Reborn as the Unwanted Mate

Chapter 11: Peaches in the Hospital

INDY

His hold on my wrist tightened, making me bite my lip. He had an iron grip, and it was making me feel weak. However, I held it in and contested his gaze.

“I didn’t mean to,” I said. “It was just like that when I entered.”

His eyes narrowed before he shook his head. “You have been strange since you pushed Clara down the stairs. Is this your mechanism of trying to get out of the consequences?”

I couldn’t say anything because my wrist was hurting so much.

“I’ll face the consequences if I have to,” I said through a pained breath. “Let me go.”

However, his hold on me tightened even more. “You’re making everything more difficult than it is. You going to your family just shows how pathetic you truly are.”

I went to my family to call off the engagement just as he wanted.

“It hurts…”

That seemed to snap him out of it. There was a strange glaze in his eyes before he let me go forcefully. Then, he stepped back, closing his eyes for a moment before letting out a deep breath.

“Let me repeat this so you can get it into your thick skull.”

He looked into my eyes once more but kept the same distance between us.

“I don’t love you and I never will.”

“And no, I will never change my mind.”

***

“Stop it,” I muttered, patting my chest for what seemed like the hundredth time since I woke up. It was already morning, yet I still felt the pain in my body when Rome told me he didn’t love me.

It was just a physical pain, so I didn’t mind.

Just then, my stomach growled, making me hold onto my abdomen.

Right, I still haven’t eaten since I arrived in this world. I smelled the scent of food in the dining room, making me swallow. However, I didn’t dare join them for breakfast. My heart was already hurting with just the thought of Rome. Seeing him would make me look even more pathetic.

So, for now, I was coming up with a new plan.

Clearly, convincing my family to break off the engagement was near impossible. They were hell-bent on proceeding with the marriage so they could take advantage of the royal family.

However, King Osiris has a more tender heart. He was just as powerful as my father, if not more. He valued his people, and he wanted the best for them. Although that meant making Rome the sacrificial lamb most of the time.

However, he was still a decent father. The only reason why he was hesitant about Rome’s relationship with Clara was because of the latter’s status. She was a maid who didn’t get to finish her education. Moreover, she had a great responsibility to bear with two younger brothers.

“Hmm,” I hummed, tapping my chin. If I couldn’t go the shorter route, then I guess I have to go the longer one.

I needed to make Clara more suitable for Rome so that they would fall in love even more, and King Osiris would eventually accept her!

Once that happened, my father wouldn’t be able to do anything anymore!

I stood from my seat and went to the closet to get dressed. Again, most of my clothes looked obnoxious, so I chose the simplest one and went out of the house without informing anyone.

I decided to make my way to the hospital where Clara was being treated; but before any of that, I decided to go to the market to grab her favorite fruit.

Peaches.

She would discover her love for peaches when Rome gifts her a fruit basket when the two of them share their first intimate night together. I can beat him to it, so I can earn her trust.

I needed to make her believe that we were allies, not enemies.

The market was filled with wolves from nearby packs. Most of them turned toward my way, harboring dirty looks, but I ignored them.

I was here for peaches and peaches alone.

“One bag, please,” I said to the old woman manning the store. She glared at me as she packed the peaches in the bag.

I ignored her glare and looked at the juicy peaches. Clara wouldn’t mind if I took a bite of one of them, right?

I gave the old lady the payment before leaving the market and heading straight to the hospital. Fortunately, they were just in close proximity to one another.

As I arrived at the hospital, I could once again feel the looks of the patients and the workers. One thing was really, really clear. Most of the people in this place didn’t like me. Word must have gotten around.

“Where’s Clara Saint?” I asked.

The nurse at the front desk appeared apprehensive. “I don’t think—”

“I just came to give her some fruit,” I said, gesturing to the peaches. “I’m not going to do anything.”

They exchanged gazes and muttered in hushed tones that sounded quite fearful. “In 301, Lady,” the other nurse eventually said.

“Thanks,” I said with a small smile before heading to the elevator to go to Clara’s room. I stood in front of her door and knocked three times. However, I didn’t bother waiting for her to open it. I injured her, after all.

I opened the door and saw Clara lying down on the bed, wearing a white hospital gown and covered with a white blanket.

“You really look like an angel,” I muttered. “Must be nice, hmm?”

I placed the peaches on the bedside table and sat in the chair right next to it. Just then, a startled sound came from Clara, which meant she was already awake.

I was prepared to give her my kindest smile, but when I looked at her, all I saw was fear. I pursed my lips as she scrambled to the furthest part of the bed, her chest rising rapidly in panic.

“Lady Lucindabella,” she muttered. I went closer to help her untangle her IV line, but she flinched and closed her eyes.

“Please don’t hurt me.”