V2: Chapter 127: The Third Wheel
“Of course,” Liang Di answered without hesitation, “How could I go alone? Of course I’ll bring my Sister Liang Lin along!”
Liang Di affectionately hooked her arm around Liang Lin’s.
Liang Lin’s mood instantly improved, but she still suppressed the upward curve of her lips.
Sometimes, Liang Lin felt strangely pathetic, strangely forgetful. Even though Liang Di had treated her so badly before, the hatred lessened as soon as she saw her again, and she often found Liang Di cute and pretty, frequently attracted to her. Moreover, the thought that Liang Di wouldn’t bother her anymore made her heart ache.
Sigh, why did I react this way to someone who had hurt me? Maybe everyone is just pathetic… well, not everyone is like this, maybe only me.
Now, with Liang Di’s arm around her, she was even feeling smug. But to be fair, Liang Di was beautiful, and having her as a date was definitely a source of pride.
The next day.
“Miss Liang Lin, what brings you here…?” Gael’s fake smile froze on his face the instant he saw Liang Lin.
Just now, when alighting from the carriage, Liang Di had gotten off first. She lifted her skirt, her long silver hair cascading down to her waist, shimmering in the sunlight, appearing exceptionally ethereal. The moment Gael saw Liang Di, he first nodded in satisfaction, then put on a fake smile and strode towards the carriage.
Just as he reached out his hand to Liang Di, she ignored him, turning her head away and extending her arm into the carriage. A delicate, calloused hand took Liang Di’s, and Liang Lin jumped down from the carriage.
“No need to reach out to help me, I can get off myself.” Liang Lin always possessed a defiant spirit, which she used in all sorts of strange ways.
The moment Gael saw Liang Lin, he froze.
He felt that by inviting Liang Di to the palace in his personal capacity, the implication was clear enough. This was a date for just the two of them, an opportunity to cultivate their relationship. Liang Di wouldn't be foolish enough to bring anyone else. But the young woman actually did, and she even brought her sister along.
Gael thought Liang Di was stupid.
Anyone could see that he was more enthusiastic towards Liang Lin than towards Liang Di.
This Liang Di is really something else; she has a big heart, isn't she afraid her sister will steal her future husband away?
Gael thought that Liang Lin was capable of such a thing. After all, she was a notorious woman, and a woman like that would definitely do something like stealing someone else's fiancé, and Liang Lin was no exception.
Heh, when I'm taken away by her sister, this woman Liang Di will be the one crying her eyes out.
Liang Lin looked at him, raised her chin, and said with a disdainful expression, "Your Highness, am I not allowed to come? I came with my sister."
Gael put on a fake smile again and bowed politely. "Of course you can, Miss Liang Lin. I'm very happy you came. I was quite surprised earlier; I didn't expect you to come."
It was the same old polite talk again.
Gael had been severely scolded by Doris yesterday, and he felt wronged afterward.
"Mother, this is Father's order; I cannot disobey."
After scolding Gael, Doris calmed down and, upon reflection, realized that the fault didn't really lie with Gael; he had indeed been forced into a corner.
"Remember, even if you invite Liang Di over tomorrow, you must keep your distance from her. Don't have any intimate contact with her, don't say anything to please her, and don't develop any feelings for her whatsoever. Do you understand?"
"I know, Mother. You told me these things a long time ago, and I've always remembered them."
Although Gael still didn't understand, this time he didn't ask further. Asking Doris wouldn't tell him; it would only make her more annoyed and angry.
Gael felt increasingly wronged.
"Come on, ladies, there's a market in the capital. Would you like to go see it?"
"What's so interesting about a market?" Liang Lin retorted.
Perhaps used to Liang Lin's way of speaking, Gael wasn't angry. He explained, "I heard that circuses from other empires are performing. They're different from our circuses. Many young masters from noble families went to see them and told me they were very good. So, I thought I'd take you to see it too."
That made perfect sense.
Liang Lin looked at Liang Di.
Liang Di clung tightly to her arm, and this time Liang Lin didn't mention keeping their distance or avoiding suspicion in public. Instead, she spoke as if asserting her ownership, her tone even carrying a hint of boastfulness.
"Hmm... okay, it's been so long since I've gone to the market with Sister Liang Lin."
She seemed to completely ignore Gael, not mentioning him at all, not even giving him a glance.
This scene filled Liang Lin with a secret satisfaction, and her already straight back straightened even more.
Yesterday, after Liang Di told her the news, Liang Lin hadn't slept well. The thought that Gael might be interested in Liang Di made her feel sullen and angry, wishing she could punch that damned man in the face. She was sullen all morning, and even Liang Di was affected, receiving a few sarcastic remarks from her first thing in the morning.
Now, seeing Gael's utterly defeated expression, the jealousy and anger she'd suppressed all night finally dissipated, replaced by a gleeful grin that revealed her teeth—though a somewhat sinister smile, like she was about to devour a child. The surrounding maids couldn't help but shrink back.
"Alright, let's go see then."
Liang Lin's reply was reluctant, but Liang Di could see the jubilation on her sister's face.
"....."
For a moment, Gael felt like a third wheel, like a stray dog wandering the roadside, kicked for no reason.
No.
He shook his head slightly.
Why did I have such a thought? The two ladies opposite are both women; there can't be any romantic feelings between them, just sisterly affection. That is understandable; aren't all ladies like that?
But... why did it feel like their eyes were locked in a passionate gaze?
No, no, no, absolutely not! It must be an illusion.
Gael began to doubt his existence.
"Let's go, Sister Liang Lin~" Liang Di pulled Liang Lin's hand, skipping and hopping towards the carriage.
The two seemed to have completely forgotten that there was a pitiful prince behind them.
Gael: "....."
"Miss Liang Lin, Miss Liang Di, come and ride in my carriage, my carriage is bigger."
Gael's smile faltered, his expression growing increasingly grim.
Hearing the voice behind them, Liang Lin and Liang Di realized they were taking a third wheel with them.
Author's Note
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