A week later.
A sleek, roaring motorcycle sped through the bustling city streets. Its rider handled it with such fluidity and precision that it was almost hypnotic. The bike resembled a Ninja H2R but bore heavy modifications, its sleek frame and whisper of advanced engineering giving it an almost otherworldly feel. No license plate adorned it, adding an air of secrecy to its already mysterious aura.
The rider, fully clad in black with a helmet concealing his identity, was none other than Lucian Kane. He had taken every precaution to remain unrecognizable.His movements were deliberate, each turn and acceleration precise as if even his escape from visibility was a well-thought-out plan.
It had been a week since the explosive events at the Starline manor the failed engagement, Avey’s shocking announcement, and the chaos that followed. Your next chapter awaits on empire
Lucian still vividly remembered how hard it had been to manage the fallout, especially at home.His mother, Olivia, and sister, Rose, had demanded answers the moment he returned. The barrage of questions was relentless, with Rose nearly terrifying him with her piercing interrogations.
It took everything Lucian had to convince them that Avey wasn’t pregnant.
Olivia’s reaction had been a rollercoaster. She oscillated between stern pragmatism”If you really did this, you’d better take responsibility”and unexpected protectiveness, visiting the Starline family personally to investigate the truth.Whatever transpired during her visit, it seemed to calm her. She asked fewer questions afterward, though her occasional glances at Lucian spoke of lingering curiosity.
Celestia, however, had been an enigma. Her behavior oscillated between playful jabs and a fiery intensity that left Lucian exasperated. Though she seemed to know the truth, her frustration over the situation and her own feelings was palpable.
But the hardest part wasn’t just the people around him; it was the media storm that followed.
The headlines had been relentless”Prince Arthur’s Fiancée’s Scandal!” “Lucian Kane: Bastard or Victim?” “Avey Starline’s Bold Move: Misstep or Masterstroke?”
No one emerged unscathed.
Arthur’s reputation had taken a massive hit, with rumors and jokes labeling him a”green hat prince.” Lucian, on the other hand, became a target of public ire, called everything from a scoundrel to an irresponsible opportunist. Avey wasn’t spared either; though she garnered some pity, whispers about her audacity and impropriety spread like wildfire.
Even the Starline family’s status took a noticeable hit, their once-unshakeable prestige tarnished by the drama.
Lucian avoided college entirely that week. He spent most of his time confined to his room, avoiding unnecessary conversations. Even at home, he limited interactions to polite greetings.
The added complication of Celestia staying at his house didn’t help.She seemed to find endless reasons to knock on his door, her persistence undeterred by his subtle and not-so-subtle rejections.It was exhausting.
Now, as the city lights blurred past him, Lucian felt a fleeting sense of freedom. This ride wasn’t just a break; it was a necessity.
No one at home knew he had left. And they wouldn’t, not with how carefully he had slipped past the security measures. He had his methods.
His thoughts, however, lingered on something else. His grip on the handlebars tightened as he slowed the bike, pulling to the side of the road. He retrieved his phone from his jacket and made a call.
The line clicked, and a gruff voice answered. “Hello?”
“It’s me,”Lucian said, his voice cold and authoritative.”I have a job for you.”
“Yes, sir,”the voice replied hesitantly.
“Remove every trace of news about Avey and me from the media and social platforms. I don’t want to see anything by morning.”
There was a pause, followed by a nervous response.”Uh… sir, that might not be possible. It could take two or three days at least”
Lucian cut him off, his voice sharp.”Then buy the companies. Shut them down if you have to. I said I want it gone by morning.”
“Sir, I… I don’t think that’s feasible.These are major outlets”
“Contact General,”Lucian interrupted, his voice sharp and commanding”Tell him he has clearance to use my name.That should be enough.”
There was a moment of silence on the other end of the call, the hesitation palpable. Finally, the voice stammered a reply.”Y-yes, sir.”
Lucian ended the call abruptly, slipping his phone back into his pocket.His bike roared as he twisted the throttle, the engine growling like a wild beast as he sped down the dimly lit road.
