1
Lying beside you, here in the dark
Feeling your heart beat with mine
Softly you whisper, you're so sincere
How could our love be so blind
We sailed on together
We drifted apart
And here you are by my side


Nick strummed his guitar as he watched the people go about their own leisure time in the music bar. His gaze was fixed on one particular brunette who's been there for probably a week now and drinking herself out while her friend seemed to always talked her out from it. He continued with the song and at the same time, watched her. The bar is full tonight. In such a small bar like Mayric's, he never thought that it has so many patrons. Most were young professionals who'd dropped by for an hour or two to get cozy before going home and rest.


So here I am with open arms
Hoping you'll see what your love means to me
Open arms


As soon as Nick finished his song, he received a loud applause from the audience. If only he could videotape this and show it to his brothers, they might be proud. Nick smiled at the thought as he bowed down. Bringing his guitar, he walked off the stage and smiled at Carla, the resident singer who will be performing next.

"You sing so well. Ever thought of making it as a career instead of bartending here every night?" Carla asked as she gives Nick a high five.

Nick shakes his head. He thought that if he will sing, he would like to try it first with his brothers and cousins. He'd like to show everyone their talent. "You're lucky I can sing when you're late, Carla." He said instead. "But don't get used to it. I need my bartending job and you need to sing there."

"Yeah, I'll remember that." Carla went off to the stage while Nick goes back to the bar and was greeted by a few of his new fans and his best friend, Luke. The latter gave him the pending orders he needed to do. It has been almost a month since they arrived in the US, particularly in Miami, Florida. With the help of a new friend, they managed to get a working permit and gained a bartending job in a music bar.

"Dude, it's been a month. Aren't your folks looking for you?" Luke asked Nick.

Nick grinned as he prepares the drinks. "They knew that I had plans of becoming invisible for some time but they didn't know when. How's your family?"

"Nick, they're mad! I couldn't believe I let you talked to me into doing this." Luke shakes his head. "But this is an adventure of a lifetime. I knew that if I didn't come with you, I won't experience this. And I will spend my days in Arkadia worrying where you've gone. So it's better to come along than never at all. If I remain there, I'll be stuck in a four-corner room and beat deadlines."

"It's fun, isn't it?" Nick gives the order to the waiting customer. "It's fun being normal," he said in a low voice that only them could hear. "People won't look at us here in a special way like we were back in Arkadia. And I'm glad that I don't have the burden of being a prince anymore."

Luke rolled his eyes and continued with his work. Nick finished the next set of cocktails and started with another one. He looked out in the crowd and noticed the same brunette was still there. "Hey, Luke. Come over here."

"What is it?"

"I've been noticing that woman in red top over there. She's here almost every night and drinking herself out." Nick said. They saw the woman and her companion walked towards the bar.

Luke noticed Nick's stunned expression. "Relax, Nick. She's not Alexei. You can handle her." He tapped his friend on the shoulders and returned to his work. But he is keeping a watchful eye on what is bound to happen. Nick tried proving that no matter how many women he'll meet in his life, or how many girlfriends he'd have, Alexei will be the only one. But Luke wanted to prove he's wrong because he knows that Alexei would never feel the same way and he wished that Nick would see it.

"Two pina coladas," the brunette said to Nick. But he never moved from where he is. "Hello, skinhead. We ordered two drinks." The woman repeated.

"I don't want to drink. I'm driving," her blonde companion told Nick.

Nick consciously touched his head. He had it shaved to stay anonymous from those who might recognized him. He's the most photographed member in their family. He chose America to try experiencing a normal life because not everyone might be interested with a former royal, not everyone might knew him. Unlike in Europe where their family was hailed as one of the most noble and oldest clans in the continent. "Are you sure? Because it looks like you're already drunk."

"Thank God, somebody told her that other than me," the blonde woman said. "Don't listen to her, skinhead. She had enough for tonight."

"Your friend's right, Miss." Nick agreed.

The woman glared at him. "You're not my father, okay? Give me a drink."

"No," Nick crossed his arms across his chest. Luke looked at them in amusement.

"Maybe I should call the manager and report you." The brunette tried again.

"Say it to me then, because I'm the new manager." Nick replied while Luke kept himself from laughing. He turned to the two and found them glaring at each other. Other people caught their attention and waited what will happen next. "I'll make a deal. We'll drink until one of us passes out. If you lose, you'll get your order and go home. If I lose, your drinks are on me for the next time that you're here."

"It's unfair. I already had few drinks ahead of you." The brunette complained, obviously giving in to Nick's challenge.

"She already had four orders of vodkas, two pina coladas and one cocktail in which I don't know the name." Her friend filled in.

"Fine. Give me the same thing, Luke. Make it six vodkas and four pina coladas." Nick stared at the beautiful brunette in front of him. "So that it will deem fair for you since I'm a man." The brunette just rolled her eyes in reply. Luke gave the drinks to Nick.

"Are you sure, man?"

"I only want to prove my point that she can't have any more drinks."

"You understood wrong English, man." Luke said. "You're not proving a point. You're just making her more drunk."

"No, Luke. What I've been trying to show here is that," he met the brunette's look on the other side of the bar, "we're may be bartenders but we're also concerned of our customers. I'm going to prove that I'm right and she can't drink any more." Nick began drinking his shots. He looked at the brunette beauty over the rim of the glass and saw her smiling. That simple gesture seems to radiate a different vibe in the place.

"Whoo!" Nick exclaimed as he finished the shots and started with the pina colada. The still-unnamed woman watched him finish everything. Nick blinked twice as he could now feel the effects of alcohol in his system. He really doesn't drink much. When he's done, he took a shot of tequila sunrise he'd just made for another customer. "Wanna try this?"

"Sure." The woman replied as her friend couldn't help but shook her head. She's been trying to stop her friend the whole night. Maybe the cute bartender will finish what she started. Luke did the mixes for them. The two were on the fifth round when the brunette dropped her head down on top of the counter. There were cheers around the bar.

Nick looked down at the unconscious figure in front of him and shook his head. He yawned as his eyes wanted to drop soon too. "I'll help her out towards your car," he volunteered to the woman's friend.

"No, we'll take care of her," Garett, the manager, said to Nick. "I'm proud of you, Nick. Bartending is not just serving drinks but also caring about serving them."

"Thank you, boss." Nick shakes his head as he tries to fight drowsiness. He got easily drunk as well, but only Luke knew that. He smiled to the other customers who were cheering on him. He shared high-fives to some of them. Luke, on the other hand, is already beside him. He is aware on what's happening now to him.

"Thanks for helping me out." The blonde woman said to Nick. "I'm Chelsea Adams. My best friend is Yvonne, Yvonne Thompson." Chelsea shook hands with Nick. "Are you really the manager?"

"No," they both laughed. "I'm Nick."

"Just Nick?"

Nick smiled and felt very carefree at that very moment. He felt his head spinning. He felt the tease of the people around him but he doesn't care. He really gets drunk easily. He's just lucky that Yvonne passed out first or else, he would have to think about redeeming his ego, he thought amusingly. "I was used to drop my last name. So it's just Nick." And then he collapsed, with Luke quick enough to catch his best friend.



** Open Arms by Journey



>> 2

2

Benedique sighed in frustration for the nth time. His wife and sons watched him pace around the room. This is the third time in the month that the head of the family called for a meeting to talk about Nick. But now, instead of talking about where he has gone to, they recently found his whereabouts when they already received the tracking records of the credit cards he used. Plane tickets and other expenses all lead to Miami, Florida in the US.

"America? Why does he have to go there?" Benedique asked aloud. "He won't be safe there."

But Isabella remained calm. "He's a grown man, honey. Besides, Luke is with him."

"And we already know that he'll do this. Trust Nick in pulling with this kind of stuff." Alex added. "The term he used was 'invisible'." He drew a deep breath and watched the exaggerated concern of his father. Nick, being the youngest among them, is really one hell of a spoiled brat. Alex sometimes hate it when their father and mother would worry about Nick when he's old enough to do things on his own. Nick grew up with everything served to him on a silver platter. No, make it a golden platter. He would sometimes think only about himself and how to get things his way. He was pampered the most among them. But that doesn't mean that he had to do this inconsiderate behavior. He just left without a trace. Damn him, for making all of them worry.

"I can't be sure if he's safe. He's got the most threats among us." Their father said.

"Maybe I can give a call on the security agency and have someone there to look after him." Kevin suggested.

"Nick wouldn't like that at all, if he learned about it." Howie shakes his head. Nick worried them. He only left a letter saying that he's gone somewhere and didn't call them ever since. Even the kids are looking for their uncle.

"But he's very irresponsible to leave just like that." Kevin told Howie.

"Nick can make it on his own." Alex confidently seconded their mother. "He can take care of himself. Anyway, he said in his letter that he'll be back next year. Let's just leave him alone and let him enjoy this freedom in a foreign country for a while." It's irritating how his brothers also worry about Nick. "He's old enough to manage on his own." He even added.

