Captivated by the Ruler of the Underworld
Chapter 135 Kindness

Cicery glanced at Flora Harrison and, without a word, followed her lead.

Inside the bamboo-lined path, Flora wanted to speak up but ultimately refrained from asking any questions and simply led her away. Raising an eyebrow, Cicery provoked, "Aren't you curious?"

Curious why she'd come from Josh Fudge's suite, her robe splattered with bright red blood?

She didn't believe Flora wasn't.

With pursed lips and a soft voice, Flora finally admitted, "Curious."

She was indeed curious about why Cicery emerged from Josh Fudge's place, why she was marked with blood.

Flora Harrison paused, then added, "But I won't ask, and don't worry, I won't breathe a word about today. It's as if I didn't see a thing." Cicery was astonished; they had just met for the first time, a brief first encounter.

"Why?"

Flora tilted her head, a half-smile playing on her lips, "The more you know, the more trouble you find. Spilling secrets can backfire, right? I'll act as though I saw nothing you can trust me."

She didn't tell Cicery about the uncanny resemblance she noticed. It reminded her of someone dear, someone with whom she had felt an immediate connection and inexplicable kinship. The person from back then... She had failed to protect her, and she couldn't bear the thought of losing someone who looked so much like her again.

Even if they were complete strangers.

But that's just the way it is, isn't it? Affection can start with a single glance, recognizing someone.

Yet this beautiful young girl seemed to think her unclean, and Flora didn't want to force a connection that would only push her away more.

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Cicery stopped dead in her tracks when she heard this.

Flora felt Cicery's pause and also stopped, looking at her quizzically.

Cicery turned her head, her gaze locked on Flora's striking eyes, and only when she felt seen, did she look away.

After a moment, she simply said, "Cice."

Flora was taken aback by this nickname, struggling to find her words, "What... did you just call me?"

Cicery raised an eyebrow, a slight smile on her face, "Cice."

Flora chuckled, a graceful curve forming at the edge of her lips, "Yeah... you don't mind me?"

Cicery had just implied that Flora was dirty.

Puzzled, Cicery asked, "Why would I mind you?"

Realization dawned on Flora. Thinking back to the events before, she understood the misunderstanding.

She had thought wrong.

The 'dirty' Cicery referred to had been about...the bloodstains. She was worried about getting her clothes stained with the blood, not Flora herself! Flora took a deep breath, not daring to ask Cicery what had happened, and simply nodded, "Sorry, I got it wrong. What did you want to say, Cicery?" Cicery looked at Flora thoughtfully and then asked innocently, "That man, is he your boyfriend?"

Flora knew exactly who Cicery was talking about-Victor.

She tugged at the corners of her mouth, her hands fumbling awkwardly as she forced a smile. "Of course," she said, though it couldn't be further from the truth.

But she didn't want to tell Cicery that she was nothing more than a woman pushed by her family to gain favor with the elite, barely more than an ornament for Victor's illustrious social standing. Cicery nodded, then added, "You deserve better. That guy isn't worth your heartache. You need to think it through."

Flora Harrison's eyes shimmered with unshed tears, and though she smiled, a hint of bitterness tugged at the corners of her mouth. "Yeah, I get it."

"That settles it then. You go ahead," Cicery said.

Flora Harrison blinked in surprise. "I'm familiar with this place; let me guide you out."

She grew up near Greafury, often playing there as a child.

Cicery shook her head. "No need, I think I know my way around better."

With that said, there was little more Flora could add. "Alright, just be careful."

As Flora was turning to leave, Cicery reached out and ran her fingers through Flora's hair...