All Chapters of Contract Marriage, The King’s Pretend Wife: Chapter 11 - Chapter 20

40 Chapters

Chapter 11

Audrey“The 365 days will start from the day we get married.” Roman cleared his throat. “We’re allowed to see other people but perhaps a bit discreet to avoid any scandals.”As long as he wouldn’t be touching me, I had no complaints.“Oh, and don’t fall for me.” The cocky smirk plastered on Roman’s lips looked hilarious. He was the perfect definition of an arrogant prince, expecting everyone to be at his feet.The sun had set, and just as promised—I had found myself in Roman’s room to read him my terms. Of course, the crown prince’s ego was so huge he felt the need to go first.“Don’t you worry about that—Roman,” I spoke sarcastically. “I’ll try to hold myself back.”Unable to see I was making fun of him, Roman smiled gratefully. “Thank you.”Ignoring his behavior, I grabbed my notebook to read him my terms. In my opinion, they weren’t that complicated, and I had actually kept it nice considering the circumstances.“I want to travel freely between Penevia and home,” I told Roman, look
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Chapter 12

Audrey“I guess that’s the story.” Roman held the queen’s hand across the table, telling his own version of the messed-up truth.“She couldn’t forget about me, traveled all the way to Penevia—fell in love with me, and after giving it some time, I’ve decided to give her a chance.”Sure.I glanced at the massive ring on my finger. Roman had gone all out for this.Since we finalized our fake story, we had been waiting for the perfect time to tell the king and queen about our engagement. On the opposite side of me sat Queen Mary, Lord Crawford, and the most important man in the kingdom, King Edward.King Edward bought the whole story, not questioning my intentions. He leaned in his chair with a father-like smile, delighted someone like Roman could ever settle down.Queen Mary and Lord Crawford seemed a bit more hesitant, but Roman had already told me that wouldn’t matter because their doubts would get washed away by their greed to make Mars the crown prince.“This could save the entire ki
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Chapter 13

AudreyBreathing in the nice and flowery scent of my small but cozy apartment felt great.The palace was excellent, and all, but nothing could beat my personal space.Well, personal space?There wasn’t any left with Dalton breathing in my neck, not to forget the security in front of my house, who were definitely not looking suspicious at all. Note the sarcasm.Thank god, Ashley decided to go her own way for the day—the only thing left for her to do was keep her mouth shut about the engagement.“If there’s anything you want to bring with you—you should tell me right away, so I can take care of it,” Dalton proposed.“I supposed I won’t be able to wear ripped jeans as the crown princess—so I don’t think so.” I chuckled. “I should just play it safe and go shopping.”“Not necessary. There’s already been a wardrobe prepared for you in Penevia.”“Of course.” I breathed, feeling anxious. These people were more prepared than I would ever be. How did they even know my size?“I want to bring my
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Chapter 14

Roman“It looks like everything is going the way you wanted.” Brandon squuezed my shoulder, acknowledging my win.In the royal hall stood mother and Lord Crawford with a small entourage to organize the royal banquet, which would also serve as an engagement party.“I don’t know, Brandon.” I felt unsure. “When has mother ever been so easy and accepting about anything?”“You do need an heir, so I guess she doesn’t really mind Audrey’s background.”“Perhaps.”Bringing Audrey and Mars to the airport and leaving them in Dalton’s care was the right thing to do. Royal wedding preparations were known to be demanding and exhausting. They would need the break.I also believed I needed the break and had not expected to feel this empty. I guess I got used to Mars’ laughter and Audrey’s offensive but also hilarious remarks.Especially after receiving the news confirming that Mars and I were a perfect match and that he was, indeed, my son. Of course, I did not doubt that for a second, but having it
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Chapter 15

Audrey “So you’re actually marrying a prince?” Before flying back to Penevia, I had met up with my best and only friend, Kennedy, at a local diner to tell her about my engagement.It was better she heard it from me than the news or a silly invitation through the mail.“Yes,” I confirmed for the fifth time in a row. “Marsie will be the new crown prince of Penevia?” She twirled her finger around her platinum blonde hair, still in denial.“Yes!” Except for the part where Roman and I weren’t really in love, I told her everything.Kennedy squealed. “Oh my god, Audrey!” She gathered the attention of the people around us.Widening my eyes, I wrapped my hand around her wrist. “Keep it down. It’s still a secret.” If this came out before the royal banquet, it would put me in a bad light.“What do you mean it’s still a secret?” Kennedy slammed her hands on the table, scrunching her nose at the word, secret. “My best friend, a princess?”We had known each other since high school. She was famous
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Chapter 16

