The Fake Son Wants to Live [BL]

Chapter 254: Chapter 254 — The greatest mistake

The entire country of Gia was rejoicing over the return of their second prince and his mate. Within hours, the Empire announced the wedding. Streets bloomed with bright flags, banners in gold and white draped over rooftops, and every corner was alive with music, laughter, and dancing. Vendors handed out sweets, children waved paper fans painted with the couple’s silhouettes, and people toasted the union as if it were the celebration of the decade.

But inside the second prince’s private quarters, there was no laughter—only a heavy, stifling quiet.

Even the servants, who normally moved briskly with cheerful efficiency, now exchanged uneasy glances as they worked. They couldn’t help but notice: their prince didn’t seem happy. Not one bit. He hadn’t openly complained, but to those who had served him for years—those who remembered the bright, joking, warm-hearted man he once was—the sight of him walking around with a faraway look and no spark in his eyes was unsettling.

Of course, they were servants; they had no right to interfere in matters of royalty. The two parties involved in the marriage weren’t objecting, so the preparations carried on without pause.

Dican stood at his window, staring out at the rejoicing crowd far below. He should have been proud, moved even, seeing his people celebrate his union. But all he could think of was that mysterious man in his head—the one whose face he had never truly seen, but whose presence lingered in every thought like a stubborn shadow.

That morning, he had woken from a dream. In it, he had been kissing the man, tasting his lips, feeling the slow brush of breath between them. It was vivid—so vivid that when he woke, shame burned in his chest.

And shamefully... he had climaxed in that dream.

He rubbed his face hard, almost punishing himself.

I need to snap out of it... fast.

Today was his wedding day. There was no space for ghosts.

”Dican!”

Bian’s sharp voice jolted him. The man stormed in, glaring, his steps heavy with irritation. ”Where have you been all day? I’ve been searching for you everywhere!”

”What is it, my love?” Dican tried to muster a smile, but it was weak, just a faint curve at the corner of his lips.

Bian didn’t notice—or didn’t care. ”I told them I wanted pink flowers. Why the hell is the garden still full of purple ones?!” He shoved a crumpled orchid-like bloom in Dican’s face as if it were evidence of a crime.

Dican stared at the flower, oddly transfixed. Something about the orchid felt... right. Like it suited that person, the one from his thoughts.

He blinked and snapped himself out of it. ”If you don’t like them, I’ll have them changed immediately, dear.” His tone was calm, even.

”Good.” Bian adjusted the folds of his elaborate robe, then gave him a once-over. ”Why do you look so tired? Haven’t been sleeping well? Tsk. You have nothing to do, yet you stay up all night. Get yourself ready. I need you looking perfect for our wedding. I don’t want anyone talking behind our backs.”

And just as quickly as he came, Bian turned and left, the doors swinging shut behind him.

Dican stood there for a long moment, watching the doorway as though expecting something else to come through.

He sighed and called for the head butler.

The older man, with hair streaked with white and steady brown eyes, stepped in and bowed. ”Your Highness...”

”Get me some medicine for a headache,” Dican said softly.

The butler hesitated. ”Your Highness... shall I speak my mind? The prince consort... he’s acting a bit... rude.”

Dican only smiled faintly. ”He is my mate. Nothing can be done.” His fingers moved almost unconsciously to the transparent stone hanging around his neck. The birth stone—his most sacred possession.

Time passed quickly after that. The servants arrived with armfuls of garments and ornaments, bustling around him. They dressed him in an elaborate golden coat encrusted with pink crystals and white stones, carefully chosen to match the wedding theme.

Once they were done, the butler began sending them away—but Dican called them back.

When they returned, he hesitated only briefly before selecting a small purple shirt pin shaped like an orchid. It didn’t match anything he was wearing, but he pinned it to his chest anyway. Somehow, wearing it made him feel... a little lighter.

The moment arrived. It was time to walk down to his wedding.

In Gia, marriages were straightforward. Two people exchanged their birth stones—a piece of their very soul—and the bond would be sealed for life. It was why such stones were kept close to the body and never touched by outsiders except by one’s mate or family.

Taking a deep breath, he gripped the smooth, transparent gem in his hand and headed for the palace gardens.

The small lake at the center had been transformed—white flowers floated over the water’s surface, while large lily pads formed a stepping path from one end to the other. The purple and gold blooms that had surrounded the lake earlier were now gone, replaced by pink. Elegant, yes... but lacking warmth.

A hand slid into his, gripping tightly. He turned to see Bian beside him, dressed in a gold wedding outfit encrusted with pink stones from head to toe, a small veil covering part of his face.

Together, they walked across the lily pads, twenty royals watching from the shore with polite smiles.

At the end of the path, they turned to face each other. Bian was beaming, radiant with triumph.

Dican reached into his collar, took out his soul gem, and placed it in Bian’s hands.

And just like that... they were married.

There was no feeling of happiness.

But Dican had to put up a smile to please the crowd. All he felt was that crushing weight in his chest as if he had done a great mistake.

His whole heart was filled with that mysterious man. strangely now he could remember him. remember his face. And without his control tears streamed down his face.