The Vampire Prince's Blindfolded Bride
Chapter 228: An uninvited guest

Chapter 228: An uninvited guest

Venus was taken aback by Serena’s unexpected revelation. Her eyes danced with disbelief, and her hands quivered uncontrollably. In an unforeseen moment, the teacup slipped from her grasp, the scalding tea staining her dress. The sound of shattering porcelain echoed ominously throughout the room, sending a wave of anxiety among the onlookers.

"Venus, are you alright?" Serena’s voice was laced with worry as she hastily rose from her seat.

Venus, regaining her composure, stood up and reassured her, "I’m fine." However, the beads of perspiration on her forehead and the tremor in her hands betrayed her calm facade.

The maid, sensing the urgency, swiftly began to clear the broken shards of the cup, while the head maid gently admonished Venus to be more cautious.

Serena approached Venus, her steps soft and measured. She gently took Venus’s hands into her own, her touch as light as a feather. "Venus, my dear, please find your peace," she implored, her voice a soothing balm. "Everything is under control. I want nothing more than for you to be a part of my wedding. However, I ask that you remain inconspicuous among the guests. I wish to avoid any unnecessary gossip. You are my cherished friend, and your presence at my wedding would mean the world to me," she affirmed, her fingers tenderly stroking Venus’s hands.

Unbeknownst to them, the head maid had been observing the exchange. She had discerned Serena’s subtle attempts to cause emotional distress to Venus.

Venus, gathering her courage, managed to stutter out a response. "I-I will attend your wedding," she promised.

Serena informed Venus that she needed to depart, as there were numerous wedding arrangements awaiting her attention. Venus accompanied her to the carriage, offering a farewell wave as Serena was whisked away. Once Serena was out of sight, Venus retreated to the living room.

The Head Maid, her expression stern and disapproving, confronted Venus. "Miss Venus, are you certain that her visit was solely to extend an invitation? I regret to say this, but it seemed as though your friend was attempting to shatter your resolve," she remarked, her tone laced with concern.

Venus found herself at a loss for words, unsure of how to respond to the Head Maid’s observations. She felt that the karma had returned to her because there was a time when she used to treat Alora in the same way. She remained silent, her thoughts heavy with regret and introspection.

Venus, her mind a whirlwind of thoughts, moved silently towards the staircase. Her footsteps echoed softly in the quiet room.

Odin emerged from the shadows, his words sharp as he taunted Venus. "You wield your words like a weapon when you’re with me, but in front of your friend, who belittled you, you chose silence," he mocked.

His gaze locked with hers, a challenge in his eyes. "I had a thirst for blood and was on my way to the kitchen when I paused to witness the exchange between two ’close friends’," he added, his tone dripping with sarcasm.

Venus responded, her voice steady despite the hurt she was trying to hide. "At least she hasn’t forgotten me," she said, a hint of sadness in her voice. "Aunt Julia, could you please send my lunch to my room? I’m feeling quite famished," she requested, before hastily retreating upstairs.

Odin watched her leave, a chuckle escaping his lips. He turned to the Head Maid, a smirk playing on his face. "Isn’t it interesting how she’s changed? I would have expected her to retaliate against Serena, either with a slap or a curse. That’s the Venus we know," he mused.

Venus heard Odin’s words, but she didn’t pause. She continued her ascent, her figure gradually fading from view as she reached the top of the stairs and disappeared from their sight.

Odin’s gaze lingered on the staircase and he found Venus had gone.

"Sir," the Head Maid began, her voice filled with a mix of concern and surprise, "Miss Venus is striving to distance herself from her past self. I must admit, I too am taken aback by her silence towards Miss Serena." With that, she excused herself, leaving Odin alone with his thoughts.

Odin fell into a contemplative silence, his mind racing with possibilities. "If Venus attends Serena’s wedding, she risks becoming the subject of ridicule," he murmured to himself. "She might be driven to take actions that she shouldn’t. I need to keep a close watch on her."

***

Upstairs in the room, Venus found herself surrendering to her silent sobs. The sting of Serena’s words, laced with mockery, was a harsh reminder of the friendship they once shared, now seemingly lost in the abyss of past mistakes.

Her gaze drifted towards the window, the glass pane a cold touch against her tear-streaked face. The realization dawned upon her that soon, the maid would arrive, bearing trays laden with meals, oblivious to the storm brewing within Venus.

The soft knock on the door was her cue. Venus hastily brushed away the remnants of her tears and pivoted just as the door creaked open. The maid, with her usual efficiency, arranged the table for Venus’s meal. Venus managed a weak smile of gratitude before the door closed, leaving her in solitude once more.

As she moved to occupy her chair, the door burst open with an unexpected force. Her eyes widened in surprise as they landed on the uninvited guest - Odin.

"I trust you won’t mind sharing a meal with me," Odin declared, his tone leaving no room for argument. Without waiting for an invitation, he strode in, taking the chair opposite her and gesturing for her to sit.

Venus, taken aback by his audacity, retorted, "What do you want, Odin? I’m not in the mood for your games. You have a knack for sapping my energy." Her words were a clear dismissal, her patience wearing thin.

"Tsk! Look at you. Again ready to bicker with me, but with Serena your lips completely tied," Odin snickered and picked up the fork. "Have a seat before the meals get cold," he added.

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