Hope Is Not Optional — Manuel Flores 82
Chapter 82
Selene
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I sank deeper into the cold water until it reached my shoulders, my eyes closed as I forced my breathing to steady. The chill seeped into my skin, but it did little to reduce the restless heat inside my body. Still, I stayed there, unmoving as I tried to meditate, and focus on anything other than my arousal.
After a while, a soft knock echoed against the wooden door.
“Come in,” I said, my voice calm.
The door opened, and Evelyn stepped inside, careful and quiet as always. She was holding a tray as she approached the bath. When she reached my side, she bowed and gently set the tray down. “My lady,” she said softly, “I’ve brought more plants.”
I didn’t open my eyes. I only gave a faint nod in response.
Evelyn lifted the bowl and poured the contents into the water. The crushed plant touched the surface and dissolved almost instantly, the water clouding for a moment before clearing again. A faint scent rose into the air.
Several days had passed since the eunuch’s visit, and every one of them had been difficult. My heat had fully taken hold, and the cold baths had become my only refuge. They didn’t cure anything, but they helped, it was just enough to keep me functional. The plants Evelyn used were meant to mask scent. They worked, but only temporarily, and only if reapplied again and again.
Because of that, I had barely left the bathhouse or my room. I hadn’t attended my moonborn lessons. I hadn’t gone into the courtyard. I refused visitors without exception. Too many eyes were watching me these days, many people curious about why I had suddenly disappeared from sight.
I noticed servants sent by Sienna lingering nearby more than once, but I ignored them all, giving no one even the smallest opening to pry into my condition.
After soaking for a while longer, I finally opened my eyes.
Evelyn was still standing there, her hands folded in front of her.
“I’m fine, Evelyn,”
I rose from the bath, water streaming down my skin and dripping back into the pool. Evelyn moved immediately, grabbing a thick bathrobe and draping it around my shoulders. I stepped out of the bathhouse slowly, the cool air brushing against my damp skin.
She hesitated before speaking again. “I’m still worried, my lady. Today is the alpha’s banquet. There will be many guests, and too many men.” She lowered her voice. “You’ve managed to hide it so far, but with so many people gathered in one place, I don’t know if it’s possible to conceal your heat completely.”
I didn’t dismiss her concern. I understood it better than anyone.
“I know,” I said as we walked. “That’s why I stayed in the water for so long, and why I used more of the plant
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Chapter 82
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than usual.” I paused for a moment before adding, “If I feel it slipping out of my control, I’ll leave immediately. I won’t push myself.”
Evelyn searched my face, then slowly nodded. “Okay, my lady, just be careful.”
Evelyn pushed the door open first, and we stepped into my room.
The sight waiting for us made her freeze on the spot.
Sienna was sitting comfortably on one of my chairs, a teacup lifted delicately to her lips as if she owned the place. Behind her stood her maid, Emma, hands folded neatly, chin slightly raised, but she avoided looking at me directly.
Evelyn’s voice trembled. “W-what are you doing in Lady Selene’s room without permission?”
Emma’s gaze snapped to her. “How dare you speak to Lady Sienna like that? Do you have a death wish?”
Evelyn flinched, her mouth parting as if to argue. “But-”
Sienna took another unhurried sip of tea before setting the cup down. She turned her head toward Evelyn, smiling sweetly. “Are you saying I can’t come into my sister’s room whenever I want?”
Evelyn went silent, clearly unsure how to respond.
I sighed, pinching the bridge of my nose as the dull throb behind my eyes intensified. I didn’t have the patience for this today. “What do you want, Sienna?” I asked flatly.
Her smile widened as she stood and walked toward me, closing the distance. She reached out and grabbed my hand, her grip light but insistent. “Selene, the banquet is about to start soon.”
I raised an eyebrow, my expression blank. “So?”
She didn’t let go of my hand. “Sister, I don’t have anything to wear. Can I choose something from the clothes the alpha gave you?”
I stared at her.
A woman who obsessed over appearances, who planned outfits days in advance, suddenly had nothing to wear, on the day of the alpha’s banquet? The lie was so transparent it was almost insulting.
Before I could respond, she released my hand and moved straight toward my closet. She opened it without hesitation, eyes scanning eagerly before lighting up. She reached in and pulled out the most beautiful dress hanging there.
It was the dress Alpha Rhydian had gifted me specifically for the banquet.
She held it up in admiration. “Can I have this one?” she asked, turning back to me with a hopeful smile. “Please, Selene. I really don’t have anything suitable. You have so many clothes from the alpha anyway. You can give me just one, right?” She tilted her head. “That’s what a good sister would do.”
My lips twitched.
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Chapter 82
The audacity. The shamelessness. The certainty that I would give in, just like I always had before.
Evelyn opened her mouth, clearly ready to explode, but I lifted a hand to stop her.
“You can have it,” I said calmly. “Take it and leave.”
The room went still.
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Evelyn stared at me. Emma blinked in surprise. Even Sienna froze, clearly not expecting such an easy victory.
“R-really?” Sienna asked, then quickly smiled. “Thank you, Selene.” She clutched the dress to her chest, visibly pleased. “We’ll be going in the same carriage. I’ll get dressed and meet you downstairs.”
With that, she turned and left the room in a cheerful mood, Emma following closely behind.
I watched the door close behind her, my expression unreadable.
Evelyn let out an annoyed breath, her brows drawn together. “My lady, she did that on purpose,” she said, clearly irritated. “She chose the prettiest dress. She wanted to outshine you. I was going to choose that one for you to wear.”
I waved my hand dismissively and sat down on the bed, crossing my legs with ease. “No need,” I said calmly. “I wasn’t planning on wearing that dress anyway. Let her do whatever she wants.”
Evelyn looked even more confused. “Then… what were you planning to wear?”
Before I could answer, there was a knock on the door.
“Come in,” I said.
The door opened, and a familiar face stepped inside. It was Maya, the young girl who had brought the materials for the dress I wore at my coming-of-age ceremony. She stood a little stiffly by the door, hands clasped in front of her.
Evelyn’s expression softened immediately. “Maya? How are you?”
Maya blushed and lowered her gaze. “I-I’m fine, ma’am.”
“Call me Evelyn.”
“Since you already know each other, there’s no need for introductions. Maya will be working as my maid from now on, and Evelyn, you’ll be her supervisor.”
Evelyn paused at my words and turned to look at Maya. Maya swallowed, clearly nervous, as if expecting scolding. Instead, Evelyn smiled widely, placed a hand on her shoulder, and said warmly, “Welcome, Maya. Let’s serve Lady Selene together. But just know this, I won’t forgive anyone who betrays her.”
Maya’s eyes widened, and she nodded quickly. “Y-yes!”
“Good girl,” Evelyn said, satisfied.
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Chapter 82
“Maya, where is the dress?”
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“Excuse me, my lady.” She hurried to the closet and carefully brought out a white dress, simple in design, paired with a large coat.
Evelyn frowned slightly. “The dress is—”
“It’s plain, with no design,” I finished for her. “And that’s fine. I had it made with special plants woven into the fabric. The material prevents the cold and keeps my scent hidden for a longer period of time.”
Evelyn stared at the clothes, stunned. “I’ve never seen anything like this before, my lady. You’re so intelligent.”
I smiled proudly. “Don’t worry, Evelyn. We’ll use this knowledge to make a lot of money someday. We will be the richest people in the world.”
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18:36 Fri, Dec 26
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