A mere seven days before our betrothal, Robert Lockman informed me that our engagement ceremony would be delayed by a month, rather than occurring as planned.
He elucidated, "Diana has her debut solo performance scheduled for that day. It's a monumental occasion in her career, and I can't bear to miss it. After all, we're getting engaged regardless. The exact timing isn't crucial."
This marked the third instance he had rescheduled our engagement due to Diana.
Initially, he postponed when Diana, who was overseas, became unwell and expressed fear and longing for him.
The second time, when Diana decided on an impromptu journey, Robert grew anxious and pursued her.
And now, this third occurrence.
I ended the call and turned to my lifelong friend and the Royal City's prince, Anthony Norton. I inquired, "Would you be interested in a fiancée?"
On what should have been our engagement day, Robert was tenderly embracing Diana at her concert's afterparty when he witnessed Anthony's engagement to me being broadcast citywide. As he watched, his eyes grew crimson.

After Being Betrayed, I Married the Prince

Diana hesitated before speaking. "Trudy, I know Robbie meant this necklace for you, but I'm aware it was initially your engagement present. I'll give it back after my performance. Would that help?"


Before I could reply, one of Robert's companions interjected sarcastically, "Oh, please, Trudy. It's just jewelry. Why the long face? Look how uncomfortable you've made everyone. Do you only find joy in others' misery?"


Another added, "Right. You claim to be the Peyton Family's firstborn, yet here you are. Is your family going broke? It's pathetic how desperately you're clinging to the Lockman Family's heirloom."


These were Robert's closest friends and Diana's loyal followers. They never passed up an opportunity to criticize me, constantly implying I wasn't worthy of Robert while praising Diana.


"Don't be too hard on Trudy," Diana said gently, her words laced with artificial sympathy. "She's still getting to know Robbie. I'm certain if we spend more time together, these misunderstandings will disappear, don't you think?"


Robert's eyes met mine, filled with indifference. "If you're not happy, you shouldn't have come. Why are you here ruining everyone's mood?"


I stood up quickly. "Fine, I'll go." At the doorway, I paused and turned back. "By the way, the guest room at your place is prepared. But don't you think it might be too cramped for Diana? Perhaps the master bedroom would be more suitable for her?"


Robert frowned. "What do you mean my guest room? Isn't that our guest room? As my fiancée, you need to stop storming off when you're upset. Is this how you plan to behave after we're married? Who would want to live with someone like that?"


I laughed. "Marriage? Didn't we already call off the engagement party? Let's put the wedding discussion on hold, shall we?"


Noticing my odd expression, Robert grabbed my arm. "What are you talking about? Canceling the engagement ceremony? Are you making a scene over a necklace? I said we're postponing it, not canceling it."


Before I could respond, my phone rang. It was Anthony.


He spoke warmly, "Trudy, the designer wants to know if you prefer pearls or diamonds for your wedding dress tiara?"


Remembering the pearl button on his tuxedo, I replied softly, "Pearls."


Robert was agitated. "What wedding dress tiara? Trudy, have you lost your mind? Are you actually having a wedding dress made to force my hand?"


Across the room, Diana looked shocked and hurt. "Robbie, are you... getting married?"


Robert turned to me, his eyes filled with revulsion. "Trudy, let me be clear. I agreed to an engagement. That's all. Don't think you can manipulate me into marrying you with these cheap tricks."


He leaned in, his voice dripping with contempt. "What were you planning? To wear a wedding dress to the engagement party to pressure me? Is the Peyton Family that desperate to marry you off? Or is this just how far you'll go to hold onto me?"


I tried to free my arm, my voice calm but firm. "Let go of me, Robert. That dress is for my wedding, it has nothing to do with you."


Robert sneered. "Your wedding? Who else could you possibly marry if not me? Stop with your schemes! I've endured your attempts to force me into marriage for years. I've had enough. Let me be honest, I only agreed to our engagement out of respect for our families. Don't push it."


Suddenly, the door burst open. "Release her!"


04