Rosaline had become the talk of the town.
It was a quiet Saturday, yet instead of sweeping their shops or tending to their stalls, the townspeople whispered in corners, pointing at her from across the street. Some looked amazed. Others, furious. But they all shared one thing in common—curiosity.
Inside the royal quarters, the morning sun filtered through silk curtains as Prince Kaelion came into his mother's room.
"Mother, you weren't there last night…" he said, his voice low but serious"Stefan—he defended a girl. Like she was his."
Lita, the second wife of His Imperial Majesty, paused mid-motion as she fastened her earrings. She turned slowly, surprise flickering in her eyes.
"Are you certain?" she asked.
Kaelion nodded grimly. "Yes, Mother. The way he looked at her... it was different. And he danced with her. A full dance. I thought he'd dance with Bianca—or at least one of her friends. But he ignored all of them like they didn't exist."
Lita's hand lowered, her mind racing. She stepped closer to him, her voice cautious.
"What if… she's connected to Katherine?" she whispered. "Because Stefan barely respects us, let alone strangers. How does he dance with a girl he's never spoken to?"
The mention of that name turned Kaelion's expression dark. His fists clenched.
"Mother," he said through gritted teeth, "how many times must I tell you? Stop talking about Katherine. She's dead. Let her rest. First, you thought Bianca was Katherine. Now this?"
Without waiting for a reply, he stormed out, leaving his mother in stunned silence. Lita stood frozen, her eyes brimming with tears.
"He… yelled at me… just for saying her name again "she whispered brokenly. Then, with sudden resolve, she called out: "Linda!"
A young maid scurried in.
"Find out who the girl Prince Stefan danced with is. Everything about her."
Elsewhere in the palace, Prince Stefan sat in his mother's chamber, helping her unwrap the elegant gifts sent in celebration of her birthday.
"You were the true prince charming last night," the Empress smiled, her eyes warm with pride.
He chuckled, "It's only thanks to you. The gala was a success because of your grace."
But her smile wavered slightly. "Still, I heard there was… a small commotion."
He didn't respond. Just smiled and reached for the next gift.
Later, back in his chamber, Stefan was joined by kavin, who had barely waited for the door to shut.
"Why didn't you check if it was really her?" Kavin asked, pacing. "You know how many people have faked her face just to get your attention."
Stefan exhaled deeply. "I don't know… But the moment I touched her—something sparked. I felt… a movement in her veins. Like a pulse. Like magic."
"She could be another fraud," kavin argued.
"I don't think so," Stefan muttered, lost in thought. "She was different."
Kavin folded his arms. "You shouldn't have invited her, If he realizes she's back—everything will be complicated for you too."
"That's exactly why I made everyone wear masks," Stefan interrupted. "I even made sure she didn't remove hers when Bianca tried to humiliate her."
Across the castle, hidden in her velvet-draped chamber, Charlotte was unraveling.
Her hands trembled as she clutched a wine glass, eyes wild with fury. "Vincent, do something! We have to kill that girl before it's too late! If she and Stefan reconnect, everything is ruined—for both of us!"
She broke into tears. "You know how much he loved her. He gave up everything for her .If she's back…"
Vincent took her arm gently, guiding her to sit.
"Calm down. I already have a plan," he said smoothly. "She'll be swallowed by the Dark Figures. I've contacted the Guru."
Charlotte stopped crying, eyes locked on his.
"Really?"
Vincent smirked. "On Halloween."
A twisted grin crept across Charlotte's lips.
Meanwhile, at her grandmother's restaurant, Rosaline had just finished wiping down the last table. Exhausted, she leaned against the wall, catching her breath.
"Looks like someone needs a proper break," Marga grinned, entering with Casse right behind her.
"You two always show up at the right time," Rosaline smiled weakly.
They plopped beside her, wasting no time.
"But Rosa," Casse whispered eagerly, "how did you end up dancing with the prince?"
"Yeah!" Marga chimed in. "Prince Stefan? He doesn't even glance at strangers, let alone touch them!"
Rosaline could only shake her head. "I… I don't know. I didn't expect any of it."
"Oh please," Marga giggled. "I saw Bianca. She was seething. She crumpled her gown like she wanted to strangle you."
"She definitely tried to frame you," Casse added.
They all burst into laughter just as Vincent arrived at the entrance.
"Hi, Rosaline."
Marga and Casse straightened instantly, fixed their dresses—and bolted, laughing as they fled.
"What the hell? You just abandoned me!" Rosaline called out after them, chuckling.
Her smile faded slightly as Vincent approached. Her boyfriend. The one she was supposed to explain everything to.
"It's been a while," she said quietly.
"I heard you were busy… with the prince," he said with a forced smile.
"It wasn't like that. I didn't even mean to be there. It just… happened."
He looked away.
"Vicent," she said softly, "what can I do to make you forgive me?"
He sighed. "I know your grandma won't let you celebrate Halloween with me, but… please come. Just this once. I'll feel so alone without you."
Rosaline hesitated. Her heart flashed back to the gala, the eyes, the whispers, the shame. But then she saw the sadness in his.
"Okay," she said.
He pulled her into a sudden hug, and her heart pounded like a drum in her chest.
Back at the royal estate, Bianca's screams echoed through the halls. Pillows flew. Vases shattered.
Her room was a storm of destruction.
"Bianca, baby, please come eat something," her mother called out.
Outside, Britney and Maya arrived. "Aunty, how is she?" they asked anxiously.
Mrs. — Jessica shook her head wearily. "She's getting worse…"
Inside, Bianca gripped her sheets tightly, teeth clenched.
"You're doomed, Rosaline," she hissed.