“No!” Rose replied immediately, seriousness etched into her tone.
“I’m not interested in meeting your family. Please stop trying to force something that can never work, Your Highness. Your family will never agree to this!”
“Exactly, Prince Dylan,” Bryce chimed in, swallowing hard as he stepped slightly forward.
“My sister is not interested in meeting your family.”
“Excuse me?” Dylan raised an eyebrow, a hint of annoyance flashing across his handsome face.
His gaze slowly shifted toward Bryce, becoming noticeably colder.
“The last time I checked, I was speaking to Rose, not you. I’m only interested in hearing her opinion not yours.”
“Fuck…” Bryce muttered quietly under his breath, clenching his jaw in frustration.
“I’d really appreciate it if you would leave now,” Dylan continued, his voice calm yet carrying an unmistakable authority.
“I’d like to speak with your sister privately. The last time I checked, we’re officially matched, and until that changes, I have every right to discuss certain matters with her alone.”
Bryce couldn’t help but swallow hard.
His hands tightened into fists at his sides, every instinct screaming at him to refuse.
However, Dylan wasn’t just any ordinary man….he was royalty.
The royal family possessed influence far beyond anything Bryce could challenge.
No matter how protective he felt toward his sister, he couldn’t afford to openly offend the prince.
His jaw tightened as he reluctantly forced himself to remain composed.
“I’ll be right outside waiting for you, Sister,” Bryce finally said, forcing a reassuring smile despite the uneasiness weighing heavily in his heart.
“Just take care of yourself, alright? If you need anything at all, call for me immediately.”
What?
Elder Brother actually agreed?
Rose screamed inwardly, panic instantly filling her chest.
Is Dylan’s family really this powerful?
Elder Brother isn’t even willing to oppose him…
I’m screwed.
“No,” Dylan interrupted before Bryce could take another step.
His tone remained composed but left absolutely no room for negotiation.
“I want you to leave the premises entirely. Go home.”
Bryce froze in his tracks before slowly turning back toward him. This chapter was taken from g.com without permission.
“Once I’m finished speaking with your sister,” Dylan continued firmly, “you may come back.”
Bryce hesitated for several long seconds.
Every fiber of his being wanted to object, but he knew doing so would only make matters worse.
“Yes, Your Highness,” Bryce finally replied with a respectful bow.
Without another word, he cast Rose one last worried glance before reluctantly walking out of the room.
The instant the door shut behind him, Dylan calmly walked over and locked it.
The soft click of the lock echoed through the silent room.
Rose’s heart skipped a beat.
She instinctively took a step backward, her eyes remaining fixed on Dylan.
He turned around to face her, the stern expression that had frightened Bryce moments earlier melting into a surprisingly gentle smile.
“Now…” Dylan began softly, his warm smile settling naturally across his face.
“Back to our discussion, Rose.”
He slowly closed the distance between them, stopping just a few feet away.
“Who told you my family would never agree to this?” he asked calmly.
“My family will support whatever decision I make. I don’t need anyone’s permission to choose the woman I want to marry.”
His eyes remained locked onto hers.
“The only answer that matters to me… is yours.”
“I’m not interested,” Rose replied bluntly, refusing to break eye contact.
Her voice remained firm, leaving no trace of hesitation.
“I’m not interested in meeting your family…” she continued.
“And I’m certainly not interested in marrying you either.”
For several moments, complete silence filled the room as the two simply stared at one another.
“You haven’t even taken the time to get to know me yet,” Dylan replied with a heavy sigh, his voice carrying both patience and disappointment.
“At the very least, you should give me a chance. Get to know who I really am before making such a final decision. What do you think?”
“I’m really not interested, Prince Dyla…”
“No…
A small smile tugged at the corner of his lips.
“Just call me Dylan. I don’t need you adding royal titles whenever you speak to me.”
Rose fell silent.
“I know this is a lot for you to process,” Dylan continued calmly.
“You only just found out that I’m royalty. Anyone would be overwhelmed in your position.”
He paused briefly before speaking again.
“I’m not going to rush you.”
His expression softened.
“I’ll give you three days to think about everything. Take your time and decide carefully. After those three days, you can give me your answer.”
He looked directly into her eyes.
“Whether you’re willing to come and meet my family… or not.”
What?
Rose thought inwardly, swallowing hard.
He actually wants me to think about it?
He’s not trying to force me?
She stared at him in confusion.
But then…
I can’t call this love.
That he cares about me.
Her thoughts became even more conflicted.
He’s only acting this way because of his heat.
He’s probably not thinking clearly right now.
Once it’s over, he’ll surely come back to his senses.
“I…”
Ping!
Ping!
Before Rose could continue, Dylan’s phone suddenly rang, the sharp sound breaking the silence between them.
“Hold on for a moment, please,” Dylan said apologetically as he reached into his pocket and answered the call.