CHAPTER 3

After settling in, Silas ordered the maid to prepare lunch for them in their respective rooms. Caspian tried to sit next to the head seat, waiting for Silas to come down, but Arlo swooped in, aiming for the coveted spot.

"You better budge, I'm sitting here," Arlo said, his eyes flashing with determination.

"And what if I don't?" Caspian replied, his voice firm.

Arlo's expression darkened. "I don't wanna repeat myself, Caspian. Find another seat."

Caspian stood his ground. "You have no right to command me. I was here first."

Arlo's anger boiled over, and he pushed Caspian out of the chair. Caspian landed on the floor with a groan, his eyes blazing with pain and anger. Just as he tried to stand, Silas' footsteps echoed in the hallway. Arlo quickly dropped to the floor, fake-crying.

Silas rushed in, concern etched on his face. "What's going on here?"

Arlo sniffled, pointing an accusing finger at Caspian. "Silas, Caspian pushed me. He argued with me over who'd sit next to you. My ankle hurts badly."

Silas' expression turned cold as he gazed at Caspian. "Why did you do that, Caspian?"

Caspian trembled, his eyes pleading. "I didn't, love. He's pinning it on me. He pushed me."

Silas hesitated, unsure who to believe. "Kate, get Arlo to his room and check his ankle," he instructed one of the maids.

Arlo's voice turned pitiful. "My omega, please come stay with me."

Silas took the food tray and headed to Arlo's room. Caspian watched, tears rolling down his cheeks. "What can I do? I need my omega for myself," he whispered, his heart heavy with despair.

Caspian thought Arlo was hurting himself to shift blame and get Silas closer. Desperation clawed at his heart, and he walked to the kitchen, grabbed a knife, and cut deep into his hand. A scream of pain escaped his lips as he rushed to him.

Caspian's hospital room was filled with the beeping of machines and the faint scent of disinfectant. Silas sat beside him, his eyes filled with concern as Caspian forced a weak smile.

"How are you?" Silas asked, his voice gentle.

"Fine," Caspian replied, his voice barely above a whisper.

Silas' expression turned serious. "What happened? You scared me to death."

Caspian hesitated, "I...I mistakenly cut myself with a knife."

Silas' eyes widened in shock. "What for? That's so careless. The wound is so deep."

Caspian looked away, feeling guilty. "I'm sorry I made you worried."

Silas stood up, his expression tense. "I have to go check on Arlo."

Caspian's heart sank, and he grabbed Silas' hand. "Ouch, Silas, love, please stay with me. I'm more hurt than Arlo is." He broke down in tears. "Or do you love Arlo more?"

Silas' expression softened, but he pulled his hand away. "It's not that, Arlo broke his arm, and I'm going to see how he's doing. I'll come back to you later."

Silas left, and Caspian's tears turned to sobs. The pain in his hand seemed to intensify as reality set in.

Mrs. Lane, Caspian's mother, rushed into the room, her eyes red from crying. "Caspian!" She hugged him tightly, examining his wound with a worried expression.

"Mum, I'm fine," Caspian reassured her.

Mrs. Lane's voice trembled. "What happened?"

Caspian looked away. "I accidentally cut myself."

His mother wasn't convinced. "Stop lying, this doesn't look accidental. Tell me, did Silas allow Arlo to hurt you?"

Caspian stayed silent, and his mother's expression hardened. "I'll send people to help you move your things from Silas' house. I can't bear seeing you hurt."

Caspian's eyes widened. "Mum, stop crying. I'm so much in pain already."

Mrs. Lane wiped her tears. "Where's Silas? Why isn't he here to take care of you?"

Caspian looked away, feeling guilty.

His mother scoffed. "You see the kind of omega you want to marry? A ruthless and irresponsible one."

"Mum, don't speak ill of him," Caspian pleaded.

Mrs. Lane's voice rose. "He didn't take care of you, that's why you're this hurt."

Caspian sighed, feeling exhausted. "He just has other things to attend to."

His mother's expression turned incredulous. "And it's more important than you?"

Caspian closed his eyes, unable to respond.

Mrs. Lane stayed the night, taking care of Caspian as his hand pain intensified. The nurses assured her it was just the healing process.

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