Kiss Me Not

[UNEDITED version]

The following day, as expected, the media of Country B coordinated with people and the press of Country D to know more about the life of Prince Gavin when he was simply Gavin Wu and about Brione Yu since she would soon be crowned Queen along with the future King.

Many articles were published that morning, mostly centered around the future King and Queen of Country B. Many were anticipating seeing the coronation ceremony. The public was still doubtful, but the good reputation of the couple from country D was a big help for many people in Country B to hope for the people's promising future under the reign of the future King and Queen.

And yet… Olivia's name was still undeniably left widely and positively spoken amidst the different opinions on the coming coronation.

The Cabinet members held an emergency meeting with King Lucas that morning, discussing how they should proceed further with the current condition of the prime minister.

"I suggest John for the position since he was a senior in this league, and I believe he is more capable of taking this position from Greg," one of the senior cabinet members suggested.

"But we can't just ignore the people. We all witness that the majority favors Olivia, who is very capable, and all of us are witnesses here. She's like her father's assistant in governing the country as Prime Minister. She even expanded her knowledge to know more about handling difficult matters and issues. I'm sure she did that to be her father's pillar and prepare herself as future Queen for Prince Cedric?!" one of the young cabinet members straightforwardly stated, and the majority of the cabinet members seconded it.

Each one stated the good deeds Olivia contributed in helping out her father in his duties and serving the people of her own will without having a position in the government. SHe assisted Prince Cedric a lot as well.

King Lucas heaved a sigh and looked at Sean, saying, "Did Olivia arrive already?"

"Yes, Your Majesty. She's in the waiting room right now, ready to be summoned," Sean answered.

Lucas looked around the men and women in front of him. He sighed and said, "As of this moment, I want my son to decide on this matter as your future King."

Everyone looked at Gavin, who sat beside his father, quietly observing and listening to everyone's opinion.

Gavin looked at Sean and politely asked, "Please summon Miss Olivia Philips inside."

Olivia was just in the waiting room adjacent to the cabinet members and the King's meeting room. She had been sighing several times already as she waited inside the room. She wanted her father's position as Prime Minister like what the people were suggesting, but the King was the only one who had the power over it. The King could only decide who he wanted for the Prime Minister position if the one he previously appointed was no longer capable like her father.

The door opened, and it was Will's father, assistant Sean.

"Miss Olivia, please follow me. The King and cabinet members are now expecting you to join them," Sean relayed.

Olivia stood up from her seat and quietly followed Sean. She hoped that the King would still appoint her instead of replacing her father since it was what the people wanted.

She received a lot of love from her social media profile. She was also trending online along with Gavin and Brione. Some sent their token of encouragement and cheers at their home.

Olivia gave everyone in the room a slight bow and a formal smile, showing her respect to all.

Assistant Sean guided her to her seat, and as soon as she was settled, Gavin spoke, "Miss Olivia… The majority of the cabinet members in this room spoke so highly of you and how you are capable of taking over your father's position as Prime Minister. We would like to hear your take on this, and are you also willing to take this responsibility should we choose you to take over the Prime Minister's position."

Olivia looked at everyone in the room. She leaned forward to speak on the mic in front of her.

"I believe everyone in this room witnessed my love for this country and our countrymen. It is in my heart to serve the nation with all my capabilities as a common person. But then, if I will be given a chance to do it with a wide range of array-like being in a position to do so, it would be an honor and a great privilege I will heartily accept. I am willing to take all the challenges and show the people my sincerity to serve this country genuinely…"

Gavin gave her father a glance, who nodded at him, signaling that the decision was now for him to make.

"To make this fair, then I suggest that all cabinet members, including my father and I, have a vote in this room. A vote for Miss Olivia Philips in taking over the position as Prime Minister," Gavin suggested, and everyone in the room agreed except for only a few who wanted an instant appointment for Olivia as Prime Minister.

Olivia sniggered inside. She could already tell who were Duncan's lackeys in the cabinet members. She hid her disappointment in those men and tried to maintain her calm composure.

As she thought, Gavin nor King Lucas would not appoint her directly like that. But then, it was understandable that not all cabinet members favored a young woman like her to take the Prime Minister position.

With Gavin's signal, Sean announced, "For those of you who are in favor that Miss Olivia Philips be appointed as the Prime Minister please raise your hand."

There were twenty-one people inside the room who would cast their votes, and nine cabinet members raised their hands.

"Thank you. You may put down your hands now," Sean said as soon as they were done in counting.

"For those who are not in favor of Miss Olivia Philips to take over the Prime Minister position, please raise your hand," Sean asked next.

Olivia was counting in her head as well. Ten cabinet members raised their hands. And now, there were only two votes left, from King Lucas and Gavin.

Olivia bit her inner cheek. There was a high possibility that those two would not vote for her. She heaved a long deep sigh because it looked like Duncan's power was not that mighty since he failed in making a way to make sure that she would be appointed as Prime Minister.

Her shoulders dropped as Sean asked the two men, the King and the Prince, for their votes.

King Lucas cast his vote first by saying, "I agree for our Olivia to take over her father's position. She is capable of helping my son, Gavin, in the future in handling the government and our country for a fruitful nation."

Olivia was surprised as she looked at King Lucas, who gave her a genuine smile and encouragement.

'Uncle Lucas…' she mused as she tried to suppress the emotions building inside of her. King Lucas, who she usually called uncle Lucas, was like a father to her. Still, she should also remember that they were all responsible, including her, as to why her dear brother Oliver was now dead… instead of living happily with his future wife and unborn baby.

She had a blank expression as she bowed her head to express her respect for the King and his trust in her. He was smiling at her, and here she was, unable to do the same because she had no right to smile at all after losing her brother like that. She bet her brother's spirit was not even at peace since he died unjustly… murdered like that.

There were ten votes for those who agreed and ten for those who were not in favor of Olivia. She looked at Gavin, who would be the one to break the tie.

Olivia suddenly felt nervous. She genuinely wanted to serve the people with all her heart. But aside from that, Olivia wanted to use that position to have power in her hands. She needed it as a tool as well for her goal in her revenge.

Gavin met Olivia's stare as he said, "I am in favor for Olivia to take the Prime Minister position. I believe that she was a great person, and there was no one very much capable of that position other than her. I trust that she will serve the people fair and just."

Olivia could sense the sincerity in Gavin's words, and she was grateful, but the hatred in her heart was still there. Nothing could bring her brother alive, even her revenge, and yet she would not be at peace unless she did something to make all people responsible for his death suffer, including her.

Everyone inside the room clapped their hands when the result of the voting was announced. They all congratulated Olivia, including Gavin, who extended his hand to her as he said, "Congratulations. I am looking forward to working with you, Prime Minister Olivia Philips."

Olivia accepted the handshake and wryly uttered, "Thank you. I will work hard and make sure to protect what I need to protect without depending on others..."

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Author's Note:

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