112---**Liam**The crash sent a jolt through the room, pulling every pair of eyes—including mine—toward the source of the commotion. My instincts sharpened, and I clenched my fists, trying to keep my composure. The tension between Alex and Marcus had already been bad enough. Now this?I moved swiftly through the crowd, my jaw set, ignoring the curious whispers and judgmental stares from the guests. The scene that met me near the center of the hall was one I’d been hoping to avoid. Marcus, ever the arrogant snake, stood with his hands raised in mock surrender, a smirk playing on his lips. Across from him was Lucas—our youngest cousin—his face red with fury and his chest heaving as if he were about to throw another punch."Who the hell do you think you are, talking to my brother like that?" Lucas barked, his voice carrying over the stunned silence."Lucas, stand down," I ordered, my voice low but commanding as I stepped between them. My tone left no room for argument, but Lucas didn’t
112---**Liam**The crash sent a jolt through the room, pulling every pair of eyes—including mine—toward the source of the commotion. My instincts sharpened, and I clenched my fists, trying to keep my composure. The tension between Alex and Marcus had already been bad enough. Now this?I moved swiftly through the crowd, my jaw set, ignoring the curious whispers and judgmental stares from the guests. The scene that met me near the center of the hall was one I’d been hoping to avoid. Marcus, ever the arrogant snake, stood with his hands raised in mock surrender, a smirk playing on his lips. Across from him was Lucas—our youngest cousin—his face red with fury and his chest heaving as if he were about to throw another punch."Who the hell do you think you are, talking to my brother like that?" Lucas barked, his voice carrying over the stunned silence."Lucas, stand down," I ordered, my voice low but commanding as I stepped between them. My tone left no room for argument, but Lucas didn’t
Chapter 1: The InvitationAlex"Come on, Alex. You’ve been tense ever since the summit started. Loosen up a little."Daniel’s voice, smooth like whiskey, drifted over me, coaxing and playful. I stood by the tall windows of my hotel room, staring out over the glittering lights of the city, my mind already clouded by the weight of expectations. The Global Leadership Summit had been in full swing for days, and as the son of the President of the United States, I had made every effort to maintain the polished, perfect image expected of me. But underneath that facade, I was suffocating.I didn’t turn to face him, but I could feel the heat of his presence at my side. He was persistent, annoyingly so, and I wasn’t sure whether it was more because of his position as my best friend or because of his rebellious nature.Either way, we’d somehow ended up spending more time together during this summit than I anticipated. Officially, we were supposed to be working together on some leadership panel,
Chapter 2:AlexAs I stood there, heart still racing from the impact of the collision, I barely registered my surroundings. The guy I’d bumped into was nothing short of breathtaking—tousled dark hair, sharp jawline, and piercing blue eyes that seemed to burn right through me. But his expression? Furious. The kind of anger that made him even more striking in a dangerous, unsettling way.“What the hell is wrong with you?” he snapped, his voice low and edged with irritation. “Do you not know how to watch where you’re going?”I opened my mouth, ready to apologize, but the words caught in my throat. Instead, I stared back at him, trying to shake off the shock. “I—I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to—”“Sorry?” he scoffed, stepping closer until he was towering over me. “You think ‘sorry’ cuts it? Maybe next time, try paying attention instead of wandering around like you own the place.”His arrogance hit me like a slap, and suddenly, my embarrassment morphed into irritation. My brows furrowed as I tr
Chapter 3: A New Dilemma AlexAs I was buttoning up my shirt, the remnants of the evening’s chaos still clinging to my thoughts, my phone buzzed loudly on the nightstand, breaking the eerie silence in the room. My hand froze over the fabric, eyes snapping to the screen.It was Daniel.My heart leaped in my chest, then sank just as quickly. I’d completely forgotten about him. After the incident at the bar, I had bolted, leaving him in the midst of laughter and attention that he thrived on. I hadn’t even texted him since I’d returned to the hotel, my mind too jumbled to think straight."S***," I muttered under my breath, staring at his name flashing on the screen.I hesitated, fingers hovering over the phone. I didn’t know how to explain myself. I didn’t know how he’d react if he knew what I’d done. The weight of my actions was still fresh in my mind.My thumb hovered for a second longer before I sighed, knowing I couldn’t avoid him forever. I swiped the screen and brought the phone
Chapter 4: The Weight of Royal SecretsI couldn’t believe my eyes. Prince Liam Brightmore, standing across the ballroom like he owned the world—because, in a way, he did. The man I’d met at the bar, the one who had completely upended my thoughts and thrown me into a whirlwind of confusion, was royalty.I felt like the room had started spinning, the opulent chandeliers and finely dressed guests blurring around me. My heart pounded in my chest, and my palms were sweating despite the coolness of the ballroom.How the hell had I not recognized him? Prince Liam—his piercing blue eyes and sharp features were identical to Leo’s. My mind scrambled to make sense of it. I should’ve known. The confidence, the air of authority, it all made sense now.But why had he hidden it? Why pretend to be someone else?I shifted my gaze, trying to avoid looking at him directly. The last thing I needed was for him to notice me now, standing there like a deer caught in headlights. But it was too late. I could
