The tension in the room was thick—too thick to cut, even with a sword. Kelvin Prescott's jaw tightened the moment his father's words sliced through the calm.
"Kelvin, you're getting married."
It wasn't a suggestion. It wasn't a discussion. It was a command.
Silence fell. Everyone froze.
Jane blinked. Avery sat straighter. Donovan choked on his drink, then chuckled under his breath like it was a joke. But Kelvin? He didn't even move. He stared directly at his father, King Richard Prescott, who remained seated on his exquisite royal chair, face blank but voice firm.
Kelvin's hands curled into fists on his lap.
Kelvin: Excuse me? he said coldly.
Richard: You're to be married to Princess Selene of Velandria. The engagement will be announced in the coming weeks. The alliance has been in negotiation for months.
Velandria.
One of the most powerful kingdoms in the south. Rich in military power, political influence, and a gold mine of allies. Marrying into that family wasn't just a union, it was a strategy. And Kelvin hated it already.
Kelvin: No ~ he said simply. Coldly. Firm.
His mother, Clarissa, flinched, gently placing her hand over her chest.
Clarissa: Kelvin, darling, maybe hear your father out—
Kelvin: No ~ He stood, pushing the chair back with a soft scrape. His voice cut through the tension like glass.
Kelvin: You're not marrying me off like I'm a pawn on some board. I'm not doing this..
Jane: Kelvin, I know how this sounds, but this isn't just about marriage. This is about the future of the Prescott Empire. Velandria's assets are—
Kelvin: This isn't about assets. This is about control.
Kelvin turned toward his sister.
Kelvin: You think I'm going to let someone else decide who I spend the rest of my life with?
Donovan, ever the wild card, leaned back with a smirk.
Donovan: I mean, if she's hot, is it really that bad?
Avery rolled her eyes. Not the point, Don.
Donovan: What?? I mean last time you chose a wife yourself where did that leave you?....a father of two with no mother…..
Avery: DONOVAN!!!
Donovan: Maybe you should let them pick a wife for you this time.
King Richard remained silent as his children tossed arguments across the room like weapons. Then finally, he stood. The room quieted instantly.
He didn't shout. He didn't raise a finger. He only said one thing:
Richard: This is not up for debate.
Kelvin's eyes darkened.
Kelvin: So that's it? You make a deal behind my back, and now I'm just supposed to bow to it?
Richard: You are the future king, And kings do not always get to choose. They do what must be done. This alliance, this marriage, will solidify two empires. It will unite territories, double our holdings, and secure our influence for generations and I won't let you destroy that because of some trauma your model wife left you with
Clarissa: RICHARD!! Don't say such! ~ Clarissa walks towards Kelvin..
"She's a lovely girl, Kelvin. I've met her. She's refined, intelligent. Graceful. I know this isn't what you want, but—"
Kelvin:I don't care who she is…..This is not love. It's not even respect. It's business dressed in royal silk.
Jane: Sometimes business is what keeps us alive.
Avery, who had been quiet until now, leaned forward, her tone sharper than usual.
You think we all got what we wanted, Kelvin? You think I wanted fashion because it's pretty? No. It's because it made sense. Just like this marriage makes sense. Stop acting like you're the only one who ever had to sacrifice.
That stung.
Kelvin looked around the room. The walls that once felt like home now felt like a cage. They all just threw words sharp like the edge of a sword to him, from bringing up his ex wife to his kids and now scarifices??
He turned back to his father.
Kelvin: What if I say no? What if I walk out and never come back?
Richard: Then you walk away from everything.
Clarissa gasped. "Richard—"
Richard: No!!, He must understand what's at stake.
Kelvin: DONE!!!
Avery: WHAT???
~ everyone eyes widens in shock, King Richard never expected him to give away such power and his birthright so easily
But before he could say another word, Jane stood.
Jane: Woah, Woah, Whoa! Everyone calm down, Let's just schedule a meeting, With the princess and her family. Let's at least meet her.
There was a pause. Kelvin was silent, his chest heaving with barely controlled rage.
His entire life had been shaped by duty. Now they wanted to shape his future the same way. But one thing was certain this wasn't over.
Not by a long shot.
The air was still charged with tension when Kelvin pushed away from the table. His hands were clenched, his jaw tighter than stone.
Kelvin: I need air.
No one stopped him. Even Clarissa, his mother, who always tried to hold things together, knew better than to reach for him now.
The click of his shoes against the marble echoed down the hall as he stormed out of the grand living room, past the Prescott crest etched in gold on the walls, and into the open corridor leading to the gardens. Behind him, the room buzzed in murmurs, but none dared chase after him.
Not yet.
...
Hidden behind one of the side hallways just off the corridor, Martin Prescott leaned slightly into the shadow of the archway. Beside him, his daughter Isla stood with a knowing smirk tugging at her lips.
She had heard it all. Every word. Her eyes sparkled with interest.
Isla: Well, our perfect golden boy isn't so perfect after all.
Martin didn't reply at first. His arms were crossed, his face unreadable, but his eyes, his eyes were sharp. Calculating.
