Chapter 412: The Way He Looked at Her

REBECCA’S POV

For several seconds after Melvin and Rola disappeared upstairs, I remained standing in the entrance hall, staring at the staircase. I had so many thoughts running through my mind, and the more I thought about their strange behavior, the more confused I became.

Eventually, I turned toward Kaden, who was standing beside me with his arms folded across his chest.

"Kaden, something is definitely going on between those two."

He sighed and glanced toward the staircase. "I know, Rebecca. Their behavior was strange, but neither of them seems willing to tell us what happened."

"Exactly! Rola traveled almost five hours to get here last night, and Melvin showed up before seven this morning because he was desperate to speak to her. I’ve never seen him so worried about a disagreement before."

"Perhaps he said something that really offended her," Kaden suggested. "Whatever happened, I think we should give them some time to sort it out."

I frowned, considering his words. That was possible, but it still didn’t explain why Melvin had been so desperate to see her. He had barely greeted me properly before asking where she was, and the moment Rola appeared on the staircase, his entire expression had changed.

"I don’t understand any of this," I muttered.

"Neither do I, sweetheart. But I don’t think we should start making assumptions when we don’t know what happened."

"I’m not making assumptions, Kaden. I’m just trying to understand why they’re behaving so strangely."

"And I understand that." He chuckled softly. "But you’re standing here interrogating me as though I was present when they had their disagreement."

Despite my annoyance, I laughed.

"Well, someone has to help me figure out what’s going on."

"Unfortunately, I don’t have the answers you’re looking for."

I sighed and glanced toward the staircase again. Rola and I used to be close, and although things between us had changed considerably, I still cared about her. Seeing her so miserable the previous night had genuinely bothered me, especially now that Melvin seemed to be involved.

Kaden must have noticed my expression because his face softened.

"Rebecca, I know you’re concerned about her. I was worried too, but whatever happened between them, we have to give them the opportunity to sort it out."

I nodded reluctantly. "You’re right. I suppose we’ll just have to wait."

"Good. Now, can we sit down? I don’t particularly enjoy standing in the entrance hall at six in the morning."

I rolled my eyes. "Nobody asked you to stand here."

"You were the one who dragged me out of bed, remember?"

"Oh, please! I only came to inform you that Melvin was arriving."

"And here I am, standing in my own palace while you question me about something I know absolutely nothing about."

I laughed and followed him toward the sofas.

We sat down beside each other, although I found it difficult to relax. Every few minutes, my eyes wandered toward the staircase, wondering whether Melvin and Rola were still talking.

Kaden noticed, of course.

"Rebecca, you’re going to give yourself a headache if you keep worrying like this."

"I’m not worrying."

"Of course not."

I turned toward him. "Kaden!"

He raised both hands. "Alright. I won’t say anything."

I shook my head and leaned back against the sofa.

For a while, we sat in silence. One of the maids approached to ask whether we wanted breakfast, but Kaden told her we would eat later. Neither of us was particularly interested in food, and I certainly wasn’t ready to leave before finding out whether Melvin and Rola had settled their disagreement.

As the minutes passed, I grew increasingly impatient. I glanced at the clock, then toward the staircase again. They had been upstairs for quite some time, and I couldn’t help wondering what they were discussing.

Kaden glanced at his wristwatch. "It’s been about thirty minutes."

"Thirty minutes already? They’ve been up there for quite a while."

He turned toward me with an amused expression. "Rebecca, I’m sure they’ll come downstairs when they’re finished talking."

"I know. I’m just surprised it’s taking this long."

"Then perhaps you should be patient."

I sighed and sank deeper into the sofa. There was no point arguing with him, especially when he was clearly enjoying teasing me.

Another ten minutes passed before we finally heard footsteps approaching from upstairs.

I immediately sat up, my attention shifting toward the staircase.

Melvin appeared first.

He was coming down the stairs alone, and although he looked considerably calmer than when he had arrived, there was still something troubled about his expression.

I stood up as he approached.

"Melvin."

He looked toward me and managed a small smile. "Rebecca."

I glanced behind him, expecting Rola to appear.

"She’s upstairs getting dressed," he explained. "She’ll be down shortly."

I studied his face carefully. He certainly looked less agitated than before, but I couldn’t tell whether their conversation had gone well.

"I hope you two managed to settle your disagreement," I said.

Melvin hesitated for a moment before answering.

"I hope so too."

His response made me frown. He sounded as though he wasn’t entirely sure where things stood between them.

"Melvin, I’m not trying to interfere," I said gently. "I just want to know that everything is alright."

