Chapter Eighteen

 " It appears so ", Abigail replied not sparing her a glance as she put a sandwich in her mouth. Rose was already fuming, why wasn't anyone talking to her.

 " Sister, you didn't attend the Atlas event with us, mother is very worried that you wouldn't be able to enter society comfortably. If you came with us we could have introduced you to many noble ladies ", Rose said worryingly. Abigail was touched, if she didn't know Rose and her mother's true colors she who have believed they cared for her well being. Is this the power of a white lotus? Abigail was really amazed by her acting skills, she'd be very useful in a play instead of wasting her time scheming against people. She could only shake her head over the waste of talent. 

 When Rose saw her forlorn expression she became pleased thinking she was regretting not going. The event she was referring to was the Opening of the Atlas bakery and restaurant, her mother and her only managed to get an invite after much difficulty. The restuarant was really elegant and the food served was delicious although the prices were quite high there was a discount price for the grand opening. They didn't see the dessert shop but the pastries and desserts served were truly exquisite. 

 They managed to make many connections to various high ranking nobles, even a representative from the royal palace attended the event. The event was really lavish and those who couldn't get an invite could only hit their heads on a wall. Even if Abigail asked to go with the mother-daughter pair they wouldn't have let her. She was only telling her this for show.

Abigail only rolled her eyes at her sister's dog brain. " Did I ask about the event? "

 " I was only worried, I didn't know you'd be entertaining visitors ", she said as she briefly looked at Leo who was of course still ignoring her. " Does anyone know you have a visitor "

 Her concerned voice made Abigail break into hives. She shook off the disgusting feeling and continued, " And how is that any of your concern dear sister?, rest assured my friend and I are just having a casual chat ".

 At the mention of 'friend ', Leo nearly choked on his tea but he soon regained his composure but Rose noticed the sudden change. There was definitely something wrong here.

 " I just hope you aren't doing anything wrong sister ", Rose said with concern. 

 " What wrong could that be ", Abigail asked as she listened to what Abigail said. Rose's expression looked like she witnessed something horrible. 

 " Remember that you have a fiance Abigail, you shouldn't be seeing a man in secret. What would people say if they found out ", she hinted on the fiance part so that Leo would hear it clearly. She also wished to get closer to him as well as she was enthralled by his looks. 

 Abigail already seeing Rose's thought raised a brow and said, " I am aware that I have a fiance and I'm just having a friendly chat, I've told you already ".

 " I know but I cant see Lucas being betrayed, he's my really good friend and I care for him ", she said as her eyes became wet. Lucas who had been watching the scene with Gabriel felt touched and walked up to her.

 " It's okay Rose, I know you care for me, I don't mind if Abigail betrays me ", Lucas said as he patted her head causing the rest to roll their eyes. Just as Gabriel was about to defend his sister, a mellow voice interrupted him.

 " What do you think my relationship is with Lady Abigail, could you please elaborate on that? ", Leo who had been silent all through finally spoke, Rose felt his cold gaze pierce deep into her soul. Who was this man?!

 " Don't try to do anything to Lady Rose, she was just speaking up for me ", Lucas stepped in front of Rose shielding her from Leo vold gaze.

 " I don't believe I was talking to you sir and I believe you're a smart person as well so please don't interfere where it isn't needed ", Leo dismissed him immediately then moved his eyes towards Rose.

 " I am aware your sister is engaged but you seem to care about it even more than her, isn't that strange? I believe what happens between Lady Abigail and this fiance of hers should be none of your business ", he said causing Rose to stumble a little in shock. Why was he so direct!

 " That isn't it, it's just that lord Lucas is a very good friend of mine and I don't want my sister to hurt him more than she already has ", Rose quickly replied.

 " You're good friends with Lord Lucas? I remember when your sister said she and I were good friends you insinuated that she and I were doing something wrong. Perhaps could you and Lord Lucas be involved as well ", he asked the question bluntly. Abigail and Gabriel could barely hold in their laughter. Lucas and Rose's expression were unsightly. 

 " N-no I-i.... That's not it ", she stuttered not sure of what to say so she put on a hurt look. When Lucas saw this he was furious 

 " Sir Leo ,that is a major accusation. I hope you know the price for accusing the heir of the Esselrade house hold. You should know who you're messing with! ", Lucas roared.