Chapter 5: A Dangerous MeetingAlexI paced the dimly lit corridor, nerves prickling beneath my skin as I debated whether to go. Liam’s words echoed in my mind, the invitation laced with something darker. Meet me later. Despite the fear twisting in my stomach, a flicker of curiosity drew me in. I needed answers, even if it meant risking a scandal.I glanced at my watch. If I didn’t go now, I might lose the chance. With a deep breath, I slipped out of the ballroom, casting a quick look over my shoulder to make sure no one was watching. The halls were silent, and I made my way to the secluded terrace where Liam had said he’d be waiting.He was already there, standing by the railing with his back to me, shoulders tense, as if lost in thought. The night breeze tousled his hair, and for a moment, he looked almost vulnerable—a side of him I hadn’t seen before.I cleared my throat, and he turned, his face lighting up briefly before settling into a more guarded expression.“You came,” he murm
Chapter 6: A Threat in the ShadowsAlexThe instant I saw him, my stomach twisted. Daniel was standing there, half-hidden by shadows, his face a mix of fury and disbelief. He'd heard everything—enough to leave questions in his mind, enough to destroy any trust we had.“Daniel…” I breathed, stepping forward, but he held up a hand, stopping me cold."Don’t," he snapped, his voice tight. “Just… don’t. I knew you were hiding things from me, Alex, but this?” His gaze shifted to Liam, eyes narrowed. “What exactly is going on here?”Liam stepped forward, his stance calm but wary. "It’s not what you think, Daniel," he began, but Daniel scoffed.“Oh, I’m sure it’s exactly what I think,” he shot back, anger flashing in his eyes. "All this secrecy, sneaking around. Alex, do you have any idea what this looks like?”I tried to steady my voice, to keep the guilt from showing. “Daniel, just listen to me for a second. I can explain—”“Explain what?” he interrupted, looking between us. “How long has t
112---**Liam**The crash sent a jolt through the room, pulling every pair of eyes—including mine—toward the source of the commotion. My instincts sharpened, and I clenched my fists, trying to keep my composure. The tension between Alex and Marcus had already been bad enough. Now this?I moved swiftly through the crowd, my jaw set, ignoring the curious whispers and judgmental stares from the guests. The scene that met me near the center of the hall was one I’d been hoping to avoid. Marcus, ever the arrogant snake, stood with his hands raised in mock surrender, a smirk playing on his lips. Across from him was Lucas—our youngest cousin—his face red with fury and his chest heaving as if he were about to throw another punch."Who the hell do you think you are, talking to my brother like that?" Lucas barked, his voice carrying over the stunned silence."Lucas, stand down," I ordered, my voice low but commanding as I stepped between them. My tone left no room for argument, but Lucas didn’t
112---**Liam**The crash sent a jolt through the room, pulling every pair of eyes—including mine—toward the source of the commotion. My instincts sharpened, and I clenched my fists, trying to keep my composure. The tension between Alex and Marcus had already been bad enough. Now this?I moved swiftly through the crowd, my jaw set, ignoring the curious whispers and judgmental stares from the guests. The scene that met me near the center of the hall was one I’d been hoping to avoid. Marcus, ever the arrogant snake, stood with his hands raised in mock surrender, a smirk playing on his lips. Across from him was Lucas—our youngest cousin—his face red with fury and his chest heaving as if he were about to throw another punch."Who the hell do you think you are, talking to my brother like that?" Lucas barked, his voice carrying over the stunned silence."Lucas, stand down," I ordered, my voice low but commanding as I stepped between them. My tone left no room for argument, but Lucas didn’t
111AlexI followed Charlotte back toward the grand hall, my thoughts a storm of anger and confusion. The Queen’s words echoed in my mind, but so did Liam’s hurtful accusations, his betrayal. What the hell had I done wrong? Why was I always the villain in their perfect little world?As we stepped inside, the noise of the party hit us like a wall. People milled around in their expensive gowns and suits, laughing, talking, pretending everything was fine. But I knew better. The air was thick with tension, just beneath the surface, waiting for something—someone—to snap.Charlotte tugged me toward the drink table, offering me a drink with a knowing glance. "You need something stronger," she said, pouring whiskey into a glass. "Trust me, it helps."I took the glass, the burn of the alcohol doing little to dull the fury coursing through my veins. "I never asked for any of this," I muttered, swirling the liquid around the glass. "I never asked to be in this ridiculous game.""Yeah, well, none
