The Hidden Duchess

CHAPTER 10

The Hidden Duchess | Royalty Series 1

Krizzybabes

Vienson 's act of friendship continued until I became used to it. And since he always spends his time here in the mansion, his friends also come here more often to hang out. I knew that they were starting to see Vienson's way of treating me changed, and they always shared a look whenever their friend tried to be nice to me or lend me a hand for something I did.

"Bud, com'on! That would be a great party. I'm sure you'll enjoy it kaya pumunta na tayo." I heard one of his friends tried to convince him and the others were sitting on the pool lounge.

"Casper, I already told you, I have a hearing the next morning for a law case I handle. I don't have time to party that night because I have to study that case thoroughly before the court hearing." Venison explained that a bit of annoyance was evident in his voice because of his peer pressure.

His friends couldn't do anything but sigh because of the finality in his voice. "Sayang naman, akala ko kasi talaga sasama ka ehh." Beatrice pouted and Vienson could only sigh because of that.

They're having a bonding session in the pool, swimming and sunbathing, which I don't know why because they usually hangout inside the gaming room, but today when I was outside to replant some flowers near the pool lounge, they all went out as if it's an urgent decision.

"Bawi nalang ako next time. You know this is a serious matter, it's a rape case and justice should be served for the victim. I can't lose this one," Beatrice rolled her eyes as if she didn't like what Vienson said.

"It's not like you'll earn a huge amount of money on winning their case; in fact, you gave them your service for free, so why do you have to make such an effort for it? Wala ka namang natatanggap na bayad." She said, and I couldn't help but shake my head while listening.

"That's why I became a lawyer for a reason, Brianna. I want to serve justice for those who had been taken advantage of, and give my service for free for those who badly needed it and can't afford to have their lawyers,"  Vienson reasoned. "What's the purpose of justice if only rich people could avail it right?" He added, making Beatrice roll her eyeballs again.

"Yeah, sure, Vien, whatever." She responded, and their friends laughed it off.

"Kaya talaga hindi ka parin sinasagot ni Bea, Vien eh, she didn't like that mindset of yours. You know Bea, she believed that there's no such things as free service sa panahong ngayon." Beatrice's best friend added and both share a look, smiling at each other.

I could hear everything they were saying, of course, since they were just nearby. I was already frowning—not because they were annoying, but because it was so hot and my hair kept sticking to my sweaty face and my hands were dirty, so I couldn’t just push my hair back to tie it, and it was incredibly annoying because it made my face itchy so I kept using the hem of my shirt to wipe my face.

"Need help?" I was dumbfounded hearing that voice. I looked up, stunned, staring at him with a surprised expression. His noisy friends suddenly fell silent as he approached me and offered his help, which I knew was very unusual for him. I wanted to decline, but seeing the genuine smile on his lips, I found myself nodding. His offer was a big help, so I could continue working without discomfort.

"Uh, yes, please!" I managed to say, giving him a weak smile because I was feeling a bit self-conscious, especially with his friends watching us.

He took the scrunchie off my wrist and quickly gathered my hair into a messy bun. I was about to thank him when he suddenly wiped the sweat from my face with his handkerchief,  which caught me off guard and made my heartbeat raised.