Chapter 855: A Chance Meeting
No one, absolutely no one, would have ever imagined that His Highness Prince Rafael Ignis would fall in love with a woman who literally fell at his feet. Especially when she was dressed in an outfit that could easily be mistaken for something far more daring than it was intended to be. Granted, it wasn’t her falling at his feet in the traditional sense, but in the most literal one where she was now almost lying on top of his shoes.
As she collided with a waiter hurrying by, her body crashing to the floor, he immediately bent down to help her up. That was when his gaze met hers, and he was caught off guard by the depth of her large, beautiful eyes. They were captivating. If not for the unmistakable irritation blazing in her gaze, he might have foolishly wondered if she were some sort of fallen angel sent to upend his carefully structured world. The thought made him pause. When had his mind started conjuring such ridiculous, almost fantastical ideas? He inwardly scoffed at himself. Clearly, something was wrong with his head. Might have something to do with all the couples around him these days.
Before his security personnel could step forward to escort her away, their instincts on high alert, he raised a hand to signal them to hold back. There was no need for unnecessary commotion. Instead, he turned his attention back to the woman. With a flicker of amusement that he worked hard to suppress, he noticed the remnants of her mishap— as she pulled the salad leaves out of her hair.
Without thinking things through, he reached out and pulled a few leaves out himself. She stared at his extended hand, her expression unreadable for a moment. Then, after a slight hesitation, she took it. With a soft, almost embarrassed murmur of thanks, she managed to steady herself. Her eyes flickered to the waiter who was now profusely apologizing, his face flushed with embarrassment.
Rafael braced himself. Girls like here were not really known to be polite to the staff and could breate for far less. And he would definitely need to make her step back if needed.
As she straightened up, he watched as her irritation turned to scowl. But then, something happened that had him frozen in place as she spoke fiercely," Mister, you’re hurt, and you’re worrying about apologizing to me?"
The waiter froze, his face now ashen. She took a step closer, pointing at the red welt forming on his forearm, likely from where the tray had slipped. "I’m sure you didn’t mean to pour that salad over me," she continued, her tone softening just enough to be reassuring. "So stop worrying about it and get some first aid before that bruise gets worse."
The waiter blinked, his mouth opening and closing like a fish gasping for air. Before he could find his words, the woman turned sharply and flagged another passing waiter. "You," she said briskly, pointing at him. "Take him to the kitchen and make sure he gets proper first aid. When you’re done, I want you to report back and let me know he’s doing okay. Understood?"
The second waiter nodded, clearly startled but quick to obey. He took the injured waiter by the arm and guided him away, the first still stammering a quiet, "Thank you, miss," as he disappeared through the doorway.