Chapter 37: The Night After the Confession
**Thelma Zane’s POV**
Aldrich seemed hesitant as he looked at me, his brow furrowed with uncertainty. “Is this really the right time? What if they kick me out?”
I couldn’t help but laugh at his sudden nervousness. No matter how brave and composed someone appeared, meeting their partner’s family seemed to bring out a more timid side. If only he lanew who my parents truly were–he might have fainted on the spot.
I waved at him, watching as he walked away, his figure fading into the distance.
As I returned to the palace, I found myself grinning uncontrollably. The thought of him staying for dinner tonight was amusing, but it also made me uneasy. If he had joined us, the truth might have slipped out, and my parents, with their authoritative presence, might have overwhelmed him.
At the dinner table, my mother kept commenting on how radiant I looked. Perhaps this was the magic of love–a transformation that worked from the inside out. I felt like a plant that had finally been nurtured, blooming under the tender care of someone I held dear. My life felt almost perfect. I was surrounded by the people loved, and I was steadily moving toward my dreams.
It was incredible to think that just a few months ago, Benard had coldly rejected me. Yet, here we were now, tangled in a whirlwind of affection and connection.
As I observed my parents interacting at the table, I was struck by the intimate and effortless way they communicated. They seemed to exist in a world of their own, a quiet yet powerful testament to love that endured.
My mother’s voice broke my train of thought. “Baby, you seem different today. Is there something you want to share with us?”
Her probing gaze made me smile, but I shook my head. While the urge to tell them about Aldrich tugged at me, I knew it wasn’t the right time. I needed their advice, but for now, I wanted to revel in this newfound happiness without complications. Besides, Aldrich deserved time to prepare himself as well.
After dinner, my mother and I took a walk in the garden. She tried to engage me with lighthearted stories, but my thoughts were elsewhere. My mind kept drifting back to Aldrich. Had he made it home safely? Was he thinking about me the way I was thinking about him?
The image of the sunset we had watched together earlier came to mind. Though the details of the scenery had blurred, the vivid memory of his smiling eyes and soft lips lingered.
“What do you think, dear?” my mother asked suddenly, pulling me out of my reverie. She seemed concerned by my absent–mindedness.
CHURA
I quickly reassured her. “Mom, I… I do have something to discuss with you, but not tonight. I think I need some time to myself.
With that, I bade her goodnight and retreated to my room.
Alone in my bed, I couldn’t stop smiling. If anyone saw me now, they’d think I’d lost my mind. But I didn’t care. Every time I closed my eyes, the sweetness of the day filled my heart, leaving me giddy and restless. It was as if I were drunk, but instead of wine, it was Aldrich’s presence that intoxicated me.
My thoughts were interrupted by the ringing of my phone. A message from Aldrich lit up the screen, and my heart fluttered.
We were connected in a way that felt almost magical. It was as though he knew I was thinking about him, just as he was thinking about me.
His message read: *I can’t wait to see you tomorrow.*
A smile spread across my face as I typed back: *1 haven’t slept either. I can’t sleep at
reply was immediate: *I miss you too.*
Hi
all.*
Our conversation flowed effortlessly, and I found myself talking more than I ever had. It was as if all the words I hadn’t said in the past had been stored up, waiting for this moment. We talked late into the night, neither of us wanting to end the connection.
Eventually, Aldrich insisted that I get some rest. Reluctantly, I agreed, knowing we both needed to be ready for the day ahead. Tomorrow’s training session would be just the two of us, and I couldn’t wait to see him again. I fell asleep with thoughts of him filling my mind, and my dreams were sweet and vivid, filled with laughter, warmth, and the promise of more moments together.
The
The next morning, I woke up earlier than usual, feeling energized despite the lack of sleep. My excitement was palpable, and as I entered the dining room for breakfast, my mother’s surprise was evident.
“Baby, aren’t you going to sleep a little longer?” she asked, her brow furrowed in concern.
I shook my head enthusiastically. “No, Mom! I’ve slept enough. I’m ready to head to training!”
She watched me closely, her eyes narrowing as if trying to decipher my behavior. I could tell she suspected something was different.
“I’m fine, really,” I assured her. “I’m just… really excited about today’s training.”
Her lips twitched in amusement. “It’s interesting to see this side of you. I always thought your attitude toward Benard would remain frosty.” She glanced at the clock before adding, “But you do realize there are still two hours before training begins, right? And don’t forget, you have some tasks to handle before then.”
Chapter 37 The Ng After the Confe
Her words were a cold splash of reality. I had con promised to complete. A pang of regret struck m schedule? Clearly, I had only myself to blame.
But even with those responsibilities hanging ov thought of seeing Aldrich, even for something as anticipation. Today promised to be another step embrace it.
Quy 37 The hatt Alter the Contestan
Her words were a cold splash of reality. I had completely forgotten about the duties I’d promised to complete. A pang of regret struck me why had I insisted on shortening my schedule? Clearly, I had only myself to blame.
But even with those responsibilities hanging over me, nothing could dampen my spirits. The thought of seeing Aldrich, even for something as routine as training, filled me with
anticipation. Today promised to be another step in our unfolding story, and I was ready to
embrace it.
I caught the faint scent of lemons that always lingered around him, and I couldn’t help but squint at him mischievously. “You’d better be careful with words like that,” I teased.
Someone might overhear you, especially since you’re supposed to meet the King and Queen today.”
He chuckled, unfazed. “It’s fine. They’ll recognize how wonderful I am eventually.”
His confidence was endearing but far from convincing.
“Really?” I said, crossing my arms. “Why don’t we go clarify our relationship right now, then?”
He quickly backtracked, his grin turning sheepish. “Darling, I might need a bit more time to work up the courage for that.”
I leaned into him, unable to suppress my laughter. “I thought you weren’t afraid of anything.”
His expression softened as he pulled me closer. “I’m only afraid of one thing–that you won’t be by my side.‘
Nestled in his embrace, surrounded by his comforting lemony scent, I felt a surge of determination.
“Alright, let’s start training,” he declared, pulling back slightly. “As my girlfriend, you’ll get, some special treatment today.”
I raised an eyebrow at him. “Special treatment? Should I be worried?”
ule grin widened. “We’ll start with fifty laps to warm up. Afterward, you’ll get a kiss from your true love–if you survive.”
Fifty laps. I rolled my eyes but couldn’t help smiling.
By the time I finished, my body was protesting, and the promised kiss never came. Instead Aldrich cheerfully ordered sixty push–ups. My patience was wearing thin, and I was about to give him a piece of my mind when I noticed my parents approaching.
The sudden presence of my parents transformed the atmosphere. Training immediately turned serious, leaving no room for the playful banter Aldrich and I had been exchanging moments ago. Despite the shift, I found myself eager to show my parents how far I’d come in my training.
I snuck a glance at Aldrich, who looked far too pleased with himself. His triumphant smile made me reconsider every nice thing I’d ever thought about him. At that moment, I decided he was undeniably annoying–a ridiculously good–looking annoyance, but annoying nonetheless,
After training, I followed my parents back to their office. They had a busy afternoon ahead. with government matters, and I was expected to observe and learn from them. Somewhere
„Chapter 39: Special Treatment for five
