Ch. 1171..1180

Chapter 1171 A Nobody To Him

Amid the heavy rain, Samuel stood before the tombstone. His gaze was unfathomable, while his fists were tightly clenched. The veins on his arms visibly bulged as his fingernails dug into his palms. Even when the rain drenched his hair and clothes, he remained still.

The man swore to himself that he would find Natalie and bring her home. Right then, Heidi was sitting in the driver’s seat of a car not far away, observing Samuel’s every move through the binoculars.

Watching him being overcome with grief, she bit her lip tightly without realizing it. Why does he still miss her so much when she’s already dead…

On the one hand, Heidi felt that he should not behave in that way, but on the other hand, she was deeply attracted to his affection for Natalie.

Geert’s attitude toward her own mother and everything she witnessed after returning to the Leitz family led her to draw the conclusion that all men were heartless. It was her first time understanding what it meant to be deeply in love and what a loyal man was.

She hated the fact that Samuel loved Natalie. However, it was undeniable that she envied his deep affection for the other woman.

It was no secret that Heidi liked Samuel. Deep down in her heart, she desperately wished to be loved in the same way by him.

For the whole duration that Samuel stood before the tombstone, she watched him with the binoculars from inside her car. It was only after the sky turned pitch black did he leave the cemetery dejectedly under the faint illumination of the street lamps.

A sudden beam of bright light shone on his face, causing him to squint his eyes instinctively. Then, he saw a silver Lamborghini come to a steady stop before him. Heidi pushed open the door and got out of the vehicle.

Once Samuel recognized her, he spoke in a voice deeper than usual. “It’s you.”

Heidi bobbed her head. “Yes, it’s me.” A beat later, she could not resist the urge to ask, “Aren’t you afraid of falling sick from being rained on for such a long time?”

Instead of replying, he walked past her.

The cold shoulder instantly ignited the rage in her heart, and she quickened her pace to walk up to Samuel and blocked his path by extending her arms.

“Wait! I was expressing my concern for you!”

Samuel raised his gaze to look at her. There was not a hint of emotion in his obsidian eyes.

“Get out of my way!”

“She’s dead, Samuel…” The envy that raged within Heidi prompted her to speak with no filter. “I know you loved her when she was alive. Buy why are you still thinking of her now that she’s dead? I’m younger than her, and I treat you better. Why won’t you give me a chance? Why are you so indifferent toward me?”

I don’t think I’m anywhere inferior to Natalie, be it looks, status or capabilities… I have everything she had and can do whatever she could when she was alive. As long as I work hard, with my family’s support, I believe it is only a matter of time before I own a conglomerate like Dream. I don’t understand why I can’t win Samuel’s heart when Natalie could!

Samuel stared indifferently at the anxious-looking woman before him and fell into a momentary silence.

“She’s not dead,” he said a few seconds later.

Heidi’s eyes went wide as her pitch got higher. “You’ve lost your mind! Her ashes are buried right here! Why can’t you get over her when she’s dead? Can’t you start afresh with me? I’ll be nice to you and your children. I’ll treat them like my own!”

As she spoke, she gripped Samuel’s hands.

“I’ve humbled myself because I want to be with you! Can you please not push me away?”

Heidi stood on tiptoes, wanting to kiss Samuel.

Alas, she was shoved away by him ruthlessly before she could even get near his lips.

Caught off guard, she fell to the ground.

The ground outside the cemetery was covered with muddy puddles due to the rain. Not only was Heidi in pain from the fall, but mud also splattered onto her, making her look a sorry sight.

Sitting on the ground, she glared at Samuel. “I’m already in such a state… What more do you want from me? No matter what, I’m still the younger daughter of the Leitz family. Am I truly a nobody to you?”

 

Chapter 1172 You Have No Right

At her remark, Samuel sneered. “What are you laughing at?” Heidi yelled at him. “It’s not worth doing this for a woman who has been burned into ashes! I swear you will regret treating me this way!”

Her coquettish complaint only caused the disdain in his eyes to deepen. The next second, he slowly squatted down to be at eye level with her. “It seems like you haven’t learned your lesson.”

Samuel’s words succeeded in reminding Heidi of the humiliation she had suffered the other night. The indignant look on her face changed instantly. “Y-You—”

“I regret showing you mercy back then as it allowed you to have the chance to make comments on her.” Following that sentence, he enunciated, “From now on, I will not give you another chance to do so.”

His eyes glinted in a way that resembled a bloodthirsty wolf. Heidi was disconcerted by his gaze. “What will you do? Samuel, what are you planning to do to me?”

