AllFreeNovel
Share Us
She’s chatting with Anna and Bethany, and though they’re laughing at something Anna has just said, I can see the tension in Lily’s posture. Her eyes dart around the room, avoiding mine as though sensing my intention.
“Lily,” I call out when I get close enough.
She glances at me for a split second before turning back to her friends, pretending not to have heard me. It’s clear she’s avoiding me, but I recognize her nervous cues — the way she tucks a strand of hair behind her ear, the slight tremble in her hand as she holds the champagne glass she’s only pretending to drink from.
A few people walk in front of me, cutting me off from Lily, and my heart sinks. We could do this dance all night, or I could do something more dramatic.
Something sure to get her attention and change her mind about me.
I glance around the room and spot the table where donations are being collected for the charity. A slow smile spreads across my face, and I know exactly what I need to do.
Still grinning, I weave my way to the donation table. The woman manning the station greets me with a warm smile.
“Good evening, Your Highness. Thank you for attending our event. Would you like to make a donation?”
“Absolutely.”
My heart races as I scribble down a large number on the donation form, knowing full well that it’s more than enough to make a substantial impact on the charity. On second thought, I add another zero.
Money has never been an issue for me, and if there’s one thing I’m willing to spend it on, it’s helping Lily and the children she supports.
The woman’s eyes widen at the sight of the number I’ve written. “Thank you so much, Your Highness. This is incredibly generous of you.”
“Please, just Felix.” I wink at her. “And it’s my pleasure. It’s an important cause, and I want to show my support in any way I can.”
My heart pounds in my chest as I turn back towards the crowd, searching for Lily once more. The donation should be enough to get her attention, but now comes the hard part — actually telling her how I feel.
The tone in the room is shifting, people looking expectantly at the stage. I search the crowd for Lily, but she seems to have disappeared into the sea of people. As I sigh in frustration, a graying man in a tuxedo walks onto the stage and nods at the crowd.
The room falls silent as the man at the podium leans into a microphone. “Good evening, everyone, and thank you for joining us tonight…”
He keeps talking, but I don’t hear anything he says. I’m still too busy looking for Lily.
The master of ceremonies’ voice booms through the speakers. “We are gathered here tonight to support an incredible cause. Thanks to your generous donations, we’ll be able to make a significant difference in the lives of countless children.”
My muscles tense as I wait for the right moment to make my move. I need to get Lily’s attention, and now is the perfect time.
“Before we proceed with our program,” the man continues, “I’d like to take a moment to recognize an extraordinary donation made this evening. Prince Felix of Albavarre has generously contributed an amount that will greatly impact our charity.”
He pauses, scanning the audience for me. Upon spotting me, he gestures toward me with a smile. “Thank you, Your Highness, for your incredible support.”
My heart races as all eyes turn to me. I nod in acknowledgment, trying to maintain my composure despite the nerves gnawing at my core. Then, I spot her — Lily, standing near the back of the room, her eyes wide with surprise. She looks like she doesn’t know how to feel other than shocked, and it takes every ounce of strength I have not to run to her right then and there.
“Would you like to say a few words, Your Highness?” the master of ceremonies asks, extending an invitation that could change everything.
This is it. The chance I prayed for.
Here’s hoping I don’t ruin it.
I stride towards the stage, my pulse pounding in my ears. At the podium, I shake the master of ceremonies’ hand and then step in front of the microphone. Hundreds of eyes watch me expectantly, and sweat forms under my collar.
I look across the room, locking eyes with the only person that matters. This time, Lily doesn’t look away.
It’s the boost that I need to go the extra mile.
“Thank you all for being here tonight,” I begin, my voice steady despite the whirlwind of emotions in me. “I’ve been a longtime supporter of this charity, and it’s an honor to be able to contribute in such a meaningful way.”
“However…” I take a deep breath before plunging into the heart of the matter. “There’s someone else I’d like to recognize tonight, someone who has poured her heart and soul into making this event possible. Lily, your passion and dedication to helping others is truly inspiring, and I am privileged to call you my friend.”
