They Called Me Heartless So Reborn I Watched Them Self Destruct novel Chapter 179

Chapter 179: 179- What Are You Hiding?

Lucien:

Jasmine looked at me in shock, as though she couldn’t believe I’d brought up something that happened thirteen years ago.

I gave her a small smile and nodded. “I still remember what he went through that day, Jasmine. Every bit of it. And you knew how much he was suffering, didn’t you? But you didn’t take pity on him. You didn’t choose him. You chose power. You chose the crown.”

“Lucien, that’s not fair!” she protested, shaking her head. “You know why I made that decision. I had no choice!”

“You always had a choice, Jasmine.” I spat, “You just didn’t like the other one.”

“But Lucien, I love you!” Her voice broke as she pressed herself against the bars. “I’ve loved you for so long. Everything I’ve done…”

I raised my hand, cutting her off. “Oh, cut the bullshit, Jasmine. You don’t love me. You love the crown that comes with me.”

“How can you say that?” she cried. “I’ve stood beside you for years! I’ve done everything your mother asked of me. I’ve waited for you!”

“And there it is.” I let out a short laugh. “You’ve waited for me. Not because you care about what I want, but because you think waiting long enough will make you Queen.”

“That isn’t true!”

“Then tell me something.” I took a step closer to the bars. “Three years ago, I called you into my office and asked you to back off. I told you this was supposed to be a temporary arrangement. I told you that Arabella would be the only one for me. And you agreed. You signed that contract. Why are you upset now?”

“Because I love you, Lucien.”

“Do you? If I weren’t King, would you still be standing here telling me how much you love me? Save it for your trial, Jasmine. I’m done listening.”

Jasmine opened her mouth to argue, but I had heard enough. I turned around and walked away, ignoring her screams as they followed me down the corridor.

“Lucien! Come back! You can’t leave me here!” I didn’t bother looking back.

What I couldn’t understand was why she was making such a fuss about being arrested. Her mother had always had a strong influence over mine, and I knew it wouldn’t be long before someone arranged for her release.

Jasmine knew that too. We all did.

She wasn’t afraid of spending a few nights behind bars. She was worried about her reputation. Her precious ego couldn’t handle the thought of people finding out that the future Queen had been arrested for attempting to poison the King.

Bradley was waiting outside the prison building, leaning against one of the stone pillars. He straightened when he saw me approaching.

“Did you know anything about this?” I asked as we started walking.

He shook his head. “Not until Her Highness ordered the arrest. She specifically wanted Jasmine behind bars right after dinner.”

“Did she explain why?”

“No. She just said it needed to be done.” Bradley glanced at me. “She also told me there was nothing to worry about because Jasmine would be released soon.”

My mother had practically admitted that the whole thing was temporary. I nodded and continued walking, already thinking about Arabella. I’d left her sleeping in my room, and I wanted to get back before she woke up.

But after a few steps, something occurred to me. “Bradley.” He stopped beside me. “Do you think Arabella had something to do with this?”

He gave a confused shrug. “No idea. Why?”

“She visited my mother today.” Bradley considered that for a moment before shaking his head.

“I don’t know what they discussed, Lucien.”

Neither did I, apparently.

I started walking again, but the silence between us reminded me of something else. Bradley still hadn’t spoken to me about Anika.

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