Chapter 3

My heart skipped a beat, snapping me out of the comments. My eyes darted to the entrance in the distance.

Footsteps echoed, and within moments, Julian walked over.

His large, calloused hand rested on Edmund's shoulder.

He narrowed his eyes, a cryptic smile tugging at his lips. "Mr. Wade, what brings you here?"

[Julian thought he was too harsh earlier, so he came with a gift to win Isabelle back, only to see her drinking by the lake with Edmund. What a classic love triangle moment! I love it.]

[Hey Julian, Edmund said he's taking Isabelle out horseback riding on the grasslands.]

I stood up and bowed. "Your Highness, what brings you here?"

But Julian didn't even glance at me. His eyes were locked on Edmund, his voice icy. "Mr. Wade, you haven't answered my question."

Julian's firm grip on Edmund's shoulder kept him from getting up to bow or even turning around to respond.

I wondered if I should step in and explain things for Edmund.

Just then, a Comment popped up: [Isabelle, don't say a word to defend Edmund. If you do, Julian will think you're into Edmund and taking sides, which will only make him even more jealous.]

Was that so?

Maybe I should listen to the Comments this time.

After all, ever since they popped up, they'd only been here to watch the drama or give me tips, with no ill intentions toward me.

I looked at Julian and invited, "Your Highness, it's getting late. Want to grab dinner together?"

Julian's eyes lit up with excitement. He grinned, "Sure."

It was just dinner, and he was this thrilled?

Right then, I somewhat believed what the comments said: he'd got a thing for me.

As soon as that idea crossed my mind, a wave of bashfulness washed over me. I quickly turned away, too shy to meet his eyes.

Suddenly, I noticed Edmund's helpless look.

Instantly, my rational side took over, snapping me out of my bashfulness. I'd almost forgotten he was still here.

Julian let me drag him over like an obedient puppet and sat down next to Edmund.

I looked at the goofy grin on Julian's face, and suddenly I felt a whole lot more confident.

I sat down across from him, poured a cup of coffee, and handed it to him.

I explained softly, "Mr. Wade is Lucas's friend. He swung by today to drown his sorrows over his hopeless love. Lucas got wasted, and I had a servant take him back to his room.

"As for me, Lucas sent for me before he passed out, since Mr. Wade wanted me to deliver a gift to the lady he loved."

I figured that with this explanation, Julian should be able to ease his suspicions for now.

Later, Edmund could send the gift over, and I'd pass it to Joanna as her engagement present.

This way, Julian's suspicions would be put to rest.

"I see," Julian said, his voice low and a little pleased.

As things were smoothed over, Edmund tactfully excused himself, and I didn't try to stop him.

Once Edmund was gone, Julian suddenly reached out and pulled me into his arms.

I lost my balance and landed right on his lap.

We'd been engaged for three years, but he'd never acted this impulsively before.

I instinctively tried to push him away and get up. But then it hit me: he was the crown prince, and my fiancé.

I froze, not daring to move.

He wrapped one arm around my waist, his finger tracing the corner of my lips. His eyes smoldered with desire.

My mother and teacher had taught me how to please a king, so I understood the desire slowly building in him.

But now, we couldn't do it.

I struggled to get up, my voice barely a whisper, "We're not married yet. We can't."

Julian held me tight, adjusting my position until I straddled his lap and faced him directly.

His hands felt scorching hot on my waist.

"Can't what, hmm?" Julian murmured, his voice hoarse.

The Comments blew up.

[Oh my god, he's such a pro. He's teasing Isabelle on purpose.]

[One dinner and he didn't even question why Edmund would ask Isabelle to deliver the gift when he could've found a hundred ways? This love-struck guy is so easy to fool.]

[This is the solo dinner date Julian's waited years for. Now that he's got his girl in his arms, there's no way he's thinking about any love rivals.]

[Isabelle, give him another kiss and then tell him no naughty business. I wanna see him all frustrated and running for a cold shower again.]