Surprisingly Royal

👸 Chapter 31: Divorce

As we approach the neighborhood, my mind keeps circling back to earlier—back to Mum. Something about it all just doesn't sit right. I really hope there's an explanation that makes sense.

The walk home is oddly quiet.

I keep waiting for Carlos to throw in one of his usual jokes or sarcastic comments. But... nothing. He just walks beside me in silence, like he's got a storm going on in his head.

"Are you okay?" I finally ask, my voice low.

He turns to look at me for the first time since we left.
"Yeah. Why?"

"You've just been really quiet. That's all." I brush off some imaginary dirt from my dress to avoid his eyes.

He sighs.
"You're honestly impossible."

"Excuse me?" I stop and fold my arms.

"You heard me."
He runs a hand through his hair.
"When I talk, I'm apparently a self-obsessed jerk. When I don't, you ask what's wrong. What do you want me to do, Ciara?!"

Okay, he's clearly irritated.

"Hey! No need to snap. I was just trying to check in on you!"

"And I didn't ask for that, did I?"

I blink. That stings.

"What is wrong with you?! You were so sweet to me earlier and now you're back to being a complete ass!"

He just rolls his eyes.

"You know what? Whatever. Do what you want. I'm done trying."
I turn and start walking ahead.

I barely take two steps before I feel him grab my wrist and pull me back,straight into his chest.

"Let go!" I struggle in his grip.

"No." He says it calmly, like this is nothing.

"Carlos, I swear—"

"Swear what?" He raises a brow, daring me.

"I'll scream."

He smirks.
"Go ahead. Not like anyone's gonna hear you."

"You are so annoying."

"And yet..." He leans closer, "you're still here."

"Shut up. I don't even like you." I snap, eyes narrowed.

He clutches his chest dramatically.
"Ouch. Right in the heart, babe."

"Drop the act. One minute you're treating me like dirt, the next you're flirting with me. Pick a side."

"Still stuck on that?" he mutters, finally letting go.

"Of course I am! I actually have feelings, you know. I don't like being jerked around."

"And you think you don't do the same to me?"

"At least I don't pretend to be nice just to be mean later."

He falls quiet, jaw clenched. Then, finally
"Alright. I'm sorry, okay? For earlier."

"Save the fake apology."

He shrugs.
"Suit yourself."
He starts walking again, and I trail behind him, muttering under my breath.

"Douchebag."

I catch up, and that same troubled look is still on his face. I want to ask what's going on, but I stop myself. He'll probably just shut me down again.

A few more minutes pass before he finally speaks.

"My parents... they're thinking about getting a divorce."

I freeze.
"Wait—what?"

He nods, not even looking at me.
"Yeah."

"You've got to be joking. They're like... the sweetest couple ever."

"Not everything's as perfect as it looks."

"What happened?"

"I don't know the full story. They've just been arguing a lot lately. Avoiding each other. Like... they can't stand to be in the same room."

"Carlos... I'm so sorry." I don't even know what else to say.

"Don't be. If that's what they want, I'm not gonna fight it."
He kicks at a stone on the ground.

"But what about how you feel?"

"Doesn't matter. If they really cared, they wouldn't be thinking about splitting up in the first place."

"They do care about you. I'm sure of it. Maybe you should talk to them. Let them know how this is affecting you."

"No way. It's not going to change anything. What's the point?"

"Does Matilda know?"

"I don't think so. But she's not stupid. She's probably figured it out by now."

I sigh. Matilda would be heartbroken. I just hope she's strong enough to handle it when the truth finally hits.

We fall into silence again, the air heavy between us.

I can't stand how tense he looks, so I change the subject. I start rambling about weird town legends, stories Mum used to tell me, all the random history that may or may not be true.

And just like that his mood starts to shift.

He smirks again, shaking his head.
"You really believe all that crap?"

"Maybe. Maybe not. But at least I know how to keep things interesting."

He laughs softly. It's the first real laugh in a while.
And honestly? That's enough for now.