"This concerns the royal family's reputation!" Carl frowned.
"If so, why don't you just let Lucas marry a woman who hasn't had any children?" Carla smiled. "My current situation is very clear. I'm sure that everyone knows about it."
"No, I only like you, " insisted Lucas. "Daddy, stop putting Carla in a tight spot. There's no need to change their last names…"
"Shut up!" growled Carl before telling Carla, "If this is giving you a tough choice, I won't force you. You can just have a child with Lucas earlier."
When Carla heard that, she had an instinctive urge to refuse. She had never thought about these problems, but Carl's words reminded her…
If she married Lucas, she would have to have kids with him.
"Okay, let's return to the main topic." Carl steered the conversation back. "Answer me officially now. Do you agree to this marriage?"
At that moment, Carla felt conflicted. Initially, she had already decided to accept the marriage for the sake of the bigger picture. However, she was hesitating now.
"You're still considering?" When Carl noticed her hesitation, he felt displeased. "I'm returning to Pillere this afternoon. If you haven't made up your mind by then, I'll make other arrangements."
With that, he placed his cup down and was about to leave.
"Dad…"
"I agree." Carla finally spoke.
Lucas was stunned as he looked at her in shock. "Carla, are you saying…"
"I agree to the marriage." Carla stopped hesitating. "But you should know that there are no romantic feelings between Lucas and me. Furthermore, I have my own opinions about certain issues. I will not make any concessions for your family's interests or for the royal family's reputation. Even after marriage, I'm still an independent self, not anyone's trophy wife. My son will not change his last name either. Also, I'm not sure if I'll have any kids in the future."
After a slight pause, she continued, "The wedding can only be held after two months, when Venus's and my illness are completely cured. That's all I want to say. If you accept all the conditions, then this is settled. If not, we shall just forget it…"
"I accept!" Carl agreed easily. "Feelings can be nurtured slowly and we're not in a rush to hold the wedding. However, we must announce the news first."
"Discuss this with Daemon. If he agrees, I'm fine too, " said Carla.
"Okay, I'll go back and talk to him."
Delighted, Carl strode away.
"I'm glad that you've finally agreed, Carla!" Lucas was so happy that he could barely speak coherently. Holding her hand, he promised, "I'll definitely protect you and make you happy…"
"Okay." Carla smiled and said softly, "But I don't love you now. Do you really not mind?"
"I don't! As long as you don't hate me, I'll try my best to make you fall in love with me." Lucas was elated. "Carla, I'm so happy! Can I hug you?"
Still smiling, Carla stared at him quietly.
Lucas stretched out his arms tentatively. When she did not refuse, he hugged her tighter and whispered emotionally, "Do you know, Carla? I've waited for this day for ages! Today's the happiest day of my life!"
Carla cast her gaze downward without saying anything. Although she could sense Lucas' sincerity and excitement, she could not share in his joy.
In fact, Zayn's figure flashed across his mind. She imagined him staring at her painfully with his brooding eyes, as if he was saying, "Remember, you're my woman. You will always be…"
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