The atmosphere in the room was charged with tension as Aishi continued to tease and provoke me about Florian. I rolled my eyes, trying to dismiss her comments.

"Don't tell me you have no feelings for him, bitch. I saw the way he grabs you, those docile eyes he has for you. He likes you," Aishi chimed in, her tone a mix of amusement and mischief.

I scoffed, trying to brush off her observations.

"Oh, shut up. He doesn't even like me," I retorted, my gaze scanning the room in search of Florian.

Aishi, always one to enjoy teasing me, seemed to revel in my discomfort.

"You won't find him here today. Florian flew back to his hometown last night," Aishi added, her voice casual.

I shot her a skeptical look.

"What are you now? His secretary?" I said sarcastically, not entirely convinced by her claim.

"Chill out, sis. Justin told me," Aishi replied with a playful grin.

I sighed, realizing that Aishi might indeed have some inside information. As I processed the news of Florian's departure, a mix of disappointment and relief washed over me. The dynamics between Florian and me were complicated, and Aishi seemed to revel in keeping me on my toes with her playful banter.

Lost in my thoughts and still grappling with the sudden revelation of Florian's departure, I felt a pang of sadness. I miss him, I could even feel the slight pain in my heart. Why hadn't he told me anything yesterday? Was that last goodbye kiss supposed to carry more weight than I had realized? The uncertainty weighed on me, and I found it hard to concentrate on anything else. Unbeknownst to me, my phone had been ringing in my pocket, and Mr. Dave's scolding brought me back to reality.

"Ms. Bellinghton, come back to earth," he chided, drawing the attention of those around us.

I sheepishly pulled out my phone, realizing I had missed a call. Mr. Dave shared unexpected good news. Florian had won an international award for his research on artificial intelligence. My initial somber mood shifted as I listened to the details. His research paper had been published, and the critics had given positive feedback. A mixture of emotions flooded through me - pride, happiness for Florian's achievements, and a renewed admiration for his intellect.

"Beauty with brains is my type," I thought to myself, a small smile playing on my lips despite the lingering uncertainty about Florian's departure. The conflicting emotions within me hinted at the complexity of our relationship, leaving me eager to understand more about what lay ahead.

I couldn't shake off the mysterious aura surrounding Florian. I recalled a conversation with Justin, learning that both Florian and Shaazad had already graduated and were running their own business. Florian's voluntary work at the university only added to the enigma surrounding him.

Despite the three-year age gap between us, Florian remained elusive, revealing only glimpses of himself-his captivating smile and those twinkling, expressive eyes. It was as if he wore a mask of cold detachment, a demeanor that belied the warmth and gentleness I believed lurked beneath the surface. There were times when I felt he was like a robot, displaying a seemingly ruthless exterior but harboring a softer, more tender side, like a warm poodle bear.

As the deadline for my last assignment loomed just one week away, the pressure mounted. I contemplated seeking Florian's help, given his intelligence and familiarity with the subject matter. However, he seemed to have vanished from the usual places I might find him. His absence only deepened the mystery surrounding him.

Caught between the desire to unravel Florian's secrets and the impending deadline for my assignment, I couldn't help but feel a sense of urgency. As I navigated through the challenges of both academic and emotional complexities, the enigmatic Florian remained at the center of it all, a figure I yearned to understand better.

The last revision class had just ended, and as I stepped out, I felt the need to call my dad.

The urgency in his voice was palpable when he answered, "Hello pa, are you coming back?" I inquired, hoping for some positive news or an update.

"I apologize for disturbing you earlier, princess," he began, his voice carrying a weight of emotion. "I need you back in town.

We found evidence." His words hung in the air, and my heart skipped a beat.

It had been more than a decade since we started searching for answers about my mother's death. We always suspected it was not a mere accident, but a deliberate act of violence.

A surge of mixed emotions rushed through me - anticipation, anxiety, and a glimmer of hope. I thanked my lucky stars for having packed an emergency suitcase, always prepared for unexpected turns in our quest for justice. I hurried back to my apartment, my mind racing with questions about the evidence my dad had mentioned. As I packed, the memories of my mother flooded my thoughts.

The pain of losing her had never truly faded, but the possibility of uncovering the truth now added a renewed sense of determination. With my suitcase in hand, I couldn't wait to reunite with my dad and finally learn more about the evidence that might bring justice and closure to a long-standing chapter of our lives.

