The Laughing Stock
1083 Words
Time had flown faster than Victoria ever imagined. Now, she sat beside her husband, who looked completely relaxed on the couch as they waited for the major news he’d hinted at earlier. The television droned on in the background, but her eyes were fixed on Nicholas.
Suddenly, her phone rang.
She let it ring a couple of times, her heart growing heavier with each buzz, before finally picking it up.
“Any news, Kelly?” she asked, raising a brow at Nicholas as if expecting him to reveal something first.
“Congratulations, ma’am!” Kelly’s voice practically exploded through the speaker. “Ironcrest just announced your green power project, and it’s already spiking in value. The company’s stock has soared, and they’ve recorded over a billion dollars in profit and it’s still climbing! You’ve done it again, ma’am. With this success, Ironcrest is sure to give you that billion-dollar contract you’ve been eyeing.”
Victoria blinked. “Are you serious? Don’t play with my emotions right now, Kelly.”
“I wouldn’t dare,” Kelly replied, still breathless with excitement. “Some news channels are covering it already. Companies that sold their stocks early or let go of green fuel assets at low prices are now facing huge losses. Meanwhile, those of you who believed in this project are cashing in big time.”
Still in disbelief, Victoria reached for the remote and flipped to a news channel. Sure enough, the headlines were about the green power surge. She beamed with joy, her eyes drifting back to the man lounging beside her ordinary, wheelchair-bound Nicholas.
“Who are you really, Nicholas?” she asked softly.
“Why do you ask?” Nicholas responded, avoiding the question.
“How did you get such sensitive intel before anyone else? Who do you work for? I mean, seriously… how did you know?”
He gave a sheepish shrug. “One of the perks of being disabled, I suppose. I happened to roll past some company shareholders talking about the project. I eavesdropped. Guilty, but hey it helped, didn’t it?”
Victoria burst into laughter and leaned over to hug him tightly. “Thank you so much, Nick,” she whispered, peppering his face with kisses.
Their moment of celebration was interrupted by breaking news on TV: The Crown Prince of Montasia Has Arrived.
Cassian was seen striding through the airport, his trademark smile firmly in place as paparazzi swarmed him. He stepped into a sleek Rolls-Royce motorcade, turning heads as always. Wherever Cassian went, he made sure to make a statement and this time, he had a mission.
Word had it that the elusive CEO of Ironcrest had returned from abroad and would soon make a public appearance. Cassian had to be there to welcome him no, to win him over. If he wanted the throne, he needed Ironcrest’s endorsement.
After his father's death, Cassian thought ascending to the throne would be immediate. As the eldest, tradition favored him. But his father’s will changed everything: only the man approved by the "King of all CEOs" could become the next monarch. It sounded absurd, but no one dared challenge a signed royal decree.
And so, pleasing Ironcrest's CEO had become Cassian's top priority.
Days later, the Prime Minister of Velmora hosted a grand banquet to welcome the Prince of Montasia. Invitations were scarce, sparking fierce competition among elite families. Power and status ruled Velmora, and just being seen at the event let alone photographed with the prince could elevate one's entire business.
Naturally, Isla was invited. A decorated darling of the public with multiple awards under her belt, she proudly reminded everyone she was backed by the Ironcrest CEO. She believed herself the key to his heart, and didn’t miss the opportunity to flaunt her proximity to power.
Victoria received an invitation too.
She hesitated. Cassian would be there. Given their complicated past, wouldn’t it be awkward? Still, declining could be seen as disrespectful and damage her reputation. And if the Ironcrest CEO truly appeared… this could be her chance to forge a connection.
That evening, dressed to perfection, Victoria and Nicholas arrived at the venue. Their invitation passed inspection, and they were let in. The hall was already brimming with powerhouses from across Velmora.
As Victoria pushed Nicholas’s wheelchair through the crowd, murmurs followed them. The sight of the poised Diamond of Velmora with a ring on her finger and a man in a wheelchair at her side sparked immediate speculation.
“I see you’ve brought someone to the ball,” a media presenter said, microphone in hand. “Who might this be?”
Victoria turned to the camera with a dazzling smile. “This is my husband, Nicholas Creed. From now on, please address me as Mrs. Creed ,I’m a married woman.”
She held up her hand, flashing the elegant yet eye-catching ring Nicholas had given her. It was simple but refined just like him.
Then a voice cut through the crowd like a blade.
“Why not tell them the truth that he’s just a fake husband you married to escape our arranged wedding?”
Cassian.
The room fell silent.
“Who I marry is none of your business,” Victoria said, voice firm.
“Oh, come on, Victoria,” he scoffed. “You really think people will believe you left the future crown behind to play babysitter for a cripple you picked off the streets? He was in the army, sure, but he’s nothing special just a discarded soldier. No job, no name, nothing. You think this farce will last? Divorce him now while I’m still willing to take you back. And before you do, make sure you scrub yourself of his touch. Does he even satisfy you?”
The venom in his words stunned the crowd. He strode toward Victoria and grabbed her waist possessively.
Without hesitation, Victoria shoved him off and delivered a hard slap across his face. A perfect red imprint bloomed on his cheek.
Then she poured her glass of red wine all over his white suit.
“That’s for insulting my husband,” she snapped. “And listen closely, Cassian. I’m being nice right now. Cross me or my husband again, and it won’t end with just a slap. I will destroy you.”
Gasps filled the room.
Was she really threatening the Prince of Montasia? Wasn’t she afraid of causing a political scandal?
Victoria didn’t care. For once, she wasn’t playing by anyone else’s rules.
- Writer
