Chapter 45
(Lily’s POV)
Everyone went still.
The slap echoed in the palace air like a thunderclap.
Lucien’s hand slowly rose to his cheek, eyes wide with shock with pain flickering in them as he stared at me. Celeste gasped dramatically, clearly enjoying the scene while Zion stood frozen, his jaw clenched but unreadable.
Zelda’s mouth dropped open in horror. “What just happened?” she whispered.
But I didn’t care.
I didn’t care what Zion thought. I didn’t care what Celeste smirked about. All I saw was Lucien.
“When were you going to tell me about Aria?” I demanded, my voice sharp and trembling. “Or did you think I was never going to find out?”
Lucien looked like the ground should open and swallow him whole. He stepped forward slowly, hand still over the red mark on his cheek. “Lily… please, not here. Let’s talk somewhere private,” he said softly.
I stepped back. “Why? Embarrassed now?”
His brows furrowed, hurt swimming in his gaze. “No. I just… I didn’t want you to find out like this.”
I scoffed. “Oh, but you were fine letting me date you while kept that a secret?”
Lucien’s lips parted as if to explain, but no words came out.
I shook my head, glaring at him. “You’re just like your cousin.”
That seemed to sting more than the slap.
He didn’t argue. He didn’t protest. He just took a slow breath and gently reached for my arm.
“Please,” he whispered. “Just… give me a chance to explain.”
Against my better judgment, I let him guide me away.
We walked past the stunned stares, down the winding stone path that led into the deeper part of the garden. My heart pounded with every step, but my anger kept me grounded.
Only once we were far enough from the palace did he stop. The air was filled with the scent of roses and lavender, but all I could feel was tension.
He turned to face me.
“Why didn’t you tell me Aria was your mate?” I snapped. “Why did you even suggest we fake–date when you had a mate?”
Lucien sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. “It’s complicated. Me and Aria… it was never going to work. We didn’t want the
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Chapter 45
mate bond. And I… I love you, Lily. I didn’t mean to, but I do. When I proposed the fake dating, I didn’t think I would fall deeply in love with you.”
I paused, my voice cold. “Why did you even suggest the fake–dating when you knew your mate? Was it because you wanted. to hurt Aria or make her jealous? Was everything a twisted game to you, and I was the bait?”
His silence, and the guilt in his eyes answered me.
“So, when I thought you were helping me, you actually had devious plans.” I staggered back, disgusted. “Unbelievable! I was just another pawn in your family’s stupid drama.”
Lucien’s eyes glistened with tears. “Lily, it wasn’t like that… please let me explain all that happened.”
“Save it,” I cut him off, stepping further away. “You used me. Just like everyone else.”
Again, I had been used for other people’s selfish cause because I was too gullible and naive. Again, I let my heart believe in someone who didn’t deserve it.
I turned and walked away, wiping the angry tears from my cheeks. I didn’t stop or look back.
I walked with my fists clenched, my steps fast and purposeful as I passed the rose bushes. The pain in my chest made breathing harder, but I kept going until I got to the palace gates.
My legs slowed, and I looked at the sky. A soft breeze brushed over me, enveloping me in warmth.That was when I said it.
“I’m done,” I whispered to myself. “No more crying for people who don’t deserve my tears. From this moment on, I’ll carefully choose who I let into my life. No more fake smiles. No more lies.”
I closed my eyes and took a deep breath.
I was done being played with.
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