"For what it's worth, I wish us to be happy no matter what. Even if this world is cruel to us, all we have to do is hold hands and face the future, because there is no use in holding on to what happened in the past between us."
Both Maya and Zoey were at the shrine, looking for ways to make up for lost time and wishing for good luck for everything that was about to happen and had not yet happened. They saw that their relationship was not where it had been before, but they still loved each other. The experience had left a hole that could not be easily filled, yet they were not giving up on their marriage and life together.
Maya looked at Zoey after finishing her wish. She smiled, thinking to herself how much Zoey had changed. The shy and naïve girl she used to tease was no longer there — Zoey was different now.
After completing her merits and wishes, Zoey moved away from the shrine. Feeling Maya's gaze, she said, "Phi May, why are you looking at me? I mean, uhm, you don't have to stare too much. Or should I come closer so you can see what you missed out on, huh?"
Maya blushed, embarrassed, and looked away. She had been staring at Zoey's body. "No, I'm good… uhm, you don't have to do that…"
Zoey approached her, leaned in close, and held Maya's chin, turning her face toward her. "Well, you shouldn't steal looks then. I mean, it's not like I'll do something to you. Why would I?" She gently brushed Maya's bandaged cheek.
Maya moved her cheek away from Zoey's hand as she remembered the slap. She didn't want more of that, and seeing Zoey changing into the former Maya was really bad — she didn't know what to expect from her anymore. She said, "Can you stop… I mean, when you come at me like this, uhm, I kind of remember something that happened, and I really wish you don't do that again."
Zoey sighed and giggled. "Well, you can relax because I am not you at the end of the day. You know, for the award of the girl who has hurt me in every way possible, it goes to you. I did it because I was angry, and I shouldn't have done it. I don't want you to be scared in love, you know." She leaned in and kissed Maya's hurt cheek, whispering in her ear, "You are still my mommy."
Maya blushed red after hearing that, growing shyer. "Mom…my… Zoey, we are in public. Can you stop that?"
Zoey smiled and giggled. "Wow, this came from the woman who kissed me on the cheek during a performance and lip-kissed me on the awards stage. Aww, mommy is cuter when she's blushing and mad."
Maya turned the other way and walked off without saying anything.
Zoey, shocked and confused, rushed after her. "PHI MAY, WAIT FOR ME, PLEASE…"
Maya heard her loud voice but still didn't stop; she continued walking.
Zoey kept running until she reached her, hugging her tightly and refusing to let go. "Can you please not go like that again?"
Maya looked at her and calmly said, "Well, I was just moving away from the shrine, and we can't make noise there or do anything bad, remember?"
Zoey, after hearing that, felt embarrassed about her screaming and clinginess. "Hmm… uhm, yeah, I forgot you really respect that," she said as she slowly let go of Maya.
Maya held her hands, slowly turned to look at her, and pulled her closer. As they moved toward a wall, Maya gently pinned Zoey there and said, "Well, I don't know how to make it up to you for hurting you, but I want you to know that I won't do that again. I was really sick then; I couldn't control myself. But now I am healed, so I can spend all my time making it up to you. I can't defend myself with excuses, I know, but now I really promise to do that, okay?"
Zoey smiled at her. "I'm really glad, and I really appreciate hearing that. I wanted to hear that more than anything, you know."
Maya looked at her, then lowered her head so she could kiss her, hugging her neck.
Zoey, surprised by the kiss, reacted quickly. She was deep in the moment with Maya and pulled her closer.
Maya felt that things could escalate and might not be stopped, so she made the decision to end it. She gently pushed Zoey back and said, "I think that's enough. I mean, we are in public, and it's still daytime. People could see us."
Zoey tilted her head, pulled Maya closer, and switched positions to pin her against the wall. "I don't care. I really miss you," she said as she kissed her deeply, leaning in to reach Maya's height. She continued kissing her, and Maya didn't resist — she kissed back with the same force.
Maya felt almost like she was drowning in the kiss as she gasped too much. Embarrassed, she gently pushed Zoey back to stop it. Blushing, she said, "Uhm… I'm hungry. Can we g…et somethi…ng to eat?"
