As the SUV glided through the bustling streets, Olive’s irritation simred just below the surface. The prince’s casual deanor only added fuel to the fire, making her wonder if charm and deception were his usual tools for getting what he wanted. What did she expect? He was a prince, after all. Still, she couldn’t help but be skeptical. Even though the physics teacher, had ntioned that Ethan was only going to sign so docunts, Olive couldn’t help but wonder what kind of docunts they were exactly and how they could possibly benefit Belmont High.
Curiosity gnawed at her as the silence stretched, and she finally straightened in her seat. "What’s this eting about, anyway?" she asked, attempting to keep her tone neutral.
Ethan glanced at her, his warm smile as disarming as ever. "Oh, it’s just a gathering of so influential people," he replied vaguely. "I’m supposed to represent Belmont High and sign a few docunts."
Olive’s eyes narrowed suspiciously. "What kind of docunts exactly?"
Ethan shrugged, his expression nonchalant. "I’m not entirely sure. The details are a bit... complicated. But my father is aware of everything, and this is just him doing Mrs. George a favor. Since he’s not in the country, he asked , his crown prince to represent him."
"Oh, I see..." Olive nodded, pretending to understand. Whatever it was, she was just eager to get back to school as soon as possible. She silently hoped the docunt signing wouldn’t take up too much of her ti.
The SUV eventually pulled up to a grand, ornate building. The chauffeur stepped out and opened the door for them. Ethan exited first, then Olive. They both made their way towards the building entry.
Inside the building, crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, scattering light like rainbows across the gleaming marble floor. The air carried the subtle yet distinct scent of wealth and power which kind of make Olive feel out of place.
"Just follow ," Ethan said with his ever-present smile, leading her down a polished hallway. They soon entered a large conference room filled with impeccably dressed individuals.
Ethan strode confidently to the head of the table and took his seat, his princely aura commanding the room. Olive hesitated for a mont before deciding to stand beside him, trying to blend into the background.
"Greetings, Your Highness," the attendees said almost in unison, each offering polite smiles and subtle bows. Ethan nodded graciously, acknowledging their respect without unnecessary ceremony. Without further delay, the eting comnced.
Ethan began signing a series of docunts, exchanging pleasantries with the influential figures around the table. He didn’t bother reading the papers; it was evident that he trusted his father’s judgnt. Olive could only assu the docunts pertained to lucrative business deals, contracts designed to benefit everyone involved. She vaguely understood that the king was giving Belmont High a rare opportunity to partake in the profits.
As the eting dragged on, Olive’s unease grew. She couldn’t help glancing at her wristwatch repeatedly. Ti seed to crawl. After a while, she moved toward one of the plush sofas at the back of the room and, before she knew it, drifted off to sleep.
When she awoke, she was startled to find the eting still in full swing. Her watch read 7:00 PM.
"Damn it," she muttered under her breath, frustration bubbling up. "Why didn’t anyone warn this damn eting would last all day?" She stood and returned to Ethan’s side, hoping her visible presence would urge him to speed things up.
Finally, the gathering began to wind down, with attendees offering parting words and handshakes before filing out of the room.
As the last few guests exited, Ethan turned to Olive with an apologetic smile. "Thank you for coming with today. I owe you one."
"Great. Now that it’s over, we can leave," Olive said briskly, already heading toward the door.
Before she could exit, Ethan reached out and gently grabbed her arm. She froze, her eyes widening in surprise. "What now?" she demanded, her tone sharper than she intended.
Ethan’s expression turned serious. "I’m sorry, but I had a room prepared for you. You’ll need to wait there for a while. I still have to see these people off properly, and we aren’t allowed to leave until everyone else has gone."
Olive’s irritation flared. She pulled her arm free and fixed him with a steely glare. "I’ve done what was expected of , escorting you here. Now that the eting is over, I have the right to leave. You can stay and entertain your business partners, but I have better things to do with my ti."
Ethan rose from his seat with a wide smirk playing on his lips. "Oh, co on now. It’s quite late. We might as well leave together when I’m done. Whatever you plan on doing can be postponed until tomorrow," he said casually, his tone implying there was no room for argunt.
Olive hesitated, her eyes drifting toward the clock hanging on the conference room wall. It was already 10:00 PM. The realization hit her hard...going out alone at this hour wasn’t just unwise, it was downright dangerous. The streets would be deserted, and the bus station was likely closed. To make matters worse, she hadn’t brought any cash with her.
Damn! Why didn’t I plan better? she thought, her frustration mounting. Her mind raced as she considered her options. I didn’t even tell Lara where I was going. Sure, I’m not on great terms with Lucas, but at least soone should know where I am. Maybe the physics teacher ntioned it to them since I’m not back yet...
She heaved a heavy sigh, muttering under her breath, "And my phone! I left it in my hostel this morning. I should’ve brought it along, but no, I had to rush out like an idiot." Her shoulders sagged as the realization sank in: there was no escaping the situation as she knew Ethan wouldn’t allow his chauffeur to drop her off.
"Alright, I’ll wait," she finally said, raising her gaze to et Ethan’s. He was watching her intently, clearly waiting for her response.
His smirk widened into a triumphant grin. "Good choice. Follow ," he said, his voice smooth and confident as he turned on his heel and led the way.
Reluctantly, Olive followed, her unease growing with each step. She couldn’t shake the feeling that she was being manipulated. Ethan’s casual deanor and disarming charm only added to her suspicion. What exactly was his ga?
After a short walk down an opulent hallway, Ethan stopped in front of a grand door and pushed it open, revealing a luxurious room. The space was breathtaking, a plush, king-sized bed stood at the center, its silky sheets practically inviting her to sink into them. A marble bathroom glead in one corner, and soft, ambient lighting bathed the room in a warm glow.
Ethan stepped aside, gesturing for her to enter. Olive hesitated for a mont before walking in, her reluctance evident in her every movent.
"I’ll be back soon," Ethan said, flashing her his signature charming smile. "Make yourself at ho."
Before she could respond, he closed the door behind him. The click of the lock sent a wave of relief through her. Finally, she was alone.
Olive imdiately turned the lock, securing the door. She let out a deep breath as she leaned against it, her mind racing. What the hell is going on? she thought, her unease morphing into frustration. She began pacing back and forth across the room, her footsteps muffled by the plush carpet with a fruit knife in her hand which she had picked from the conference room.
Her body was tense, her thoughts spiraling. This is insane. But if he tries any rubbish, then he would et his dead end tonight. She glanced at the clock on the wall, silently willing an hour to pass quickly so she could leave.
Sitting on the edge of the bed, she buried her face in her hands, trying to push away the anger bubbling inside her. Just one hour, she told herself. Then I’m out of here, prince or no prince.
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