Samuel did not answer her question. Instead, he rose to his feet unhurriedly and walked toward his Hummer, leaving her alone outside the empty and gloomy cemetery.

As Heidi struggled to get up from the ground, she realized she looked like a Dalmatian because of the splatters of mud on her. Furious, she bit her lower lip until it turned purple.

Was Samuel warning me? But so what if he did? However, Heidi soon learned what his warning meant.

The next day, photos of her fooling around with men were exposed early in the morning. In the span of a day, everyone in the city scorned her and her family. People could not stop lamenting the preposterousness of the fact that, as the relatives of the royal family, the Leitz family could have such messy private lives.

Heidi paled as soon as she saw those photos. Although she used to be promiscuous, she was very cautious and prioritized her privacy. However, almost all the photos had high definition, and there was nothing covering her face.

There were many mocking comments below the post of the photos. A user named “Devil” commented: Oh my! This woman is so wild. I’m curious about the full version. I wonder where I can watch it.

Another user called “Gossip-loving Dwarf” commented: Rich people sure know how to have fun! They are so open-minded! Someone with the username “Working Hard For My Babe” commented: As expected of an illegitimate child to be a disgrace! She’s worlds apart from the Leitz family’s legitimate daughter!

The following comments had all sorts of content, with most being sarcastic and criticizing her. As Heidi scrolled through the comment section, she felt more and more uneasy. Why is this happening?

Tossing her tablet aside, she knitted her brows. The scandal would label her as a disgrace to the Leitz family, and she could no longer receive any benefits from the family.

Just then, Helma strode into the mansion. As soon as she saw Heidi, she stormed forward to slap her. After a loud smack sounded, a red palm print quickly appeared on Heidi’s cheek.

The younger woman’s cheek was in pain from the slap, but she dared not talk back to Helma. “H-Helma, let me explain, okay?” was all she could say. “Go on. I’m all ears.” Helma arched a brow, motioning for Heidi to continue.

However, the latter was stumped for words. In the end, she could only hold onto Helma’s arm as she spoke pitifully. “Helma, I don’t know how things turned out like this.”

All of a sudden, Heidi recalled what Samuel had told her the previous night. As if she had found a lifeline, she exclaimed, “That’s right! It must be Samuel! He said he wouldn’t let me off! This must be his doing!”

As soon as Helma heard Samuel’s name, she retorted, “Who told you to provoke him?”

She then slapped Heidi again. “No wonder you were all fired up when you saw me plotting against Natalie. It turns out you’re interested in him! I underestimated you! You are just as despicable as your biological mom!”

Although Heidi loved to fool around, she had a deep affection for her mother.

Hearing Helma slandering her mother, she could not help but counter, “Helma, don’t you act all noble in front of me. You were envious of Natalie because Bastien proposed to her in public instead of you. This was why you framed her for trafficking psychotropic drugs, causing her to die in prison! You have no right to lecture me and insult my mother!”

 

Chapter 1173 Mind Went Blank

Even though Helma was indeed guilty as charged, the fact that Heidi exposed her right in her face still caused her expression to turn ugly. “Heidi, what are you trying to achieve here?” she demanded.

“What do you mean?” Heidi put her hand over her swollen cheek as she grinned. “Helma, I only have a simple favor to ask. I want you to squash the scandal for me.”

She was perfectly aware that her reputation was ruined after those photos were leaked to the public. Without someone else’s help, she would never be able to turn things around.

Instead of begging others to help her resolve the crisis, it would be better to seek the aid of her half-sister. Helma immediately understood the implication of Heidi’s words. “Are you threatening me?”

“Helma, I’m your younger sister.” Heidi shrugged as she stared at Helma unblinkingly. “Since we’re siblings, it’s only natural for you to help me out. I’m sure I don’t have to threaten you to do that. Likewise, it’s only natural for me to protect your secrets. You’ve never threatened me before, yet I kept my mouth shut without you asking me. It’s time for you to reciprocate the gesture.”

Her swollen cheek did nothing to hide the malicious glint in her eyes. “What will you do if I refuse to help you?” Helma asked.

“Then, I will divulge the facts that I know.” Heidi raised her brows smugly. In a composed manner, she added, “Maybe Samuel will let me off the hook once I show him the bad things you did.”

The muscles on Helma’s face became evidently tauter as she stood unmoving in the same spot.

A few minutes went by, but there was still no response from her end.

