Page 61 of Modern Romance September 2026 Books 5-8

Hot tears fall on my shoulder. “Thank you.”

A frantic knock on the door has us pulling apart a moment before our press secretary, Helen, rushes in.

“Have you seen it?” She turns to me. “Did you know about this?”

“What are you talking about?”

She grabs a remote off one of the end tables and turns toward the flat-screen TV built into the far wall. “This.” She flicks it on.

Dominic’s face fills the screen. Longing hits me hard. His hair is combed back, the same stubborn strands falling over his forehead. His beard is neatly trimmed, his face calm and assured as he addresses a group of reporters in front of a podium. An elegant-looking mansion soars behind him in the background.

“I can confirm that due to flooding, the annual autumn gala I host for the Hawke Foundation has been moved to the Dudley Mansion along the Hudson River.” His voice ripples out from the TV. Deep, bold, gravelly. “In addition to our regular charities, we’ll also be financing the opening of a new youth shelter in New York City.”

My heart twists. My chest swells with pride.

He fields several questions about the location, the construction, the opening date.

“What prompted this?” one of the reporters asks.

“Actually, the recent report that came out.”

My lips part in shock. What is he doing? He’s one of the most private people I know.

“Although the author of the article may not be my preferred choice, the facts about my childhood are true.”

Helen twitches beside me. “He can’t say things like that.”

I smother a smile. No, it doesn’t follow protocol. But I doubt Dominic will ever fully adhere to royal rules and regulations.

“One thing I did appreciate is that it brought attention to people like my grandmother. I only had a few years with her, but she made a huge impact on my life.” He glances down at the podium, then back up. “I hope one day I can be half the parent she was.”

The tears hit again, spilling over.

“Does that mean the rumors about the pregnancy are true?” another reporter shouts.

Helen goes into full-blown panic mode next to me, swearing in French and then Spanish as she starts pacing.

Dominic smiles. “My wife said it perfectly when she arrived back in Siravelle after our honeymoon. When we do have a family of our own, I will be forever grateful to have her as the mother of my children. She’s made me a better man, and I know she will bring the same care and compassion she exhibits in her role as a leader to the role of mom.”

Love swells inside me. Never in a thousand years did I think Dominic would address the press in such a manner, let alone speak about me that way. Does this mean there’s hope? Is he just playing a role, or does he feel something more for me?

My mother wraps an arm around my shoulders and squeezes. “I’d say my guess was right.”

Even Helen is dabbing at her eyes as Dominic steps away from the podium. “I suppose that could have been worse,” Helen says, her voice strained.

I turn to my mother. “I have to go to him.”

She nods. “Go. I’ve got things covered here.”

A band loosens around my chest as I hurry out of the library. I’m not alone.

I move into the hall, heading for the elevator. I need to go upstairs and pack, then get hold of Amelie and have her book me a plane ticket.

I press the button for the elevator.

“Good morning, Your Highness.”

I still. I know that voice. I just heard it on the television. There’s no way…