Leticia's lips curved into a small, enigmatic smile as she read the letter again. Leonardo had kept his promise, returning just as he said he would. But so much had changed since then not least of which was Leticia herself.
She set the letter down carefully and picked up the lotus flower, bringing it to her nose to inhale its subtle fragrance. The bloom was a reminder of the peace and tranquility she craved, a stark contrast to the stormy emotions swirling within her.
Tomorrow, she would see Leonardo again after seven long years. The boy she had known was now a man with a reputation that struck fear into the hearts of many. Would he still be the same Leo who held her hand and promised to wait for her? Or had he changed beyond recognition?
The next morning
Leticia was put in a bun as they put on her red wig and eye contact.
As Leticia looked at herself in the mirror, she barely recognized the reflection staring back at her. The red wig and colored contacts transformed her appearance completely, hiding the unique beauty that was truly hers.
She sighed softly, adjusting the delicate lace of her dress. The gown was a masterpiece of silk and satin, designed to accentuate her figure and command attention. It was a far cry from the simple, comfortable attire she preferred.
"Perfect! Remember that you are Amelia," Morgan said.
"Mother!" Amelia shouted and she held on Morgan arm.
"Darling mommy and daddy need to go out, when we return we will take you shopping," Morgan said. Amelia pouted and stormed her feet. She heard from the servant saying about the crown prince being Leticia fiancé so jealous but the crown prince will be marrying her. Amelia looked at Leticia with a smug expression. Leticia was indifferent.
The restaurant was a lavish affair, with crystal chandeliers casting a warm glow over the opulent decor. Leticia walked beside her adoptive parents, her heels clicking softly against the polished marble floor. She could feel the weight of countless eyes upon her, curious and appraising.
As they approached the Novak family's table, Leticia's heart began to race. She knew that Leonardo would be there, waiting for her. The thought both excited and terrified her.
"Ah, the Princetons!" boomed a deep voice. Leticia looked up to see an older man with piercing blue eyes and silver hair Emperor Novak himself. Beside him sat Empress Novak, a regal woman with a kind smile.
"Greeting Empress, Greeting Emperor, and…" Quinn eyes widen.
"Did you know his highness the crown prince would be here?" Morgan said.
"No I didn't," Quinn mumbled. Leticia sighed she stepped forward and put her hands on her chest.
"Getting your majesty, your highness, and ninth prince my name is Amelia Princeton," Leticia said. Leonardo covered and smirked the smirked felt like he knew something. Leticia composed herself calm down he doesn't know it's her.
Leonardo's smirk widened as he rose from his seat, his golden eyes locked onto Leticia's disguised form. He bowed gracefully, his movements fluid and practiced.
"A pleasure to meet you, Lady Amelia," he said, his voice smooth and confident.
"I've heard so much about you."
Leticia curtsied, her heart pounding in her chest. She could feel the weight of Leonardo's gaze upon her, searching and knowing.
"And I you, Your Highness," she replied softly, keeping her voice steady despite the turmoil within.
The Emperor cleared his throat, drawing their attention back to him.
"Please, sit," he said warmly.
"We have much to discuss. But wasn't my son engaged to your daughter Leticia?" Empress Sia asked. Morgan spoke up first. Leticia also wanted to hear what kind of excuse she would make.
Morgan smiled smoothly, her expression unflinching as she faced the Emperor and Empress.
"Ah, yes. That was the plan initially," she began, her tone casual and almost dismissive.
"But as you know, Leticia... well, she's not exactly the marrying type. Too independent, too focused on her own pursuits."
She waved a hand dismissively, as if Leticia's feelings and desires were of little consequence.
"So we thought it best to honor the original agreement with Amelia instead. After all, she is our true heir."
Leticia's jaw clenched tightly at Morgan's words, her eyes flashing with anger behind her disguise. How dare she speak of her so callously?
But before she could react, Leonardo spoke up, his voice cold and sharp.
"And what of my engagement to Leticia? Was that just a meaningless promise to be cast aside so easily?"
His gaze bored into Morgan, challenging and accusing.
Leonardo grabbed Leticia hand and kissed it and he smiled because it was the familiar peach blossom scent. Leonardo smirked hehe Letty Letty I she'll play along with you my dear.
"Forget I agree to marry Amelia," Leonardo said. Leticia heard this and she clenched her hands Leonardo did you forget about her? So even Amelia gets haha how troublesome. Leticia kept her promise.
"It's a pleasure to be married to his highness," Leticia said with a bright smile. Leonardo smirked as he licked his lips.
The Emperor and Empress exchanged surprised glances, clearly taken aback by Leonardo's sudden change of heart. Morgan's smile faltered slightly, but she quickly regained her composure.
"Well, if that's what the Crown Prince desires," she said smoothly, her tone dripping with false sweetness.
"I'm sure Amelia will make an excellent bride. Won't you, dear?"
All eyes turned to Leticia, expecting a response. She felt Leonardo's gaze on her, intense and probing. He knew it was her beneath the disguise; she could feel it in the way he held her hand, in the familiar press of his lips against her skin.
"Yes, of course," Leticia replied calmly, meeting Morgan's gaze with a steady one of her own.
"I'm honored to be chosen as the Crown Prince's bride."
She squeezed Leonardo's hand subtly, a silent warning not to push too far. As much as she hated this charade, she couldn't afford to expose herself not yet.
The Emperor nodded approvingly, a smile spreading across his face.
"Excellent!"