The blinding white lights of the ICU ward reflected off the cold, metallic equipment.
Ethan Blake lay helplessly on the hospital bed, his once-powerful body now as fragile as a fallen king. His wrists were strapped with IV lines, heart monitor beeping irregularly, and his lips pale from blood loss.
Yet despite the pain, his eyes never left the giant TV mounted on the wall in front of him.
The screen played live coverage of The Royal Engagement Gala—the most exclusive event of the decade.
And there she was.
Amelia White.
Radiant. Untouchable. Wearing a flowing silver gown that shimmered under the golden chandeliers like starlight itself. Her long, elegant legs crossed gracefully as she sat on the throne-like chair at the center of the hall.
The crowd fell silent as the host announced,
"Ladies and gentlemen, presenting His Highness, Crown Prince Alexander of Aravia!"
The tall, handsome prince strode confidently through the hall, stopping before Amelia. Without hesitation, he knelt down on one knee and produced a ring that sparkled brighter than anything the world had seen before.
"Queen Amelia, I offer you my name, my crown, and my eternal loyalty. Will you marry me?"
The camera zoomed in on Amelia's face, her expression calm, her red lips curving into a playful, knowing smile.
And then—she took the mic.
Her voice was soft yet carried through the hall like a goddess pronouncing judgment.
"I've spent years waiting for love… begging for it. Never again."
She turned directly toward the camera—as if she knew Ethan was watching.
"Starting today, my happiness will no longer depend on any man. But, Your Highness…"
Her lips curled upward into a breathtaking smile.
"…I'll accept your offer. As my partner in power, not as my savior."
The hall erupted into thunderous applause.
In the ICU…
BEEEEEEEEEEEP!
The heart monitor flatlined.
"Code Blue! Code Blue!" Nurses and doctors rushed in as Ethan's body went limp, eyes wide open in shock, blood seeping from his bitten lips.
"Mr. Blake, stay with us!"
But he couldn't hear them anymore.
All he could see was Amelia—standing proudly under the world's spotlight, slipping that crown prince's ring onto her finger…
And smiling.
Smiling as if Ethan Blake had never existed.