Chapter 285: Changing Lumaria’s Identity

Chapter 285: Changing Lumaria’s Identity

"How could I possibly..."

Emily murmured, her eyes dimming,

"Since I ran away that day, James hasn't called me once. He doesn't care about me at all."

"You're wrong!"

Tyler immediately objected, holding up his phone with the screen showing a dense list of call records,

"I called you 186 times, and you didn't pick up once.

How can you be sure James didn't call you?

He locked himself in his office, dialing your number over and over, only hearing that cold busy tone. Do you know how much pain he was in?"

Emily froze. Only then did she remember that after flying from Emerald City to Lumaria, she had handed her phone over to Kumb.

Plus, from her earlier call with Layla, she had confirmed that Kumb had indeed hidden this from her and changed her phone number.

So it wasn't that James hadn't contacted her—it was that she couldn't receive his messages at all. Realizing this,

she could no longer argue with Tyler and could only stand there in a daze, tears silently falling.

Tyler watched her dejected state and continued persuading,

"Come back with me, Emily.

James's condition is really critical. Grandma is already over eighty and her health isn't good.

When she learned about his accident, she fainted on the spot.

You wouldn't want her to suffer the pain of losing her only grandson at her age, would you?"

"And Emily, you said that since you ran from the office, James hasn't come looking for you—you're wrong about that."

Tyler's tone gradually softened,

"He's been trying to show you his sincerity and apology all along.

Those seemingly coincidental kindnesses you encountered in Lumaria, every opportunity that appeared around you—he deliberately created them all.

He just didn't know how to face you, so he could only use this clumsy way to silently protect you."

Emily looked up, her tear-filled eyes meeting Tyler's, and asked in a hoarse voice,

"So, do you think I should forgive him?"

Tyler paused, clearly not expecting Emily to ask for his opinion.

Two voices immediately appeared in his mind. One voice told him that James had hurt Emily and she shouldn't forgive him;

maybe... he might have a chance to be with Emily?

But another voice told him that James was truly repentant and deserved a chance.

If James woke up, his own family might face the risk of destruction...

And there was Della, that proud princess and everything she had done for James. Thinking of that feeling buried deep in his heart that should have been laid to rest long ago, Tyler buried those improper thoughts about Emily deep in his heart once again.

He took a deep breath and said calmly,

"Yes, Emily, I hope you can give James another chance.

Also, please don't give up your Emerald City citizenship for now. This is important for both you and him."

"Why?"

Emily wiped her tears, raising an eyebrow questioningly, with a hint of teasing in her tone,

"Is Emerald City citizenship higher than our Lumaria royal duke title?

Are you that reluctant to let it go?

And how exactly did you get in here?

Father's guards couldn't have let you barge in so easily."

As soon as Emily finished speaking, the villa's door handle began to turn gently.

Then Emily felt a breeze behind her. When she turned back,

she saw the door being slowly pushed open.

Kumb and Arian stood side by side at the doorway, both wearing somewhat complicated expressions.

They had originally wanted to chat with Emily, worried that bringing up her identity today without prior rehearsal might upset her.

After seeing off all the guests, the couple walked hand in hand, slowly making their way to Emily's villa.

As they approached the door, they seemed to hear voices inside. Unable to contain his curiosity, Kumb didn't knock and just pushed the door open.

But inside the door was empty, with only the TV in the living room buzzing, playing a boring variety show.

Emily turned around in surprise, seeing Kumb and Arian at the door. She was clearly startled, a flash of panic in her eyes.

Kumb was about to speak when Arian quietly pinched his arm, signaling with her eyes for him to stay quiet.

Kumb paused, then understood, swallowing the words that were on the tip of his tongue.

He casually surveyed every corner of the room, his gaze sweeping over the sofa, bar counter, and curtains.

After confirming these places couldn't hide anyone, he relaxed, a gentle smile appearing on his face.

"Emily, you must have felt wronged at the banquet earlier, right?"

Kumb stepped forward, his tone full of concern,

"We've already made an agreement with the Council of Elders. You can choose to announce your identity in ten years and gradually integrate into the royal family,

or you can announce it now and directly enjoy the treatment of an heir.

I'm more inclined toward announcing it now. That way,

you can enjoy the privileges of royalty in Lumaria. I don't want you to live a hard life like ordinary people here."

Emily steadied herself, suppressing the panic in her heart. She walked forward and affectionately linked arms with Kumb on one side and Arian's hand on the other, saying coquettishly,

"Father, Princess Arian, how could I live a hard life?

Even if I don't become the heir to the Lumaria royal family, with you two caring for me, I won't have a hard life."

"No."

This time Arian spoke before Kumb, holding Emily's hand with determination in her eyes,

"Good child, don't refuse our kindness.

You are Kumb's daughter and also my daughter. If you don't become Lumaria's princess and eventually queen, even if I die, I couldn't face my father, grandfather, and all our ancestors."

"Alright, alright, Princess Arian, stop talking. I agree."

Emily quickly comforted her. She knew Arian's temperament—once she decided on something, she wouldn't easily change her mind.

Arian nodded with satisfaction. Her gaze inadvertently swept across the room and caught a glimpse of dark fabric being quickly pulled back under the bed.

Her heart jumped. She wanted to see clearly, but when she blinked again, the dark fabric on the floor had disappeared.

Arian: Did I see wrong?

Arian rubbed her temples, pinched Kumb's arm, then pretended to be tired and said,

"I've been hosting the banquet all day, toasting and socializing. I'm exhausted too.

Darling, why don't we go back to our room and rest?

As for the identity matter, let's just do it whenever Emily wants. There's plenty of time. Let's not make Emily unhappy."

Only then did Kumb realize he had been somewhat pushy. He awkwardly touched his forehead and said with a smile,

"Alright, we'll do as you both say."