Zoey smiled, noticing her embarrassment. "Wow, did the kiss just make you hungry suddenly? I mean, you were enjoying it with those sounds."
Maya quickly brushed it off. "No… uhm, nothing… uhm… yeah, can we go now, please."
Zoey replied, "Well, okay, I hear you, Phi May. You don't have to be embarrassed about this, you know. You're the one who started it — I just responded to your request. But anyway, what do you want to eat? Ohh, and please don't be like last time…" Zoey was reminded of the last time she had asked that question.
Maya looked away, not wanting Zoey to see her embarrassed face. As she started walking, she said, "I don't know. I'll have to think more about that, okay?"
Zoey murmured to herself, "Wow, my god, she really changed this much. She's definitely embarrassed about what just happened. I really hope she knows what she wants to eat." She walked alongside her, still looking at her.
Zoey then held Maya's hand, smiling as she leaned closer. "Phi May, how about we try ice cream, and we can do hot pot later or something? How's that — will you be okay with that?"
Maya thought about it, reminded of the first time they went out together and had ice cream. She smiled at the memory. "Well, I don't mind that. I would actually love the ice cream. But the hot pot? Nah… the sweat is just… nah. I don't want that. We can have something else."
Zoey sighed as she looked at her, kind of expecting that Maya wouldn't be happy about the hot pot. She didn't raise her expectations too high and said, "Wow, well, I knew it. That didn't take you long. I guess we'll have the ice cream."
Maya thought about it and said, "Well, I already said I don't know what to eat, so yeah… I don't know. I'll just have the ice cream, and maybe we can visit Charlotte later."
Zoey looked at her, thinking about Charlotte and Kimberly being together now. She wasn't sure if Maya knew about them. In her mind she said, I cannot tell her what is happening. Maybe I should ask her what she thinks about Kimberly. I mean, it won't hurt anything.
Maya walked nonchalantly, holding Zoey's hand and feeling its warmth. As they approached the café, about seventeen minutes away from Shibuya district in Tokyo, Maya noticed Zoey was preoccupied with thoughts. She gently kissed her on the cheek and said, "Nong Oey… hello, beautiful. We're here. Are you okay?"
Zoey snapped out of her thoughts, blushing from the kiss. She looked at Maya and said, "Uhmm, nope, don't worry. There's nothing. If there was something, I would tell you. Don't worry, okay?" She kissed Maya's hand and patted her hair gently, smiling at her.
People in the café looked at them, though they didn't notice. As they hugged, Zoey lifted and spun Maya around a little. Maya laughed, embarrassed. "Uhm… love… wait… uhm, put me down, I might fall… aaaa…"
Zoey looked at her and replied with a gentle kiss on the lips. "Hmm, aww, why… ohh, you're my sickness. Well, to be honest, when I'm with you like this, I do feel more well. I mean, you are my cute gothic light, aww my EMO Princess. Honestly, your style never changed — it's still the same. What you changed are your skirt sizes. They're longer now and not tight. I really liked the view before, but they were too short and skin-tight. It's kind of good you changed them."
Maya looked at her, blushing, and said, "What, you were looking, huh? … Why? Uhm, I mean, I kind of… I don't know, I just changed it, that's all." She hugged Zoey's neck, lifted herself closer, and whispered in her ear, "Well, I could wear a shorter one just for you. How's that?"
Zoey looked at her, surprised, and slowly put her down. "Wow, you are still as naughty as ever, I mea—" She stopped mid-sentence as she noticed the big see-through glass beside them. Zoey instantly grew embarrassed, realizing people had been watching everything they were doing. Unsure how to handle it, she poked Maya and pointed at the glass, blushing.
Maya looked in the direction Zoey pointed, a little surprised, but she was used to the exposure and people seeing them being lovey-dovey. She laughed and looked at Zoey. "Aww, the bold and brave Nong Oey has fallen. Wow, your reign was short and cute, baddie princess. I'm sure you don't know how to act, huh? I mean, we've done these many times. Yeah, I get it's weird now that we've gotten back together after many years."