AudreyI could hardly believe it myself, but after much struggle, we reached the private jet. Mars was already fast asleep, the plane was in the air, and Dalton was pacing back and forth while on the phone with some Penevian authority.“I want you to find out the person responsible at once!” He said. “Double the security in Penevia. The crown prince must remain unharmed.”Unharmed…That was something I couldn’t do. I was selfish and let go of my son when he needed me the most.The way Mars called out to me when I put him down broke my heart, and I couldn’t stop thinking about it.Feeling the tears prick in my eyes, I got up from my seat and nearly ran to a secluded area.Once I ensured no one was around, I leaned to the wall, sank to the floor, and buried my head in my hands.I let it all out. Tears streamed down my face, and I felt a heavy weight in my chest. My thoughts were consumed by my mistake, and the guilt was overwhelming.The pain and disappointment I had caused were overwhe
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Chapter 17

AudreyIt was a busy week. Between all the silly etiquette classes the queen had planned for me, the endless dress fittings, and the responsibility of becoming a member of the royal family, I couldn’t take it anymore and was slowly going insane.Mars, who was well-loved and well-mannered (which came as a surprise, considering he was mine) seemed to be adjusting well, and everyone loved him.Even though my engagement with Roman got spilled before the royal banquet, the feast had still been planned to officially introduce us to the public and the Penevian officials.Luckily, I hadn’t seen that much of Dalton as we had been avoiding each other like the plague—but it was hard to forget about that kiss. Whenever time I closed my eyes, I would see Dalton and my cheeks would flush. On the contrary, in my nightmares, I saw Roman and wanted to slap the shit out of him.All went well in avoiding Dalton until I caught him waiting in front of the door of my etiquette class.“Are we done for toda
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Chapter 18

Audrey"Just make it disappear, let it go. I don’t want to hear about it anymore." I took the easy way out. There was also a third option, which consisted of me planting my fist in Rina’s face—but before I would do that, I was willing to give her one more chance."Sure." Dalton smiled, completely unaware."Dalton?""Yes?""What would’ve happened if you told your father about it?" The Penevian way of handling things had my curiosity."He would’ve found out the reason for Rina’s actions, and he would’ve tried to prevent the royal wedding from happening." Dalton explained. "He’s an old-school person. Not a big fan of infidelity scandals or fake relationships."Was anyone?"I get it." I hadn’t expected anything less from Penevians. On the bright side, at least the betrayal didn’t come from Kennedy or my sister. After reconsidering the suspects, they were high on my list, and after listening to Dalton’s options, I was pretty sure someone with off their status would not have it as easy as M
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Chapter 19

Roman Glancing at Mars, I couldn't help but smile, noticing he shared the same eating habits as Audrey. Both took big bites, chewing loudly with food clinging to their mouths, and I had to say—it was adorable. For the first time, Audrey, Mars, and I were having dinner as a family on the grand balcony in my room. It wasn't something special, but after she had worked so hard to prepare for her role as crown princess, it was the least I could do. Believe it or not, I actually felt guilty for putting her through it all. I gently patted my son's head, still trying to process the fact that I was a father. That little boy, he was mine and I was starting to come to terms with it. Audrey suddenly looked up, her mouth full of food. "What's wrong, Roman?" I chuckled softly and wiped her mouth with a napkin, shaking my head. "You eat messier than our five-year-old," I teased. "That's what's wrong." She rolled her eyes. "After everything I've done for you, I think I'm allowed to eat however I
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Chapter 20

RomanAs Mars, Leo, and I walked through the palace gardens, I couldn't help but think about Audrey. A few days had passed, and we had not interacted, and it was almost time for the royal banquet.Once in a while, I would steal a glance at her and watch her with Dalton, who she had been spending an awful lot of time with. I wanted to believe my friend was only looking out for her, but their friendship bothered me more than I cared to admit.Why could she allow herself to get close to him, but not me?"Daddy, can we go outside the palace?" Mars interrupted my thoughts, looking up at me with hopeful eyes.Guilt washed over me, knowing I couldn’t fulfill his request. He was just a child, he deserved his freedom—but unfortunately, Penevia just wasn’t big enough to go unnoticed.Especially now, with the royal banquet around the corner, we just couldn’t take any risks.It wasn’t fair to him, and yes, I was a hypocrite, a horrible person, absolutely terrible—because I brought him into this s
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