Who Is Acting?

"What do you want me to do?" she asked back, holding her tears but her disappointment could not be hidden. 

"How about we return to the academy and you accept that you were jealous of Elene and planned this whole scene to stop Elene from getting success? I think this would be enough." Elene nodded behind him with a smirk on her face.

"This is the last time, Harold. Promise me this is the last time you are using me or I will not stay silent again," She warned, for a second hoping that he would feel guilty, he would repent. They could be saved.

But all she saw was mockery when he nodded.

"Of course, after all, this is the last exam. You will not be needed next time." not needed! Abandoned. The flashes of the time they spent together flashed past her eyes and she realized they knew she was there. The way they were holding hands... As if they did not care. They did not want to hide it from her.

A carriage was arranged before Evan could take a breath freely and she was huddled in. When they reached the academy, Evan was barely able to stand. Her body swayed as she started walking. And before they knew it... Her body fell but before she could hit the hard ground, someone held her in his arms.

"Madam, are you okay?" The man looked worried when Harold recognized him.

"Lord Ian, what a pleasant surprise." Harold smiled at the assistant. The count and the only aide of the duke. He is like the shadow of Damien. He held more power than a count could ever have.

"I never thought a husband could still feel pleasant when his wife passed out in the arms of a stranger." The words were cold and brutal and Harold flinched hearing them.

His eyes went dark and cold as he looked at Evangeline. Just how much he would suffer and get embarrassed because of her?

"Water.." Evan whispered but her eyes did not open. She looked so frail as if she was tormented for ages.

Her feet had left a trail of blood behind her that was noticed by not only Ian but many strangers noticing the scene.

"Oh dear, what happened to my sister?" Elene gasped as she took a step forward and took Evan from Ian's arms. Her hold was so tight that her nails dug deep into Evan's skin. "Thank you for the help, my lord. My sister was too anxious to come here. It often happens when we feel guilty about something. We will handle it from here." she tried to drag Evan away with her signaling Harold to help her.

Harold came forward and held Evan in his arms and took a step forward but Ian was still blocking their way.

"You said anxiety?" he tilted his head, his eyes not leaving their new madam. He had thought she was an opportunist in the morning. But now... She looked so frail, so feeble. Even when he knew she was acting to be unconscious, the blood could not be faked, and her husband paid more attention to her sister. He felt guilty and it was all the fault of this man!

"I have never seen anyone bleeding from anxiety nor had I seen someone looking so pale. It looked like it had been days since she had the last meal. Or do you want a physician to confirm my words?" His words earned many gasps and shocked looks from the onlookers. 

They all could sense there was something strange between Elene and Harold. Everyone knew who they were and whispers started many new rumors.

Elene gritted her teeth. She did not understand why this man was being so nosy. What did Evan have to do with him? But before she could grit her teeth and tell the man to shut his mouth... Harold took a step forward.

"My wife had been too upset about the death of her father. I have told her many times to eat on time but she did not listen to me. I apologize for creating a scene here and I will try my best to convince him once she wakes up." many nodded, understanding the condition of the woman.

Though Harold did not want Evan to earn sympathy, this was not bad either.

Finally, Ian nodded and stepped aside. The couple left for the main building with Evan in Harold's arms. 

Harold placed Evan near the large dining area where commoners selected by the empire have their meals while living in the academy. May brought a glass of water but instead of passing it to Evan for drinking, she splashed its contents on her face.

Evan woke up with a start. But the first thing she saw was not the concerned faces of her husband and her sister but rage seething in their eyes. What was she even expecting from them? Her eyes lowered. Why could she still feel the pain when they did not feel a thing? 

"Why have you not been eating your meals on time? And how could you be so weak! Do you know how much I felt insulted by... I mean how much I was worried when you fainted." Evan laughed. He was such a perfect actor for a year but now.. His acting was pathetic. Or maybe he did not need to act anymore.

"Why are you laughing sister? Brother-in-law is furious. You should apologize hurriedly and listen to him." Elene added in a soft voice as if she was trying to help the couple when Evan raised a brow. Her laughter echoed in the room like a euphony. 

"You want me to apologize for fainting when you dragged me just when I reached the palace after walking for three hours. When you did not let me have my breakfast in the morning because of your test and I missed lunch because you dragged me here again?"