Zoey blushed even more, caught up in the act. She didn't know how to react, as she wasn't used to it anymore after such a long time. "Phi, you will regret this when we get home," she said as she rushed to the door, trying to keep a calmer expression so she wouldn't seem overwhelmed or anxious about what had just happened.
Maya, unfazed, followed her into the café. "Well, what flavour are we going to eat now?" she asked as she approached the counter to order for them both. She noticed Zoey wasn't talking, but she already knew which flavour Zoey liked — Ramune, the Japanese soda flavour, sweet and fizzy. As for herself, Maya ordered Black Sesame, called Kuro Goma in Japanese, which she liked for its slight bitterness and richness. It definitely described Maya as a person.
Zoey was busy with her phone, and Maya noticed as she tilted her head. Zoey took a photo of the café and posted it on Instagram. Maya's phone rang, and she thought it was Charlotte, but when she checked, she saw it was a notification from Instagram. Curious, she opened it and was surprised by Zoey's caption: "Out with my Mommy after a long time by a Kisses and a crown emoji."
After seeing that, Maya went straight to Zoey, a little shy. "What the—are you crazy? Why did you do that? I mean, you shouldn't post something so kinky like that. My god… it's a relief you didn't tag me in it."
Zoey giggled, mocking her. "Aww, didn't you say we're used to this? Ohh, and it's just been a long time. Then why are you acting like this? I mean, isn't it ordinary to do this too?" She teased her more with an air kiss and smiled.
Maya was anxious at first, but she calmed down quickly. She was used to Zoey getting back at her like this and had expected it. After a few moments, Maya sat on the same side as Zoey. Their ice creams were brought to the table, and the waitress became overwhelmed upon seeing both Maya and Zoey in person. They were both Princesses/Idols, though they had already left that life behind — Zoey quitting recently and Maya seven years ago. Still, people remembered them even now.
The waitress screamed, "Wait, are you two Aurora and Zodiac from The Duality? I'm your biggest fan! Can I get an autograph and a picture, please?"
Zoey and Maya looked at each other, already expecting this. Maya smiled at the waitress. "Well, you can, of course. I guess if Princess Zodiac here agrees with that, then okay."
Zoey looked at her, shocked by the recently appointed positions to decide things. She acted a little flustered, feeling put on the spot because of the sudden fan meet. "Huh? Since when, Phi May? I mean, you're the one who calls the shots in this."
The waitress, excited after hearing that from Zoey, said, "Wait… so Aurora is the top? Wow, that's hot."
Maya looked at the waitress and said, "No, don't say it like that. But if she said so, okay, then let's do it."
The waitress took out her phone as she sat down, posing and ready to take the picture. Both Maya and Zoey did the same, smiling as they posed too. The photo was taken, and afterward the waitress, still excited, asked them, "Well, why are you two here together? I mean, are you back together or what? Us fans are dying to know that."
Maya quickly thought of something to escape unwanted reactions and situations. She said, while Zoey stayed quiet eating her ice cream and letting Maya handle it, "Well, how about we do a livestream, and you'll get the answers there? Okay, sounds good. And if that's all, then can you leave us, because someone will get jealous."
The waitress bowed politely. "Ohh, well, we'll be waiting. Thanks." She left them.
Maya looked at Zoey, testing the mood by taking her spoon and eating her ice cream. Zoey didn't react, only looked at her and said, with ice cream still on her lips, "Are you done talking?"
Maya smiled. "You are still clumsy as ever." She leaned closer and licked the ice cream from Zoey's lips. Zoey took the opportunity to kiss her, wanting to show everyone there — including the waitress — that Maya was hers. After the kiss, she said, "Mmm, wow, I really like this flavour. You know, it tastes like my wife."
Maya giggled as she looked at her, then took her ice cream and ate some too. She said, "Well, that was so unnecessary, you know… but I liked it."
Zoey smiled as she continued eating her ice cream, though her mind kept drifting to Charlotte and Kimberly. She didn't know how to tell Phi May about them.
As they fed each other their ice cream, they kept giggling and smiling at one another.