Heidi gradually became impatient, and she said, “My dear sister, what is your decision? I don’t have much patience, so please don’t let me wait any longer—”

“You don’t need to.”

When Heidi noticed Helma had the inclination to agree with her suggestion, glee crept up to her face.

“Helma, I know you would never give up on me. After all, we are sisters—”

Before she could finish her last sentence, a sharp fruit knife was thrust into her chest under her gaze. Following the dull pain, warm blood began oozing out of her body continuously.

“Y-You…” Heidi instinctively put her hand over her wound. Like a fish on the verge of death, her eyes became as wide as saucers. “Helma… H-How could you try to kill me?”

Helma’s mind was blank when she stabbed Heidi in the chest earlier.

She was aware that the latter was not joking around with her.

The woman before her eyes was threatening her for real.

Should Helma fail to do as Heidi said, her crime of setting Natalie up would be exposed to the public.

Whether or not Samuel found out about her involvement was none of her concern. She merely did not want Bastien to know about it.

Wanting to shut Heidi up, Helma grabbed the fruit knife from the table in hopes of frightening her. By the time she realized what had happened, the blade was already buried in Heidi’s chest.

Since she had stabbed Heidi, there was no turning back from then on.

Even though Helma’s hands were trembling, a hint of cruelty flashed across her eyes.

“You brought this upon yourself, Heidi!” she stated.

Meanwhile, Heidi glared at her half-sister in incredulity. In the face of death, she could not resist pleading for a chance of survival. “Hel… Helma, please… help me… I don’t… want to die… Save me…”

Helma ignored her pleas.

All she did was watch as Heidi writhed in agony and weakened like a wilting flower.

Even though Heidi was dying before her, she witnessed the whole process apathetically.

Oh please. I’ve never acknowledged her as my younger sister. I can tolerate her existence as long as she doesn’t cause me harm. The moment she does something to threaten my life, I will not show her mercy. It’s great that she’s gone now.

As Heidi had long dismissed the housekeepers, no one was there to witness the crime.

When Geert returned, he found his beautiful younger daughter lying in a pool of blood on the carpet like a broken rag doll, while his older daughter was holding a blood-stained fruit knife with her face splattered with blood. It was as if she had walked out of hell.

 

Chapter 1174 Hide The Truth

Geert could not believe his eyes. Did… did Helma kill Heidi? After a moment of hesitation, he stumbled over to Helma, muttering, “Helma! What’s going on? What happened to Heidi? Speak to me… Tell me what happened here!”

Helma glanced at the blood-stained fruit knife in her hands before replying blankly, “I killed her.” Shock filled Geert’s eyes. “Why?”

“She deserved it,” she answered coldly. “Heidi is your sister. No matter how mean she was to you, she is still your family! How could you be so cruel to her?” He thundered, “You are an educated person. Don’t you know it’s illegal to kill someone?”

Helma nonchalantly tossed the fruit knife away and said, “I killed her, and she’s dead. If you call the police on me, you will lose not only her but me as well. By doing so, there will be no heir left in the Leitz family, and we will become a laughingstock to everyone…”

There, she paused and lifted her eyes to look into Geert’s before continuing, “Of course, you can also choose to help me hide the truth. After all, Heidi was debauched, messing around with many men. She was a disgrace to the Leitz family for causing such a great scandal on the internet. Now, she has ended her life out of shame because her licentious lifestyle was exposed. Perhaps the public will forget what she did very soon, and the damage to the Leitz family will be minimal. It’s up to you to decide which route you want to take, Father…”

Geert looked at the dead Heidi on the ground and then at the crazed Helma in front of him. For a moment, he stood frozen in place, feeling at a loss.

What kind of cursed misfortune is this? Both of my daughters are equally dear to me. It’s only fitting that I have my daughter’s murderer be convicted for the crime they’ve committed. But… I’ve already lost a daughter. Do I have to send my other daughter to jail?

“Helma… are you forcing my hand?” he asked.

“Father, can I do that?” Helma took off the scarf around her neck, revealing the bruises that had yet to fade. Then, she started chuckling so hard that tears filled her eyes. “If you want to avenge Heidi, you could strangle me like you did last time. Wrap your hands around my neck longer this time, and I’ll be dead too.”

Memories of that incident flashed across Geert’s mind following her reminder. I nearly strangled Helma to death the last time. But that was not the real me.

Even though he was overwhelmed with guilt, he did not know how to explain himself. “Helma… Previously… I…”

“It’s fine if you don’t want to admit it.” Helma rewrapped the scarf around her neck, hiding those bruises again. “Have you made up your mind yet? Do you want to call the police and have them arrest me?”