"Ms. Bella, it's been so long. How have you been?" Mr. Waynes greeted me warmly.

We had a long history, and he had been our strategic advisor for the past thirty years. Through thick and thin, he remained a steadfast presence, never leaving our side. His unwavering support had been particularly crucial during the tragic death of my mother, which had also taken a toll on my grandfather, leading to his sudden heart attack and subsequent passing. That year had been etched into my memory as one of the darkest periods of our lives.

"I've been doing well, and you? How's everything been?" I inquired, genuinely curious about his well-being.

"Things might not be alright this time, I fear," Mr. Waynes responded with a sigh.

His expression turned serious as he continued, "It's time to have an heir to the royal empire. Your dad has been dedicating his life to the throne for the past decades, and it's time for someone to take his place."

His words hung in the air, and I couldn't help but feel a weight settle in my chest. The prospect of stepping into my father's shoes and shouldering the responsibilities of the royal empire was daunting. The revelation signaled a significant shift in the dynamics of our family and the future of our kingdom. As I absorbed the gravity of Mr. Waynes' words, I knew that a pivotal moment awaited, one that would require careful consideration and a willingness to embrace a destiny that had long been intertwined with the fate of our royal lineage.

As we arrived at the royal mansion in our small town, the air carried a sense of tranquility, belying the complexity of the royal history that intertwined with my family's legacy. Despite the town's modest population of just fifty thousand people, the atmosphere was joyous, and everyone seemed content. My ancestors were descendants of royal blood, and as the eldest son, my father ascended to the throne after the passing of his own father. The memories of my childhood playing in the royal garden with my cousins flashed through my mind. However, for the past decade, I had been cut off from them, kept away and hidden for my own safety.

After the tragic incident involving my mother, my father was convinced that I could be the next target. This seclusion was a protective measure, leaving me with limited contact with the outside world. During my time away, I took up Taekwondo for self-defense, aware that I might have to confront dangerous situations and individuals. In the world of the affluent, trust was a rare commodity, and nobody was truly your own. I understood the complexities of dealing with powerful and potentially treacherous individuals.

Yet, despite the uncertainties and dangers that awaited me, a part of me longed for a return to normalcy. I hoped that we could wrap up the impending challenges quickly because I had a personal desire to attend the Halloween festival at ECU, a fleeting glimpse of normal life that I hadn't experienced in years. The contrast between the world of the rich and the simple joys of a college festival highlighted the duality of my existence, and I yearned for a balance between the two.

Walking down the corridors leading to the study room of the king, nostalgia and childhood memories enveloped me. The regal atmosphere of the royal mansion echoed with the grandeur of the past. Golden frames adorned the walls, capturing moments of history and depicting the brave battles won by my ancestors. Each frame was a testament to the rich heritage that had shaped our family's legacy.

The grandeur extended to the ceilings adorned with beautiful paintings, each telling its own story. The artwork depicted scenes from the kingdom's history, showcasing the triumphs and struggles that had defined us over the years. As I passed through, the colossal lights hanging from above added an extra touch of magnificence to the surroundings, casting a warm and radiant glow.

The feeling of the soft carpet beneath my feet contrasted with the solid wood of the well-crafted walls, creating a sense of warmth and comfort. It felt like a journey back in time, and the familiar scents and sounds of the royal mansion embraced me. Despite the complexities and challenges that awaited me, the familiarity of home brought a sense of solace.

The study room of the king awaited, a place where crucial decisions were made and where my father had dedicated much of his life to the welfare of the kingdom. As I stepped closer, the anticipation of the upcoming discussions mingled with the comfort of being back in a place I had missed deeply.

"Dad," I said, gently knocking at the door to his study.

"Come in, Princess," he responded from behind his coffee machine. As I entered, he gestured for me to take a seat.

"Take a seat, darling. I want you to meet someone," he continued, handing me a cup of freshly brewed espresso.

Despite my royal status by birth, the glitz and glamour of the royal world never held much appeal for me. I found solace in the simplicity of my own ordinary world, where everything was straightforward and filled with happiness. I had been learning the royal code of conduct since I was ten, but circumstances had forced me to conceal my identity and live like a commoner. This only deepened the bond between my dad and me over time. As I sipped the rich coffee, awaiting the introduction, a familiar scent wafted through the air - one that made my knees weak and my heart race like a speeding car. It couldn't be him; its impossible.