The bike beneath him purred with a power unmatched by its original model. Its sleek frame cut through the air, the absence of a license plate further veiling his identity.Every inch of him was concealed, his helmet reflecting the streetlights as if silently mocking anyone trying to catch a glimpse.
The bike let out a series of rhythmic roars, almost as though it was laughing.”Huh, almost there,” Lucian murmured to himself, his voice muffled beneath the helmet. His grip tightened on the handles.”She’s going to be pissed this time.”
As he neared the designated meeting spot, he eased off the throttle, the powerful bike gradually slowing.His gloved hand adjusted the visor of his helmet, ensuring his face remained hidden. A quick glance at the bike’s reflection in a shop window confirmed that no identifying features were exposed.Satisfied, he nodded to himself. “Looks good.”
Ahead, parked by the roadside, was another bike. It was nearly identical to his in its modifications sleek, powerful, and purpose-built for speed.The rider, a figure entirely concealed in black riding gear, sat casually on the bike. The way she leaned against the handlebars, her posture relaxed yet exuding an air of irritation, suggested she had been waiting for some time.
As the sound of Lucian’s approach grew louder, the rider turned her head toward him. The reflective surface of her helmet caught the faint glow of the streetlights. She suddenly dismounted, crossing her arms as she stood beside her bike, tapping one foot impatiently.
Lucian brought his bike to a halt beside her, the engines of both machines now idling in unisonThe silence between them was charged with unspoken words.
“So, you finally remembered me, huh, Mr. Busy Buddy?”The woman’s voice cut through the stillness, laced with sarcasm and a hint of genuine frustration.
Lucian tilted his head slightly, feigning nonchalance.His voice emerged altered through the voice modulator built into his helmet.”Oh, come on. How about three races tonight as compensation? Winner takes all.”
The woman stepped closer, her body language screaming annoyance despite her concealed features”Nope,”she retorted, her tone sharp. “Not gonna cut it this time. Do you know how long I’ve been waiting here? Almost two weeks! Two weeks, and you didn’t even bother to call or text. You couldn’t even let me know you were busy?”
Lucian leaned back slightly, resting his weight on the bike. His posture exuded a feigned ease, though a glimmer of amusement danced in his concealed eyes. “I said I was sorry,”he replied, his tone deliberately playful. “Life’s been… complicated.”
“Complicated?” she echoed incredulously, throwing her hands in the air.”That’s it?That’s your excuse? Unbelievable!”She stepped closer, the crunch of gravel under her boots barely audible over the low hum of their bikes. Her finger jabbed the air in his direction.”Okay, fine. If you’re really sorry, then show me your face.”
Lucian straightened slightly, his gloved hands reflexively gripping the handlebars.”Show my face?” His voice carried mock confusion”Why would I do that?We’ve been meeting like this for three years.Besides, isn’t the mystery part of the fun?”
“Fun?” she snapped, crossing her arms again. “I’ve been offering to show you mine for ages now, but no, you just keep hiding like some secret agent.What are you so scared of? Are you secretly ugly or something?”
Lucian chuckled softly, shaking his head.”You’re relentless, you know that?”
“And you’re infuriating,”she shot back, her foot tapping against the ground”Seriously, why all the secrecy? I mean, we’ve been meeting up like this for years. Years. You’ve got to trust me at least a little by now.”
Lucian took a small step back, maintaining the playful distance that had become their dynamic. “It’s not about trust,”he said his voice softening slightly. “Some things are just…better left unknown.”
The woman sighed audibly, her exasperation evident even through her helmet”You’re impossible,” she muttered, though the frustration in her tone was tempered by an undercurrent of familiarity an understanding that, despite her annoyance, this was simply who he was.
Lucian turned his head slightly, gazing down the road as if to change the subject. “So,” he began, his voice light once more. “What do you say? Three races? Or are you too mad to take me on?”
She huffed, placing her hands on her hips. “Fine,” she said, her voice carrying a competitive edge. “But don’t think for a second that I’m letting you off the hook. You owe me, big time.”