Page 10 of Matched with the Grumpy Secret Prince

I fold a soft cashmere sweater and set it in one of the suitcases, pausing as I glance around the room. The view outside the floor-to-ceiling windows is just as breathtaking as ever, but it doesn’t pull at me the way it used to.

My phone buzzes on the nightstand, pulling me from my thoughts. I grab it and see Mia’s name flashing across the screen.

“Hey,” I answer, tucking the phone between my shoulder and ear as I zip up one of the smaller bags.

“Hey, Soph,” Mia says, her voice bright. “Just wanted to check in and see if you’ve booked your flight yet.”

“First class, of course,” I reply, grinning as I toss a pair of shoes into another suitcase. “I leave Thursday morning.”

“Perfect,” she says. “I’ll be at the airport to pick you up. Don’t worry about a thing.”

“Thanks,” I say, sitting on the edge of the bed. “I appreciate it.”

“You’re doing the hard part,” she says, her tone softening. “Coming back after all this time will be good for you, Soph. I know it.”

I let out a small sigh, brushing a strand of hair out of my face. “I hope you’re right.”

“I’m always right,” she teases.

I laugh, shaking my head. “I’ll see you Thursday.”

“See you soon,” she says before hanging up.

Thursday comes faster than expected, and by the time I’m zipping up the last suitcase, I feel excitement and nervousness swirling in my chest as I think about Bardstown. I grab my phone and quickly dial Claire.

“Hello, Claire. Have you thoroughly planned my itinerary for the next three months? I’ve been expecting an email from you.”

“I’m so sorry. I’m waiting for confirmation from a few other clients before fine-tuning everything, but with your schedule, I think working from Bardstown for the next three months shouldn’t be too much of a hassle,” Claire says as I nod.

“That’s great news. I expect to receive the email very soon. I need to plan on my end, too.”

“Definitely. And have a safe trip,” she says as I smile.

“Thank you, Claire.” I end the call.

I grab my carry-on and wheel it toward the door, taking one last look around the penthouse. The sunlight streams through the windows, casting long shadows across the polished floors. For years, this space has been my sanctuary, the place where I built my life, my career, and my identity.

But now, as I stand in the doorway, it feels like a chapter ready to close.

“See you in three months,” I say softly, my voice echoing in the empty room. I pause, a small smile tugging at the corners of my lips.

I pull the door shut behind me, the finality of the sound settling over me like a weight lifting. It’s not goodbye, not really. But it’s enough to feel like a step forward.

“Good morning, Sophie.” The doorman greets me downstairs with a smile as he helps me load my luggage into the waiting car. “It feels like you’re leaving us for a while this time.”

I laugh. “Not really. It’s just a well-deserved short break. Trust me, I’ll be back before you know it.”

“I will miss you.” He smiles. Gary has been working here for almost four years. He’s considerate and well-spoken, and that’s just the kind of person I like dealing with.

“You saying that makes me want to cancel my flight,” I respond, placing a hand on my chest to be dramatic.

Gary puts the last of my suitcases in the car and nods. “All set. Have a lovely trip.”

“I will. Thank you.”

I slip into the backseat, the soft leather cool against my skin, and let out a slow breath. The city rushes past as the car heads toward the airport, the familiar sights blurring into one another. The car pulls up to the terminal, and I step out, squaring my shoulders as I grab my carry-on.

Bardstown, here I come.

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