Chapter 90
I told myself it was a small contribution to the friendship between America and France.
From that day on, Charles stuck to me like glue. Whenever I lost my temper or tried to reject him, he’d look at me like a wounded boy, hands spread helplessly.
“Danna I really see you as a true friend. You can’t just leave me to suffer like this.”
In the end, I had no choice but to move into his castle. Every night, I would wait until he fell asleep before quietly slipping away. Gradually, I realized that Charles wasn’t the terrifying man people painted him to be. On the contrary–he was gentle, patient even with the servants, and treated me like a normal friend. We’d talk and laugh like any other pair.E
I thought that once he slowly overcame his inner demons, I could quietly leave his world.”
That was until I received a voice recording from Vanessa. That day, I broke down, sobbing like my heart had been ripped apart.” Charles held me through the night, whispering softly, “Danna you’re the kindest woman I’ve ever known. The best woman in my heart.” From that moment on, our roles reversed–he was the one comforting me. He took me horseback riding, guided me through the romantic forests of France, trying to ease the pain in my heart.”
Then one day, Charles knelt before me, slipping a deep green emerald ring onto my finger. And I didn’t say no.”
Not just because he was a prince, but because he had been nothing but gentle and considerate. I believed–truly–that he would make a good husband.
I gently stroked his hair and whispered, “Charles, don’t blame yourself. This wasn’t your fault–they were after me.“>
Before the wedding, Charles had warned me of the risks–being his wife meant living under constant threat, possibly even assassination.” So we kept the ceremony small and private. In public, Charles insisted I stay out of the spotlight. For my safety and my family–I didn’t tell a single friend.
If it hadn’t been for this trip involving a renewable energy trade deal–and my desire to visit home–perhaps no one would’ve ever known I had becorne a princess.
My parents came rushing to the hospital and exploded in anger. They cursed Lorenzo, calling him a monster who nearly cost them their precious grandson’s life. They scooped Aaron into their arms and smothered him with kisses, holding him like the treasure he was.} Thankfully, Arthur wasn’t seriously hurt–no damage to his brain, just external injuries. The doctors said he should be stable enough to move to a regular ward in a few days.
Lorenzo, though beaten half to death, somehow managed to prop himself up on a cane and requested to see me.”
I didn’t want to. But Charles insisted–he said I deserved the chance to face him, to see him humbled.
He helped me sit up in bed, then ordered the guards to let Lorenzo in.§
Lorenzo looked pale as a ghost. The moment he saw me, he dropped to his knees with a thud.}
“Danna, I remember everything now. You were the one I truly loved. I–I had a memory disorder.”
“Please give me another chance to make things right.”
“I was sick–I didn’t know why I developed a second personality. But now it’s all clear–we were the real couple.”}
“Danna, I don’t expect you to be my wife again. Just let me atone. Let me serve you like a loyal brother. I’ll devote my life to making it up to you–please?”
I let out a cold laugh. I never knew Lorenzo could be this shameless.
Calling me his sister now? What–did he expect the Prince of France to call him brother too?}
Disgusting.”
Charles’s expression darkened. Without hesitation, he kicked Lorenzo hard, sending him sprawling.@
“Filth. You think you’re worthy of being my princess’s brother? You? Pathetic!”
Lorenzo scrambled back to his knees, now begging Charles.
“Your Highness, I swear–I’m not trying to take advantage. I truly regret everything.”
“If it’s not acceptable, then let Danna treat me as a nephew instead. I’ll honor and serve you both like family for the rest of my life.” Hearing his delusional rambling nearly made me choke.
The audacity–lowering his status just to redeem himself. Willing to be my nephew?
Too bad.
There’s no place in the Vaugnn family for a disgrace like him.
