The Fallen Princess

The Nineteenth Fall

The sudden departure of Eve made Edmund feel guilty. He self-reflected, and soon enough, he realized he might have said something offensive. Regardless of how everything turned out, Edmund thought it was understandable why Eve reacted like that after what happened to her family. Especially how different people would treat you only because of your financial situation. She managed to earn hate for someone entirely ignorant about someone's financial state, Bianca.

On the way back to the car, Edmund decided to consult with his Mother, the great counselor of the Kingsleys. The driver was confused inside the vehicle, "Young Master, where is the young lady?" Honestly, he was pretty surprised at how Edmund treated Eve. If he didn't know better how kind Edmund is, he would have thought his master was courting her.

"She left earlier." The woman who brought the luxurious brands into the condo put a lot of bags into the trunk. Noticing the confusion on his driver, Edmund continued, "She forgot her dress." He sighed heavily before waving his hand at his driver and said, "Keep it first. Since tomorrow is Friday, there is still time to give the dress to her. If tomorrow isn't convenient, there are still four days before my birthday party. Now, let's go home." Edmund reflected greatly on why he cared so much about Eve. Moreover, following what Vince had told him earlier that day, there is a significant probability he likes her because of the unique treatments he had given Eve.

Furthermore, Vince added that if Edmund wants her, he should court Eve properly before Evan realizes his feelings. The way Evan guarded Eve when she was already a fallen isn't normal, considering he is the type who changes girls every time he gets the chance to. Only Eve is the longest girl to stay near him, and there is gossip circulating that Eve hasn't slept with Evan yet, hence why they are still together to this day. Edmund was bewildered about why Vince had told him all of this. Therefore, he doesn't understand why he is concerned with this girl who isn't his type.

A girl who loves to skinship to any guy? She has a flirty voice that made me cringe every time despite the fact she does? have a stunning appearance, yet she isn't intelligent. Furthermore, she intends to use me by guilt-tripping me all the time... How could that be...

If it wasn't because Edmund knew there were three Fallen he failed to save, he is confident that he would have ignored Eve instead. His thoughts were stopped by the driver, "Young Master, we have reached our destination." Immediately, Edmund jumped out of the car and walked fast toward the grand dining room.

"Hi, I'm home. What is for dinner?" With a simple entrance, Edmund greeted the people inside. Surprised to see another person who hadn't announced her arrival beforehand, Edmund added, "Ah, Tatiana, you are here! It is rare to see you here." He sat down, wondering why his sister, who was already married and rarely went home, was here.

"Hi, Eddy. Such a nice greeting." She sarcastically said before continuing, "The dinner would be my favorite. Hence, I couldn't resist coming. Of course, it is just for today. Finn has a meeting, so he can't join us." Taking a huge bag to the table, Tatiana added, "And well, I'm here bringing a souvenir for my favorite little brother." Taking out the stuff inside the bag, Tatiana exclaimed, "I bought you some watches and shirts I thought you would like!" Tatiana showed three elegant, exquisite watches one by one as she explained why she chose them along with the two shirts she bought for him before putting them back in the bag and pushing the souvenir to Edmund's way.

"It's cool. Thank you." Tatiana grinned at Edmund's praise. Suspicious, he curled his eyebrows since he could tell her grinning wasn't normal. His instinct was on point when Tatiana once again opened her mouth, "You know, I was going to search for the dress for your birthday party, and when I called the boutique, the usual boutique our family use, they told me that you ordered the boutique to put their new features in our condominium near your school."

Edmund was going to defend himself when an older woman with a graceful smile and soft face line that was none other than Mrs. Vivianne Kingsley, the madame of the manor, suddenly got interested in the conversation, "Oh really? Tatiana? Does the boutique tell you who it was for?"

"They didn't say anything. According to the lady who served them, she only said she is a rare beauty." Eyebrows raised upwards, Mr. Jonas Kingsley, the older version of Edmund, joined the conversation full of interest, "Who is this young girl?"

Knowing to lie wouldn't be helpful, Edmund answered them honestly, "Well, she is Genevieve Ryleigh, or usually, she is called Eve," Even if he lied, eventually, they would know the truth, or they already do and just test him again. At the infamous name, Tatiana looked concerned, "The Ryleigh's family who goes under?"

Looking concerned, Mrs. Kingsley said, "Oh my, and she is a young girl too. Is she okay? I heard the school life for people with a sudden financial problem usually get bullied here and there?"

"Well, Yes. She is from the bankrupted Ryleigh's family, and yes, she is okay because I introduced her to my group, and they helped her not to be bullied." Unsatisfied by Edmund's answer, Mr. Kingsley interrogates him, "Since when did you get close to her?"

"Well, Father, it was because I was late for the chemistry class that I got partnered up with her because she is the only one who hasn't gotten a partner yet." Smiling proudly at his son's confident answer, Mr. Kingsley said, "Tell her if there is anything that we can help with, we will help her as she is a friend of yours." Kindly, Mr. Kingsley offered his help to Eve indirectly through Edmund. Hearing the positive words from his Father, he smiled brightly.

It is great when I feel like my family is backing her up as I do because that means I made the right choice.

"Of course. I already help her as much as I can." At Edmund's response, Mr. Kingsley looked suspiciously at his son, "Ed, you like her, don't you?" His sudden question made Edmund's heart drop. This question again. He was stunned by his straightforward question while Mrs. Kingsley giggled, seeing Edmund's dumbfounded facial expression.

"Hmm... I think he does. Why would you bring her to choose a dress in one of our apartments near the school? For lending help, I think it is too much. If my guess is right, that dress is for your birthday party. We could have rented the dress instead of buying it for her." 

No one would blame you for staying quiet, Sis.

"Vince did mention that I have this probability that I like her. The problem is, I don't think I am. Even if I care about her, she isn't my type, and I believe these feelings are pity." Edmund's weak explanation turned the whole table silent, not buying what Edmund had just said. Ignoring his confession, Tatiana suggested, "Hm, I think we should see if he likes her at his birthday party later. How about that?"

Mrs. Kingsley clapped her hand, agreeing with her daughter, "It is a good idea." Soon, Tatiana's favorite food came to the table, such as The Oyster Rockefeller's and Grilled beef with Smash Potatoes.

"There is wine. But, you can't drink it, son. At your 18th birthday party, no alcohol is allowed since most of your friends are still under 18. Okay?" Edmund nodded at his Father's order. Slowly, Edmund cut a slice of the beef to put it in his mouth and savored the tender and soft meat. Edmund always loved how the chef in his house cooked the Grilled beef better than in the restaurant.

Instead of Edmund's reaction, Tatiana exclaimed, "I love this!" before taking another sip of her favorite wine. Feeling it was his turn, Edmund teased, "Without Finn?"

"He will be here later and have a sleepover with me." Edmund chuckled, rolling his eyes, "He is SO head over heels with you."

"But, I wonder what Eve looks like until he can make this little brother buy her a dress." Tatiana suddenly changed the topic back to Edmund and Eve. In his mind, Edmund stood still, believing that he didn't like Eve that way. Edmund didn't bother to respond to his sister's mocking. Instead, Edmund aloofly said," You will see her next Tuesday evening," Excited, Tatianna nodded and said, "I can't wait!"

"Mother, I have things to discuss with you later," Edmund remarked as he remembered he had to ask for a consultation.

"Alright. After dinner, we will talk."

***

"So, what do you want to talk about?" Mrs. Kingsley straightforwardly asked his son as soon as he arrived and put down her tablet to give her full attention to her clueless son.

***