Chapter 63 - Luncheon Chaos & Unexpected Jealousy

The moment Verbena and Theodore took their seats at the lavishly decorated royal table, the atmosphere shifted. It wasn't just the curiosity buzzing through the noble ladies or the envious glances shot in Verbena's direction—it was the sudden arrival of her.

Estella.

Verbena recognized her immediately, even though they'd never officially met in this life. Tall, elegant, with honey-blonde curls and the kind of beauty that made men forget how to breathe. Dressed in soft lavender silk with pearls glimmering at her throat, she was the textbook definition of a heroine.

In her past life, Verbena would have instantly pegged her as the female lead in some cliché romance novel—the one who always got the prince, the wealth, and the happily ever after.

Except in this story, Verbena was the wife, and Estella?

She was the lingering ghost from Theodore's past.

"Your Grace," Estella curtsied before Theodore, her voice sweet as sugared tea. "It's been far too long."

Verbena's fingers twitched on her wine glass. Too long, my foot.

Theodore gave a polite nod. "Lady Estella."

That's it? No warmth? No longing? Not even a flicker of awkwardness?

Estella's smile faltered for a moment before she turned her attention—slow and deliberate—to Verbena.

"And this must be your duchess."

Verbena stood, offering a polite curtsy, her smile saccharine. "Verbena Hellgrave."

"The bakery girl turned duchess," Estella said softly, though loud enough for those nearby to hear.

Several noble ladies giggled behind their fans.

Verbena's smile sharpened. "And you must be the ex-fiancée who got away."

The giggles stopped. Theodore's brow twitched upward. Estella's smile strained at the edges.

"Well," Estella said, voice still honeyed, "fate has such a sense of humor, doesn't it?"

"Indeed," Verbena agreed, hooking her arm through Theodore's possessively. "Marrying my wonderful husband has been the greatest twist of fate."

Theodore, to his credit, didn't pull away. Instead, he rested his hand lightly over hers—a gesture so casual yet oddly intimate that Verbena's heart skipped.

Focus. This is acting.

The Queen cleared her throat, signaling the start of the luncheon. Courses flowed out—delicate soups, rare cuts of meat, exotic fruits—all wasted on Verbena, who was too focused on Estella's every movement.

Was she leaning too close to Theodore? Why was she laughing at everything he said? And why, for the love of pastries, was Theodore being so…polite?

It was infuriating.

Halfway through the meal, Estella spoke again. "I must say, Your Grace, your duchess is quite…unique."

"Thank you," Verbena cut in sweetly. "I strive to be unforgettable."

"Indeed." Estella took a sip of wine, eyes sparkling with something almost mischievous. "And how did you two fall in love?"

Verbena's mind blanked. They hadn't exactly planned a love story—just the fake one they sold at the palace gates.

Theodore, however, didn't miss a beat.

"She threatened to burn down my study," he said, voice completely serious.

Verbena choked on her drink. "That's—"

"And then," he continued, "she stole my horse, insulted my ancestors, and demanded I either marry her or face eternal humiliation."

The table went silent.

Verbena opened her mouth—then shut it.

Theodore's hand slipped under the table, squeezing her knee teasingly.

Estella stared, clearly caught off guard. "That's…unusual."

"Love is unusual," Theodore said smoothly, gazing at Verbena with a softness that made her stomach flip. "Isn't that right, darling?"

Verbena, cheeks blazing, forced a smile. "Absolutely."

The nobles, predictably, ate it up like starving gossips at a scandal buffet.

Estella, however, wasn't done.

As dessert was served, she leaned closer to Theodore, brushing imaginary lint from his sleeve. "You always did like strawberry tarts," she said softly.

Verbena saw red.

Without thinking, she snatched the tart from Theodore's plate and took a deliberately slow, exaggerated bite. "Mmm," she moaned loudly, "delicious."

Theodore coughed to hide a laugh. Estella's smile froze.

"Oh, I'm sorry," Verbena said innocently. "Did you want a taste, darling?"

Theodore leaned in, his hand cupping her jaw with mock tenderness. "Only if you feed me, my love."

Verbena's heart nearly exploded.

But she kept her cool, scooping a piece of tart onto her fork and holding it to his lips. Theodore took it, his gaze never leaving hers.

For one terrifying moment, she forgot they were acting.

The nobles sighed dreamily.

Estella looked like she wanted to throttle someone.

And Verbena?

She decided that maybe, just maybe, fake romance could be a lot more fun than she expected.

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To be continued...