a person who's been starved affection from the day she was born!?"

I took a step closer, lowering my voice. "Stay. Away. From. Me."

Kael flinched. Good. Let him feel it. Let him taste the same bitter betrayal I did.

"I don't care what people think of you, Lina." he said, voice tight yet delicate.

"No?" I tilted my head. "Then whatwas that, Your Highness?"

Kael ran a hand through his hair, looking like he wanted to strangle someone—preferably Adrian, who was still smirking like this was the most entertaining thing he had ever seen.

I swear if he wasn't royalty he'd be dead by now. He's so like Han Wei.

"I knew a bit about the betrothal," Kael said finally. "But, I swear to you, Lina. This wasn't my decision. It wasn't finalized."

My laughter was dry and sharp. "And that makes it better?" I leaned in, voice trembling with fury that coursed in every fibre of my body.

Kael's eyes flashed with something that made me want to hug him tell him I believed him. But, the reality wouldn't let me.

And, I didn't care anymore either.

"Lady Evelina," a sickeningly sweet voice cut through the noise.

I turned slowly, my gaze landing on her.

Countess Esmeralda.

She was still composed, though her hands trembled slightly where they clutched at her ruined hairstyle. Her lips curled in a mockery of sympathy.

"Do try not to let your emotions get the best of you, my Lady. It's unbecoming of a future Archduchess."

I took a step toward her.

"What's unbecoming, Countess," I said softly, "is speaking when no one talked to you."

Esmeralda's face paled, but before she could respond, a strong arm wrapped around my waist, pulling me back.

Kael.

I shoved at his chest, but his grip was ironclad. "Let. Me. Go."

"Not here," Kael hissed under his breath. "Not now."

"Oh, so now you want to protect me?" My voice was sharp, my anger flaring hotter. "Did you forget whose side you took ten minutes ago?"

Kael's jaw tightened. "I never took her side."

"Do you have amensia, Your Highnessl?" My voice cracked, raw with betrayal. "You looked at me like I was a f**king monster."

His fingers twitched on my waist. "You're not—"

"Then why?" My voice dropped, barely a whisper. "Why did you ask me to let her go?"

"Because it was-"

A cough interrupted Kael's explanation as the four of us turned around to be greeted by the presence of my father, mother, The Emperor and Empress.

"What a lively scene! I am happy to see the future generation is getting along. What do you say, Xavier?" The Emperor commented, patting my father's back.

"Indeed. Evelina greet His Majesty."

My father's voice cut through the tension like a knife, his tone even, his expression unreadable. But I knew better. Beneath that carefully crafted mask, he was furious.

About what? I don't know.

I could feel the weight of his gaze pressing down on me, heavy and suffocating, like chains tightening around my throat.

My fists clenched at my sides as I forced myself to look at the Emperor.

Breathe, Ji-eun.

I lowered into a flawless curtsy, my movements mechanical, detached. "Your Majesty," I said, my voice smooth, practiced. "It is an honor to be in your presence."

A pleased hum left the Emperor's lips. "Such poise. Such grace. Truly fitting for my future daughter-in-law."

My stomach twisted.

I wanted to scream. But I bit down on my tongue until I tasted copper, my nails digging into my palms so hard they might leave scars.

This wasn't the time. Not here. Not in front of them.

"Come now," the Empress interjected, her voice warm but her eyes were far more calculating than that of the Duchess. "This is a joyous occasion. Let us not darken it with tension."

Tension? Oh, if only she knew.

My father smiled—that smile. The one that never reached his eyes. "Of course, Your Majesty. Evelina is simply overwhelmed with gratitude, I am sure."

I turned to him sharply, but his expression was firm. A silent warning.

Play along... For now.

I swallowed the bitterness in my throat and forced a smile. "Yes, Father. I am… honored."

"Your Majesty, how about we go to the restroom and discuss this betrothal announcement of my daughter's engagement I knew nothing about?"

...WHAT THE F**K IS GOING ON IN THIS STORY!?