?|THE LAST PIECE|?{Wmmap}

Claude gradually stirred from his slumber, the lively chatter of the girls reaching his ears.

With a radiant smile, Ashaya welcomed the now-alert Claude.

As was customary, an array of sweets was presented, and the girls delightedly indulged while perched on Claude's lap, a cherished ritual that had become second nature to them.

"Daddy, who is she? Is she someone special?"
Ashaya inquired innocently, her finger directed at the wall

There was a portrait of a woman with chestnut hair and green eyes.

The glass on the frame had a few cracks.

Claude gently followed the line of his daughter's finger.

His demeanor shifting instantly to an icy chill the moment he layed his eye on the portrait.

"No"
He replied, his voice devoid of warmth.

He did not wish to bring up his past,  nor does he wants to remember it, it is better of being buried inside him.

The tension did not go unnoticed by the two girls.

Athanasia felt a twinge of concern regarding her sister's curiosity, but Claude's response brought her a sense of relief.

"Then why is her picture in daddy's room?"
Ashaya asked, her innocence radiating like sunlight.

Athanasia was taken aback—was this truly her sister? Was she dreaming?

Ashaya continued to gaze at Claude's frosty expression, her finger still aimed at the portrait of the woman, her face showed curiosity and innocence.

"Felix. Throw it out."
Claude commanded, his tone frigid.

As instructed, Felix who was standing nearby, cautiously walked up to the portrait, took it, and exited the room.

The silence of the room was so dense it felt as if it could be sliced with a knife.

'Who knew my little game would turn out like this.'

Ashaya Sighed inwardly.

Seeking to shatter the oppressive silence, she voiced her discontent.

“Daddy, can you believe Madame Pompidou insists there’s nothing left for her to teach me?
It’s utterly ridiculous!”
Ashaya exclaimed, her tone laced with frustration trying to change the subject.

Claude regarded her for a moment, his expression unperturbed.

"Ignore her she's known for saying nonsense."
He replied, his voice dripping with nonchalance.

**

Ashaya sprawled across her bed, restlessly tossing and turning, boredom enveloping her.

She would gladly tackle Claude’s tasks if it meant escaping this tedium; a life filled with activity was far more appealing.

Suddenly, memories from the morning flickered in her mind.

She had merely been testing the waters, unaware that involving 'Penelope Judith' would provoke such a strong reaction from her father.

She is the ex fiance of Claude, but she was never satisfied with Claude, who wasn't first in line to the throne.

She seduced Claude's older step-brother Anastacius de Alger Obelia who was the official crown prince.

Anastacius, who has always regarded the talented and gifted Claude as an annoyance accepted Penelope.

Thus having an affair right infront of Claude.

'Talk about drama...'