Chapter 18. The Public Outburst II
Chapter 18. The Public Outburst II
Olivia
When we got back to the class, I was surprised to see Helen seated without the triplets. Where could they be? The class was nearly empty, and I guessed everyone else had headed off to the cafeteria for lunch. I went back to my seat and sighed as Helen approached me with a devilish smile plastered on her face.
“Who the hell do you think you are? How dare you talk to the triplets in such a manner?” She asked as she slammed a palm on my table.
“How the hell do you think I should talk to them, Miss Lover Girl?” I looked up and replied angrily.
“Really? You're finally showing your claws, aren't you? Well too bad, the triplets have ordered that you redo the entire presentation and bring it to school tomorrow.” She said smiling.
“No way! I’m not doing it all on my own. It's called a group project for a reason, which means that we are to share the workload.” I yelled out.
“I dare you to say that to the princes.” She crossed her arms and smirked in the face of my anger.
She returned back to her seat without waiting for my reply. Just then, the bell rang and the class resumed.
The day went by and it was time to go back home. I was so happy because I won’t be going to the palace for a few days. Miss B gave me some days off to clear my mind.
Josh came over to my seat and we both went out to head out.
“Can you walk me to the palace to get my stuff?” I asked him as we got out of the school gate.
“Why? Are you going home today?” He asked.
I explained to him that I had a few days off and he was happy. He agreed to follow me and we both walked towards the palace happily.
“Why don’t you give in and do the presentation yourself? I mean that will save you from unnecessary arguments with the princes. And I’m here to help you.” He said as we walked.
I tried to retort but he shut me up with a glare.
“I only want you to spend your free days happily, Liv.” He added.
I nodded in agreement. We got to the palace gate, I asked Josh to come in but he insisted on waiting outside the gate.
I gave up and went in myself. I saw the triplets' car parked in the driveway which meant they were also back from school. As I walked into the palace, I noticed that it was unusually quiet, and the atmosphere felt somewhat tense. It was as if a storm was brewing beneath the calm facade.
I made my way to my small room and found that my bags were already packed and neatly placed by the door. It seemed someone had taken the initiative to organize my belongings, which was a surprise. I quickly checked to ensure nothing was missing or damaged.
Just then, Logan appeared in the doorway, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. His expression was unreadable, and I didn't know what to expect.
"Logan," I stammered, unsure of how to address him.
He didn't respond immediately, instead studying me with his intense blue eyes. Finally, he spoke, his voice calm but tinged with tension. "I thought you might need your things since you have some days off."
I nodded in acknowledgment, still feeling wary about the situation. "Thank you."
He stared at me for a few seconds before walking off abruptly leaving me going after him.
I shut my mouth and headed to the kitchen to let Miss B know that I was leaving.
I opened the kitchen door and saw Sadie humming loudly.
Oh… She is back.
I approached her and asked about her health.
“I’m fine, thanks, Olive.” She said smiling.
I knew her smile wasn’t genuine. She was probably happy that I had the next few days off and she wouldn't have to deal with me.
Miss B walked in with a tray she was visibly struggling with and I quickly ran to help her.
“It’s fine, Olivia. You’re not on duty today, so I can’t give this tray to you. You shouldn't even be here.” She smiled at me as she walked by, letting me know she was teasing me.
I followed her to her post and thanked her, letting her know I was about to leave. I impulsively hugged her and she patted my back awkwardly. I pulled back from the hug and said my goodbyes before leaving the kitchen.
My phone beeped just as the kitchen door closed behind me. It was Josh, whining about being waiting for me under the hot sun and asking me to hurry up. He also told me that he saw the Beta’s car enter the palace too.
I wondered why the Beta was in the palace. I quickened my pace and, just as I rounded a corner, I saw Helen directing one of the maids to carry her bags and suitcases to a room. It sounded as if
she had her own room in the palace and the sheer amount of bags and suitcases she had made me understand that she was moving in. When her gaze fell on me, she excused the maid and approached me.
“Olivia, I heard you got a few days off. It’s so unfortunate that you won’t get to serve me.” She said teasingly.
My eyes narrowed, but I didn't say a word.
“My dad is going out of town for a few days and I can’t stay alone, that’s why I’m here in the palace.” She added.
I rolled my eyes at her and turned to leave without a word but she stopped me.
“Ohh… Liv, don't forget what I told you. You don’t have a chance with the triplets, you are nothing to them, and you are basically no match for me. So, get a few days off and hurry back to your duty post. I'll be waiting.” She smiled evilly and walked off without waiting for a response.
I was glad she did so as I was on the brink of having another outburst, my fists were clenched as I imagined landing a punch on her overly made-up face. The words that were brewing on my tongue
could have put me in trouble or caused a fight, so I just bit down on my tongue as I watched her walk away.
I calmed myself down and adjusted the expression on my face before walking away. As I got to the driveway, I saw Helen with her father, whispering to each other. They looked suspicious and I moved closer secretly to them.
“Don’t forget the plan, Helen.” His father said to her softly.
What are they planning?
I tried moving closer, but I couldn't hear them. Confused, I gave up and went on my way heading towards the gates where Josh was waiting for me.
Ring! Ring!!
Josh was calling again.
I quickly answered Josh's call as I continued walking toward the palace gates.
"Hey, Liv. Where are you?" Josh's voice sounded concerned.
"I'm on my way out of the palace. Just had a strange encounter with Helen," I replied, trying to keep my voice steady.
"Strange encounter? What happened?" Josh asked, his curiosity piqued.
I filled Josh in on my encounter with Helen and her father, including the cryptic conversation I had overheard. Josh didn't seem surprised and offered his thoughts. "It sounds like something's going on, but it's hard to say what. Maybe it's just a family matter."
I couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to it, but I decided not to dwell on it for now. "You might be right. Anyway, I'm almost at the gates. See you soon." Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.
As I ended the call with Josh, I reached the palace gates, where he was waiting patiently under the scorching sun. He flashed me a warm smile as I approached.
"Hey, Liv. Ready to go?" Josh asked.
I nodded, smiling. "Yeah, let's get out of here."