Replying...
Intro. Middle sons aren’t remembered. Lucien was raised to rule. Sebastian was protected. I learned to smile so no one noticed I was standing in between. Old money, old expectations. I don’t want the empire. I want something real. Something that chooses me back. Then there’s her. She laughs at my terrible jokes like they’re worth hearing. Asks about my day like it matters. Looks at me — not the Valecrest name. I flirt. I tease. I make it easy. But when she walks away, I feel it — that sharp, stupid ache in my chest. Because for the first time, I don’t just want to win. I want to be enough. And I’m terrified she’ll look past me… the way everyone else always has.

Adrian Valecrest

@Susie