The Prince Who Loved Me - Chapter 32

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 32

 

Bada groaned as she confessed.

 

“I absolutely didn’t throw it away. I was swaying on the terrace of the Bali villa and the ring fell down the cliff. But I had no idea it was a royal heirloom. You said it was fake. Ugh…”

 

For a moment, a cold silence flowed between the two.

 

Bada restlessly placed her hand on her forehead. Meanwhile, Damien appeared calm without moving a muscle.

 

But in truth, he was inwardly cheering.

 

He knew she wouldn’t easily accept the proposal.

 

So he had investigated her background in advance, in case there was any useful information.

 

The investigation revealed she was being chased by larger debts than expected and seemed to be having difficulty finding a new job.

 

‘She lost the ring…’

 

When he remained silent for a while, an anxious Bada asked.

 

“…That ring. How much is it worth?”

 

He maintained his poker face as he answered.

 

“Well. Since it’s a royal heirloom that would never appear at auction, it’s difficult to calculate the exact amount, but the gems alone would be worth at least 2 billion won.”

 

“2, 2 billion?”

 

Bada gasped and inhaled sharply.

 

Upon hearing those words, Bada’s face crumpled as she buried it in her hands.

 

‘2 billion. Even winning the lottery these days wouldn’t be enough to pay that back.’

 

As she groaned, Damien spoke in a rather benevolent tone.

 

“It’s okay. Since I was the one who gave you the ring, I can’t hold you responsible. Of course, it is quite a troublesome situation…”

 

He sighed deeply as if the ground would cave in and continued.

 

“But that’s my problem.”

 

Bada glanced up at him.

 

“…Really?”

 

Then Damien lowered his eyelashes and smiled bitterly.

 

His complexion was pale as if filled with worry. Yet his sharp beauty remained unchanged.

 

Seeing him like that made her heart waver.

 

‘What if he gets in trouble because of me.’

 

Bada bit her lower lip and asked.

 

“Then what happens to you?”

 

“Well. That jewel belongs to a trust operated by the royal family, so strictly speaking, it’s like losing someone else’s property. If the public finds out about it, my position would become a bit awkward.”

 

His words were complete lies.

 

The ring wasn’t owned by the trust, but was Damien’s private property inherited directly from his grandmother.

 

But Bada, who had no way of knowing this, was inwardly shocked.

 

What if he lost his right to succession to the throne because of that incident?

 

Even though he said he would exempt her from responsibility, she was still the one who lost the ring.

 

‘Shouldn’t I at least take moral responsibility?’

 

Moreover, she was currently having difficulty finding new employment and was being chased by debt collectors.

 

If she accepted his proposal, she might at least be able to pay off Kang-san Yu’s debts.

 

Bada clutched her head with her hands and shouted.

 

“Aaaah, I’ll do it!”

 

At those words, Damien’s eyes widened slightly before satisfaction seeped in.

 

“Your fake fiancée. I’ll try doing that once. But you absolutely must compensate me.”

 

Upon hearing those words, an eerily beautiful smile spread across his face.

 

Like a devil making an irrefusible offer.

 

“Don’t worry. I’ll grant you anything you want. Anything.”

 

* * *

 

A while later, Lancaster brought a tablet PC and handed it to her.

 

An electronic contract file was open on the screen.

 

Seeing it, Bada gasped and glared at Damien.

 

‘Even a contract? How thoroughly prepared you are.’

 

As if reading her thoughts, he put down his teacup and smiled slyly.

 

“Don’t be like that. Every contract needs a contract as the basis.”

 

Bada shook her head and shifted her gaze to read through the contract carefully.

 

2. Contract Purpose

 

This contract aims to pursue mutual benefit by announcing an engagement between Party A (Damien Alexander Hastings) and Party B (Bada Yu), despite the absence of actual marriage intentions between the parties.

 

3. Contract Period

 

This contract shall terminate one year from the signing date or when significant changes occur to Prince Damien’s status.

 

However, the term may be renewed through mutual agreement, and Party A (Damien) may exercise priority negotiation rights regarding contract extension.

 

4. Obligation Clauses

 

Party B’s Obligations

 

1) Party B shall refrain from romantic relationships or scandals with others during the contract period.

 

2) Party B shall maintain designated attire and attitude at royal-related events.

 

3) Party B shall follow established media response manuals and refrain from private statements.

 

4) Party B shall not refuse to use appropriate pet names according to Party A’s instructions during official occasions and media exposure, and shall not reject agreed-upon physical contact (e.g., holding hands, linking arms, light hugs, etc.). This scope may be adjusted through mutual consultation.

 

Bada raised her eyebrows while reading clause 4.

 

“Physical contact?”

 

Damien, who was sitting on the sofa with his legs crossed, smiled crookedly.

 

“What are you so worried about? We’ve already done everything anyway.”

 

“What?”

 

Seeing Bada’s face turn red, he burst into satisfied laughter.

 

“Don’t worry. Given the conservative royal atmosphere, there will rarely be occasions requiring overt physical contact.”

 

“Ah…”

 

“You look somewhat disappointed.”

 

“I’m not.”

 

As if he found teasing her amusing, he leaned deep into the sofa and smiled obliquely.

 

After clearing her voice, Bada continued reading the contract and let out a hollow laugh at the final clause.

 

For a moment, she felt somehow wronged by the fact that she was ‘Party B’ even in the contract.

 

Emotionally, I feel like I’m completely the weaker party too.

 

‘…But really, is all of this just a contract to Damien?’

 

No matter how I think about it, it seems like crazy behavior.

 

After pondering for a moment, Bada cleared her throat and spoke.

 

“I’d like to add one clause.”

 

“What kind of clause?”

 

“A clause stating that if either party develops genuine affection during the contract period, the contract will be terminated.”

 

“…”

 

“What do you think?”

 

Upon hearing those words, a deep shadow fell across Damien’s face.

 

As if her proposal was quite distasteful.

 

In truth, Bada wanted to confirm whether he truly had no affection left for her at all.

 

If even a little feeling remained.

 

No, if there was even the slightest possibility that his feelings could be revived, wouldn’t he refuse to add the clause or at least hesitate?

 

He looked into Bada’s eyes as if searching through them, then averted his gaze and spoke.

 

“Good. If unnecessary emotions get mixed in, the contract will become messy.”

 

Bada furrowed her brow at his cold tone.

 

“Right. But you don’t need to worry too much. The only emotion I have left for you is just betrayal anyway.”

 

“That’s good.”

 

After receiving the tablet PC and adding clauses, Damien set the pen down on the coffee table with a sharp thud.

 

“Now, if there are no more issues, just sign it.”

 

“Ha.”

 

Bada irritably signed and handed the tablet PC back to him.

 

Swallowing down the feeling that tears might somehow come.

 

‘I must seem so easy to you, don’t I?’

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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