Trapped in His Own Luna's Trap

Episode 12:

“But if I only have a normal face like this, how can I attract the attention of King Lycan?” If his words had made sense before, today I felt confused again.

He looked towards me, though from behind the curtain, I seemed to still feel that powerful gaze. Looking to the point of feeling cold all over, my hands involuntarily clasped together, unsure where I had misspoken.

But Gregory’s voice didn’t sound angry; he just coldly said, “In that case, I’m afraid you’ve failed to see King Lycan’s face yet. Amelia, I often tell you, you must save some acts for the last act.”

His words sounded like his previous teachings, but in my heart, I felt uneasy.

Turning around, I saw a basin of clear water placed on the three-legged stand. I walked over, immersed my face in the water. The October weather was already cold, and I couldn’t help but shiver, but I gritted my teeth to endure and washed away the makeup on my face.

Using water to cover my face, not completely erasing my original appearance but hiding the charm between my eyebrows, the elegance when smiling, when walking...

With a clean face, I used my sleeve to wipe my face, then turned around with a bright smile. “Father, am I truly beautiful?”

Gregory “hmmed” and said, “Beautiful.”

He couldn’t really see my face, but I still smiled. I had always completely trusted his words.

“If...” He paused for a moment, cleared his throat, then continued, “If you can’t secure a spot in the selection, don’t be discouraged. In fact, entering the palace doesn’t have to be a maiden’s fate. Amelia, you’ve silently endured for fifteen years, and you shouldn’t disturb things now.”

His words felt like a bucket of cold water pouring over me, completely awakening me.

Entering the palace didn’t have to be a maiden’s fate?!

I smiled. Gregory was truly Gregory, and I was being foolish right now.

“Ahem...” Suddenly he started coughing, stepped back, staggered to sit on the bed, bending over and clutching his chest.

“Father!” I raised my hand to draw the curtain, but stopped.

For three years, every time he coughed incessantly, I could only stand like this. The thought of not lifting the curtain seemed to have penetrated into my bones. I also didn’t know, if one day I really entered, how would he and I be?

“Father...” I worriedly called out.

After a long while, he finally gasped, saying, “It’s okay.”

Suddenly, I felt a little worried, afraid he would say, “It’s been like this for years,” so I hastily said, “If one day, Amelia can catch the eye of King Lycan, I will definitely invite the best doctor to treat you!”

Gregory chuckled softly, his voice hoarse, “Amelia!” He just called my name and said nothing else.

Behind the curtain, I saw him lean down, and after a while, he didn’t speak.

“Father?” I called out tentatively, afraid he was so uncomfortable he couldn’t speak.

Gregory still didn’t respond. I was anxious but didn’t dare to step in.

Just as I was hesitating, I suddenly heard him say, “I’m tired; you should go!” I was surprised when he said, “Apply the medicine.” Remember, patience is also a lesson.”

Patience...

Time had passed for so long; that was what I understood the most.

I nodded and tiptoed out.

When I returned to the Martinez family, the rain had stopped long ago.

Passing through the courtyard, I saw my father coming out of the study. When he saw me from a distance, he called out, “Amelia!”

I stopped, feeling nervous: “Father, is something wrong?”

It seemed my father’s mood was very good; he smiled and said, “Your two sisters will soon enter the palace, and you should also consider marriage with young master Jeremy.”

I was startled, asking, “Je... No, what did young master Jeremy say?”

My father was stunned, and after a while, he shook his head: “Nothing yet.” His words now carried disappointment and despair.

After hearing that, I finally felt at ease. Nodding repeatedly, I just thought, what would he feel if he knew the Martinez family suddenly had an extra spot for the selection?

My father looked at me, leaving behind the words, “Try to reconcile with young master Jeremy,” then waved his sleeve and left.

I couldn’t help but smile faintly; did he still think I was the same Amelia who knew nothing from five years ago?

As the sky darkened, the atmosphere became colder. I took a deep breath and turned to walk back to my room. Passing by Chloe’s room, I faintly heard a soft sound coming from the bushes in front of the courtyard. Curious, I stealthily walked over and saw a couple embracing tightly, making me immediately blush.

Though I have experienced little of life, I still know.

Just as I was about to speak, I clearly saw the face of that woman, who was Emily, the maid next to Chloe. As for the man, I didn’t remember his name, but I knew he was from a noble family within the palace.

Emily was crying uncontrollably. “What should we do now? Miss has to enter the palace, so what about us later?”

“Well... can’t you beg Miss not to send her to the palace?”

“Oh, oh, Miss will definitely not agree!”

...

I let out a soft “hmph” and left. With Chloe’s personality, of course, it was impossible. Emily had been her maid since childhood, so how could she let her go and not take her to the palace? Suddenly, I remembered Gregory’s words; it turned out there were still people who didn’t want to enter the palace.

At dinner in the evening, Chloe laughed so much that she couldn’t close her mouth, as if she were already the queen. Father and Mother were also thrilled; all the food on the table was what Chloe and Victoria liked to eat. But unlike usual, Victoria didn’t say a word for the first time; she just buried her face in her rice bowl.

I didn’t like sitting opposite them, watching them so happy, so I gulped a little and made an excuse to leave. Father said nothing; they probably all hoped I would quickly leave, right? That way, no one would interfere with their sharing of such big news.

As I was walking, suddenly I heard someone calling from behind, “Amelia!”

Turning around, it was Victoria again. She stood from afar, the dim light shining on her, casting a faint shadow. Seeing me stop, she stepped forward. It was only now that I noticed she was alone; Lyly wasn’t with her.

I frowned and asked, “What’s wrong?”

Victoria said softly, “You also know about King Lycan’s wife selection; the Martinez family has two spots.”

“Isn’t that for you and your older sister?” I impatiently interrupted. She froze for a moment, as if deciding, then raised her eyes to ask, “If... if I give up my spot for you, do you want it?”

“No need.” I didn’t bother to think; I immediately refused.

“Don’t you want to enter the palace?” She couldn’t help but ask.

“No.” I said coldly.

“Well...” Her voice grew quieter, and her head bowed lower. I couldn’t see her face, silently wondering what she meant. Or did she want to extract information from me?

I glanced at her and then turned away. No matter how much I wanted to leave, I wouldn’t let them know. How could I know what they would secretly plot behind my back?

Three days later, Jeremy came to the Martinez family, two days before the wife selection.

His face looked tired, and his voice revealed his disappointment. “Mia, I’m sorry, I...” Suddenly, he bowed his head; though he didn’t finish his sentence, I could guess his meaning.