Out of nowhere, Maya asked, "Can I ask something? When last did you talk to Charlotte? Because you're close."
Zoey was stunned. She didn't know what to say and stayed quiet, a little surprised the question came sooner than expected. But she knew Maya would eventually ask about her.
Maya poked Zoey, wanting her to face her. "I really want to talk with her about something. Do you know where she is or where she lives? Because I went to where she was living before, and she wasn't there."
Zoey looked at her, anxious, and said, "Well… can I ask something before that? Uhmm… what do you think about your assistant?"
Maya rolled her eyes. "Huh? You are talking about Kimberly, What do you need to know about her? I mean, she's nothing but a loose girl with gold-digger vibes. If she doesn't party or get in trouble with the law, I'd be there to clean it up for her. I'm not judging her or anything, but I'm saying the truth. She might seem quiet, innocent, and serious, but she's toxic. Still, she's way better than before."
Zoey widened her eyes, shocked, unable to believe it. She was at a loss for words, wanting to know more about her, and she sort of felt like she had led Charlotte the wrong way. Stuttering, she said, "Uhm… mm… wha… what do you mean b..y that?"
Maya looked at her seriously, folding her arms. "Hmm… well, the first time I met her was about ten or eleven years ago, when I was abroad with my business. I saw some men and women talking with her, and afterward she would leave with them, but I didn't know what it was for. Until one day, she came to me — I was just in my car when she knocked on the window. She was very drunk, and some men were after her, obviously. So, I let her in and drove off with her. She was kind of willing, I guess, but I didn't do anything. I just drove her to the hotel and took care of her. Basically, she was forced by her own choices to be like she was, but I think she had a reason. After that, Lady Grandmother found out about her, so I had to come up with a plan to bring her here and away from the trouble. After she was with me, she never went back to that life."
Zoey looked at her, confused. "Wait… so you mean you were dating her? I mean, why didn't you tell me? She's bad news — why were you with her if you knew that?"
Maya was stunned by what she said. "What? No… she is not my ex or anything. I mean, she just wanted to hook up, but I said no. Instead, I took care of her — gave her a job and money so she wouldn't go back to what she was doing, that's all. So, you think I'm a player who just gets anyone I want? Well, no, it's not like that."
Zoey looked at her, knowing Maya wasn't the type to lie or hide something like this. She smiled and said, "Well, you were one, but you're not anymore, since I'm here. And you don't get to do that anymore — or this time I won't just slap you." She pulled Maya closer, hugging her tightly. "Then why did you do this?"
Maya smiled a little, feeling comfortable in Zoey's embrace. "Well, I don't know. But what I do know is that she wasn't too much at fault. I just wanted to change someone's life. She was in need, so I helped her."
Zoey looked at her, blushing as she heard that from Phi May. She kissed her on the forehead and said, "Well, I am really glad you did that, and I kind of knew you had a soft spot."
Maya felt the forehead kiss and smiled while looking at her. "Well, I guess so. And why did you ask me that?"
Zoey gave an awkward smile. "Nah, it's nothing serious," she said, though she was thinking about them dating after hearing that from Maya. She grew a little overwhelmed and confused, choosing not to say anything.
Maya looked at her, expecting Zoey to speak. Slowly backing up, she said, "Well, we have been together for a long time, even if we were separated for seven years. So, don't lie, okay? I knew something was up the moment you asked about Kimberly. I mean, if you want to know, I have no problem with her or anything."
Zoey looked at her, stressed and panicking. "Well, not that… it's just that she is dating your sister. Yeah, I said it. I'm sorry for not telling you about this. I mean, it was hard to tell you, and now after you told me about what she was, I got kind of scared to say it. Okay, so… sorry."
Maya was in disbelief, confused and shocked, not knowing how to act. "What the hell… did you say…" After saying that, she stood up and walked out.
Zoey was speechless, though she had expected this reaction. She rushed to calm Maya down, following her outside. "Phi May… please relax. I didn't mean not to tell you. I really wanted to, but the moment I found out, we were not in good terms. I thought this would make everything worse than it already was, so I didn't say anything."