"He is not safe there." Benedique still insisted. "Terrorists attacked them years ago and they're still at war with some countries. I don't think my son is safe when he's alone there." He turned to Kevin. "Call the agency, Kevin."

Isabella rolled her eyes. "Anastasia has been studying there for over three years now, Benedique. Every place has its own danger, even here. Remember that we don't even know Monique's harmful plans until it was exposed to us by Cristin. Stop exaggerating."

"This is not an exaggeration, Isabella. And I thought you missed your son so much." Her husband replied. Their children just watched them in silence.

"I do, but I also know that Nick's not a kid anymore. If he thinks that he wants to do this, let him be. Let him grow. Trust your son. He'll never do anything to disappoint us."



~~~



"How about if we leave Florida and go to California?"

Chelsea looked at her best friend, Yvonne. "You can't leave here. Your parents left you a business to take care of." She pointed out. "And if we leave, why in California? There are so many people there."

"This gift shop is not enough for me," Yvonne replied. "And because I want to see celebrities. Maybe if I am there, I might bump into some gorgeous rich actor and he'll fall in love with me."

Chelsea rolled her eyes. "Stop being cheesy, Yvonne. Face the reality. California isn't just Hollywood. And you got something to take care here."

Yvonne sighed. Her parents died recently in a car accident and left her debts from the bankrupted business they had and a gift shop that her mother owned by the beach. She could not manage working nine-to-five as an administrative assistant in a law firm as she was not used to it. She made a choice, quit the job and managed the gift shop instead. But the earnings are not enough to pay the bills. "You know what I wish to happen right now? I want to meet a rich man who'd be willing to marry me and will help me pay the bills. That way, I won't have to worry about anything anymore."

"That's just wishful thinking, Yvonne. You shouldn't think of an easy ticket to solve your problems. In the right time, you'll settle everything. I'm here to help you." Chelsea told her friend. They turned when the door of the gift shop opened and two familiar bulks of men walked in. Yvonne recognized the skinhead and she felt herself blush. She still felt embarrassed after her stupid stunt last night. I asked for a rich man and not a bartender, she thought. He's a cute guy but he would not be able to help her with her problems. She waited until they reached the counter to where they are.

"You work here?" Nick asked Yvonne, obviously recognizing her.

"Yeah, isn't it amazing?" Yvonne sarcastically replied.

"We came here to look for something uniquely American," Luke said with a grin. Nick chuckled while the women laughed.

"Are you an alien or something?" Chelsea joked.

"We're not really from around." Nick replied. "We're from Arkadia."

"Where in the galaxy is that?" It was Yvonne. She went towards the shelves only to realize that Nick followed her. She looked up at him. He's tall and he had this unusual aura that somehow intimidates her. There's something in him that she couldn't tell what it is.

"You haven't thanked me yet for what happened last night." Nick told her.

Yvonne folded her arms across her chest. "You're the most stubborn bartender I've ever met and with that, thank you. I'm sorry for whatever I've caused you." She offered her hand to his. Nick took it and they shook hands. "We've never really heard of Arkadia before."

"It's a beautiful small country in Europe, at the south of France." Nick consciously lowered down his cap. He looked away from Yvonne, trying to hide his identity. He doesn't need recognition from anyone right now. "C'mon, Luke." He saw his best friend paying at the counter.

"Wait, what's your name?" Yvonne asked him just as he was about to leave.

"Nick, and that's Luke. Chelsea already told me about your name, Yvonne." The two of them went out. Yvonne watched him go, trying to memorize his retreating form and a small smile that formed in his lips. Chelsea went behind her.

"Nick is really cute. I like those little pouted lips of his. Just looking at it makes any woman want to kiss it." Chelsea said. "So is Luke. Have you noticed the arms? It's very muscular. I wonder where do they go to workout. I'd like to watch them some time."

Yvonne chuckled. "So which of them do you really like?"

"None. But for you, I'd choose Nick. Luke is already off the market, as what he had told me. He got a girlfriend back home. Nick's still available."

Yvonne shakes her head. "I don't like Nick. There's something in him that seemed regal yet mysterious. I couldn't tell what but I just had a feeling something's up with him."



>> 3

3

"Hi."

Nick turned and saw Yvonne on the other side of the counter. He immediately looked around for Chelsea.

"Chelsea will be coming later," Yvonne told him. "I like your shaved head."

"You mean this one?" Nick asked with a naughty grin. Luke laughed while Yvonne blushed. "Thanks. You're hot as well." He read the statement 'HOT' on her racerback shirt.

"Yeah. And I didn't mean about any other head just like what you're thinking." Yvonne said. Nick shrugged as he continued mixing drinks. "Now, will you take my order please?" She gave him her sweetest smile.

"Why do you always want to drink yourself out, if you don't mind me asking?" Nick, who has gone through the phase of being shy around women, gave her his signature smile that is loved by many of his admirers. He succeeded when he received an awestruck expression on her face. "Yvonne?"

Yvonne blinked twice. "Uh, all of us got problems of our own. And I like one margarita."

Nick mixed her order and gave it to her. After that, he returned somewhere else to continue with his work. It's Tuesday and they only have few customers. He noticed, as he looked up, that almost all the patrons sitting by the bar are women and watching Luke mix their drinks. Nick smiled as he knew that his friend hates attention. Luke's family is discreetly wealthy but very low-profiled. Being Nick's best friend was hard for Luke but he got used to it. He no longer freaked out when ever he saw stolen shots of himself walking with Nick at the university, or just simply being the center of attention in some sleazy tabloid. He found self-confidence, instead of otherwise, from those experiences, and together with Nick, they faced paparazzi like eating breakfast. They learned how to deal with them since they have no choice but to get along with it.

Nick turned and saw Yvonne on her fourth margarita. What's wrong with this woman? He approached her. Anyway, it's almost ten. They close up early during weekdays. "I thought Chelsea is coming."

Yvonne's eyes looked tantalizing as she looked up to him. "I lied." Nick frowned. He went to Luke, telling him about leaving early. Luke only nodded, obviously pleased about what Nick might have in mind. Nick looked for the manager, Garrett. He found him on a corner and told him that he had to leave early, particularly about taking Yvonne home.

"Yeah, I saw you there. Thanks, Nick. And please, look after her when you get home." Garrett said. "She's probably already alone in her parents' house."

"Huh? I don't understand, Sir. You know her?"

"Actually, this establishment was theirs. But the old couple went bankrupt and sold this to my parents. They died in an accident and left their daughter some debts to pay. She was a runaway at that time and her parents' death has been the final turning point for her. I've known her but she won't talk to me now after telling her to stop with this newfound vice she had. Thanks for helping though, Nick."

Nick nodded. "I have to get her home." Garrett gave him the address and the directions on how to get there and then he went off. He went back to Yvonne. "I'm taking you home now, Yvonne."

"No, thanks. I brought my car." Yvonne stood up from the stool and swayed her way towards the exit. Nick followed her.

"Stop being stubborn, Yvonne." They reached the parking lot and his eyes widened when he saw her car. It's a classic Jaguar sports car. It costs enough to pay whatever debts she had right now but she still keeps it. There must have been some sentimental value with it. "I'll drive you home. I want to take you home and Garrett wants to make sure of that, too." He watched as Yvonne fumbled with the keys then paused. She looked at him and without a word, tossed the keys to him. She went inside as soon as the car door was opened for her.

"Do you know where?" she asked.

"Garrett told me the directions."

"I thought the management changed because you introduced yourself as the manager on the first time we met."

He glanced to her and smiled. "I lied. I just said it to keep you from having another drink." Nick said. He saw something on the corner then parked the car in front of it. "Just wait here, please." Nick said to Yvonne then went out.

She watched him go and sighed. She felt embarrassed that some stranger is here to take her home but she's glad that he's there. Chelsea is on a business trip and she doesn't have someone to look after her. Then, Nick took over Chelsea's place for the night. She looked up when he gets back and gave her a coffee he bought from Starbucks. Her eyes glittered from tears but held it back. No man has ever done this to her before, not even her father.

"Thanks, Nick." She carefully held the cup in her both hands.

"You're welcome, Yvonne. Careful, it's hot." Nick gently smiled to her then went back to the road. Yvonne secretly studied the man. Those beautiful innocent-like blue eyes seemed to be hiding something. He spelled 'mysterious' for her and she couldn't fathom why there is a different feeling of doubt on the person. "You're staring at me," Nick said.

"Sorry, I'm just thinking if I've seen you somewhere."

"Really? I've been told that I looked a lot like other people," Nick bluffed. The least he wanted is to get recognized now. He deeply embraces this newfound anonymity.

"Oh, okay," Yvonne carefully drinks the hot coffee. "Back in Arkadia, do you have brothers or sisters? Do you still have your parents? What do they do?"

Nick glanced for a moment to her before turning back to the road. "I have three brothers and two sisters-in-law, plus nephews and a niece. My parents are what you can call as retired government employees."

"I get it. Like a President and his First Lady?" Yvonne tried to kid around.

But Nick was caught off guard by the innocent joke. Actually, like the former king and queen, he silently said to himself. "No, not like that," he told her.

Through the rearview mirror, he noticed a black Range Rover following them ever since they left the bar. He thought it was just someone else behind them but every time he turns here or there, the vehicle comes behind them. He is aware that he has the most threats among his brothers for some unknown reason. Kidnap and death threats are the most common. He tries to remain calm and hoped that Yvonne wouldn't notice it. He continued to drive, sneaking casual glances in the mirror for the Range Rover that's trailing behind them. He saw the familiar bulk of a man and shakes his head. So, his family found him. They even sent a quiet security to watch over him.

Nick drove Yvonne home and decided to stay in her house until morning breaks. That way, he'll make sure that Yvonne is safe and so does he. It wasn't his problem anymore if the security will wait for him outside.



>> 4

4

Alex drew a deep breath and read the address to make sure he is in the right place. His hired private investigator reported that he found Olivia. And the investigator also gave him a surprising news about her that made Alex decided to see her immediately. His family didn't know that he is still trying to find Olivia. And now that he did, he'll make sure never to lose her again. He will never give up on her, no matter what. Even now that he learned something about her. He only hoped that he has a place in her heart.

Or he will try to make a place in her heart for him.

He looked at the house and saw the door opened. A little girl came running out and picked up a rag doll on the front porch. Alex watched her play with it through the tinted windows of his SUV.

"Jamie, you better come inside because it'll probably rain," a woman's voice called. Alex recognized it as Olivia's.

"Mommy, I found Lexie."

"That's great darling," Olivia said. Alex held his breath when he saw Olivia come out. Her look was straight ahead. She reached for her daughter's face without giving little Jamie a look. She then found her little girl's face. She knelt down in front of Jamie and hugged her. "I love you, honey."

"I love you, Mommy," Jamie hugged her mother back. The scene is picture-perfect. Alex saw Olivia cry and he felt his own tears as well. He watched as she stood up, her daughter dutifully leading her blind mother back in the house.

"I'm back, Olivia..."



