Unexpected kiss

Brock hummed in acknowledgment without going into details.

Brock was removing Loren from her position?

But why?

The question was bugging her, but neither Brock nor Christine included her in the loop. To Jess, it felt like she was in an alternate universe where she could not understand what was happening around her.

She was feeling disoriented and wondered how long she was unconscious.

The wheel in her head was at full speed as she tried to piece together what was happening around her from their conversations.

When she saw Brock put his seal on the letter, it was the turning moment for the information to sink in. She had thought the crown prince was joking.

She might have had a few squabbles with Loren, but that is no reason to remove her from her position as she had not mentioned to Christine or anyone else the ill-treatment she faced from Loren.

Please, God, don't let it be because of me.

Jess prayed, not wanting to become a target in the future when she left the hospital.

Loren must have done something to have merited this judgment; it has nothing to do with me.

She comforted herself as it was a better illusion than knowing the crown prince was doing it because of her.

Unable to hold her curiosity, she mustered the courage and prodded Brock by his shirt to gain his attention, even though she regretted it a second later.

What is going on?

She asked, looking between Brock and Christine.

Jess noticed the air in the room shifted after asking the question and wished she had kept it to herself. Christine looked everywhere but not at her as if she was intentionally avoiding her.

Love,

Brock turned his face towards her as his countenance lit up with pure joy before delivering the message. He knew she would be pleased with his decision.

Jess shuddered at the name and lowered her eyes in embarrassment while Christine pretended not to see the flirty look on the crown prince's face.

Were you not concerned about people spreading rumors?

He asked.

You don't have to worry about someone spreading rumors about our relationship, so feel at home.

Brock said nonchalantly.

Brock's reply left her more disorganized. What did his answer have to do with Loren's removal as the chief physician? It just did not make sense to her.

She thought.

She looked at Christine, who only gave her a small smile that did not reach her heart nor quell her curiosity.

I will explain it to you later.

Christine mouthed to Jess, not wanting Brock to notice.

What of Lisa?

Brock asked, breaking the silence that had descended upon the room.

Jess continued eating the mashed potato in her lap while taking a sip from the bowl of soup. She zoned out as she did not want to stress her brain because she had no idea what was happening. However, what Christine responded piqued her interest.

I have instructed all helpers and physicians to gather at the garden square to witness her punishment. The platform is ready as we speak.

Christine reported.

Jess wondered what Lisa had done to warrant setting up a scaffold for people to see; it was the first time she had heard of such things happening in the hospital estate. She pitied Lisa even though she was a little brash.

Good.

Brock hummed in satisfaction.

Have Paul wipe her without mercy.

Brock commanded, his voice dropping an octave lower.

I want every stroke of the whip to tear a part of her flesh so she can feel the burning sensation of how it feels to be scarred and seared with a hot iron. Even if her cry echoes across the estate, do not stop until after the fifty strokes.

Brock commanded in a monotone voice.

Let it serve as a lesson to those who love spreading rumors rather than focusing on their job.

Yes, Your Highness,

Christine responded.

Jess was at a loss for words.

How could the crown prince be this ruthless towards his workers?

She wondered.

From their little interaction, he appeared mysterious and strict; Jess had never experienced this side of him that was brutal and merciless. It made her wonder if this would be her fate if her escape plans failed.

Would she be tied to a tree on an elevated platform and whipped mercilessly for the whole world to see?

The thought made her shudder as she saw the crown prince through a new lens. Fear crept into her heart, and the hair on her skin stood on end as she dropped the spoon on her hand.

What happened?

Brock asked when he noticed her shivering like a leaf.

Jess shook her head as she struggled to breathe; her hands were around her neck in an attempt to relieve the pressure from her throat.

Let me get Grace to tend to her.

Christine suggested.

However, Brock dismissed the idea with a wave of his hand.

Melissa is around and is staying in the second wing of this estate. If she sees a Royal Physician coming in and out of my private chambers, she will become suspicious and create unnecessary drama, which I want to avoid for now.

What should we do?

Christine asked anxiously.

Get me a glass of water,

He instructed while removing the tray of food from her lap.

Christine filled a glass with water from the jar on the bedside table and brought it to Brock.

Brock drank the water and leaned closer to Jess.

He held her in place with both hands; bending down, he intertwined his with hers, making Jess freeze as she felt his lips on hers. Her body became still as she tried to process what Brock had in mind.

Brock knew his method worked when he felt her body relax in his touch.
A warm smile graced his lips as Jess responded to the kiss, shattering his cold facade.

Brock had fantasized about kissing her ever since he laid eyes on her, and his dream finally came true. He continued to kiss her, wanting to savor the taste and imprint the moment into his memory for a little longer until Jess pulled away from him.