Royal Façade[COMPLETED]✔

💮 Chapter 2💮: Every girl wants to be loved.

 Edited.

"Princess, your friend Tina wishes to see you. Shall I let her in?" Mary’s voice was steady but tinged with hesitation as she stood by the door.

I set my paintbrush down, glancing at the ornate clock on the wall above my bed. Its hands read 11:33 PM.

"I don’t wish to see anyone. Tell her to leave," I instructed, my voice calm but resolute.

"Yes, Princess," she responded with a slight bow before retreating, closing the door softly behind her.

Moments later, I called out again, "Mary?"

She returned promptly, "Yes, Princess?"

"Prepare a room for her to stay the night, or ask Mark to escort her home. It’s too dangerous for a young woman to be out at this hour," I said, my tone softening just enough to convey concern.

"As you wish, Princess," she replied, departing with the same measured grace.

I sighed, knowing Tina's worries about me were genuine. I shouldn’t have dismissed her so curtly, but I wasn’t ready to face her—or anyone, for that matter. I had slipped away from the ball without informing her, though I’d instructed Mark to circle back and ensure she got home safely.

Perhaps tomorrow, I would find the strength to explain myself.

Rising from my chair, I picked up the handkerchief lying on the table. I brought it to my nose, its scent—faint yet distinctive—lingered, carrying with it memories I couldn’t shake. Stepping onto the veranda, I settled onto the swing, the cool night air brushing against my skin.

Under the moon’s silvery glow, I examined the handkerchief. Embroidered initials—D.H.—gleamed faintly. I didn’t know what they stood for, but they belonged to him. His face was seared into my memory, appearing vividly every time I closed my eyes. He had smiled at me, wiping away my tears, and left an indelible mark on my soul.

Questions gnawed at my mind, questions I feared might never find answers.

Who was he? How did he find me in that moment? And Ezra… how could he stand there with her, knowing the weight of my trust? Was he manipulated, or had he truly fallen so low? Where was my father in all this—when I needed him most?

Folding the handkerchief carefully, I rose from the swing. Answers would come, I told myself, but I hoped they would not take too long.

_______________________________✍

"Nora, it’s time for school," Nanny’s familiar voice roused me as she flung open the curtains, sunlight spilling into the room.

I groaned, burrowing deeper into my pillow. The cocoon of warmth was too comforting to leave.

Then, without warning, my duvet was yanked away.

"Nanny!" I protested, my voice muffled by frustration.

"Up, Princess. You don’t want to be late," she chided, her tone firm yet gentle.

Reluctantly, I sat up, fixing her with a half-hearted glare.

"Breakfast is ready. Get yourself cleaned up, dressed, and downstairs to eat. Mark will drive you to school," she instructed, her authority leaving no room for negotiation.

I turned to Mary. "Fetch me my breakfast," I commanded.

Before Mary could respond, Nanny interjected sharply. "No, Mary’s coming with me. And you, young lady, need to learn self-sufficiency. Mary won’t always be here to cater to your whims."

With that, she left, Mary trailing behind her like a dutiful shadow.

Grumbling under my breath, I dragged myself to the bathroom, took a quick shower, and donned my school uniform. My hair was hastily tied into a ponytail, and a spritz of perfume from my Dubai collection completed the look. Begrudgingly, I made my way downstairs.

Nanny was already waiting in the dining hall, her eyes sharp with expectation.

"Your prayers, young lady," she reminded as I reached for my fork.

Muttering a short prayer, I began eating, though my appetite was scarce.

"Where’s Tina?" I asked Mary the moment Nanny stepped out of earshot.

"She left last night, Princess. She didn’t want her parents to worry, so Mr. Mark took her home. She mentioned she’d see you today."

I nodded, rising from the table with my bag slung over one shoulder. The last thing I needed was Nanny catching me leaving food behind.

Outside, Mark was already waiting. He took my bag and held the car door open.

"NORA! YOU HAVEN’T FINISHED YOUR BREAKFAST!" Nanny’s voice thundered from the doorway.

"Go, Mark, now!" I hissed, urgency lacing my words.

Mark needed no further prompting and sped off, leaving Nanny in the rearview mirror.

"Thank you, Mark," I sighed, leaning back in my seat.

"Anything for you, Princess," he replied warmly.

"How’s your daughter?" I asked, concern evident in my tone.

His face fell slightly. "She’s been diagnosed with leukemia," he admitted.

My heart clenched. "That’s terrible… Mark, from tomorrow, stay with her until she recovers. I’ll ensure you have the funds for her treatment."

"But what about you, Princess?"

"I can manage. I’ll drive myself to school if needed," I assured him.

His gratitude was palpable. "Thank you, Your Highness. This means the world to me."

"She’ll pull through," I said softly, offering him a faint smile.

_________________________________✍

At Sentifield Trest High, the prestigious academy known for its rigorous standards and refined uniforms, Tina was already waiting by the entrance.

As soon as I arrived, she seized my arm, dragging me toward our lockers.

"What happened?" she demanded, her expression a mixture of worry and frustration. "You vanished from the ball, and Ezra… he was with Annabelle."

I hesitated, words failing me. Just then, Ezra and Annabelle walked in, their hands intertwined.

"Excuse me, Tina," I said firmly, stepping past her.

Ezra’s arm slid protectively around Annabelle’s waist, and she smiled—sickly sweet, yet hollow.

"Ezra, let’s not upset your ex. She might do something desperate," Annabelle purred.

"Your ex?" I echoed, voice calm yet laced with steel. "No need for theatrics, Annabella. You’ve already won your prize."

Her face twisted with rage. "Don’t call me that, you—"

"Enough," I interrupted, my grip tightening on her wrist. "Take him. I have no need for someone so small."

Ezra stepped forward, his voice cutting through my resolve. "Let her go, Nor."

That name, a remnant of what once was, shattered the last of my defenses.

The pain in my chest was unbearable, but I managed to whisper to him, "Did you ever love me?"

His answer was cold and final. "No. You were just a means to an end."

_______________________________________✍

Hidden in the restroom, I muffled my sobs into a handkerchief. The weight of betrayal crushed me. Love, I realized, had always eluded me—and perhaps it always would.