It was a confusing thing that my mother went to Constantine’s castle. Why should she do that? Considering she had already known I would marry Ethan, not Constantine. Did he persuade my mom to change my mind? Did he offer my mother the bookkeeper job? Everything was possible for now.
Then I glanced at my mother’s friend. “Ah, sorry, I haven’t introduced myself. I’m Helena Starr. What’s your name?”
“Vicky Lewis.”
“Nice to meet you, Vicky. I didn’t know my mom had a young friend like you.” I smiled at her. “How did you know each other?”
“Well, it’s a coincidence we met, as we have the same interest.”
“Cooking?”
“How do you know?” Vicky grinned.
I shrugged. “Just a lucky guess since my mom loves cooking.” Then I observed Vicky for a while. “Do you know Lord Constantine, Vicky?”
Her lips twitched a little. “Yes. Why?”
“I wonder if you know Victoria.”
“Why do you want to know her?”
I shook my head. “I heard she was his partner. She must be gorgeous.”
“Maybe.”
“Have you met with her?”
Vicky shook her head. “No.”
“I see.”
We talked no more since the road was crowded, and Vicky concentrated on driving. Then, when the cars queued because of the traffic light, Vicky sighed.
“Tired?”
“Yes.” She smiled. “Usually, I don’t drive so far.”
“Sorry, because of me, you are tired. I’ll treat you to dinner when we’re back at your place.”
Vicky shook her head. Her lips twitched again. “It’s okay.”
After an hour of travel, finally, we could see a giant castle in front of us. It was gray, with the tower as high as almost touching the sky. I finally understood how wealthy Constantine was. No wonder he could offer me a double salary of my wage now. I shook my head.
“What?”
“Nothing. I just realized how wealthy Constantine is.”
“Oh?”
“I knew he was rich, but I thought he wasn’t as rich as this.” I wonder how wealthy Ethan is. By rank and position, Ethan is higher than Constantine.
“Do you like Constantine?”
I glanced at Vicky since it was an unexpected question from her. “Why do you ask?”
“He is young, handsome, and wealthy. So, who won’t like him, right?”
I shrugged. “Maybe, but I have already had a boyfriend I intend to marry.” Then I blushed. “I think my boyfriend is more handsome than Constantine though they are similar.”
“Similar? In what way?”
“In appearance. Ethan and Constantine are half-brothers.”
“The duke? Duke Firebury?”
I glanced at Vicky. “You know Ethan?”
“Sort of. I must admit that Duke Firebury is handsome indeed.”
I was beaming to hear that. “I’m glad to hear that.” Then I giggled. “I wonder if it’s only me who thinks he’s handsome.”
Vicky smiled. She looked breathtakingly beautiful. “I’m glad to see those who fall in love with their partners.”
“How do you know?”
“You look different when you talk about the duke.”
“Yes, I love Ethan, and thank goodness that he loves me too.”
“It’s good to know that.” Vicky let out a sigh. “I’m jealous of you.”
“Why?”
“Unrequited love is always hard.”
I held her hand and squeezed it. “You are gorgeous and nice. You can get any man you want.”
Vicky smiled and shook her head. “Sadly, I only want a man, and I don’t think he loves me.”
“I hope he will realize his mistake and love you soon.”
Vicky let out a sigh. “You are truly a good woman. No wonder Duke Firebury and Lord Constantine like you.”
I wrinkled my forehead. “How do you know about Lord Constantine? I don’t know if he truly likes me or it’s just a silly rivalry.”
Then Vicky said nothing and walked to the gate to report our arrival. The gate opened suddenly. Later, Vicky parked her car in front of the castle. We walked to the front door. Before knocking, a man opened it.
“Welcome to Fire Shadow Castle. I am Newburry, the head servant of the castle. If you need anything, contact me.”
I nodded and smiled. “Thank you.”
Vicky said nothing, and then we walked inside. We entered a grand living room dominated by gold from the floor, ceiling, and table. Only the couches are silver.
“Please wait here. I’ll try to find Lord Constantine.” Then Vicky left me.
I waited for approximately five minutes when I heard a sound behind me. “What a great surprise to see you, my darling.”
Constantine walked alone. I wondered if Vicky hadn’t met him.
“I believe my mother met you. I don’t know for what purpose, but it’s time for us to go home.”
“Not so fast, my darling. You should have dinner first with me.”
“Where is Vicky? She comes with me.”
“Vicky?”
“You haven’t met with her yet, then. Vicky Lewis is my mother’s friend.”
Constantine stared at me for a few seconds, then smiled a little. “Please describe Vicky to me.”
“You won’t miss her if you see her. She has long, red hair and a pair of green eyes. She is gorgeous.”
Then Vicky walked behind Constantine and hugged his waist. “I’m glad that you like my appearance, Helena.” She demonstratively touched Constantine’s chest, opened two buttons, and kissed his chest in front of me.
I blushed to see how bold Vicky was with Constantine. Later, I gasped. An understanding filled my brain. “You are Victoria, not Vicky!”
Vicky laughed. “Now, you finally get it, but unfortunately, it has been too late.”
“What do you mean?”
“Since you have been here, you won’t leave the castle anymore.”
Constantine smiled and kissed Vicky, no, Victoria, passionately. “As my mistress said, you will stay here for the rest of your life, my darling.”
“No! I will leave now. Where is my mother?”
“She is locked in the dungeon.” Constantine walked toward me. “If you want her to be safe, you may not leave this place.” Then he whispered, “You are mine, Helena.”
I moved backward, but then Victoria was already behind me. Her hands gripped me hard. “I’m sorry. I need to do this. It’s unexpected, but I like you.” She sighed. “Yet Constantine wants you, and he should have what he wants.”
“You love him, don’t you? So, why do you let him do this?”
Victoria said nothing. I thought she wouldn’t reply to my question, but she said, “Because I love him so much, I’m willing to burn myself as long as I can still have him.”