Two-Faced Princess - Chapter 291

Evangeline swallowed hard. She finally understood Apollonia’s advice. She had been given the task of inflicting a wound on this pitiable woman’s heart, a wound that would never heal.

Suddenly, it seemed she grasped why Apollonia became particularly bitter whenever she mentioned Amoretta. Evangeline had assumed it was regret over a missed opportunity, but that wasn’t the entire story. Apollonia grieved for the pain Amoretta was undergoing and the suffering she would face in the future.

“She’s so sensitive, coming from such an unusual place.”

Lost in her thoughts, Amoretta broke the silence.

“Why are you here…?”

“The Crown Prince intends to hand you over to another man.”

Evangeline blurted out the main point immediately. She couldn’t stand awkward silences.

There was a brief pause. Although it lasted only a few seconds, it felt much longer. Amoretta remained still, fixating on Evangeline.

“…What did you say?”

She managed after a pause. But from her pale complexion and shaking voice, it was evident she had registered Evangeline’s words.

“Literally as I said. Have you met the Duke of Fortrus? He’s renowned for collecting any beautiful thing he encounters. In a way, he’s a bit like me…”

Feeling Amoretta’s deep anguish, Evangeline still proceeded ruthlessly. There was no way this conversation wouldn’t wound Amoretta.

“He has been known to steal, kidnap, imprison, and even kill and embalm his victims. He treats women no differently, having taken many by force.”

Amoretta’s face turned ashen, her breathing becoming slightly labored.

“…That’s not true.”

She murmured almost inaudibly. It was uncertain if she was talking to herself or addressing Evangeline.

“He may be cold and occasionally violent, but he loves me.”

The languid tone that usually colored her voice was absent, replaced by an earnest plea.

Evangeline sighed once more. Watching someone’s spirit shatter was tougher than she had anticipated.

“Don’t you trust the person who sent me?”

“That, well…”

Mentioning her past benefactor made Amoretta falter. Observing her reaction for a moment, Evangeline proposed,

“Let’s test it, then.”

She stepped closer to Amoretta.

“This advice comes from the person you know.”

Amoretta’s downcast long eyelashes fluttered slightly.

“The true face of a person is often revealed when you give them everything they desire.”

She remembered the words Apollonia had given her and conveyed them exactly.

“Promise the Crown Prince you’ll give him what he wants, and then closely observe his actions. But don’t hand it over.”

“What do you mean by that…?”

Amoretta asked with a puzzled expression. Evangeline shrugged and replied lightly.

“It’s a suggestion to test him after he gets everything he desires from you. If he remains the same, then at least his love for you is genuine. If the Duke of Fortrus enters the picture, however…”

As Amoretta’s face darkened again, Evangeline gently nodded.

Standing before her was a beauty that could shine even in the deepest darkness. But from her solemn expression alone, it was evident: this woman had experienced profound sorrow.

The ray of hope she clung to was named Paris, and shattering that hope was Evangeline’s duty. The more she thought about it, the more challenging the task seemed.

Amoretta’s lips quivered. It looked like she wanted to speak but was overwhelmed by her emotions. Evangeline decided not to push her further.

“Just try it. And once you find your answer…”

Evangeline’s burgundy eyes met Amoretta’s steadily.

“You have to come see me this time. It’s your last chance.”

Evangeline was referring to Amoretta’s old benefactor, Apollonia. She represented the last glimmer of hope for a shattered Amoretta.

After delivering her message, Evangeline turned away, ensuring that Amoretta understood her words.

Amoretta didn’t respond. But in her face, as she listened to every word from Evangeline, there was unmistakable fear — the fear of potentially being rejected by Paris. Despite her denial, she too harbored doubts about Paris. Evangeline could sense it. Amoretta would surely test Paris, just as Apollonia had suggested. And then…

“She will eventually heed the advice.”

She will seek out Apollonia. Upon discovering the true nature of Paris, the sole love and light of her life, she will, if she can endure the despair, turn to Apollonia for comfort. Evangeline cast one last look at the motionless Amoretta before exiting the garden.

“Have you been out?”

“Are you feeling alright?” Paris inquired, looking at the pale-faced Amoretta. Today, he seemed to be in an especially good mood, with both his tone and expression being gentler. The memory of him berating her just a few days ago seemed to have vanished.

“I went for a walk.”

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