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I ponder this for a moment, considering the possibilities. Having children has always been the biggest dream of mine, and knowing that I can still achieve that goal without compromising my relationship with Felix brings me a sense of comfort. Plus, if we go through with this plan, I’ll get to be a princess and use my influence to help others on a larger scale.

“I mean it, Lily. I want to help you, and I think this could work for both of us. It’s unconventional, sure, but when have we ever followed the rules?”

I think back to our years of friendship, all the times Felix has been there for me when no one else could understand. The idea of marrying him — to become royalty and gain a family — seems almost too good to be true. With the title of princess, I could reach new levels with my charity work. I could help more people than I’ve even dreamed of.

But it’s still crazy. It still doesn’t feel like something I can trust.

I press my hand to my forehead. “This is… a lot to take in. Are you sure about this?”

I glance around the bustling bar, searching for some grounding among the swirling thoughts in my head. The dim lights cast shadows on the faces of strangers while the clink of glasses and laughter punctuate the air.

“Absolutely.” His warm eyes search mine. “I’m positive.”

There’s so much in that one quick look. Sincerity. Trust. A promise of something bigger than anything I’ve lived yet.

And, even though I’m scared, it’s enough to make me want to take the jump.

“I do want to make something clear.” He leans in closer. “There won’t be anything romantic between us. We’re friends, and that’s not going to change.”

I nod, feeling a strange mixture of relief and disappointment. It’s easier this way, though, keeping our friendship intact without the complications of romance.

“But…” He hesitates for a moment before continuing. “I still plan on seeing women — privately, of course. And you’ll be free to see men if you want.”

My cheeks flush deeper at the thought. The idea of dating other men while being married to Felix is an unfamiliar and somewhat intimidating concept. I’m not sure how I feel about it, but I guess I don’t need to figure that aspect out right now.

“All right.” I nod, wanting to make sure I’ve got all this straight. “So we’ll both have the freedom to date others, even though we’re… together.” The word “together” feels odd as it leaves my lips, and a part of me wonders how all of this will play out.

“Exactly.” There’s a hint of relief in his voice. “We’re doing this for practical reasons, not romantic ones. Our friendship comes first, always.”

I take a deep breath, running over everything we’ve discussed so far. My heart races with anticipation, and my thoughts jump from one worry to another. Will I be able to handle Felix living with me while seeing other women? How will we navigate our lives with such a complicated arrangement?

But then I think about the joy of having children and making a difference through my charity work. I think about the security of being married to my friend, even if it’s all for show. And I realize I’m willing to take the risk.

The lights of the city dance on the surface of my martini glass as I take a deep breath and try to collect my thoughts. Felix’s proposal seems too good to be true, and yet… I have to consider it. The idea of marrying my best friend, of having children and continuing my charity work as a princess, is undeniably tempting.

“Are you double, triple sure about this?” I ask, my voice wavering slightly. “I mean, we’ve been friends for so long. What if this ruins everything?”

He reaches across the table, gently squeezing my hand. His touch is warm and comforting, reminding me of our years of friendship that have seen us through both laughter and tears.

“Lily,” he says softly, “you know me better than anyone, and I know you. We may not be perfect, but I’m confident that we can make this work.”

As I look into his eyes, searching for any hint of doubt, I find only sincerity. My heart swells with gratitude for the bond we share. Felix has always been there for me, supporting me in my darkest moments and celebrating my successes. It’s true that he might be a terrible boyfriend, but as a friend, he’s one of a kind.

“Okay.” I give his hand a reassuring squeeze. “Let’s do it. Let’s get married. But promise me something.”

“Anything.” His gaze locks onto mine.

“Promise me that no matter what happens, we’ll always be friends first and foremost. That we won’t let this arrangement change who we are or what we mean to each other.”

“Of course,” he promises, a soft smile playing at the corners of his mouth. “Friends now, and always.”

“Okay.” I take another deep breath as I commit to this unorthodox plan. “Then let’s make it happen.”

We toast to our future, the clink of our glasses echoing through the night. And as the city lights continue to twinkle around us, I feel a flutter of excitement for the adventure that awaits.

Yet… beneath that thrill, there’s a quiet voice whispering doubts and fears. What if this is a mistake? What will people think if they find out?

But then I look at Felix — my partner in crime, my confidant, my rock — and I know that whatever challenges lie ahead, we’ll face them together. For better or worse, we’ve made our decision. And as long as we have each other, we’re prepared for anything.

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