~~~



Bam frowned when he saw a man lying on his niece's sofa. Who is he and what is he doing in Yvonne's house? He walked to take a clearer view on the man's face and his eyes widened. Is this for real? He knew the royal family of Arkadia. He met the former King Benedique and his eldest son, Kevin, when he was in the country for a special military training. Arkadia has one of the best armed forces and it has been a great privilege and opportunity to be sent there for training. He admired the former king. He's one of those people who were saddened to hear the news of the abolishment of the monarchy. During his three-year stay in Arkadia, he'd grown to love the place, the hospitality of the people and the royal family.

What is he doing here? Bam asked himself once again. He recognized the young man, even though he had shaved his hair. Nick, with his huge form, struggled to feel comfortable sleeping on a sofa. He did not expect the attitude from the former prince. But then, he never heard that the princes were brats either. People even said that they were very humble, nice, warm and friendly people.

Despite the tragedy on Yvonne's parents and about the debts they left behind, the big house still remained to his niece. There are about ten rooms upstairs but Nick chose to sleep on the sofa.

Bam hides his amusement when Nick turned on the other side but fell off from the sofa instead. The sofa failed to accommodate his large figure. Nick is finally awake and so, he made his presence known. "Don't worry. It happened to me on that same sofa too." He told the young man. Nick gave him a wondering look as he stood up. "I'm Richard, Yvonne's uncle."

"I'm sorry, Sir, if you found me sleeping here. I only took your niece home last night because she's drunk. Then she insisted I stay for the night." Nick said after shaking hands with him. "My name is Nick, Sir."

A polite gentleman, Bam thought.

"You're a Marine, Sir?" Nick noticed his B-type uniform.

"Yes. I just came home from my last mission in Iraq. And call me Bam, please. I felt I forgot the name Richard because everyone's been calling me Bam." He smiled. "Why didn't you sleep in one of the rooms upstairs? You're too big in that sofa."

"I guess, I'm more comfortable here," Nick scratched his head shyly.

They both looked up when they heard Yvonne let out an excited greeting. Nick watched her ran down the stairs and silently noted how beautiful she is when newly awake. Damn, she must have been looking good lying on a bed too. Nick shook his head as if trying to erase more thoughts of Yvonne.

Yvonne hugged her uncle. "Obviously, you met Nick. He's a bartender in Mayric's."

"Really? You looked familiar, Nick. Have we met before?"

"I don't think so, Sir." Nick held his breath as he knew that he will lie again, and at the thought that this Marine might have recognized him.

"Not likely, Uncle Bam. He's from Arkadia. He's an overseas worker here in the US." Yvonne said.

"Arkadia? Oh..." Bam looked at Nick once again.

Oh? What does he mean by that? Nick thought. He felt the man's stare at him. "I should be going now. Thanks for the sofa, Yvonne." He shook hands with Bam again.

Yvonne smiled and turned to Bam. "I insisted that Nick should sleep here last night. He saw a black vehicle tailing us last night and I thought he should stay over to make sure of our safety. I don't get the idea that someone would follow me when I don't even have anything to offer, not even money. I don't think I still have what they want."

Bam glanced at Nick then turned to his innocent niece. "I'd like to thank Nick for that. Thanks, Nick, for taking care of my niece." Now he knew that Yvonne has no idea who this man really is. Nick is not telling anyone who he is. He'll let the young man on this charade right now for Yvonne's sake. But he had to think of a way to ensure of Yvonne's safety. Apparently, someone might have recognized Nick and he's the person that's being followed to and not Yvonne. His niece, on the other hand, seems to like Nick, which is the first time since she had heart broken in high school. And she obviously might get hurt. He's not going to allow that, not even if the person in subject is a former prince.

"Let's just be careful next time, Yvonne." Bam said.

"Yeah, I will. So, who wants breakfast?"

Bam raised his hand, as well as Nick who wondered about the experience of someone like Yvonne preparing breakfast for him. He smiled. He's excited.



>> 5

5

"Let me get that straight, Nick. Their family used to be rich and their business went bankrupt. She ran away from home and never went back until when her parents died. That's sad, man." Luke said as the two of them went for grocery shopping.

"Sad, isn't it? It must have been really hard for her." Nick shakes his head.

"But getting drunk every night is not the solution to the problem." Luke watched Nick picked up some ingredients he'll use to cook pasta. His friend has become obsessed in cooking it ever since his cousin-in-law, Leighanne, taught him how. "And then despite the debts, she still drives a classic Jaguar."

"It's very beautiful, man. You should see it. There must be some sentimental value in it," Nick told his friend. Luke pushed the cart as they went to the next shelves. From afar, they looked out of place in a grocery store. With just in their simple clothes, there still emanates an extraordinary aura that they were trying to conceal. They are tall and good-looking men. One would think it's a cloudy day because the gods will have something to step on to walk through the earth and explore the wonders of the mortal world.

When Luke adjusted his sunglasses, a couple of women accidentally bumped their carts in the dairy section. The two turned, oblivious to the happenings around them.

"They're going to pay for it," Nick chuckled as they walked away.

"Ouch!"

Both men stopped when the woman bumped into their cart. Nick looked down and saw Yvonne. "We're sorry." Nick said. He helped her up. Yvonne looked at him then to Luke.

"I'm fine. Thanks." Her smile turned into a naughty grin. "How long have you two been living together?"

Luke frowned. "You made it sound like we are a gay couple."

"Aren't you?"

"Luke and I are best friends since childhood," Nick said, rather amused. "Regardless of what others would say, we're just being practical right now. It's expensive to live in an apartment alone. We have budgeted resources. Besides, Luke has a fiancee back home. I, on the other hand, have someone special too."

"Alexei?" Luke shakes his head. His idiot of a friend never gives up on his childhood love. He looked at Yvonne and saw her face like she's disappointed. He raised an eyebrow. Oh, okay. Did she strike up the conversation to take a hint if Nick's available or not? She seems to like his friend. But knowing Nick, he couldn't see a hint even if it's already being waved in front of him. He glanced at his best friend. Nick got that look that only meant for Alexei. He called it, 'the Alexei look,' something that only reserves for Alexei. But he's giving Yvonne the same look of affection and adoration. He had this intense gaze as if the world disappeared around him and only the woman is the one existing other than him: the Alexei look. Nick had girlfriends before but they did not get that look. Yvonne made it to the exception and Luke felt like celebrating.

