Married to The Ice King: Pampered Princess' Survival Guide-Chapter 194: Close The Shop

The silence after Theo’s question hung in the air for a moment before he continued, his tone calm but practical. "I checked the sales for the shop over the past month. For a small souvenir shop, it’s not bad, but..." He glanced at Daisy and Aurora. "Not enough to cover rent, salaries, and keep it running smoothly on your own. You’ll need some support or a better plan if you want it to survive."

Daisy frowned, looking at Aurora. "So... we really can’t handle it alone?"

Theo shook his head gently. "Not if you want it to last."

"So... what’s your solution?" Daisy asked, a hint of frustration in her voice.

Theo smiled faintly, calm and decisive. "Close the shop."

Daisy blinked, taken aback. "What?"

"I know it’s not what you want to hear," he continued, "but this was never meant to be a full-scale business. If it stays just a hobby, that’s fine. But Aurora has been struggling alone, constantly messaging you about what to do. It’s too much to manage on your own. Closing it now saves both of you from bigger problems later."

Daisy exchanged a glance with Aurora, the weight of the decision settling between them.

Aurora sighed, shoulders slumping, but there was a hint of relief in her eyes. "I guess... you’re right," she murmured. "I’ve been trying so hard, but it’s just... too much sometimes."

Daisy nodded slowly, her fingers fidgeting with the edge of the table. "Yeah... I wanted it to work, for us, for fun... but maybe Theo’s right. It’s not worth the stress, especially now."

Theo reached out, resting a reassuring hand over Daisy’s. "It doesn’t make it a failure. Sometimes knowing when to let go is the smartest choice. You both gave it your best."

Daisy took a deep breath, letting the tension in her chest ease just a little. "Alright... we’ll close it. But maybe we can keep some of the memories... just for us."

Aurora’s eyes softened, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Yeah... I like that idea."

Theo leaned back, a faint grin on his face. "Good. Then it’s settled. Hobby, memories... nothing more. And no more late-night panic messages to Daisy."

Aurora smiled sheepishly. "I... I won’t disturb her at night anymore. I promise," she said, letting out an exaggerated sigh. 𝒇𝓻𝓮𝓮𝙬𝙚𝒃𝒏𝓸𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝓬𝓸𝒎

Daisy chuckled softly, shaking her head. "You can—just message me if there’s anything," she added, rolling her eyes dramatically toward Theo.

Theo raised an eyebrow, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "I’m just kidding..."

Daisy smirked. "Yeah, right. I know you’re secretly enjoying watching us scramble."

Aurora rolled her eyes, though a small laugh escaped her. "Honestly, I don’t know how you two put up with each other."

Theo glanced at Daisy, his gaze softening. "Easy. She makes it worth it."

Daisy felt her cheeks warm, shaking her head but smiling nonetheless. "Flatterer."

"Theo! The most loving big brother! Are you serious about this?" Liam asked, walking over with that familiar mix of disbelief and irritation. "You’re really handing the position to me? You do realize I didn’t actually want to take over, right? I was just—" He gestured vaguely with his hands, still talking as he made his way to the sofa.

Theo smirked slightly. "You’ve been saying that for months."

Liam stopped mid-sentence as his eyes finally landed on Aurora, who sat quietly across Daisy. His words faltered, just for a second, then he cleared his throat and looked away, pretending not to notice the way his expression had shifted.

Aurora quickly stood up, smoothing her skirt. "I should get going," she murmured, forcing a polite smile. "Let’s discuss how to close down the shop later, Daisy." She stood up, ready to walk away, when Theo suddenly spoke up.

"Adrian, is he coming back to the country?" He looked straight to Liam.

Liam arched his brows, "Why? What about him? He never told me anything... I don’t think so..."

Theo leaned back, his tone deliberately casual as he watched Liam’s face. "Just wondering," he said. "I heard Adrian stopped by the souvenir shop you helped them rent. You know, since the building actually belongs to him."

Liam’s expression stayed calm, but his eyes flickered. "Yeah? And what about it?"

Theo smiled faintly. "Well, according to Aurora, he didn’t just come to talk about the shop. He asked her if she is single."

That made Liam’s brows twitch ever so slightly. "And...?" he asked, trying to sound indifferent.

Theo leaned forward slightly, voice calm but teasing. "And he said he’s at that age where he’s ready to get married. Apparently, he even mentioned proposing to her."

Aurora, who had already taken a few steps toward the exit, froze mid-stride.

Liam gave a low, dismissive chuckle, though his jaw tightened. "Twenty-five is a good age to get married," he muttered. "Good for him."

Theo arched a brow, pretending to agree. "Good for him? You should congratulate him then." He tilted his head toward Aurora, adding smoothly, "You should consider it too, Aurora. He’s a suitable candidate—young, successful, a doctor from a good family..."

Aurora’s face flushed instantly. "Ah—uh, I’ll think about it..." she stammered, trying to play along. In truth, she was testing the waters, trying to read Liam’s reaction—just enough for her to decide whether to give up or keep holding on.

Daisy pressed her lips together, trying not to laugh. "He does sound perfect," she said with feigned innocence. "What do you think, Liam?"

Liam clicked his tongue lightly. "Tch... why do you guys need my opinion? Someone else’s business isn’t mine." He turned and walked toward the kitchen. "Anyway, what’s your kitchen cooking for lunch today?"

"Why do you always come here? Get a life... or get a girlfriend," Theo shot back, standing up. He reached out his hand toward Daisy, adding with mock seriousness, "Stop coming here without a purpose... you’re disturbing our time together."

"Uh—I’ll head out first..." Aurora cut in softly, pressing her lips together. The disappointment on her face was faint but noticeable. "I’ll call you later, Daisy." Without waiting for a reply, she turned and quickly made her way to the door.

Liam rolled his eyes. "You two are really annoying. When I go out with girls, you call me a playboy. Now you tell me to get a girlfriend? Ridiculous..." He waved a hand dismissively and started for the exit. "Whatever."

Theo leaned closer to Daisy, lowering his voice with a grin. "I bet he’s going after Aurora."

Daisy looked up at him and chuckled. "Agreed."