Chapter 3
So that's how it is. He wouldn't even spare me the tiniest shred of dignity,' I thought bitterly.
I stood up.
Under everyone's gaze, I picked up my glass and walked over to Mia.
I looked at her and smiled.
"My family's business is really none of your concern," I said.
"But since you seem so interested, I'll tell you anyway."
I paused, my gaze shifting to Mike Smith. He was watching me, his brow slightly furrowed.
I raised my glass to him.
"Because he disgusts me," I said.
With that, I drained my glass in one swift motion.
Then, in the dead silence of the hall, I strode out without looking back.
This time, I gave up even the last shred of dignity.
Storming out of the banquet like that was like dropping a bomb.
The big shots in Newk were probably about to lose their minds.
But I didn't care.
Better to let my reputation go up in flames than let my heart turn to ash.
Back at Prince Manor, I told Emma, "Pack up everything we need."
"Grab everything important. We're heading back to Princess Manor," I said.
When I got married, Oliver kept the Princess Manor outside the palace for me, as a sign of his favor.
Seven years had passed, and I'd never gone back.
But tonight, it was finally time.
Emma looked both surprised and delighted. "Princess, you mean we're not staying here anymore?"
"We're not staying," I said.
I looked around the cold bedroom I'd lived in for seven years, feeling not a shred of nostalgia.
From now on, we're never living here again.
We moved quickly.
To me, there was nothing here worth taking along.
Just as Emma and I were about to step out of Prince Manor.
Mike came back.
He looked like he'd rushed here, his silvery blue robe still carrying the chill of the night wind.
He looked even more upset than usual.
Even worse than he looked on our wedding night.
He blocked my path, his gaze heavy as he stared at the two bags by my feet.
"Princess, where are you going?" he asked, his voice low.
"I'm going back to Princess Manor," I said, meeting his eyes with a calm I barely felt. "Mr. Smith, from tonight on, we're living separate lives."
His eyes narrowed suddenly, shock flashing across his face.
"Stop this madness!" Mike growled.
His voice was low, simmering with suppressed rage.
For seven years, he'd never spoken to me so harshly.
"You know perfectly well whether I'm making a scene or not," I said, forcing a bitter smile. "Mike, I'm done playing this game with you. I'm just so tired."
With those words, I brushed past him and walked out.
But he reached out and seized my wrist.
His hand was icy cold, and his grip was like a steel clamp.
"I forbid it," Mike said, his words clipped and deliberate.
His voice carried a barely noticeable tremor as he spoke.
I fought to get free, but his grip was like iron—I couldn't shake him off.
"Let go!" I shouted, my voice sharp with anger.
"No," Mike replied, his grip tightening, voice icy and stubborn.
We were stuck in a tense standoff right at the front door of Prince Manor.
The servants around us were so terrified, they all fell to their knees, heads bowed, not daring to even glance our way.
Just then, a squad of Military guards on horseback thundered up and reined in at the gate.
Leading them was my General, Noah Johnson.
When Noah saw Mike Smith gripping my wrist, his expression darkened and he instantly drew his blade.
"Mr. Smith! Release the Princess!" Noah barked, his voice sharp and commanding.
Dozens of guards drew their swords as one, their blades flashing cold under the moonlight.
These personal guards were assigned to me by my father back when he was still on the throne.
They answer to no one but me.
Mike Smith's expression grew even more grim as he stared down the cold, gleaming blades pointed right at him.
But he still refused to release his grip.
"This is a private matter. There's no need for you to interfere, General Noah," Mike said, his tone icy and authoritative.
"When it comes to the Princess, nothing is ever just 'private business'!" Noah said, not budging an inch.
The atmosphere was electric—everyone was on edge, like a fight could break out any second.
I knew we couldn't keep dragging this out.
If people found out the Princess and Mr. Smith were fighting in public, and I brought in my private troops, Oliver would be in deep trouble.
I took a deep breath and looked straight at Mike.
"Mike, what do you really want from me?" I asked, my voice steady but worn out.
He looked at me, his eyes full of mixed emotions.
After a long pause, he finally released me.
"It's too late tonight. The city gates are already locked," Mike said, his voice hoarse. "I'll escort you back to Princess Manor at dawn."
That was the biggest concession he could make.
I nodded.
"Alright," I said.
After all, I didn't get to leave that night.
But it didn't matter.
Once the sun came up, I'd go see Oliver.
This time, nobody's gonna stand in my way.
The next morning, I was up before the sun even showed its face.
I didn't bother waiting for Mike Smith. I had a carriage prepared, grabbed Emma, and made straight for the palace.
The road was clear—no one dared to get in our way.
When I arrived outside the Library, I was stopped at the entrance.
The butler was standing guard at the door, bowing respectfully as I approached.
"Princess, The emperor is currently discussing official business with Mr. Smith. Please wait here for a moment," The butler said.
Mike Smith, again,' I thought, feeling my patience wearing thin.
He's like a ghost that just won't go away,' I muttered under my breath.
I nodded and slipped into a side hall to wait.
I waited for about half an hour, but still, no one came out.
Growing impatient, I headed out to the corridor outside the Library.
The window was left slightly ajar.
I could faintly hear voices drifting out.
Before I knew it, I walked over and leaned in close to the gap in the window.
The first voice I heard was Oliver's, sounding resigned and exasperated.