"Do you know her, Your Grace?" the receptionist immediately asked upon hearing the man's name from Penelope.
Penelope paused for a moment before responding, "Yes, he was a patient of mine from Avalonia a few years ago. What brings you here, Poul?"
Penelope's heart sank at the thought of Poul risking so much to see her. She knew the Crown Prince would not take kindly to Poul being in London, especially if he found out about their relationship. But she couldn't turn him away, not when he made a great effort on seeing her.
"I'm sorry, Poul, but I'm actually on personal leave at the moment," Penelope said, trying to sound convincing.
The receptionist interjected, "Your Grace since your patient has come all this way, could we at least provide him with a room to rest in while he waits for a doctor to become available?"
"Thank you, Mary," Penelope nodded gratefully, relieved that Mary had come up with a solution that didn't involve her breaking her cover. She led Poul to a private room, where he settled onto the bed with a sigh of relief.
"I'm sorry to have put you in this position, Penelope," Poul said, looking up at her with sad eyes.
"It's alright," Penelope replied softly, "But you must be careful. If anyone finds out that you're here, it could be disastrous for both of us."
Poul nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. "I know, but I had to see you. I needed to make sure you were alright and...I had to tell you something."
Penelope sat down on the edge of the bed, feeling a flutter of nervousness in her stomach. She had a feeling she knew what Poul was going to say, and she wasn't sure if she was ready to hear it. But she had to be strong, for both their sakes.
"What is it, Poul?" she asked, holding her breath.
"That I love you," Poul revealed and Penelope's expression fell flat.
"Eh? Did you come all the way here just to say that in front of me? I thought this was going to be something serious."
"For you, I would even travel to the ends of the earth," Poul said, grinning.
"Geez you are too silly," Penelope hit him here and there Poul laughed, enjoying the playful banter between them. "I'm sorry if it seems like I made a big deal out of nothing. I just had to tell you how I feel, Penelope."
Penelope smiled softly, feeling a warmth in her chest at Poul's words. "Are you sure that this is what you came for? Poul? You really don't feel ill right?"
"No, I'm not. I have been taking care of myself despite my busy schedule," Poul said, smiling.
"Well, that's good then. How is Jonathan?"
"Well, you wouldn't believe this. Jonathan told me before I left that she is going to marry an industrialist. Her name is Caroline Dupont. I'm sure you know her."
"Ah, that woman who was the founder of Loreal? I know her. I buy my clothes and personal care products from her," Penelope nodded, surprised to hear about Jonathan's engagement.
"But believe me, you are more beautiful than her," Poul said while placing a hand on her cheek and stroking it.
Penelope's heart raced as Poul's hand lingered on her cheek. She felt a warmth spread through her body, and she couldn't help but lean into his touch.
"You are just saying it because I'm your girlfriend, but if I wasn't, you wouldn't say those words."
Poul looked into Penelope's eyes and smiled softly. "No, that's not true. Even if you weren't my girlfriend, I would still think you're beautiful and amazing. You have a kind heart and a brilliant mind that I admire so much. I'm sure every other guy would think of that."
"Really?"
"Really!" Poul confirmed and continued. "So, how are you doing? Is the Crown Prince still bothering you?"
Penelope was silent for a moment. "Well, he still keeps sending me flowers, gifts, and letters whenever there's a chance…Eh? Poul? What's with that face?"
"Isn't it obvious, of course I'm jealous. I should be the only one doing that to you." Penelope couldn't help but laugh at Poul's possessiveness. "Oh, Poul. You know there's nothing between the Crown Prince and me. He's just persistent in his pursuit."
"But it still bothers me," Poul replied, looking serious again. "I don't like the idea of someone else trying to win your heart."
Penelope reached out and took Poul's hand. "You don't have to worry about that, Poul. My heart already belongs to you…"
"Well…if that is really the case, Penelope. I have a suggestion where we can be together. Though this is going to be a hard decision to make, will you hear me out?" Poul said, his voice turning serious.
"What is it?"
"You know, your new father and the Crown Prince wouldn't let you be with me. Your father isn't going to accept it so I came up with an idea…This is going to be a selfish request. Do you still want to hear it?"
Penelope's heart sank as she listened to Poul's words. "What is it, Poul? What do you have in mind?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Poul took a deep breath before speaking. "I want you to come with me, Penelope. To the United States. We can start a new life there, away from all of this. Away from the Crown Prince. And to do that, I will have to kill you."
Penelope's eyes widened in shock. "Kill me?"
"Not literally, Penelope. I just want you to pretend that you are dead. That way, it'll be easy for you to escape this country and we can start a new life together. It's the only way we can be together without facing any obstacles or opposition. What do you say, Penelope? Will you take this risk with me?"
Penelope was speechless. She couldn't believe what she had just heard. Poul wanted her to fake her own death and leave everything behind just to be with him. It was a crazy idea, but she couldn't deny the temptation of starting a new life with the man she loved.
As she looked into Poul's eyes, she saw the sincerity in his gaze. She knew he meant every word he said and that he was willing to do anything to be with her.
But could she really go through with this? Could she leave everything behind, including her family and friends, and start a new life in a foreign country with a man she loved.
"You don't have to decide now, Penelope. I'll give you time," Poul said, enveloping her hand in his.
