Being held so warmly felt marvelous. Ashley Bowen slowly relaxed into the embrace, stealing a glance at Vivian Lee.
Her face was so close Ashley could almost see her pores. A single, hot, glistening tear rolled down her cheek.
Ashley couldn't resist. She reached out with the back of her hand and wiped the tear from Vivian's face. "I'm sorry for making you all worry."
"When I saw you'd forgotten me, my heart just broke. I can't even imagine what he must be thinking. Did you know? After you disappeared, he went crazy looking for you. He hasn't been with a single woman in five years. A man of his noble status—how could he not have women around him? Now, the rumor back home is that he has no heir. If he dies, the throne will pass directly to the Grand Prince's son."
Ashley wasn't interested in the royal succession, but when she heard about Yuri Sinclair, her heart ached for reasons she couldn't explain.
