Chapter 48:
Makenna’s POV:
The servant arranged all the meals on the table. Just as I was about to leave the bed for dinner, I realized someone had changed my clothes.
“My clothes…”
Looking at Clayton blankly, I fiddled with the bottom of my shirt.
Clayton beamed at me and said gently, “It’s alright. One of the servants helped you change into those.”
I responded with a timid nod, feeling a wave of relief from his thoughtfulness.
I took a seat at the table. The food was deliciously made and inviting. Having been tortured by Bryan for hours earlier, I was exhausted and now famished. I picked up my utensils and began to eat.
Clayton sat next to me. He looked graceful and distinguished as he ate. His presence made me conscious of my manners, and I carefully took small bites.
“Makenna.”
His voice was gentle as he called out to me.
I looked at him curiously, noticing he seemed to hesitate, as if unsure about what to say next.
After a brief pause, Clayton went on, “Earlier, you… did you leave Bryan’s villa?”
I tensed, unsure how to respond.
Clayton heaved a sigh and said in a resigned voice, “A servant mentioned you have several bruises, and… your body is injured. Make sure you use some ointment.”
My face turned red at his words. I felt both embarrassed and ashamed.
Trying to hold back tears, I took a moment before replying with difficulty, “I didn’t want it… Prince Bryan—” I couldn’t finish my sentence.
Bryan always forced me, but so what? It was my obligation as nothing more than a slave.
Awkwardness hung heavily in the air. Unable to eat any more and feeling extremely uncomfortable, I quickly finished what I could, excused myself from Clayton, and got up to leave.
Lɑtєst chαptєrs 𝑖n g𝒶l𝑛ovє𝓁ѕ.с𝓸m
“Your Highness, I’ve had enough. Thank you for everything today. I must return to my house now.”
Clayton rose as well, frowning. He said with concern, “You’re leaving so soon? You barely ate anything. Are you sure you don’t want more?”
“No, I’m full. Thank you.”
I avoided his eyes, nodding absentmindedly, eager to escape the discomfort of the moment.
Maybe I hadn’t quite regained my strength. As I took a few steps, my legs began to fail me again. Suddenly, I stumbled toward Clayton.
“Watch out!”
He swiftly caught me, but the force knocked us both to the floor.
“Hmm…” Clayton moaned from beneath me. I landed in his arms, my nose brushing against his chest. Immediately, his clean, fresh scent enveloped me.
I quickly lifted my head, and our eyes met.
In a daze, I stared at him. My heart pounded furiously while my ears turned bright red.
He gazed back. For a moment, there seemed to be a spark between us. We were both lost in each other’s eyes.
Just then, a servant’s worried voice broke the strange atmosphere.
“What happened, Your Highness? Are you all right?”
The servant had come running in after hearing the noises. Snapping back to reality, I quickly stood up from Clayton. Embarrassed, I stammered, “So… it was an accident.”
Without daring to look at his face again, I bowed my head and hurried out of the house. As I fled, Clayton’s laughter echoed faintly behind me.
