ROME I kept checking the time during the Green and Investment Expo. I was beyond excited to see Carly again. I even sent the jet to pick her up since her travel is personal. I flew with Mykel and Cenric in Creed’s jet since we were the guest speakers at the Expo. “My question is for Mr. Rome Langston.” The guy in the center stood up. Mykel had answered a question from the audience earlier. “Yes,” I spoke to the mic. “What can you advise young investors like us?” “Thank you for the question. First, learn about investments. Know yourself. What do you spend your money on? Do you shop a lot and collect new gadgets? When you earn your own money, you think that, uh, I earn to buy a new iPhone. My car is five years old. I need a new one. Before you invest, no matter how much it is, a dollar counts. You have to set your goal. And most people’s best advice. Invest only what you can afford to lose. How much do you hate losing money? And lastly, ask for help. Join a group. Ask someone you

ROME “I think that’s enough, man.” Linden looked at the empty bottles of beer and whiskey on the table. I didn’t have to ask how he found me. Zee probably asked his help since I didn’t budge. I’d been at the Night Stalker since ten and lost track of time. It was probably morning, but who cared? I needed to forget her, to get rid of her out of my life. “Don’t you ever tell me you know how I feel, Linden?” I pointed at him. I was drunk, and I could barely keep my eyes open. “Because you have no fucking idea what it feels like to be turned down, dumped by the only woman I’ve ever loved, and broken at the same time.” “I’m not gonna tell you that, bro. And I definitely have no idea what you are going through right now. But that’s why I am here.” “To do what exactly? To talk about how Storm broke my heart? No thanks.” I tried to stand up, but the room started spinning. “I think I’m drunk.” Linden caught me in the arms. I wasn’t aware he didn’t come alone. “We got you, bro. We got you.”

CARLY The car became dead silent. We finally arrived at the cabin. Sax punched some codes, and the gate slid open. Once we parked, my heart started beating wildly. My nerves began to rattle me. I blew breaths a thousand times, but it was worthless. “Just be honest and be yourself.” Linden held my arms. “You can do this.” “Not so long ago. You wanna wring my neck.” I glared at him. “I’m protective of my brother. And I will never stop doing that.” I nodded. “I know. Thanks for taking care of him while I was away.” “Good luck.” “I badly need that.” Zee came up to the porch with me to unlock the door. “Take a breath.” “Thanks.” My pace was unbelievably low as my knees began to weaken. I was already in the living when Rome just walked downstairs, and he had not seen me. God, he still looked incredibly handsome despite his growing beard. He was in a simple white t-shirt and jeans and may have lost a few pounds, but he looked perfect in my eyes. My heart told me to run to him

CARLY “Your Royal Highness, I have an update for you?” Seth marched in. Heera went out on a date with Zee, and I was left in the apartment in my PJs. I hadn’t combed my hair. I only washed my face to remove the smudged makeup on my face. And I brushed my teeth after I was able to put something in my stomach. “Mr. Langston has arranged a meeting with you.” I froze for a while. Did I hear it right? I paused the docuseries I was watching. “Come again?” I turned to Seth. “Mr. Langston would like to see you, ma’am. You should wear something presentable. He will be here any minute from now.” “I’m fine. He’d seen me at my worse. What does he want?” I hid my excitement. Maybe he wanted to kick me out of his city this time. If I knew one thing about Langston, he was true to his words. Perhaps he still cared, but I lost all my hopes of getting us back together. And I didn’t know how to escape the fate that was waiting for me back home. “Princess—” “I said I’m good. Let him go to h

CARLY I arrived back home. My work was waiting for me. I was still worried that I might be making my biggest life mistake. I loved Rome with all my heart, and I couldn’t drag and tie him over a sham marriage. At the same time, I was also selfish, thinking about my own happiness and maybe, one day, he’d learn to trust and love me again. When I looked at Rome, all I could see was the cold and brooding man I first met wrapped in the hard shell of his expensive suit. I knew he had a good heart, but that good heart had gone cold because of me. But I had hope. “You’re back.” My brother rushed in my direction, pulling me into a hug. “Tell me some good news.” “I missed you too. How’s my baby prince, and how’s Kennedy?” When he pulled away, he furrowed his brows. “They’re great. How about you?” I went to the sofa and sat there. “I don’t know if I made the right decision. We kinda made a deal.” “What deal?” He joined me. I told him everything— well, except the contract—the deal I made