🔊 TTS Settings
Chapter 32
Bada let out a groan and confessed.
“I absolutely did not throw it away. I was staggering on the terrace of the Bali villa and the ring fell off the cliff. But I never dreamed it was a royal heirloom. You said it was fake. Ugh….”
For a moment, a chilling silence settled between them.
Bada fidgeted anxiously, pressing a hand to her forehead. In contrast, Damien appeared calm and unmoving.
But inwardly, he was celebrating.
He had known she wouldn’t accept his proposal easily.
That was why he had investigated her background in advance, just in case there was anything useful.
The investigation revealed that she was burdened with far more debt than expected and seemed to be struggling to find a new job.
She lost the ring, huh….
When he remained silent for a while, Bada grew uneasy and asked,
“…That ring. How much is it worth?”
Maintaining a perfect poker face, he replied,
“Well. Since it’s a royal heirloom, it’s never gone up for auction, so it’s hard to calculate an exact price. But based on the gemstones alone, it would be worth at least two billion won.”
“T-two billion?”
Bada gasped sharply.
Hearing that, her face crumpled as she buried it in her hands.
Two billion? Even winning the lottery these days wouldn’t cover that kind of money.
As she groaned, Damien spoke in an almost gentle tone.
“It’s fine. I was the one who gave you the ring, so I can’t hold you responsible. Of course, it does put me in a rather difficult situation, but….”
He let out a deep sigh, as if the ground might collapse beneath him.
“That’s my problem.”
Bada cautiously lifted her gaze to look at him.
“…Really?”
Damien lowered his lashes and gave a bitter smile.
His complexion looked pale, as though weighed down by worry. Yet his sharp beauty remained unchanged.
Watching him, her heart wavered.
What if he ends up in trouble because of me?
Biting her lower lip, she asked,
“Then what will happen to you?”
“Well. The gemstone technically belongs to a trust operated by the royal family. Strictly speaking, it’s no different from losing someone else’s property. If the public finds out, my position could become somewhat awkward.”
That was a complete lie.
The ring didn’t belong to any trust; it was Damien’s private property, inherited directly from his grandmother.
But Bada had no way of knowing that.
Inside, she was horrified.
What if he were stripped of his right to succeed to the throne because of this?
Even if he said she wasn’t responsible, she was still the one who had lost the ring.
At the very least, shouldn’t I take moral responsibility?
Besides, she was currently struggling to get re-employed and was being hounded by creditors.
If she accepted his proposal, she might at least be able to pay off the debt Yu Gangsan had incurred.
Clutching her hair, Bada cried out,
“Aaaah! I’ll do it!”
At her words, Damien’s eyes widened slightly before satisfaction settled into them.
“I’ll be your fake fiancée. I’ll try it. But you have to compensate me properly.”
A chillingly beautiful smile spread across his face.
Like a devil making an offer that couldn’t be refused.
“Don’t worry. I’ll give you anything you want. Anything.”
A short while later, Lancaster returned with a tablet PC and handed it to her.
On the screen was an open electronic contract file.
Seeing it, Bada gaped and shot Damien a glare.
Even a contract? You really prepared thoroughly.
As if reading her thoughts, he set down his teacup and smiled faintly.
“Don’t look at me like that. Every agreement needs a contract.”
Shaking her head, Bada shifted her gaze and began reading the document carefully.
2. Purpose of Contract
The purpose of this contract is to pursue mutual benefit by publicly announcing an engagement relationship between Party A (Damien Alexander Hastings) and Party B (Yoo Bada), despite there being no genuine intention of marriage between the parties.
3. Duration of Contract
This contract shall terminate one year from the date of signing or upon any significant change to the status of Crown Prince Damien.
However, the term may be renewed by mutual agreement, and Party A (Damien) shall have the right of first negotiation regarding extension.
4. Obligations
Obligations of Party B
- Party B shall refrain from romantic relationships or scandals with others during the contract period.
- Party B shall maintain designated attire and conduct at royal-related events.
- Party B shall adhere to the prescribed media response manual and refrain from private statements.
- During official appearances and media exposure, Party B shall use appropriate affectionate terms as instructed by Party A and shall not refuse agreed-upon physical contact (e.g., holding hands, linking arms, light embraces, etc.). The scope of such contact may be adjusted by mutual agreement.
Reading Clause 4, Bada raised an eyebrow.
“Physical contact?”
Damien, seated with his legs crossed on the sofa, smiled crookedly.
“What are you so worried about? It’s not like we haven’t already done everything.”
“What?”
Seeing her face flush red, he let out a satisfied laugh.
“Don’t worry. Given the conservative atmosphere of the royal family, there won’t be many occasions requiring overt physical contact.”
“Ah….”
“You look disappointed.”
“I’m not.”
Amused by teasing her, he leaned back comfortably against the sofa, smiling sideways.
Clearing her throat, Bada continued reading. When she reached the final clause, she let out a hollow laugh.
For some reason, the fact that she was labeled “Party B” in the contract felt unfair.
Emotionally, I’m the one at a disadvantage too.
…By the way, is all of this really just a contract to Damien?
No matter how she thought about it, it seemed insane.
After a moment of hesitation, Bada cleared her throat and spoke.
“I’d like to add one clause.”
“What clause?”
“If either party develops genuine feelings during the contract period, the contract will be terminated.”
“……”
“What do you think?”
A dark shadow passed over Damien’s face.
As if her proposal displeased him.
In truth, Bada wanted to confirm whether he truly had no feelings left for her.
If even a trace of emotion remained.
No—if there was even the slightest possibility that his feelings might return—wouldn’t he refuse to add such a clause? Or at least hesitate?
After studying her eyes as though trying to read her thoughts, he looked away and said,
“Fine. If unnecessary emotions get mixed in, the contract will become messy.”
His cool tone made Bada’s brows knit together.
“Good. But don’t worry too much. The only feeling I have left for you is betrayal.”
“That works out.”
After taking the tablet, Damien added the clause, then placed the stylus down on the coffee table with a sharp tap.
“There. If there’s nothing else, sign it.”
“Ha.”
Bada signed irritably and handed the tablet back to him.
Swallowing the lump in her throat that threatened to turn into tears.
I really am easy for you, aren’t I?
