Page 15 of The Billionaire's Royal Secret

He found himself smiling again. But even with just pizza planned, he would find a way to make it special.

His phone chimed as he considered options. He lifted it to find a message waiting for him.I hope you’re picking a fabulous pizza place because this will be my first pizza.

He laughed out loud at the message before he typed back:You’re joking. First hot dog AND first pizza?

Her response came quickly.I am not. I told you my parents were strict. So, you’d better pick the best pizza in Sterling City.

He kicked off his covers and swung hislegs over the bed as he typed the next message.Oh, I plan on it. I’m trying to impress you.

He left his phone behind as he shuffled into the bathroom for a shower before he pulled on his office attire. He checked his phone, finding Ellie’s response on the screen.Are you? Is that all the worry over fanciness, then?

He arched an eyebrow at the screen as he typed.It might be. Isn’t that how guys impress girls? Fancy things and extravagant gifts.

His heart skipped a beat as he slid his phone into his pocket. He wondered what she’d answer. Would it change his mind about her?

His mind crafted a response, one he certainly would have received from Chloe.Of course. Girls love sparkly baubles and fancy dinners. That’s how you sweep a girl off her feet.

As he headed down the stairs for breakfast, he wondered if he could stomach it. He chewed his lower lip as he waited for the response.

His phone chimed as he poured his coffee from the buffet and sat down at his place at the table. A maid delivered his usual breakfast, and he stared down at it. The answer to his question burned a hole in his pocket. His stomach churned as he wondered what the message said.

He picked up his fork but couldn’t bring himself to stab at his scrambled eggs. Instead, he let the utensil clatter to his plate as he dug into his pocket.

He blew out a heavy breath as he powered on the display and stared at the message waiting on the lock screen. His heart lifted as he breathed a sigh of relief.I don’t know what information you have been given, but this girl is not impressed by fancy things or extravagant gifts.

The smile wouldn’t leave his face as he typed back.Oh, yeah? Was I given false information? What are you impressed by then?

With the weight lifted, he dove into his breakfast, the smile tattooed on his face.

His mother flitted into the room a moment later, side-eyeing him as she poured her coffee. “Well, we’re in a chipper mood today.”

“I’m not drinking,” he answered reflexively.

His mother eased into her usual chair, eyeing him over the rim of her teacup. “I didn’t say you were.”

“Sorry,” he said with a shake of his head.

“Good morning, Victoria,” his father said as he entered the room, kissing his wife on the cheek before he headed for the coffee. He shifted his gaze between them. “Everyone’s all smiles today.”

“I assume that’s because Nate actually made it through the day yesterday without ending up at the bottom of a bottle,” his younger brother, Stephen, said as he strode into the room.

Stephen’s sneer, a familiar sight at the breakfast table, cut deeper today. Nathan’s mood soured a little as his brother plopped down diagonally from him at the table. His grip on his fork tightened, a silent testament to their fractured bond–one strained not just by past actions.

“Oh, or are we all trying to be supportive because you had to drag him from a bar yesterday? Or maybe an alley.”

“Stephen, that was unnecessary,” his father said as he took his seat at the head of the table. “Let’s not rehash old grievances.”

The plea for peace, subtle but strong, hinted at the undercurrent of unresolved tension that remained palpable between the brothers.

“Was it?”

Nathan let his fork clatter to his plate again, clasping one hand over a fist as he leaned forwardagainst the table. “You’ll be happy to know, brother, that I am stone-cold sober and have been for nearly four months.”

“Well, someone get him a medal,” Stephen answered. “Or maybe one of those cute little chips you get to carry around that says you’re a recovering loser.”

“That is enough,” Victoria said, her voice firm.

“I’m heading in early,” Nate said as he rose from the table. “Dad, I’ll see you at the office.”

---