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Chapter 21
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Contract Marriage, The King’s Pretend Wife Chapter 22
AudreyWe were immediately met with camera flashes, but this time I was a bit more prepared. There were more guests than expected, certainly more than 200. So many, I was unable to spot my family.Roman cleared his throat, grabbing everyone’s attention. “Thank you all for coming to our yearly banquet.” He addressed the guests. “This year is quite different. This year I would like to introduce you all to my fiancée, Audrey and our son, Mars.”He glanced over at me with a smile before continuing, "I am grateful to have Mars in my life, and I am proud to introduce him as the future crown prince. He has been learning the Penevian culture and traditions, and I hope you will all accept him with open arms."Then he looked at me and squeezed my hand. "Audrey is an amazing woman. She is an incredible mother, and I cannot wait to marry her. I love her with all my heart." His words made me feel uncomfortable, knowing those were just part of the act—and I had to play along.I chuckled at Roman, p
Contract Marriage, The King’s Pretend Wife Chapter 23
AudreyRoman removed his hand from my hair, to watch his ‘distant relative,’"Our Roman, congratulations on your engagement," King Abel said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "But I find it rather odd that Audrey appeared out of nowhere, with a son no less."The guests murmured amongst themselves, and I could feel the nervousness rising within me. Queen Mary, however, came to my defense. "Stop being ridiculous, Abel. We've already conducted a DNA test," She protectively placed Mars in her lap.Lord Crawford, as always, backed up the queen. "It was the first thing we looked into," He added.“No, no—we won’t be doing this.” King Edward shook his head. “Audrey wouldn’t have been here if we weren’t certain about her.”One could say many about the king and the queen, but they had always treated me kindly.King Abel sighed dramatically. "The people of Penevia, the ministers, the officials… do you really want your future queen and king to be outsiders?"Outsiders?I felt self-conscious, hopi
Contract Marriage, The King’s Pretend Wife Chapter 24
AudreyAfter the banquet came to an end, I couldn't help but think that it hadn't been too terrible. Yes, it had its moments, but overall, everything went well after King Abel left.One thing was certain, I would never attend another banquet again. I was grateful for the experience, but it was just not for me.After changing into more comfortable clothes, I settled in Roman's room. This was the second time I'd been here, and I still wasn’t used to the space. How could a room be bigger than my previous apartment?I found it hard to believe that soon, it would be my room as well.Roman stepped out of the bathroom, wearing only sweatpants, and wiped his hair with a towel. Panic washed over me as I was forced to look at his exposed abs.What was he doing?Unfazed, Roman looked at me."Do you need anything?""Yeah, I need you to put on a shirt," I replied with a grin, not resisting the opportunity to crack a joke."Good idea," Roman smirked. "Give me yours."Of course, he would say somethin
Contract Marriage, The King’s Pretend Wife Chapter 25
AudreyI woke up in Roman's arms, feeling the warmth of his body against mine. He looked at me with a sleepy smile. "We’re not a real couple, and yet—we look…real, don’t you think?" He commented, getting on my nerves the first thing in the morning.As the memories of last night came flooding back, a blush appeared up my cheeks. "I slept really well, thank you." I spoke, sarcastically.Then I buried my head in his chest, inhaling his scent deeply. I slept as a rose and Roman made a good pillow. Maybe he wasn’t that bad after all.Roman sighed deeply. "We should probably take a shower and head to breakfast.” He said. “The queen has requested to eat with both our families present."“I see.” I smiled nervously, the thought of breakfast with both extended families frightening me. “Can't we stay like this for a while?"“You’d risk your relationship with the queen to stay here with me?” Roman smirked proudly. "It's almost like you want me to be your husband.""In your dreams," I retorted. "Y
Contract Marriage, The King’s Pretend Wife Chapter 26
