CARLY
I arrived back home. My work was waiting for me.
I was still worried that I might be making my biggest life mistake. I loved Rome with all my heart, and I couldn’t drag and tie him over a sham marriage. At the same time, I was also selfish, thinking about my own happiness and maybe, one day, he’d learn to trust and love me again.
When I looked at Rome, all I could see was the cold and brooding man I first met wrapped in the hard shell of his expensive suit. I knew he had a good heart, but that good heart had gone cold because of me. But I had hope.
“You’re back.” My brother rushed in my direction, pulling me into a hug. “Tell me some good news.”
“I missed you too. How’s my baby prince, and how’s Kennedy?”
When he pulled away, he furrowed his brows. “They’re great. How about you?”
I went to the sofa and sat there. “I don’t know if I made the right decision. We kinda made a deal.”
“What deal?” He joined me.
I told him everything- well, except the contract-the deal I made with the handsome devil.
He eyed me for a while before he spoke. “What do you think?”
“What I think doesn’t matter. I feel like I am using him.”
“So does he. But for a short time I’ve known Rome, he’s not the guy who uses women for a business deal. Give him some time.”
“What’s the contract all about?”
“Housing project, and he’s going to fund the biggest football dome in the country with a ten-year contract.”
“Wow.”
“So, is it worth it?”
“Business is business, brother.” It hurt to hear the truth, but that was what it was.
He rose from the seat. “Once he arrives, you and Rome will have a photo shoot for the engagement. Your assistant will update you. The palace will announce your engagement to him, Carlott.”
I shrugged. “Okay.”
“That’s all?”
I lifted my gaze, meeting my brother’s worried eyes. “Do you expect me to pop a champagne?”
He smirked. “Trust me. Rome is maybe angry at you right now for not trusting him, but he loves you, and do you think he just sacrificed his bachelorhood for a business deal? He can earn that amount in, like, what, a year?”
“If you are here to cheer me up, thanks, brother. You just failed miserably.”
He sighed. “You’re gonna end up with depression. Rome is a big guy who can take care of himself. He has billions. He can just buy a young woman if he wants to get married. He’s earning millions monthly. He really doesn’t need those contracts. He just wants to be with you. So just suck it up because that’s the truth.”
“I admire your enthusiasm, brother, and I just wish I have your confidence.”
***
Three days later, Rome arrived in the country. My father was thrilled and let him stay at the manor.
“How are you settling in?” I sat across from him at the breakfast table.
“I’m good. Thanks. I’m used to traveling and settling in different hotels.”
“Do you have specific requests? Food, soap, blanket-”
“I’m good. I’m not choosy, and everything is perfect.” He sipped his coffee.
“Alright then.”
“Why are you not wearing the ring?” He noticed it.
“I will wear it during the pictorial.”
It hurt that he barely looked at me. My heart was crushing, but I chose to ignore that pain. I just didn’t know when I could endure it before it consumed me.
“Are you going to look for a house today?”
He lifted his gaze, locking with mine. “After the photoshoot.”
“Do you need help?”
“Your brother has arranged a real estate agent, and I have checked some houses for sale on their website.”
“Okay.” I looked away. I realized it was harder than I thought.
A few hours later, the team had arrived, photographer, makeup artist, stylist, and racks of dresses and suits, dozens of ties, pairs of shoes, and boxes of jewelry.
“Wow. So this is your life?”
“Not always as extravagant as this.” I checked out some dresses. I like dark purple with a lot of crystals and sequins. “Mostly facial muscles ached, leg cramps, hunger, and blisters on my feet, but yeah, for the greater good.”
I felt him behind me, and he said, “That would look good on you. It will make your eyes stand out.”
“You think so?”
“Yeah. Don’t put too much color on your face.”
“Since when did you become an expert?” I turned to face him. This was by far the closest I got to being with him, and I felt his presence around me.
A small smile spread across his lips. “You can wear a sack, and it will end up a fashion statement.” He raised his hand and touched a finger on my hair. “You looked good in brown hair, but blonde suits you better.”
A commotion interrupted us. My parents walked in. I quickly slipped the ring into my finger.
“Your majesty,” Rome welcomed them and shook their hands.
My mother had a smile from ear to ear, and I could see the happiness in my father’s eyes.
“This is gorgeous.” The Queen instantly noticed the ring on my finger, her eyes widening in awe. The engagement ring was a radiant cut four-carat diamond in a platinum band. “Oh, boy. I can’t believe my daughter is getting married.” She wrapped me in her warm embrace.
“Mother, father, what are you two doing here?” I asked breathlessly as we pulled apart.
“We just want to welcome your fiancé. Are you settling alright, dear, Rome?”
“Yes, Your Majesty. You really didn’t have to do all this. I’d be good at the hotel.”
My mother smiled, delighted as she rubbed Rome’s arm. “Don’t be silly. There are plenty of rooms in the manor, and you are not our guest anymore. You are a family. And at least with your busy schedule and Carlott’s cramming duty, you still have time to spend together during breakfast and dinner.”
“You stay here as long as you want, son. I made my decision after your wedding. I will be giving this manor to Carlott. You both decide whether to stay here or at the house that you are going to purchase,” my father said. I began to realize that there was no going back from this.
“Rome and I will decide about it, father.”
“That’s generous of you, Your Majesty,” Rome said to my father.
“My family was thrilled that you and my daughter are getting married.”
“Thank you, sir. I can’t wait to be her husband.” I thought I saw a beaming smile from Rome as he wrapped his arm around me, but yeah, this was all but a pretend, and he was playing his role perfectly.
“Very well. You start your photoshoot. And we’re leaving you two to yourselves.”
I released a shuddering sigh once my parents were gone, and so was his arm, so fast it was gone in a blink.
“Are you ready for your makeup, Princess?”
I nodded at the makeup artist. “Let’s do this.”
Before I followed the woman, Rome called me by Storm.
“Yeah?”
“Couple does kiss, Princess. You can kiss me, and I don’t bite.”
I wanted to roll my eyes, but I behaved like a good princess. “I have to go for makeup.”
He nodded slightly.
Before I went, I cupped his face, and he stiffened, her jaw clenched against my palm. I ran my thumb against his cheek before I pressed my lips against his in a quick kiss.
“Later, babe.”