The Crowns Choice

❦ Chapter Thirty One: Charlotte ❦

The camera's red light flickered on, a signal that sent a wave of nervous energy coursing through me. My hands trembled slightly as I unfolded the slip of paper containing the name of the new contestant. I glanced down, and my breath caught in my throat.

Damon Sinclair.

For a split second, I froze, my mind racing back to memories I'd buried long ago. Damon—my ex-boyfriend, my first love, the one who knew me better than anyone. We had parted ways on complicated terms, leaving behind a tangled web of emotions and unresolved feelings. Seeing his name now, after everything, felt like a jolt to the system.

I quickly stifled the gasp that escaped my lips, trying to maintain my composure for the cameras. The audience would see the momentary flicker of shock in my eyes, but I couldn't let them see more. This was not just a game—it was a strategic move, one I hadn't anticipated.

I plastered on a smile, forced but convincing enough, and continued the announcement. "And now, a new addition to the Crown's Circle. Please welcome Damon Sinclair."

The cameras cut, and I let out a shaky breath. The reality of the situation settled in. Damon was back. And not just back in my life—he was back in the Selection, competing for my hand. It felt surreal, like the universe had a twisted sense of humour.

As I walked off the stage, the director approached me, clipboard in hand. "Princess, just a heads-up, the TV crew will be filming at all times. We want to capture every moment, especially with the new contestant in the mix."

I nodded, still trying to process the gravity of what had just happened. "Understood."

He smiled, oblivious to the turmoil brewing inside me. "The new contestant is already in the boys' common room. We'll be filming your first meeting with him and the others."

I squared my shoulders, determined to face whatever lay ahead with grace. "Thank you."

The walk to the common room felt like it took forever. Memories of Damon flashed in my mind—our late-night talks, the laughter, the arguments, the heartbreak. We had once been inseparable, until everything fell apart. And now, here he was, thrust back into my life, just when I thought I had everything under control.

When I reached the door to the common room, I took a deep breath, pushed it open, and walked in with a smile. The room was buzzing with energy, the boys laughing and talking. But as soon as I stepped in, all eyes turned to me.

I scanned the room, spotting Damon immediately. He was leaning casually against the wall, that familiar confident smirk on his face, but his eyes betrayed a hint of something else—uncertainty, perhaps? It was hard to tell.

"Well," I said, forcing a lightness into my voice as I addressed the group. "It looks like you've all met the newbie."

The boys exchanged glances, some looking amused, others curious. Atlas raised an eyebrow, his usual cocky grin faltering just slightly. Jameson, ever the strategist, was already sizing Damon up, calculating the implications of this new development.

Damon pushed off the wall, stepping forward with a smile that sent a strange flutter through my chest. "Charlotte. Long time no see."

I fought to keep my expression neutral, though I could feel my heart racing. "Damon. It's... been a while."

Sebastian, always the one to break the tension, chuckled. "So, how do you two know each other? Ex-flames? Besties?"

I forced a laugh, shaking my head. "We... have history."

"That's one way to put it," Damon added, his tone teasing, but there was an edge to his words that only I could hear.

Oliver, who had been quietly observing, finally spoke up. "This just got interesting."