Lucian let out a heavy sigh, running a hand through his hair. “Look, Celestia… how about we just give each other more time? Honestly, I’m not ready for this. I’m going through so much right now, and I don’t even know where my head’s at. Adding something this serious to my plate it’s just too much.”
He paused, searching for the right words to soften the rejection. “And besides, we barely know each other. Let’s take things slow, you know? Get to know each other better. There’s no rush, right?” He tried to smile, hoping his words would come across as reasonable and considerate.
In truth, the weight of everything was suffocating him. Celestia had already said she was willing to give up so much for him her princess title, her position, everything. How could he keep pushing back when she was willing to sacrifice so much? Yet, he couldn’t bring himself to say yes. The thought of entering into something so serious terrified him. He was afraid afraid of hurting himself, afraid of feeling that kind of pain again, afraid of failing.
Across the table, Celestia narrowed her eyes, her expression unreadable. For a moment, Lucian thought she might finally take a step back, but then she spoke, her voice as sweet as honey, her tone soft and affectionate. Yet, her eyes… her eyes carried an unmistakable warning.
“First of all, Lucian,” she began, her smile widening ever so slightly, “there’s something very important you need to understand.”
Lucian gulped, his instincts screaming that danger was approaching.what might it be
“Do not call me Celestia or be this formal,” she said, her voice still sweet but laced with an unsettling finality. “Call me wifey, or honey. Even sweetheart or love will do. Those are the only names I’ll accept from you, and only you can call me that. Consider yourself lucky.”
Lucian stared at her, stunned into silence.
he thought it must be something serious but this…sighhh what was i even expecting
“And second,” she continued, leaning forward slightly, her gaze locked onto his, “as I’ve already said before… I’m not asking you to marry me. I’m telling you. You have no choice in this, whatsoever. So don’t even try to refuse me, Lucian.” Her tone remained gentle, almost loving, but the dangerous glint in her eyes made it clear she wasn’t joking.
Lucian swallowed hard, shifting uncomfortably in his seat. “But… but…” he stammered, struggling to find the right words. “You know I don’t have any feelings for you right now. Don’t you think it’s better if we give it some time? I mean, you’d want me to love you and only you, right? Shouldn’t we”
“Feelings can be developed,” Celestia interrupted smoothly, dismissing his argument without hesitation. “Once we’re married, I’ll make sure you fall in love with me. Completely and utterly.” Her tone was resolute, leaving no room for debate.
Lucian leaned back slightly, trying to create some distance between them as he raised his hands in a defensive gesture. “Hey, hey, don’t rush this! Please, can’t we just slow down? I’m really not in a place for this right now,” he said, his voice pleading, hoping she’d understand.
Celestia tilted her head, her serene smile never wavering. “Lucian,” she said softly, her voice still as sweet as ever, “I don’t think you understand. This isn’t about whether you’re ready or not. It’s about what I want. And I want you. So we’ll get married, whether you’re ready now or later.”
Lucian blinked at her, utterly at a loss. How had things spiraled into this? He didn’t know whether to feel flattered, alarmed, or utterly defeated. One thing was for sure, though Celestia was completely serious.
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Lucian sighed heavily, rubbing his temples in frustration. “But I really can’t… You need to understand, Celestia,” he said, his voice carrying the weight of his internal struggle. “Just give me some time to think this through. Please.”
Celestia’s serene smile didn’t waver, but her eyes betrayed the intensity of her emotions. “Do you want me to send a royal decree to the Kane family’s doorstep right now?” she asked sweetly, though her words were anything but kind.
Lucian froze, his heart skipping a beat. “Hey, hey, don’t be like that,” he said quickly, trying to diffuse the tension. “Just give me a little more time, okay? I’m really not ready yet.”
The thought of a royal decree landing on his family’s doorstep sent chills down his spine. The Kane family would be thrust into the spotlight, and either way, the fallout would be disastrous. If he accepted her proposal, the whispers and judgment would follow him everywhere He’s not worthy of her. How dare he marry someone of her status? On the other hand, if he refused, the criticism would be even worse What an ungrateful fool! Rejecting a princess? Is he insane?
