Chapter 451
Karmen was already on edge, rushing down the grand staircase of his home, intent on getting to the palace. He was halfway to the door when the sudden, sharp voice of his mother, Norma, stopped him.
“What did you say to Aisha that she refused to marry you?” Norma demanded, her arms crossed and her expression one of cold interrogation.
Karmen turned and answered nonchalantly. “I said nothing p>
“You did,” Norma insisted, her tone immediately becoming intimidating. “Aisha’s mother called me earlier. She was deeply upset, saying her daughter now declares she doesn’t wish to marry you. What did you do to make her back out so suddenly p>
Karmen allowed a small, wry smile to curve his lips. “You should say destiny doesn’t want us to be each other’s mates,” he stated dismissively. He pushed up the cuff of his jacket and glanced at his watch. “I’m getting late. I’ll see you later,” he added, taking a step toward the exit.
Norma, however, had not finished. She blocked his path, her eyes blazing with parental frustration.
“Karmen, listen to me,” she said, her voice dropping to a non-negotiable tone. “Find yourself a suitable woman by the end of this month, or else I will force you to marry the woman of my choice. I am sick of your tantrums and your refusal to settle down p>
“Alright,” Karmen agreed simply, the corner of his mouth twitching with amusement. He didn’t break stride, walking straight out of the house. He knew his mother, Norma, for all her bluster, would never truly go against his chosen path, especially when it came to his ultimate mate choice.
He slid into his car and drove straight to the palace. Upon arriving, he went directly to see Gabriel, finding his friend and Alpha seated in his private drawing room. Gabriel held his phone, looking as though he had just ended a serious conversation.
“Your Highness!” Karmen greeted him with a wide, genuine smile.
Gabriel lifted his head, a flicker of surprise in his eyes as he registered his Beta’s unusually cheerful demeanor. “Karmen. What’s the reason behind that smile? Did things suddenly go well with Aisha?” he mused, leaning back in his chair.
“No,” Karmen replied, his smile widening. “Aisha thankfully told her parents she didn’t wish to marry me p>
“What? Why?” Gabriel stared at him in shock, setting his phone down. “I thought everything between you two was going well. You’ve been the perfect fiancé p>
“Well, I was a bit drunk last night,” Karmen admitted, a touch sheepishly. “And I ended up messaging her, saying I was actually interested in her. We ended up having an argument about it.” He shrugged, the relief palpable in his posture. “I’m happy that I didn’t have to pretend anymore p>
“Seriously? You let go of your… your first crush like that?” Gabriel asked, shaking his head in disbelief.
“Crush, not love,” Karmen corrected him firmly.
“Both are the same for me,” Gabriel countered. “You had a chance with her, Karmen. You really did. I was honestly hoping to attend your wedding soon,” he asserted, letting out a heavy sigh.
“Everyone wants to attend my wedding,” Karmen chuckled, completely unfazed.
“Well, I am special. I’m your friend. Your best friend! My excitement is unmatchable with the others,” Gabriel stated with a slight mock-huff.
“Yeah, I know,” Karmen conceded, his playful mood fading as he shifted to business. “Shall we get onto the business? Did the interrogations reveal anything related to the formation of the Beta Hunters group p>
Gabriel’s smile softened. “My both brothers are suddenly off-beat and distracted. And once again, another celebration has come up, so the work has been put on hold.” He leaned back, his eyes distant with affection. “Honestly, I don’t wish to work these days. My time is mostly taken up by my son.” He finished with a clear, proud smile.
“I know that,” Karmen replied with a knowing smile, nodding in acknowledgement of Gabriel’s focus on his son. He then leaned forward, his voice dropping slightly. “Juniper isn’t treated well at her home. I think you should tell this to Prince Dominick p>
Gabriel immediately arched an eyebrow. “Did you go to the Vittileo house p>
“Yeah. Remember, I have to find out what exactly is wrong with Juniper,” Karmen reminded him.
“But now is the time for you to back off,” Gabriel replied, sounding dismissive. “She’s been thrown out of the palace. As far as we’re concerned, the work is finished p>
“But she can still be approached by Ophelia,” Karmen countered. “That’s why I was making sure nothing would go wrong. We can’t afford to leave any loose ends p>
Gabriel’s smiling demeanor vanished, and his expression instantly turned serious.
“That’s also true,” Gabriel conceded. “But I don’t think Nick has to know that. He’s already sick of June. She created chaos yesterday. Because of her, Casaio has forgotten the love and care he once had for Nick. While Nick himself is more stressed after coming out of that forest. You think telling Nick about June will actually help him?” Gabriel’s argument was sound, and Karmen nodded in agreement.
“Leave all of this,” Karmen said, redirecting the conversation. “What about you and Amelie? I hope you two aren’t getting any weird nightmares p>
“We aren’t,” Gabriel replied, though a shadow crossed his face. “But it fears me when things would change. We only have a month left. Ophelia will do her best in that event to find a way to harm us. That’s what keeps me worried all the time. I was hoping to go to Aurevalis, but I’m still very unsure p>
“Just go,” Karmen stated firmly. “After Noah’s welcoming ceremony, go there with Denzel. I will stay here, protecting Amelie and Noah. You need to find out why such a cryptic message came from Aurevalis. And it mentions your origin too. So, you should definitely go p>
Gabriel hummed, running a hand over his jaw. “I will. It’s just the thought of going far from Amelie and Noah scares me sometimes p>
“You’re Gabriel Sinclair, who isn’t scared of anyone or anything. Keep that in mind,” Karmen reminded him.
Gabriel smiled as he agreed with his statement.