𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝𝐬 𝐀𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐞

24. A Bombshell

The morning sun was already high when Arielle stirred awake, the soft rays peeking through the curtains of her bedroom. She groaned, realizing she had overslept. Fortunately, she didn't have any training that day, and with a sigh of relief, she stretched and got out of bed. Her mind wandered to Aiore. After everything that had happened between them, she felt a growing warmth in her chest, and she couldn't wait to see him again.

She dressed quickly, planning to find him, maybe to share breakfast or just sit quietly in his presence. Her thoughts were full of him. But as she walked through the palace halls, her steps slowed when she overheard a group of maids talking in hushed voices.

"I can't believe it," one of them whispered, her tone full of gossip and shock. "Prince Aiore brought a girl into the palace."

Arielle's heart skipped a beat, and she took a step back, hiding herself from view to listen more closely.

"And not just that," another maid added. "He gave her a room... right next to his own chambers. Can you imagine?"

Arielle felt the air leave her lungs. A room next to Aiore's? She clutched her chest, her pulse quickening as fear began to creep into her heart.

"Who is she?" one maid asked, her voice tinged with curiosity. "I've never seen anyone close to Prince Aiore, let alone a woman staying by his side like that."

"Her name is Freya," the first maid answered. "She's not from any noble family. She's just a commoner, but oh, she's beautiful. Perhaps that's why Prince Aiore seems to have fallen for her at first sight. I kinda feel pity for his fiancée though. Tsk, tsk."

Arielle's chest tightened, the name Freya echoing in her mind like a curse. Freya. The original female lead from the novel. The one Aiore was supposed to fall in love with.

Tears welled up in Arielle's eyes as reality crashed down around her. Despite everything that had happened between her and Aiore-despite the bond they had shared-Freya had come into the picture. Was she foolish to think she had a special place in his heart? All her feelings, the moments they shared... had she been living in a dream, while Aiore's heart was destined to belong to someone else?

Her vision blurred as she turned away, her legs shaking beneath her. She needed to leave, to get away from the gossiping maids and the truth that was tearing her heart apart. But before she could retreat, she heard a voice call out.

"Arielle?"

Aldith stood in front of her, his face filled with concern. He had clearly noticed her distress. "Are you alright?"

"I'm fine," Arielle lied, though her trembling voice betrayed her emotions. She tried to force a smile, but Aldith wasn't fooled. His gaze softened as he studied her tear-filled eyes.

"I know you're not," he said gently, stepping closer. "Do you... want to talk? Perhaps a dance would cheer you up."

Arielle shook her head, unable to bear any company. "No... thank you." Her voice cracked. "I need to be alone."

Before Aldith could say more, Arielle hurried away, leaving him standing in the hallway, his heart heavy. He watched her retreat, feeling helpless. He wanted to be the one to ease her pain, but he knew that her heart belonged to someone else.

Back in her room, Arielle tried to calm herself. She picked up a book from the small table by her bed, hoping it would distract her, but the words on the page blurred as her mind raced with thoughts of Aiore and Freya. She couldn't focus. Frustration and heartache mixed in her chest as she tossed the book aside.

I need to talk to him.

The urge to confront Aiore overwhelmed her. She couldn't just sit there, feeling helpless while someone else was taking him away. Wiping the tears from her eyes, she stood up with determination. She had to know what was going on. She needed to hear it from Aiore himself.

When she found him, her heart sank. Aiore was standing in his study, and beside him was a beautiful woman-Freya. Her long, silky hair shimmered in the soft light of the room, and her delicate features were framed by a calm, composed expression. Freya smiled as they spoke quietly, their conversation flowing naturally, as if they had known each other for a long time.

Arielle's breath caught in her throat, her chest tightening even further. She swallowed hard, trying to compose herself, but she couldn't stop the jealousy that burned inside her.

She cleared her throat to announce her presence, and both Aiore and Freya turned toward her. The smile on Freya's face faded slightly as she noticed the tension in the room, while Aiore's expression shifted to surprise.

"Arielle..." Aiore started, taking a step forward. "What are you doing here?"

Arielle's heart pounded in her chest, but before she could answer, he frowned slightly. "You didn't even knock before coming."

His words felt like a blow. Arielle bit her lip, the pain in her chest deepening. Since when did Aiore care about formalities like knocking? She blinked back tears, trying to stay strong.

Freya, sensing the tension, quickly introduced herself, her voice gentle and respectful. "I'm Freya. I... work as a herbalist."

Arielle's gaze hardened, and though she didn't want to be rude, the jealousy that gripped her made her words sharp. "Aren't you just a commoner? What are you doing here?"

Freya looked down, hurt flashing across her face.

Aiore's expression darkened, and he stepped toward Arielle. "You have no idea how difficult it was for me to find her." His voice was low, a mix of frustration and disappointment. "She's here because she can help, and you're insulting her. What's wrong with you?"

Arielle's heart shattered. Aiore had never spoken to her like this. Was she really so unimportant to him? Her vision blurred with fresh tears as she tried to speak, but nothing came out. Without another word, she turned on her heel and left the study, her footsteps heavy as she made her way back to her room.

That night, as the palace fell into quiet darkness, Arielle cried alone in her room. The hurt was unbearable. She clutched her chest, trying to stop the sobs that wracked her body, but they only grew louder. The image of Aiore with Freya haunted her, and she couldn't shake the feeling that maybe-just maybe-she had lost him.

Love, it seemed, was far more painful than she had ever imagined.