ARAMINTA’s POV

I woke up to the sudden noise and commotion in the palace. My eyes felt heavy as I opened them and yawned loudly. 

“What is happening?” I muttered to myself, stood up, and put on a dress. I could hear the Queen’s terrified voice as I walked downstairs. Everyone was present except Noah, and they were all looking downcast and terrible. I gulped hard and went close to Mike as I didn't think I could approach any other person. 

“Hey,” I called out to him lowly and edged his shoulder with mine. He looked up at me, kind of surprised to see me, but his lips curled up in a tiny smile. “I missed you”. I rolled my eyes at him, “What's going on?” 

He diverted his eyes from mine and took a deep breath before he responded “We are in deep trouble.” 

“What are you talking about?”

He gestured for me to come closer, “We are getting dethroned”. He stopped for a while before he continued, “Evidence of Noah’s father's corruption was on the media this morning.” 

I covered my mouth in shock and my eyes widened. My heart was beating so hard, that a wave of guilt surged through me, and I trembled. 

“Are you okay?” Mike’s concerned voice sounded, and I quickly tried to compose myself, “Where—is Noah?” I didn't know why I was asking about Noah, but I knew he wouldn't be in a good condition. How could I send the file to my father without checking its contents? What would he gain from dethroning the Althan family? 

Mike released a shaky breath. “The only time I have ever seen him this mad was when I slept with his little girl—” 

“Wait, what?” I asked him with my forehead furrowed together in confusion. Too much information was making my head bang with pain. He shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly “He didn't tell you?” 

I shook my head and stared at him to continue. Noah never told me the reason behind his breakup with Isabella and why he stopped me from moving close to Mike. 

“Look, it's not intentional, okay? Isa and I had sex and Noah caught us” He responded, his eyes staring at me with an unreadable expression. My mouth was wide open, and I could not cover it, no words were coming together. I could not believe how cruel that would have been for Noah. I suddenly disgusted Mike and regretted not listening to Noah. 

“You don't sound like it was not intentional” I retorted and glared at him. “How could you do that to your cousin?” 

He twitched his mouth, “Can we focus on what is on the ground now? 

I hissed and stepped away from him, “Sure”. I heard his light giggle “We were both drunk, and it just happened—” 

I closed my ears in defense. “I don't want to hear it, Mike.” 

Mike was about to talk again when Isabella’s mocking voice sounded loudly, 

“Never knew Ara was this friendly.” 

I glared at her. “What do you mean? Maya and Shirley immediately looked at us and got interested, but I didn't want to cause a scene because of the Queen’s presence. But if she pushed me to the wall, I wouldn't hesitate to retaliate. 

“I mean you are friendly with your husband’s cousin, and you think it's right.” 

I giggled hard because I knew I wasn't going to say a nice thing, “Coming from someone who slept with her ex’s cousin.” 

“Ara! You shouldn't say that” Shirley immediately stood up and pointed her fingers at me. I didn't know how it affected her, but I responded calmly, “Aren’t you being biased here? 

Maya responded, her eyes glaring at me. “Who wouldn't be biased? 

I raised my hands, “Oh, not you pretending you like Isabella.” 

Her face reddened, and she stammered “What—are—!!” but I didn't have time. I was trying to keep myself composed and avoid any drama, not even when I was still guilty of what I did. I just hoped no one saw me when I returned the file early this morning. I thought I was going to go through it, hence taking it along with me. 

“Maya, just sit down,” Shirely said to her and helped her relax. I stared at Isabella, and she was now sitting calmly, and I chucked at the sight. 

Mike moved closer and wanted to whisper something to me when Noah arrogantly walked in. His eyes were dangerously narrowed and dark, his fists tightened together as he walked. 

I swallowed hard when I met his gaze. I shouldn't have been staring at him. I was the reason for his problems right now, 

“Noah……where—” Isabella quickly stood up with her pitiful face and strode toward Noah when he snapped coldly, 

“Get out” 

I almost busted out laughing, but I couldn't. Noah was still staring at me and I knew he was angry because of my closeness with Mike, but I didn't care, two could play a game.