"I understand, sweetheart, and I appreciate your concern. But it’s something Rola and I need to sort out ourselves."

I sighed. "Alright. I won’t pressure you."

Kaden rose from the sofa and approached us.

"I hope Rola is feeling better now. She was really upset when she arrived last night."

"I believe she is," Melvin replied quietly. "And Kaden, thank you for allowing her to stay here. I appreciate it."

"There’s no need to thank me. Rola is always welcome here."

Melvin nodded, and for a moment, nobody spoke.

Then Kaden glanced toward the staircase.

"Will she be returning with you?"

"That’s up to her," Melvin replied.

Something about his answer made me look at him more closely. He sounded genuinely uncertain about whether Rola would agree to return with him, even after their lengthy conversation upstairs.

Before I could say anything, footsteps sounded from the staircase again.

This time, Rola appeared.

She had changed out of her nightwear and was dressed in a simple cream-colored blouse and jeans. Her hair was neatly brushed, and she was carrying a small handbag while one of the maids followed behind her with the overnight bag she’d brought to the palace.

She looked much better than she had the previous night, although her expression was still unusually serious.

"Good morning," she greeted us as she reached the bottom of the staircase.

"Good morning, Rola," I replied, giving her a small smile. "You look much better this morning."

"I’m alright, Rebecca. Thank you."

Kaden approached her, concern still visible on his face.

"I’m glad you’re feeling better, Rola. You had us worried last night."

She nodded. "I’m sorry about that, Kaden. And thank you for letting me stay here. I really appreciate it."

"Rola, you don’t have to thank me. You know you’re always welcome here."

She smiled faintly. "I know. But thank you anyway."

I stepped closer, noticing the handbag she was carrying and the maid standing behind her with her luggage.

"I see you’re getting ready to leave."

"Yes. I think it’s time I went back."

I glanced briefly at Melvin before looking at her again.

"I suppose you’ll be returning together."

Rola followed my gaze, and for a moment, she seemed reluctant to answer. Then she nodded.

"Yes."

I noticed Melvin’s shoulders relax slightly, although he didn’t say anything.

"Alright," I replied. "I’m glad you’re feeling better. You looked really upset last night, and I was worried about you."

She turned toward me, and for a brief moment, I thought she might finally tell me what had happened.

Instead, she gave me a small smile.

"I’m fine, Rebecca. I just needed some time to myself. I’m sorry if I worried you."

"There’s no need to apologize. I was only concerned."

"I know. Thank you."

Kaden turned toward Melvin.

"I hope everything is alright now."

Melvin nodded. "It will be."

Rola didn’t respond.

I noticed that immediately, but I decided not to say anything. Whatever had happened between them, neither seemed comfortable discussing it in front of us.

One of the guards approached to take Rola’s overnight bag, but before he could reach for it, Melvin stepped forward.

"I’ll take that."

The guard hesitated. "Your Majesty, I can carry it for you."

"That’s alright. I’ve got it."

Melvin took the bag from the maid and turned toward Rola.

"We should get going."

She nodded. "Yes."

I watched them for a moment, still trying to understand what had happened between them. They weren’t arguing anymore, but there was a strange awkwardness in the way they spoke to each other. Rola seemed unusually quiet, while Melvin appeared to be watching her every reaction.

Melvin turned toward me.

"Rebecca, I’m sorry I couldn’t spend more time with you. I know I arrived unexpectedly."

I smiled. "It’s alright. I understand that you came because you needed to sort something out."

He nodded. "I’ll call you when I get back."

"You’d better. And please get some rest when you return. You look exhausted."

"I will."

He leaned forward and embraced me.

I wrapped my arms around him, but even as I hugged him, I couldn’t help noticing that his attention seemed to be elsewhere.

When we separated, he glanced toward Rola, who was standing a short distance away, speaking quietly with Kaden.

I followed his gaze.

Rola was thanking Kaden again for his hospitality, and he was reassuring her that she hadn’t inconvenienced anyone.

There was nothing unusual about their conversation. What I found strange was the way Melvin was watching them.

He wasn’t smiling, and although I couldn’t quite explain it, he seemed impatient for Rola to finish speaking.

"Melvin," I called, drawing his attention back to me.

"Yes, sweetheart?"

"You seem distracted."

He blinked before giving me a reassuring smile. "I’m only tired, Rebecca. It’s been a long night."

I nodded, although I wasn’t entirely convinced. He had barely slept, so perhaps exhaustion really was responsible for his unusual behavior. Still, I couldn’t ignore the way his attention kept returning to Rola.