"Hey, guys. How about lunch after this? My treat."



~~~



She did not bother taking off her sunglasses as she went out of the airport's arrival area. Arkadia is still the same small but rich country she has left behind, except that monarchy no longer rules over the people. She missed the familiar Arkadian language. The blue taxicabs and double-decker buses still roam the streets. It's early Thursday morning and the churches still filled with people.

A familiar grin formed in her lips. "It's good to be back." She hailed the first blue taxi in sight. She went inside and settled herself on the seat.

"Cores li, Madame?" the Arkadian taxi driver asked in their native language where he'd take her.

"Eastwood Mansion." She replied, in reference to the present residence of the former king and queen of Arkadia.



>> 6

6

Bam shakes his head as he reads the documents about the debts that his brother has incurred. How could they do this to Yvonne? The poor girl is too young to face this enormous challenge and she was even an adopted child for that matter. That's the reason why she ran away. Yvonne wanted to find her real parents but her adoptive parents didn't want her to. It was rebellion on Yvonne's part. When they went out to find her, the accident happened which cost them their lives. Guilt was added to the pain that Yvonne has been feeling inside. Knowing all of this, Bam made a way to go home and look after his niece.

"Uncle Bam!" Yvonne smiled cheerfully and hugged her uncle. "Guess whom I had lunch with?"

Bam pretended to think but he knows who could make his niece smile amidst the problems she's having. He wanted to thank Nick for that, but he knows that the young man has the tendency to break Yvonne's heart later. Yvonne adored the man but she doesn't know who he really is. "Nick?" Bam pretended to guess.

"Yes! And we'll go out later this week to visit Disneyworld. It's funny because he's so excited to be there. I wonder if there weren't any theme parks to the country where he's from." Yvonne's excitement subsided when she saw the documents. "Oh, uncle. Let me have that to worry about." She began filing them back in a manila envelope.

"I'll help you, Yvonne." Bam said. "We're the only family left, the two of us. I've got savings in bank and I know it may not be much but it'll somehow help."

"Don't worry about me, Uncle Bam. Why don't you scour the area and find yourself a good woman? I want you to find someone to spend the rest of your life with and not looking after me forever. I don't want you to be alone."

Bam tired to smile. He can see the hint of sadness that Yvonne's trying to conceal. "I'll do that when we're done with these. Why don't you sell the house and the car?" He asked although he already knew the answer to his question, but the cost of these things will solve their problems with their debts.

"I grew up here, uncle. And the car was mom's first car. Those things have sentimental value for me. It's not practical but I won't really sell it."

"What are you planning to do then?"

Yvonne smiled again. Bam liked her simple optimism to even the slightest of things. The only thing she couldn't bear right now is the feeling of guilt of losing her parents. And he doesn't like her option to turn to alcohol to forget her problems for a while. "My first plan is to find a rich man to marry me and will pay the bills." She winked at him. Bam knows that she's joking. "But it didn't happen since I already met Nick. He's only a bartender and his wages may not be enough but you know me, uncle. Ever since then, I never looked at a person's bank account and chose him to be my boyfriend. I like Nick and he's a very nice gentleman to me."

Bam stared at his niece. Yvonne still doesn't have any idea how rich Nick could be, being belonged to one of the wealthiest and most noble families in Europe. But it was not about Nick's social status that worried Bam and decided to tell the truth. His niece likes the young man, a lot. It's obvious from the gleam in her eyes. And he doesn't want to see that smile disappear. He cleared his throat and braced himself. "Yvonne, you know -"

"Uncle Bam! You're here!"

"Chelsea!" Yvonne turned and greeted her best friend. Then she glanced back to her uncle. "What is it again you were saying, uncle?"

"Some other time, Yvonne. Hi, Chelsea. How are you?" Bam kissed the young woman on the cheeks. Maybe he'll tell it later. Now isn't the time yet.



~~~



Anastasia looked at her watch. "Thanks for the advices," she told her uncle Benedique. Her mother is sitting beside her on the couch. She stood up and kissed every one of them on the cheeks. "I have to go now. I don't want to be late for my flight." She's leaving for the US to continue her masteral studies. Classes will start two days from now.

"If you have time, please try to go to Nick and see how he is doing." Benedique said.

"Take care, sweetheart." Michaela said and gave her the book bag.

"Don't worry. I'll kick his ass if I find him messing around."

"Anastasia!" Michaela exclaimed from her daughter's words. Anastasia laughed then turned towards the door. But she never expected a surprise when she opened it. She forgot herself and dropped the books from her arms.

"Long time, no see, honey." Monique greeted as she ceremoniously removes her sunglasses.



>> 7

7

"That's set. Thursday afternoon, okay. I'm not the one having the eye check-up. Thanks, Francine." Alex smiled as he talks to Howie's mother-in-law on the phone. "I know you can find me a great eye doctor." He ended the call just in time that he reached his parents' house. He's excited to break the news that he found Olivia and tell them his plans for her. He could trust that they will forgive her for his sake and his daughter.

His daughter, the thought of the charming little girl makes him smile. He thanked the butler when he was told where his parents are. He saw Anastasia coming down the hall. She looks upset over something. And she's in a hurry too. "Ana, I thought you already left."

"I will." Anastasia replied and hugged her cousin. "She's back, Alex. I don't know how, I don't know why but please take care of my mom."

"Wait. Who's back?"

"Aunt Monique." And with one last hug, Anastasia hurried off, mumbling something about flight schedule and unexpected guests. Alex drew a deep breath. He entered the room and found the person who made the unexpected homecoming. "What is she doing here?"

"I am having a short... vacation." Monique replied with a smile.

Alex raised an eyebrow. "I didn't know that exiles were given a chance to go back here." He didn't make an attempt to step further and kiss his mother and Michaela because that would mean kissing the devil incarnate as well. "Seriously though, what are you doing here?"

"You hurt me, Alex, with your words." Monique said. "I came back. There's nowhere else to go home to but here. Is that an answer enough for you, Alex? I don't know what has really gotten in your mind. You got fooled by love." Monique rolled her eyes.

"No one informed us from the justice department that you were set freedom." Benedique said.

Monique turned to her older brother after casting one last glance to her twin sister and sister-in-law. "I think I have to thank Arthur Dorrison for what he's done. I began to accept now that we were really no longer royals because you no longer have the control over what's going on."

"So what are your plans then? Get rid of us once again? Take your revenge on Isabella?" Michaela stood up. "Monique, I'm not going to let it happen again. You have to get through me first."

Monique laughed. "Calm down, sister. You must have been addicted to so much tea." She found herself standing in the middle of the four people who were carefully guarding themselves against her. She finds it rather amusing. "I'm a reformed person. I never knew what does the monastery have to change me but I'm now a better person than I am before." She drew a deep breath when there still an animosity around her. "I know you don't believe me. I can't blame you as I've been really bad."

"You're right," Isabella said. "After all you've done to my children, how can we ever trust you again? Your schemes almost cost them their lives."

"I know. I wanted to apologize, although I don't think you're ready to accept it so I'll wait when you are." Monique sits down on a nearby couch. "Congratulations for the grandchildren anyway. I hope that I'd see them some time. And have you already found Nick? That man is smart yet very reluctant to his responsibility in this family. He has a mind of his own and wanted so much for an identity that is apart from us. I've seen that attitude since he was young." Alex snorted. Monique glared at her nephew. "Not to mention, a spoiled one for that matter too." She added.

When no one said a word, she sighed. "Well, I'm done with my appearance. I know I looked like a fool being here in front of you and telling you things but I assure you, I have changed." Monique walked towards the door. Her family is still too surprised to even say something. "I'll be leaving tonight to the US. I think that maybe I will volunteer myself to watch over Nick for you. Ciao!" And she closed the door behind her.

"She's weird. I'm not used to it." Alex is the first person who spoke among them. "And how did she know that Nick is in the US?"

"We just can't let her go near Nick." Isabella worriedly glanced at her husband. "What if she's still planning to harm anyone of us?"

"We can report her to the authorities and ask for a restraining order to prevent her from leaving Arkadia," Michaela suggested, "however..."

"She hasn't done anything to harm us." Benedique finished. "And it's too late. That's the thing, Michaela." He wearily shakes his head. How could Arthur Dorrison, the first president of Arkadia, do this? Everyone was caught by surprise. And the media still doesn't know about this.

"What are we going to do then, Pa?" Alex asked.

"Tell the family what's happening and inform Nick that Monique is back and coming to be his voluntary nanny."



>> 8

8

Yvonne stared down at the brochure her friend left for her. She's in a coffee shop where she met her friend, Lorie, and talked to her about loaning money to pay her debts. Lorie is very good in persuasion but she did not convince Yvonne about borrowing money. She doesn't want to end a debt to start with another one. She has to think of another way.

"It's you again."

Yvonne looked up and saw Nick. She has never been drawn into a man's appearance before until Nick came along. It's usually the intelligence and sense of humor that attracts to her the most. But Nick has this unexplainable aura that she couldn't resist. They had fun at Disneyworld at the last time they were together. She enjoyed his company and it was followed by a casual dinner at McDonalds on the next day. It was silly, actually. Dinner at McDonalds? But she had a great time with him. Since then, he would always ask her out or it would always be a coincidence that they were finding each other in every place possible.

