Vincent didn't return to his family home again. In the days that followed, the silence in his life felt heavier than ever. His family's disapproval echoed in his mind, particularly the sting of his mother's coldness and the hidden disdain in his father's gaze. He had always been the outcast in his family, but now, that feeling had become permanent.
He focused on his acting career. It was, after all, the only thing he had left to hold onto. The fame, the attention—it distracted him from the emptiness that lingered inside. Every time he stepped on stage or appeared in front of the camera, he could forget about the burdens of his legacy, even if only for a few hours. But he knew the truth: this wasn't his real future. Not anymore.
Anastasia was his future.
Lucian's words still haunted him. A king had to stand beside a queen. And he needed to be more than an idol—he had to become a ruler, someone worthy of Anastasia's power and status.
Days turned into weeks, and the pressure to make a choice grew heavier. He had to reclaim his rightful position as heir to his family, and that would mean stepping into the role of power—something he had long avoided for the sake of his brother. But now, he couldn't run away from it. He had to make himself worthy of the woman he loved, and that meant being the king he was born to be.
One day, a letter arrived for Vincent. It was from Lucian, asking to meet him in person. It was a direct request, but there was a sense of urgency to it. Vincent felt a strange sense of anticipation as he read the letter, knowing that this was the moment where he would either choose to embrace his destiny—or walk away from it forever.
He immediately arranged to meet Lucian, understanding that this might be his last chance to fully understand what Lucian was offering him. And so, he went.