"Also, who says you won't be celebrating your birthday as planned...,"
"But the video of me ruining the taxi has gone viral. Everyone gives me disgusting stares whenever I pass by. I won't...,"
"With the grand celebration your father and I have put in place, I promise you that everyone will forget about what happened. Your birthday will be the talk of the town so don't be discouraged...,"
"Are you sure this will work?" Laura quizzed. She wasn't convinced by her mother's suggestion.
"My friends and everyone might make a mockery of me. I think we should just cancel this year's celebration...,"
"Have you forgotten whose daughter and princess you are huh?" Adhara muttered.
"Because of our connection with the royal family, we didn't have difficulty renting the biggest hall in the Kingdom for your birthday celebration. Royal Palace Hotel is a place where the Noble of the noblest host parties so...," Adhara let go of Laura's shoulders.
She held her chin and made her raise her head.
"Don't ever lower your head under any circumstances. Even when you are wrong or despised, always hold your head and shoulders high and the haters won't have a choice but to respect you hmm," Adhara advised.
She smiled at Laura sweetly.
At the gate what Laura and Adhara didn't know was that Joanna was listening to their conversation from where she stood waiting for her ride in front of the gate.
"That is so much like the stepmother I knew. She is wicked to the core and will never change overnight," Joanna smirked.
Her smile broadened after she sensed a familiar scent from afar.
"He is here and is always punctual. I particularly loved this about him," She mumbled as she gazed at where the car was coming from.
Today Joanna only had one lecture and it was in the afternoon but she left earlier because she felt suffocated staying at home; a home where she was welcomed by none except her brother.
She has grown up in an environment where she was never loved or wanted. She should be used to this but after getting a taste of how it feels to be loved immensely she has grown to detest being in a toxic environment for a long time.
In a cool environment surrounded by fields and sweet scenting flowers of all kinds, Amos sat on a black bench beside the lady whose head rested against his right shoulder.
"I am of the legal age to do whatever I want. I believe it's time I save enough money to move out of that hellhole called a home," Joanna muttered, her hands clutching Amos' right hand.
Amos tilted his head so that he was gazing at her face, "Have you decided to move out of your father's house?" He asked in astonishment.
Honestly, even though she had wanted to move out of her parent's home when she hadn't attained the legal age, he would have made it possible.
He had the power and all the resources to make that possible. He can still recall suggesting that in the past but she laughed it off thinking it was a joke.
For a long time, he has been waiting for her to say these words but never had she done that. She had chosen to swallow everything thrown her way.
Although seeing her maltreated broke his heart, he didn't want to force her into something she didn't want.
He chose to respect her decision because he believed that was her right. A right that none including himself could take away from her.
No matter how bad it was, this concerned her family after all and no outsider had the right to meddle.
And this was why he had patiently waited for her eighteenth birthday so that he could rightfully deliver her from that hell by marrying and making her his Queen.
"Hmmm...," She replied with a nod of the head.
"If you want to move then why worry when you have the most powerful man in the Kingdom ad your ....,"
"I know getting me the best house in the Kingdom is a piece of cake for you. That is how capable you are. I am aware of that but...," Joanna trailed.
She removed her head from his shoulders and sat upright. She carefully turned and looked at him.
"I want to rent an apartment using the money I earned through my blood and sweat. This will be the first-ever valuable thing I bought with my money...,"
"But Joan, why go through stress when you can have everything you have ever wanted without lifting a finger...,"
"I know you meant well but I also hope you will support my decision," Joanna expressed in a soft tone.
They stared at each other for close to three minutes with neither of them speaking to the other.
"If that is what you really want then know that you have my support," He finally gave in to what she wanted after he gave much thought to it.
Joanna drew closer and embraced him tightly, "Thank you," She whispered and pecked him on the cheek.
Amos smiled as he pats her hair. He was so happy he decided to agree to what she wanted even though he didn't like her idea.
"Your class will be starting soon so let's leave now so we can get there on time," he said and tried to stand up but Joanna pulled him back onto the black bench.
"I don't want us to leave just yet so can we just skip class today?" Joanna suggested. Her pitiful expression focused on his face.
"Besides the course is not a core subject so skipping it won't affect me in any way...,"
"As a future Queen, you should lead by example. Truancy is not a trait you should be teaching your people, don't you think?" Amos asked playfully.
"Says the King who always jumps the palace walls every night to flirt with a single lady...,"
"But you are my mate and not just any single lady," Amos puts on his defence.
Amos squinted his eyebrows when she suddenly jerked to her feet.
...
So guys my birthday is finally here!!!!
Where are my gifts and congratulatory messages?
Also, since you guys refused to hop onto the deal I proposed there is nothing I can do.
Please don't forget the gifts.
You can send me birthday gifts through the;
1) Buying and sending gifts through Webnovel
2) Buying of privileged chapters
3) And last but not least, voting with GOLDEN TICKETS.
Thanks in advance as you do this.