Chapter 23: Play Along
 
Vishiea’s POV
 
“Do you like him?” he repeated. My brow furrowed in confusion. He’s looking at me patiently now like he’s eagerly waiting for my response.
 
“Does it matter to you?” I asked him. The expression on his face changes. “It does,” he replied honestly. I didn’t expect him to answer that. I mean, I know that he’s still thinking that I’m Vishiea, but he’s entitled now. He doesn’t have the right to say that it bothers him to hear me liking someone else.
 
Our situation changes; we’re not the same anymore. He betrayed me a couple of years ago. Even if I came back as Vishiea, he can’t expect me to forgive him and take him back again in my life.
 
I let out a sigh and averted my gaze. I can’t look him in the eye now. “Yes, I do,” I answer without looking at him. He didn’t talk for a few seconds until one time; I heard him chuckle and move closer. He proudly stood next to me.
 
“Do you like him romantically?” My brow furrowed. Do I like Nathan romantically? That’s absurd. Nathan is not my mate; I can’t like him. I can’t be selfish enough to like someone else, mate. “If yes, he’s no good to you,” he added flatly.
 
I raised an eyebrow as I looked at him. What did you say? Between him and Nathan, I’ll choose Nathan because he’s far nicer than him. This asshole, how dare him to say that. He’s no good to me, my ass.
 
“It doesn’t matter. He’s nice, so I like him,” I said casually as I shrugged my shoulder. He raised an eyebrow, too, and bluntly asked, “I’m nice to you too. Does it mean you like me too?” My brow furrowed at what he said. Is he serious?
 
What if I’ll punch him now to wake him up from his illusions? When did he become nice to me? He’s annoying the hell out of me. Every time I see him, I feel like I want to throw up. He disgusts me.
 
Maybe I’ll believe he’s nice if he did not hurt me before. Yes, I know he’s kind, but that was before he betrayed me. I shook my head, “I like you too, but not romantically. I admire you for ruling this kingdom, Your Majesty,” I replied.
 
Of course, that’s a lie. How can I like someone I hate? I loathed him and his family. They were full of ruthless Lycans who only knew to value themselves. They don’t care about what people think and feel. He laughed softly. Is there something funny?
 
“As I expected, Lady Anastasia. Anyway, can I ask you something?” I only nodded. He let out a sigh, “Why do you hate me?” he asked straightforwardly. Hate him? What I feel for him is worse than that. I fake a shocked expression, “How could you say so, Your Majesty?”
 
He did not talk; he only stared at me. I inhaled deeply, all right. “I don’t hate you,” I lied again. The edge of his lips slowly rose. What I can say, I’m a good liar. Of course, he’ll believe me.
 
“Is that true?”
 
“Yes.”
 
“If that so, why you’re so distant from me? Like every time I came closer, you’re always pushing me away,” I almost rolled my eyes. Damn, distant? Of course. Even if I’m not Vishiea, I’ll push him away. He’s getting weirder.
 
What does he think of himself? It’s like he believes that everyone will be attracted to him and worship him. He’s the king, yes, but he’s still no one.
 
I face him and look at him seriously. “I don’t want any trouble, Your Majesty. I already told you that,” I said while looking directly into his eyes.
 
“I’m sorry to break your fantasy, but…” He moved closer and slowly touched my chin. I just stared at him and didn’t bother to say a word.
 
“But you’re already in trouble.” I know. I’m only fooling around. I remove his hand from my chin and laugh without any humour.
 
“Can you give any reason why I’m in trouble, Your Majesty?”
 
“The moment I saw you, I already knew it was you, Vishiea. You can lie to everyone but not to me.” he’s making me laugh. Damn, yes, I can’t lie to him, but he can always lie to me.
 
And that’s just fucking unfair.
 
“You started this game, Vishiea, then I’m willing to play along. We will play this game until you admit it’s really you,” he added seriously while looking directly into my eyes.
 
Okay, we will play this dangerous game, Darius. This time, I’ll make sure I win. I smirked mentally, “I understand that you’re upset, Your Majesty. But why can’t you give up that idea? I’m not Vishiea, I’m Anastasia.” He shook his head.
 
“You can’t change my mind. I know you’re her.” He’s amusing. He only knew me by my name now. The woman he knew before is not the same girl he cheated on. I’m not my old self; she died.
 
 
“All right. I won’t argue anymore. Just think what you want to believe, Your Majesty. This is quite disheartening. You mistook me as part of your past. Suppose you did something terrible to your ex-mate before. And you wanted to make it up now. Please, don’t get me involved because I’m not her,” I seriously said.
 
Even if he really wanted to make it up to me, I won’t forgive him. The damage has been done; we can’t go back to change everything.
 
“I’ll let you keep on denying the truth, Vishiea. I won’t give up.” I close my mouth tightly. Annoying king. “Okay, as you please.” I badly wanted to roll my eyes on him now. He’s destroying my plan. I’m supposed to be the one who is annoying him.
 
“I’m afraid I ruined your night, lady Anastasia. Please forgive me if I did,” he apologised. I stare at him; yes, he just did. I faked a smile and shook my head.
 
“Not really, Your Majesty. I understand your confusion.” Confusion, my ass. He nodded, “Again, I’m sorry. Let me escort you back then?” I shook my head. Please, don’t add fuel to my anger.
 
“All right. We’ll meet again inside,” After he said that, he nodded and started to leave. I watched his back as he left. I hope we don’t cross paths inside the venue. You’re an annoying asshole. Damn, I calm down myself.
 
I stayed here for a moment until I decided to return to the venue. Near the entrance, I saw Christian. “Lady Anastasia! I’ve been looking for you. Where did you go?” Why is he looking for me? Is there something wrong?
 
