Bethrothed to the billionaire prince

The grand hall of the royal palace was silent—too silent for a place built on power. Every noble, every advisor, every member of the royal council stood in perfect order, their eyes fixed on the center of the room where Prince Adrian Vale stood. Dressed in dark royal attire trimmed with gold, he looked every bit like the future king they wanted him to be. But inside… he was breaking. Before him rested a long parchment—the marriage contract. A contract he did not choose. A future he did not want. “Prince Adrian Vale,” the High Chancellor announced firmly, “by the decree of the crown, you are to bind yourself in marriage for the stability of the kingdom.” Adrian did not respond. His jaw tightened slightly, his hand hovering above the ink seal. Every second felt heavier than the last. Because across the hall—just beyond the rows of nobles—she stood. The woman he loved. Not the bride. Not the chosen one. Just a witness. Her eyes met his for a brief second… and something in her expression shattered him more than any crown ever could. Pain. Understanding. Goodbye. Adrian’s fingers curled. He had once believed love could defy duty. Now he was about to prove himself wrong. “Your Highness,” the Chancellor pressed again, “the council is waiting.” A breath escaped Adrian’s lips. Slow. Controlled. Forced. Then he reached for the pen. The entire hall held its breath as the tip touched paper. Ink spread like a sentence being written over his life. Signature one. His name. Adrian Vale. Each stroke felt like a betrayal. Not of the kingdom. Of himself. When he finished, silence fell again—but this time it was heavier. Final. Irreversible. The contract was complete. A noble stepped forward to collect the parchment, but Adrian didn’t move. His eyes stayed forward. Still. Empty. Because the moment he signed that paper, something inside him died quietly. And something else—something dangerous—was born. The Chancellor cleared his throat. “The engagement is now binding. The wedding arrangements will proceed immediately.” Immediately. Adrian finally turned his head slightly—just enough to look at her again. But she was already looking away. Like she couldn’t bear to stay. Like she was already gone. His chest tightened. For the first time in his life… Prince Adrian Vale understood what helplessness truly meant. And in that moment, he made a silent vow. If the crown had taken his freedom… Then one day, he would take something back. Even if it cost him everything.