Chapter 10

"You...?" Rose murmured beneath her breath, unable to hide the astonishment written all over her face.

Standing outside was none other than Dylan.

"What are you doing here?" she asked, her brows knitting together in complete disbelief.

Instead of answering immediately, Dylan calmly walked into the room.

However...

The moment his eyes landed on Bryce...

The smile that had been resting on his face disappeared instantly.

His expression became unreadable.

"Prince Dylan?" Bryce murmured under his breath, his eyebrows shooting upward in surprise.

What is he doing here?

He actually came looking for Rose?

Dylan's gaze shifted back to Rose before he spoke.

"And who is he?"

His tone remained calm, but there was a subtle edge hidden beneath it.

A man inside her room...?

A lover?

The thought surfaced almost immediately, causing an unfamiliar feeling of irritation to rise within him.

Bryce quickly stepped forward before Rose could answer.

"Greetings, Prince Dylan."

He offered a respectful bow.

"My name is Bryce Hart from the Hart family... Rose's elder brother."

Almost instantly...

The tension in Dylan's expression faded away.

"Oh..."

"So he's her brother."

He's a prince?

I got matched with a prince?!

What the actual fuck?!

Rose screamed inwardly, barely managing to stop herself from blurting the words aloud.

She could only stare at Dylan in complete disbelief.

"The Hart family?" Dylan repeated thoughtfully. "There's only one influential family with that surname."

He raised an eyebrow.

"Is it the Hart family I'm thinking of?"

Bryce nodded.

"Yes, Your Highness."

Interesting...

Her application didn't include the Hart surname.

Perhaps she intentionally left it out.

Well... it doesn't really matter now.

After letting out a slow breath, Dylan walked toward Rose before gently taking her hand.

The unexpected gesture instantly sent waves of shock through both Rose and Bryce.

Rose looked down at their joined hands, completely stunned.

"I saw your message asking for a divorce," Dylan began, his voice calm yet firm.

"In our kingdom, once two people are genetically matched as partners, they are already regarded as husband and wife, even if the formal royal ceremonies and family meetings haven't taken place yet."

He looked directly into her eyes.

"So... I don't want a divorce."

His grip tightened slightly not enough to hurt her, but enough to reassure her.

"I want you to remain my wife."

His voice softened.

"And I promise to love you... protect you... and take care of you for the rest of our lives."

Fuck!!

This is one plot twist I never saw coming!

How could he actually be a prince?!

A freaking Fox Prince at that!

Breaking off this marriage just became almost impossible!

Royal marriages aren't something people can simply cancel.

I'm completely screwed!

Rose's thoughts spiraled into panic.

But then...

An idea suddenly flashed across her mind.

Wait...

I'm no longer a member of the Hart family.

The royal family would never approve a marriage between a prince and someone with no influential background.

Once they learn the truth... they'll definitely reject this marriage.

Yes... this can still work.

Taking a slow breath, Rose lifted her head and looked directly at Dylan.

"I'm no longer part of the Hart family, Your Highness," she said quietly.

"I once belonged to that family... but the real heiress has returned. That means I no longer have any place there."

"Rose..."

Bryce looked at her with pain written across his face, but she continued before he could interrupt.

"You can't marry a girl without a respectable family background," Rose said with complete seriousness.

"You're a prince."

"As a member of the royal family, you should marry a lady from an influential household... someone worthy of standing beside you."

She forced out a bitter smile.

"Not a nobody like me."

Dylan remained silent for a few moments.

"I see..." he finally replied.

Oh, thank goodness!

He understands!

Rose celebrated inwardly, relief washing over her.

Then Dylan spoke again.

"But..."

Rose's smile froze.

"I don't care about any of that."

His words sent another wave of shock crashing through her entire body.

"My parents certainly won't judge you based on your family background."

He offered her a gentle smile.

"So come with me."

He held out his hand once more.

"Let's go to the palace and meet my family