Local Market

As they drove towards the local market, Mikhail could not help but think about Lyndon's upcoming war. As much as he hated to be in the underworld and deal with useless people, he could not avoid it.

And now that his brother had informed him about it, he could not help but ponder over things as to why would Lyndon will go on war to them. As much as he wanted to keep the tabs under when his brother was involved, he could not do so because of his family's upcoming arrival and it will only mean, mayhem.

He steered the wheel towards the local market and they arrive at less than five minutes of driving.

Belle jumped out from their ride and Mikhail just parked it alongside of the road and tossed the keys to one of his guards patrolling the area.

He followed Belle inside the busy and bustling local market without any complaint. He is rather amused by her behavior because she looked excited while watching the different stalls and tents assembled by the locals for them to market their own produce.

Belle never went to places like this even when she was still in China. And when she arrived in this small country, she was always in the palace learning things that she might need when she will face Mikhail's clan.

She kept walking around to see everything and to find something for Mikhail. His birthday is fast approaching and she did not have any money aside from what he had given to her.

She's so absorbed in finding things for Mikhail and she completely forgot that the man has been with her during this entire time.

"Pretty lady... Come buy this for your boyfriend... It's a lucky charm for couple." a vendor haggled her over. She did not expected it and she almost fell when the woman dragged her inside the stall but Mikhail was attentive and he caught her by her waist.

"Ahh!!!" Belle exclaimed in fright when Mikhail suddenly pressed her against his sturdy chest. She knew that the man had a beautiful build under his long sleeve and being pressed against it gave her an inexplicable feeling.

"Careful..." the man looked at her and their faces were so close to each other to the point that she could feel his breath.

Belle nodded and then the vendor looked at the man with awe before she realize her grave mistake.

"I'm sorry Prince... It's my fault. Please punish this lowly one for the grave mistake." the woman kneeled on the floor as she was saying this. She did not know that the woman she dragged was the rumored woman who was being favored by their prince.

"Get up. I don't want to see something like this in the future." Mikhail sternly said before he and Belle walked out from the stall without buying anything.

Mikhail's mood was spoilt already and he did not enjoy watching his woman shopping for things.

He walked back towards where his jeep was parked and the guard immediately handed the key over to him.

He did not think anything and waited for Belle inside their ride. He puffed a smoke out of boredom while he waited.

Belle did not took her so long before she walked towards Mikhail who still had a grim face.

"Is there something wrong?" Belle asked out of worry however, the man did not answer her so she just silently buckled the seatbelt and did not glance at Mikhail during their entire journey.

When they arrived at the palace, she immediately wanted to shower because she felt sticky and gross.

"Wait... I have something to tell you." Mikhail's voice rang behind her as she was about to walk towards the elevator. Belle turned around and Mikhail motioned her to sit on the sofa.

"What is it?" she asked and looked at the man across her.

"Lyndon called me..." Mikhail started.

"And?"

"He asked me to help him out to sort his beef with his brother..." Mikhail continued while he smoked. He had this habit when he was about to tell something important.

"I thought Leo was dead?" Belle raised her brow upon hearing him mentioning Lyndon's older brother.

"No. He's not. It was because he was brought to country X and was given with a different identity with the King's.

"King's? How are they related and what does it have to do with me?" she wanted to understand everything so she asked him questions.

"What I want to ask is, are you willing to move to country A with me, while I help him?" Mikhail wanted to bring her along to also solve her family problem. He knew that Bell could not hide forever and her crimes were all closed because of him.

"You want me to go back with you?" Belle could not believe that the man actually asked her to go back with him to country A.

"Think about it carefully and whatever your decision is, I'll respect it." Mikhail said while stood up and walked towards the control room of the palace.