Fooling you

Chapter 5 : Admiration vs. Love II

Tatiana's remarks were silenced the dining room as Eve mustered the courage to speak, "If I may ask, since you're so eager to meet Evan and push for this engagement, I'd like to understand your reasons. He's a good friend of mine, and I want to ensure his happiness too." Eve's voice was steady, though beneath it lay a tangle of emotions—guilt about the past and a protective instinct for her friend.

The air grew chilly as Violette spun her wine glass before responding, " her expression unreadable. "My main objective," she began, her voice low but firm, "is to make my parents change their minds. I picked the least favorable candidate they proposed to force them to see Asher in a better light. I want them to realize he's the best option." Her tone was clear, but the intensity in her eyes showed she wasn't taking this lightly.

Eve's shock was evident as she mumbled, "Asher? The bodyguard you were with?" She hadn't expected Violette to harbor feelings for someone as cold and distant as Asher—a man who, to Eve, seemed almost dangerous. If someone had told her he was an assassin, she might have believed it; his eyes were always so devoid of emotion.

Violette nodded, her cheeks flushing a deep cherry red. "Yes, and he's also my childhood friend. I love him." Despite her words, the color in her cheeks wasn't the fiery passion one might expect. It was a softer, more vulnerable hue, a mix of shyness and sincerity rather than infatuation.

Tatiana, sensing Eve's confusion, remained silent, her thoughts carefully guarded. After a brief lull in the conversation, Violette stifled a yawn, prompting Tatiana to gently suggest she retire for the night. She called for a servant to guide Violette and Asher to their guest room. Violette bid them farewell with a complicated smile before leaving.

Once the door was closed, Eve, still troubled, spoke up with hesitance, "Um, Tatiana..." she began, her voice tentative. Tatiana, anticipating Eve's concerns, smiled calmly. "Yes, Eve?"

Eve's voice wavered as she continued, "This might be overstepping, but... is Violette's idea of love for Asher... real?"

Tatiana let out a heavy sigh, her face a portrait of inner turmoil. "Our suspicions may be well-founded, but we can't express them to Violette. She has to find out for herself whether what she feels for Asher is real love or just infatuation. Given her rebellious streak, she'd never accept that Asher might be under suspicion. She'd defend him with everything she has, and that reckless nature could lead her into danger. And who knows? Maybe we're wrong, and it would be better for her if we are."

Eve nodded slowly, her mind still swirling with uncertainty. "I'll try to persuade Evan to help. But I'm worried—not just whether he agrees, but if he does, it could be difficult for him. All eyes would be on him, and Violette's reputation would be at stake."

Tatiana cleared her throat, her voice thoughtful. "That's for Evan to decide. He's mature and has managed his company well since his grandfather's passing. Being a Casanova might not be an option if he's engaged. And, if needed, he could always find other ways to... satisfy his needs." Her words were practical, though laced with a hint of concern.

Eve fidgeted, still not fully convinced, "Why doesn't Violette just talk to her parents rather than going through all this?"

Tatiana let out a heavy sigh, her face a portrait of inner turmoil. "Our suspicions may be well-founded, but we can't express them to Violette. She has to find out for herself whether what she feels for Asher is real love or just infatuation. Given her rebellious streak, she'd never accept that Asher might be under suspicion. She'd defend him with everything she has, and that reckless loyalty could lead her into danger. And who knows? Maybe we're wrong, and it would be better for her if we are."

Her voice carried the weight of genuine concern, reflecting the painful choice she faced—letting Violette walk this uncertain path alone, even though every fiber of her being wanted to protect her. It was a struggle between stepping back and intervening, knowing that sometimes, people need to make their own mistakes to truly learn.

Eve let out a soft, nervous laugh, her mind still spinning from the political web they had just untangled. "All this scheming... it's enough to make my head spin. So, you're keeping Violette busy by pairing her with Evan for now?"

Tatiana nodded, her gaze thoughtful yet mischievous. "Exactly. And, if I can pull it off, I'd love to invite some of the more... shall we say, 'rejected' candidates from her list to your birthday party." Her eyes sparkled, clearly relishing the drama she was stirring up.

Eve's curiosity piqued. "Rejected? Now, that sounds fun! Who are these unfortunate souls?"

Tatiana grinned, listing them off as though she were presenting gifts. "Oh, just a prince from Britain, and, of course, Wayne Austin, the celebrity with a story to tell." She gave a playful wink.

Eve's excitement bubbled over. "Wayne Austin? Diane is going to lose her mind!" Diane's not-so-secret crush on Wayne was well-known, and Eve could already imagine her reaction.

Tatiana, never one to miss an opportunity to tease, shot her a playful look. "Don't go swooning over Wayne, darling—you've already got my brother."

Eve's smile radiated pure joy. "I won't. I love Ed and wouldn't trade him for anyone, not even a king."

As if on cue, the door swung open, revealing Edmund with a grin that lit up the room. His blue eyes twinkled as he chuckled, "Is that so? I love you too, and I'm honored you chose humble me over a king."

Tatiana, witnessing the affectionate exchange, facepalmed, clearly exasperated by their flamboyant display. Noticing the late hour, Edmund remarked, "It's 1 A.M. I'm not sure if Tian would be ecstatic to know his beloved pregnant wife is still awake."

Tatiana's complexion went pale, her anxiety evident. "Ed, you're still the kind-hearted brother, right? You won't tell Tian, will you?" The question escaped her lips, reflecting past instances when Edmund's innocence had been exploited by a childhood friend whom he thought of as a sister. This relationship forced him to adopt a more guarded disposition—realizing that blind kindness could border on foolishness, nearly causing him to lose the love of his life— The current Edmund, is not as kind as the young Edmund.

With a playful smirk, Edmund relished the sway he held. "You shouldn't have said that. I'll inform brother-in-law now." He mockingly reached for his phone.

Desperate, Tatiana pleaded, "Fine! You're a mean little brother. Please don't tell him," her thoughts flashing back to Tian's harsh reactions in times of anger. Edmund, satisfied with her concession, put his phone away, still wearing his mischievous smirk.

"That's more like it," He declared.

"Let's head back to my room, Eve," Edmund suggested gently, extending his hand. Grasping it firmly, Eve replied as she prepared to leave, "Okay. Tatiana, I'll go now."

Before she could step out, Tatiana caught her with a whisper, "Eve, keep this between us. Violette's still young and brash." Standing beside the eager Edmund, Eve whispered back, "Of course. She reminds me of my old self before my family's bankruptcy. I'd still be arrogant if not for the lessons I learned."

Tatiana, relieved but still burdened with thoughts, advised, "Now, lovebirds, go on. I need a good night's sleep." She waved them off with a weary yet tender smile, her mind wandering to Fian.

As they departed the now-silent dining room, they remained oblivious to the shadowy figure lingering just outside, his fist clenched in anger over the revelations he had just overheard.

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