Page 27 of Modern Romance September 2026 Books 1-4

When they were stalled behind someone Hope suspected was one of the royal family, she said, ‘Why do you come to these things if you don’t enjoy them?’

Axel looked down at her. ‘It’s that obvious?’

She refrained from rolling her eyes. ‘Just slightly.’

He made a face. ‘It’s a means to an end. We need to be seen.’

A voice called from nearby, ‘Drakos! Who’s your date?’

He gripped her hand tighter and said to the bank of photographers, ‘This is Hope Smith.’

There was silence and then a cacophony of, ‘Hope, Hope! Over here, love! Who are you wearing? Who are you?’

She was stuck in a frozen tableau of shock until Axel squeezed her hand again and tugged her away and towards the entrance. Hope was clinging onto him like a koala bear and he looked down at her as they entered the foyer for the reception. ‘OK?’

She peeled herself away from him and nodded. ‘I was terrified I’d have to answer their questions.’

‘You’ve nothing to hide, even if you did.’

‘That we know of,’ she muttered, aware of her birth circumstances. ‘You’re so lucky, you know.’

‘How’s that?’

‘Because you know your lineage all the way back.’

But Axel just said enigmatically, ‘Sometimes less knowledge might be better.’

Hope wondered if he was thinking of his estranged brother and the burden of being born into extreme wealth and privilege. Waiters floated around with trays of champagne. Axel took a glass and handed one to Hope. She took a sip and wrinkled her nose.

‘You don’t like it?’ Axel asked, obviously amused by her reaction. She felt like telling him she was glad to be able to provide some light relief.

She shook her head. ‘The bubbles just went up my nose.’ The words were out before she could pretend to be more sophisticated. Hope gave up trying to be someone she wasn’t.

‘We can go after this.’

What was it with these guys and arriving only to leave again so soon? Dismay filled Hope. ‘We’re not staying for the movie?’

He looked at her with an expression between confusion and humour. ‘No one stays for the movie apart from—’ He stopped as if realising what he was saying.

Hope finished for him, supplying dryly, ‘Nobodies?’

He had the grace to look slightly shamefaced. ‘It’s just how these things work. People come to be seen and then leave again.’

Hope tried to quell the disappointment. She’d thought they’d watch the movie. She challenged him. ‘When was the last time you saw a movie? In an actual theatre?’

He had to think. ‘Maybe when I was a teenager?’

Hope blinked at him. ‘That is tragic. I love movies. Especially on weekdays, when I’m off, on my own. It feels like playing hooky.’

‘You like escapism.’

Now Hope felt exposed. ‘That’s not a bad thing.’ Especially when your own life had left a lot to be desired in the escapist stakes.

Axel regarded her for a moment and then took her glass and put it down along with his and took her hand. ‘OK, then, come on.’

Hope gaped at him as he led them towards the doors leading to the screen. ‘Really? Can we get popcorn too?’

Axel slid her a glance and then rolled his eyes. Hope grinned at him.