Rebellious Love

Part 23

[ABIGAIL'S POV]

As I pondered over how Luciana could have obtained such sensitive information, a surge of determination washed over me. It was clear that someone had betrayed us. Someone who was close dearly to have gathered such information.

Her smirk sent a shiver down my spine. It was the kind of expression that hinted at mischief, at secrets yet to be revealed. Despite her innocent facade, there was a cunning intelligence lurking beneath the surface. I couldn't help but wonder what schemes were brewing behind those seemingly angelic eyes.

Luciana's smirk faltered slightly as I met her gaze with a steady expression. It was crucial not to let her see any signs of weakness or doubt. Otherwise, everyone will start to believe her words

"I don't know what game you're playing, Luciana, but I'm not falling for it," I stated firmly. "Whatever information you think you have, it's based on lies or manipulation. The truth will come to light, and your deception will be exposed."I held her gaze, refusing to back down.

"And you're calling my daughter a liar?" The sudden intervention of Luciana's father, the Emperor himself, added a new layer of complexity to the situation. His authoritative presence commanded attention, and I could feel the weight of his words hanging in the air.

"I'm not calling anyone a liar," I replied calmly, maintaining eye contact with him. "But there seems to be a misunderstanding here. I'm simply stating that the information the Princess seems to possess is inaccurate. I have no reason to doubt your daughter's honesty, but I also know what I've seen and heard with my own eyes and ears."

I kept my tone respectful yet firm, unwilling to yield to any attempts to intimidate or manipulate the truth.

"What I've been saying is true, Father," Luciana declared, her finger accusingly pointed in my direction, her efforts to discredit me evident. "She's deceitful, manipulating us all."

"Perhaps that's why her own kingdom had tried to kill her, to eliminate her," she added, a hint of satisfaction creeping into her expression, her eyes glinting with a desire to see me fall.

Her accusations cut deep, her words laced with venom and malice. The weight of her claims hung heavy in the air, casting a shadow over the room. Despite my best efforts to remain composed, I could feel the sting of her betrayal like a dagger in my heart.

I thought... I could trust her. But I was wrong.

As the truth unraveled before everyone's eyes, I glanced towards the other side of the room and locked eyes with the Duke from the Lotus Kingdom, Luke—my own biological father. His expression was one of shock and disbelief, as the weight of my revelation settled heavily between us.

"Enough, Luciana!" Edward's voice cut through the tension, despite being restrained by the knights. He refused to stay silent, intervening despite his predicament.

"You're clueless, driven by your own selfish desires to sabotage Philip and Abigail's engagement so you can take her place," he accused, his words carrying a weight of truth.

"But isn't that what you want as well, brother?" Luciana countered, her words piercing the air with accusation. "You're so deeply in love with her that you can't bear to see her marry another man. That's why you also schemed to break off your engagement with the Varquez's daughter, isn't it?"

"Luciana! Edward! All of you, that is Enough!" Emperor Ling's voice thundered, his authority cutting through the chaos as he sought to bring order to the situation.

"There's only one way to resolve this... Fetch my physician," he commanded, his tone firm as a knight hurried off to summon the Emperor's medical advisor. He then turned his intense gaze towards me.