NOVEL NEXT Chapter 2: Chapter 2
Claudia slowly opened her eyes, her gaze locking with Emilio's striking violet eyes. His expression was unreadable, yet the faint smirk tugging at his lips sent a chill down her spine. To her growing horror, she realized she was cradled in his arms.
"That was close," he murmured, his voice smooth as silk. "If I hadn't been there, you'd be dead."
Her eyes widened as the words sank in. Horror mingled with indignation. Ah, great. A prince charming I never asked for.
Emilio's smirk deepened, but Claudia felt the subtle shift in his aura, like a cat toying with its prey. What madness drives this girl? he mused silently. If not for the witnesses, I'd have let her fall.
She glared at him, her unease sharpening. How can he think that while smiling like that?
The juxtaposition of his serene smile and his apparent cruelty left her unsettled.
Emilio leaned in closer, violet eyes locking with hers. Her heart skipped a beat, her face heating up uncontrollably.
What is he doing? she thought, alarmed. Her pulse quickened. What's wrong with me? Ugh, it's the original Claudia's feelings!
Emilio, of course, noticed the shift in her demeanor. Let's see how she reacts... She's too fun to play with, he thought mischievously.
But as soon as Claudia heard his thoughts, her blush vanished, replaced by a dark, calculating expression. Oh, so he plans to mess with me, does he?
Emilio tilted his head slightly, puzzled by her sudden change. No reaction? That's odd. Should I move even closer?
Claudia's inner voice screamed. Don't you dare!
Before he could get any closer, Claudia slammed her forehead into his. The audible thud was followed by a sharp hiss of pain from Emilio.
"What the—" he began, stumbling back slightly, hand flying to his head.
Claudia, still nestled in his arms, tilted her head with a soft, almost innocent expression. She blinked up at Emilio, feigning confusion.
"Oh my, Emilio," she said with sweet feigned regret. "I'm so sorry. I just wanted to move my head a bit, but… you were so close."
Her eyes fluttered as if genuinely apologetic, but the faint curve of her lips betrayed her true intent.
Emilio's brows twitched, the sharp glint in his violet eyes flickering with anger.
"Is that so?" he asked, his voice smooth but edged with rage. He didn't release her but leaned in closer instead.
"Claudia!" a voice called.
"Claudia!" the voice came again, breaking the tension. Emilio froze, his expression faltering as he glanced toward the approaching figure.
Claudia seized the opportunity to look away, relief washing over her when she recognized the young man running toward her. His golden hair caught the sunlight, and his sun-kissed eyes widened with worry as he closed the distance between them. Behind him, her maid hurried, trying to keep up.
Ah, that was close. Good timing, whoever you are, Claudia thought with silent gratitude.
The young man skidded to a halt, his face a mix of concern and worry as he looked at Emilio. "What's going on here?" he demanded, his voice steady yet sharp. He turned to Claudia, worry plain. "Claudia, are you alright? Are you hurt?"
Before she could answer, Emilio's grip loosened, setting her on her feet with deliberate slowness. "Relax, Lucius," Emilio drawled, his violet eyes cool. "I was merely ensuring your dear little sister didn't fall to her death."
Lucius? Claudia thought, her gaze snapping to the young man now before her. Lucius Barberini?! Her eyes widened, taking in his sun-kissed hair and warm, hazel eyes. He was undeniably handsome—effortlessly charming. No wonder Emilio tolerates him—he's practically a prince himself.
She blinked rapidly, snapping out of her awe.
Lucius didn't seem to notice as he turned back to Emilio, his expression softening. "Still, thanks for catching her, Emilio. Knowing Claudia, she probably wasn't watching where she was going."
"True enough," Emilio replied with an amused smirk, brushing imaginary dust off his sleeve. "She's quite... spirited." His tone carried a teasing edge, and Claudia's jaw tightened.
Claudia sighed inwardly as Evangeline walked toward her. I am right here, you know, she thought bitterly, rolling her eyes at the entire scene.
"My lady, you scared me! Please don't do that again," Evangeline said, her voice filled with concern as she gently grasped Claudia's hand. I can't believe my lady almost killed herself. Was she struggling alone all this time? My lady is so pitiful...
Claudia gave Evangeline a flat, unreadable look, the corner of her lips twitching. I appreciate your concern, but that is not the case, she thought, forcing herself to mask the irritation.
I need to get rid of Emilio without revealing that I'm not Claudia, she mused, the weight of the situation pressing down on her.
Then, she froze. A thought pierced her mind—one that wasn't her own. I've been ignoring these signs, but this confirms it—Emilio loves my sister, Lucius's thought echoed in her mind. Claudia's stomach twisted in panic. No, no, no! That's not the case!
Her pulse quickened, but her face remained neutral. This is bad. I can't let him think that.
"Claudia, you should get ready for breakfast. Mother and father are waiting. Evangeline, please take Claudia to her room," Lucius said with a steady tone, giving the maid a gentle nod.
Evangeline bowed. "Yes, my lord," she said as she moved toward Claudia. "Let's go, my lady."
Claudia sighed, her mind already turning. Time to put my acting skills to the test, she thought, steeling herself.
She suddenly called out, her voice hesitant, "Umm, is... Emilio going to have breakfast with us as well, brother?" She looked back at Lucius, her tone almost shy.
Lucius and Emilio froze, turning to look at her.
Emilio's lips parted, his polished exterior slipping for a moment. "I'm afraid not, I only came—"
But before he could finish, Lucius interjected smoothly, "Of course, dearest sister. He will have breakfast with us."
Claudia's eyes widened. Since when?! Emilio's surprised thought rang in her mind, and Claudia smirked inwardly.
"Ah, I'm glad," she said with feigned joy. She clasped her hands together, giving them a little squeeze. "I will prepare quickly."
This should be Claudia enough! Time to torment Emilio a little, she thought to herself, fighting the urge to smirk in triumph.
As she turned to follow Evangeline, she felt Emilio and Lucius's gazes lingering on her a moment longer than she liked. But she held her head high, determined to play her role to perfection.
As she turned and followed Evangeline back toward her room, she could feel Emilio and Lucius's gazes on her, lingering for a moment longer than she would have liked. But she held her head high, determined to play her role to perfection.
Still outside, Lucius and Emilio were left standing in the wake of Claudia's sudden declaration. Emilio's face twisted with irritation, though he kept it hidden behind a well-practiced smile.
"Why did you say that? You know I did not come here to have breakfast," Emilio said, his voice low but tinged with incredulity.
Lucius, seemingly unfazed, let out a soft laugh. "I don't know. Whenever I see my sister like that, I can't help but give her what she wants." He paused, and then, with a mischievous glint in his eyes, added, "Emilio, when she told me she liked you, I was skeptical at first because I didn't want her to suffer a one-sided love. But now I see... you don't have to hide it. I know you love my sister as well. And I will do my best to bring you two together."
Lucius took Emilio's hand in his, holding it with a gentle, sincere smile, his eyes sparkling as if this were the most natural thing in the world.
'What is wrong with Lucius? Me? Like his sister? Over my dead body,' Emilio thought, the irritation in his mind nearly making his jaw tighten. He forced a smile, though it was a struggle. 'I'll play along for now... but this is getting out of hand.'