Geert stared at her with a gaze filled with pain and determination. I only have Helma now. If anything untoward happens to her, I will be left with nothing.

By then, he had completely given in. In order to make Heidi’s death look like a suicide, he steeled himself and chose to be Helma’s accomplice, hiding the truth along with her.

Under Geert’s instructions, the evidence at the crime scene was thoroughly cleaned up. Then, the father and daughter duo cooperated to convince the police that Heidi had taken her own life.

With their statements corroborating each other’s, the police concluded that no foul play was involved in Heidi’s death. That was how Heidi’s story ended.

Not long after her scandal was exposed to the public, she was revealed to have chosen to end her life with a drastic method because she could not withstand the backlash from the crowd.

The netizens who had reproved her for her wickedness could only comment that she was as detestable as she was pitiable. They all soon lost interest in the matter, for a piece of more captivating news about a wedding caught their attention—Bastien announced that he would marry Lunetta, the daughter of the Lovas family.

 

Chapter 1175 Right In Front Of Him

A prince getting married was considered major news. Along with that piece of news, Lunetta’s identity was revealed to the public.

The Lovas family was not a close associate of the royal family. Still, they were a family of academics, and a few politicians were born into their family in the last hundred years. Even though they did not have much power, their reputation was superior in Loang.

The undisputable reputation that the Lovas family had accumulated for a hundred years rendered them adequate to marry one of their own into the royal family of Loang.

The only thing the public was curious about was Lunetta, though. Although she was the youngest daughter of the Lovas family, they were unfamiliar with her name or face.

Hence, when Bastien announced his marriage to her, they were all baffled, wondering why he had chosen her as his wife and who she was.

Soon after that, Lunetta’s photos were revealed to the public too. Samuel narrowed his eyes as he scanned the photo of Lunetta in his hands.

Yandel walked over and snatched it from his grip. After casting a few glances at it, he mocked, “Samuel, why are you staring at Bastien’s fiancée? Do you want to get a new wife as he does?”

His words were filled with spite. Although Yandel knew clearly that Natalie’s death was not Samuel’s fault, he just could not let it go. Thus, he unleashed his frustration on him.

“No,” Samuel replied, straight-faced. Yandel threw Lunetta’s photo onto the table and laughed.

“That better be true! We are not done mourning for Boss yet! Even if we did, you still can’t think of remarrying. If I find out that you have the intention to betray Boss, I will risk even my life to come for you!” he warned.

In truth, his words were a little excessive. Since Natalie was already dead, it was not morally incorrect for Samuel to marry another woman.

In some ways, Yandel was asking something absurd of him. However, Samuel answered without hesitation, “You don’t have to waste your time reminding me. The situation you are worried about will never happen.”

Taken aback by his response, Yandel took a second to reply. “Very well, then. Remember your promise!”

“Of course, I will,” Samuel said. A pang of sadness struck Yandel as he slowly got up from his chair. The people around him, as well as the company, were still the same. However, everything felt foreign to him due to Natalie’s absence.

Nobody was around to control or argue with him. He no longer needed to bootlick anyone and could manage Dream as before. But, slowly, he was forgetting his reason for doing so.

Yandel waved his hand. “I’m taking my leave now, Samuel…”

With that, he left the study. Behind him, Samuel picked up the photo again and stared at the woman on it. Even though Lunetta was not captivating at first sight, she was decent-looking. It was apparent she was born into a wealthy and prestigious family.

Bastien once publicly rejected Helma, whom Lady Frieda had arranged for him to marry, because of Natalie. Why did he suddenly change his mind and marry Lunetta? Did he really forget about Natalie so quickly? Or could it be that Lunetta will be of better help to Bastien compared to Helma? Bastien’s love for Natalie is comparable to mine, so whether she is alive or not, it isn’t possible for him to marry another woman as if nothing has happened. I’m sure there must be some conspiracy and scheme behind his marriage.

Samuel knitted his brows and clenched his teeth.

Suddenly, realization dawned on him, and he quirked his lips.

His eyes sparkled with joy as he muttered, “Oh… I figured it out… The woman I’ve been looking for… is right in front of me…”

 

Chapter 1176 The Wedding Dress Must Suit You

Natalie was completely confined to the bedroom. Since the day Bastien used Betty’s life to threaten her, she started eating again. However, the food she consumed was still much lesser than those of ordinary people.

