Different Worlds // n.h.

chapter thirty-four // fraud.

Niall's POV

I stood there in disbelief as I watched the hooded figure take away my love. I screamed her name, but she couldn't hear me. My whole body was shaking as I collapsed to the ground. Everyone was there watching me, but I didn't care. All I wanted was Grace. I needed her back. I needed her with me.

"We sent guards after her. We'll find her soon." One servant whispered in an attempt to comfort me, but nothing could be done. She was gone, and hurt for that matter. The image of her bleeding, unconscious body played repeatedly in my mind and I couldn't stop it.

"Leave me alone," I whispered, my voice hoarse. Everyone slowly walked away and I was left alone with my thoughts. I cried, and cried, and cried. This was all my fault. If I had stayed with her I could've saved her.

"I can't go back to Victoria! I can't go back!" Her words repeated in my mind like a broken record. She was terrified, and the thought of her worries destroyed my soul. I could've saved her. She could be safely in my arms right now. But she's not, and it was all my fault.

I heard a soft knock on the door and Kaitlyn shyly walked in. She sat next to me, but she didn't speak a single word. I wanted to be alone, yet her presence was comforting.

Finally, after a few minutes, she spoke up. "I know this isn't something you want to hear, but the woman escaped the guards." She took a deep breath, her voice trembling slightly. "But we've called the police and they're searching for her. Do you know the woman's name?"

"Victoria," I grunted, my heart too shattered to say anymore.

"We'll search for her in the records." And with that, the Queen left.

~ ~ ~

I trudged towards my father's office, muttering curse words under my breath. 2 days had passed since Grace's disappearance and my father expected me to immediately go back to work as if nothing had happened.

I felt terrible. Dark circles quickly formed under my eyes because I hadn't slept in 48 hours. I couldn't concentrate on anything. Anger and sorrow filled my heart and all I could think about was revenge; I wanted Victoria to feel the pain that Grace felt.

All I could do was blame myself, though the resentment I felt for Melody grew stronger and stronger every second.

"You look terrible," My father said. He had been completely ignoring the fact Gracey was gone, and I was determined to know why he was so laid back.

"Wow, I'm feeling great, thanks for asking," I said sarcastically, hoping he could catch on to my displeased mood.

"That's no way to talk to the king." Melody walked in, an unpleasant smirk on her face.

"Says you, old hag," I said, seething with rage. The anger I kept inside was slowly boiling over, and I was about to burst with fury. "You were the one who sent her after Gracey, weren't you."

Melody looked aghast. I had never once disrespected her, even though she'd always been cruel. "Gracey? I think you mean Grace Lennon," She smirked. "And it appears she's changed you to be just like her; annoying and flippant."

"What's going on?" The king demanded.

Melody turned to the both of us and spoke, "Remember when I told you Gracey had been acting suspicious, Your majesty?" Her fake 'happy-go-lucky' personality suddenly reappeared.

The king nodded and she continued. "I have more news for you. I did some research for myself and discovered she was plotting to murder the royal family. Not only that, but she framed me for doing it, and promptly told Niall." She played off a worried expression and continued. "I'm afraid this so-called 'Gracey' has put Niall under the wrong impression."

I was appalled. Surely my father wouldn't believe her, right? "She's lying!" I yelled. "Melody and the woman who kidnapped Gracey were plotting to kill us. Gracey would never; I— I know her heart." I hesitated at the last sentence, not sure what to think anymore. Had she really lied to me? I mean, she was hiding her identity from me this whole time, it isn't impossible for her to have lied. But I trust her . . . right?

"Are you really going to believe Gracey?" Melody cackled. "She lied about her name. Her real name is Grace Lennon. It's on the records. Why else would she lie about her name?"

"She was trying to get away from her abusive stepmother," I said before my father interrupted.

"Niall, I'm afraid I believe Melody. Why would you believe a girl who lied about her name? And on top of that, there isn't a single 'Victoria' to be found on any records. She was lying to you as a distraction."

"Then explain the woman who kidnapped Grace?" I stood my ground, I wouldn't let Melody convince my father to her side. I needed to convince myself too . . . "Who else would take her?"

Melody interrupted yet again. What lie did she come up with this time? "I witnessed it all, Your Majesty. Grace threw the vase, though it thankfully didn't hurt the woman. This woman, Mrs. Norma Williams, is whom I sent to get Grace once I found out she tried to kill the queen. Grace put up quite a fight."

"Why didn't you tell me first?" The king inquired.

"I didn't want to worry you, sir, but it appears things got out-of-hand either way."

Where did Melody become such a good liar? And how does my brother stand this woman? "Why on earth do you believe her? She's obviously lying. I saw Grace's unconscious body!"

"Taser." Melody replied, but I still didn't believe her.

"Niall, You've known Melody for over four years of your life, and she's your brother's fiance. Why would you believe Grace, someone you've known for only seven months, over her?"

"Because I trust her."

Melody rolled her eyes before continuing. "Should I call the police department to stop the search on 'Victoria'?"

"Yes. And while you're at it, tell them to search for Grace Lennon."

"No! She didn't do it! Can't you see? It's Melody!" I yelled, anger coursing through my veins. I yelled as much as I could, trying to get my father to listen to me, but he was too stubborn to do anything. In the last attempt, I smacked him across the face.

"I— I'm sorry, I didn't mean to — I was so mad I didn't realize—"

He made no reaction to my words but rather turned to his bodyguards.

"Lock him in his room and make sure he doesn't come out any time soon."

The bodyguards took my wrists and roughly dragged me towards my room. I struggled to get away, for their grip was too tight; but I kept trying. I needed my dad to listen to me, it was vital for Grace's safety.

Finally, we made it to the end of the hallway and I was thrown into my bedroom. The door quickly locked behind me. I pounded on the door, yelling to be let out, hoping anyone could hear me. I collapsed to the floor in defeat as tears threatened to escape my eyes. And I just let them fall.

I can't live without her.

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a/n

poor niall :(((( i feel bad for him. (i really don't tho tbh cuz i'm the writer and it's fun to create drama between my characters shhh... you're welcome)

lmao even idk what to call grace at this point cuz i'm so used to typing gracey

dang im on a chapter-writing ROLL. 3 chapters in what 2 weeks???? usually i update every like 3-to 4 months so we're doing good

anyways, i have nothing to report today other than the fact im obsessed with mr darcy

thank you so much for taking the time out of your day to read this book for reals because it means so much to me <3 your comments MAKE. MY. DAY. so i just want to say thank you for all your support, you guys are absolutely amazing! i love you all so much and i hope you have an amazing year <3