The Billionaire Prince and His Secretary

Chapter 18

Ember POV

The next two days in Athens were nothing short of magical. Every street, every quin, every meal left me breathless and craving more. The history and the art of the city enveloped me, making me feel a part of something timeless. The food was an explosion of flavors, each dish a new adventure. I couldn’t imagine anything surpassing our time there, but John proved me wrong with the island hopping that followed.

Our two nights in Santorini felt like a dream. The sunsets were unparalleled, the hues of orange and pink painting the sky and reflecting off the white-washed buildings. We took countless photos, each one capturing a moment I wanted to freeze forever.

Mykonos was a brief but memorable stop. We avoided the party scene, preferring the quieter, more intimate moments. We wandered through narrow streets, stopping only to buy a few souvenirs for my parents, hand in hand, not a care in the world who would see us. It was perfect, but it was the private island that stole my heart completely.

Every day was a new adventure, but each day in the private island was even more spectacular. We jet skied, kayaked, snorkeled, and swam in crystal clear waters. We sunbathed naked under the warm sun and made love whenever the mood struck us. It was freedom, it was bliss, it was everything I never knew I needed.

One afternoon, while we were lying on the beach, soaking up the sun, I gathered the courage to bring up the subject that had been on my mind. I turned to John, my heart pounding in my chest. “John,” I began nervously. “I…I wanted to talk about something important.”

He opened his eyes and looked at me, his expression calm and curious. “Okay. I’m listening.”

I took a deep breath, steeling myself. “We’ve been…you know, being intimate without protection. I forgot to get any, and I didn’t remind you either. I’m sorry.”

John sat up, his gaze never leaving mine. “Come closer,” he said softly.

I moved a few inches closer, my nerves making my movements stiff. “Closer,” he repeated.

I inched forward again until I was sitting cross-legged in front of him. But it still wasn’t enough. He took my hands and guided me onto his lap, straddling him. His hands were warm and reassuring on my hips.

“Ember,” he began with a calm and steady voice, “you don’t need to apologize. You did nothing wrong. If anyone is to blame, it’s me. I imposed myself on you.”

I opened my mouth to protest, to tell him that I wanted it as much as he did, but he pressed a finger to my lips, silencing me.

“I’ve met many women in my life, dated some, but I’ve never been in a serious relationship,” he continued. “I wasn’t looking for one. But then we went to New York. The auction changed everything for me. I realized I didn’t want any other man near you. At that time, I started noticing things about you, beyond your professionalism. I saw your unique beauty, kindness, your passion, your strength.”

He paused, his eyes searching mine. “If you do get pregnant, I will support whatever choice you make. But if I’m being honest, I love the idea of you carrying my child. I’m sure you will look more beautiful with a baby bump.”

He then chuckled. “I’ve been thinking about my future a lot lately. I don’t want to work forever. It was my dream to retire young, and enjoy life. And I want you to be a part of that life.”

His words made my heart swell with emotion. Tears filled my eyes as I listened to him speak. He reached up and gently caressed my face, his thumb brushing over my lips.

“Ember,” he said further, “will you be my girlfriend?”

I was speechless for a moment, overwhelmed by the sincerity in his eyes and the depth of his feelings. Finally, I found my voice. “Yes, John,” I whispered, my heart bursting with joy. “Yes, I will be your girlfriend.”

John pulled me closer, capturing my lips in a kiss that was both tender and passionate. It felt like the beginning of something beautiful, something I had always dreamed of but never believed I could have.

As we pulled away, he rested his forehead against mine, his eyes sparkling with happiness. “I love you, Ember.”

“I love you, too, John,” I replied, knowing that these words were only the start of our incredible journey together.

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After our enchanting escape to Greece, returning to Solandia felt like stepping into a storm. The press had not eased off; instead, they seemed to have intensified their pursuit of us. Photos of John and I in Athens were plastered across the internet. The airport was swarming with photographers when we landed. Trying to avoid the spotlight, I slowed my pace, hoping to let John walk ahead, but he saw through my intentions. Gripping my hand firmly, he led me through the throng, making it clear he was proud to have me by his side. His gesture was both reassuring and nerve-wracking.

John’s bodyguards swiftly guided us out of the airport and into the waiting car. It was Sunday afternoon, and I would typically be at my apartment tackling chores. If not, I would be out visiting my parents. However, John had other plans. Instead of dropping me off at my place, he took me to his apartment.

“You’re safer here,” he said firmly. “I don’t want anyone following you home.”

I nodded, understanding his concern. I helped him unpack his things, a domestic routine that felt oddly intimate and comforting after our whirlwind trip. Exhausted, we took a nap, John’s arm draped protectively over me. I woke up first and took the opportunity to watch his peaceful face, thinking about how much my life had changed.

After a while, I nudged him gently. “John, I need to go back to my apartment.” I thought I needed time for myself.

He opened one eye, groggy but alert. “Stay here tonight, Ember. You’ll be safer.” He then lazily chuckled. “That rhymes.”

“I appreciate it, but I need to get back to my routine. I have to water my plants and clean up,” I replied, nearly choking as my plants were probably already dead a long time ago.

He sighed, realizing I wouldn’t budge. “Alright, but let’s have an early dinner first.”

We enjoyed a quiet meal together, the normalcy of it a stark contrast to the chaos outside. After dinner, John reluctantly drove me to my apartment. He did the usual checking inside my unit, and I hoped he wouldn’t remember what I had said about the plants. After he was done, I walked him to the door. He then turned to me and took my hand in his.

“I don’t like leaving you here alone,” he confessed.

Who would have thought the Prince of Solandia would be clingy to his secretary?

“I’ll be fine, John,” I assured him.

His phone rang at that moment, making me pull back to give him space to take the call. It was his mom. After a minute, he was done with the call.

“It’s Mom reminding me of the weekly family dinner. They know we’re back,” he said.

He invited me to join them, but I declined, citing preparations for the coming workweek. In addition to that, I was not prepared to meet the family after we had left abruptly the previous week. John could explain to his family without me at their dinner. Despite John’s reluctance, I managed to convince him.

“Go, John, I’ll be okay,” I said with a reassuring smile.

He pulled me into a tight embrace. “I’ll see you tomorrow, okay? Call me if you need anything.”

“I will,” I promised.

John stepped outside and waited for me to lock the door. The quiet of my apartment was a stark contrast to the whirlwind of the past week. I tidied up and tried to process everything. John and I had shared something special, and now we had to navigate the reality of our lives back in Solandia. The press, the palace, our jobs–it all felt overwhelming.

Our relationship was no longer just between us; it was under the scrutiny of an entire kingdom. I just hoped we could weather any storm that would come.