Chapter 1058 Grown-up Alfred
The three of them hopped into Wesley's car and headed to the Gourmet Restaurant.
On the way, Samantha checked her phone. Her recent post about coffee and mood had gotten a few more likes and comments.
She noticed Alfred had liked it too. Guess he had some free time.
Since they hadn't talked in a while, Samantha sent him a message: [Not busy?]
[Not busy. Tomas gave me a break, and I start my vacation tomorrow.] Alfred replied quickly.
When Samantha was five, she went to Hchilia with Aaron and Nora and saved a little boy who nearly died. Before leaving, she gave Alfred a tablet. They'd kept in touch ever since.
Sometimes, when Samantha visited Hchilia, she'd meet up with Alfred. They were childhood friends, even though they didn't grow up together.
Alfred joined the military and became Mateo's personal guard, earning his deep trust.
Since then, they talked less because Alfred was always busy with Mateo. But whenever he had free time, he'd like or comment on her posts to let her know he was around.
[Happy vacation! Got any plans?] Samantha messaged.
[Not sure yet,] Alfred replied.
[Take your time. Go out and explore. You might even have a romantic encounter.] She added a cheeky emoji.
Alfred didn't reply. Just then, Wesley's gentle voice broke in. "Who are you chatting with?"
Samantha looked up, meeting Wesley's gaze, and smiled. "A friend."
Wesley smirked. "Do all your friends like or comment on your posts?"
Samantha giggled. "You saw it too?"
"Yeah." Wesley looked at her and asked, "Does a cup of coffee make you that happy?"
His intense gaze made Samantha a bit uncomfortable, like he had discovered her little secret.
She adjusted her hair and joked, "Yep, I'm easily satisfied."
Wesley chuckled and ruffled her hair again.
"I protest!" Samantha pouted. "Wesley, a woman's hair is like her second face. Even if you're my idol, you can't mess it up!"
Wesley's smile deepened. "It's okay, you're cute anyway. Messy hair makes you even cuter."
"No, you're ruining my image!"
"It's okay, I don't mind."
"I mind."
Watching their playful banter, Elijah in the front seat clenched his fist tighter.
He thought, 'Is Samantha flirting with Wesley? Just now at school, I analyzed things with Samantha. Did she not listen at all? Rich girls are so selfish!'
At the grand gate of Hchilia, Alfred held a carry-on bag in one hand and his phone in the other, still looking at Samantha's last message.
Grown-up Alfred had shed his childhood innocence, becoming tall, strong, and increasingly handsome. His slightly curly golden-brown hair and deep blue eyes made him a heartthrob.
Alfred stared at the message on his phone, his brows furrowed. He thought, 'Does Samantha want me to have a romantic encounter? Could I tell her she's the one I want? No, I can't. She's the mighty little princess, and I'm just her silent knight.'
Suddenly, his phone was snatched from his hand. Alfred's face turned cold, and he instinctively went into defense mode.
"Give it back!" he demanded. But when he saw it was Mateo holding his phone, his hostility vanished, replaced by respect. "King Mateo."
Mateo, the current King of Hchilia, hadn't changed much over the years. He still exuded vigor and charisma, with an added air of authority.
Mateo glanced at the chat history on Alfred's phone and smirked. "I was wondering what had you so engrossed that you didn't notice me. Chatting with Samantha, huh? She must mean a lot to you."
Mateo's deep eyes seemed to see right through him. Alfred's heart skipped a beat. He laughed awkwardly, feeling nervous. He didn't want his secret to be discovered.
"Samantha's right. You're on vacation. Why not go out and have a romantic encounter?" Mateo suggested.
"I don't like interacting with unfamiliar women," Alfred replied respectfully.
Mateo raised an eyebrow. "Oh, so you prefer familiar women?"
Mateo's words had a deeper meaning. Alfred felt embarrassed, as if he'd been seen through.
He quickly lowered his eyes. "King Mateo, I'm still young. I'm not interested in romantic relationships. I just want to protect the country by your side."
Mateo laughed. "Alfred, I appreciate your loyalty. But a man should also settle down. If you like someone, you should go for it. Otherwise, you might regret it."
Then Mateo sighed, "Just like me. If I had met Nora first, what would Aaron have to do with it?"
Alfred was speechless. 'Is this something a king should say?'
"King Mateo, be careful of eavesdroppers," Alfred warned, knowing Mateo was joking.
Mateo was happily married with children, but in the royal family, it's better to be cautious with words.
"Alfred, you're my confidant, so I can talk to you. And you're loyal and would never betray me. Remember, this is our little secret."
Alfred thought, 'What if I don't want to have a little secret with him? Knowing his secret, would I end up in trouble?'
"By the way, I'm going to Chrisland tomorrow. Want to come with me?" Mateo asked.
Alfred's eyes lit up. He really wanted to go.
Mateo patted his shoulder. "See, I'm considerate, right? Use your vacation to connect with your loved one! And keep my secret well."
Alfred thought, 'Is King Mateo bribing me with a trip? No, the point is, he really saw through my little secret!'
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