The Prince That Got Away ( A Royal Romance Novel )

The Other Woman

Emilia's POV:-

That's it. I was officially having a panic attack. Somewhere at the back of my mind I know that I shouldn't believe just everything I see. This could be photoshopped. Or maybe it's an old picture. God knows how many times Leyla has been admitted to the hospital because she did something stupid.

There's also the question of who sent me the picture. What was the person aiming for? Mentally torturing me? Separating Louis and me? I also had to ponder about what to do if this were true. I get that ours was a fake marriage but weren't we both supposed to be exclusive? At least to keep up the pretense of being in a loving marriage.

Didn't he say last night that he respected me, even admired me? Then how could he humiliate me this way? There was a part of me that screamed that I should leave and another that said Louis would never do this to me.

As if on cue Louis walked in loosening his tie. I noticed that his attire was the same as in that photo. Black suit with a red tie. That means the picture sent to me was taken today.

His gaze fell on my face and he immediately frowned.

" What's wrong?" His voice was filled with concern as he strode toward me.

Was he that good of an actor? Did my feelings for him make me so blind? Or was this all real?

Whenever I got really upset I found it hard to speak, at least without stammering. Rather than make a fool of myself I quietly handed Louis my phone where he could see the picture himself.

I wondered what he would say. Would he make excuses or tell me bluntly that ours was a marriage of convenience, and since I owed him my life I should keep my mouth shut and endure? If he said the latter I didn't know what I was going to do.

The thought that this would become a replay of the past and that he would once again become my powerful enemy and tormentor, overwhelmed me with pain and disappointment. Louis took a deep breath as if steeling himself for something.

" I will get straight to the point Emilia. Leyla did kiss me, but I quickly pulled away."

" Not fast enough though because it got captured on camera. " I said sarcastically.

" I was frankly surprised by what she did, that's why I didn't react as quickly as I should have. I thought I made it clear to Leyla that we were just good friends. Apparently, she doesn't buy that our marriage is real and was hoping all along that I would give her another chance. Obviously, I was a fool for not realizing that sooner. For that, I am really sorry. You didn't deserve to go through this."

He spoke with conviction and his voice never wavered for a second. It made one want to believe everything that he said was true. Yet he was not very different from a politician. All his life he had been groomed to put up appearances and even lie when necessary.

Could I trust him? I remembered that day at school when I confronted him about my scholarship. He had confidently asserted that he had nothing to do with the matter. Was he lying like he did back then?

" Honestly, Louis I don't know what to believe. You certainly seem to have a soft spot for her. Despite not being 'together' you are always there for her when she needs you. I spent the entire day wondering where the hell you were. You didn't even care to call me until the entire day had passed. I wonder how you would react if I did the same thing."

I stood up and strolled to the window. I didn't want him to see the hurt in my eyes, I already felt vulnerable as it is.

" I am truly sorry Emilia. I was told Leyla had slashed both her wrists and had lost a lot of blood. I feared that she wouldn't make it this time. I wasn't thinking and later I lost track of time and I didn't realize how late it was."