Knowing that Natalie was trying to protect her, Betty was thankful to her. Thus, she expressed her gratitude by doing her best to take care of Natalie. Simple-minded and innocent, she went through every day trying to find ways to get the latter’s wounds to heal faster.

Unbeknownst to Betty, Natalie became more frustrated when she saw that her wounds were starting to heal. It’s the first time in my life that I hope for my wounds to heal slower. If it can be done… I want them to heal much slower than this. That way, I won’t have to go along with Bastien’s crazy antics.

At the sight of her frown, Betty bit her lip before offering, “Madam, I can get you some books or videos if you are bored…”

“I don’t want those things.” Natalie turned to look at her and requested, “I only want a phone.” A phone? That would mean communication with the outside world. Master has warned me repeatedly that I cannot let Madam leave this room nor allow her to contact the outside world.

At that thought, Betty replied hesitantly, “Madam, could you make… another request? I can’t give you a phone…”

Natalie felt sorry for Betty when she noticed the anxiousness on her face, but she did not have a better method at the moment. Shaking her head, she said, “Forget it, then. There’s nothing else that I want other than a phone… I’m alive and breathing; my heart is pumping. Yet, why can’t I feel the passing of time?”

Even though I’m alive, I feel like I’m dead inside. When Bastien first locked me in here, I was infuriated. Then, I hated him for doing so. Now, all I can feel is numbness. I desperately want to leave, yet I can’t. Because of that, I don’t feel anything anymore. There is no news about Samuel either. Did he really think I was dead when he claimed the body? Does that mean I will be Bastien’s puppet, marry him, and live as Lunetta in the cage-like Luna Palace for the rest of my life?

Betty stared at Natalie, unable to give her any answers.

Natalie glanced at her and knew she had put the maid in a tough spot. At that, she flashed her a faint smile and said, “You may leave now.”

“All right.”

No sooner had Betty left than Bastien showed up.

Natalie had a displeased look on her face when she laid her cold eyes on him.

After all, she had nothing more to say to him.

She cooperated with him merely because he found her weak point, leaving her no choice but to listen to him.

“How are you doing?”

There was no response from Natalie.

“We’re nearing our wedding day.”

The silence persisted.

Natalie’s eyes were glued to the sea outside the window. She did not even bother to spare him a glance, treating him like he was non-existent.

Angered by her action, Bastien reached out and gripped her face forcefully.

“Natalie Nichols, I’m talking to you! How could you treat me this way?” he rebuked. “Once we get married, I’ll be your husband! Have you not thought things through yet? Or do you still have any unrealistic plan of abandoning me?”

Natalie raised her head, asking softly, “Does my opinion matter?”

“You—”

“My opinion doesn’t matter, so neither does my attitude matter, then.” She clasped his hand. “You used underhanded tactics to lock me up and keep me in here like I’m your plaything. Don’t you find it ridiculous to hope that I’ll fall for you under these circumstances?”

Bastien had it easy since he was young, able to get his hands on whatever or whoever he wanted effortlessly until he met Natalie.

Even though he treated her with gentleness and care in hopes of winning her heart, the woman never reciprocated his feelings in any way.

On that occasion, Natalie had overstepped the line massively. Yet, the seething Bastien did not have the heart in him to hurt her. Instead, he let go of her. “That’s right. Everything will go according to my plan. It will only be a matter of time before you become mine.”

Natalie’s eyes were frosty as thoughts flashed across her mind.

Pfft… Hypocrite. This is what he’s wanted since the beginning.

Bastien bent over and took the hyper-realistic mask from the drawer before putting it on her face. “The designer will soon be here to show you your custom-made wedding dress. Remember this. From now onward, you are Lunetta Lovas, and you can’t give the game away.”

 

Chapter 1177 Two Different People

Natalie put on the hyper-realistic mask that was custom-made for her by Bastien. Shortly after, the designers hired to tailor the wedding outfits entered the room.

When they saw Natalie—who had the hyper-realistic mask on—they assumed she was Lunetta, the bride-to-be. Hence, they buttered her up. “You’re gorgeous, Ms. Lovas! We created several designs according to your photos, and we’re sure you’ll like them!”

Natalie ignored them. The designers could sense Natalie’s tenseness. Isn’t it wonderful to get married to a man like Bastien? But she doesn’t look happy at all, even when she’s getting her wedding dress tailored.

Seeing that, Bastien let out a soft cough and glanced at Natalie before saying nonchalantly, “Lune, you must let us know if you’re unsatisfied with the designs. You can also tell me if you don’t like these designers.”