Until when yesterday, Nick asked her to be his girlfriend and she agreed immediately. She did not know which one of them is happier. But she's pretty sure that she is happy.

"Uh, what are you doing here?" She asks. Nick did not tell her that he's going somewhere today. He surprised her when he placed a kiss on her lips.

Then he sat on a chair opposite of her. "I'm meeting my cousin today." He lowered his cap and Yvonne wondered why he usually do that. He seemed conscious of something.

"Have you finished school when you were in Arkadia?" Yvonne asked, trying to start a conversation.

Nick nodded. He stared at her, with that beautiful blue eyes. "Fine Arts degree and a certificate course in Music. How about you?" They chuckled. Their relationship is young and they are still getting to know each other.

"Psychology, Miami University." Yvonne watched as Nick smiled then takes a quick glance at his wrist watch, an Omega Aqua Terra Quartz. She knows that it costs a lot. She saw one like that in London and it comes as a rare piece from the watch collection.

Both of them looked up when someone called Nick. The latter immediately stood up and kissed a woman on the cheeks. "Stace, this is my friend, Yvonne." Nick said. The woman he called Stace acknowledged her. "Yvonne, this is my cousin, Anastasia."

Anastasia smiled at Yvonne and shook hands with her. "I'm pleased to meet you." She said with a thick accent. "May I speak with Nick for a while?"

"He's yours." Yvonne smiled and watched them as they moved further away from her. She tried to see the face of Nick's cousin but her cap is hanging so low and she's wearing some baggy jumper with a tank top inside. Do they have a problem with being recognized or something? She heard Nick talk and realized that it wasn't even English.

"Cour lemo pore croiesmanie ashti Monique lest mognk?" Nick asked Anastasia. Yvonne looked away, feeling guilty of eavesdropping. She couldn't even understand them. It must be their native language. She turned back to study Nick's face and remembered the first time she saw him at the music bar.

There in the cool confines of the aromatic coffee shop, she caught a sense of secrets, closely held things that concealed just below the surface of this man she hardly knew but starting to love. It's not that his secrets are very important for her right now because they are still starting with their relationship but still, it makes her wonder what could be those secrets are. Her curiosity came over her. And her attraction to this man grows even more.

Suddenly, Nick kissed her on the cheeks. She saw his cousin looking at them with amusement. "Why did you do that?" She's sure that her face is blushing deep red.

"You zoned out. I'm talking to you and you didn't even hear me." Nick replied. "I'll just get something for Stace."

"Are you his girlfriend?" Anastasia asked when Nick left them.

"Yes." Yvonne felt the emptiness was gone after her reply, realizing that she's been alone for a long time. When she met Nick, her days were brighter though they were still strangers from each other.

"You seemed to be a good person." Anastasia glanced at Nick then back to her.

"We went out for a few times. We just became official last night." But sometimes, Yvonne sensed that Nick is reserving himself for someone. She felt it when they were together. Sometimes, he would zone out as if he remembered something or someone.

Anastasia nodded. "Nick is a nice man. Except for occasional goofiness, he's smart, very talented and a true gentleman. It's impossible not to like him. That's why I love my cousin very much."

Yvonne shakes her head. "You're paring him up with me, Anastasia. We're already together, you know."

"I'm trying to be obvious as much as I could." Anastasia winked at her. "There are lots of women who wanted him for themselves but-" She paused.

"What?" Yvonne waited for her.

"I'm sorry. Me and my big mouth." Anastasia bit her lower lip.

"What?" Yvonne asks again.

Anastasia shook her head. "Never mind. It's not important."

"But I want to know," Yvonne said.

"He hasn't told you about Alexei yet." She sighed. "Nick liked her since they were kids."

"I see."

"But seeing him now, it seems like you made him forget her," Anastasia quickly added.

So Alexei is the name, Yvonne thought. "Do you think so?" She asked. Anastasia didn't get the chance for an answer when Nick comes back with her iced frapuccino. He playfully takes off the cap from his cousin's head. It revealed Anastasia's brown locks as it falls off down her shoulders. Yvonne's mouth dropped open when she finally saw the beauty... and recognized her. They didn't notice her awe as they were playing along with the cap.

"Nick!"

Oh my God, Yvonne muttered under her breath as she realized who they are. So many secrets, she thought. That's the only time she finally put the mystery in Nick's aura. He is the former prince of Arkadia, the infamous Nickolas of Bordeaux, one who was adored by lots of women. What is he doing here? And his cousin is no other than Anastasia, the former princess and UN's youth ambassador of goodwill. How could she not see it before? Why didn't she recognize them, especially Nick? She felt like a fool.

She looked away as the two played around then sit beside her afterwards. Without saying too much, she politely excused herself from them and left the coffee shop.

Anastasia watched Yvonne go. She sensed trouble is brewing. Nick excused himself and followed his girlfriend.



~~~



"Yvonne, are you okay?"

Yvonne did not say anything as she stopped and waited for Nick. He reached for her hand. "Yeah, I'm fine."

"Why did you suddenly leave?" He fixed his cap and they went to the sidewalk.

"Take off your cap."

"Huh?" Nick shakes his head. "What's wrong with my cap?"

"Take it off. I want to see your face."

Nick chuckled. "Come on, Yvonne. Let's go back to the cafe."

He doesn't want her to know, Yvonne thought. It saddened her that he didn't trust her. She tried to fight back the tears. Nick will notice it immediately. "I only want to kiss you." She reasoned out instead.

Nick smiled. He takes off his cap and leans down to kiss her.



>> 9

9

"I'll get it."

A woman opened the door and surprised to find Alex standing outside. Alex smiled. "I'm here to talk to Olivia." The woman stared in surprise at him.

"Who is it?"

Alex looked over the woman's shoulders and saw Olivia slowly making her way down the hall. A cane in hand guides her through. The woman in front of Alex is still stunned to even say something so Alex initiated the talk. "I'm here now, Olivia." He said. Olivia stopped in her tracks upon hearing his voice.

"Why are you here?" Olivia asked although she wasn't surprised if he will find her someday. Now, that day has come.

"Because I finally found you, Olivia. I didn't... I never stopped looking for you. It took me almost three years and I'm very happy that finally found you."

The woman between them cleared her throat. "Let's take this conversation inside, Alex. By the way, I'm Deana. I'm Olivia's best friend." She let Alex come in as she ushered Olivia towards the living room. "I believe that I should leave you to talk in private." She excused herself and left. Silence overwhelmed the room as Alex tried to grasp the moment that he's finally here, in front of her. He wanted to take Olivia into his arms and hug her in complete oblivion but they have to talk first.

"Don't do that."

Alex frowned. "What?"

"I'm maybe blind but I can feel your pity, Alex. I don't need that."

"I don't pity you, darling. I'm happy that I'm here. I'm still savoring this moment that I've longed for in a long time." Olivia turned away as tears fell from her face. "I'm also going to help you with the possibility of getting back your eyesight. That is, if you'd let me." His gentle voice, hinting no anger, makes it hard for Olivia to hide the feelings inside. She missed him, very much. "I love you, Olivia. I always will. I'm not dwelling on what was in the past. I will never give up on you. Or you don't really love me at all, do you?" Alex's voice trailed off as his own tears fell. "Was it all just a lie too?" He would rather be hurt to hear the truth than to never take this chance at all.

"Who is he, mommy?"

Both turned to the little girl who appeared in the doorway. Alex wanted to reach out and hug his daughter but he didn't want the little girl to be scared of him. "Jamie, come here." Olivia said.

The little girl went to her mother but her big brown eyes stayed focused on Alex. She sat on her mother's lap, clutching her seemed-to-be favorite rag doll. "I'd like you to meet your Daddy. His name's Alex, just like yours. Didn't I tell you that he'll be coming? And Alex," Olivia's head turned to where she thinks Alex is. "This is your daughter, Jamie Alessandra."

Jamie stared at the man. She went down from her mother's lap and went to Alex. "Daddy?" She climbed into Alex's lap and traced his face with her little fingers. With her innocent mind, she may not yet understand why and what happened but it evidently showed that she's happy to have someone to call daddy.

"Oh, God!" Alex couldn't hold it anymore and hugged his daughter. His little girl hugged him back after being a little bit surprised. Alex took Jamie in his arms and went to sit beside Olivia. "Let me be with you for the rest of our lives, Olivia."

"You'll take me back after all that has happened?" Olivia can't herself but cry. Jamie reached out to wipe her mother's tears.

Alex kissed Olivia on the forehead. "Yes, Olivia. You, I and Jamie are going to be a family."

"Family. Daddy." Jamie smiled to her father and leaned against his chest.