A few moments later, Kaden and Rola joined us, and we all walked toward the palace entrance.

Outside, Melvin’s car was waiting near the front steps. One of his men was already seated behind the steering wheel, ready to drive them to the airport, where Melvin’s private jet was parked.

A royal guard hurried forward to collect Rola’s bag, but Melvin shook his head and carried it toward the vehicle himself.

Kaden stood beside me as we watched them.

"Thank you again, Kaden," Rola said before turning toward me. "And thank you, Rebecca. I appreciate everything."

"You’re welcome," I replied warmly. "Take care of yourself, alright?"

"I will."

Melvin handed Rola’s bag to one of his men, who placed it in the luggage compartment before returning to his position near the vehicle.

"Come on, Rola. We should get going," Melvin said.

She nodded and began walking toward the car.

I was about to turn back toward the palace when something caught my attention.

Rola had almost reached the vehicle when Melvin gently caught her hand.

"Rola, wait."

She stopped and turned toward him.

"Yes?"

He stepped closer and said something in a voice too low for me to hear. I was about to use my enhanced hearing to listen, but he had already finished speaking.

I couldn’t make out a single word, but whatever he said made Rola look at him for several seconds without responding.

Melvin spoke again, his expression unusually serious.

This time, she lowered her gaze briefly before giving a small nod.

The change in Melvin’s expression was immediate. He looked relieved, as though she’d just given him an answer he’d been desperately hoping to hear.

Then, to my surprise, he reached up and gently brushed a loose strand of hair away from her face.

I froze.

What?

Rola didn’t move away. She simply looked at him for another moment before turning toward the car.

Melvin opened the rear passenger door for her and waited until she was seated before getting into the back seat beside her.

I stared at them, unable to believe what I’d just witnessed.

There was something unusually tender about that little gesture, something that made me feel deeply uncomfortable.

Melvin was generally a considerate man, and I knew he treated people kindly. But the way he’d looked at Rola just now was different from the way he usually looked at other people.

For a moment, I tried to convince myself that I was reading too much into an innocent gesture. After all, I had spent the entire morning worrying about their strange behavior, and perhaps that was affecting my judgment.

But I couldn’t shake the uncomfortable feeling growing inside me.

I glanced toward Kaden.

He was standing perfectly still, watching as Melvin’s driver prepared to leave. His eyebrows were drawn together, and judging by his expression, he had noticed the gesture too.

"Kaden," I called quietly.

He turned toward me.

"I saw it, Rebecca," he said before I could continue.

I stared at him. "Then I’m not the only one who thinks that was strange."

He looked toward the car again. "No. I noticed it too, but I don’t know what to make of it."

Before I could respond, the driver started the engine.

I turned just in time to see Rola looking out through the rear passenger window. She gave us a small wave, and I automatically raised my hand in response.

A moment later, the car pulled away from the palace, heading toward the airport, where Melvin’s private jet was waiting to take them back to his kingdom.

I watched until the vehicle disappeared beyond the gates.

Then I turned back toward Kaden.

"I don’t like this, Kaden. Something about the way Melvin was behaving around Rola doesn’t sit right with me."

He sighed and rubbed his forehead. "I know. I noticed how concerned he was about her, and that gesture just now was rather unexpected."

"Unexpected?" I repeated, staring at him. "Kaden, he touched her face so gently, and she didn’t even move away!"

"I saw it, Rebecca."

"Then you understand why I’m concerned. Rola is your girlfriend, and Melvin is my fiancé. Yet the way they were behaving made it seem as though there was something more going on between them."

Kaden’s expression became serious.

"Rebecca, I agree that their behavior was strange, but we still don’t know what happened. I don’t want us jumping to conclusions without knowing the truth."

I folded my arms across my chest, feeling increasingly frustrated.

"I know, Kaden. I’m not accusing them of anything. But I’ve never seen Melvin behave that way around Rola before, and I can’t pretend it didn’t bother me."

"Neither can I," he admitted. "But until one of them decides to explain what happened, there’s not much we can do."

I sighed and looked toward the gates again.

He was right, and that was what frustrated me the most. We had watched everything unfold right in front of us, yet we were no closer to understanding what had happened between Melvin and Rola.

All I knew was that Melvin had traveled almost five hours to see Rola, refused to explain what had happened between them, and then looked at her in a way I had never seen before.

And now, after watching him gently brush her hair away from her face, I couldn’t stop thinking about one question.

Why had my fiancé looked at Kaden’s fiancée as though she meant the whole world to him?