Chapter 20

Amelia's POV.

I smiled internally, watching the growing scowl on Freya’s face. Everyone at the table knew Luna Bella had been referring to Freya as a leech and the embarrassed flush of her cheeks brought an inadvertent smile to my lips.

“Well, we grow and get stronger as we get new experiences. Both good and bad.” I started, taking a small sip of water before continuing.

“I’ve had very bad experiences, and they've taught me how to be strong. One in particular left a permanent mark, and I had no choice but to learn from it. What can I say, you either sink or swim.” I could feel the burn of Freya’s stare as I spoke but I ignored it. The whole table was silent as I told my tale.

“I was badly taken advantage of by my closest friends and that wasn't enough. After, I was dumped to die like some stray dog. It was a truly painful experience, but one that helped me in my journey of growth.”

I could see that Freya and Damien were visibly shaken, their eyes bulging out of their sockets but I pretended not to notice, taking a small bite of my meal.

Kaiden reached for my free hand underneath the table, squeezing lightly to show his support and I sent a warm smile his way, grateful for his presence.

He had become my pillar, my biggest support system. I’d missed him so much during the short time he’d been gone. The impact of his absence had been palpable but now, I felt at ease again with him right by my side. 

Although both culprit's frights were clear to me, Luna Bella remained clueless, seeming lost in the story I’d told. She chewed her food slowly, took a sip of water and cleared her throat.

“Is that to say you’ve been betrayed before?” She asked, seeming genuinely interested in my life and I nodded, feigning sadness. I looked down at my food for a more dramatic effect.

“Yes. I’d been innocent and naive then and I got stabbed in the back by a very close friend. Now I know trust shouldn’t be given on a platter of gold. Rather, it has to be earned.” I answered and the table fell into silence for a few moments. 

Kaiden, Luna Bella and I chewed on our food while Damien and Freya looked like cats caught in headlights.

“What’s the matter? Do you not like the food?” Luna Bella suddenly asked, noticing they’d stopped eating and they both plastered on fake smiles.

“It’s lovely.” Freya offered but Damien stayed quiet, taking a forced bite and chewing the tasty dish like it was sandpaper.

Freya turned to me then, I could see the mischief in her eyes. ‘The rusted wheels in her head must be turning.’ I said to myself, almost cackling out loud. Then, her voice interrupted my internal humor.

“You said you were dumped to die.” Freya stated, and I stared back at her, wondering what she was aiming at. I raised a quizzical brow at her when she took too long to continue.

“I’ve always wondered why you keep your face covered with a veil. But now that you've shared this story with us, I think I might have a clue.” She said, smiling to herself like she’d told an inside joke. 

Everyone was staring at her now, waiting to see where she was going with her little speech.

“Your face must’ve been ruined when you were dumped to die during this so-called betrayal. That's why you keep your face covered. Am I right?” She giggled, holding her finger up, signalling me to wait. 

Her brain must have fed her something even dumber to say, because a wide grin was beginning to spread on her face.

“I get it now. You're just covering your face because you're not confident in your own beauty. Mysterious my ass. You're probably just ugly.” She said, bursting into laughter and we all stared at her in bewilderment. 

Kaiden turned to me, making a motion with his fingers that told me he thought she’d lost her mind. I shook my head at him, turning to observe the others at the table.

Luna Bella’s arm hung awkwardly in the air, her fork slipping through her fingers. While Damien stared at Freya with disgust, eyeing her as she cackled away.

We all stared at her as she took in everyone’s expression. Realizing no one had joined in her maniacal laughter and her cackling slowed to an awkward stop.

Luna Bella's fork clanked loudly on her plate as it finally slipped through her fingers, shocking everyone on the table. 

We all turned to her and she was sending dearly glares Freya's way and she squirmed uncomfortably under the hard stare.

Luna Bella took a deep breath, trying to rein in her anger.

“Freya, I would very much appreciate it if you didn't embarrass us in front of the guests. If you have nothing reasonable to say, then shut your mouth.” The Luna said through gritted teeth and Freya's face burned a deep shade of red.

She looked and probably felt like a clown with the deep red colouring her cheeks. Embarrassed and fuming, she faced her food, clamoring at her plate noisily as she scarfed her food down like an Olympic eater.

I watched in satisfaction as she dropped her empty plate down noisily, wiped her mouth with the back of her hands and scooched her chair back against the rugged floors.

“Excuse me.” She muttered, walking away before anything else could be said and I smiled at her retreating form.

Damien watched Freya leave with a look of relief and embarrassment. He’d been quiet all through and even as Freya left, the second hand embarrassment he felt from her little display of stupidity held his vocal cords in a chokehold.

I took a small bite of my food just as Luna Bella cleared her throat and I turned to her.

“I apologize for her behavior.” She said, but the apology didn't reach her eyes. She said it as more of an obligation but it made no difference to me.

“It’s alright. I mean, I can't really blame her. She doesn't seem to have a good impression of herself. If she did she wouldn’t be feeling insecure over a face she hasn't even seen.” I stated, going back to my food and Damien choked on his side of the table, coughing uncontrollably whilst struggling to chug down water.

“Are you okay?” I asked in a soft voice and he nodded, not even meeting my eyes. ‘I guess she’s transfered her insecurity his way.’ I thought, turning back to my food.

From the corner of my eyes I could see the anger in Luna Bella's eyes and I smiled to myself in satisfaction. 

Freya always seemed eager to do my work for me and I was loving it. 

Since I'd gotten here all her actions had taken her further into a downward spiral but she kept putting up a fight.

I didn't mind though, her supposed ‘fight’ kept working in my favour. She could carry on. I knew I was capable of handling whatever she threw my way.

I wasn't the naive girl that had fallen blindly in love with Damien. I wouldn't back down.