"Miriam," she answered with a warm smile.
He smiled too, then quietly reached for his phone and saved the voice recording.
While she was busy in the kitchen, he used the chance to pack up. He took down the cameras—she had no idea he'd even planted one in her house.
Before leaving, he walked up to her, kissed her gently on the cheek, and slipped out.
He had bought some groceries and clothes for her.
Neighbors who lived nearby began to whisper among themselves.
"Miriam! Who is he? He's so handsome," an elderly woman said, pointing toward where he had parked earlier, though he was gone now.
"He's someone from the city," Miriam replied, giving a small smile.
She wanted to say more. She wanted to tell the woman that he might be her son. There was a strange, deep connection between them. But knowing the people in this village and how fast they gossip, she couldn't bring herself to say it out loud.
Besides, she wasn't sure if he truly was her son.
"Someone from the city, hmm? He came here just yesterday," the woman said, eyeing Miriam carefully, hoping to pull more information from her.
"Mama," Miriam replied, trying to stay calm, "if he were my son, wouldn't he have stayed here last night? Or maybe I would've gone back to the city with him today."
"Alright," the elderly woman muttered and walked away.
Miriam sighed softly and stepped back into her house.
Omega returned to the palace.
The king was told he had arrived, and he smiled wide.
He had missed him deeply.
They had been together for ten years. Their bond had started the day Henderson's kingdom was taken by Grayson.
Omega walked to the king's bedroom, but Henderson wasn't there. He turned and went to his own quarters.
By luck, he found him standing at the doorway.
Henderson turned and saw him, though he was still a few steps away.
"Ethan!" Henderson called out, running toward him.
They hugged tightly. He patted Omega's back and shoulder.
"What's up? How are you doing?" Henderson asked.
"I'm good, Your Majesty. And you?" Omega replied, smiling.
"I'm fine. But you shouldn't have come back so soon."
"Ah! My lord, I missed you too much. That's why I came. I can't stay far from you," Omega answered with a grin.
"I've missed you too," Henderson said. "Let's forget about the crown for now. You and I are friends. And you've done a lot for me since I left the palace. Thank you."
"Please don't say that," Omega said softly. "That's what friends are for."
As they spoke, a maid passed by with her head bowed. Omega's eyes followed her quietly.
Henderson noticed.
"Ethan," Henderson said, smirking. "I think you're not just here for me. She's doing well, by the way. I think she missed you too."
Omega looked at him, surprised.
How did he know?
"Take care of yourself—and her," Henderson said.
"And don't forget to invite me to your wedding," he teased, giving his friend's shoulder a light tap before walking off.
Omega walked to her room and knocked.
He waited a bit until she finally opened the door.
When she saw him, she didn't wait for permission.
She leapt into his arms, and he caught her with a smile, holding her tight.
Then he gently set her down.
"You're welcome back," she said, her sweet face glowing with joy.
"Thank you," he said softly, stepping inside.
"What about the princess?" he asked.
"She's fine," she replied, still smiling.
He lifted her up and placed her gently on her bed, then kissed her forehead.
"So how have you been? I've missed you," he whispered, staring at her face.
"I'm okay. And I missed you too," she said shyly.
"Did you get to see her?" she asked.
"Yes. She's a very kind woman. She told me a lot—about her past too," he said.
"Really? I can't wait to meet her," she said.
"You should know her already. She mentioned the princess and her brother. I believe you were the princess's childhood friend?" he asked, watching her face.
"It's true," she said quietly. "But most times, I wasn't allowed in the palace."
"Why?" Omega asked.
"That was the king's rule," she explained. "But one day, I dressed like a maid and sneaked into the princess's room. She was angry at me for disguising myself like that. Then the king came in and saw me… I don't know if he recognized me or not. But he made me her personal maid."
She smiled at the memory.
"I was so happy. That meant I could spend more time with her."
"I thought you were with her when King Raymond was still alive," Omega said.
"I was," she answered. "But after he and the queen died, King Grayson didn't let me come to the palace anymore. And my father didn't support Grayson either, so he stopped going there."
"He's heartless," Omega muttered, referring to Grayson.
"Yes, he is. Everyone dislikes him. I heard he's responsible for King Raymond's death. I don't know if it's true, but Amelia told me the same thing. And I believe her."
"My only hope," Omega said, "is that the king will listen to me one day—and stop treating the princess like a slave."
"Me too," she whispered. "Maybe then, Saanvi will finally respect her."
"Saanvi is something else. She changed the moment she laid eyes on the princess," he said, checking his wristwatch.
"I have to leave now."
"So soon?" she mumbled.
He chuckled softly. "I'll come back tonight to see you."
"Promise?" she asked.
"Yes, I promise," he replied, leaning in to kiss her softly on the lips.
She froze, shocked, her mouth still open.
He quickly shut her mouth again with another kiss, playfully tapped her arm, and walked out.
One month and two weeks later.
Amelia was in the king's chamber.
He had asked her to give him a massage. He claimed she was good at it—but the truth was, he just wanted her near him. He didn't want to say it out loud. He didn't even need the massage. He just wanted her close.
As she worked, he tried to keep the conversation going, just to hear her voice.
Eventually, she finished. He sat up, watching her.
Her gown clung to her chest, and her nipples were visible. She quickly adjusted her dress.
He chuckled softly and looked away.
He stood, tied his robe, and was about to walk out when he remembered his phone.
As he turned back to grab it, he froze.
Amelia was lying on the floor.
He rushed to her, picked her up carefully, and laid her on his bed.
"Amelia!" he called, touching her face. She didn't respond.
He panicked. He grabbed his phone and called the royal doctor. No answer.
He tried again. Still no response.
Frustrated, he threw his phone at the wall and picked up another one. On the third try, she finally picked up.
"Your Highness," she answered weakly.
"Jackie, please come to the palace right now," he said, his voice shaking.
"Alright," she said without asking questions—knowing he was likely angry.
Twenty minutes later, she arrived and rushed to the king's chamber.
He opened the door quickly, and her eyes darted straight to the bed.
"I didn't do anything to her. I didn't touch her," Henderson said quickly.
Jackie didn't reply. She walked straight to Amelia, checked her pulse, and studied her quietly.
An hour later, she returned to the palace with the results from her tests.
Henderson struggled to open the envelope, but Jackie spoke first.
"She's pregnant," she said.
He froze. "What did you say?"
"She's carrying your child," Jackie repeated, grabbing her bag.
"Don't stress her," she added. "What she needs now is love, care, and support. No stress."
Then she left.
Henderson sat slowly on the bed, shut his eyes, and took her hand. He kissed her forehead gently.
A few minutes later, Amelia opened her eyes.
She saw him sitting quietly on the couch.
For a second, she wondered why she was still here—then remembered she had fainted.
Their eyes met.
He didn't smile.
Something was wrong. She could feel it.
"You're pregnant," he said coldly.
"What do you mean?" she asked, sitting up quickly, eyes already filling with tears.
"You heard me," he replied.
His phone rang. He looked—it was Omega. He picked up briefly, then ended the call.
"Who is responsible for it?" he asked.
She stared at him, confused and hurt.
"When I get back," he added, standing up, "you will tell me who got you pregnant."
Then he walked out.