 " And do you know who I am? When Lady Rose was accusing Lady Abigail and I was it okay? ", Leo asked, " And aren't you Lady Abigail's fiance? Shouldn't you side with her? "

 Lucas only sneered, " I dont care about her, if she wasn't refusing to annul the engagement with me, we would be nothing more than strangers by now ".

 " Lucas how dare you say that about my sister? ", Gabriel grabbed his collar. Ice was already forming on his clothes and it slowly made his way to body Lucas treid to break free but to no avail. When the ice was already crawling up his neck a jade like hand was placed on Gabriel's. 

 " Brother, please let him go. He isn't worth ", Abigail gently said to him.

 " But he hurt you Abigail, how can I? ", Gabriel sadly stared at her. He could clearly see that she was deeply hurt.

 " Hurting him back wouldn't solve anything plus it's not advantageous for us so please let him go ", Gabriel begrudgingly let him go at the end. Lucas fell to the floor and grasped for air. His eyes bloodshot as he stared at the siblings who were currently looking down at him. He gritted his teeth and cursed, " Gabriel how dare you attack me. They were bullying Rose and I stood up for her. Don't you care about her? "

 " Why should I? Never insult my sister again ", he said coldly. He then turned to Abigail worriedly, " Are you sure your okay sister? "

 " I'm fine brother but I actually need to take care of an issue right now ", she said before returning to Lucas who Rose was helping of the floor of the gazebo. " Lord Lucas Esselrade, I Lady Abigail Stone wish to annul our political engagement. I hope you can convey this message to his Grace and I'll relay the message to my father as well, have a good day "

 She then left the gazebo with Leo and a shocked Gabriel in tow leaving and equally stunned Rose and Lucas.

 What has happened to Rose? Why would she call off her engagement out of the blue? Rose thought, she didn't know whether to be happy or upset. She has always eyed Lucas but now that Abigail didn't want him anymore she didn't feel happy in the slightest. She wanted Abigail to be miserable when she took Lucas away from her. She decided to now set her sights on the aloof and handsome Leo. She must take him away from her!!

 Lucas on the other hand looked like he ate horse shit. How dare she call off their engagement, how dare she embarrass him so dearly. He wouldn't let her off he was determined to have her no matter what then he'd teach her a lesson. And as for Rose.... He still planned on being with her. He'd protect her from her witch of a sister. 

 And so the two began to plan their own different agendas. Meanwhile Abigail walked with Leo through the gardens and as for her brother, she asked him to excuse them which he reluctantly did. As they walked Abigail spoke first.

 " Thank you for your assistance, I have been busy for a while and haven't thought of a way to address the engagement issue. I am grateful ", she said.

 " It's fine, as you said what are friends for ", he said causing her to shudder. She did say they were friends earlier. " We are friends aren't we Lady Abigail? "

 " I-i guess we are ", she awkwardly laughed. I mean they've met twice already, they could definitely be called acquaintances but friends..... why not.

 " I still have matters to attend to Lady Abigail, I'll be leaving now. Please do take care ", he said.

 " Oh, already? " she was surprised. 

 " Do you wish I'd stayed longer Lady Abigail? ", he grinned causing her to blush in embarrassment. 

 " N-no you may leave goodbye ", she then turned and ran off like a mouse. He couldn't help but laugh. What an interesting girl, he thought. His emerald eyes then became icy as he turned around, " You can come out now "

 Rose who had been hiding behind a near by tree was stunned. How did he know I was here. She then slowly walked out with a looking like she had been wronged. She then stood before him with her hands on her chest.

 " Why do you seem to be everywhere lately, weren't you just at the gazebo or do you have a fetish for following your sister around? ", he went straight to the point causing Rose to bite her lips. How dare he?!

 Her expression then become even more wronged as she spoke, " You misunderstand me, I was just worried for sister, that's why I followed her. And about earlier I didn't mean to accuse you I was just worried my sister might do something bad again "

 Leo raised his brows at what she said, " Again? "

Seeing that he fell for the bait she continued, " Yes, my sister usually goes around with different men claiming they're her friends. I even saved her once from being taken advantage by one of them but she got angry and scolded me. I'm really worried about her ", she said as she began to cry.

Leo could only shake his head and sigh, " I understand.... "