Chapter 8: Shadows of the Past

When I returned to the function, I couldn’t find Rohan or Ritika anywhere.

Their absence was a relief and a disappointment. The world felt emptier without them.

In my previous life, when I entered the palace, Ritika had just given birth to a prince. Because she was weak after childbirth, I only saw her occasionally.

She was a shadowy figure then, rarely leaving her quarters. The other consorts spoke of her in whispers, always careful not to be overheard.

By then, I was already deeply favoured by Rohan, spoiled and proud, never taking her seriously.

I had dismissed her as unimportant, a mistake I now regretted.

Now…

Everything was different. My pride, once unshakable, felt fragile as glass.

“Didi.”

Ananya’s voice snapped me out of my thoughts. She looked pale, her forehead damp with sweat.

Hearing my sister’s voice, I snapped back to reality.

I reached for her hand, steadying both of us.

“I’m tired. Let’s go home.”

I forced a smile, trying to mask my disappointment. But my voice lacked conviction.

But I still wanted to wait for Rohan a little longer.

I lingered at the gate, eyes scanning the crowd, hoping for a glimpse that never came.

My sister’s face was gradually turning pale, so I had to take her hand and leave first.

I wrapped my arm around her shoulder as we walked to the car, vowing to put her before my own heartache—at least for tonight.