Maya sighed, looking at her. "No… you had many opportunities to do that. I mean, how many years were they together for? I'm sure even now… ohh my god."
Zoey looked at her as she got closer, trying to calm her down, but Maya refused. "I mean, I didn't know how to tell you this. As you said, Kimberly changed, and it's not going to be like before, okay."
Maya grew stressed and angry. "What the… are you serious right now? I mean, how could I be sure of that? She didn't tell me anything — I am her sister."
Zoey carried on, trying harder to calm her down. She slowly hugged her, pulling her closer. "I mean, she didn't tell me this. I found it out… but still, I didn't know what to do. I thought she would eventually come to you, or they would do that, but they didn't. So, I had to tell you. I just didn't know what you think of Kimberly."
Maya didn't respond to the hug. "It's whatever. Now get me to where she is staying. I will deal with this myself."
Zoey looked at her, shocked and confused by what she meant. "...What are you going to do to them?"
Maya pushed her away slightly to get her off, then called her driver. "I mean, what do you think… I'm just doing this for them both. If Lady Grandmother finds out, it won't end pretty."
Zoey sighed as she came closer again. "What do you mean?"
Maya looked at her and said, "Well, don't worry about it, okay." As the driver arrived with the car, she quickly got in. Zoey couldn't stop her, so she got in the car too.
"Sometimes being dependent on someone is not as bad as people make it seem. What I know is that people in love can be like Green Jaspers, turning wrongs into rights. That means both of you, in a relationship, get an opportunity to better yourselves and understand your significant other in the process."
After some while, Charlotte and Kimberly were at their place, cozy and comfortable as usual. They were in the living room watching a movie, with Kimberly lying on Charlotte's lap as she watched like that. Charlotte was feeding her popcorn when Kimberly said softly, "Well, I'm kind of thirsty, honey."
Charlotte smiled a little and replied, "Well, I hear you, honey." She took a sip of wine, then leaned down to Kimberly and kissed her, sharing the wine in her mouth. Kimberly felt the taste change as she pulled Charlotte closer, kissing her more after drinking the wine from her.
Charlotte continued kissing her more and more as she slowly slid her hand under Kimberly's oversized shirt. Taking advantage of the loose fit, she raised it up and touched Kimberly's stomach.
Kimberly gasped for air, trying to push her away, but she couldn't — she felt overpowered by the kiss.
Charlotte kept kissing her, moving slowly to her neck. She then took off Kimberly's shirt, revealing her body. Kimberly felt a little turned on but also embarrassed that she wasn't wearing anything underneath. She stopped Charlotte, standing up, and said, "Uhm… Charlotte, wait. I mean, I'm not in the right headspace to be doing this, you know."
Charlotte looked at her body, turned off the TV, and came closer. She lifted Kimberly up and kissed her deeply, refusing to let her go. This time she was even more serious, carrying her to their bedroom. She laid Kimberly on the bed and continued what she was doing. This time, Kimberly didn't resist — she was into it.
Both of them were consumed by desire and couldn't stop themselves. The morning came sooner than expected, as they hadn't slept all night. Charlotte woke up first; she showered, made breakfast, and tidied the area before going to wake Kimberly, who was still asleep. She kissed her on the cheek and said, "Cutie, wake up now. It's morning — I made breakfast."
Kimberly slowly woke up, still tired. She looked at Charlotte, blushing, and said, "You didn't have to be rough and seduce me with your sexy sleeping outfits. I said we could sleep together, but I didn't sleep at all…"
Charlotte hugged her a little tighter and replied, "I actually couldn't resist, because I remember you saying we could do it this one time. You needed to sleep early, but one time turned into more as you asked for them, so I didn't stop. I mean, you enjoyed it with the sou—"
Kimberly quickly covered her mouth to stop her from saying more. She couldn't stop thinking about it and said, "Shhh, stop it, please. I mean, I wasn't… uhm… I'm going to the shower now." She took one of the blankets with her, hiding her body as she went into the bathroom, embarrassed about what had happened yesterday.
Charlotte smiled and giggled as she watched her go. She stood up and returned to the kitchen to set up the table for breakfast. She had already prepared a change of clothes for Kimberly and left them on top of the bed.
