Page 38 of Modern Romance September 2026 Books 5-8

Wilford nods, a smug smile on his narrow face. “We’ll forgive you for being new and not understanding protocol. But if you think you can just come in here and—”

Dominic pulls out his phone and snaps a picture of Wilford.

The reporter blinks, then frowns. “What was that for?”

Dominic doesn’t answer. He looks over Wilford’s shoulder as cameras start to click again, capturing the verbal showdown between the future Prince Consort and the reporter.

“Anyone else?”

No one says a word, including Wilford, although he looks furious.

Dominic nods and walks back to the limo. Cameras explode as he waves off my driver and opens the door. He holds out his hand. “Your Highness?”

I stare at his hand. In the last few months alone, my father’s told me to treat the attention like a game. My mother has reminded me of duty.

Yet Dominic is already forming a habit of standing up for me, caring for me. Habits I could get used to if I’m not careful. A part of me desperately wants to take everything he’s offering. But since my grandparents died, everyone who’s ever offered me anything has always let me down.

I’m nervous to take his hand. Afraid of accepting the help and support he’s offering me. If I accept it now, if I let myself slip just a little bit deeper, will I become like my mother was after she first said I do? Craving more of a relationship with my husband even as he keeps himself locked safely away behind his own walls?

But I can’t hesitate now. Not in front of the cameras. It’s just like the engagement photos. I’m playing a role. If I can remind myself of that, I can stay strong against my own feelings.

I lay my hand in his and look up at him. “Thank you, Dominic.”

Surprise flares in his eyes. “You’re welcome.”

I stand and face the paparazzi. Dominic starts to withdraw his hand, but I tighten my grip. I’m breaking protocol. Even my grandparents didn’t hold hands in public. But as I face down the crowd, I find myself inspired by Dominic to flaunt tradition and do something I want for once. Something small and personal that not only shows the world the united front we need to be presenting but gives me an extra sliver of strength.

Dominic hesitates. Then he wraps his fingers around mine as we walk into the hospital side by side.

Chapter Thirteen

Dominic

The little girl in Sophaya’s arms laughs as Sophaya reads to her, deepening her voice to mimic the dragon pursuing a princess. I lean against the doorway, my eyes fixed on her face. She’s happy right now, just like she was on the terrace with the little boy. Just like when she’s talking with housekeepers or personal aides.

She’s going to be a great mom.

Except she won’t get to have the same experience as other mothers. Her every move will be scrutinized. Occasions like the first day of school will be photographed and blasted out for the world to see.

I hate the pressure she’s under, the scrutiny. I despise the thought of our child being subjected to it, and I don’t like it for myself. But at least I had a choice. Despite what she said on the ride to the hospital, Sophaya didn’t have a say in whether or not she accepted her role. Not truly.

My phone vibrates. I glance at the screen, read the text. My fingers tighten around the phone. I didn’t like Wilford the moment he stepped forward. For the first time in over twenty years, I had to fight back the temptation to punch someone out of pure emotion. I wrestled myself back under control, not just because of the photographers who would have documented every second, but because I don’t want that to be my legacy. Don’t want to drag Sophaya into more drama.

But there’s more than one way to fight. And after what I just learned about Wilford from Todd, one of my guys back at Hawke Security, it will be very satisfying to take him down.

Sophaya closes the book. The little girl curls into her side, laying her head against Sophaya’s shoulder. Sophaya starts to sing softly in French, closing her eyes and smiling as she gently rocks the little girl back and forth. There’s no one else in the room but her, the girl and me. No photographers documenting her act of goodwill, no staff to perform for.

Just Sophaya and a child she cares for unconditionally.

My throat tightens. Never in a thousand years did I think a princess would be the one to cut through my apathy, to make me want to feel something again.

I text Todd back.

Do it.

Wilford won’t come near my fiancée again.

Sophaya opens her eyes and smiles at me. That same soft, sweet smile she gave me when our photos were being taken. She glances up at the clock. Her face falls, but she quickly hides her disappointment with a smile as the little girl looks up at her.