~Time-Traveler's Dilemma~ ~~Chiyeon~~ ~Book 6~

A Royal Celebration and Unwanted Attention.

Finally, after what felt like hours, Ahyeon excused herself from the company of yet another tedious suitor and made her way toward Chiquita. She arrived just in time to hear Lady Sunhwa compliment Chiquita on her "strong hands" and ask if she had time for a private conversation.

Ahyeon’s blood boiled. Without hesitation, she stepped between them, her gaze icy. "I'm afraid Chiquita's time is accounted for, Lady Sunhwa," Ahyeon said, her voice firm and commanding.

Lady Sunhwa blinked in surprise, clearly taken aback by Ahyeon's sudden appearance. "Oh, of course, Your Highness," she said, bowing her head. "I didn’t mean to intrude."

Ahyeon’s eyes remained locked on her, her message clear: back off.

Once Lady Sunhwa had hurried away, Chiquita raised an eyebrow, smirking slightly. "Jealous?"

Ahyeon scoffed, crossing her arms over her chest. "Hardly."

Chiquita chuckled, taking a step closer until there was barely any space between them. "You know, I don’t care about any of them. There’s only one person in this entire room that I’m interested in."

Ahyeon’s heart fluttered, but she quickly masked her reaction with a roll of her eyes. "You’re impossible."

Chiquita’s smile softened, and she reached out, gently brushing a strand of hair from Ahyeon’s face. "But you like that about me."

Before Ahyeon could respond, her step-mother appeared out of nowhere, her eyes narrowing as she took in the closeness between them. "Ahyeon, what are you doing here? You have more guests to attend to."

Ahyeon straightened, her demeanor instantly turning colder. "I’m perfectly capable of handling my guests, step-mother."

Her step-mother’s eyes flicked toward Chiquita, a look of disapproval crossing her features. "I see. Well, don’t get too distracted. You have responsibilities, and it’s time you start considering your future more seriously."

Ahyeon’s jaw tightened. "I am considering my future," she said, her tone clipped.

Her step-mother’s gaze lingered on Chiquita, then back to Ahyeon, before she finally nodded, turning to leave. "We’ll discuss this later."

As soon as she was gone, Ahyeon let out a frustrated sigh, running a hand through her hair. Chiquita stepped closer, concern etched on her face.

"Are you okay?" Chiquita asked softly.

Ahyeon shook her head, her frustration spilling over. "No, I’m not. I’m sick of her constant pressure. Sick of the suitors. Sick of being treated like I’m just a pawn in her game."

Chiquita hesitated for a moment, then gently placed a hand on Ahyeon’s shoulder. "You don’t have to do any of this, you know. You don’t owe her anything."

Ahyeon turned to look at her, a bitter smile tugging at her lips. "Maybe. But sometimes it feels like I don’t have a choice."

"You always have a choice," Chiquita said firmly. "And I’ll stand by you, no matter what you decide."

Ahyeon’s eyes softened at the words, and for a moment, the weight of the world seemed to lift from her shoulders. "Thank you, Chiquita," she whispered.

Chiquita smiled, her hand lingering on Ahyeon’s shoulder. "I meant what I said earlier. You’re the only one I care about. Don’t forget that."

Ahyeon felt a warmth spread through her chest, a feeling of safety she hadn’t experienced in a long time. She looked up at Chiquita, her heart pounding in her chest. For a moment, everything else—the suitors, the step-mother, the responsibilities—faded away.

"I won’t," Ahyeon whispered, stepping closer to Chiquita until their foreheads almost touched. "I won’t forget."

The night continued, but for Ahyeon, the most important part had already happened. In that moment, standing with Chiquita in the midst of a royal celebration, she knew one thing for certain: no matter what challenges came their way, they would face them together.

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