Chapter 9: Anastasia Cullen
Vishiea’s POV“The king wanted to meet you and others today at eleven thirty,” My brow furrowed as I looked at her. “I mean, at luncheon. You are one of the VIPs, so you must be there,” she continued. I see. I nodded my head.“I’ll be there. Anyway, thank you for informing and helping me,” I said and smiled a little. She smiled back, “It’s my pleasure to help you, my lady.”She stood up and bowed, “I’ll take my leave then. I’ll see you around,” she said, turning her back on me. I watch her vanish in my vision. When she was gone, a sigh escaped from my lips, and I looked around.“This feels surreal. Now that I’m back, I’ll make them pay,” I murmured in the wind. A smirk slowly formed on my lips.It’s payback time.I got up from the bed and went to the bathroom to shower. I wanted to roam around the palaceChapter 10: Duke WinstonVishiea’s POV“Let’s welcome. Lady Anastasia Cullen from Cullenfield!”I looked around with a confident smile on my lips. They were all looking at me. It seems like no one recognise me as the woman they exiled before.I started to come closer to the table. And I’ve noticed that the king is still not here. That’s great. One of the servants adjusted the chair for me. I nodded and murmured, “Thank you.”“My pleasure, my lady.” He replied and bowed. He moved away and went back to his fellow servant in a corner.“It’s nice to see you here, Miss Cullens,” I looked at the person who said that. It was a man in his late twenties. He looked handsome but not my type.“I’m happy to be here too, Mister---” His brow slightly furrowed when he realised I had no idea who he was. I’ve seen him before but never bothered to know him or his name.But the way he looks, it seems like he’s from the upper class—a duke or marquess. I don’t really care.“Oh, I’m Duke Kian Winston from V
Chapter 11: Cassie SteelVishiea’s POVHe locked his eyes on me. However, a few seconds later, he nodded. I wondered why he asked about my age. I couldn’t help but mentally smirk; I sensed he was thinking about my true identity. That’s it, Darius. Just think, be confused.“I’m quite surprised to see you attending this kind of event, Anastasia. What’s with the sudden change?” I heard Rachelle say, making me look in her direction. I arched my brow, wondering who gave her the right to address me by my first name.Even though she’s the king’s fiancée, she doesn’t have the right to address me in such a manner. First, I have ascended to the position of a duchess. She should pay me respect and know her place.“Nothing has a chance,” I answered shortly. “And please call me Miss Cullen; we’re not close enough to call me by my name,” I added. Everyone’s jaw dropped. What? They were expecting me to respect her because she’s the king’s fiancée?No, never in a million years. If I’m not connected t
Chapter 12: Fire on FireVishiea’s POV“I apologise for my excessive enthusiasm. Please, don’t take it to heart,” she hastily remarked upon noticing my reaction. I shook my head and smiled.“It’s not a big deal. I simply never anticipated someone like you would know me,” I replied. I knew her before, but we did not talk because she lived abroad. Although, I’ve seen her once.“Oh, thank you. If you don’t mind, can we be friends?” She asked with hope in her eyes. I stared at her, thinking what will I answer. I don’t trust anyone of them here, but… she seemed so lovely; why not.“Sure. I would love to,” I answered. Sometimes, you need to be friends with your enemies. The smile on her lips widened as she sat down next to me.“Great! Anyway, please resume eating. And I’m sorry if I’m annoying right now,” she apologised. I nodded, “No worries. I kind of like your energetic personality,” I said honestly.“Come on, don’t flatter me so much,” she said shyly. I chuckled and resumed eating. Bef
Chapter 13: Royal Hearthstone HotelVishiea’s POV“Good morning, Lady Anastasia,” All of the maids I saw in the hallway greeted me with a smile on their faces. I only nodded to acknowledge them.I wanted to have my breakfast outside the palace; I didn’t want to join the king today. I don’t want to be rude or something else; I just don’t have the mood. Last night, I did not sleep well. I feel like someone’s watching me while I’m asleep. I don’t know who, but I don’t like to assume it’s him, Darius.Although, there is a high possibility that it’s really him. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, “This is absurd,” I murmured. In the hallway, I met Duke Winston, I mean, Kian.His serious face quickly changed when he saw me approaching. “Lady Anastasia, a pleasant morning to you,” he greeted. I nodded, “Likewise, Kian,” I replied.“It’s early in the morning, yet, you’re frowning, my lady. Is there something wrong?” he asked me. I shook my head. Even if there’s something wrong, it’s non
