Chapter 72: Caught in the Act
**Thelma Zane’s Point of View**
“I didn’t mean it! I really didn’t!” My words tumbled out in a flustered rush, each attempt at explanation making things worse. Eventually, I clamped my mouth shut, realizing that
sometimes silence was the only way to salvage a situation.
Maxine, ever the opportunist for teasing, materialized in my mind. Her voice was full of mockery and amusement. “Seriously? Even a junior high school girl wouldn’t be this clueless. Silly Thelma! Hahaha!”
I ignored her as best I could, focusing instead on the far more pressing matter at hand–Duke Frank’s reaction. His initial shock was palpable, and for a moment, I feared he might shatter the delicate porcelain coffee cup he held in his hand.
“My Lord, I…” I stammered, desperate for the right words but finding none. My gaze darted toward Benard, silently pleading for his help. He opened his mouth, perhaps intending to defuse the tension, but the Duke’s sudden burst of laughter interrupted him.
“That’s wonderful!” Duke Frank exclaimed, his hearty laughter filling the room. “Thank you, Miss Thelma. At last, my son’s future is secured. I was beginning to worry that he’d remain consumed by his career forever. Now, tell me–when can I meet your parents? Have you discussed the wedding date? Where will the ceremony be held?”
“W–what?” My mind went blank at the unexpected turn of events.
“Wait, Father!” Benard quickly interjected, his voice a mix of embarrassment and urgency. We’re not there yet! Please don’t jump to conclusions. That’s a bit… premature.”
The Duke took a deep breath, visibly calming himself, though his eyes still sparkled with joy. ” I apologize,” he said, a warm smile softening his stern features. “I got carried away. You have no idea how relieved I am. For years, I’ve worried that my son, who seems to think only of duty and responsibility, would end up alone. If that had happened, how would I have faced his mother in the afterlife?”
I offered a nervous smile, unsure how to respond to his heartfelt declaration. My eyes met Benard’s, and for a brief moment, the mention of marriage felf tangible, as though it was no longer a distant possibility but something real, looming on the horizon.
Marriage.
The very thought sent a flutter of uncertainty through me. Could I truly envision a future with Benard? As if sensing my inner turmoil, he reached for my hand, his touch warm and reassuring. “Don’t worry,” he whispered, his voice steady. “I’m here. Always.”
His words, simple yet profound, anchored me. In that moment, I knew that with Benard by my side, I could face any challenge.
Chapter 2 Caught e the Act
After a pleasant conversation with Duke Frank, during which his gaze shifted from one of admiration for a promising young woman to something more affectionate, we knew it was time to move on to the next daunting task–speaking with my parents.
To Benard, they were still “uncle” and “aunt,” unaware of the true nature of our relationship.
“You realize this won’t be easy,” I warned him, my voice serious.
Benard nodded solemnly, the expression on his face resembling that of a soldier preparing for battle. “I know,” he said. But his bravado lasted only a few seconds before he leaned closer to me, his confidence faltering. “The Lycan King will strip me of my title, have me thrown out by the guards, and then the Queen will banish me from the pack entirely. I’ll become a rogue, wandering the wilderness.”
I couldn’t help but laugh at his dramatic prediction. “Don’t be ridiculous! The Lycan King and Queen are kind and reasonable. They won’t do that to you. At most, they might order a guard to give you a light beating.”
Benard let out a theatrical groan, clutching his chest as if wounded. “A light beating? Oh, how generous. I’m doomed.”
“Stop being so dramatic.” I ruffled his hair playfully, as if soothing a nervous pup. really that scared? Because honestly, I’m nervous too.”
“Are you
The truth was, I had no idea how my parents would react. While they weren’t particularly old fashioned, the fact that Benard had once been my mentor in combat training complicated matters. A teacher–student romance wasn’t exactly the ideal love story in their eyes.
Benard gave a half–shrug, trying to mask his anxiety. “Well, can you blame me? I’ve
practically kidnapped their niece without their knowledge. And let’s not forget our ‘teacher- student‘ dynamic. I can’t imagine what the King will think of me.”
“But,” he added, squeezing my hand gently, “with you beside me, I feel invincible. No challenge, not even the King’s disapproval, can shake me.”
“Even if it’s the King’s royal guards with their spears?” I teased, raising an eyebrow.
Benard clutched his chest again, feigning a mortal wound. “It’ll hurt, sure–But as long as you’re with me, I can endure anything.”
We laughed, the tension between us easing as we embraced. Lost in the moment, we kissed, forgetting where we were–right in the middle of the Lycan King’s private living room.
A sharp voice shattered the tranquility.
“What on earth are you two doing?”
My mother’s voice, high–pitched and incredulous, echoed through the room. Benard and I sprang apart as if struck by lightning. In the span of a second, we went from being entwined lovers to two people sitting awkwardly at opposite ends of the sofa.
Benard, ever the dutiful soldier, jumped to his feet and bowed–though it was far from his most graceful effort. “Your Highness,” he stammered, his face flushed with embarrassment.
My father’s voice was cold and composed, a stark contrast to my mother’s shock. “Good afternoon, Sir Benard,” he said, his tone icy. “Might I ask what you and my daughter were doing in my living room?”
Panic surged through me. If my father’s suspicion led him to summon the guards, Benard might truly find himself thrown out. I had to act quickly.
“Father, Mother,” I said, my voice steady despite the rapid beating of my heart, “Benard and I are in a relationship. We came here today to inform you of this.”
The room fell silent. Three voices responded simultaneously.
“What did you just say, Thelma?” My mother’s eyes widened in disbelief.
“Moon Goddess, am I still dreaming?” My father’s brows furrowed in confusion.
“Father? Mother?” Benard’s voice, tinged with both fear and hope, echoed my own anxiety.
I looked at their stunned faces, unsure of what to say next. The moment I had dreaded was here, and there was no turning back.
(2 o
