Chapter 4

After Chloe came to visit, William started dropping by even more often.

Every day after court, he'd head over to my place, chat with me, and check on my wounds. Sometimes he'd bring treats, sometimes curious little gifts.

His words were gentle, his actions careful, as if I were the most precious treasure in the world.

"Yvonne, how are you feeling today?" William asked.

"The royal physician said the wounds are healing well. In a little while, I can start using some scar cream," I replied.

"Once you're better, I'll take you out to the estate to relax. You love riding, don't you? There's a gentle little red horse there, perfect for you," William said.

I listened to him, watched those gentle eyes of his, but my heart felt frozen.

He'd said all this to me more times than I could count.

Every single time, he seemed so genuine.

But I knew what was really on his mind whenever he said them.

He was thinking that this face would finally stop being a threat to Chloe. This irritating presence could now remain tucked away in the corner, no longer bothering anyone.

He was thinking that he could finally settle the debt he owed to Chloe.

"William," I said.

"Yeah?" He looked at me gently.

"Now that Chloe's back, have you visited her yet?" I asked.

His smile stiffened for a moment.

Then, as if nothing had happened, he said, "Chloe got back to Belmere, and she's pretty busy. I only saw her once at the palace party. What, do you want to see her? Should I have her visit you?"

"No need," I said. "Chloe stopped by."

"Oh?" William arched his brow. "She came to see you? So, how did it go? Did you two have a nice talk?"

"Sure," I replied. "Chloe was really heartbroken. She cried her eyes out."

He was silent for a moment.

Then William gently took my hand and sighed. "Yvonne and Chloe are really kind. She's always seen you as her own sister, so of course, it hurts her to see you like this.

"You two have such a strong bond. It's a blessing for you both to stay close."

Strong bond? Stay close? That was ridiculous.

I looked at him and suddenly asked, "William, if my face never gets better, would you still want me around?"

William's face grew serious as he took my hand, looking straight at me, his eyes intense. "Yvonne, what are you talking about? Am I really that shallow?

"After everything you've done for me, I could never be anything but grateful. Why would I ever push you away?"

"So, what if Chloe hadn't been injured, hadn't had to mourn, and ended up marrying you three years ago?" I asked.

His face darkened instantly.

He released my hand, stood up abruptly, and turned his back to me, standing there in silence for what felt like ages.

"Yvonne," his voice was heavy, "why are you asking all these strange questions today?"

"I was making conversation," I said. "If you don't want to answer, that's fine."

He turned around and looked at me.

His eyes were hard to read.

I stared right back, unmoving.

My face was ruined, but my eyes were still the same. He still had no clue what I was thinking.

"Yvonne," William came back and sat down by my bed, taking my hand again. "Have you heard something?"

"Hear what?" I replied.

"Those rumors outside," he paused. "Yes, Chloe and I did have a past, some old stories from years ago. But that's all behind us now. You're my princess, and that's never going to change."

That was never going to change? As I heard those words, a sudden urge to laugh welled up inside me.

He had pressed my face into the hot coals, made Chloe wait for three years, and forced me to be her stand-in.

He had said, "The debt I owe Chloe can never be repaid in this lifetime." That was what he meant by that, which was never going to change. It was utterly absurd.

But I stayed silent.

I nodded. "I understand."

He seemed to finally relax, gave me a few last words of advice, then stood up and headed out.

He paused at the doorway and glanced back at me.

In his eyes, I saw guilt, pity, and, unmistakably, a sense of relief.

I knew exactly what was running through his mind.

He was thinking I remained oblivious. I would continue to stay here, quietly accepting my role as a princess. Everything was proceeding exactly as planned.

He had no idea that I knew everything. I simply didn't want to play the fool any longer.