Chapter 32 Chapter 32: The Mask
Chapter 32: The Mask
Vishea’s POV
I remember what he said. Darius won't stop finding out the truth. But he's not that clever to know that I am actually Vishea, his mate he's been looking for.
And if he finds out? Would it change something? No. He’ll only remember those things he did to me. How he treated me before. He’ll only remember how he broke his promises. His lies.
Nothing will change because he's no longer my mate. I rejected him the moment I lost everything. We were done with each other. He should forget about me. If he really loved me before, he wouldn't cheat on me. If he actually treasured the moments we had, he wouldn’t deny our relationship the moment I needed him to save my father.
I was thrown away from the palace. Anxious about my future. I still hoped he would do something that day, however, he might even throw a party and finally be free. He could spend the rest of his life with his fiancée without me interfering in their relationship.
Everything that happened to me was a nightmare. Luckily, Mother Kiara opened her door for me. I was so lucky that someone would still be willing to accept me. After what happened, Mother Kiara stood beside me. She never failed to make me feel that someone would love me and treat me like her own daughter.
“Lady Anastasia, the guests are gathered in the garden. Food was served. Would you like to join them?” Yana entered my room while I was busy making myself presentable.
“I'll just finish this,” I told her. She nodded her head. Since I am already here, I should take this opportunity to associate with others.
Since the day the king exiled me, I still gathered information in this palace. Until the day Darius was crowned as the next Lycan King.
Yet I’m still surprised that things changed in this palace.
After I was done, I stood up. Stared in the mirror. Watching myself.
Vishea, you managed to survive after they killed your father, exiled you in this palace. You’ll not let someone like Darius ruin the title you’ve earned for years.
No matter what happens, they will never find out the truth. I am now Vishea Anastasia Cullen. The daughter of a rich lone Lycan, Kiara Cullen.
“Lady Anastasia, you didn’t fail to impress me every day you stayed here in the palace. I admire your beauty and the way you dress. You’re indeed gorgeous, just like others always say.” Yana complimented. I chuckled as I heard her admiring my beauty.
Mother Kiara taught me different things. She always told me to take good care of myself. To make time for myself. Beauty isn't just a display but it's also an asset.
“Everyone can be beautiful, only if you take good care of yourself,” I told her while walking out of the room. She followed me.
“Lady Anastasia.” Cassie saw us. She approached, also dressed up for tonight.
“You can continue your work now, Yana,” I told her before Cassie could get closer to us. She bowed her head and left.
Cassie is indeed a cheerful woman. She doesn’t lose energy while talking to me or to others. She’s a great companion.
I’ve only stayed here for a couple of days, and yet this woman could make me smile. A genuine smile I would never have thought I could show in this kingdom after what they did to me and my family.
I could still recall how my father died in this kingdom. Cruel, unacceptable, injustice. A memory I would never forget until my last breath.
“Wow, you really did something different.” She walked towards me, surprise drawn on her face. I smiled as we walked together.
“I know something unique,” I said, glancing at her. She chuckled as we started to walk through the garden where everyone gathered for the dinner party.
I could feel their stares, however, I wasn’t planning to mind them.
“What a gorgeous lady,” I heard from behind.
“I heard she’s Kiara Cullen’s only daughter.” They started to talk about me. I secretly rolled my eyes.
“You became popular here in just a few days,” Cassie told me. She was right. It’s because others remember me as someone else. While others might find me interesting because I am a lone Lycan’s only daughter.
“Let’s just ignore them. I am already used to people talking about me.” I faintly smiled. We found an unoccupied table and sat on the chair.
However, before I could finally make myself comfortable, I sensed something was wrong. I immediately changed my position without the rest noticing it.
“No!” Before she could pour the wine on my dress intentionally, I distanced myself, and she ended up pouring it on her dress as she bumped into the chair.
“That was hilarious!” Cassie laughed while watching Rachelle soaked with her own wine. I acted concerned while secretly enjoying the scene in front of me.
“You! How could you do this?!” She pointed at me, blaming me for something I didn’t do.
“What do you mean? I didn’t even lay a finger on you,” I told her. Everyone’s attention shifted to us.
