Bride of the Serpent King-Chapter 34: To Be Loved Like This

Chapter 34: To Be Loved Like This

Zaiyila’s expression froze and she looked at Everett immediately. "That... this..." She didn’t know what to say; her mind was in chaos as she dare not imagine too much.

Everett chuckled and laced his fingers with Zaiyila’s.

"Yes, this banquet is for you—to celebrate my queen’s willingness to be with me," he murmured into her ear, his voice low enough for only her to hear.

Zaiyila’s eyes welled up with tears, and she covered her mouth to keep from screaming. She was overwhelmed with joy. Never in her wildest dreams had she imagined being the host of a banquet. It was unimaginable—and now, all she wanted was to shower Everett with kisses and express her feelings.

Everyone was looking at Zaiyila. Aside from her exceedingly rare beauty, she looked incredibly cute in her surprised state. No one could tear their gaze away from her, though they all knew better than to ogle the devil’s wife. One by one, they forced themselves to look away.

"Miss Zaiyila," a beautiful woman in a light green dress approached her, holding a cup of wine.

Zaiyila looked at the lady, and her expression froze. "Eve... Eve, am I dreaming? Is this Dorcas? The female scientist?" She grabbed Everett’s sleeve and shook it, but her eyes never left the stunning woman.

Everett chuckled and gently patted her hand.

The beautiful woman, named Dorcas, glanced at Everett’s smiling face and was momentarily stunned before shifting her attention back to Zaiyila. "This guy can smile?" she thought. "Seems like it would be smart to stay on good terms with this girl."

"Miss Zaiyila knows me! I’m so happy. How about we take a picture together? I’d really love to be friends with you," Dorcas offered warmly.

Zaiyila’s eyes shimmered with emotion as she looked at Everett for approval.

"It’s your banquet. Feel free to do whatever you want," he replied calmly, caressing her hair.

Zaiyila smiled radiantly and turned to Dorcas. "Sure," she agreed also nodding, looking extremely cute that even Dorcas want to pinch her cheek but she know not to offend the devil.

Dorcas joyfully snapped several pictures with Zaiyila—until another person interrupted.

"Miss Zaiyila is indeed a rare beauty. I’m Fanny from the entertainment industry. I’d like to be friends with you—please accept this small gift," Fanny expressed warmly, clapping her hands.

Suddenly, several men entered, carrying all kinds of accessories.

"I hope Miss Zaiyila is not offended by my small token," Fanny added, slightly embarrassed.

"No... no... everything is beautiful—very beautiful," Zaiyila responded immediately.

"Since Miss Zaiyila has accepted it, I’m relieved. Please store those for the princess," Fanny instructed the men.

"She’s not a princess—she’s a queen. Don’t lower her status," Everett’s angry voice echoed.

"Ah yes... yes, the Queen," Fanny quickly corrected herself, nearly stumbling in fear.

"Thank you very much," Zaiyila appreciated sincerely.

"It’s nothing—really, not a big deal," Fanny waved her hands frantically. "Ah, I almost messed up. Thank goodness he’s in a good mood," she thought.

One after another, people began presenting gifts to Zaiyila, eager to curry her favor.

She was elated—surrounded by wealthy people and celebrities, all ready to bow before her.

The entire hall’s attention was fixed on Zaiyila, and no one noticed the woman in the yellow skirt glaring at her with murderous intent, her teeth clenched tightly in rage.

Had anyone from Everett’s company seen her face, they would’ve recognized her immediately—Jolly.

"Who is this little girl that has the boss’s full attention? She can’t be his daughter," Jolly speculated, raising a brow as she studied Zaiyila. "No... not his daughter. Maybe his sister. Yeah, probably his sister. If I get closer to her, she might put in a good word for me. Then I won’t have to worry about becoming Mrs. Everett—it’ll be mine." She smiled devilishly, picked up her gift, and moved toward Zaiyila.

"Young Miss, you’re so beautiful—I can hardly believe my eyes. I work under the boss too, and I’d love to be your friend. Please accept my token," she offered, wearing the warmest smile she could manage.

Zaiyila looked at the box, then at Jolly, and frowned. She opened her mouth to speak, but before she could utter a word, Everett’s cold voice cut through the air.

"Drag this trash out!"

Two men immediately stepped in, grabbed Jolly, and dragged her away.

Everyone was stunned. Even Jolly didn’t understand what she had done wrong. She had only copied what the others were doing—so why was she being removed?

No one could guess that it was Zaiyila’s subtle change in expression that triggered Everett’s reaction. As she was dragged out, everyone knew that something would be missing from her body by the time she returned—if she was lucky, just a leg or an arm.

Terror gripped the guests, and many now hesitated to approach Zaiyila. Meanwhile, Zaiyila looked at Everett.

Everett chuckled and stepped closer to her, rubbing her hair affectionately as she leaned into his warmth once more.

"My beautiful queen, everyone has given you their gifts—now it’s time for mine," he whispered. Though his voice was soft, everyone in the hall could hear him clearly.

Suddenly, the lights went out, plunging the room into darkness.

"Eve!" Zaiyila called out in panic.

"I’m here—never leaving your side," Everett’s chuckle echoed.

Immediately after, the lights flickered back on. In the center of the hall stood a large, covered object draped in a deep red silk. Everett kissed Zaiyila’s forehead before walking toward it.

Zaiyila’s eyes remained wide and unblinking, while the others held their breath, waiting to see what was beneath the silk.

Everett’s gaze remained fixed on Zaiyila as he slowly pulled the fabric away, revealing a stunning statue of her.

The statue was an exact likeness—wearing the same dress, the same necklace, heels, and hairstyle. It was posed in the act of embracing a flower. Everything about it was just like her, save for one detail—a delicate crown rested in the center of her hair, as if it had always belonged there. ƒrēenovelkiss.com

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