Martin: He's stubborn, Martin said finally. Too emotional. That's the problem.
Isla: He always has been! And Daddy dearest expects him to carry the crown with that attitude? Hmm.
Martin lips curled into something close to a smirk.
Martin: This could work in our favor.
Isla: Of course it could, Imagine the scandal if he refuses a royal proposal. Especially one that binds two empires together. What king refuses that?
Martin's gaze drifted toward the doors Kelvin had just stormed through.
Martin: Exactly the kind of king who shouldn't rule.
Isla turned to face her father fully, crossing her arms as her long dark curls spilled over her shoulder.
Isla: So what's the plan?
Martin didn't answer immediately. His eyes remained on the closed door ahead.
Martin; We don't move yet, We watch. Wait. If this wedding crumbles, if he pushes back too hard, it could spark doubt. Especially in the council.
And if doubt settles in… Isla finished for him, her smile spreading. They'll look for alternatives.
Martin's gaze met hers.
Martin: Exactly.
Isla: Then let's hope Kelvin keeps being… Kelvin.
Martin chuckled softly, placing a hand on his daughter's shoulder as they turned to leave.
Martin: There are cracks in the crown, Isla, All we need to do is wait… and watch it shatter.
...….
The sun hung low over the royal bay, its golden rays spilling across the private beach like liquid fire. The sound of waves crashing gently against the shore provided a steady rhythm, a kind of peace Kelvin Prescott rarely enjoyed, especially not lately.
He sat alone on a lounge chair, his back slightly slouched, one hand wrapped around a glass of something strong and neat. The salty breeze tugged at his shirt sleeves, his gaze unfocused as he stared into the horizon.
He hadn't spoken much since storming out of the family meeting. His mother tried to calm things down. His father remained as unyielding as ever. And everyone else? Tossed their opinions around like poker chips.
But none of that mattered here, not by the sea.
At least not until he saw her.
Not more than twenty feet away, a woman walked barefoot on the shoreline. The wind teased her flowy white dress, and her dark hair spilled down her back in soft, natural waves. She wasn't looking his way, but something about her struck him like a wave of déjà vu.
Kelvin squinted. His heart skipped. She looked familiar.
Too familiar.
Where had he seen her before? Then it hit him.
The airport.
He'd noticed her just before they boarded the jet. A fleeting glance. But even then, she had felt like a ghost from a forgotten memory. Now here she was again.
He sat up straighter, placed his glass on the side table, and rose slowly to his feet. The sand was warm beneath his shoes as he stepped forward, his eyes locked on the mysterious figure.
But before he could take another step—
Aiden & Elena: Dad!
Two voices called out in unison behind him.
Kelvin turned, startled.
There they were, Aiden and Elena, walking across the sand toward him, barefoot and having a worried and confronting look on their faces.
Evena: Uncle Donovan told us something weird
Aiden: He said you're getting married.
Kelvin raised a brow, shooting a mental curse toward his brother.
Kelvin: Did he now?
Elena: Is it true? Are we getting a step mother?
Kelvin bent to their level, brushing sand off Elena hair.
Kelvin: Would that bother you?
The twins exchanged a glance.
Aiden: Not if you're happy ~ Aiden said with a shrug.
Elena nodded, clutching her dad's hand.
Elena: Yeah. As long as she doesn't try to take my skincare
Kelvin chuckled, a rare smile curling at his lips.
Kelvin: I'll make sure that's in the marriage contract. And that reminds me…..What of Charlotte and…and….Whats his name again?
Aiden: Jackson?
Kelvin: Yup!! Your "Friends"
Elena: Common dad, Jackson is just my friend
Kelvin: exactly what I said, have you guys seen them?
Elena: Why do you care dad?
Kelvin: C'mmon, I do!!, You know what come tell me about this "friends" of yours
Aiden: first off I don't feel comfortable discussing such a thing with you and secondly You already have a lot on your plate, maybe you should focus on that no?
~ Kelvin laughed, Aiden is really just like him…Bold.
Kelvin: Sweet Elena? Nothing too?
Elena: I would rather discuss such with aunty Lila than you
Aiden: I too with uncle Donovan
Donovan: Ouuuuuuu I'll take the compliment
~ Elena screams as she wasn't expecting someone
Elena: Jeez you scared me!!!
Donovan: Someone's falling at parenting too? ~ Donovan laughed
Kelvin: ugh!!
Just then, Donovan strolled onto the scene, barefoot and holding a coconut drink like he owned the world. His white shirt was open halfway down his chest, sunglasses perched atop his head.
Donovan: you've been failing at everything latterly Big Bro, look are you now, Hiding from your royal fate also.
Kelvin rolled his eyes.
Kelvin: Nice job telling the kids before I could.
Donovan threw his hands up dramatically.
Donovan: What? It's family news! Besides, I thought they'd find out at the wedding.
Aiden: Give him a break uncle.