The designers didn’t catch the meaning behind his words. However, Natalie clearly did. This is the same situation as when he threatened me with using Betty’s life previously! Now, he’s using the designer’s life to threaten me! He knew that although I’m not a kind and soft-hearted person, I’m not cruel enough to ignore those who die because of me! This kind of love is too crazy and unacceptable!

With that thought in mind, Natalie sighed, as she had no choice but to give in. “No, I love the designs provided by this designer. Especially this set. May I try it on, please?”

Upon receiving the bride-to-be’s affirmation, the female designer felt relieved and instantly handed Natalie the piece of the garment the latter liked.

Natalie changed into the dress and walked out of the bathroom.

The wedding dress in Loang differed from those in Chanaea—the wedding dress in Chanaea was usually white, while red and green were mainly used as the theme color of Loang’s traditional wedding dress.

Although Natalie was wearing a hyper-realistic mask—which covered her actual face—the aura she emitted was unique. After putting on the elegant and extravagant wedding dress, she looked intimidatingly gorgeous.

A rare grin finally appeared on Bastien’s face when he saw the woman standing before his eyes. “You look stunning!”

“You’re a natural beauty, Madam! Now that you’ve had the wedding dress on, you look like a fairy!” “You two make a great couple, and you’re a match made in heaven!”

The designer and her assistant couldn’t help but exclaim in astonishment.

Bastien couldn’t look away when he saw Natalie in the exquisite dress. She was the woman of his dreams. Even though she wasn’t marrying him as Natalie Nichols and was using Lunetta’s identity instead, it seemed extremely worth it, considering what he had done to her previously.

However, Natalie merely curled her lips like a robot. She understood better than anyone else that she was only a puppet being controlled by Bastien. Yet, she was uncertain if she had another choice than to marry Bastien while using Lunetta’s identity.

Meanwhile, Helma received a wedding invitation card to attend Bastien and Lunetta’s wedding. Seeing that Lunetta was stated as the bride on the card, she felt her heart burning with rage. Natalie had just died recently. Why did this woman named Lunetta appear out of nowhere? I should be the one marrying Bastien! Why can’t I be his wife even after Natalie’s death?

“Why? Why is God making such a fool out of me?” In a distraught state, Helma ran to her father’s study. As soon as she opened the door, she saw a familiar figure standing by the window, gazing at the night view. The study was dark, and it accentuated the shadows on the man’s face, causing him to appear gloomy.

“Father, did you see the wedding invitation card?” Helma yelled frantically. “Bastien is going to marry another woman! He didn’t want to marry me, and he’s abandoning me! You know that I’ve liked him ever since I was a child! He’s my favorite person in the entire world! How can he marry another woman? How can he abandon me?”

However, the man snickered and walked toward Helma slowly.

“Father—”

“I’m not your father!” The man slowly articulated each word while glaring at Helma glumly.

“But, you—” Helma murmured as she furrowed her brows in bafflement.

“Hah.” The man caressed Helma’s cheek before heaving a heavy sigh. “Helma Leitz, you almost died in my hands last time. Are you still unable to tell that your brainless father and I are two different people?”

 

Chapter 1178 No Chance To Strike Back

A menacing grin bloomed on the man’s face. Helma wasn’t a fool. She somewhat had a premonition after her near-death experience. Now that she heard her so-called father’s remark, the answer that she had deep in her heart was revealed instantly. “A-A split personality?” It was just three simple words, but Helma realized she was stuttering through her words as soon as she said them out loud.

The man looked exactly the same as Geert, but they gave off vibes that were completely opposite. The man in front of her looked hostile and emitted a domineering aura as if he was an arrogant king.

“A split personality? I suppose you can put it that way,” King replied sarcastically. “But I prefer saying that my origin self can no longer bear my ego’s weakness, so my stronger origin self was unleashed.” Origin self? Ego?

Helma bit her lip and stared at the man in front of her. “A-Are you going to kill me?” She backed away frightfully as the suffocating feeling she sensed last time rushed over her. “What’s good about killing you?”

“Then what are you…” Helma pressed her palm against her chest while staring at her “father,” who seemed to be familiar yet unfamiliar at the same time.

“As a daughter, are you really satisfied with having a useless man like Geert as your father?” King approached Helma step by step. “A useless man like him will live a mediocre life. If it weren’t because of your mother’s royal status protecting him, he would be nothing! He isn’t even capable of helping you win over Bastien!”