RomanI stood at my father's bedside, anxiety weighing heavily on my chest. Dalton and Grayson guarded the outside door, ensuring that no one entered without permission. Other than Dr. Charles, the queen, Lord Crawford, and myself, no one was allowed in—not even Joan and little Leo.“This is all too much.” Father spoke from his bed. “All of this fuss is unnecessary. I feel just fine.” He grumbled.Desperate for answers, I turned to Dr. Charles. "Do you know what caused this?" I never expected something like this to happen to my father; the thought had never crossed my mind.He had always been perfectly healthy for his age. So healthy even the doctors had praised him for it.Dr. Charles, who had been the royal doctor since before I was born, shook his head. "I don't know yet."I felt frustrated, and was in disbelief as to how a royal doctor did not have a clear diagnosis. "Do you even believe you're qualified enough to be our doctor?" I snapped at him."He's the one who helped deliver
Contract Marriage, The King’s Pretend Wife Chapter 27
RomanIt had been a few days since I acted as my father’s regent. My days were filled with stress, meetings and official engagements, and so on.Being in charge was difficult, it kind of felt like I didn't have any time to breathe.I realized that this was what my life would become like if I didn't find a way to escape. Luckily, I had my cousin Brandon by my side, just like my father had my mother and Lord Crawford.As selfish as it sounded, his health issues had also been a reason for a break for the queen and Lord Crawford, who had been working extra hard alongside the king. Now they were still working hard, by staying by his side.I hadn't had much time for Audrey and Mars at all. I only saw Audrey at night, and we would make up for the lost time in bed. It still wasn't a relationship though, just strictly sex.Rather than him staying by my side, I asked Dalton to take care of Audrey and Mars. I knew they would be in good hands because I saw the way he looked at her. Still, I hoped
Contract Marriage, The King’s Pretend Wife Chapter 28
AudreyThe last day with my parents had arrived.Kennedy and Ashley would be staying at the palace, but I knew I'd miss my parents a lot. Back home, it wasn’t like I visited them every day—so it was crazy just to think about how much I could miss them.Roman had been incredibly busy taking over the king's duties, which I understood. I had my sister, my best friend and Dalton to keep me company during the day, and Roman to keep me company during the night.Today, Dalton had organized a private city tour for us. After various activities, we were at out final destination, a Penevian museum.The museum showcased different artifacts, but somehow I was more fascinated by the long history of the Penevian royals.I stood with Dalton, while the others wandered off on their own.“Who is this?” My eyes fell upon a painting of an old man, sitting on top of a horse. In his hand was a long silver sword, and through the painting I could see his green eyes which were identical to Roman’s.“That is Ki
Contract Marriage, The King’s Pretend Wife Chapter 29
AudreySoon, we were seated in a fancy restaurant that had been closed off just for us. I wouldn’t use the word privacy, because the damn military standing around us made it clear that we would have none."Are those people going to be standing there without moving a muscle?" Dad looked at the soldiers standing at attention. “And can we tell them to…ease?”Kennedy and Ashley laughed at his comment, slapping each other’s shoulders. Typically them."Protecting Audrey and her loved ones is a priority." Dalton explained before telling the soldiers to stand easy.“Dalton, sweetheart.” Mom shot him a warm and motherly smile. "You’ve been working so hard, you must be hungry. Aren’t you going to eat with us?"“No.” Dalton shook his head, then took a few steps back. "That would be highly inappropriate.""Would it be highly inappropriate to deny the future crown princess' wishes?" I challenged him playfully. If anything, I wanted him near me. He was past the job of being my guard, he was my frie
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Contract Marriage, The King’s Pretend Wife Chapter 40
Audrey"So, you want us to stay in Penevia?" Ashley searched for confirmation. I had brought both Ashley and Kennedy together so they could listen to my request."Yes.”"As your... ladies-in-waiting?" Kennedy questioned."Yes," I repeated."And we'll get paid to stay by your side?" A small smirk appeared on Ashley’s lips. I knew she was never the one to turn down good money."Yes," I answered again, my heart fluttering with hope. I wouldn’t even know what to do without the two of them in the picture.They had always been there for me, and I hoped that wouldn't change now. Especially with Rina becoming one of my ladies-in-waiting. Who knew what the other ladies would be like?Kennedy was the first to break the silence. "Girl, you don't have to ask me twice.” She stated, her words put a smile on my face. “I had already decided before you asked me.”"I'm your sister, Audrey,” Ashley added. “Of course, I'm staying. There's no way I could be leaving you alone with these people!”Their word
