Page 78 of The Reluctant Wife

The man is an annoyingly enticing mix of alpha-maleness and tenderness. He’s grumpy and growly to the world, but when it comes to me, there’s a softer side to him that takes me by surprise every time. I smooth down the fabric of my dress, trying to order my thoughts.

"Anyway, it is what it is." I shrug. "I didn’t ask to be born into this family, but since I was, I have a responsibility."And so does he.

He promised to look out for me, and if marrying me is what it takes to keep his word, then he’s going to do it. As long as thepeople after me are out there, he’ll stay with me. And after that—? I’ll have to cross that bridge when I come to it. Meanwhile, there's a tiny part of me hoping he doesn't track down whoever it is; that they just disappear, and he sticks around because he hasn't found them yet.

There’s another knock on the door. Shoot, I lost track of time talking to Zoey. "I have to?—"

"—go." She nods.

"I’ll be in touch." I blow her a kiss, then disconnect the call. Walking to the settee, I slide my phone into my handbag, then take it in hand, walk to the door and open it.

"Your Royal Highness." Veronica curtsies.

I resist the urge to roll my eyes. “I’ve told you many times, you don’t need to call me by that title. You also don’t need to curtsy.”

Her expression turns crestfallen. “B-but, Ma’am, protocol and the dignity of your office require that I do.”

Sometimes, I forget that Veronica is from Verenza. She’s used to having royalty in her life. I'll bet, like many of the citizens of my country, she looks upon the Royal Family as having almost mythical proportions. The media makes sure of that.

Little does she know the sacrifices it takes. Little does she know how unnatural it is to be born into this family and have everyone bow and scrape around you or treat you like you’ve achieved something extraordinary by being born into this life. A life that’s mine purely by accident of birth.

“Besides, you’re a real-life princess,” she bursts out.

Yep. She’s totally brainwashed by the hype surrounding the Royal Family. “Being a princess is not all it’s cut out to be.” I sigh. “While it might seem dazzling and very Disney-like, the reality is, I’m hemmed in by restrictions and feel like I’m living in a gilded cage.”

She pinches her lips together. “I’d give anything to live a single day in your shoes,” she huffs. Then her cheeks redden when she realizes she spoke out loud.

“Would you?” I ask, more curious than upset with her words. Perhaps, a little creeped out at the fervent look in her eyes. She’s always been over-committed to her role. But I don’t recall her being this fascinated by the royalty aspect of my life before.

Her gaze lights up. “It’s the only thing I’ve wanted to be since I was five.” She nods vigorously.

Something in her tone sends a prickle of unease down my back. “You want to be a princess?

“Only in my dreams. I know, it’s not possible in real life.” She flashes me a smile that’s so over-eager, it makes me take a step back. Then, she laughs and adds, "Unless you know of a prince looking to marry…"

What?! Did she sabotage things because she wants to be with Gavin?Was it her idea to send him to the safe house? Maybe she was hoping he'd catch me doing something with Ryot, call off the wedding, and then, she could swoop in? My thoughts whirl about in my head.

When I don't respond, she continues.

“It’s why, when I saw the job advertised on the Royal Family website, I applied right away. And I’m so glad I did.” She locks her fingers together, adulation evident on her features. “I didn’t think someone as ordinary as me would ever be able to work in proximity to such beauty and status, but here I am. Too bad about Gavin, of course.”

Something in her tone pings another flurry of disquiet across my nerve-endings.Why does she care about Gavin?For that matter, why would he call her to get to me? Surely, he knew how to contact Fred directly. I mentally shake my head.

This is ridiculous. I've already been through this. He probably couldn't reach Fred and was anxious to locate me. I’m letting my fears cloud my thinking.

Veronica has been nothing but helpful since she joined my team. So what, if she's overzealous at times. She’s my assistant; she’s supposed to go the extra mile to ensure I don’t mess up my schedule, right?

“Not that you could have married him; not after what he did to you. And this, on top of the threat and the assassination attempt?” She shakes her head. Her features take on a look of concern, and she bites her lip.

Her running through the list of events that have shaken me in the last few weeks pumps up my blood pressure. My stomach churns. My fingers tremble, and I have to lock them together. She’s right. Itisa lot. To be threatened, shot at, and then to have your hitherto harmless fiancé turn on you, while having to maintain the princess façade with the media, is enough to causeanyonea nervous breakdown.No wonder, I'm getting suspicious of her.

“You poor thing. You must be so shaken.” Her gaze is earnest. “I’m so sorry you’re going through this.”

She seems really concerned about me. The expression on her features feels genuine. Enough for me to push aside my unease.While we have a strictly professional relationship, it stands to reason that something as big as Gavin no longer being in the picture would warrant, at least, a comment from her, right?I push aside the concern—what's done is done—and hold my bag out to her.

She accepts it. "They’re waiting for you, Your Royal Highness.” She bobs her head again. On the other hand, her bowing and scraping sets my teeth on edge. It feels so… Insincere.

"I am the princess. I'm allowed to be late, aren’t I?" I say in a haughty tone to mask the annoyance I feel.

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