“What happened yesterday?” Marcus asked as soon as they were back in his office. “Did your father force the crown down on your head?”
Marcus learned about his true identity back in college. They were dorm mates. He was taking a business course while Marcus was in pre-law. As soon as Marcus opened his mouth when they first met in their room, they knew they would become friends.
Not knowing too many real-life princes in the real world, Marcus enjoyed teasing him about his legacy. In truth, he had been a great friend throughout his struggle in his youth, until he found his true calling.
“You know if he could nail it in my head, he would.” He said jokingly.
Now, that Marcus mentioned it, he began to contemplate on his father’s words. He did not have time to think about it much since he was too tired from the long trips. Then, his mind was busy with the board meeting this morning.
After his father’s announcement, he marched out of his office and the palace, directly going back to the helicopter. The next thing he knew he was flying back to New York, away from the place he once called home.
He never even saw his mother who would surely be disappointed, not even getting a glimpse of him. She could always visit him anytime she wanted, but she opted not to. He always wondered why, but he never asked her reason.
“So, what did he wanted from you? Did he demand that you go home and take his throne?” Marcus tried to squeeze the information out of him. He was indeed a good lawyer. Always the inquisitive.
“They are planning a grand celebration on my birthday next month to be held at the palace.” He checked his schedule that his secretary placed on his desk. Ignoring the questioning look on Marcus’ face.
“I think there is more to it than just your annual birthday.” Marcus inquired. “If I remembered right, it was not such a big deal, since you simply ditched attending it last year.”
“This time it’s different. I’m thinking of attending it.” He shook his head, unsure of his decision.
“Now, that’s great news. I can finally attend a royal celebration. Maybe you could hook me up with some princesses at the party.” Marcus continued to play around, but he knew there was more to the story that his friend was not telling. “Spill it.” He finally said seriously, seeing the frown on his friend’s face.
“My father wanted me to present during the celebration my future wife.” He looked at his friend waiting for his reaction.
Marcus did not fail him as he started laughing loudly. “You!” He shouted between laughter. “Fianc?!” He kept going.
He just dismissed his friend’s jester and continued to scan the files in front of him. “When you’re done? You know your way out.”
“Come on, Alex. Surely, you can see the funny side of this.” Marcus continued with still a slight smirk on his face.
“It’s not funny at all. As I said before marriage is out of the question. I have no time for it and no intention of being a part of it anytime soon.” He closed the folder that he just finished reading and grabbed the next file.
“Well, I don’t know what your customs are, but to me, your life, your choice,” Marcus said seriously this time.
“Yes, I do intend to keep it that way. I did not build a life here just to bow to my father’s every whim or the Empire’s stupid law.” He stood by his principle and he had no plan to get into the Royal Empires’ stupid traditions.
“Maybe this would be a good opportunity for you to keep your father off your back for a while,” Marcus stated as he started rubbing his chin.
“What do you mean?” He was now interested in what his friend was saying.
“Think about it. If you could present an acceptable fianc? to your father. Would that make him happy and maybe you could get him to agree that you should live your life following your wishes. It is not like you would be the next line on the throne.”
Marcus was making a good point. He started thinking about it. But then again, there was a problem with that.
“But, where would I find a fake bride who would agree to pretend as my fianc?? You knew that everyone who got a whiff of who I am tends to want more.” He stated, waiting for his friend’s suggestion.
“Yeah. That is the problem. Or you could just marry the bride they arranged for you.” Marcus said jokingly as he stood from his chair ready to leave him with his dilemma.
“Just get out of here and work your ass. We have a week to get this deal done. Find me some solutions.” His mind was again back to the immediate problem at hand.
“Yes, Your highness.” He addressed him formally before leaving for the door. He grabbed his stress ball and throw it at him. He docked successfully before closing the door.
Finally, he was alone. He tried to concentrate back on the papers in front of him, but his mind wandered to what Marcus said. He had a good idea, but finding a girl who would cooperate with his plan would be much difficult.
It was not going to work anyway. His father would never agree to just any commoner to be his wife. He also had no intention to propose to a princess just to please his father.
But, the idea of a fake wife that his father would like sounded much better, but to find her would be like finding a needle in a haystack.
As soon as she reached her office the following morning, she learned that Mr. Jenkins was in a meeting and had strict instruction not to be disturb. She quickly walked towards his office to snoop around, wondering about the early visitor.
“Who’s in there? I need to talk to him.” She asked Jacky as soon as she saw her in her sight. She quickly bypassed her without waiting for her response and moved towards her boss’ office door.
Jacky quickly jumped out of her seat and blocked her way, even before she reached the door. Jacky snatched her arm and pulled her back to her table.
“No, Dani. You can’t go in there. Howard specifically instructed that they should not be bothered. It was strictly a private meeting.” Jacky slightly chastised her, shoving her in the seat in front of her desk.
Jacky was Mr. Jenkins’s secretary and her very dear friend. She usually got away with that stunt, but this time, Jacky was serious not to let her pass. Whoever was inside must be very important to be given special treatment.
“Jacky.” She looked at her seriously. “Who’s the boss with?” She asked inquisitively. She knew Jacky would spill the bean if she played her cards right. Her friend could never resist her especially when she knew her weakness.
“I was told not to tell, but just between the two of us, the boss is with Mr. Hotty,” Jacky uttered dreamily. That was easy, she thought. She had not even given her any incentive yet. Maybe this man in question was very hot to make Jacky this talkative.
“Hey, snap out of it. Who are you talking about?” She said exasperated at the way her friend was acting. All the suspense was killing her. She needed a name.
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.
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