~~~



"Careful with the drinks. What's that?" Somebody told Yvonne after she takes a glass of long island tea from a passing waiter. She turned to see Nick, in his own Hawaiian costume. There's a beach party with the Hawaiian theme which is open to all. Yvonne went alone because Chelsea is still on a business trip. She didn't tell Nick that she's going because she would like to get drunk and forget about his secrets.

"Long Island tea. Don't worry, I'm being careful." Yvonne replied and walked barefooted towards the beach. Nick shakes his head as he watched her swayed. Damn this woman. What's enjoyable with drinking yourself into oblivion? He decided to follow her. "Don't you have something else to do?" Yvonne asked him.

"I don't know anyone here. So I guess you're stuck with me. Besides, I'm your boyfriend. I think there should be no question with that." Nick replied. There are lots of people and they walked through the bodies who are dancing around them in a Hawaiian rhythm. "Where are you going?"

"Away from here. There are already lots of people." Yvonne said and took his hand. "Come. I know this area that I'm sure you're going to like." Nick let her pull him somewhere further down the beach. He watched her walk and gripped his hand tighter. He might as well trust her on this one...

"This is not a good idea, Yvonne. You're drunk again." Nick said when they are already on the rocky side of the beach. They can only hear the faint music from the party. He pulled her to him and they stopped walking. "What's wrong with you?"

Yvonne stared up at him with those brown doe eyes. She bit her lower lip as tears threatened to fall. "I feel so guilty. Everything was my fault. I'm the very reason why my parents died." She sighed heavily. "Why is this happening to me, Nick? I was never a bad person. But just one simple thing of running away from home has cost my parents' life. They should not have been dead if I didn't leave."

"Yvonne..."

"I ran away because I want to find my real parents, but they wouldn't allow me. For the first time in my life, I rebelled against them. They looked for me, and they got into the car accident."

Nick gathered Yvonne in his warm embrace. "It's an accident that you never expect to happen. It's not your fault, Yvonne. You just followed your heart. And you shouldn't blame yourself and resort to alcohol. That's not good. Alcohol won't lessen the burden. It will only make you forget for a while but it will never go away." He hushed her and tried to calm her down.

Nick felt her face cradling on his neck. Her breathing on his skin gives him a tingling sensation and he realized it feels good and it feels right to be this close to her. He lets Yvonne cry on his shoulders while he softly ran his hands along her back. He's getting confused now. He loves the feeling of Yvonne's warmth against his body and yet, he's thinking of Alexei back home. Other than the casual and friendly hugs they shared, he was never close on hugging Alexei this way.

His gaze turned to the dark sea. He always loved the ocean as he grew up in Theo, a coastal area back in Arkadia and his grandmother's hometown. But he realized that he didn't feel any bit of being homesick at all. He wanted to stay here, in this foreign land where no one knows him and where he could start a life away from the dictations of his duty in the family business. Selfish as it may seem to be but he wants the normalcy he's experiencing now.

After a long silence, Nick stared down at Yvonne. "Let's go for a coffee and hang out at my place." He wanted to be with her to somewhere private, where they can talk. Maybe, he will have the will to tell the truth of his identity to her.



>> 10

10

"Nice place. Where's Luke?" Yvonne looked around. She forgot who Nick really is until now. It really slipped off from her mind but anyway, she doesn't really see him as the former prince or whatsoever.

For her, Nick is the person she met at the bar, a friend who could make her ease her thoughts and dilemma even for just a while without resorting to alcohol. He is the gentleman who cared to take her home one night because she's drunk and stayed over because there's someone who's been following them. A kind person of whom she wanted to know more. He is the man that she's beginning to fall in love with. And it doesn't matter on what he is.

It's been a week since she realized that he is The Nickolas of Bordeaux – as what he and his brothers were called. The apartment they were living in is very simple yet stylish. It could humbly represent a bachelor pad featured in a magazine. She knew how they could afford something like this. But Yvonne doesn't care about what they really are, or how rich they are.

"Luke went to visit his girlfriend. Actually, it's his fiancée."

"Really? His fiancée is here too?"

Nick nodded. After a short coffee break earlier, Yvonne felt better now. She's no longer drunk and she can already appreciate Nick's companionship with a clear mind. "His fiancée happens to be Stace. Remember her?" Nick said. "She's here for her masteral studies." They sat on a couch and Nick switched on the TV. They caught a scene where a couple was having a foreplay. Nick laughed aloud.

"Oh." Yvonne chuckled nervously. She glanced at her watch. "And that's your entertainment. Listen, Nick, I think I'll go home now."

Nick shakes his head, taking her hand to stop her. "It's already past midnight. I'll take you home tomorrow. You may sleep in my room and I'll take this couch." He chuckled. "So, let's find another one to watch?"

"Whatever you want, Nick." Yvonne said. They turned and their eyes were glued on TV as the man trailed his kisses down the woman's body. They forgot to switch the channel as they were stuck to watching it. Yvonne shakes her head. She turned to Nick at the same time that he turns to her. "It's kinda awkward." She tells him. She looked at his lips.

"Yes, it is." Nick huskily replied but at the same time, they met each other's lips for a passionate kiss.

"You're a bad boy, Nick, watching porn like that." Yvonne breathed out then return Nick's kiss once again. Her arms wrapped around his neck.

Nick stared at her face and smiled. "Is there anything more you'd expect from bachelors like us, aside from this?" Yvonne made a ragged sound of pleasure as his kisses moved down to her neck and his hands explored her body until it rested on the waistband of her skirt. "Damn, Yvonne. There's no need to bite me." Nick said when he felt her teeth found his earlobe.

Yvonne stared at Nick, blushing furiously. "You're delectable," they chuckled. He kissed her again.

Nick brushed her hair aside. "I had trouble with my zipped pants, but you may bite me anyway." He kissed her mouth. "Until we're both ready to scream, Yvonne."

Yvonne smiled as Nick helped her take off her tank top and revealed nothing underneath. He pushed her slowly down on the couch but Yvonne stopped him. "I want more space than the couch."

Nick's blue eyes seemed to turn into smoky, passionate gray. "To my bed, then." He immediately carried her off to the bedroom and laid her on the bed. After taking off his pants, he moved over her and kissed his way over her. It's so amazing that she stared at him and nudged his head closer. Nick's dark laughter told her that he heard her moans.

Yvonne had never met anyone who would give her the confidence to try anything, face anything, share anything and see the things in a lighter perspective but Nick. When they were together, he will tell her about anything. He seemed so smart. She was never bored when she’s with him. He will tell her the optimism of every thing, whether it’s the worst thing in the world. He's there when she's depressed, being a friend that he is and now her boyfriend. At this moment,they are going beyond the usual relationship as passion overcame their emotions. She didn't know that she had this hunger for him. Her back arched when a blinding climax tore through her.

"Yvonne..." Nick claimed her lips. He shifted, holding her motionless underneath him. He slowly drove in, giving her time to feel him, filling her. He felt her clawing his back and biting his shoulders. They were both driven by a need they didn't know that they have for each other. Hell, he wanted so much of Yvonne as he restlessly gave everything he can offer to her.

Nick stared at Yvonne, who stared back at him. With one last force, his release filled her. Yvonne took him with hungry urgency, her full nakedness slamming against him. Nick never wanted every moment to end. He always feels so good with just being with her. And theirs is not just sex. He knew it is a passionate form of lovemaking. He wrapped his arms around her as they lay still, body to body, under the shadows of the moonlight. Could this last forever when he knew that after this night, they would never be the same again?



>> 11

11

Yvonne opened her eyes and felt a warm body enveloping her in a warm embrace. A peaceful breathing can be felt on her forehead. It's Nick. So it wasn't a dream. Tears threaten to fall off her cheeks but she firmly held it back. She didn't regret every moment that has transpired. But what will happen after this? She likes Nick, very much. She has fallen for him. But he still didn't tell her the truth about his identity. Is there any hope for her?

