Husband With Benefits
Chapter 725: Past

Chapter 725: Past

Six months later:

"So, you’ve finally come out to join the party?" Rafe asked his brother, surprised, as he saw him step into the large ballroom in Petrovia.

Kael shook his head. "No, I’ll be leaving soon. I’m just here to greet the envoy from Estania."

Rafael looked at Kael again, this time letting his worry show. Six months ago, Kael had suddenly returned home and thrown himself into work. At first, their parents were against his return, especially with all the rumors about him. But then they realized that their once rebellious son had changed a lot.

Instead of causing trouble and hanging out with the wrong crowd, always chasing the next thrill and single handedly keeping the gossip press in business, Kael had become completely focused on his work.

Kael had always been good at business, so his intense focus on work hadn’t been a complete surprise. What had shocked—and secretly pleased—their parents were the sudden absence of women and the usual rumors that used to swirl around him. At least now they would not be waking up to see their son in tabloids.

But now, their initial relief had turned into concern, as their once carefree, all-play-and-no-work son had transformed into a workaholic. From being a regular on the front pages, he’d gone to being an absentee.

Rafael glanced at Kael again, studying the way his brother stood—stiff and detached, as if the lively atmosphere of the ballroom barely registered with him.

He thought back to that night when Kael had returned to him, smashed with alcohol and out of his mind. He knew that this drastic change was likely due to the heartbreak Kael had endured then.

Even so, Rafael was amazed by the extent of the transformation. The man who used to chase excitement and live life on the edge was now someone else entirely—driven, serious, and utterly consumed by his responsibilities.

"Why are you staring at me?" Kael asked as he found Rafe’s gaze fixed on him.

"I’m just wondering, are you planning to greet the Royal envoy with that brooding face of yours? You might scare them off before they even get a chance to say hello."

Kael’s lips twitched, almost forming a smile. "Maybe that’s the plan. The quicker they leave, the quicker I can get out of here."

Rafe chuckled, relieved to see some of the old Kael peeking through. "You used to be the life of these parties, you know. I’m surprised you remember how to socialize. I half-expected you to turn into a hermit. Don’t you miss it? I mean you were with that girl for only a month..."

Kael shot him a look that threatened to burn him at the mention of the woman who had crushed his heart before moving on to ignore that part and answering," I didn’t realize you cared so much about my social life, Rafe. Or is it just that you’re tired of being the only one people look to for entertainment?"

Rafe grinned, sensing an opportunity. "Oh, I don’t mind carrying the spotlight—after all, someone has to keep the family name interesting now that you’ve decided to become a monk. But...I think I should warn you, now that you’ve shown the council members what a responsible one you are, they are pushing for a marriage alliance for you."

Kael groaned, rubbing a hand over his face. "Of course they are. It’s like they’ve been waiting for the moment I stopped being a screw-up to start planning my life for me. If they think I’m going to let them marry me off to some princess for political gain, they’re out of their damn minds."

Rafe laughed, clearly enjoying his brother’s frustration. "Come on, Kael. You can’t blame them for trying. You’ve turned into the perfect little prince over the past six months. Ideal for being sold off on the marriage mart. Besides, it’s not like you’ve given them any reason to think you’re against the idea."

"Are you serious?" Kael snapped, his tone laced with irritation. "Just because I’ve been focused on work doesn’t mean I’m ready to play the role of a dutiful husband. Also, what kind of enmity do they have for me. If I’m partying, they have a problem. If I am not, then too they have a problem! Also, If anyone should be getting married first, it’s you. You’re the heir, after all. What’s the holdup, Rafe?"

Rafe grinned, unbothered by Kael’s attempt to shift the focus. "Nice try, but I’m not the one who’s suddenly on the council’s radar. They’re not going to bother with me until they’ve got you all tied up and settled down."

Kael cursed under his breath. "I swear, if even one person tries to set me up with some noble’s daughter, I’m going to lose it and then they’ll know not to mess with me. Maybe I’ll remind them of my playboy days or something tonight. Should I flirt mercilassly with the women from the envoy?" But then Kael shook his head at that. "Better yet.Why don’t you take one for the team and get hitched first, Rafe? That’ll keep them busy for a while. What about the woman you liked?"

Rafe frowned at the thought of that and shook his head," Isis? Unfortunately, I will have to abdicate the throne if I pursue her..."

"What do you mean? Are you?"

"Relax. Isis is an amazing woman, and I admire her more than anyone. But she is also the Crown Princess of Estania. Which means we cannot have an alliance unless one of us chooses to abdicate. So..."

"Crown Princess of Estania? Isn’t she called Rosalind or something?"

Rafe shook his head," You really need to pay more attention to politice... Her name is Isidora Rosalind Sterling.. And there she is."

Kael turned his head, his gaze following Rafe’s line of sight. The moment he saw her, his heart nearly stopped. Standing at the entrance, her posture regal yet relaxed, was a woman he never expected to see again. The woman who he had seen in dreams these past few months.

Dora.

The source of this c𝐨ntent is freewe(b)nov𝒆l

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