Page 1 of Matched with the Grumpy Secret Prince

SOPHIE

Another satisfied client.

“Thank you very much, Mr. Huntington. It’s been a pleasure working with you.” I extend my hand for a shake as he takes it.

“I really love the way the decoration mirrors everything I hoped for,” he says. “My wife is absolutely in love with your work. You’re a great event planner.”

I smile, pleased at the compliment, and thank him again for the project.

“It’s been great working with you too. You came highly recommended, and I’m glad you did not fall through. I’ll see you around.”

That said, he walks away from me, finally giving me the room to sit on the leather chair for a bit. I let out a breath of relief. I watch the door close as he leaves before I start packing up. This is one of the main reasons I love to meet with clients personally after working together. It feels good to get reviews on my own.

Finally grabbing the last of my stuff, I strut out of the complex where my office is. There isn’t much work to do today because it’s just the start of the new year, and I have only been in to meet with Mr. Huntington. My staff has yet to resume work for the year, so work is still slow, and I’m ensuring that all our present clients are satisfied before bringing in new clientele for the year.

The only sound I can hear is the clicking of my red heels on the white marble floors as I walk over to where my Mercedes is parked. I get in and head to my penthouse in Manhattan.

Driving through the area, I remember how I felt the first time I arrived. Seven years ago, I was so tired of Bardstown; it felt too familiar. I was starting to feel too comfortable back there, and I knew I was badly in need of a fresh start somewhere new where I could push myself, so I took the risk of leaving. I left my sister Mia and brother Sam. Looking back, I didn’t just leave because I wanted to make something of myself. It was more about me leaving my comfort zone, Bardstown, and proving to my siblings and even myself that I could pursue my dreams here in Manhattan on my own. Mia has visited me a few times and keeps me in the loop.

The not-so-great part, however, was missing Sam’s wedding. I was working with a client who had the time to fly me and my team out of town, and I couldn’t even make it if I tried. That’s the moment I felt like I wronged my brother.

Seven years of hard work and dedication have led to a successful event-planning business.

By the time I get to my penthouse, I’m tired and want to be cuddled up in bed. I make it into my home and breathe in the familiar scent of vanilla. Coming home to my penthouse on days like this makes the hustle and bustle all worth it. I’ve just setmy Louis Vuitton bag on the kitchen counter, taken off my shoes and I’m about to grab myself a glass of water to drink when my phone starts vibrating inside it. I turn back around and fiddle through my bag before finally finding it.

Ethan.

I answer the phone with a bright smile. “Hey, you!”

I’m surprised my cousin is calling. It's not that we don’t talk regularly—my family is pretty close-knit, even with extended family members—but I can feel something is up with Ethan.

He’s been surprising me and the rest of the family a lot lately. I was even more surprised when he moved to Bardstown a couple of months ago and started dating the love of his life. Mia never leaves anything out when she visits, even when we talk on the phone.

“Is that how you speak to the latest groom?” he asks, chuckling, and I gasp.

“Groom?! Ethan, oh my goodness!” I scream over the phone as he laughs. “I didn’t know how much I needed this great news until now—another family wedding! Congratulations!”

He laughs, the deep, warm sound of someone truly happy. “Yeah, Soph. I popped the question to Riley last week, and she said yes.”

I lean against the counter, already smiling. “Oh my gosh, Ethan, this is amazing! I mean, you have really stepped up. When’s the big day?”

“In three months,” he replies, his excitement tinged with nervousness. “It’ll be in Bardstown, and I want you there. Ineedyou there.”

“You don’t even have to ask,” I say without hesitation. “Of course, I’ll be there. There’s no way I’d miss your wedding. It would be a great chance to catch up with family again, especially since I haven’t seen my brother in forever.”

“That’s true. He’s still on his honeymoon, but Mia was in Manhattan about a month ago, right?”

“Yes, and she nearly drove me crazy. But I loved having her around,” I say in between laughs.

“I can imagine how that went, but seeing as you grew up together, it wasn’t your first rodeo. She nearly drove me mad when I first moved to Bardstown. She and Aunt Dotty. Anyway, I can’t wait for you to meet Riley properly. You’re going to love her, Soph. She’s everything I didn’t know I needed.”

I smile softly, his words tugging at something deep inside me. It’s been so long since I heard Ethan sound this grounded, this sure of himself. He’s always been the wanderer, the one chasing excitement and dodging responsibility. And now, here he is, talking about building a life with someone.

“I’m so happy for you, Ethan,” I say, my voice sincere.

“Thanks, Soph,” he says, his tone softening. “But enough about me—how are you? Still enjoying the city without me?”

I withhold a groan. Not him reminding me about how he just got up and left New York again. I mean, I don’t blame Ethan for what he did. My cousin has been through a lot at the hands of his parents, and moving to Bardstown has done him a lot of good.

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