Chapter 2
Over the next few days, Cathy was practically living at that deserted house.
She wasn't just handing over cash. She brought Edward almost anything he could ever need.
She even tried to bring him to live with her.
I watched all this from the sidelines, my heart pounding in my chest.
Edward was the crown prince, not some boy toy she could pamper.
Cathy's whole sugar-mama act was like poking a sleeping tiger.
Sure enough, it didn't take long before things blew up.
That night, Cathy came stomping back, furious, and started tossing stuff everywhere.
"Edward, that broke loser, has no idea how good he's got it," she yelled. "I got him the fanciest pen money can buy, and he turned up his nose, saying they reeked of wealth.
"He even asked me why the girl who used to bring him food didn't come instead."
I was drinking coffee when my hand jerked, and I ended up splashing it all over myself.
Edward was already suspicious.
He was way too perceptive not to notice how Cathy and I weren't the same.
Cathy was still grumbling under her breath. "If it weren't for the fact that he's destined to be... Hmph, I wouldn't have to swallow this humiliation."
She nearly blurted out that Edward was going to be the regent.
Looked like all those barrages of comments had really boosted her confidence.
Just then, the sound of horses' hooves suddenly echoed outside the house.
Right after, the steady stomp of boots marching in unison followed.
The madam came rushing up, looking frantic. "This is huge. Some big shot booked out the whole house. He says he's hosting a feast... for his benefactor."
Cathy's eyes sparkled as soon as she heard the news. "It's gotta be Edward. I knew he wasn't some regular guy. He's finally back to claim me."
Excited, she burst into her room, tearing through her closet for something to wear.
But something felt off to me.
If Edward had really regained his identity, why didn't he host a party for his benefactor in a fancier place?
He was all about rules and reputation.
He should be here to settle the score.
That uneasy feeling in my gut kept getting stronger.
I wanted to bolt, but the guards had the whole place locked down. There was no way out.
With no other choice, I had to hunker down in my room and hope for the best.
After a while, Cathy came out dressed to the nines.
She was wearing a flowing red gown, her hair decked out with gold hairpins and tassels that swayed with every step.
She strutted around like a peacock in full display.
"Ruby, sit tight and watch," Cathy said with a smug grin. "Watch me soar from rags to riches."
She shot me a smug glance, sashaying downstairs like she owned the place.
I peered out through a gap in the window.
Right in the center of the hall sat a man in a rich black brocade robe.
He was facing away from me, but I recognized that familiar figure in a heartbeat. It was Edward.
He wasn't that broke scholar anymore. Now, he gave off a suffocating, almost intimidating aura.
Cathy walked up to him, batting her lashes, and gave a dainty bow. "Sir, you finally came."
Edward slowly turned around, rolling that worn jade pendant between his fingers. His gaze was icy, completely devoid of warmth.
"Was it you who saved me?" he asked.
Cathy paused, her eyes going wide, and then she nearly burst with excitement.
She spotted the jade pendant hanging at Edward's waist. It revealed his true identity as the crown prince.
Her voice shook with excitement. "Y-yes, it was me."
Edward's lips curled into a mocking smile. "If it really was you, then tell me, what's my favorite dish?"
Cathy froze, completely caught off guard.
The comments only told her who Edward was, but never mentioned what he liked to eat.
She hesitated and then stammered, "Is... is it plain soup?"
Edward shattered the wine cup in his hand.
Shards pierced his palm, blood streaming down, but he didn't feel a thing.
He suddenly stood up and kicked the table over, sending it crashing to the floor.
"Get lost," Edward barked. "Get that woman out here."
Cathy was so terrified her legs gave out, and she crumpled to the floor, her face pale as a ghost.
"Wh-which woman do you mean?" Cathy stammered.
Edward's gaze was downright predatory, his voice icy as he spat out each syllable. "Ruby Sinclair."