The Pretender and The Prince novel Chapter 28

In the car, Seth was the first to speak. “We should schedule a time to get wedding photos taken.”

Ondine lowered her eyes, her lashes fluttering. “Can we wait?” she asked in a small voice. “I’m not really in the mood for photos right now…”

Seth seemed to understand and didn’t press the issue.

“Alright,” he said simply. With her mother so ill, it was natural that she wouldn’t want to take wedding photos.

As they neared the university, he asked another question. “When are you planning to go to Boreal?”

“Finals end on January fourth, so any time after that is fine,” she replied. “Do we need to contact the doctors there first?”

“Yes,” Seth said. “Shall I book you a flight for the fifth?”

Ondine bit her lip. “Okay.”

When they arrived at the campus gate, she was about to get out of the car.

“Wait a moment,” Seth said, stopping her. She turned to look at him. He handed her a key. “This is for the house in Lavender Estates. I’ll text you the address.”

Seeing the confusion in her eyes, he explained coolly, “It’s our marital home.”

A blush instantly spread across Ondine’s cheeks. “But we’re not…” she stammered.

Seth knew what she was trying to say. “A marriage of convenience is still a marriage. You’ll have everything that comes with it.”

Ondine didn’t know whether to take the key. As she hesitated, Seth handed her a file folder. “The prenuptial agreement. Take a look.”

“Alright.” Ondine understood. The money was for his wife, for Mrs. Thorne. Whoever held that title would receive it. To offer less would be an insult to his status. She could just not spend it, she reasoned. If they divorced later, she could return it to him.

The agreement also listed various spousal rights and obligations. It stated that she could choose to publicize or conceal her identity as Mrs. Thorne and that she was entitled to use all assets under his name. She noticed that the document only detailed her rights, with no mention of her obligations. For Seth, it was the opposite—only his obligations were listed, with no mention of his rights.

She looked up at him again.

Seth, anticipating her question, said, “You’re still a student, and you’re going through a difficult time. I don’t want to burden you with any more obligations.”

His voice was cool, his expression unreadable, but his words sent a gentle warmth spreading through her heart.

“Thank you,” Ondine whispered, her eyes welling with emotion.