?Chapter 289:


    Even as I said it, the doubts swirling in my mind didn’tpletely fade. My eyes, almost on their own, darted back to Molly.


    Was it really just a coincidence?


    Never mind. It wasn’t my concern.


    I forced myself to focus on my work again.


    Before long, the kitchen was filled with the rich aroma of various ingredients. I concentrated on crafting the noodles with care, asionally pausing to assist Alice, whether by handing her a seasoning or tasting a sauce for her.


    Time slipped by quietly as we busied ourselves with cooking.


    Finally, just before the princes and their entourage were due to return, I ced the bowl of noodles onto a tray. Looking at the delicious noodles before me, a mix of nerves and excitement fluttered in my chest.


    Would yton like it?


    Soon, Hayley entered the kitchen.


    “Are the dishes ready? It’s time to bring them to the dining hall.”


    Following her instructions, we lined up and followed the servants down a corridor adorned with luxurious decor. I was so focused on carrying the bowl of noodles that I didn’t notice when the hem of my dress got caught on something.


    Suddenly, I felt myself lurch forward, my heart leaping into my throat.


    Damn it!


    I cursed inwardly, my mind going nk.


    I lost my bnce, and the noodles slipped from the tray in my hands, plummeting toward the floor. But just as disaster seemed inevitable, a strong hand shot out, catching the bowl mid-fall. At the same time, another arm wrapped gently around my waist, steadying me and preventing aplete tumble.


    I was still reeling from the shock, my heart pounding wildly. “Are you alright?” a gentle voice came from above. Was that yton’s voice?


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    I looked up suddenly, locking eyes with his golden gaze. yton was smiling down at me, holding the bowl of noodles I had nearly spilled. My heart raced, and a blush crept up my cheeks. For a moment, I was so stunned that I forgot to speak, just staring at him in disbelief.


    Noticing my daze, yton waved his hand lightly in front of my face, snapping me back to reality. I remembered how I had caused him to lose those goods, and words of apology sprang to my lips. I wanted to exin, to clear the air. “Your Highness, I…”


    But before I could finish, yton put the bowl of noodles back on the tray in my hands, his tone gentle. “Be more careful next time. Try not to fall again.”


    I nodded, still in a bit of a trance. By the time I gathered my thoughts, yton had already turned and walked away. I watched him go, my mind drifting to a million different thoughts. Did yton no longer me me? No, no! Perhaps it was just his naturally kind and gentle nature that led him to help me.


    I was lost in thought until Alice nudged my arm, bringing me back to the present. “Makenna,e on. Everyone’s waiting.”


    It felt like waking from a dream. Before moving on, I nced down at the floor where I had stumbled. It was t and clean, with nothing spilled.


    Then how had I tripped?


    I raised my head in confusion, scanning the crowd until my eyesnded on Molly, who was smiling shyly. There was something in her eyes, something hidden. She asked gently, “Makenna, are you okay? I was so scared just now.”


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