Slowly, she nudged closer to his warm body and went back to sleep.



~~~



Nick kissed Yvonne on the forehead as he watched her sleep. She moved closer, snuggling near his body. Nick wrapped his arms around her and felt a different kind of emotion overwhelming him at that moment. Is he falling for Yvonne? What about Alexei?

When he asked her to be his girlfriend, it was something that came into mind all of a sudden. He imagined himself spending some time with her and enjoying it. He wanted to be with her. He wanted to be the only center of her attention. He wanted to be called hers. But he was not sure if his feelings are going deeper.

Nick is about to drift back to sleep when he heard someone outside. Luke must have been back. Surely, he heard his friend's voice talking with somebody. Anastasia's laughter filled the living room. Nick slowly rose from the bed and put on some clothes before going outside.

"Nick, there you are. Whose top is this?" Luke asked as Anastasia showed her cousin Yvonne's tank top, in which he hastily took off from her when they were still in the couch. He glanced at the clock. It's only seven in the morning.

"May I have that?" Nick snatched off the piece of clothing from Anastasia's hand. He started to walk back to his room.

"Where is she?" Anastasia asked. Yvonne seemed to be not the type who will just jumped to any man's bed unless she feels something special to let anything happen between them.

"Yvonne?" Luke asked, excited as well. He likes the development because he doesn't like Alexei very much. Nick is blushing deeply. He didn't get the chance to reply when his answer has already gone out of his room, only wearing his shirt and shorts. Damn, how could she look so serene and charming even when she just woke up? He consciously ran his fingers through his blonde hair. He likes the way Yvonne carried herself with his clothes. And he had this urge to pull her back to his room and make love to her again.

Luke and Anastasia exchanged knowing glances.

"I'm glad to see you again, Yvonne." Anastasia smiled at her.

"So am I, Anastasia." Yvonne blushed as Nick puts his arm on her shoulders. She playfully shoves him away. Nick just chuckled. The other couple gave each other smiling glances.

"Call me Stace." Anastasia smiled sweetly.

"Nick told me that you're getting married to Luke. Congratulations." Yvonne said. Nick nodded. He tugged her arm, ready to take her back to his room. He will make love to her again and then he will tell her who he is. He will invite her at Luke and Stace's wedding. He will introduce her to his family and to his nephews and niece. He's excited merely by thinking of it. "I'm sure Luke is a good man." Yvonne added, ignoring him. All turned when a knock came on the door. Luke went to see who is it and his jaw dropped as soon as he recognized the person.

"Good morning," Monique cheerfully greeted. Everyone stared at her in surprise. She let herself inside the apartment and glanced around. "Hmm, nice place you got here, my dears." She turned back to them. "I know, I'm a little bit early. I hope you don't mind. Surely, Anastasia have already told you that I'm back."

Yvonne tensed when she recognized the face and she felt Nick gripping her shoulders, as if gathering some amount of strength from her. She heard about their Aunt Monique and that she tried to threaten the former royal family's lives years ago. Nick finally found his voice. "We don't need a nanny. You may go back home." He said.

"You have no say over the matter. I'm going to watch over you whether you like it or not." Monique said. "By the way, Luke and Ana, congratulations. I heard you're getting married next year." The two didn't reply as Luke held his fiancee's hand. Monique turned to Nick. "Who is she? She's a very charming woman, and she's wearing your shirt. What happened to Alexei?"

I'd like to see Alexei and find out why these people keep on reminding Nick about her, Yvonne thought. "Forget about Alexei, Aunt Monique. This is Yvonne." Nick said. "She's my girlfriend and you're not going to touch her."

Yvonne tried to look at Nick. Monique made her way to them and stood in front of the two. "So, Yvonne. Did you know who are Nick and Anastasia back in Arkadia?" She asked. She had this gentle smile on the face in which Yvonne surprisingly found genuine.

"Aunt Monique!"

Monique ignored Nick as she raised her eyebrows on Yvonne. Everyone is waiting for Yvonne's reply. "Yes. And I know about you, too." Yvonne said, after a deep breath. Who wouldn't be scared of this woman? After her answer, she felt Nick letting go of her.

"You knew me all along?" Nick glared at her. There's no hint of tenderness in his eyes, unlike the ones that he gave to her the night before.

"I realized who you are on the day I first met Anastasia." Yvonne saw Nick backing away from her. "So, yes, I knew you but I kept on forgetting about it. What's the big deal anyway? And besides, you've been lying to me about your identity all this time until your aunt said it now."

"Do you like me because I was a prince? That I'm a rich man whom you might persuade into marrying you and help you pay off the bills?"

Yvonne found herself slapping him on the face. "How could you think so low of me, Nick?" Tears fell from her eyes. "I don't care who you are. I don't even give a damn if you're rich. Don't be conceited, Nick. And what about you? You're just using me as a scapegoat from remembering Alexei, whoever she is. Am I right? I'm just your temporary substitute."

"No."

"So, what am I?"

"A girlfriend."

"Did you even know what that means, Nick?" She grabbed her top from his grip and went back to his room.

"Don't let her just walk away, Nick." Monique said.

"This is your fault, Aunt Monique," Nick quietly said.

"Do not put the blame on me, young man." Monique raised an eyebrow. "If I didn't do it, you will not know that she knew you. And you will realize who she is in your life. You will not learn that she sees you as a person, for who you are, and not the former prince that everybody sees." They stopped when Yvonne went back from the room.

"Your aunt is right." She said and then turned to the others. "I apologize if you found me here. I realized that this is a mistake. Anyway, it's been nice meeting you." Without looking at Nick, she went out of the apartment.

"Why didn't you follow her?" Luke asked his best friend.

Nick didn't say anything but in fact, he's scared. He can't help feeling something special for Yvonne, too, when he knows that he loves Alexei. His eyes turned to the closed door where Yvonne has gone to. "Did I just do the bad thing?" He turned to his aunt.

Monique laughed while Luke shakes his head. "It's funny how you trust to ask me to see if a thing is bad. Am I really that worst?" His aunt asked him.

"Yes, you are." The three replied in unison.

"I was." Monique corrected them. "That woman who walked away likes you very much, Nick. And I like her better than Alexei." She rolled her eyes. "I can't believe the kids nowadays. You're fighting over simple things and walk away without even trying to resolve it. Follow her, Nick. Apologize. You have gone really out of line there. You hurt her feelings." She turned to Luke and Anastasia. "And you, don't run away from your problems when you get married. Just take Nick's parents as an example. They've gone through everything and they're still together and stronger than ever. You better have a marriage like that."

The three stared at her in amazement. Nick blinked his eyes. He couldn't believe he would see Monique act this way. "Who are you and what did you to do to my aunt?"



>> 12

12

Bam watched his niece wiped her tears and get herself busy with something she's trying to cook for dinner. She's been like that for two days and Bam wondered what could be bothering Yvonne. "I'd appreciate, Uncle Bam, if you come over here and help me. Stop staring at me." He heard her say.

"I'm sorry." Bam softly said as he comes near. "What's the problem, Eve?"

"No problem on this side of the working table."

"Then what's with the tears earlier? Is it because of Nick?"

Yvonne bit her lower lip. She saw her uncle clenched his fist. "Don't be mad at Nick, Uncle. He just couldn't accept that I knew him all along."

"You knew?"

Yvonne nodded. "You knew, too? I just recognized him one day but I never really cared about it. I see him just like any one of us, no big deal. But it seems like he took it the other way."

"I instantly knew him, Yvonne. I've been trying to get a chance to tell you but I can't get a good timing."

"It was meant that I discover it myself, on my own way. I love him, uncle." Yvonne wiped her tears once again. "In just a short time that we're together, I couldn't explain the way I feel when I'm with him. No words can explain how I feel for him. It's in here. I love him." She gestured for her heart. "His smile and his presence brighten up my day. But I guess that we're not meant to be. He's more bound to commit himself to a woman in his own level."

"If that's the way he thinks, Yvonne, then you shouldn't be crying over him. It's just a waste of tears."

Yvonne hugged her uncle. "I know, but you can't stop me. The words he said when he learned that I knew him, it hurts. But I love him and I'm sad that this is happening to us." Despite her loneliness, Yvonne managed to chuckle. "It's ironic when I thought before that I need to find a rich man to marry and will help me pay off my debts. I met Nick and believing he was a bartender, I thought that I don't want a low-compensated man just because he's nice and cute. His salary won't be enough to help me with my problems. But I was charmed and I don't even care about his work. I accepted him for who he is. Being with him is reason enough to give up hoping to find a rich man. When I learned about his true identity, I was awed. But then, I don't care. I want the Nick I knew, the one I am with and not the person that everyone sees as the former prince."

"It's amazing how love can change your perspective in life," Bam said, kissing his niece on her head. "Don't worry, you'll find someone better than him."

"I hope so." But Yvonne knew it will take her longer before she finds another Nick in her life.



~~~



"Who would have thought that Nickolas of Bordeaux graced us with his presence in the American soil for almost three months now?" The news anchor said on a TV in a diner. Yvonne looked up when she heard his name. She's alone on a diner while waiting for Chelsea.

"It's amazing that the respectable former royal family of Arkadia kept mum about Nick's US adventure. But no secrets will be left in the dark. Our informer spotted the young and charming man working as a bartender in a local music bar in Miami, Florida. Patrons of the said establishment have grown fond of the former prince who's there to serve them cocktail drinks six nights a week. They never thought that he's someone royal. Wow," he added in exclamation as a video footage is shown where Nick was making a presentation of shaking a cocktail drink and tossing the shaker in the air. People around the bar were clapping their hands.

"Prince Nick got a talent," the co-anchor commented as the amateur video continues.

