𝗔 𝗟𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗟𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗛𝗶𝗺 ⟡ Espresso CRK [Book 2]

Chapter 46

Latte's POV

Is Espresso okay? I observed Madleine's taut movements as he approached Espresso, which gave a sense of urgency. From far away, Espresso appeared to be a mix of fuming, daze, and queasy, like coffee that had been over-brewed and burnt.

"Shut up! You son of a traitor!" Someone hurled an insult at Clotted, who had tried to calm the new drama that had arisen. When Financier attempted to defend Clotted, aristocrats talked over her as well.

Oof... brutal. I winced at the onslaught.

My eyes zoomed in on my mother, her hips swaying and champagne swish as she siddled past other cookies. It seemed like she wasn't planning on sticking around or returning to being locked up.

"Excuse me," I said to the worker as she secured the knot on the bandage that covered my wound.

I pulled away apologetically, and she huffed, muttering how twitchy I was.

"I'm going to go over there," I said to Financier and Clotted, who were huddled in a whisper.

They broke apart, and Clotted nodded. They glanced at who I indicated, and Financier said, "Be cautious then."

I stormed towards my mother, my shoulder still throbbing from the cut.

"Mom!" I called out, pacing quickly towards her.

Doppio froze in her tracks, not turning around. I took this opportunity to quickly loop around, facing her. I stared at her, face to face, into her mocha-coloured eyes. Many people complimented my eyes on how lovely they were, saying they resembled my mother's. I used to beam at those remarks, but now I wish they didn't.

My eyebrows furrowed, seeing my other's unscathed face. Doppio's appearance was polished, her makeup done stunningly, and she wore a pricey dress. She held the champagne as if she owned the party. No hint of remorse could be found in her expression.

"Mom," I repeated, my lips pressing into a thin, disapproving line.

Her eyes seemed to light up, hearing me call her mom again, but I had little patience for her coy smile.

"Daughter, you must have been scared of getting in trouble," Doppio soothed. "I understand. I was angry, but now I forgive you."

"Stop!" I said cuttingly, raising my voice in frustration.

Her smile dropped instantly, and I could feel her disappointment in me. Ignoring the feeling, I asked, hands clenched, "What did you do to Espresso?!"

"Whatever do you mean? Daughter?" Doppio echoed, feigning innocence as she batted her lashes.

"Don't whatever me- Don't play innocent! What did you say to Espresso to cause him to be so- so out of it?! Why is he so upset?" I exclaimed, jabbing my fingers to Espresso.

Doppio displayed no emotions, watching as Espresso shoved Madeleine away.

"I just did what they told me to do and told him the truth," Doppio huffed, rolling her eyes in annoyance, "Is that so wrong? It isn't like I forced him to react that way."

"What you were told to do- don't tell me you actually did strike a deal with the Madeleine house!" I frowned.

Doppio shrugged, pausing to tip back her head, letting the rest of the bubbly drink disappear down her throat. Setting the glass down on the nearby table with a clink, she replied curtly, "I just did what felt right and restored what I deserved."

I grit my teeth, tears collecting at the back of my eyes as I blinked them away.

"But- but why?" I shouted, bewildered.