After some time showering, dressing, and doing her makeup, Kimberly walked out of the bedroom. The dress didn't sit well with her, and she went to the kitchen, speaking in an annoyed voice. "What the actual hell? Why am I wearing something weird like this? I mean, I never wore this, you know."
Charlotte smiled at her, stood up, and came closer. "I mean, you wanted to meet my family, so… what do you think about today? How's that?"
Kimberly looked excited at first, but then remembered she was not like them, and she would feel uncomfortable there. In an upset voice, she said, "But darling, are you sure? … Is it too soon? I mean, I'm not a person with a given rank or like you."
Charlotte held her hands and replied, "You are not going there alone. I am going too, and don't worry about anything, okay?"
Kimberly gave a disappointed look, reminded that she was not a good person in the past or present. But she didn't want to disappoint Charlotte anymore. She hoped that no one there had seen or remembered her hooking up at the club with a girl, as she couldn't escape scandals. Still, she had to impress Charlotte and show that she wanted to change.
Charlotte looked at her with purpose and hope, smiling even brighter. "Well, what is it going to be? Are you coming with me?"
Kimberly saw the hope in Charlotte's eyes. She didn't want to crush it or add more doubtful thoughts to their relationship. Forcing a smile, she said, "Yes, of course I am going. Don't worry. I just need to change this dress." She slowly let go of Charlotte's hands and went back to the bedroom, taking a deep breath as she looked at the mirror, thinking about what she was about to do.
Charlotte was so excited she couldn't stop smiling and blushing as she ate her breakfast, waiting for Kimberly.
But after hearing that they were going to the royal palace, Kimberly lost her appetite and grew more anxious. She thought of the things she had done to Charlotte, and tears fell to the floor.
Charlotte went to their bedroom to check on Kimberly, to see if she was ready. She found her facing the mirror, and came closer. "Are you okay?" she asked.
Kimberly saw her coming in and quickly wiped her tears before facing her. "Nah, I'm okay. I just had too much makeup, had to wipe it down and change. But I'm ready now, so we can go."
Charlotte looked at her, worried she was lying and only pretending to be okay for her sake. She came closer and said, "You don't have to blame yourself every time, you know. I don't. What I choose to do is trust and believe that you will change. And if not, it's still okay — I will still love you the same, okay?"
Kimberly hugged her back. "I really appreciate having you, and I love you the same too, a lot. Even if I just can't change, I'm sorry for not being what you needed. I never wanted to be like this. Even Lady Maya told me I could choose what path I want, and now the path I choose to follow is the path that has you in it."
Charlotte, touched by her words, blushed and smiled. "That is really important for me to hear, you know. I'm really glad for that. But don't worry — we will get through this."
Kimberly smiled too, leaning in to kiss Charlotte and holding her close. After the kiss, she said, "I mean, are we not going to be late?"
Charlotte checked the time on her phone and noticed Maya's missed calls. "Huh, older sister called. I wonder what that was about. I'll call her later. We need to go, okay?" She took the car keys, held Kimberly, and together they walked out of the house to the garage. They got inside the car, rushing to the Grand Palace. Charlotte started the car and drove off.
Charlotte made sure that no one knew where they lived, as their relationship was a secret. But she no longer wanted to keep it that way — she wanted to introduce Kimberly to Lady Grandmother and the rest of the family. She had chosen to live close to the palace, but not too close, so she wouldn't be seen with Kimberly. They didn't want that to happen, as it would cause problems for them, especially for Kim.
After some moments, they both reached the palace. As usual, security was outside, tight and alert, but Charlotte wasn't worried. She drove her car toward the gate, where the palace guards stopped her. Charlotte halted, and the guards began to search the car. Once the inspection was complete, they knocked on the window. The black-tinted glass kept anyone from seeing inside...
Charlotte, hearing the knock, pressed the button to lower the window. As it opened, the guards were shocked to see it was her all along. They bowed quickly, opened the gate, and let them through without asking about Kimberly.
