Know Your Opponent

Olivia finally stopped sobbing. It all made sense to her now. She wiped her tears and looked at Cedric in disbelief but knew that it was the only explanation for what was going on with Cedric. Then her gaze shifted to Will who nodded in confirmation and said, "It's true Miss Olivia. His Highness lost his memory because of the incident a year ago. Nobody except a few people know about it."

"You mean that time? The terrorist attack and kidnapping? I thought you were unhurt aside from getting a few bruises…" Olivia weakly whispered.

"The King kept the details a secret and only told the people what was necessary. That is why we are also requesting you not to disclose this information to anyone, Miss Olivia," Will said, though he was confident that Olivia would not divulge this information knowing it was to protect the Prince. 

That was how deeply and madly in love Olivia was with Cedric. She would not hesitate to go against her own father for him. Will could not help but feel jealousy towards Cedric in this matter. But he had already come to terms with the fact that she was unreachable. So he was content just looking at Olivia from afar, yet he would always be there for her whenever she would need him.

"Of course I won't tell anyone. You should have told me everything earlier! You know I can be trusted right? I'm even willing to die for you if it comes down to that!" Olivia scolded Cedric.

Will gulped, watching Olivia's eyes. How could he manage to make those eyes look at him? It would be so impossible unless he was willing to become a rebound!

"There's no need to go as far as dying Olivia, so please don't say that again. I'm really sorry if I hurt you in any way but it was not intentional. I am also sorry if I failed to meet your expectations or disappointed you in any way because of my memory.

I also do not know if I made a promise to you or did anything to mislead you before I lost my memory… I am truly sorry and I hope I can make it up to you for that. But what matters to me right now is not my past but my present and future with..."

"Cedric stop! I know what you will say next so please don't say it! I am not a stone Cedric! I am a human who is capable of feeling pain and right now I'm in pain but I do understand your situation! I will not come between you and Brione because you clearly slapped my face with how you truly feel for me..." her voice was cracked but sharp as she said those words. Tears continuously poured down her cheeks.

Olivia stood up and said breathlessly, "I'm not in the mood to finish my food right now so please excuse me. I want some time alone so I will leave first."

The two men watched Olivia leave the room in haste.

"I feel so bad, Will. I did not intend for this to happen." Cedric whispered.

"It's not your fault Cedric… Give her some time and I'm sure she will heal slowly. Olivia is a strong woman and she can handle things like this, so don't worry about her." Will reassured him. He looked at his food with a blank expression, unable to continue eating. He was worried about Olivia, wondering where she would run to? Her room? But knowing Olivia, she would want to scream loudly to vent her emotions.

"What are you still doing here Will? Go and follow her!" Cedric instructed with a frown. He felt bad because he caused pain to a wonderful woman like Olivia but he wanted to make things clear so there would be no misunderstanding in the future. Especially when it came to his relationship with Brione.

He watched Will leave in a hurry. He shook his head and stood up from his seat. He was unable to finish his lunch as well so he walked towards his balcony to feel some fresh air. He still could not explain his strong feeling towards Brione but one thing he was certain of was that his heart was undeniably beating for her.

"Are you having a hearty lunch without me sweetheart?" he whispered with a small smile curled on his lips, imagining Brione's face with a smile in the sky.

******

Meanwhile, Brione was having lunch with Berry, Mitch, and their team in the function hall exclusively assigned for their team. The menu was great and everyone was allowed to order anything they wanted. The part of the team and staff that accompanied Brione felt like they hit the jackpot being in Brione's team for this project. Manager Ruth along with all the staff in Perdu Palace were pampering them by giving VIP treatment to everyone.

While Brione was eating, she choked on something making her cough violently. Berry gently stroked her back to calm her while pouring a glass of water for her.

"Are you alright?" asked Berry, giving the water to Brione. Brione nodded, extending her hand to grab the glass of water.

"How come you're eating here with us? The Prince has already arrived so I thought you would be eating with him again." Berry nonchalantly asked.

"He has a guest so maybe he is dining with her," Brione answered with jealousy evident on her face. She was unconscious of her unpleasant reaction which did not escape Berry's sharp eyes.

"Who?" Berry pondered.

"The Prime Minister's daughter…" Brione murmured.

"OMG! Miss Olivia?! The childhood sweetheart?! I read a rumor that they will be engaged to be married once Miss Olivia Philips finishes her Masteral Degree! Ah, there was a good description about it in some magazine that I read… Wait… Oh right! A perfect match made in heaven!" Berry exclaimed in excitement because she always wanted to meet Olivia Philips in person since the woman was talented in almost all aspects.

"That woman is amazing! I heard she's very good at almost everything!" Berry added but immediately stopped upon seeing the sour face of her Boss.

Then with an awkward smile, she whispered, "Aren't you curious about Miss Olivia?"

"No!" Brione barked.

"But, it would be best to know your opponent…" Berry teased with a grin.