Hope filled Helma’s heart instantaneously as she heard his words. “Are… Are you saying that you can?”

“Of course.” King stared right into Helma’s eyes. Word by word, he said, “It’s been so many years, so we should’ve settled everything once and for all. On the night of the wedding, I will make Bastien your man and make him do everything for you. Moreover, he’ll only love you and dote on you for the rest of his life without ever having the guts to betray you!”

King’s suggestions were simply too attractive. The glimmer of hope in Helma’s eyes became stronger in an instant. I will do anything as long as I can be with Bastien!

She nodded solemnly. “I’m willing to do anything you want me to do as long as Bastien will be mine!”

Hearing that, King smirked smugly. “Soon!”

Unbeknownst to anyone, a storm was brewing under the calm surface before the wedding.

Before the ceremony, Natalie was staring at her reflection in the mirror. A layer of complicated yet exquisite makeup covered her beautiful face. Other than her own eyes, she thought that her current look was thoroughly unrecognizable to her.

Within the month, Natalie had considered escaping this place or contacting the outside world while recuperating.

However, there wasn’t once where she had succeeded.

Bastien had prohibited her from fleeing as he imprisoned her in a heavily guarded area.

Everything remained the same throughout the month.

Betty didn’t know that Natalie would be wearing a hyper-realistic mask, as Bastien had assigned a new maid to look after Natalie right before the wedding.

After Natalie put on the wedding dress and the expensive tiara, she was brought to Luna Palace by the maid.

Soon, Natalie saw the other main star for the night⁠—Bastien.

Bastien looked pleasantly surprised when he saw Natalie. “You’re beautiful.”

Natalie pursed her lips and remained quiet.

Bastien took the initiative to lean closer to her and whispered into her ear, “Samuel will be here today as well. I’m sure you’re aware that this is my turf. I want him to watch you become my woman. Of course, if you don’t cooperate with me and get this wedding over with today, I can guarantee Samuel won’t be able to leave this place safely tonight.”

The two of them were standing extremely close to each other, and Bastien was speaking so softly that what he said was only audible among themselves.

From the outsiders’ perspectives, Bastien and Natalie were merely an affectionate newlywed couple who couldn’t get enough of each other.

Only Natalie understood Bastien was really taking advantage of her emotions and wasn’t giving her any chance to fight back.

 

Chapter 1179 Do Not Need This Luck

“Did you do this on purpose, Bastien?” Natalie turned her head toward Bastien and gritted her teeth. “I already cooperated with you. Why did you still do this?” Bastien’s lips curled up, and his eyes turned cold.

He whispered in her ear, “That’s right. I did it on purpose. Today is the day you bid farewell to the past. You might have been his in the past, but you are now mine. There is no chance between you and him. I also want Samuel to witness this with his own eyes. He’s the loser who lost you to me…”

A wave of complicated feelings washed over Natalie when she heard that. She initially thought the Leitz family planted the trap. She was not prepared for Bastien’s new identity for her or Cynthia’s torturous interrogation when she sought to escape from this.

Although she did not want any of this to happen, she was powerless to stop it. “I said I would never fall in love with you!” Natalie uttered as she stared at Bastien coldly.

Upon hearing that, Bastien chuckled and pinched Natalie’s cheek. There was not a hint of anger on his face. “It’s enough if I love you. Anyways, you’re mine from now on. We have a lot of time to spend together. You will change your mind.”

Natalie took a sharp breath as she tried to interject. Before she could do so, the wedding chaperone chimed in, “Prince Jonathan, Madam, the wedding ceremony is about to begin. You guys can continue saying your sweet nothings to each other after the ceremony.” Even though the wedding chaperone could not hear their conversation, she inferred from their seemingly intimate interactions and covered her mouth to chuckle discreetly.

Bastien immediately put on the facade of a dashing gentleman and smiled gently.

“Okay.”

The wedding chaperone was dazzled by Bastien’s smile and could not help but say to Natalie, “Madam, you are blessed to marry a man like Prince Jonathan! You must understand not many ladies in Loang can experience such luck in men!”

Natalie remained silent. She could not find it in herself to smile in this situation.

What kind of luck is this? I’m willing to give whoever wants this luck!

She only wanted to be with Samuel in this lifetime, so she did not need such luck with men.

The wedding chaperone was stumped by Natalie’s cold expression, as she did not understand the reason behind it. She touched her nose sheepishly. “Madam, you don’t need to be nervous. I’ll help you out with whatever procedure you need to do later. You can follow my instructions.”

