Chapter 6

Prince's POV

I woke up very early the next morning to prepare to go back home.

As I walked past the mirror in the dressing room, I caught my reflection —sharp suit, unreadable eyes.

For a second, I wondered what my father would say if he was alive. Would he be proud? Or just see another man who doesn't know how to love again. I brushed the thoughts aside. It doesn't matter.

After adjusting my suit, I came back from the dressing room and looked at the bed where Princess was still asleep, curled up comfortably under the blanket.

I sighed before shaking her shoulder, “ Wake up, we're leaving soon”

She groaned but buried her face deeper into the pillow, one arm flopping lazily over her head.

“ Just a little longer…” she mumbled, her voice unclear.

“ No. Get up and get ready” I firmly said.

Her eyes snapped open glaring at him as if I just ruined the best dream of her life. She reluctantly dragged herself out of the bed and into the bathroom. I sat on the bed and started putting my shoes on.

A few minutes later, her panicked voice rang from the bathroom.

“ Prince! I can't see! The soap got into my eyes—help me!” She shouted, her voice echoing throughout the room.

I stood up and moved to the bathroom door, hands clenched. My mother's voice echoed in my mind, “ You can't shut everyone out forever” But I shook it off.

Love, care, affection — I've learned the hard way that they were nothing but weaknesses.

Instead of going in, I stepped back, took out my phone, and called the house staff.

“ Go assist her; she's struggling with soap in her eyes,” I commanded calmly.

Without waiting for their response, I walked downstairs, pushing away any guilt trying to creep in.

When Princess finally came downstairs, her hair still damp and arms crossed tightly, it looked like she was physically moving herself back from punching me; her glare could have set the mansion on fire.

“ You left me there Prince! I was calling for you” she accuses, her eyes blazing.

“ You weren't alone. The maids helped you” I replied, my voice icy.

“ That's not the point! A decent man would have helped” she shot back.

“ You needed help. I made sure you got it”

Princess scoffed, shaking her head, “Unbelievable! You act like you don't have a heart”

I clenched my jaw and forced myself to stay indifferent. Maybe she was right, I had given it away once and never got it back. We went to bid the family goodbye. Before leaving, my mother pulled Princess aside for a private conversation. I noticed the way my mother's expression softened as she spoke. Her voice was too low for me to hear. Whatever my mother said made Princess frown in thought.

As we drove to the mansion, silence was in the car until Princess decided she wasn't done.

“ Why are you like this? Why do you act so cold?” She broke the silence.

“ Drop it!” I ordered stiffly.

“ No. I get that this relationship is fake but do you have to act like I don't even exist?”

“ Maybe that's for the best,” I said quietly.

She turned to me, eyes searching for something I didn't know, but I kept my expression unreadable.

We got to the mansion. Princess didn't let my mind rest with her complaints.

“ If you're this emotionally dead, I don't know how you ever had a real relationship before!” she said, moving towards the staircase.

“ And what do you know about my past relationships?” I said sharply.

Silence filled the place, she said nothing and moved upstairs to her room. I exhaled and ran my hands through my hair. I didn't want to fight but I won't let her get closer either. This is a contract and nothing more.

I checked my phone and called my secretary, “Get everyone ready, the meeting is happening today”

There's no time to waste, I must let them know that I'm ready to take over my dad's company.

I went upstairs to my room to prepare and after that went to bang on Princess's door. “ Get ready, we're going to the company right now” I shouted.

“ We just came here, can't we make it tomorrow?” I heard her voice over in the room.

“ You have no choice, you came here for a task and not to sleep. Hurry up, I don't have all the time in the world”

After preparing, we headed to my car and entered. “Your act continues; we're going to meet the stakeholders,” I said before driving.

When we got to the company, I had to go and open the door for her which I really hated.

We walked arm in arm into the company. My staff’s eyes were fixed on us as they greeted us. At the grand conference, the place was filled with investors, shareholders, executives, and high-profile staff respectfully standing at the back. The atmosphere was formal and luxurious.

All eyes turned towards us immediately. I could feel Princess wasn't comfortable.

I began my speech with a controlled one, “ Good morning. I see familiar faces, one that had built the company with my father. I won't waste words. I'm here to assure you that nothing will change. This empire is in my hands now”

I tightened my grip around her waist slightly, a silent message for her to play along.

She smiled softly, playing her part, “ I'm Princess and I'll be right by his side, supporting him in every way”

The room murmurs with interest. Whispers spread among the guests.

A senior investor raising a glass, seemed intrigued, “ A strong leader and a stable personal life. Your father would have approved”

The head of operations studied me carefully, “ The business world is brutal. You can't just claim leadership, you'll have to prove it”

I leaned back slightly letting the silence stretch before responding,

“ I don't claim leadership, I own it.” my voice was steady and controlled.

A few executives exchanged glances. Some nod in approval, others remain doubtful.

The HR Director smiled at Princess, “Princess, are you ready for this life? Being with him isn't easy” she said, testing Princess's commitment.

Princess met her gaze with quiet confidence “ I wouldn't be here if I wasn't”

“ Your father always said control and composure make a great leader. If you can maintain that, we'll stand behind you” an older executive said, nodding approvingly.

I glanced around, sensing the silence in the conference room. “ Then we understand each other”

I led Princess away, our act flawless in front of everyone.

As we stepped out from prying eyes in the company, one of my high profile staff members.

She moved closer and whispered “ Sir, it's urgent. There's something you need to know”

I pushed her back a bit, “We'll talk about that later, Lydia.” I held Princess's hand and pulled her as we moved out of the company.

“ But Sir…” I heard her voice from behind but didn't mind her.