The Dashing Groom (A Novel of Romance)

Prologue

The Dragon and Phoenix Hall on the second floor of The Urban Hotel was bustling as it hosted the engagement party between The Stone and Monroe Families. Guests gathered to offer their congratulations, each one a figure of significance.

Lila Monroe sat in the dressing room in a pink chiffon gown, staring blankly at her reflection in the mirror.

Her father, William Monroe, was a well-known furniture magnate in Australia. Over ten years, he had built a successful, self-run furniture manufacturing business. Recently, however, many Australian factories were moving to mainland China. Her father followed suit, borrowing heavily from banks and moneylenders to expand his operations there.

But things did not go as planned. The mainland investment failed, causing her father to lose his capital and his share of the Australian market. With interest rising continuously, the relentless calls from banks and lenders demanding repayment only worsened their financial stress.

During this difficult time, The Stone Family, close friends of the Monroes, proposed a solution: they would clear the Monroe family’s debts if Lila agreed to marry their only son, Caleb Stone.

Lila had no feelings for Caleb, not even the faintest attraction. Yet, her parents pressured her constantly, until at last, she gave in.

Last night, she lay on her pillow, crying her heart out, wishing for a reprieve from the impending day. But as always, it arrived. Today, she found herself in the hall, preparing to complete the engagement ceremony with Caleb Stone.

Lila, all the guests are here. The ceremony is about to begin, the PR manager gently reminded her in the dressing room.

Alright, thank you. I’ll be right out.

With a sigh, Lila stepped out of the dressing room and into the main hall, where she was greeted by a round of enthusiastic applause from the guests.

She extended her right hand, allowing Caleb to slip on the ring chosen by The Stone Family.

As the ring settled on her finger, a shadow passed over her eyes. Looking down at the diamond on her hand, she felt no joy—only a weight in her heart and an overwhelming urge to escape from it all, forever.

Chapter 1: The Unexpected Journey

Hong Kong International Airport.

It was a little past five in the morning, and the airport was quiet with only a few scattered travelers waiting for their check-in. Most people were still asleep, leaving the place calm and mostly empty.

A young woman in a white trench coat and low-heeled boots stood nearby, blowing warm breath onto her hands to fend off the cold as she anxiously scanned the entrance.

After half an hour, the person she was waiting for finally arrived. She leaped up with excitement and hurried over.

Uncle, you’re finally here! Lila Monroe exclaimed, pouting playfully.

I’ve never seen anyone as forgetful as you! Already at the airport, and only then realizing you left your passport and ticket behind. The butler, rubbing his sleepy eyes, couldn’t help but grumble.

Sorry! I was so excited about this month-long solo trip that I forgot everything else, Lila said, sticking out her tongue playfully.

Honestly, you could have just told your parents if you wanted to travel! Why sneak out like this?

After the New Year, I’ll be getting married. If I don’t take this chance to travel now, I may never get another.

Oh, don’t be silly! After you marry Caleb Stone, are you afraid he won’t take you on a honeymoon? The butler’s expression softened with sympathy. Miss Monroe was sacrificing so much for her family, yet she was only twenty-three, still young and bearing such heavy burdens.

Not wanting to linger on that subject, she changed the topic, Thanks for bringing my passport! If my parents ask, just pretend you don’t know anything. She had left a note in the living room before she left, one that would likely make her father furious once he read it.

A bitter smile crossed her lips at the thought.

After bidding the butler goodbye, she waited around until a little after seven. Then, she picked up her small LV suitcase and walked over to the airline counter to check in.

It was November, meaning winter in Hong Kong, but in Australia—her destination in the Southern Hemisphere—it was summer and peak tourist season. Because of this, all the direct flights were fully booked, so she had to settle for a connecting ticket with Malaysia Airlines.

Her flight would connect through Kuala Lumpur, with a seven-hour layover before continuing to Australia. The airline kindly arranged a five-star hotel stay and a complimentary buffet for international travelers during the wait.

As Lila joined the line, an indescribable thrill bubbled within her. This was her first time traveling abroad alone.

She found her place in line, standing behind a tall man.

Wow, this guy is tall. He must be at least 190 cm. He was wearing a branded blue wool pullover with matching casual pants, looking sleek and stylish.

He only had a simple passport holder in hand, no large suitcase, which made it seem like he was probably on a business trip rather than a vacation.

