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“Theo, you’re braver than I thought. Kissing the princess of Norway in the forbidden garden? That’s quite the bold move.”
I couldn’t help but laugh at her reaction. “Well, I didn’t plan it that way,” I admitted. “It just happened.”
Victoria’s expression softened, and she reached out to pat my arm affectionately. “Sometimes, the best things in life happen when we least expect them.”
“Thanks. Any advice on what to do next?” I asked, genuinely curious about her perspective.
She leaned back on the swing, her gaze returning to the starry sky. “Keep trying,” she said thoughtfully. “But start with small gestures. Women like to know they’re being thought of.”
I couldn’t help but smile at her wisdom. “Since when did you become so wise, little sister?”
Victoria shot me a playful look. “I’ll have you know I’m not that much younger than you, Theo.”
We sat there for a while longer, swinging gently back and forth, lost in our own thoughts. As the night deepened, we eventually made our way inside, leaving the swing to sway in the breeze.
The morning sunlight filtered through my bedroom window, telling me it was time to get ready for another day. The last event of session one for Wed season was tomorrow morning. It was a brunch, and then the following day, it was off to Norway. I was both dreading it and looking forward to getting to spend time with her.
“Ready for the big day tomorrow?” Jack asked, his tone filled with excitement as he pulled clothes from the dresser.
I nodded, a smile tugging at the corners of my lips. “Absolutely. It’s not every day you get to travel the UK with a beautiful girl.”
Jack raised an eyebrow, a mischievous glint in his eyes. “Is this beautiful girl you’re talking about Emilie or Astrid?”
I chuckled at his playful remark. “Well, Emilie is the one I’ll be traveling with, but Astrid will be there. I caught a glimpse of her last night and she’s very pretty. If you’re interested, maybe you can shoot your shot.”
Jack laughed heartily, shaking his head. “Nah, I’ll leave that to you. I’m just here to make sure you don’t mess it up.”
The prospect of traveling with Emilie was both exhilarating and daunting. I was determined to make the most of this opportunity. Victoria assured me she would be fine if I broke the match. My parents might be pissed, but they would get over it.
“I appreciate you agreeing to go with me on this trip,” I said to Jack.
He laughed as he put more stuff in my suitcase. “I think you forget my job is taking care of you. If you’re traveling, I’m sitting around twiddling my thumbs.”
I smiled at Jack, grateful for his unwavering support. He had been my so-called manservant since childhood, and I knew I could count on him for anything. As I finished packing my bag, my mind wandered to Emilie.
I was going to have to make a tough decision soon. I hoped like hell I was strong enough to do it.
“You should go down to breakfast,” Jack said. “I’ll take care of this.”
“Thanks, Jack.”
I headed down to the dining room. My parents and Victoria were talking. I walked into the room. “Good morning.”
“How was your dinner?” Mom asked.
“Good. And this might be a good time to tell you I won’t be going home with you guys. I’m traveling to Norway with the Hansen family. They want me to check out some of their properties and give them my professional opinion.”
My dad’s face lit up. “That’s fantastic news, son! I’m so proud of you and your work. You’re really making a name for yourself in the business world.”
I smiled, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. “Thanks, Dad.”
“I take it Emilie’s parents were pleased with you?” Mom asked.
I couldn’t resist being just a little bit of a smartass. “I don’t think they care who I am. They care about your money. I could be anyone as long as I brought my checkbook.”
My parents and Victoria looked at me with disapproving faces, but I couldn’t care less. I was tired of pretending the match was anything more than a strategic move.
“You sound bitter,” Victoria said. “We both know you’re not exactly sad to be taking this trip with Emilie.”
