This time, Ashlyn didn’t resist. She took the lozenge without a word, placing it in her mouth. Almost instantly, the soothing effect eased the rawness in her throat. Gradually, her sobs subsided, and her breathing steadied.

Once Ashlyn seemed calmer, Katelyn gently asked, “What happened? Did you two have a fight?”

At the question, Ashlyn’s tears returned, spilling over as she grabbed a tissue to wipe her eyes.

“We didn’t fight,” Ashlyn said, her voice trembling. “We… we broke up.”

“You broke up?” Katelyn repeated, her eyes widening in shock. She’d assumed it was just another argument—something they’d work through. But a breakup? This was far more serious than she’d imagined.

Ashlyn nodded, fresh tears streaming down her face. “Yes,” she whispered, her voice barely audible. “He and Sophia… they used to be together.”

Katelyn froze, caught off guard. She hadn’t anticipated Ashlyn discovering this matter so soon, especially since she herself had only pieced it together moments before heading to the palace.

Her gaze fell on Ashlyn, whose tear-streaked face and red-rimmed eyes spoke volumes. For a heartbeat, Katelyn was at a loss for words. She understood, more than anyone, that the resolution to this tangled situation rested solely in the hands of Ashlyn and Khalid. No amount of outside advice could untangle the emotions and decisions that lay between them.

Ashlyn, noticing Katelyn’s composed demeanor, narrowed her eyes, her voice trembling with a mix of hurt and accusation. “You already knew, didn’t you?”

It was the only explanation for Katelyn’s calmness. The realization sparked a wave of frustration within Ashlyn. Everyone seemed to be in on the secret—everyone except her. The weight of being left in the dark settled heavily on her shoulders, stirring a sense of betrayal that cut deeper than she cared to admit. It felt as though the trust she had placed in those closest to her had been fractured, leaving her adrift in a sea of doubt and discomfort.

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Katelyn realized Ashlyn’s misconception and swiftly clarified, “I only found out moments before you did. Vincent mentioned it just as I was leaving for the palace.”

She could feel the weight of the situation and knew how important it was to clear any misunderstandings between them. She didn’t want Ashlyn to feel alienated or betrayed.

Ashlyn’s initial flare of anger dissolved almost instantly, replaced by a wave of guilt. She averted her gaze, her voice tinged with remorse. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have doubted you.” Her temper had flared quickly, but it faded just as fast, leaving behind a quiet vulnerability.

Katelyn, aware of Ashlyn’s emotional fragility, felt no resentment. To her, such misunderstandings were minor and hardly worth dwelling on.

With a gentle sigh, Katelyn softened her tone. “There’s no need to apologize. Neither of us is at fault here. But tell me… was it you who ended things, or was it Khalid?”

From what Katelyn had observed, Khalid didn’t seem like the one who wanted to walk away. His despondent demeanor spoke volumes, starkly contrasting the man…

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