Lila Monroe found herself staring at his broad back. From what she could recall, she hadn’t seen anyone with a build as impressive as his. She wondered what he looked like—would his face match his physique?

Miss, could you please hand me your passport and ticket? The friendly airline staff member’s gentle voice broke her thoughts, bringing her back to reality.

Oh, right, sorry. Lila blushed, realizing it was her turn.

As she handed over her ticket and passport, the man, who had just left the counter, suddenly stopped and turned around to look at her. Their eyes met for a brief moment.

Lila froze, slightly taken aback. Wow, this guy is… so handsome! His eyes were sharp and intense, like two deep, mysterious pools.

He looked at her for just a second before turning back and walking away.

Miss Monroe, here is your boarding pass. Wishing you a pleasant journey, the friendly voice of the airline staff brought her back to her senses again.

Oh, thank you! Lila responded politely, taking her boarding pass.

As she moved away from the counter, she glanced around, hoping to see him again, but he was already gone. She felt a slight pang of disappointment.

Why am I so hung up on this guy? She thought, If I want to see handsome men, Australia is full of them—fit, sun-kissed, and charming. There’ll be plenty to look at when I get there!

With that thought, she clutched her passport and boarding pass with excitement and headed toward customs.

* * *

Guided by a friendly flight attendant, Lila Monroe entered the business class cabin and settled into her window seat.

She felt a bit nervous. She rarely flew, and every time the plane took off, she experienced dizziness, nausea, ringing in her ears, and sometimes even trouble breathing.

Suddenly, she heard the flight attendant’s soft voice beside her, Mr. Grey, your seat is here.

Curious, Lila looked up and immediately recognized the man in front of her from the check-in line.

Thank you, he nodded to the attendant and took the seat right next to hers.

Their eyes met again, and she caught a hint of amusement in his gaze.

Once he settled in, he immediately requested an English newspaper and began reading, exuding calm confidence. He was a seasoned traveler, used to filling his time in the air—unlike her, with all her flying anxieties.

Would either of you care for a drink? the flight attendant asked, wheeling the cart over with a warm smile.

Red wine.

Orange juice.

They both answered at the same time, and the moment turned awkward. He raised an eyebrow at her, and Lila felt her cheeks flush bright red.

Here’s your red wine, sir, and your orange juice, miss, the flight attendant said, smoothly dispelling the tension.

He took a sip of his wine and resumed reading. Not long after, the announcement came over the speaker that the plane was about to take off.

Lila slumped back in her seat, closing her eyes in resignation. This is the part I hate most, she thought.

The plane gathered speed, and with a powerful push, lifted off into the sky.

Oh no! Her ears started ringing, her head began spinning, and worse—she felt an overwhelming urge to throw up!

Frantically, she reached out to the seat pocket, searching clumsily only to find, of all things, there was no vomit bag.

Just as her discomfort reached its peak, a strong hand reached over, offering her a vomit bag.

Here, take this, his deep, smooth voice murmured.

Thank you, she whispered, taking the bag and immediately using it.

After she finished throwing up, Lila Monroe covered her mouth, holding the vomit bag awkwardly in her hand.

Feeling better? he asked, putting down his newspaper, his eyes bright and focused on her.

She looked up, meeting his gaze, and couldn’t help but take a few deep breaths. Up close, he was even more handsome, with dark, arched eyebrows, a tall, straight nose, and a pair of thin lips… The most surprising thing was that even by simply leaning slightly toward her, his presence radiated a striking charisma.

Sorry for the trouble earlier, that was embarrassing, she said apologetically.

No worries. His eyes shifted back to his newspaper, his tone as casual as could be. I’m used to it. You’re not the first woman to use this approach to get my attention.

Are you implying that my discomfort was just to catch your eye?

You want to deny it? Landon Grey put down his newspaper, a playful smile tugging at his lips.

Of course I’m denying it! I had no intention of getting your attention! Lila huffed, her cheeks puffed up in irritation, her beautiful eyes practically sparking with anger.

She looked like a little hedgehog when she was angry, her eyes lighting up as well. How adorable! How could a girl be so lively and lovely, even when upset?

Landon watched her with amused interest. There were still four hours left on this flight to Kuala Lumpur, and having her around seemed like it might be a nice way to pass the time.

"Alright, let’s say I misunderstood you. Is that good