Contract Marriage: The Replacement Groom

However, the King was not pleased at all. Instead of allowing Rex to leave, he didn’t and wanted to show how angry he was.

"Young Master Rex, did you realize you just slapped me across the face?"

"No, your Majesty. I don’t think I have done such," he replied.

"Dad, please don’t be angry, Young Master Rex was shocked and spoke out of ignorance." The Princess tried to leave a leeway for Rex but the idiot didn’t need it.

"Thank you for speaking on my behalf, princess. However, I stand by what I said. You are a beautiful young lady with many men lined up, asking for your hand in marriage. I’m sorry I’m not one of those men because I have a fiance who I wouldn’t dare to go against."

Just after he proclaimed that again, reporters came from nowhere and swamped around them, shoving mics into their faces.

...Presently...

Celestine sighed after remembering how they got into this mess. What else can be done if not to reveal their relationship status to the world? It was all Rex’s fault, she thought.

The gasps from everyone pulled Celestine back from her stupor. She looked around her before it occurred to her that Rex just kissed her in front of everyone.

"Celestine and I are engaged. Please, excuse us." He bowed to the King, held Celestine’s hand, and pulled her away.

Nobody stopped them this time. What can the King do? Unless he was ready to bear Alpha Chaos’ anger, but far from it.

Although fighting Alpha Chaos might be achievable, however, he has more to lose if he does. Secondly, the Sovereign hasn’t given anyone the authority to touch Chaos.

The Princess was beyond heartbroken when her fear became a reality. She wanted Rex so badly but what can she do when he doesn’t want her?

...

Ever since the day Rex dropped Valen at his parent’s house and left to bring his woman back, Valen had been silently making life difficult for his father.

The other day, he proposed an outing with his mother but Maverick approved with the condition that he came along, something Valen wasn’t happy about.

Valen knew that going together with his father would automatically mean he would be pushed aside, so he formulated a plan when Beverly came to visit.

Valen, Jeslyn, and Beverly were dining when Valen broke the silence.

"Aunt, you’re Uncle Fin’s wife, right?"

Beverly smiled and responded; "Yes, dear."

Valen slowly nodded. "I can perceive that you and my mom are good friends."

Jeslyn kept watching her son with narrowed eyes, wondering what her dear son was up to. Normally, Valen wouldn’t suck up to someone or try to make them feel good before diving into his matters unless he was cooking something.

Seeing Beverly nodding in response, Valen smiled with his lips sealed. "Why don’t you come with us? We are going on a picnic. Since you and my mom are really good friends and Uncle Fin is my daddy’s best friend, a picnic will be great with you both coming along."

Jeslyn smiled and joined in, "Valen is right. You should join us on this picnic with Inspector Fin. After all, you two just made up after an interesting fight." she chuckled.

Beverly was happy. She wanted to pat Valen’s head but he ducked. Though she didn’t feel awkward because they all knew Valen hates being touched.

While they were talking and laughing, Piper walked in and smiled at the people at the table. "Sister-in-law, Beverly, Valen."

"Hi, Piper," Beverly greeted.

"You’re finally out," Jeslyn said with beaming eyes.

"Sorry, I was busy when the maid came to inform me about food."

"You got a chance to speak with Brian again?"

"Yes," Piper took a deep breath.

"What’s wrong? Don’t tell me you’re already missing him so much."

"Aren’t you missing my brother right now?" she sat down and picked up the spoon on the table, then scooped a spoonful of rice. As she was about to open her mouth to accept the food, she paused and said; "He won’t be coming back to the Country anymore," she said sadly.

Jeslyn’s hand froze in the air when she heard that. She raised her head to look at Piper, "What did you say?"

Piper sighed dejectedly. She doesn’t have the appetite to eat anything now that she’s been reminded of what Brian told her.

"How is that fair? What about his career?" Jeslyn grew angry with different thoughts running through her mind. How could Brian be held back?

"I also don’t know. It’s so annoying." she bemoaned.

Jeslyn wanted to say more but seeing how sad Piper was, she didn’t go on and rather changed the topic. "How about you join us for a picnic to calm your heart a little? I’m sure Brian won’t leave you alone like that. He might be playing pranks on you."

Piper’s eyes lit up when she heard about the picnic with her family but it felt unbelievable to her, "Can I really come along?" she asked with excitement.

Valen rolled his eyes and snorted. "Mom, I’ll be in my room." he got up and was ready to leave when he paused on his steps. "Since you’re bringing her along, you should bring the other lady too. That one will also be excited like she just won the lottery," he rolled his eyes and walked out.

Piper sighed and shook her head, "He still doesn’t like me."

"Did you offend him in the past?" Jeslyn raised a brow. Although Valan hasn’t warmed up to Kimberly, he doesn’t treat her with disgust as he does Piper.

Piper felt ashamed to say why Valen hates her. How can she tell them that the child doesn’t like her because he knows her secret? Piper understood that no child would like an aunt who is having sexual feelings for their father.

"Yes, I treated him wrongly in the past and I’m sure he won’t forgive me. But I deserved it though." she smiled awkwardly.

Jeslyn stared at her for a while before she resumed her meal. "I hope he forgets everything and warms up to you. A family’s unity is very important."