TRCR 25

“You’d better keep that little secret in your belly safe. It’s your only asset.”
Alicia chewed her nails, recalling Rebecca’s words.
What does she know? No way…
Anxiety crept in, but she shook it off.
Impossible. She can’t know.
Taking a deep breath, Alicia sat at her vanity, inspecting her face.
My skin’s dull.
Nightmares had plagued her since visiting the Hall of Light. She never wanted to return.
She thought a child would solve everything—Rebecca’s place, Zeppelin’s affection, all hers.
But nothing went as planned.
Rebecca held her position, and Zeppelin seemed increasingly obsessed with her.
Alicia grew frantic. What if, after giving birth, they took her child and cast her out?
Back to that muddy life.
She’d rather die.
She bit her lip.
“Let me help you dress.”
Maids rushed to adorn her.
“Wait.”
As one picked up a rose-scented toner, Alicia stopped her, pointing to a swan-etched bottle.
“Use this. It’s what Rebecca uses, right?”
The maid hesitated, a fleeting, complex expression crossing her face before it returned to blankness.
She applied the toner Alicia indicated.
Alicia stared at her reflection, growing more glamorous.
She’d never felt so alien to herself.
But she didn’t mind.
She longed to shed her old self entirely.
She coldly eyed her lavender hair.
Would blonde suit me too…?
* * *
Kanna pushed Rebecca’s wheelchair toward the lavender garden.
Alicia and Fabiola were already there.
“The tea’s not warm. Refill it,” Fabiola said, dumping the freshly poured tea and holding out her cup.
Alicia glared but refilled it.
“Ugh! Now it’s too hot!”
“Is it?”
Slap!
Alicia scoffed and struck the maid who brought the tea. The maid’s cheek reddened.
Fabiola gasped, shouting, “What are you doing?!”
“You kept complaining—too hot, too cold, wrong aroma. Isn’t it this girl’s fault? She serves poorly, so she deserves punishment.”
“How can you do such a cruel thing while carrying a precious child? Your lowborn roots show!”
Fabiola shot up.
Alicia raised her chin defiantly.
“Oh? And how noble are you, when your precious son won’t even greet you? Nothing’s changed.”
As Rebecca’s former maid, Alicia had witnessed Fabiola’s cruelties.
She knew Zeppelin wouldn’t side with Fabiola, no matter what she did.
Rebecca watched with interest. It was the first time she’d seen Fabiola challenged by anyone but Zeppelin.
But as the argument dragged on, she intervened.
“Mother, hello.”
At her elegant voice, Fabiola and Alicia turned.
Fabiola scrutinized Rebecca, searching for a single wrinkle on her fair face.
Alicia silently glared at the lavish wheelchair.
Finished inspecting, Fabiola spread her arms with a wide smile.
“Oh, Rebecca, I heard you were hurt. It’s true.”
“Yes, but I’m fine. It’s minor. What’s the matter? I heard raised voices.”
“Nothing, dear. Just teaching manners.”
“Is that so? Alicia, you shouldn’t be rude to Mother. She’s our husband’s mother, after all.”
Rebecca feigned taking Fabiola’s side.
Alicia shot her a look before slumping into her seat.
Fabiola glanced curiously at the wheelchair.
“That’s a unique design. And pretty. Where’d you get it?”
“My husband gave it to me. Zeppelin only settles for beauty.”
Fabiola flinched.
Her late husband flashed through her mind. Her smile stiffened.
Zeppelin hated his father but resembled him in many ways.
Regaining composure, she smiled and turned to Alicia.
“So, Alicia, are you studying etiquette? You’ll need it for high society. Can’t have you tarnishing my son’s name.”
Rebecca paused, looking at Fabiola.
Normally, Fabiola would nitpick her every word.
Today, she seemed disinterested in her.
Her target’s shifted.
Rebecca noted Fabiola’s gaze fixed on Alicia’s belly.
She was here to gauge who held more of Zeppelin’s affection—Rebecca or Alicia.
If Alicia had the edge, Fabiola meant to crush her spirit, ensuring she wouldn’t dare influence Zeppelin to cut her off.
No matter how much he loves you, would he abandon his own mother? Rebecca, I have many friends. One bad rumor from me, and you’re done in society. My son, who cares about appearances, won’t keep you then. Don’t try anything. Don’t underestimate me.
Recalling Fabiola’s past threats, Rebecca glared at her sharp tongue now aimed at Alicia.
“Oh, look, cake on the floor. I baked it myself. How careless. Rebecca, such disrespect for your elders. What are you waiting for? Lick it up.”
She stared at Fabiola’s elegant blonde hair, inherited by Zeppelin.
Her pale blue eyes schemed relentlessly to torment Alicia.
But Alicia wasn’t an easy target.
“I’ll handle my own etiquette, so mind your business. Shouldn’t you focus on yours? I hear your nightly parties are quite scandalous. Even a commoner like me hears about them.”
“Scandalous?”
“Yes. Inviting only young, handsome, poor noblemen. What goes on behind those refined doors? Waving money around, I bet. Invite me sometime. Sounds perfect for a commoner’s education.”
“You—!”
Fabiola’s hands trembled.
Rebecca sipped tea to stifle a laugh.
The taste…
A bitter, exotic note lingered.
Noticing Fabiola’s sidelong glance as she drank, Rebecca’s face hardened.
Fabiola calmed herself, smiling again.
“I’ll let it slide this time. No need to ruin a fine day. Alicia, have some tea.”
A maid poured tea into Alicia’s cup.
She hadn’t had a sip yet, likely due to Fabiola’s harassment.
As Alicia reached for it, Rebecca yanked the tablecloth.
“Kyaa!”
Hot tea spilled onto Alicia’s dress. Clutching her reddened hand, she cried out.
“Oh no! Alicia, I’m so sorry!”
“You did that on purpose!”
“Why would I? Burns leave scars. You should go.”
At “scars,” Alicia paled and hurried off with a maid.
After she left, Fabiola eyed Rebecca suspiciously.
Rebecca gave an awkward smile.
“As you suspected.”
“What do you mean?”
“I spilled it because I was annoyed with Alicia.”
Fabiola’s eyes widened.
“You’re saying you were jealous?”
Rebecca sighed, her eyes trembling pitifully.
“Yes. Alicia’s prettier, and she’s carrying a child. What if Zeppelin loves her more?”
Fabiola was stunned.
No matter how much she tormented Rebecca, she’d never shown emotion, always nodding like a delicate rose.
That made Fabiola angrier, feeling like Rebecca’s fragility painted her as a cruel mother-in-law.
She believed Zeppelin, swayed by Rebecca’s feigned innocence, had banished her.
How else could her beloved son treat her this way?
Unlike her abusive husband, she’d raised Zeppelin with love.
But now, Rebecca had cast off her mask, radiating jealousy.
Spilling hot tea on a rival—Fabiola couldn’t believe it.
Is she plotting something?
Fabiola briefly questioned Rebecca’s motives.
But seeing her tearful eyes, she dismissed her doubts.
Of course. She’s a woman too. She must be angry her husband took another wife.
For the first time, Fabiola pitied Rebecca.
Zakim had countless mistresses but never took a second wife.
She’s had a harder life than me.
Sympathy stirred.
Pleased with the feeling, Fabiola gently took Rebecca’s hand.