Contract Marriage, The King’s Pretend Wife Chapter 39
AudreyWith Mars clinging to my side, I walked through the palace halls. It had been a long day. Now that I was to be queen, the classes had become even more sincere. Every ounce of my energy was drained.‘Forget the mourning period, just focus on becoming queen’If those words could not get anyone punished, I’m sure that’s what the teachers would’ve told me.Mars and I were on our way to meet the Queen. Somehow he would manage to cheer her up, and I’m glad he could do that for her. I barely knew the king, but had a hard time sleeping so I couldn’t even begin to imagine what losing him must’ve felt like to her.Fake relationship or not, I would’ve lost my mind if something would happen to Roman.As we walked, a familiar figure caught my eye.Rina.She stood at a distance, but her features were so strong one could not miss it. She was not someone I wanted to see at the moment, and it was not because of fear.It was because I had not forgotten that she dreamed of being with Roman, and l
Contract Marriage, The King’s Pretend Wife Chapter 38
RomanI was in the red room, sitting at the round table with Brandon and Dalton. It felt just like old times when we used to play games and talk about whatever wasn’t allowed inside the palace.But this time I wasn’t interested in playing games, and they could sense that.With suspicious eyes, they tried observing me.What was Roman up to this time? Their silent question hung in the air.I poured some liquor into three glasses, the sound echoing in the quiet room, then I handed them a glass.Dalton stared at the glass. "I don't drink on the job." He declared with his lips pressed into a firm line. Quite rude to offer a drink from his king.I raised my own glass, a small smirk tugging at the corners of my mouth. "From what I've been hearing, there's been a slight personality change." I retorted, my eyes never leaving his. He had time to put his lips on my Audrey, but drinking on the job is where he’d apparently draw the line.Dalton furrowed his brows, trying to see what I was getting
Contract Marriage, The King’s Pretend Wife Chapter 37
RomanBeing king is a responsibility I'd never asked for, but one I was expected to embrace without question.Lord Crawford went on and on about new duties and responsibilities, his words echoing hollowly in my head. My cousin, Brandon, sat beside me and as always he was writing down notes, acting like my personal brain.It had been two days.Two days since I'd lost my father, our king and everyone around me expected me to just pick up where he left off. Expected to lead a country, lead a royal funeral, and address my people—all while dealing with my own personal grief. The thought was suffocating.My mother had given her own set of instructions. While everyone was allowed to sob, I was forced to keep my emotions in check, I couldn’t lose face in front of the ministers.The same ministers that didn’t even want me on their throne.‘The tears you had spilled at your father’s bedside. Those tears should be your last,’ She had said to me, and I listened.I did what was necessary. I put on
Contract Marriage, The King’s Pretend Wife Chapter 36
AudreyRoman looked around the room, his gaze was hard and cold. "Is something wrong?" He repeated.The atmosphere in the room was tense, and I couldn’t tell whether it was because everyone present felt threatened by him, or was shocked to see him in this state after yesterday.Grayson smiled, standing up a little straighter. "Your Majesty, we assumed you were occupied with your new duties." His tone sounded very different from before.Where was all that talk about Roman not being the main character?"I am never too busy for my family," Roman responded, patting Mars’ head. "Is Audrey being investigated?""Not officially,” Grayson muttered, unable to meet the king's gaze. It wasn’t hard to guess it was probably due to the embarrassment of those words he had spoken earlier.“Good.” Roman turned to me, his expression softening a little. "That means you and your friends don't have to answer anything.""That’s right." Dalton agreed, shooting me a quick glance. “It’s completely voluntary.”
