657 Collapse- Part 3

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Since Lucy had woken up, she had decided to speak to Theodore, but both he and Calhoun were not there in the castle. She had waited for them to return, but it took longer than the time she had expected them to return. 

She had been walking from one corridor to another corridor when she sensed someone behind. When she turned, she saw Theodore's back disappeared from the other side of the castle, and she had quickly tried to follow him. 

"Theodore," Lucy's lips pulled up just by seeing him. With all the things going on around her, the only hope she could rely on was Theodore's existence and kindness, including her newfound brother, Calhoun. "Mm, were you resting?" she asked, her eyes darting inside the room and then at him. 

Theodore shook his head, "No." He then stepped outside his room, taking a look around before he asked her, "Would you like to come in?"

Lucy's heart fluttered at Theodore's offer, and she felt giddy about it. 

She didn't come here to spend time with him, but to speak about something important. It was only this morning, did her mother mention her marriage to her father. Samuel and his family had been invited to have dinner with the royal family so that her father could speak about moving things forward. 

Nodding her head, she stepped inside his room, and Theodore pushed the door to close it. She looked around the room, noticing two beds that were far apart and behind the beds were windows to let sunlight inside the room. The room was not luxurious or like the guest rooms but rather like the servants' ones. 

Lucy asked, "Where did you and brother Calhoun go this morning? I didn't see you both during breakfast either."

Theodore watched Lucy, who was still looking around the room, "We were invited to have breakfast at an acquaintance's house. Someone we both know."

Lucy nodded her head, "I see. I thought father sent you both on some work," and she smiled in the end. 

Noticing Theodore watching her, she said, "I wanted to talk to you about something," and Theodore nodded his head for her to go on. "It is actually about us, I mean about what's going on. You said not to run, but I don't know what plan you have on your mind." 

Saying this, Lucy turned shy, and she looked at the window, "Mother and father have invited Samuel's parents tonight for dinner...to speak. I do not want to go ahead with-"

"You should get married to him." 

For a moment, Lucy didn't grasp what Theodore said, and she looked back at him. Her eyebrows furrowed in question. 

"I don't understand," she replied with a confused expression. 

With a straight face, Theodore said, "I don't think it is right for us anymore to meet or spend time together closely with each other. We have a wide difference between us and it because of this it would never work. I would never be able to keep you the way you have been brought up."

Lucy could feel her heart shattering, and she tried to keep herself calm, "Why?" she whispered. "I thought we already went through which was why I offered to run away...Did someone say something?" Was it her grandmother who had found out about it? But then she doubted it was so. 

Theodore offered Lucy a polite smile, "No one said anything, milady. I think it would be better for both of us to know where both our status stands. I am your half brother's guard, a servant while you are the princess. Duke Greville's son seems like he has taken quite an interest in you, and he will keep you happy. It would be best and safer to stay away from the castle."

Lucy couldn't believe Theodore was telling her to marry Samuel when he clearly knew she had feelings for him and not for the Duke's son.

She had believed that Theodore had feelings for her. No, she was sure about it, but he denied it. She could sense the distance he was putting between them, and it ached her heart. Did she perhaps do something wrong?

"You're joking, aren't you?" Lucy tried to identify Theodore's intentions, but the man barely allowed any emotions to be displayed on his face. He had a serious look on his face. "W-why did you kiss me then?"

When Theodore didn't respond, Lucy's hand that was clenched into fists released itself, and she demanded an answer,

"I want to know why?"

Theodore knew Lucy might have appeared weak, but if she put her heart into something, she would not let it go. Having her around would not only affect him but also her. And he did the best to create a wall between them. Even if it meant she would hate him, it would still allow her to have a peaceful life, away from a cunning family. This way, it would stop Lucy from getting involved in family politics, and she would remain safe. 

He then said, "You once asked what my job was before coming to the castle. I will answer it today," he said, meeting her eyes. "I used to satisfy women by sleeping with them. That is how I earned my money. I thought you are a beautiful lady, a princess and wanted to bed you in the same way, but-"

"Stop it," whispered Lucy, unable to believe it to be the truth.

"I don't think it is right to deceive you-"

A sharp sound was heard in the room, and it had left Lucy's hand burning as she had slapped Theodore so that he wouldn't speak more than what he had. Her hands and her lips trembled. 

"Why are you doing this?" asked Lucy, tears in her eyes. 

Theodore didn't react to the slap, and instead, he bowed his head, "Forgive me for my misbehaviour, milady. I hope you will find your happiness once you are married," and this was enough to leave Lucy's heart broken into pieces.