Kimberly was amazed by the design of the palace. Despite being Maya's assistant, she had never been inside before — only seen it from a distance. She said to Charlotte, "Wow, it looks so beautiful. You know, it's my first time here. I've never been here before."
Charlotte looked at her, surprised. "What… wait, you've never been here? Why didn't older sister bring you? I mean, it's not a big deal — you are her aid. But I guess it's fine that I get to bring you here. Maybe this was fated to happen." As they approached the front entrance, she stopped and said to Kimberly, "Well, we are here now, and we need to get out, okay?"
Kimberly looked at her, confused by the people coming toward them. She turned to Charlotte and said nervously, "Honey, what is happening? Why are they coming to us? It's weird… uhm…" She looked a little scared and held Charlotte's hand tightly, not knowing what was going on.
Charlotte giggled, holding her hand back to calm her down. "Aww, babe, you don't have to be like that. They're just housemaids, and some of them work here. Don't worry — this happens whenever anyone comes to visit." Two butlers opened both car doors, standing by as Charlotte and Kimberly stepped out. Kimberly felt out of place with the treatment.
Kimberly rushed to Charlotte's side, looking at her nervously. "Uhm, darling, can I walk beside you and hold your hand? I mean, I kind of feel uncomfortable here… I don't know why."
Charlotte held her hand and reassured her. "Well, don't worry, okay? I mean, you won't die or anything. Just stay with me, okay? You came with me, didn't you? Now come on, let's go." They both walked up the steps as the doors opened for them. Inside the palace, the hall was empty, which felt strange, especially since the princess's arrival should have been announced.
Kimberly looked around and asked, "Why is it so empty? Is it always like this? I mean, didn't they announce your arrival here?"
Charlotte looked confused. "Well, no… I don't know. I told Lady Grandmother that I would be here. Let's check the throne room — I think she would be there." With that said, they headed in that direction.
As the doors opened, Charlotte heard familiar voices. She was shocked to see Maya and Zoey there, realizing this would make things more difficult. She hadn't planned for this and didn't expect it to happen like this.
Kimberly was surprised, scared, and shocked to see Maya too. She didn't know how to act, and the situation felt even more complicated. She looked at Charlotte and said, "What are they doing here? I mean… I don't want to go in anymore."
Charlotte didn't respond with words at first. She held Kimberly's hand tightly, looked at her, and finally said, "Don't worry, okay? Let's just go in."
They slowly walked into the room. Kimberly kept her eyes down, not wanting to look up and see Maya staring at her. Together, they reached the center of the room and stood there.
Kimberly, not knowing how the energy in the room was, bowed on her own to Lady Grandmother as she greeted her without looking directly at her.
The room carried an overwhelming feeling that could not be ignored. Kimberly still felt completely out of place, and almost instinctively, she let go of Charlotte's hand after stepping into the presence of Lady Grandmother. Charlotte, however, did not feel the same unease. With calm composure, she stepped forward and began, "Lady Grandmother, I came to visit you — only that I brought someone with me."
Lady Grandmother looked Kimberly up and down, focusing on her. "Aren't you May's aid? If you are, why are you not with her now, hmm? I guess now it doesn't matter. Knowing what I know about you, it's really surprising that you still wanted to come here to be embarrassed."
Charlotte held Kimberly's hand as she saw her panicking. "Well, whatever it is, I'm not buying it. Maybe this is your way of separating us like before."
Kimberly, panicking even more, gripped Charlotte's hand tighter. "I think you don't need that. I mean, it's not that important to know. Please, can we just leave? I'm having a headache." Kimberly never wanted Charlotte to know what she was hiding, and she worried about her finding out.
Maya looked at Kimberly with a stoic expression. "Well, even if you leave here, she still needs to know what you did, okay." She approached them and handed Charlotte a phone with a video of Kimberly cheating on her earlier, before she got to the club, showing her making out with a girl there.
Charlotte's heart dropped as she saw it. She didn't know what to say, staring at Kimberly speechlessly. She thought she had seen enough in person when she went to fetch her that night — but now there was more.
"You can't turn a blind eye to the truth; sometimes expressing your feelings instead of hiding them is the best thing that could ever happen."