Natalie did not respond to that.

Bastien paid no heed to their interaction.

He took one end of the silk ribbon in his hand and felt its texture. He finally felt a huge weight lift off his shoulders when he realized his plan was almost set in stone.

Natalie did not want to hold the other end of the silk ribbon, but the wedding chaperone shoved it in her hands.

Unwillingness was written all over Natalie’s face.

However, the silk ribbon remained in her hands.

A genuine smile appeared on Bastien’s face for the first time. At the moment, the bliss he felt had nothing to do with his identity or any ploys.

When Natalie turned and noticed Bastien’s smile, some unknown emotion flickered in her eyes. However, she was unable to feel any sense of tenderness and affection. On the contrary, endless sorrow filled her heart.

She was about to see Samuel in this state at the wedding ceremony.

With the wedding chaperone from the palace leading the way, Bastien and Natalie slowly walked toward the largest room in Luna Palace.

Besides Mikhail, who was supposed to appear last in the wedding ceremony, all the other princes and their wives were present. There were also a few royals and nobles who were invited.

Coincidentally, Samuel, Yandel, Daniel, Patricia, Jerome, Helma, and Geert were all present.

Natalie and Bastien immediately caught everyone’s attention when they finally appeared.

 

Chapter 1180 Are You Sure You Moved On

Bastien usually wore neutral tones. On this particular day, however, he was dressed in the traditional Loang colors. With the bright red and green articles of clothing, he lost some of his etherealnesses, but everyone was still awestruck by how felicitous his attire was to the festive occasion.

The woman standing beside him was gorgeous and exquisite. Although she was not smiling, her aura made her seem ethereal and elegant.

Yandel glanced at her and mocked, “I thought she was going to be a goddess. Look at her! She’s way uglier than Boss! Bastien’s taste is questionable…”

Although he thought she seemed elegant, no one could exceed Natalie’s position in his heart. After he said that, he instinctively asked Samuel, “Samuel, what do you think?”

Samuel was captivated by the woman the moment he laid his eyes on her. In that instant, it was as if time had stopped. All he could see was the woman beside Bastien.

When Yandel did not hear Samuel’s reply, he turned and realized the latter was staring intently at Lunetta. He exploded with anger and bellowed, “Samuel! How can you stare so unblinkingly at her? That woman is so ugly! How can you not take your eyes off her?”

“She’s not ugly. She’s the most beautiful woman in the world,” Samuel said simply.

“You—”

Yandel was ready to defend Natalie.

“Samuel, do you know what you’re saying? Have you gone blind?” He felt defeated. Although it was natural to be fascinated with someone new, he did not want that to happen to Natalie.

To be it simply, Yandel felt that Samuel should remain single for Natalie’s sake.

Even if Samuel met someone better in the future, Yandel selfishly wanted the former never to betray Natalie.

“Yandel, you’re the one who is blind, not me…”

“You! Do you believe I will—”

Samuel cast a glance at Yandel, who was so angry he was panting, and interrupted in a deep voice, “Yandel, sometimes what you see is not always the truth. I don’t have the time to explain this to you, but I hope you understand today’s occasion. Even if you want to settle our differences, you must wait until this event ends first.”

As soon as Samuel spoke, Yandel noticed the guests’ attention had fallen on them.

Yandel furrowed his brows and did not say anything else. He harrumphed loudly to convey his anger.

Meanwhile, Daniel, Patricia, and Jerome were standing together.

After Natalie’s death, Jerome lost much weight and matured very quickly. The once youthful energy he emitted had almost vanished.

Patricia stared at the couple on the stage and advised Jerome earnestly, “Jerome, look. Even Prince Jonathan had moved on from Natalie. You shouldn’t be so sad…”

Natalie’s death had crushed Jerome.

Patricia was devastated upon seeing this. She was beyond heartbroken as she had not seen Jerome smile since Natalie’s death.

She already felt bad for her son’s love for Natalie not getting reciprocated. Now that Natalie had passed away, she felt that the former had also brought away a piece of her son’s soul. Besides sighing, there was nothing else she could do.

“Mom, you don’t have to be so worried about me.”

Daniel also tried to comfort Patricia. “Jerome is a soldier. He may not be as strong as you presume, but he’s definitely not as weak as you think.”

“I know.”

Jerome’s gaze fell on the woman beside Bastien subconsciously. He felt that the woman from the Lovas family looked like Natalie.

He lowered his head to take a sip of the wine.

Did Bastien really move on from Natalie just like what Mother said?