Chapter 14: It’s You, VishieaVishiea’s POVI let out a quiet sigh as the car slows down. We’ve arrived. I stole a glance through the car’s window. I’m pretty surprised. The entire place had changed. Are we still in the exact location?I noticed him gazing intently in my direction from the corner of my eye. I turned to face him, wearing a questioning expression.When he realised I was looking at him; he quickly looked away. He faked a cough, “Excuse me,” he mumbled before exiting the car.When he was outside, he opened the car’s door for me. I saw him extend his hand; I looked at him, puzzled. “Shall we?”Oh, I see. I smile a little and accept his hand. He gently pulled me out of the car and placed my hand around his arm. Wow, easy there…Did he forget that he’s engaged? And now, he’s behaving like this in front of everyone? I took my hand off his arm and shook my head.“We’re in public, your majesty,” I remarked. He raised an eyebrow, “And?” What? And? He’s being unreasonable.“And
Chapter 15: MysteriousVishiea’s POVI pretended as if I was shocked and looked at him. “Your majesty, I believe we have resolved that issue. I am not Vishiea, but Anastasia. It’s quite disheartening that you have mistaken me for someone else.”This is funny. I’m starting to love his confused look. I’m aware that they will eventually discover the truth, but for now, I can’t resist toying with their emotions.He tightly sealed his lips and exhaled. “If that’s what you want. However, you can’t prevent me from thinking it’s truly you, Vishiea. I won’t give up until you eventually admit your identity,” he said while looking at me seriously.He seems to find this situation quite exciting, doesn’t he? But what if I’ll tell him the truth? Would everything change? Would he admit that he was wrong and feel remorse for betraying me? I highly doubt it. A man like him only knew how to value himself.“There’s nothing I need to admit, your majesty. If you’re questioning my identity. You can gather
Chapter 16: Treat Her WellVishiea's POVUpon our arrival at the palace, I noticed Rachelle standing at the front door. She was wearing a displeased expression and casting a stern gaze in my direction.Merely by observing her demeanour, I could sense her intense anger. She was clearly furious with me for being seen with her supposed 'fiancé.' I can't blame her for her reaction. I would react the same way if I were in her shoes.A mischievous smile played on my lips as I eagerly anticipated her response. Her gaze locked onto me, and she swiftly moved in our direction."Where have you been? And why are you with this woman?" she hissed, shooting me a harsh glare.“Relax," I responded while chuckling, "It's not my idea to go out with him." In the corner of my eye, I noticed him glance in my direction. I had no other option but to agree when he insisted on joining me for breakfast."I'm not speaking to you, so you know what," she yelled angrily. "Just shut up and walk away before I decide
Chapter 17: ThreatenedVishiea’s POV“Lady Anastasia, I’m leaving now. Are you all right here?” I stopped reading when I heard Cassie’s voice. She’s standing in front of me now. I smiled a little and nodded, “Yes, I’ll be fine. I’ll leave also after I read this,” I replied while showing the book in my hand.She nodded her head, “Great. I’ll see you around then,” I nodded once again. I watched her leave, and when she was gone, I continued reading. A smile formed on my lips when I finished reading the book. The ending is kind of interesting. I think there’s a book two or three.I carefully dropped the book on the table and yawned. I’ve been here for almost two hours now, and I’m starving. I stood up and decided to have my lunch. I guess I missed the luncheon time. So, I’ll be having my lunch meal alone.While walking in the hallway, I unexpectedly met Rachelle halfway. She’s glaring at me as if she wanted to kill me now. That’s scary, I joked. I remained silent and maintained composure.