Lucian could already imagine the endless stream of gossip and criticism, and it made his stomach churn. “This situation is a nightmare,” he muttered under his breath, trembling slightly at the thought of being caught between Celestia’s insistence and the judgment of the world.
He sighed deeply, a sense of helplessness washing over him. He wished he could just run away from all of this, but there was nowhere to go. The intensity of Celestia’s gaze rooted him in place, and he felt like prey in the sights of a predator.
Across the table, Celestia’s clenched fists rested beneath the table, out of sight. Though her face wore a sweet, patient smile, her thoughts were anything but calm. A storm of frustration and anger swirled inside her as she silently seethed.
Why doesn’t he understand? she thought, her nails digging into her palms. I’m the best person for him. Why does he keep making excuses, rejecting me again and again?
Her mind raced with a mix of dark thoughts and wild ideas. What should I do? What will it take to make him fall for me completely? she wondered, growing more annoyed with each passing moment. Her frustration boiled over into a dangerous sort of determination.
I need a plan… something foolproof… something that will leave him with no choice but to be mine.
Her thoughts turned darker, a sinister plan beginning to form in her mind. What if I drugged him… took him straight to a hotel… and then made him take responsibility? Yes… yes, that could work.
Her eyes glinted with a dangerous light, though her face remained calm and composed. He’d have no choice after that. Once it’s done, it’s done. And he wouldn’t be able to argue anymore. Yes, that’s it.
But then she remembered something that made her plan crumble. Damn it. I didn’t bring anything with me today. I should’ve been more prepared… next time, though. Next time, I’ll make sure everything is perfect.
Lucian, oblivious to her dark musings, suddenly shivered as a strange chill ran down his spine. He looked around the restaurant, his eyes darting from one corner to the next.
“What the hell was that?” he muttered, feeling an unshakable sense of dread settle over him. He couldn’t put his finger on it, but something felt off.
He rubbed his arms, trying to shake the unease. Why do I feel like I’m in danger? he thought to himself. The sensation was so intense it made his pulse quicken.
Across the table, Celestia’s smile widened ever so slightly, her sweet demeanor never faltering. “Is something wrong, Lucian?” she asked innocently, tilting her head in mock concern.
Lucian forced a chuckle, shaking his head. “No, no, it’s nothing,” he said, though he couldn’t shake the eerie feeling creeping through his mind. What the hell is going on here?
“And again… why did you call me by my name?” Celestia asked, her sweet tone masking the offense clearly written across her face. Her eyes narrowed slightly, adding a subtle edge to her words. “Didn’t I just tell you not to be formal with me? Call me wifey from now on,” she demanded, leaning closer, her gaze unwavering.
Lucian blinked, his mind scrambling for a response. “Sigh… ahh… well…” he muttered, avoiding her piercing gaze. He could feel the weight of her expectations pressing down on him, and it only made the situation more suffocating.
Sensing he needed to shift the conversation, he forced a smile and tried a different approach. “Alright, alright. Let’s put this aside for now,” he said, holding up his hands in mock surrender. “How about this we get to know each other better? I mean, this is our first time meeting face-to-face, right? It only makes sense to learn more about each other.”
He paused, gauging her reaction before continuing. “What do you think?”
Lucian’s suggestion wasn’t entirely genuine. Deep down, he was trying to manipulate the conversation, steering it away from her relentless and embarrassing questions. The thought of her persistence made his skin crawl, and he felt cornered.
Hell, this is so awkward, he thought, swallowing hard. But dealing with her endless questions is definitely worse than this.
Sighhh, he thought again, his shoulders slumping under the weight of the situation. Why does this feel so hopeless?
For a brief moment, he entertained the idea of simply running away. But then he imagined the fallout a royal decree, her wrath, or worse, the judgment of everyone around him. That wasn’t an option.
I just want to cry, he thought bitterly, clenching his jaw. But of course, no tears come. Figures. ƒreeωebnovel.ƈom
—–
sighh guys only one ch for day… don’t complain exams are going on
i wrote this chapter with so much efforts…sighh man never knew i would get this busy in my free lazy life
but guess sign
thanks for reading…cry sobbs