Husband With Benefits
Chapter 729: Blind date (2)

Chapter 729: Blind date (2)

The blind date was an icy affair. And she’d expected that. As the wait staff served one dish after the other, Kael kept up the pretence of being a dutiful host as he introduced the local dishes. Dora on the other hand responded politely to everything, her mind however elsewhere. All she could think of was how to escape as soon as possible.

Without warning, Kael placed his hand over hers, taking her fingers lightly. Startled, she instinctively moved to pull away, but he tightened his grip, leaning into whisper, "Smile. We have guests."

Dora didn’t need to glance around to know who he was referring to—she could feel the eyes of the cameras on her, watching, recording every expression. Forcing a thin smile, she gritted her teeth. "Even if some people are peeping, we don’t have to be holding hands. This is just a blind date. It’s not like we’re seeing each other."

Kael’s lips curved into a smug smile. "You’re right, of course. But I have a reputation to maintain. The paparazzi here has been following me around even before I knew what paparazzi was. So, if I don’t make a movement, they will know something is up."

Dora rolled her eyes as she lifted her wine glass and took a slow sip. "Ah, yes. Your precious reputation."

"And since we’re going to get married," Kael continued, completely unfazed, "I think it’s best to give the impression that I’ve been enamored with you from the very beginning. Wouldn’t you agree?"

Dora choked on her wine, nearly spilling it, in her shock. Quickly, she pulled her hand from his grasp and covered her face, not wanting the cameras to capture the ugly expression that was no doubt forming. She could feel the sting of tears at the corners of her eyes as she struggled to regain her breath.

When she finally composed herself, she let out a long sigh and glared at him. Let the cameras see her fury, for all she cared.

"Are you out of your mind? How did a blind date turn into a wedding proposal?"

Kael remained calm—infuriatingly calm. His voice was cool and collected, as if they were discussing the weather. "You know as well as I do why we’re here. This so-called ’blind date’ isn’t about romance. It’s politics. My people want to align with Estania for economic gain, and your ministers want to control their most headstrong princess." He met her eyes, daring her to deny the truth. "This arrangement benefits both sides. So of course they are going to push us for marriage."

Dora paused as she looked at him. He had a better understanding of the politics than she expected. But," If you think I can marry you then you are out of your mind."

Kael’s eyes glinted with amusement. "I haven’t proposed, Dora. At least not yet."

"Then why bring it up at all?" she snapped, her voice a low hiss. "We are not getting married. Ever."

He tilted his head, as if considering her words carefully. "Are you a fortune teller now, Dora? Predicting the future?" His tone was playful, but there was an edge to it.

Dora’s lips pressed into a thin line. "It’s Isidora," she corrected sharply. "Only people close to me call me Dora, and you’re certainly not one of them."

"Funny. A little less than half an hour ago, I would have said that I was the closest to you."

Dora stiffened, cocking her head as she gave up on any pretense," What do you want Kael? Why are you doing this?"

"Me? What did I do? I am just playing along with what all those politicians have planned. After all, that is my fate as the younger prince. But you, I am wondering what you ae going to do? What about your boyfriend? How will you marry him when you cannot even introduce him to your council..." Because she was on the defensive or because she wasn’t looking for it, Dora missed the echo of jealousy in his voice.

"You mean Cai? Most of the council is aware of my closeness with Cai. And if they think that my marriage will break off that relationship then they are foolish."

Kael clenched his hands under the table, wanting to punch something! What did she mean by not breaking off her relationship with Cai....

"Are you saying..."

"Who cares what I am saying, Kael. It doesn’t concern you. Now, if we’re finished with the date..."

"Why in such a hurry to run away? I thought we’d do something spcial tonight..." With that, Kael gestured to the wait staff who discreetly disappeared from the room, making sure to close the curtains to keep out the prying eyes. As the lights dimmed and soft music started to play, Kael extended his hand to Dora who only gave it a look as she said," What? There is no one here, so why pretend?"

"Are you scared Dora? Its just a dance..."

Dora’s eyes narrowed as she glanced at Kael’s outstretched hand, suspicion coursing through her. He was behaving oddly. He was too amiable and polite. Something that should not have matched his brash personality.

"Scared? Why would I be that?" Despite knowing that he was actually goading her into doing his bidding, Dora placed her hand in his and stepped closer to him.

His triumphant smile, however, turned to a frown when instead of placing her hand on his shoulder, she placed it on his waist. She looked up into his eyes then deliberately slow, pushed her hand under his suit jacket. Her hand lingered over the hard lines of his abdomen, then higher, teasingly tracing the muscles beneath until she reached his shoulder.

Dora leaned in, her lips curling into a smug smile of her own as she tilted her head up toward his ear. "You’re not the only one who can play games, Kael."

Her other slid around his back, pulling him closer, just enough for their bodies to almost touch as she continued to whisper," Its better to come clean now about whatever it is you’re planning..."

Visit freewe𝑏no(v)el.𝘤𝑜𝓂 for the best novel reading experi𝒆nce

Search the lightnovelworld.cc website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.