Husband With Benefits
Chapter 755: Focused On The Wrong Person

Chapter 755: Focused On The Wrong Person

"Princess, one look here, please!"

"Your Highness, over this side!"

"Your Highness, is it true that you and Prince Rafael are in love?"

As Dora stepped out of the sleek, black car for the Charity Auction Gala, she paused just long enough to offer a polite wave to the sea of flashing cameras before making her way inside. The barrage of questions and the constant shouts of her name didn’t faze her—she had grown used to this public performance. What truly bothered her was the news she had received only moments before: she would be partnering with Prince Rafael for the inauguration of the charity auction.

Her mood, already sour, worsened at the thought. The entire event had been hastily put together, and yet, no one had thought to inform her office in advance about this crucial detail. It was infuriating, the way they used these ridiculous rumors to their advantage, as though they could exploit the swirling gossip without a care for her feelings. Did they not realize the strain this placed on her?

She had already made her contribution—a valuable artifact for the auction. She was here to spend a significant amount on various items, and her mere presence was enough to bring the event the publicity it needed. So why did they feel the need to push even more demands on her, despite how much she had already given?

"Your Highness!" another voice shouted from the crowd. "Why not give up your throne to be with your love?"

Dora clenched her jaw, her frustration mounting, but maintained her graceful composure as she continued forward without a glance back, while she wanted to snap something at them.

"Is power so important Your Highness that you would give up love? Your sister gave up the throne for her love! Why can’t you?" Another reporter shouted and this time she stopped

Her heels clicked sharply against the polished stone steps as she turned to face the crowd of reporters. The flash of cameras intensified as the eager journalists leaned forward, sensing a moment they could pounce on. But Dora’s expression remained composed. She was angry, yes, but she’d never lose her dignity.

With a calm, but cutting tone, she spoke, authoratively, "My sister did not give up the throne. She entrusted the future of Estania to me because she believed in my strength to carry it forward, to protect and nurture our people. Her decision was made out of love—love for our country. And that is my love, too. My first and greatest devotion will always be to my people and my nation."

A wave of silence fell over the crowd, the previously shouting voices now hushed as she continued to show her power. These people had all forgotten that she was not just a princess. She was the future Queen.

"As for the rumors involving Prince Rafael," she added, her words growing sharper, "they are exactly that—rumors. I understand that scandal and gossip draw attention, but I do not play into the fantasies spun by idle minds. And I would like to ask you this, would you dare to question Prince Rafael about this? If you dare, ask him to give up his throne to pursue some grand love!"

As Dora turned back and resumed her graceful stride, the reporters were momentarily stunned into silence. But it didn’t take long for the sound of hurried whispers and hushed comments to rise behind her. The journalists, ever hungry for a story, had already begun to twist her words, their microphones raised as they gave their rapid takes.

"Princess Dora’s love for her country appears to be the very thing standing between her and Prince Rafael’s relationship," one reporter spoke eagerly into her mic, casting a dramatic tone as if she were revealing a royal secret. "While she firmly denied any involvement, the pain in her eyes told a different story—a story of sacrifice and loyalty."

Another voice quickly followed, building on the narrative. "Yes, despite her graceful composure, it’s clear the Princess is torn between duty and personal happiness. Could it be that her sense of responsibility for Estania is keeping her from pursuing true love with Prince Rafael?"

"Would it be Prince Rafael who would have to sacrifice his throne and his responsibility towards Petrovia?"

Dora wanted to scream. Or rather, she wanted to go out and wring those reporters necks! Of all the things they had caught onto, the truth was the last! What pain in her eyes! It had been anger! Those idits needed to take classes in studying body language!

And yet, as she walked into the venue, she could not help but check her phone again. She’d lost touch with Kael since yesterday when he’d told her he’d call her back. Could it be he really was bothered bythe rumors and had been trying to hide this from her? The thought made her uneasy.

As she stared down at the phone, she looked up to see a woman dressed in a flashy golden gown walking towards her," Princess Isidora. Thank you for gracing us with your presence. It is such a pleasure to have you."

Placing her phone, back in her purse, Dora walked into the venue while continuing to chat with the woman while worry for Kael continued to disturb her peace of mind.

Finally, busy with all the people trying to talk to her, and get information about the scandal, she was unable to check her phone. At last, when a brief lull in conversation presented itself, Dora managed to discreetly slip her hand into her purse, her fingers brushing the screen of her phone. But yet again, before she could check the phone, she was invited to the podium for the cutting of the ribbon.

And that is how, she ended up missing a message from Kael telling her that he would land in Petrovia soon. But at this point, standing next to Rafael, unable to escape her duty, she would not have been able to do anything to go to him.

New n𝙤vel chapters are published on f(r)e𝒆webn(o)vel.com