Chapter 11 - The Prince Removes the Ring
Julian looked at Madison’s jeweled hand.
The royal engagement ring had belonged to his grandmother.
He had given it to Madison after hearing how bravely she carried the grief of losing a heroic sister.
Every tender conversation had been built on fraud.
Every tear he had comforted had been manufactured.
Madison saw him staring.
“Julian, listen to me.”
“Did you ever intend to tell me she was alive?”
“She wasn’t part of our life.”
“She saved my father.”
“And I’m the woman you love.”
Julian’s jaw tightened.
“I don’t know who you are.”
Madison grabbed his coat.
“You know exactly who I am.”
“No. I know the person you performed.”
She clung harder.
The guards stepped forward, but Julian raised one hand.
He carefully removed her fingers from his uniform.
Then he looked at the ring.
Madison covered it with her other hand.
“You can’t humiliate me here.”
Avery gave a disbelieving breath.
Madison had shattered crystal beneath her pregnant wedding arrangements, lied about a decorated officer’s death, and damaged her sister’s career.
Yet she still believed public embarrassment was the greatest cruelty imaginable.
Julian’s voice remained controlled.
“This ceremony cannot continue.”
Gasps moved through the ballroom.
Madison backed away.
“No.”
“The vows have not been exchanged.”
“The guests are here. The press is waiting. Our families signed agreements.”
“You forged the foundation of those agreements.”
Madison looked toward King Edmund.
“Tell him he can’t do this.”
The King’s face was unreadable.
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“He has done what honor requires.”
👉 Desperate to save the wedding, Madison revealed the secret document she believed would force the royal family to continue.
