All Chapters of Your Greatest Mistake Was Me: Chapter 41 - Chapter 50

Applause still echoed throughout the arena as the three of us stood on the podium. Crown Prince Adrian stood proudly in the center, smiling as he waved to the crowd. Cyran stood on the right. I stood on the left."Smile."A royal photographer gave the cue. Camera flashes exploded around us in rapid succession. Come on, Sera. Don't complain. You'll get used to this."One more."I put on my professional smile again. As soon as the photo session ended, I let out a quiet breath."Not bad." Cyran nudged my arm, the mischievous grin on his face making it obvious he was about to tease me. "You almost made me lose second place."I snorted softly. His words instantly stirred my competitive side. A 0.5-point gap wasn't small in a shooting competition like this. Even so, I answered casually."Almost isn't enough.""See? That's exactly why I kept pushing you." He looked genuinely happy. There was a spark in his eyes. Whether it was because he'd made the podium, or because he'd successfully coach

VAELDRIC'S POV"Third Place... Lady Seraphina Vermont."The announcer's voice still echoed throughout the arena. Even before the results were announced, I already knew this wouldn't end well for me. My concentration had shattered the moment I caught a glimpse of someone who looked like Lysara while I was shooting.Though I couldn't use that as an excuse. The truth was I simply hadn't been prepared for any of this. I had never imagined I'd be competing against Seraphina.What kind of husband doesn't even know his own wife is participating in a shooting competition? Even if it was only a charity event.I stood beneath the podium without truly hearing the applause that filled the Royal Training Ground. My eyes were fixed on only one person. Seraphina.She stood on the third-place podium, her trophy resting in her hands. Smiling. Graceful. Just as she had always been.The late afternoon sun reflected off the medal hanging around her neck, making her seem

The car door closed softly behind me. Adrian got in from the other side and took the seat beside me. For a split second, I caught a sly smile on his face."I never specified how those thirty minutes would be spent. But one thing is certain. I already have your permission."Damn it. There was no escaping now. But, wait. Was he really this cunning? Wasn't he supposed to be the future King of Valerion? Dignified, honest, fair... and every other noble quality people loved to associate with a crown prince. Was it really acceptable for him to resort to something this underhanded over something so ridiculously trivial?A hundred questions fought for space inside my head. I forced myself to shove them aside one by one. No matter how annoyed I was, I couldn't just say whatever I wanted. He was the Crown Prince. Ah, whatever. I'm doomed. What kind of trouble am I walking into now?Just moments ago, I'd been standing on a podium, wearing a medal around my neck and hol

I stepped out of the Queen's residence at an unhurried pace. The door closed softly behind me as I spotted Adrian waiting at the end of the corridor, one shoulder resting casually against the wall beside the garden.Despite his casual appearance and relaxed posture, there was no mistaking the commanding presence of the Crown Prince. Occasionally, he glanced down at his wristwatch."Ah, finally." He greeted me with his awkward attempt at humor. "I was beginning to think you'd decided to leave through the window.""Are you disappointed to see me here, Your Highness?" I asked. "I've been held up for more than an hour. You promised me thirty minutes.""I wasn't the one keeping you. Mother was." His voice remained calm. "I had nothing to do with it. In fact, I just lost five gold coins.""You made a bet?""I always do." He shrugged lightly. "It's entertaining."I didn't answer. My thoughts were still occupied with the Queen's words.'Nothing in the palace is ever truly free, Lady Seraphina

I threw myself onto the bed. Hard. It was the only thing I could throw without breaking something else. At last, today was over. A long, exhausting day I never wanted to relive.I wasn't going anywhere until tomorrow afternoon. Tomorrow night would be even better. After that, reality would start all over again. Work.I quickly washed up. I still couldn't believe I'd stepped into the palace—into the Queen's private residence, no less—looking like that. My hair had nearly gone flat, my appearance was a mess, and I was barely holding myself together.Bzzzt..."Hey, Sera. You home?" Cyran's voice came through the phone the moment I answered."I'm tired. Whatever it is, tomorrow."I hung up immediately. Whatever Cyran wanted, it wasn't more important than my sleep. Today, sleep came first.Knock... Knock...Someone kept knocking on my door. Seriously, who was waking me up this early? I wanted to hibernate until noon.I needed to recharge before facing whatever came next. And I was certain