Page 66 of Matched with the Grumpy Secret Prince

My mother tilts her head slightly, her keen eyes locking onto mine. “Someone important?”

I nod, swallowing hard. “The most important.”

Isaac raises an eyebrow, leaning back in his chair. “So that’s what’s got you looking like a man with a death sentence.”

I let out a breathy laugh, shaking my head. “If I don’t get back soon… I might lose her forever.”

My father, who has remained mostly silent, finally speaks. “Then why are you still here?”

I shift in my seat, my chest tightening. “I needed to see you all first.” I pause, glancing between them. “And I needed to say… I’m sorry.”

My father’s expression remains unreadable, but my mother’s face softens immediately.

I clear my throat, gripping the edges of the table. “I shouldn’t have cut off communication. I left, and I never looked back, and I—” My voice wavers, but I push through it. “I should have done better. I should have been better.”

My mother reaches across the table and places her hand over mine. Her touch is warm and steady, filled with the kind of love that has never wavered, even after all these years. “You’re here now,” she says softly. That’s what matters.”

I shake my head. “I can’t promise I’ll be here all the time.” My gaze flickers to my father, then Isaac. “But I swear—I’ll do better.”

A beat of silence.

Then my father nods. Just once. Just enough.

Isaac smirks slightly, swirling his wine. “About time.”

The heaviness in my chest eases just a little.

Dinner continues after that. The conversation is lighter, and the tension is not entirely gone, but it is less suffocating. I tell them about Bardstown, about the life I built away from the castle, andfor the first time in years, I feel like they actually see me—not just as a prince, not just as an obligation, but as me.

Eventually, the plates are cleared, and the night winds down. My mother hugs me tightly before I leave, her fingers lingering on my arm. “Come back soon, my love.”

My father clasps my shoulder, his grip firm but warmer than I expected. “Be well, son.”

Isaac follows me to the entrance, watching as I grab my bag. “Try not to screw it up with her, yeah?” His voice is teasing, but there’s something genuine beneath it.

I huff a quiet laugh, shaking my head.

Because he’s right.

I have unfinished business in Bardstown.

I need to make things right with Sophie.

SOPHIE

Bardstown is buzzing.

Everywhere I go, there’s a tangible energy in the air that comes with the anticipation of a wedding so close you can almost hear the church bells ringing. The town square is livelier than usual, the bakeries are working overtime to accommodate last-minute dessert orders, and even the smallest boutiques have their windows decorated with white lace and soft floral displays.

Two days.

In just two days, Ethan and Riley will stand in front of their family and friends and say forever.

And me? I’ll be the one making sure the day goes perfectly.

No pressure.

I push open the door to Mia’s flower shop, the little bell above jingling as I step inside. The scent of fresh peonies and roses greets me instantly, but I don’t have time to stop and appreciate it.

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