The Royal Contract

She had lived most of her adult life living a lie. She would memorize her lines, embody a character, and wear her costume, pretending she was someone else.

She had done it a thousand times that she might have forgotten where she had crossed the lines between her reality and fantasy. Somehow, she had lost her way.

She had become what others wanted her to be. She acted in a way that people would love her. In the end, she lost track of who she was.

"More coffee?" Adam offered as they ate their breakfast together. "Would you like something else?" He asked when she declined.

But she could already feel her stomach full. She had never eaten so much food in a long time. Her life had always been about control, limitations, and rules.

She had to watch the food she ate because she could not gain too much weight. She should always look her best. She should act accordingly because her fans were watching her every move. And so forth.

"I think my stomach will explode if I eat another bite." Serena patted her belly to emphasize her point. But truthfully, she had never felt so free.

Her life had always belonged to the entertainment industry. They had the right to her every action and decision. As they said, her image was her bread and butter.

But today, she did not care. She just wished to enjoy her life with this man. She did not want to think about anything else but him.

"You are too thin. You should eat more." Adam suggested as he took another bite of his bread before drinking his coffee.

Compared to her, he ate like a King. She could not help but wonder how he could fit all those food in his body. But she guessed he needed it more, considering his size.

"Yeah. I need to work on that." She could not agree with him more. She was done pleasing other people for now. Maybe it was time that she thought of herself.

She still wanted to be an actress. And she also knew what she had to sacrifice to reach her dream. But maybe she also deserved a break, a time to be happy.

"What are you doing today?" Adam suddenly asked as he pulled her into his arms.

She did not flinch away when he wrapped his arms around her. On the contrary, she basked at the attention he was giving her.

This time, she believed she was ready to go through this relationship. She was putting her foot inside the door. She was all in.

"Cleaning, helping in the kitchen, and playing with kids." She answered him with the first thing that came to mind.

It had been her routine at the orphanage since she lived with the nuns and the kids. She had helped with the chores in exchange for them opening their doors to her.

"Can you skip them and spend the whole day with me?" He asked, pulling her hands into his lips and peppering them with kisses.

She turned her head to him, staring into his eyes. She wondered what he was up to. But she could not read his expression.

"Why? What do you have in mind?" Serena asked, giggling like a teenager with a tingly feeling in the pit of her stomach.

It had been a long time since she felt something like this. She had been in several serious relationships. However, she never felt this happy with them.

Of course, she could skip his duties for today. It was not like the nuns were forcing her to work in the orphanage. She volunteered her time to them. But she could also take a break.

"I am fascinated about this place. I thought I like to explore it. Do you wish to join me?" He offered. He pointed out some excellent activities they could do together and fascinating places they could visit.

Truthfully, she had also fantasized about enjoying a day under the sun, seeing the different places this paradise had to offer. But she did not get the chance.

Maybe this was her chance.

She would be hitting two birds with one stone. She could be with the man that she liked. Then, she could have the vacation she always wanted to take.

"Actually..." She pretended to think about it, tapping her fingers on her chin. "I do." She cheerfully replied with her dazzling smile.

And the broad, excited grin on his face told her that he was satisfied with her answer. It was what he wanted to hear.

"Great!" He quickly stood up, bringing her along. He was excited about their adventurous day. He would have pushed her out of the door if she did not stop him.

"Wait!" Serena held him by the shoulder. "I need to drop by the orphanage first to get some things and inform them of my plans."

She could not just suddenly disappear. Sister Nenita and the others might worry if she did not show up. The next thing she knew, people would be looking for her.

And tragically, that would be a circus she did not want to be a part of, let alone play the leading star. At least, she hoped to avoid such scenes.

"I am ok with that. Let me fix a few things. Then we can leave and drop by the orphanage." Adam answered, hurrying around the room.

She could not help the smile on her face as she also fixed herself up. She could not do anything about her crumpled clothes.

She did not exactly plan to sleep over in his room last night. But she had no choice but to the walk of shame. Fortunately, nobody still knew who she was.

After a few minutes, he stood with a pack bag. "I thought of packing a change of clothes just in case of emergency." He explained the overnight bag in his hand.

She guessed that was sensible since they were going on an adventure, not just the mall. She believed she should also do the same.

"Are you ready to leave?" Adam asked her, which she nodded in response. She believed she was.

Was she afraid? Truthfully, she was terrified. She could feel her knees shaking and her hands trembling. But was she going to pass up this chance to be happy? Not this time.