Majestic Misstaps

Chapter 16

Author's note
For the experience, I recommend you to listen to the song above on Spotify while reading this chapter. Trust me on this
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Seraphine Palace, Eldoria
December

When Lisa arrived at Seraphine Palace at 2 PM, Jennie realized just how much she had neglected herself. The whirlwind of events—the news of her father's critical condition, the shocking revelation about his lung cancer, and the overwhelming pressure to assume his role—had all consumed her thoughts. She hadn't eaten anything since she woke up, the knot of anxiety in her stomach refusing to untangle. But now, with Lisa by her side, Jennie felt a wave of relief wash over her.

Jennie turned to Jarvis, her voice soft but firm, "Jarvis, I'd like to have my lunch undisturbed. Just Lisa and I in my suite."

Jarvis nodded, understanding the unspoken request. Within minutes, servants discreetly brought in trays of food—fragrant chicken fried rice for Jennie and fried noodles for Lisa. The scent of the food filled the room, but Jennie could only manage a few bites. Her appetite had vanished, weighed down by the stress of the day. Lisa noticed Jennie's hesitation and, with a tender smile, tried to coax her into eating more, gently offering her spoonfuls of rice. But Jennie declined, shaking her head.

Lisa set her utensils down, concern etching lines into her brow. She knew Jennie too well; on any other day, Jennie would have easily finished her meal. Today, though, was far from normal.

"What can I do to make you feel better?" Lisa asked, her voice soft, filled with genuine concern as she reached across the table to take Jennie's hand.

Jennie looked up, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "Can we just cuddle?" she asked, her voice almost a whisper, as if admitting this vulnerability was too much.

"Of course, honey," Lisa replied without hesitation. She stood up, walked over to Jennie's side, and gently led her to the bed.

They lay down together, Jennie resting her head on Lisa's chest, listening to the rhythmic beat of her heart. It was a sound that had always brought Jennie comfort, a steady reminder that she wasn't alone. As Lisa's arms enveloped her, Jennie felt a tiny sliver of peace amidst the chaos.

They spoke in soft tones, their conversation drifting from one topic to another. Jennie talked about how the company stocks had taken a hit after she returned to Eldoria, but how she and Sarah managed to stabilize the situation. And then, of course, the heavy news about her father—how he had fallen into cardiac arrest, and the secret he had kept from everyone about his illness.

"How are you feeling?" Lisa asked gently, her fingers running through Jennie's hair.

Jennie sighed, a deep breath that shuddered as it left her lips. "Lost. Afraid," she admitted, her voice small and trembling. "I've never felt like this before, Lisa. Panic attacks, yes, but not this... this weight, this fear that I'm going to let everyone down."

Lisa's heart ached at Jennie's words. She shifted slightly so that she could look Jennie in the eyes. "You're so much stronger than you realize, Jennie," Lisa said softly, her voice full of conviction. "I've seen you command a room, lead people, make decisions that others would shy away from. You caught my attention the moment I saw you, not just because of your beauty, but because of your strength, your presence. You make me feel worthy just by being you."