Husband With Benefits-Chapter 784: An Escape Plan

While Dora and Kael lay in waiting for the arrival of Dora’s kidnapper in the small clinic, a soft knock echoed in the dimly lit corridor leading to Prince Rafe’s office on the other coast of Petrovia. The door opened after a Prince Rafe allowed the person to enter, and a woman, her eyes downcast, was ushered inside by the Prince’s assistant.

Pausing at the threshold, she cast a glance at the man sitting behind the desk and stepped forward, her fingers clutching a set of papers tightly to her chest.

Prince Rafe, seated behind his ornate desk, stood up at her entrance. It was a matter of his regard for her that instead of waiting for her to bow as was expected due to his rank, he chose to go to her. His eyes softened the moment they landed on her. He strode toward her, a subtle air of authority in every step, until he stood just before her. Without hesitation, he leaned down and placed a gentle kiss on the crown of her head, his lips lingering.

"Emma," he murmured, his voice low and soothing. "How are you? And how is your father doing?"

Emma lifted her gaze briefly, her eyes meeting his for a fleeting moment before quickly darting away again, her nerves evident in the tense set of her shoulders and the movement of her eyes. "Father and I are both fine," she replied softly, her voice almost a whisper. She extended the papers she held toward him. "These are the documents you asked me to sign."

Rafe’s gaze shifted to the papers, and his lips curled into a faint smile when he saw her signature already scrawled neatly at the bottom of the page. He accepted them, though instead of immediately reading or completing the agreement with his own signature, his focus remained on Emma. With a swift yet tender motion, he slipped an arm around her waist, drawing her closer to him until she stood pressed against the polished edge of his desk.

A single stray lock of her dark hair had fallen forward, and with deliberate care, he tucked it behind her ear, his fingers lingering at the curve of her neck. His eyes, intense and searching, held hers as he spoke again, his tone filled with quiet assurance.

"You’ve made a very wise decision, Emma," Rafe said, his voice thick with admiration. "Once you’re crowned as the crown princess, no one will be able to touch you. Anyone who dares to dig into your past or tries to use it against you will find themselves powerless. I will make sure of that." His thumb gently brushed her jawline, a promise lingering in the air between them. "I’ll protect my crown princess. Always."

Emma swallowed, her hands trembling slightly as they rested against his chest. Though her face remained impassive, there was a flicker of something that briefly crossed her expression. Rafe frowned at that passing emotion but then concentrated instead on holding her close to him.

Finally, she was coming to him of her own free will. At least he wouldn’t have to feel like an ogre for forcing himself on her.

Emma remained still in his arms, as he continued to hug her. After a pause, she glanced up at him again, her eyes lingering on his face for longer this time before she quickly turned away. Her voice was quiet but firm when she finally spoke. "Rafe... why aren’t you signing them yet? We agreed on this contract marriage, and everything’s in order. Why delay?"

A slow, teasing smile spread across Rafe’s face as he studied her. "Ah, Emma. Are you that eager to be wed? I didn’t realize you were in such a hurry." His tone was light, but there was an unmistakable playfulness behind it. She could see how pleased he was and she smild softly, looking into his eyes.

"How is this a hurry? We are going to be together after a long time. I know I was foolish in the past but I want to correct those mistakes, Rafe. Emma’s cheeks flushed a soft pink, and she dropped her gaze to the floor, fidgeting with her fingers. "I’m happy, Rafe. Happy to be your wife."

Without waiting for a response, Emma leaned up, pressing her lips against his. The kiss was soft, tentative at first, but it deepened as Rafe responded, cupping her face gently as his lips moved against hers. The warmth of his touch sent a shiver down her spine. When he finally broke the kiss, Rafe pulled back just enough to look at her carefully, his expression more serious now.

"Be very, very careful, Emma," he warned, his voice dropping to a low rumble. "If you make me believe you’re happy about this marriage... I won’t let you back out in the future. There will be no second chances. No turning away."

Emma smiled, shaking her head softly. "Who said anything about backing out? In fact, I think we should get married right away. Why wait for all the fuss and hype? We can deal with that later. Let’s make it official now."

Rafe’s grin widened at her boldness, a spark of amusement lighting his eyes. He leaned in and stole another quick kiss, his lips brushing hers for the briefest moment before stepping back. "You want a flash marriage, do you? Fine. Then we’ll have one."

He glanced down at the papers of their contract marriage on the table, flipping through them quickly. "Let me get these documents straightened out and registered, and then..." He raised an eyebrow, a mischievous glint in his gaze. "We’ll be married right away."

Emma laughed and leaned into him, kissing his chin," Then I’ll be waiting for you, my prince."

As Rafe continued to look down at the papers, signing them hurriedly, he failed to notice the malicious intent on Emma’s face. Blinded by love for the woman he had fooled a few years ago, it did not even strike him that her change of heart might have something to do with her desire for revenge against him and Kael