Chapter 1080: Chapter 1020: The Prince Pursues His Wife (Part 1)
Kiya was clearly still holding onto Paige Desmond, and when various attempts at pleasing her and showing vulnerability didn’t work, he began causing trouble for Adrian Desmond.
Adrian’s prolonged stay in Abyanabad this time was largely due to Kiya’s efforts.
"Men, when they change their minds, are always heartless," said Adrian Desmond, lighting a cigarette and taking a drag.
Paige Desmond snatched the cigarette from his hand and said, "Sis-in-law won’t let you smoke!"
"She’s not here, is she?" Adrian Desmond frowned at Paige Desmond, eyes filled with dissatisfaction. Since when did his younger sister start meddling in his affairs?
Paige Desmond extinguished the cigarette and, seeing a pack on the table, promptly tucked it into her shirt pocket.
She looked at Adrian and asked, "How can I help you?"
"Business matters; women shouldn’t interfere!"
Paige Desmond retorted defiantly, "Who said that? Sis-in-law runs her own business, doesn’t she? Brother, how can you still be so biased against women?"
"She’s an Orienta woman; you’re an Abyanabad woman. You’re not the same!"
"Brother, just keep being biased against women. Watch out, or I’ll report to sis-in-law."
"I only spoil her; don’t think I’m afraid of her!" Adrian explained to his sister; he didn’t want Paige Desmond to misunderstand him as fearing his wife.
"Yes, yes, brother, you’re impressive indeed. So what are you going to do now? I know that man Kiya quite well. He won’t stop until he gets what he wants. I’m afraid he’ll target you again." Paige Desmond looked at Adrian, her face full of worry.
"Do you still love him?"
"I don’t love him anymore," Paige Desmond answered straightforwardly.
"You should know what he wants; he wants you. Since you no longer love him, there’s no way for you to help me."
"Brother, it’s all my fault."
Adrian looked into his sister’s eyes and said, "Since you don’t love him anymore, don’t think about sacrificing yourself to help me. I’m not so incapable that I need to exploit my sister."
"Brother..." Paige’s eyes turned sour.
"Take Dylan to stay at the Johnson Family residence for a few days."
If it weren’t for this issue with Kiya, Paige would have taken Dylan to China to visit Sheehan by now. But currently, how could she even leave?
In Abyanabad, the royal family has significant privileges, especially as the old Sultan has handed over many of his powers to his only son, Kiya, over the years.
Kiya’s nature is highly obstinate; Paige worries that if one attempt fails, he will resort to underhanded tactics.
"I’m not leaving. No matter what, the matter arose because of me. It would be highly irresponsible for me just to leave."
"Staying here won’t be of any help."
"I’ll go see Kiya."
Adrian analyzed her situation for her and said, "When you divorced, it caused such a scandal that the two of you getting back together is entirely impossible.
If you’re with him, your status can only be that of a mistress."
"..."
"Paige, we Desmonds don’t have women serving as mistresses for others! I don’t care if Kiya is some heir apparent; dare you become his mistress, then don’t call me brother ever again!" Adrian’s words were heavy, weighing down on Paige’s heart.
"Brother, I won’t be his mistress!"
Paige refused to be a Princess Consort back then; how would she become Kiya’s mistress now?
"The business matters I can handle myself; I don’t want you involved. If you’re bored at home, take Dylan out for a bit of relaxation."
"Hmm." After thinking it over, Paige still nodded in agreement.
...
Indeed, Paige no longer loved Kiya, which was why she divorced in such a drastic manner, leaving no room for retreat.
The life of a prince and a Cinderella after marriage wasn’t as blissful as one might imagine. Hence, in fairy tales, the endings often claim "the prince and Cinderella lived happily ever after," but they never detail how that happiness manifests.
Because they weren’t truly happy.
Fairy tales are deceiving.
"Mom, why are we going on a trip and not going to China? I want to play with Curly and Sheehan," Dylan looked at his mother and asked.
Paige was packing her luggage, lost in thought.
"Because Mom’s feeling down. Can you keep Mom company, Dylan?"
Dylan looked at his mother, gingerly asking, "Is it because of Dad?"
Paige patted her son’s head; since the divorce, Dylan had grown healthier and his personality more cheerful, making Paige even less regretful about the divorce.
The Imperial Palace is a consuming prison, where all vibrant lives enter and lose their color.
"Miss, troubles have arisen; His Highness is here," a servant entered to report.
Just after the servant spoke, Kiya burst in with his entourage. However, Kiya left his personal guards outside the door, not allowing them to invade Paige’s bedroom.
Upon seeing Kiya, Paige frowned.
"Your Highness, I don’t know what brings you to barge into my home," Paige coldly hugged her son and said.
Kiya glanced around, seeing the suitcase and clothes scattered on the bed, and asked, "You’re packing luggage? Planning to go somewhere?"
"What does that have to do with you?"
"My father has passed away; I want to take Dylan back."
The old Sultan had died?
This was a significant event in Abyanabad.
"How come I haven’t heard anything?"
"He passed away at midnight yesterday; the news hasn’t been released yet. This morning, the press officer will hold a press conference to announce it." Kiya looked at Paige’s beautiful face, restraining himself from impulsively embracing her.
"Your Highness, my condolences," Paige said cordially.
"I want to take Dylan to attend my father’s funeral," Kiya stated his intention.
Paige naturally refused, but knowing she couldn’t confront him head-on, she replied tactfully, "Why take Dylan with you? You know very well..."
Kiya interrupted Paige, "Paige, you’re a selfish mother!"
"I’m not your mother; what kind of mother I am has nothing to do with you, Your Highness."
Kiya: ...
Adrian heard the commotion and rushed over, immediately witnessing the tense confrontation between the two.
"Brother!" Paige brought Dylan to Adrian’s side, as if Kiya were a villain set to harm them.
Kiya insisted, "My father has passed away, and I must bring Dylan back for the funeral. It’s only natural, and you have no right to stop me."
Adrian instructed Marion, "Marion, take Dylan out first."
"Yes."
Kiya’s Chief Guard blocked Marion’s path, prompting Paige to glare angrily at Kiya and demand, "Kiya, what do you think you’re doing?"
Hearing her call his name instead of pretentiously addressing him as "Your Highness," Kiya was somewhat pleased.
Kiya motioned for the Chief Guard to step aside, allowing Marion to pick up Dylan and leave.
Only three people remained in the room, each standing, not inclined to sit down or chat over tea.
Adrian stated, "When you divorced, everyone knew Dylan wasn’t your child."
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