“Come on, Rachelle. Just admit it. You’re too clumsy. Oh, wait. Did you just plan to pour that wine on Lady Anastasia, yet you failed and ended up pouring it on yourself? What a shame.” Cassie started to reveal the truth.
The audience started to whisper. Poor Rachelle. I won’t let you harm me again.
“What nonsense! She tried to sabotage me. Look what happened to my dress! It was your fault!” Her finger pointed at me.
What a show. She knew herself she planned to humiliate me but she failed. Luckily, I already saw it coming.
“Everyone witnessed what just happened. Are you sure it was me who did that to you?” I asked her to confirm. She showed a sly smile before answering me.
“More than sure. From that matter, you’ll be given a punishment for insulting me,” she said as two guards went beside her.
“What? No! Don’t come with Lady Anastasia.” Cassie stepped in. Rachelle’s lips twisted in disdain as she looked at me.
She really wants me out of this kingdom. How unlucky I still have to stay here for a few more days.
“How dare you disobey my order? I am the king’s wife.” I sighed. Maybe she means fiancée. Oh, Rachelle. I don’t care if you’re the Lycan King’s wife or fiancée—it doesn’t matter at all.
“You’re being cruel. It wasn’t me who did that to you. You did that to yourself,” I said, which made her angry.
“What’s happening here?” We all bowed as we saw the king walking towards us.
“Darius, this bitch just poured wine on my dress.” She held Darius’s hand. The great Darius scanned his fiancée’s dress and glanced at me.
“Are you certain about that?” Darius asked her. She immediately nodded as a response.
“Your Majesty, my apology to interrupt, however Lady Anastasia has nothing to do with her dress. She planned to pour it on Lady Anastasia’s dress yet she failed.” Cassie interfered. From that moment, she caught my attention.
Cassie stood up for me. I smiled genuinely. I just met an energetic woman and someone who’s willing to defend me.
“No, don’t believe them. They are lying, Darius. Why would I do that? It was this bitch’s intention to embarrass me—” I had enough of her lies. She’s really crossing the line.
“Your Majesty, I am willing to accept any punishment you’ll serve if you find out it was me all along who did that to your fiancée—” my gaze shifted to Rachelle.
“However, if you find out she’s lying, would you punish her too for accusing an innocent guest in your kingdom?” I asked Darius. Rachelle’s eyes went on fire as she heard me talk.
“How dare you talk to Darius like that?” Rachelle stepped in and tried to touch me, but Darius stopped her on time.
“Enough! I saw the whole thing happen, Rachelle… you’re my fiancée, you should act in an appropriate manner!” He scolded her. I smirked while watching.
“What? No! It was her.” She still insisted. She tried to explain, but Darius had no time to listen to her lies.
“You are prohibited from joining this dinner. Leave immediately.” Darius pointed the way out of the garden.
“No, you can’t do this to me… this is all your fault.” Rachelle blamed me before walking away.
“Would you give us a moment?” Darius looked at Cassie. She bowed before leaving us.
“I’m sorry for what happened.” He got closer to me. However, I distanced myself. I didn’t want others to think differently.
“You should follow your fiancée now,” I told him, but he didn’t react. He was only staring at me, which made me uncomfortable.
“Vishea.” Here he goes again, calling me by my name. I acted frustrated.
“Your Majesty, how many times do I have to tell you to address me with my name? Stop calling me with a name I don’t even know,” I told him.
“Even if you deny it, I know it was you, Vishea. You can’t hide the truth forever. It was you, I could feel it.” He tried to reach for my hand, and that triggered me. I stood up immediately and distanced myself.
I don’t care if you’re King Darius. It’s none of your business whether I am Vishea or not.
“We better stop this conversation, Your Majesty. Believe whatever you want to believe. But I am not Vishea—and even if I am her, do you think I would be happy to see you again? After what you did to her in the past?” I told him, catching him off guard.
He looked at me, confused.
“If I were Vishea, and even if I am not, based on what I heard, it’s better if you forget about her. You have no right to remember her after
the numerous pains she received from you.” I stood up and bowed before finally leaving him alone.
Darius, have shame on yourself.