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Now, he was driving from his office to meet her as if he was in no hurry, deliberately being careful on the road. He kept telling himself that he did not need another accident, but he knew better. He did not want to arrive on time.

However, he was not surprised to see the reporters and cameras already waiting for him at the entrance of the fancy restaurant. He did not doubt that they were there because of his dinner date with his future wife.

“Prince Lance, was it love at first sight?” A reporter asked as he left his car and walked toward the door.

He could not blame the press for thinking that. It was a fast relationship that suddenly led to a hasty proposal and an announcement of an upcoming wedding.

Many had speculated about their love affair. But they had been vague about the real story. Precisely, there was no story except the lies their publicist had released to the masses.

“Is she pregnant?” He heard another say. “Is that why you are both in a hurry to marry?” Another reporter added.

.....

Of course, he did not dignify the question with a response. But he could only laugh at the idea. He maintained his stoic expression and continued to walk inside the establishment, ignoring the rest of the questions.

But the thought stuck to his mind, thinking of how much he wanted to have a child. He did not care if he had a boy or a girl. He would be happy to have a healthy baby, but not with her.

Until now, he could only think of one woman he wanted to be the only mother of his children. Yes, he was pathetic. The woman had already broken his heart. And yet, she still owned every shattered piece of it.

“Prince Lance, right this way.” The hostess immediately escorted him inside.

He could already see the woman that would soon share his bed and be pregnant with his child. He wondered if he could do it. Make love to a woman who did not mean anything to him.

But he reminded himself that right now was not the time to think about those things. They had to make an appearance. He had agreed to this, so he had no choice but to honor his part of the bargain.

“Thanks for the flowers. I love it.” She stood up from her seat once he arrived at their reserved table.

She seemed unbothered by his lateness, smiling like she was glad to see him. But he could see in her facade. It was all just a show for the people who might be watching their future King and Queen fall madly in love.

For him, this was all a farce to fool the people, but he had no choice if he wanted to rule instead of Edward. His people deserved better than to have Edward as their King.

If he had to lie to them about this arrangement, so be it. Because he believed it was the lesser evil than Edward becoming crowned King. He guessed it was what he had to sacrifice to do something good for his community.

“Thank my secretary. She has good taste.” Lance leaned down to plant a quick kiss on her cheeks just in case cameras were angling to take their pictures.

He could see the disappointment in her eyes, despite the constant smile fixed on her lips. It was better that she understood her role in this grand scheme of things instead of giving her false hope of something that would never happen.

He would never love again. That was the end of his story.

By now, he hoped she had better learn it before she dreamed of a happy ending. Their relationship was a fake fairy tale love story, and love would never be in the mix. She would wait a lifetime, but he would never feel anything for her except his obligation written on their agreement.

But he would promise to be faithful to her. She would be the only mother of his child. However, if it had been only up to him, he would rather not have kids in a loveless marriage, but their law required him to produce an heir.

A tradition that he had to uphold when he accepted this cursed life.

He knew he was condemning his life to hell, but he was already living in one since that faithful day of his accident. So there was not much difference anyway.

“Ok. Please thank your secretary for me.” She irritatedly answered before regaining her composure. She sat straight on her seat and smiled gracefully at the other guests who greeted them as they passed their table.

“But, please try harder.” She whispered closer into his ears as she leaned towards him.

She certainly knew how to act, pretending they were a lovely couple as she forced her hand on his, putting him on the spot to entwine their hands for everyone to see.

“Anyway, why are we here? We could have had our dinner at the palace.” Lance asked, knowing that the answer was mere publicity.

He could only think of one person who could have orchestrated all of this. His father would do all he could to facilitate this massive media circus outside, creating a story worthy of the front page.

“Your father told me we would be discussing the wedding date. So, he thought it would be a cause of celebration.” Then, she paused on whatever else she was about to say when the waiter stood by their table to attend to their order.

Once they were alone again, all he could imagine was taking a dart and throwing it on a calendar hung by the wall and letting fate decide. He could care less if they were married now, tomorrow, or never.