BiancaBy the time we left the great hall, my feet were killing me. The baby shower had gone on for hours, with the countless nobles and diplomats hanging around far longer than I’d expected. I’d danced, mingled, and smiled until my face hurt, all while balancing on heels that probably weren’t the s
BiancaWhen we arrived at Saint Luna’s Orphanage the next day, our car was followed by three more vans, each one filled to the brim with covered dishes, baskets of bread, and containers of every shape and size.I’d had the staff pack up everything from the baby shower, keeping some for themselves an
“Marcus,” the boy mumbled, clearly intimidated.“Marcus. A strong name,” Isaac said. “And you must be a strong boy. How old are you, Marcus?”“Six,” Marcus replied, standing a little straighter and puffing his chest out.I watched in amazement as Isaac went around the circle, asking each child their
BiancaI wasn’t an idiot. I knew exactly what Isaac was doing by accepting Headmistress Cordelia’s invitation to the charity auction.Image rehabilitation.It was the oldest trick in the book for royals with tarnished reputations. Show up at a few charity events, kiss some babies, write a check with
BiancaThe auction was in full swing, and I had to give Isaac credit—he was playing his part well. Every time an item came up for bid, he would raise his paddle with practiced nonchalance, always dropping out at just the right moment to let someone else win.It was clear he wasn’t bidding because he
“What—” I began, but he just grinned down at me over my shoulder.“You looked like you really wanted it,” he murmured, his breath tickling my ear.Mouth agape, I turned to face him. “You were the anonymous bidder?” I asked, touching the pendant. It felt cool against my skin, the diamonds catching th
BiancaI couldn’t stop my mouth from dropping open as Ethan welcomed Isaac with open arms. Just hours ago at the auction, Isaac had practically dragged me away at the mere prospect of speaking with philanthropist Ethan Atwood.Now, Ethan was grinning like they were old friends reuniting after years
“This is incredible,” I said, and I meant it. “The thought you’ve put into the design… it’s clear you actually care about the people you’re helping.”Ethan’s expression softened. “That’s the whole point, isn’t it? What good is wealth if it’s not used to improve lives?”“Exactly,” I agreed. “I’ve alw
The playboy persona had been carefully constructed, a shield to hide his real ambitions. While his brothers competed openly for their father’s favor, Isaac had chosen a different path. He’d cultivated the image of a useless, decorative prince, a man devoid of ambition or substance. It was all design
IsaacIsaac had just barely woken and gotten dressed for the day when his bedroom door suddenly swung open. He didn’t turn right away, expecting to hear Bianca’s voice behind him. But then he heard the lock click, and he spun around to see Ella standing there, freshly tanned and still wearing her va
“How does seven o’clock sound?”After our goodbyes, I hung up, practically jumping up and down with excitement. This was exactly what I had hoped for—private time with Ethan to cement our partnership and further improve Isaac’s standing.I had to tell Isaac right away.Heading straight for his suite
BiancaJust a few days later, the magazine was published. A courier brought me a complimentary copy while I was sipping my morning tea in the solarium, surrounded by the smell of flowers and the sound of a trickling fountain. I thanked them and opened the large manila envelope, slipping the glossy m
All bullshit, of course. But it wasn’t like we could tell the masses that we had actually met in the waiting room of a sperm bank.“And your first kiss? When did that happen?”“It was during a picnic by the lake just over there,” Isaac said smoothly, pointing to the body of water that could be seen
BiancaThe day of the interview arrived far too quickly. Before I knew it, I was being primped and polished by a team of stylists in my suite at the palace. And when I said team, I meant it. There were too many people bustling around for me to even count.“Just a bit more powder,” the makeup artist
Even I knew what a big deal that was. With that kind of press, we could control the narrative even further. We could talk about the Shelter Project, our new friendship with Ethan—really showcase Isaac’s potential as a future king.It would be perfect.“They’ve never approached me before,” Isaac said
BiancaThree days after Ethan’s party, I was having a nice, peaceful breakfast in the palace dining room when Isaac suddenly stormed in with a newspaper clutched in his hand and a scowl on his face.“Have you seen this?” he demanded, slapping the paper down in front of me.I picked it up and nearly
I shrugged, suddenly feeling awkward. “You’re always so nice to me when I’m not feeling well. I guess I… wanted to say thank you.”Isaac paused mid-bite and studied me with an unreadable expression. Then he smiled—not his usual smirk, but something a little bit softer and, dare I say, more genuine.