AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Staring up at the sky, I begin to question everything. The secrecy of my fake life and the reputation it upholds feel heavier than ever. Even if I wanted to, it seems I wouldn’t be able to untangle myself from the elaborate tapestry of deceit.
So here I am, stuck on a path I chose. And since there’s no way out, I have no choice but to suck it up.
Closing my eyes, I lift my face to the breeze and choose to focus on what’s good, to focus on the help I can give the world as a princess. To focus on my future children and the joy they will bring their grandparents.
There’s so much to be grateful for. Especially if I keep my future husband far from my mind.
CHAPTER 20
FELIX
Coffee in hand, I stare out the window of my rental house in San Francisco. It’s a lazy day on the street, with a man walking his dog and an older woman cycling by.
I breathe in deeply, trying to focus on the task at hand, but my mind refuses to let go of the memories from Albavarre. Lily’s laughter echoes in my ears as I recall the way her eyes sparkled when we explored the hidden corners of my country together. The time we spent there will forever be etched in my mind.
“Here we are.” The architect’s voice brings me back to the present.
He unrolls a large sheet of paper onto the table, revealing the blueprint of the San Francisco home that Lily and I are planning to build.
“Thank you,” I reply, my eyes scanning the lines and measurements.
As much as I want to lose myself in thoughts of Albavarre, I have to concentrate on this project. Our future home is an important symbol of our life together, even if it will only serve as a facade for the most part.
I have no intention of being tied down to one place, and I know Lily understands that. I’ll move between homes, doing what I please while maintaining the appearance of a stable life in San Francisco.
The architect clears his throat before explaining the various features of the house, including the spacious living area, modern kitchen, and luxurious master suite. I nod along, offering occasional suggestions or asking questions.
“What about an entertainment room?” I ask, picturing a cozy space filled with books and movies — things that interest Lily. “Perhaps a small library with comfortable seating?”
“Ah, yes. We can definitely include that in the design,” the architect agrees, making a note on the blueprint. “We can create a customized space based on your preferences and interests.”
“Perfect,” I say, thinking about how much Lily would appreciate a quiet sanctuary. Even though I can’t give her the romance she wants, at least I can build her a dream home.
As the architect continues to discuss the various aspects of the house, I feel a mixture of excitement and trepidation. This home represents a significant step in my life, a commitment to Lily and our future together. Yet, there is an undercurrent of fear that gnaws at me. Fear of the depth of my feelings for her, fear of breaking the boundaries we’ve set for ourselves.
Or, I suppose I should say, fear of breaking them yet again.
My heart races as I watch the architect sketch out the entertainment room, my mind wandering to Lily and how she’d revel in a corner filled with her favorite books.
Suddenly, my phone vibrates in my pocket, disrupting my thoughts. Retrieving it, I see Lily’s name flash across the screen. A wave of warmth washes over me, but it’s quickly replaced by a cold dread — a reminder that we’ve set boundaries.
“Excuse me for a moment.” I step away from the architect and to the far side of my living room.
My thumb hovers above the screen, and though I yearn to hear her voice, I choose not to answer. Instead, I send her a quick text:
Busy with house plans. Call you later.
“Everything okay?” the architect asks as I rejoin him.
“Fine, just a friend checking in.” I force a smile, trying to refocus on the task at hand.
But the truth is, it’s anything but fine. I know I’m using staying busy as an excuse to avoid her, but what else can I do? My feelings for Lily have grown increasingly intense, undeniable, and terrifying since our time in Albavarre.
“Let’s move on to the outdoor space.” He opens another folder of designs.
“A tennis court,” I immediately say.
Tennis has always been my passion, my escape from the pressures of my royal life and responsibilities. And now, it will be a place where I escape my thoughts and feelings regarding Lily.
