Kiss Me Not

-unedited-

At Derhan Palace, Country B

Lucas was already aware of the situation, yet he still insisted that Edward join them for dinner. Leila could not do anything but warn Edward that her brother Lucas already knew the truth. She thought Edward would give an alibi for him to skip the dinner but she was surprised to see Edward joining the table.

"What's going on?" Leila whispered to Sean, who was sitting beside her. She was sure Sean knew why Edward ended up arriving.

"He left Edward no choice but to show himself here…" Sean whispered back and quickly sealed his mouth as soon as Edward took his seat beside Leila.

There was silence after the casual greetings. The servants served the food and everyone dined in silence. Gavin and Brione exchanged meaningful glances before sneaking glances at their father. They were aware of what was going on, and Gavin could not read what his father was thinking. Why would he invite uncle Edward like this when his father clearly stated that the latter was no longer welcome in the family a while ago.

Lucas was obviously mad after learning the truth about Leila's strained relationship with Edward. He invited Edward, saying he should come since he had something important to discuss. Of course, Edward gave an alibi not to go, so he threatened Edward of Dally's photos in the news headline the next day. He did not care what it would cause the royal family as long as he could make those two immorals suffer like how his sister suffered because of them!

In the middle of dinner, Lucas stopped eating and suddenly said, "this is something I just can't turn a blind eye to."

He looked directly at Edward and said, "You disappointed me, Edward. I trusted you with my sister but…" he could not even continue the words.

"Lucas…" Leila whispered as he looked at her brother. She was signaling Lucas to stop but knowing her brother. She knew Lucas would not listen to her and she still tried.

As she expected, Lucas ignored her. He was too disappointed at her to keep an important matter like this with him. It was not only her but also Sean, for sure. Poor Sean, he only did what she asked. She just hoped Lucas would not be mad at Sean and her for too long.

"This will be your last step in the palace and if only I could, I will also ban you from seeing my sister or Kimmy but I won't do that. I will proceed with legal actions so face the consequences of what you've done. The royal family attorney will contact you regarding this matter." Lucas calmly stated.

Then he stood up and said, "I will go first. I tried to act casual but I guess I won't be able to finish dinner like this without an appetite to eat."

"I will go with you," Leila offered.

"No, I want to be alone…" Lucas commented.

Everyone watched Lucas leave the dining hall. Edward was still speechless.

Brione sighed quietly. It was a good thing Kimmy did not join dinner and witness what happened. She and Gavin tried to talk with father Lucas but the latter was firmed in punishing Edward for what he did to Leila.

"Leila…" Edward whispered. He would go to jail because the evidence against him was solid, especially now that Dally was carrying his child.

Brione and Gavin stood up from their chairs to give the two space they needed. Sean stood up also but he did not leave the place entirely. He stood at the other side, with his back on the wall. He was not prying or anything but he was only worried for Leila so he decided to stay like that without the intention to eavesdrop or whatsoever.

"Leila, I am sorry. Please, can you help me with Lucas?" Edward pleaded. He knew it was shameless but he could not afford to go to jail. Dally was pregnant and he could not leave her alone. Would Dally go to jail, too, in her condition?

The thought terrified Edward that he looked at Leila and begged, "PLease Leila, help me. Please convince Lucas not to press charges against us. Or can we just not involve Dally?"

Leila stood up from her chair. She looked at Edward intently and said, "I hurt my brother enough for keeping things from him. I can't do anything because I don't want to deprive Lucas now of his right to protect me as his sister. As he said, I hope we won't cross paths again like this except for the legal proceedings we have to go through after the charges against you and your mistress…"

Lucas held the annulment papers in his hand and tore them to pieces before their family lawyer could even notarize and process them. Lucas wanted Edward to get punished for what he did before he proceeded with the annulment. Leila tried to convince Lucas just to let it go but her brother was firmed in his stand against Edward.

Leila was about to leave but Edward grabbed her wrist and said, "Please, Leila, you're the only one who could help me. Dally is pregnant and she can't afford the stress…"

"And I can afford to be depressed because I'm not pregnant?" Leila scorned. She could no longer take it. It pained her to see Edward like that, begging her because of his love and care for another woman.

"Didn't you see this coming, Edward? You ruined our family. You did not give our family a chance… Do you think I'm a stone without a heart and a feeling? Am I that low to you? So unimportant to treat me like this?" Leila's voice started to crack. She hated it! This kind of scene was not her thing.

"Let me go," she demanded and Edward finally released her wrist. Leila weakly walked out of the dining hall to feel her knees tremble. She almost fell but Sean immediately grabbed her and helped her back to her feet.