Chapter thirty four
Chapter thirty four
Isabella
"What were you talking about with my son?" Laura asked, scanning the look on my face.
"I just asked about your whereabouts," I replied, reaching out to hand Laura her phone. She took it from me, avoiding eye contact.
"What is this about?" She asked, shoving her phone in my face.
"Someone called," I answered with a small smile. "I couldn't answer the call on your behalf, neither could I just watch it ring. I had to look for you."
"Oh, thank you… But you still haven't told me what you and my son were talking about," She said, and I saw the seriousness in her face. Even her voice sounded stern and deep.
"We didn't talk about much. Like I said before, I asked him about you," I replied.
"Is that all?" She asked, narrowing her eyes.
"Yes," I responded and nodded.
"Then, why was his face looking so anxious? I thought you were telling him something else."
"No… I wasn't telling him much. But, Queen Laura… I think I should be the one asking you that," I whispered.
"Pardon?" She muttered, her twitching, nervous-looking eyes darting around my face. Exclusive content from NôvelDrama.Org.
"I mean, why was Oregon's face looking anxious? Did something happen between both of you?" I asked softly, and there was a second of silence between us.
What ended the cold silence was her loud scoff.
"What could have happened between us for his face to look like that? Nothing happened," She said and let out a chuckle.
"Oh, I see. I guess I was wrong then. When I met him, his face looked really anxious and he seemed angry too. I thought something happened," I said, pouting my lips.
"Hold on… Did Oregon tell you that we met?" She asked.
"No," I answered in a whisper.
"Then, why would you think that I was the cause of the change in his facial expression? I never told you he met me," Laura said.
"I just guessed," I chuckled, trying hard not to sound nervous. "I simply judged the look on his face when I asked where you were. His expression changed. Even when he told me he didn't know anything, I knew he was lying. I thought something happened between you two. Maybe you both had a fight?"
Laura cleared her throat and shook her head. "Nothing happened between us, and that's it."
"Okay. I'm sorry for trying to be curious," I said, with a soft voice.
"Hmm… It's really true that curiosity killed the cat. Isabella, I would prefer if you are not too curious. One of the kinds of people I loathe are those that are extremely inquisitive," She said.
"I'm sorry. Please forgive my stupidity and recklessness," I muttered, sadly.
"It's fine. As long as you have reflected on yourself, everything is good. Come, let's go back in," She said, and I nodded.
Together, we went upstairs and finally entered the bedroom. I watched as Laura went straight into the bathroom.
"Queen Laura…" I called, whispering.
"Yes?" She answered.
I bit my lower lip and sighed. "If you are done, I would like to speak with you, please," I said, timidly.
There was a brief silence before she spoke.
"Alright. Hold on," She answered.
After washing up, Laura emerged from the bathroom and got dressed. Meanwhile, I retreated to my room. A few moments later, I heard her call my name, and I came out immediately.
"You said you wanted to talk to me," She said.
"Yes," I nodded.
"What's that?" she asked, sinking into a chair and rubbing a towel vigorously over her damp hair.
My gaze dropped to the floor, unable to meet her eyes. I felt a lump in my throat.
"You seem a little tense," she observed, her voice gentle. "Just relax, okay? We even had a conversation a few minutes back. There's nothing to be nervous about."
I mustered a smile and sat down beside her. "You're right," I said, forcing myself to meet her gaze. "I'm ready to talk."
"Great," she said, her expression brightening. "Let's hear it."
I took a deep breath, then confessed, "I don't think I can stay here much longer."
"What? Why?" Her eyes opened widely in surprise.
"No! Uh… What I mean is that I can't stay in this room with you anymore. I don't think I can do that any longer," I said.
"Why? Are you uncomfortable with me now or what?" She asked, raising an amused brow.
I sighed deeply and scratched my head. "No, please. Don't misunderstand me. I'm trying to say that I think I need a room of my own."
"Oh, that… There are various rooms here you can choose from, if that's what you want. But can I ask you again, are you certain you want to stay on your own?" She asked.
"Yes, I want to," I replied, nodding my head sharply.
"Alright then," She sighed deeply.
"Can I start looking at the rooms now, if you don't mind?" I whispered, trying to be sweet and innocent.
"Yes, if that's what you wish. How about I call the housekeeper to show you around?" She said rhetorically.
"No! Don't worry, I can do all that myself. You don't have to worry," I smiled.
"Do you know your way around?" She asked, sounding worried.
"Of course!" I chuckled and nodded my head.
"If you say so," She said, and I stood up, excitedly.
"Thank you, Queen Laura!" I gushed and bowed lowly before leaving the room.
When I was out, I dusted my dress and kept a straight face. I walked to the elevator and entered it. It took me downstairs, and I came out.
As I stepped out of the elevator, I smoothed my dress and took a deep breath. Trying to keep my expression neutral, I walked down the corridor. When I reached the door, my heart started racing. I hesitated for a moment, then raised my hand and knocked.
The door swung open, revealing a stony-faced Oregon. I forced a smile and gave a little wave, but he didn't return my greeting.
"What are you doing here?" Oregon demanded. His tone was brusque, his face a cold mask. His expression was so forbidding, I almost turned tail and ran.
"I… I came to see you," I stammered, feeling my courage deserting me.