Contract Marriage, The King’s Pretend Wife Chapter 35
AudreyThe day after the king's passing seemed even worse than yesterday. Last night, after Roman and I had returned to our room, he was unable to sleep. His eyes which had been swollen and red from crying, stayed wide open as he stared blankly at nothing. His father was gone, he called out to him while he wasn’t there, and that part was the hardest.Roman left early in the morning, without saying too much while I found myself in Mars’ room. I picked him up and brought him to a private room to tell him the news. Kennedy and Ashley were by my side.Mars was in my arms, his little body shaking as he cried for his grandfather. He was still young, but he knew he wasn’t coming back anymore.Ultimately I wanted to be the one to tell him about his grandfather’s passing before anyone else could.The conversation of death was heavy fun for a young kid, but it was necessary.By now, the news had also been shared with the people of the kingdom. It was a day of mourning, everyone was expected to
Contract Marriage, The King’s Pretend Wife Chapter 34
AudreyThe queen was on the floor, sobbing beside King Edward's bed. Joan, Lord Crawford, and other members of the royal family stood behind her.King Edward's lifeless body lay on the bed. pale and still.Not counting myself, the only one who didn’t belonged to the family was the royal doctor.I had never seen a corpse. This was a first, but there was no time to puke. It wasn’t about me. It was about the royal family who had lost a husband, a father, a brother.Roman quietly stepped forward and placed a gentle hand on the queen's back, helping her rise from the floor.“Oh, Roman!” She cried harder, burying her face in his chest as he held her tightly. “He’s gone!”“I know.” Roman spoke. My heart ached at the sight, and I could only imagine the pain the queen was going through.He was apologizing, but not for his father’s death. He apologized because he wasn’t there.“You’re unbelievable.” Joan looked at Roman, her voice filled with anger. "Disgusting!" She spat.“You can’t just walk
Contract Marriage, The King’s Pretend Wife Chapter 33
Audrey"Something's wrong. We need to get back to the palace, now," Roman spoke, breathing heavily.I whistled loudly, and Mars came running toward us. “Yes, mommy?”“We’re going.” Roman told him urgently, scooping him up without a second thought."But I don't want to go. I was playing with my new friends." Mars protested, kicking his legs. It was already late, and his spoiled behavior had always jumped out whenever he was tired.Only now was not the right time."We have to go, Mars. Now," Roman repeated, his voice stern. I tried to stop Mars from kicking his feet, but he shook his head and screamed, unhappy with the sudden departure.“I don’t want to go—““Shut up. We’re going!” Roman yelled, his volume sending shivers through my spine. Even little Mars was too terrified to say another word."Hey!" I snapped at him, taking my son from his hands. "Don't yell at him like that ever again! Are you crazy?""No matter what happens, don't pick up your phone. Tell them your phone was on sile
Contract Marriage, The King’s Pretend Wife Chapter 32
AudreyI braced myself for Roman's outburst, but all I heard was silence. Opening my eyes, I found him smiling at me. "Just kissed?"“Y-Yes?” I stuttered, surprised by his reaction. “B-But you should know that I initiated it both times. Dalton hasn’t done anything wrong. In fact, Dalton had stopped it before it could go any further.”It felt fair enough to tell him how honorable Dalton could be, even in the face of temptation.“Is he serious?” Roman scowled. "That's so Dalton-like."I couldn’t hide my giggle, thinking about how we had both made up the same word to describe him. “I’m pissed, but not for the reason you think I am.” Roman added. "I had expected more from my friend. Any sane man would've…I mean, look at you!""So you are not angry?" I asked, utterly confused."I couldn't be.” Roman replied. "We're not together, anyway, so you're free to do whatever you want."His words caused an unexpected sharp pain in my chest. For some reason, I wanted him to care. Roman scoffed. "Just
