Chapter 0435

That night, Nicholas and Julian joined the rest of the candidates and me in the dining room for dinner together. Elva was tired from the day’s events, so I returned her to our room where the nanny was waiting to keep an eye on her. Julian joined me at the door, to walk down to the dining room together.

When we entered, Bridget had taken her usual spot, with Nicholas on her one side. The other side was open, presumably for Julian. She spotted us as we came in, and tried to wave us or, well, Julian – over.

“She wants you to sit next to her,” I whispered to him.

“I need space from her tonight,” he replied.

Nodding, I led him away from Bridget and over to where my usual spot was beside Susie, and across from Tiffany and Veronica. Since Elva was absent, her seat was empty. Julian sat down in that seat now.

Bridget watched us from her spot at the table. Her ever–present smile seemed slightly dimmer than before.

“You should have been the lead, Prince Julian,” Tiffany said. “No offense to Prince Nicholas, but you are a true actor. It’s like you were born to be on stage.

The compliment seemed to puff Julian back up and he returned to life. His grin slid right back on his face very easily.

“Thank you, my dear,” he said.

“I like Bridget,” Tiffany continued, “But I’m not so convinced about her giving the perfect. roles to everyone. Piper, didn’t she try to make you a maid?”

I groaned, and everyone around me chuckled a little. Even Julian.

“God, I forgot about that,” he said.

Maybe he forgot. Or maybe he’d been so blindsided by love that he hadn’t noticed Bridget’s slights against me to start with.

Bottles of champagne came out then, and glasses were filled all around.

Nicholas, holding his glass, stood up. He held it up like he was going to make a toast.

Yet before he could speak, Bridget bounced to her feet and held up her own glass. “Nicholas

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about how wonderful this event has been. Granted, I haven’t been around for the other events, but this truly seems

flat look that had me hide my laugh behind

a fraction of a

an imperative moving part. It is only through everyone’s great effort that this event will

looked at me now, back over her shoulder. “Is this

her

notice this time.

here. To us!” She drank. The rest of us followed suit, thought with varying degrees of enthusiasm, none as bright as

my glass under the table when

smiled at Nicholas. He gave a small smile

cleared his throat.

there are no unimportant parts in this show. Your dedication to this event has been seen and appreciated. Thank you

when Bridget had toasted. Her smile tightened at little, but by the time she had finished drinking, it was back

and have a good time. Though, not too

long day,” he said. “I want to

at him. “See

you tomorrow.”

on it.” He winked at me. Then he stood

some fun,” Tiffany said. “He

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has been absent from

my head a little. “Does he usually visit you

“At least for a

afternoon most days,” Tiffany said. “I hope I didn’t offend him when I caught him counting. Though he seemed more

Though now, his fascination with Bridget felt even sadder. Whether he hung out with the three of us for romantic pursuits or for friendship, those relationships began to wilt the moment she

as much,” Susie said, and we all

stay until the champagne ran dry and people began to yawn. We truly had a long day and would likely have an

then Veronica. Tiffany stayed a bit longer,

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