Donovan: Right righ!!, such boldness though
Aiden: well I'm not a kid
Donovan: Yes yes, you know you're even capable of putting a heir in a woman right now…
Elena: I agree, Maybe you should be the one marrying the princess…Right dad?
~ Kelvin and Donovan laughs, it always amuses Kelvin on how the twins pick on themselves yet watch out for each other still.
Kelvin: I mean, he did say he isn't a kid sooo….
Aiden: I give up with you all ~ Aiden retreats, heading back inside
Elena: You going to meet charlotte? ~ she said while screaming sacastically
Aiden: shut up!!!
Donovan: You should probably go look after him
Elena: Right!!!, Aiden Wait for me!!!
~ Aiden stops signaling Elena to run since he's covered quite a distance..
Kelvin: Goodnight pumpkin
Elena: Bye dad, Bye Uncle ~ she runs to meet Aiden
...
Kelvin's gaze immediately flicked back to the shoreline.
But she was gone.
The woman.
Vanished.
He blinked, stepping forward slightly, searching the stretch of sand and rocky edges, but there was no trace of her.
Donovan noticed.
Donovan: You good? he asked, following Kelvin's eyes.
Kelvin: There was a woman, Same one I saw at the airport. She was just here. I—He paused. "She looked familiar."
Donovan sipped his drink.
Donovan: And you didn't go talk to her?
Kelvin: I was about to, Kelvin said, frustrated. "Then the kids showed up."
Donovan: Well damn. You sure she wasn't a ghost from your ex-wife's past haunting you?
Kelvin shot him a look.
Kelvin: Funny.
Donovan smirked, sitting on the edge of a beach lounger.
Donovan: Maybe she's the one you're supposed to marry. That's how it works in those romcoms you pretend not to watch.
Kelvin ignored him.
Kelvin: She looked like someone I knew. I just… can't place where.
Donovan nudged him with an elbow.
Donovan: Watch, she's probably not even that hot.
Kelvin arched a brow.
Donovan: Come on ~Donovan continued. "We both know no one beats Emilia in the looks department.
Kelvin's jaw tightened.
Emilia?
His ex-wife. The woman who once made the coldest parts of him warm, and then tore it all apart.
Kelvin: She was beautiful, But beauty's not everything.
Donovan: Tell that to every man in the hospitality industry
Kelvin chuckled, and for a moment, it felt like the weight of duty wasn't so heavy.
Until Donovan lowered his voice.
Donovan: I saw Martin and Isla earlier. ~ glancing toward the mansion behind them. "Through the back glass door. Looked like they were watching the meeting from the hallway."
Kelvin stiffened slightly.
Kelvin: Eavesdropping?
Donovan nodded.
Donovan: I don't trust that side of the family. You shouldn't either.
Kelvin didn't reply right away. Instead, he looked out to the sea again, wind tousling his hair, eyes narrowed in thought.
Kelvin: i don't either.
Donovan: Dad doesn't see it, he's blinded by love but uncle Martin? He wants the throne and he's gonna do anything to get it
Kelvin: where are you heading?
Donovan: I think they're planning something, we need to be Cautious and attentive and we can start by finding out if they're planning anything funny for this upcoming meet with the princess
Kelvin: Ugh! Like I care
Donovan: Yes you do! Get over it man, you're not a kid!
Kelvin: so what are you saying? How do you want to know what they're planning?
Donovan: Send Adrian!!
Kelvin: What??
Donovan: He's skilled, I'll send one of my men to accompany him too.
Kelvin shocked, Unsure and confused sighed and just had to give in.
Kelvin: Fine, I'll talk to Adrian
Donovan: Good
Kelvin kept mute, his mind was pacing, he was thinking, not just because of Martin or Isla or his wedding….It was the woman. The stranger. The familiar ghost who kept appearing and disappearing like fate was playing games with him.
Donovan: Come on! ~ Donovan said, slapping Kelvin's shoulder. "Let's go grab a drink and pretend our lives are simple for once."
Kelvin gave a dry laugh
Kelvin: I can't even place a finger on who's worse, you or darren….Or maybe you guys are brothers and you just don't know it yet
Donovan: Ouit it!!
Kelvin: Well unfortunately I'm not interested, last night I went to get a "drink"'with Darren , ended up nutting in a woman with no protection who also acted like a harlot but turned out she's not.
Donovan was speechless, he was shocked at how gullible his brother can be
Donovan: WHAT??? Please tell me you're joking
Kelvin: I wish brother , I wish
Donovan: Gosh Kelvin, you're an affluence, you just don't lay with any woman, what if she finds out how much power you have, she's just gonna Claim she's expecting for you and you wouldn't even know if it's yours or not until after 9 months filled with drama and you know we do NOT reject our blood whatsoever…
Kelvin:First of, Look who's talking and you think I don't know that?
Donovan: Mannn you stress me out, now I do really need a drink…..let's go grab one regardless, no woman. C'mmon
Kelvin: Fine!!!
~ The two brothers head out to go grab a drink, kelvin felt like he really did need a drink or a distraction whatsoever
But in his heart, he knew the storm had just begun.