Khaled’s large hand enveloped Belia’s neck. With the other hand, he wrapped her waist and placed her on his thigh.

Then, as if savoring the moment, he slowly explored her lips. The kiss, mixed with tears, was intense and sweet.

“Belia.”

At the sound of her name, Belia trembled, caught off guard. It was different from the usual way he called her.

It was a summons filled with desire, a desire he always held, but today, her name sounded stickier and more languid than ever.

“It’s not that you and I haven’t met before.”

Khaled whispered as he pressed his nose against Belia’s.

“Just that you couldn’t remember.”

Before Belia could ask what he meant, Khaled once again took her breath away.

His body temperature, movements, and the lethargic breath constantly unnerved Belia.

“I have always been by your side…”

Belia felt herself helplessly drawn into his deep blue eyes at this moment.

Without any rebuttal, she simply waited for his follow-up.

“You knew me well.”

“That’s not… ugh.”

Khaled tightened his grip on Belia’s neck, leaving a mark.

Belia’s protest, denying that she couldn’t possibly know him, disappeared in an instant in the tingling pain she felt.

“Wait…”

Knowing him?

No matter how hard Belia tried to recall her memories, nothing came to mind about him.

Khaled moved his lips from Belia’s neck to her collarbone, shoulders, imprinting his traces with a fiery heat wherever he touched.

“So remember me.”

Khaled gently lifted Belia, walking to the bed, and gently laid her down.

She had no idea what he was saying.

Khaled, having discovered Belia’s trembling eyes, chuckled softly.

“We’re making a new bet. Whether you can remember me or not. How about it?”

“Khaled…”

“I’ll bet on the side that you won’t remember…”

With a fixed gaze on me, Khaled tossed his shirt aside, and his languid smile spread from his face.

It was provocatively stimulating, making it impossible to look away.

“You bet on the side that you remember this time.”

With those words, Khaled once again swallowed Belia’s lips. The nervousness concentrated on his entire body made Belia uncomfortable.

Belia focused on the warmth shared between them, as if it were the most precious treasure. Confusing thoughts were naturally forgotten.

Right now, she just wanted to be with him in this ecstasy.

“Khaled…”

As she called his name, as if he had endured enough, Khaled, with a hint of impatience, quickly pulled down Belia’s dress.

His touch exuded urgency.

With their eyes locked, Belia closed her eyes, saying, “Now, everything is yours.”

Those words seemed to ignite something in him, and his gaze quickly flickered, becoming wild.

“Ah, Belia. You…!”

“I love you.”

Khaled bit his lips as if suppressing something.

“I love you, Khaled.”

Once she brought out her sincerity, she could no longer hold back the overflowing words. The emotions that overflowed like a river that breached its banks couldn’t be concealed.

Belia whispered countless times that she loved him. Khaled’s eyebrows furrowed for a moment. Soon, as if he couldn’t endure it any longer, he lowered his upper body.

I keenly felt every sensation as he touched me. It was distant and dizzying.

And before long, their rough breathing engulfed the room.

⭐⭐⭐

Though the room was still dark, she noticed the bright rays of light coming through the curtains, indicating that morning had arrived.

“Did you sleep well?”

“Khaled…”

Belia called his name with a locked voice. It felt strangely amazing to have him by her side.
“Really, you’ve come back.”

“Yeah.”

“…You were alive.”

“Yeah.”

His voice echoing in her ears felt good.

Grinning, Belia nestled into Khaled’s arms, her face pressed against his chest, sculpted with firm muscles. Somehow, it gave her a reassuring feeling.

Khaled, who was gently stroking Belia’s back, spoke up.

“The Queen Mother summoned me.”

“…I don’t like it.”

“Haha.”

Khaled burst into laughter at her sulking words.

But Belia also knew that she couldn’t outright refuse the Emperor’s summons. Eventually, she extended her lips, seeming displeased as she spoke.

“Just a little longer.”

In an unusual blunt tone from Belia, Khaled lowered his head and lightly kissed her forehead.

“You don’t seem to be in good spirits.”

“Raul’s wedding went awry. Naturally, he must be throwing a tantrum.”

Besides, the Emperor probably wished for Khaled’s death.

The reactions of those who fervently hoped for his return and those who didn’t were expected to be so contrasting.

But Khaled was also his son.

From Belia’s perspective, the Emperor’s attitude was utterly incomprehensible.

“He seems to be rushing the appointment of the Crown Prince.”

“Because you’ve returned.”

“Yes. But, considering the opposition from Duke Caprie, Duke Erinton, and Marquis Tessa, it won’t be an easy task.”

Khaled grinned slyly.