“Why are you looking for me?” I asked him curiously. He smiled widely, “Pardon. Do you remember the Duke and Duchess of Greenland? I met them a few minutes ago. I mentioned you to them, and unexpectedly, they knew you. They ask me if I saw you again, they’ll meet you,” he answered.
 
Oh, Duke Greyson and Duchess Mariah. I met them three years ago when they visited Mother Kiara at our mansion. They did not know me as the Mother Kiara’s foster child. Well, aside from Dylan’s family, only the maids from our home knew my true identity.
 
“I see, where are they?” I ask. He nodded, “Please, follow me.” I nodded also and quietly followed him. It was still far when I recognised the couple. They were talking and laughing while talking. When they felt our presence, the couple looked in our direction.
 
Mariah quickly smiled as she saw me. “Greyson, Mariah.” The couple were just a few years older than me. Mariah is in her early thirties, while Greyson was turning thirty-five this year. Mariah pulled me into a gentle hug.
 
“Anastasia, dear. I’m happy to see you again.” She faced me while smiling widely. “It’s been a long time; how are you?”
 
“It’s been a while, Mariah. Anyway, I’m doing great. How about you?”
“That’s good to hear. Well, I’m doing great. Quite busy taking care of our second little angel,” she answered meaningfully as she caressed her tummy.
 
My eyes widened slightly. She’s pregnant. Wow, I did not expect that. “Congratulations, I’m happy for you,” I said happily. The smile on her lips widened, “Thank you. How about you? Are you still single?” I can’t answer it right away.
 
I slowly nodded, “Yes, I am. I’m happy to be single, no head and heartache,” I answered awkwardly. I didn’t enter into any relationship since the day he betrayed me. I’m single, not because I’m not over with him but because I value myself.
 
I don’t want to be hurt, and I know to myself that I’m not ready yet. I’m happy with the life I have right now.
 
“Yes, you’re right. But you’re not getting any younger anymore, Anastasia,” I laughed softly. She’s right, too, but I’m not rushing everything. And oh gosh, I’m still young.
 
“I appreciate your concern, Mariah. But I’m fine,” she nodded.
 
“Okay. Anyway,” she looked at Christian. “How about you? I heard that you’re still single, too. You still haven’t found your mate yet?” she asked curiously. He shook his head.
 
“No, I haven’t. I’m not rushing everything, though. I let my fate decide my destiny. I believe I will find him at the right time,” he answered honestly. I’m impressed; between him and his cousin, Darius, he’s the kind one—such a gentleman and caring person.
 
“Your mate is a lucky girl, indeed.” I agree with her. “By the way, I can’t stay up all night. We need to go now and take a good rest,” Mariah said.
 
I nodded, “All right. Please, take care,” she nodded as well and hugged me. Greyson took his wife's hand carefully to guide her. He looked at me, “We’re leaving first, Anastasia, Your Royal Highness. Please pass my greetings and farewell to his majesty.”
 
Christian and I nodded. “I will. I hope to see you and your wife tomorrow.”
 
“We will be there tomorrow,” the couple answered.
 
When they were gone, Christian offered his hand in front of me. I stare at him in confusion. He smiled, “May I dance with you?” He politely asked. Oh, that’s what he meant. I accepted his hand and offered him a small smile.
 
We went to the dance floor. He stared at me for a few seconds, “May I?” he asked for permission.  I nodded. He gently snaked his hand around my waist and pulled me closer. I was a little stunned by what he did. We’re too close, and I’m not comfortable with it.
 
I unconsciously pushed him away, so he released me. “I’m sorry,” he apologised quickly. I nodded, “It’s okay. I’m not used to being this close,” I honestly said. He chuckled at my response.
 
“I’m still sorry. All right then, tell me if you’re uncomfortable,” he said. I nodded, he slowly held my waist again, and this time, I didn’t push him away.
 
I placed my hand above his shoulder. I’m slightly comfortable around him now. But I got this feeling like somebody’s watching me. Or I’m just being paranoid. I set aside that idea in my mind.
 
“Did I already mention you’re familiar to me?” He suddenly asked while we were dancing. I look up, and I realise now that he’s almost as tall as Darius. They looked slightly alike, too.
 
“Yes, you did earlier.”
 
“Right. You look alike with someone I know,” I nodded also. Yeah, yeah, I know who. And I’m actually her.
 
“I guess it’s Vishiea you’re talking about.” It seems like I underestimated them for not recognising me as Vishiea.
 
“You’re right. You resemble her. Don’t get me wrong, my lady. But it makes me wonder if she’s really you. I mean, you’re kind like her,” really? I guess I take that as a compliment.
 
“I feel like I need to get used to everyone thinking that I’m the king’s ex-mate,” I joked. He laughed, “Don’t be. Darius doesn’t deserve Vishiea, and if he’s thinking of you as her, he’s a douchebag.” I agree with him.
 
“I guess everyone hated the king for what he did to her then?” He nodded. “Yes, some but not everyone. His father supported him back then,” I agree again. He’s the one who killed my father, not exactly him, but he let it happen.
 
“I see.”
 
“Yes. Anyway, just a friendly reminder. I know my cousin now that he saw you as his former mate. He might do something completely crazy. So, if I were you, avoid him. He’s a committed man, and I don’t want you to be his mistress. You’re good and kind to be treated that way.”
 
As if I let myself become a mistress. I’m a woman with class. I deserve better.
 
“I understand you. But I’m not kind as you think, Your Highness,” I playfully said but with a hint of seriousness.
 
“I know that. You’re not Duchess Anastasia for nothing.” We look into each other and then laugh. I still remember what Darius told me earlier. He’ll play along with me, huh? I know one of these days, I’ll reveal my true identity.
 
By that moment, I’ll completely reject him—the rejection I should have done five years ago.