CHAPTER 263: MANAGING TO BE SO STRONG

Casaio, Zilia and Idris stepped inside a biggest mall in the capital, where a good crowd could be seen.

"This is my first time visiting such a place. It looks a place meant for riches," Idris murmured.

"Your brother-in-law is rich too," Casaio told him, lowering his head. Then, hanging his arm around Idris’ shoulder, he walked inside with him.

Zilia followed them closely, smiling how Casaio was taking care of her brother. Though her brother’s childhood broken days couldn’t be mended, but seeing how Casaio was making him feel special in the present made her feel overwhelmed.

News of the eldest alpha prince’s arrival spread quickly. Within moments, the senior manager and several staff members arrived to personally escort them, eagerly guiding the trio from one store to another.

As they entered one of the high-end stores, Zilia felt Casaio’s hand slip into hers. His fingers gently interlaced with hers, which was an act of pretense.

"What are you doing?" Zilia lowered her eyes to their hands.

"We are surrounded by people," Casaio whispered near her ear, "so we have to act like our former selves."

"Sis, this looks perfect on me, right?" Idris inquired.

Zilia turned toward him and smiled brightly. "Yes, you look really good. It suits you perfectly."

Casaio studied the outfit thoughtfully. "Does anything need alteration? If so, let them know now."

Idris checked the fit once more and shook his head. "No, I think it’s perfect."

"Great. Then we’ll take two more sets of the same outfit," Casaio instructed. "You’ll also need a good tracksuit and matching shoes."

"The shoes are available at the adjacent store, Your Highness," the senior manager informed politely.

As Idris returned to the fitting room to change back into his casual clothes, Casaio walked over to the counter and made the payment. A few minutes later, Idris emerged, holding the shopping bags with visible joy, a smile tugging at his lips.

Zilia watched them silently, especially Casaio, who was treating Idris with such a care.

’I wanted you to not love me anymore. Why are you still holding on me? Shouldn’t you get rid of me already for hurting you? Why do I feel you’re getting hurt by staying close to me?’ she thought.

Casaio turned his head in her direction, watching her lost in a deep contemplation.

’How is she managing to be so strong? Was she always like this?’ he thought.

~~~~~

"Kate, I’m sorry I didn’t call you this morning. I just couldn’t find the time," Amelie said softly, her voice carried by the gentle breeze as she sat on the swing in the balcony.

"It’s okay," Katelyn replied. "How are you holding up?"

"I’m good," Amelie answered, offering a faint smile. Just as she opened her mouth to ask about Katelyn, her friend’s voice interrupted, filled with something heavier.

"Amelie... why didn’t you tell me that Mom was the one who let Riley into the palace, wanting her to hurt you?"

Amelie froze, her fingers tightening around the swing’s chain. "What?" she breathed, completely stunned. "What are you saying?" Then she let out a nervous, disbelieving chuckle. "No... that can’t be true."

"Wait—" Katelyn’s voice sharpened. "You didn’t know?"

"I think there’s a certain misunderstanding going on," Amelie said.

Katelyn realized too late that she had said something she shouldn’t have. Gabriel had specifically asked her not to tell Amelie.

She stared at the phone in her hand, frozen in regret.

"Kate, why are you suddenly silent? What’s going on in the palace?" Amelie’s voice snapping her from her thoughts.

Before Katelyn could respond, a hand reached out and took the phone from her.

"Kate, I’ll speak to you later," Gabriel said. Without waiting for a reply, he ended the call.

Amelie shot up from the swing, her expression alarmed. "Why did you do that?" she asked, clearly shaken. "She said something... something odd. I was going to ask her—"

Gabriel exhaled deeply and met her gaze. "It’s true," he said. "It was my mother who allowed Riley into the palace. I didn’t tell you earlier because... you had started to get close to her. You believed she actually cared, for me, for you. You thought she welcomed you as part of the Sinclair family."

Amelie stared at him, stunned. "Why didn’t you tell me before?" she asked, searching his eyes for answers.

"What was I supposed to say?" Gabriel replied, pain flickering across his face. "That my own mother is the villain of my life? That she plotted to harm you and our pup? I didn’t want to burden you with the truth while you were healing... while I was still trying to accept it myself."

He stepped closer. "I was ready to leave the palace behind. And I meant it. We’re not going back, Amelie. I don’t want her explanations. I don’t need closure. I just want peace, for both of us."

Gabriel looked at her, silently hoping she understood why he’d kept the truth from her.

"I get it. I’m sorry you have to go through that," Amelie said, her hand moving to his cheek as she closed the distance between them. "But I wonder if the Queen forgot I always wear the pendant you’ve given me."

"She didn’t forget anything," Gabriel whispered, his hand resting above hers as he held it, pressing his lips on the center of her palm. "Are you not hungry? The dinner is ready. Carlos is waiting for us at the dinner table."

"Yeah, I’m hungry. It’s just I wanted to speak with Katelyn. She dropped me a message last saying the Queen had set her up with someone. She doesn’t want to mate with that guy," Amelie replied.

"Well, I advise you to stay away from Kate’s matter. In the end, she has to do what mom wants. For me, don’t talk to her," Gabriel stated.

Amelie couldn’t refuse him. "Sure, I won’t. By the way, thank you for today’s outing. I simply loved it. I think I made two friends. It was fun meeting new people."

"Anything for you, Mate. I’ll keep doing much more for you, and of course, the pup," Gabriel promised with a smile.

"Your presence is enough for us." Amelie wrapped her arms around him, thus hugging him.