110Alex### **Alex**The silence of the garden was a fragile reprieve, one I desperately needed after the chaos inside. My mind churned with Liam’s words, his anger, his pain—and my own foolish inability to let him go. The memory of his eyes, sharp and accusing, lingered like a wound I couldn’t stop pressing. I didn’t realize Charlotte had found me until her heels clicked against the stone pathway. "Figured I’d find you brooding out here," she said, her voice light but laced with irritation. I glanced over my shoulder. She stood there in her emerald gown, arms crossed, the moonlight catching the auburn in her hair. Her expression was an artful blend of amusement and exasperation, but I knew her well enough to spot the storm brewing underneath. "What do you want, Charlotte?" I asked, turning back to the fountain ahead of me. She huffed, moving to stand beside me. "Well, you didn’t exactly make it easy for me to enjoy the open bar after that little display with *His Royal Hig
109liam**Liam** The cool air in the corridor barely registered, my chest still tight from the confrontation. Alex’s words lingered, sharp and unforgiving, carving through the carefully constructed barriers I’d built over the years. The sound of his retreating footsteps echoed in my ears, but I didn’t move. Not yet. I clenched my fists, trying to steady my breathing. This wasn’t how tonight was supposed to go. Sophia’s presence had saved us both from saying something we’d regret, but her soft, knowing gaze as she left had only made the situation worse. She didn’t know—not about Alex, not about the weight of our history—but the tension must have been written all over my face. And Alex... I hated him for showing up. For being here. For still having the power to unravel me with a single look. But more than anything, I hated myself for wanting him to stay. I straightened my shoulders and turned on my heel, heading for the main hall. If Alex thought he could storm out of m
108 **Alex** The applause had faded into a polite murmur, the sound of it hollow and detached, like it came from another world. My throat was tight, my pulse unsteady, but I kept my face neutral, diplomatic. Years of public scrutiny had trained me well, but even so, standing here under Liam’s searing gaze felt like being on trial.I turned my attention back to Charlotte, who was still smirking, thoroughly enjoying the spectacle. Her arm looped through mine, and she leaned in again, her voice a conspiratorial whisper. "Do you think he’ll throw a punch? Because honestly, I wouldn’t blame him." I gave her a warning look. "Enough, Charlotte." She laughed softly, undeterred, and released my arm. “Fine. I’ll go enjoy the open bar while you clean up this mess. Try not to embarrass yourself.” Before I could retort, she was gone, disappearing into the sea of glittering gowns and tailored suits. I exhaled sharply, scanning the room for Queen Eleanor. She was by the dais now, her sa
107 Liam I clenched my fists so hard that my nails dug into my palms, the sting grounding me just enough to keep my composure. My jaw tightened, and I could feel the heat rising in my face as my thoughts spiraled. How dare my mother invite him without telling me? I stole a glance at her. She stood at the edge of the crowd, her chin held high, her expression regal and impenetrable. But she knew. She had to know what this would do to me. And Alex. Damn him. He showed up here like nothing had happened, like he hadn’t ignored every single one of my calls, like he hadn’t vanished without a word after everything we went through. After I had taken a bullet for him. “Liam.” Sophia’s voice pulled me from my raging thoughts. She squeezed my hand, her brow furrowed with worry. “Are you okay? You’re trembling.” I forced myself to loosen my grip, offering her a weak smile. “I’m fine,” I lied, my voice hollow. “Just a little overwhelmed.” Her eyes searched mine, doubt flickering in
106Alex The tension in the room was palpable as Queen Eleanor made her way toward the front, her presence commanding attention. I felt all eyes on me, the weight of their scrutiny almost suffocating. Charlotte, always the opportunist, squeezed my arm and chuckled softly."You're quite the spectacle, Alex. I can't believe you just walked in like that." Her voice was teasing, but there was something dangerous in her tone."Not the time, Charlotte," I muttered, feeling a headache building behind my eyes."You always say that," she whispered back, her grin widening. "But I think this is the time for you to finally face the music. You can't keep running from this."I shot her a warning glance, but her amusement only deepened. As Queen Eleanor reached the altar, I could feel the murmur of the crowd intensifying. The whispers had now shifted from shock to speculation."What was that about? Did he really just say he didn’t know?""I heard they don't get along. Family politics, maybe?""Is t
105AlexThe room was as silent as a tomb, save for the rustle of whispers that spread like wildfire and the faint echo of my footsteps against the polished marble floor. My heart hammered as I stepped deeper into the grand hall, the towering crystal chandeliers casting fractured rainbows across the walls. My eyes locked onto Liam’s, his face frozen in a kaleidoscope of emotions: shock, disbelief, and simmering fury.His bride—Sophia, yes, that was her name—shifted her wide-eyed gaze between us, her confusion palpable. Her fingers hovered uncertainly near Liam's arm, as though unsure whether to hold on or let go.Around us, the crowd came alive with murmurs, the dignitaries and royals exchanging incredulous glances, their whispers growing louder with every passing second."Is that... the President?""Why would he—here? On their day?""Doesn’t he know how inappropriate this is?"I swallowed hard, the weight of a hundred scrutinizing eyes pressing down on me like a physical force. My pu