This is exactly what I wanted. I pushed for it, provoked it, just to see how Goldilocks would handle it. But now that it’s real, now that I caused it, I’m the one who can’t take it. And that hurts. Damn, it hurts.
“You’re an asshole, Nic. A huge asshole. Fix it. Phil wouldn’t want this for her. He loved Amelia. He wouldn’t want this for her, and he would kick your ass if he could.”
The knives cut deeper and deeper, and I close my eyes for a moment because it’s too much.
Phil wouldn’t just kick my ass, he’d tear my head off and impale it on a stake.
“Enough, Dam. I think he got it,” Cedric calmly intervenes, and I look at my best friends.
“I’m going to look for her. Who’s with me?” I need both of them by my side now.
“I know where she is. Let me talk to her first. She’s just shutting you out now anyway.” Damien looks at me with a warning expression in his eyes, and even though I’d rather not, I only nod with a clenched jaw.
“Give me five minutes, I need to get out of these clothes.” Without paying attention to the two of them, I go into the dressing room, step over her high heels, which lie lonely on the floor mocking me, and change.
The whole time I have her empty, defeated look in front of my eyes, which burns itself into my soul.
Shit, I really screwed up.
Away. I have to get away from here.
That reporter. He was in the car. He’s the one who distracted Philipp so much that he lost control of the vehicle. Him!
The images suddenly appeared before my eyes, and I don’t know whether it was his sneering grin or the devious glint in his eyes.
Suddenly, I could see his face, that exact laugh. The way he raised his camera, the flash of it. It all came rushing back.
My stomach churns dangerously as I hurry through the castle’s hallways and moments later burst into our apartment.
Albert Richardson caused Philipp’s death, but I have no way to prove it. Especially now, after he’s twisted the narrative and branded me a manipulative slut in the public eye.
And Nicolas just sat there in silence.
My phone vibrates on the nightstand, and when I glance at it, my stomach knots even tighter. The flood of notifications from my social media feels like ice spreading through my veins.
Whore.
Such a slut, she doesn’t deserve Prince Nicolas.
I always knew she was after the crown.
It’s time someone made her leave.
She probably had something to do with Philipp’s death.
The dress Lizzy picked out for me is suddenly far too tight, suffocating me. I tear it off, let it drop to the floor without a second thought, then grab a shirt dress and an oversized dark hoodie, pulling them on in a rush.
Get out of here. Just get out.
All my senses are in flight mode. Everything feels too tight, too heavy, too much.
“Shit, Lia, I’m so sorry.”
Startled, I whirl around and my heart races even faster. I clutch my chest.
“Lizzy, damn it, don’t scare me like that,” I snap sharply, instantly regretting it. It’s not her fault. “I’m sorry. That wasn’t fair, I… I just… I have to get out of here. Right now.”
Lizzy steps in front of me, looking at me gently. “Where do you want to go? My car’s parked at the back entrance near the park.” She asks just that one question. She’s already prepared, and I love her for it.
