Fooling you

Chapter 4 : Admiration vs. Love

Due to the chaotic traffic, Edmund and Eve faced a considerable delay. "We're almost there, sir," the driver announced. Edmund, noticing Eve still asleep, gently patted her shoulder. When she didn't respond, he leaned in and whispered, "We're almost there, Eve." Sleepily, she merely nodded, her eyelids fluttering but remaining closed.

As they finally arrived at the mansion, Edmund carefully helped Eve awake. She stumbled out of the car, stretching and breathing in the fresh night air.

"Finally," Eve remarked, her curiosity piqued by Tatiana's insistence on matchmaking Evan, especially given his reputation as a playboy and the peculiar connection with the Princess, who was reportedly an honorary sister. They had brought along some exquisitely crafted souvenirs as welcome gifts for the Princess.

Approaching the dining room, the sounds of cheerful laughter and a melodious, childlike giggle piqued Eve's interest. She peered inside with Edmund following closely behind, holding the beautifully crafted gifts.

Upon seeing the new arrivals, Tatiana greeted them with a playful tone, "Ah, look who's here. The lovebirds have arrived!" Her gaze shifted to Edmund and Eve. Edmund rolled his eyes and replied with a touch of annoyance, "I'm her boyfriend, not just a bodyguard."

As the couple entered, Edmund noticed not just Tatiana, but also a woman in her twenties with a soft, graceful demeanor. His eyebrows furrowed in curiosity. "By the way, who's this?" he asked, his gaze assessing the elegant woman whose poised presence contrasted sharply with the lively atmosphere.

The Princess, smoothly transitioning from her previous demeanor, introduced herself with a warm, polite smile. "Greetings. My name is Soviolette Hillstain, the youngest princess of Hillstain. Please, call me Violette or Vivi." Tatiana's eyes shone with pride as she observed her sister presenting herself with such grace.

"Good evening. I'm Asher, Princess Violette's bodyguard," Asher announced, his deep voice adding a serious note to the room. Edmund felt the weight of Asher's imposing presence and the intensity of his gaze, particularly noting the badge on his right shoulder—a mark of one of the best bodyguards in the world.

Trying to shake off his instinctive wariness, Edmund responded with a friendly yet firm tone, "As for me, I'm Edmund Kingsley, or usually people call me Ed, Tatiana's younger brother."

"I've heard a lot about you, Princess Violette. I'm Genevieve Ryleigh, but you can call me Eve. As Edmund said, I am his girlfriend," Eve said with a charming smile. Her presence captivated Violette, who smiled softly in return as they presented the gifts they had brought.

"Thank you for the lovely welcome," Violette said, her eyes lighting up as she noticed the gifts. "May I open them?"

"Of course," Eve replied with a nod. Violette carefully unwrapped the presents, revealing a beautifully crafted seven-colored flower-shaped perfume bottle and an assortment of luxury beauty products. Her eyes lit up with genuine delight. With a warm smile, Violette thanked them, "Thank you so much."

Edmund responded with a kind smile, "My pleasure." He then added with a teasing glint in his eye, "I've met my new sister I never knew about." Turning to Tatiana with a playful smirk, he continued, "And now I need to dive back into my college assignments. Excuse me."

He then turned to Eve, giving her a loving pat on the head. "Enjoy yourself, Eve." With a final affectionate glance, he left the room.

Tatiana offered a wry smile as she addressed Violette, "I must apologize for Asher's abruptness. It's the Daisy effect." Her tone was apologetic but carried a hint of humor.

Violette returned the smile, her demeanor calm and composed. "No need to worry. I'm not affected." She knew well the story of the infamous Daisy effect.