chapter 4

The next day, Ria returned to the palace.

As she stepped through the marble corridor, she spotted Lucy waiting for her near the garden terrace.

“Ria! Did your mother say anything about Bella?” Lucy asked.

Ria shook her head lightly. “No. I told her Bella was fine and that she didn’t have to worry.”

“Ah… okay,” Lucy said, sounding a little relieved.

Then, as if something suddenly came to her mind, Lucy gasped. “Ria! I forgot to tell you something!”

“What is it?” Ria asked curiously.

“I got a letter from my grandmother!” Lucy exclaimed, her eyes gleaming.

“Oh really? That’s wonderful! You must be so happy,” Ria said with a smile.

Lucy sighed. “Well, it is a happy thing for me… but it’s not about that.”

Ria frowned in confusion. “Then what is it? Come straight to the point already!”

Lucy folded her arms. “I’m going to my grandmother’s estate for a few days. I’ll be leaving soon.”

Ria blinked. “Isn’t that a good thing though? You’ll get to spend time with her!”

Lucy gave Ria a light tap on the head. “You idiot! I’m sad about our promise!”

“Promise? Huh?” Ria looked blank.

Lucy gave her a look. “Don’t tell me you forgot already! We promised to visit the temple together!”

Ria paused, her thoughts drifting back to yesterday’s events, her mind still clouded by what had happened. “Ah… right. How could I forget?”

Lucy narrowed her eyes. “Did you just ‘ah’ me?” she teased suspiciously.

Ria quickly changed the topic. “Lucy, don’t worry about it. Just enjoy your time with your grandmother. We can set another day later.”

Lucy softened. “Alright, but you really seemed serious back there. I was a bit concerned.”

Ria smiled faintly. “It’s nothing. Don’t worry about me.”

A few hours later, Lucy departed for her grandmother’s home.

Once she left, Ria went to check on Bella, who was still resting. Not long after, Melvin entered the room, his expression slightly tense.

“Did either of you see my antique watch?” he asked.

Both Bella and Ria shook their heads. “No.”

Melvin frowned. The watch he spoke of wasn’t an ordinary one — it was a precious gift from his uncle when he was crowned the crown prince. Melvin admired his uncle deeply and treasured that watch more than anything.

Only two people knew how much it meant to him — his sister Lucy and his childhood friend Ria.

Turning to Ria, Melvin asked, “Ria, did you happen to see my watch?”

Ria looked surprised. “The one your uncle gave you?”

“Yes,” Melvin replied. “The one you also used to like.”

Ria shook her head. “No, I didn’t see it. Why? Did something happen?”

“I can’t find it,” Melvin said, his voice tightening. “It’s gone.”

Bella suddenly spoke up, a faint smile playing on her lips. “Is it the same watch from the rumours?”

Melvin and Ria both turned to her. “Rumours?” they said in unison.

Bella leaned back slightly. “Isn’t there a rumour that His Highness owns an antique watch — one that he’ll give to his future wife?”

Ria rolled her eyes. “Why are there so many ridiculous rumours these days?”

Melvin frowned. “Where did you hear that?”

Bella shrugged. “From people here and there. I don’t remember exactly who.”

Melvin exhaled deeply, then looked around. “Did anyone happen to see someone enter my room?”

One of the maids, her hands trembling, stepped forward. “I-I saw Lady Rianide going into your room, Your Highness.”

Melvin turned sharply toward Ria. “Ria, did you go into my room?”

“Yes, I did,” Ria said slowly, “but—”

Bella suddenly interrupted. “Cousin, you went into His Highness’s room? Why?”

Melvin’s gaze sharpened. “Yes, why?”

Ria’s tone was steady. “Why else would I go? I went there looking for you, Bella — but you weren’t there.”

Bella gasped dramatically. “But His Highness just said his watch has disappeared. Do you… have anything to do with that?”

Ria’s patience snapped. “What are you implying? Do you think I’m a thief?” She turned to Melvin. “Even he doesn’t think of me that way!”

Bella smirked. “Well, if you’re truly innocent, then you wouldn’t mind being inspected, would you?”

Ria looked at Melvin, waiting — hoping — for him to say something, to defend her. But Melvin stood silent, simply watching.

Ria swallowed hard. “Fine,” she said. “Inspect me then.”

Moments later, during the inspection, the missing watch was found — lying on the couch where Ria had been sitting while taking care of Bella.

Ria stared at it in disbelief. “What… what is that doing there?”

Bella’s voice turned sharp. “Cousin, didn’t you say you weren’t the thief?”

“I’m not!” Ria said firmly. “I don’t know how that watch got there!”

Bella tilted her head. “I heard that you’re to be the future Crown Princess… Did you perhaps take it because of that?”

Ria’s face went pale. “Do you even realize what you’re saying?”

Bella only sneered. “Who knows?”

Ria turned desperately to Melvin. “Melvin, do you believe her?”

Melvin’s eyes, once so warm, now looked uncertain. He hesitated. “It’s not that I don’t believe you…”

Ria’s heart sank. “Is that what you have to say, after knowing me all these years?”

Melvin said nothing.

Ria’s throat tightened. She wasn’t angry — just shattered. Everyone in the room looked at her with suspicion, even the one person she thought would stand beside her no matter what.

All she had wanted were four simple words — No, I believe you.

But all she received was silence.

Ria let out a faint, bitter laugh. “I understand. You can think whatever you want. I know I didn’t do this.”

Melvin finally said, “I don’t want to pursue this matter any further. Everyone, you’re dismissed.”

Ria froze. He didn’t even ask her to explain.

As the others dispersed, she stood alone in the quiet room — hurt, humiliated, and hollow — realizing that sometimes silence could wound deeper than words ever could.

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