"He shaved his head, probably to avoid recognition, but he couldn't get away with that Bordeaux charm he inherited from his father. A co-worker also told us that former Prince Nickolas could sing very well too." The news anchor added. The video ended and the screen returned to the female news anchor's face. "Sad to say though, the former Royal Highness won't be shaking his booty to serve cocktail drinks again as it was reported that he resigned and went back home to Arkadia. Now, in sports news..."

Nick went home? Yvonne quietly asked herself. She may never see him again. But what is there to expect anyway? He didn't bother to make any contact with her. Nick doesn't care about her anymore. And she shouldn't either.



>> 13

13

"First, you found her and then you learned that she's blind. And you have a daughter. Is there any more surprise that you're still not telling us, son?" Benedique asked Alex. His third son gathered all of them in a Sunday get-together and told the news.

"I'll take her tomorrow for an eye check-up then take them home to Bordeaux Castle." Alex told them. He sits comfortably on a chair while his family gives him different kinds of look. "I don't care what you think. I'm just telling you what happened. I'm finally having another chance with love and I won't let anyone get in the way." Pure determination is shown on his face.

"I like your spirit, Alex." Monique seconded with a wide smile. She received weird looks once again. They still can't adjust to the new Monique they are seeing right now.

"What happened? Why is she blind?" Howie asked. Alex knew that among them, it was Howie who hates Olivia the most but he's also the first one who told him before that he can easily forget what Olivia has done. Forgive and forget. Let go of the past and let's move on, were Howie's words to him.

Isabella gripped her husband's hand tighter as she watched their son tells them everything. They have witnessed how hard it was for Alex to lose Olivia. He went through some rough times. He might have told them that he stopped looking for Olivia but subconsciously they knew that he will never give up on her. They have never seen anyone to be very much in love like this but him.

"Olivia was on a vehicular accident outside the capital. It was raining hard and her car skidded off the road to avoid an approaching truck that went on the wrong lane. She survived the accident but lost her eyesight. Her best friend, Deana, took care of her." Alex relayed. "Months later, she found herself pregnant with our child and never told anyone. She went into anonymity and not even her parents learned about this."

Everyone was silent for a moment, absorbing what Alex has told them. They have always known that Olivia and Alex were always fighting with each other. They never saw it coming that something will happen between them, and then Olivia will bear Alex's daughter.

"I'm looking forward to seeing your daughter," Nick quietly said, obviously fond of having another kid in the family.

"Yes, Nick. You should see my daughter." There's a hint of pride in Alex's voice. "She's a very charming little girl with eyes like mine and a birthmark like ours on the back. Her name is Jamie."

"We're definitely looking forward into meeting your family, Alex," Benedique told his son.

Alex nodded. He hoped everything would go fine. He's never wrong about trusting his family. They are going to forgive Olivia and accept her and Jamie in the family. It may take a while but he's willing to take one step at a time.



~~~



Nick channel-surfed to find something to watch on the TV and get his mind busy. He keeps on thinking about Yvonne and wondering what is she doing at that moment. He looked back to those times they were together. They came to a point where they laughed until they cried over something stupid. There were also moments where they would go on a food trip at every fast food place they passed by. Of course, he will never forget that special night when he held her close to him and hear her scream his name in utmost passion.

He missed Yvonne.

Nick sighed. He made a mistake by saying those words to her. He didn't have to say it. He hurt her and he didn't know how to make it up with her. And then he went home. He didn't know why he decided to go back to Arkadia because he already considered Miami his new home. Maybe because of Yvonne. Man, he's scared. He could really admit it to himself by now. He cared for Alexei but there's this new woman who entered his life and had him unprepared. He's confused.

"And finally, former Prince Nickolas of Bordeaux, who's been in the US two months ago, was spotted last night in the opening of the new hotel in downtown Ortho with his little nephews. It has been -" Nick turned the TV off. That was one thing why he loved his life in Miami and enjoyed Yvonne's company. He deeply embraced normalcy. But he also regretted lying to Yvonne.

Thinking back to the news about him on TV, what's interesting with his life anyway? He hates it when people always make a big fuss out of his life. He will understand if they were still royals in the country but not anymore. He thought things will come different but nothing changed, especially for him, when it comes to media treatment. Among the family, the media seemed to take pride in getting something out of him every day. Why, he had no idea.

Nick turned when a knock came and the door in the Winston Room opened. He smiled when Alexei walked in.

"You know, you can always get a flat so I can easily find you," Alexei smiled as she gets near him. "I still get myself lost around the halls of your very big home. Hi, Nick. Welcome back." She hugged him.

"Nice to see you here, Alexei. Where have you been?"

"Just somewhere in the Caribbean. I got a nice tan."

"I can see that." Nick said. "So, want to go out with me tonight?"

"Need to ask?" Alexei raised an eyebrow then chuckled. To Nick's surprise, she reached up and kiss him fully on the lips. When he kissed back, he heard her moan. She moved against him as their kiss went deeper.

When he opened his eyes, Nick found Alexei staring at him and brushing away some hair that crossed her face. "Wow, Alexei. What was that all about?"

"Something new and special, Nick. I hope you don't mind." Alexei bring out a seductive smile. She traced his face lightly with her fingers.

"I don't mind at all." Nick said as he leaned down and kisses her once again. He completely forgets everything that has been bothering him. Alexei is here, giving him access on her lips. What more could he ask for?



>> 14

14

"What's the matter? Are you sick?" Chelsea asked when she found Yvonne curled up on her couch and watching TV. She didn't go to the gift shop so Chelsea assumed that her friend is not feeling well, again. She's been like this ever since Nick went home. Yvonne told her what happened and it's been frustrating for Chelsea that Nick has gone back home. Because if she ever finds him again, she'll be kicking his ass.

"I'm fine. I just felt a little lazy earlier." Yvonne sniffed. "Is that Chinese food?"

Chelsea gives her the take-out meal, as she assumed that Yvonne will be craving for it again. "You're always hungry these past few days. Where's Uncle Bam?"

"He went back to the headquarters for a while," Yvonne replied while her mouth is full.

"Have you heard the news?" Chelsea asked as she sits beside her girl friend. Yvonne quietly nodded. She knew what Chelsea is talking about. "It's been more than three months, Yvonne. Nick is an ass. You don't have to go sulking yourself here and going over what you should have done while Nick is in Arkadia and going out with some thin woman with fake tan and unruly blond hair."

"Blueberry cheesecake." Yvonne said in between her bites.

"You deserve someone who'll give you... what? What did you say?" Chelsea's brows furrowed.

"I want a blueberry cheesecake and cinnamon rolls. I don't like Chinese food anymore." Yvonne pushed away the meal from her then went to drink a glass of water. Chelsea followed her friend.

"What's happening to you? You've been craving for food since last week. Are you pregnant? Did you and Nick...?" They stared at each other. Yvonne looked away and sighed. Chelsea knew better than to give her friend a smack in the head for falling for that idiot. Yvonne needs her support right now. But then, thinking about the idiot, she liked Nick from the start. She even wanted them to end up together. She also doesn't realize who he really is but if she did, it won't be a big deal for her too. She's just surprised when Yvonne told her how he reacted and the things he said. Now, seeing Yvonne in her unusual self is not good. Chelsea doesn't want to see her friend like this.

"I'm not taking any pills. We didn't use protection." Yvonne bit her lower lip.



~~~



Olivia stared at the sword she found on a long table in Alex's office. The eye surgery she had two months ago has been a success and she got her sight back. Her happiest day was when the surgical cloth was taken off her and she first saw Alex carrying their daughter in his arms. That's the most beautiful sight and she's grateful for rare blessings like those. She forgot how much she cried in Alex's arms that day.

Slowly she picked up the sword. It is a Celtic sword that belongs to Alex. The swords have been the instrument for her to meet such a wonderful person. 'Amor est vitae essentia', the inscription on the sword says. Alex told her that it means "Love is the essence of life."

"That's the way I live my life, Olivia. To love myself, to love others and to love the wonders of life could bring us. Love is the reason that I'll never give up on you." Olivia remembered Alex telling her.

And yes, her love for Alex is her reason to go on living.

"Wanna fight?"

Olivia grinned as she turns around. Alex stood on the doorway, his hands akimbo. "Sure." With her reply, Alex ran to get another sword displayed on his office wall. He turned around just in time to meet Olivia's attack and met her sword. He pushed her away then stepped back when she advanced on him almost immediately. They end up in the hallway.

Olivia chuckled as her thrusts were easily countered by Alex. "I need to ask you something, sweetheart," Alex said when they met face to face.

Olivia kissed him first before pushing him away. "Beat me first."

Alex knew that his sword in Olivia's hand is heavy. She will get tired of her attack as he will only continue to parry. Olivia swings the sword but Alex easily gestured the attack aside. Knowing Olivia's skills, she can easily devise a strategy during the fight.

Metals clashing rang down the hall. Benedique and Isabella, who came to visit them, were caught in surprise. Even the security who heard the unusual commotion ran towards them and stopped to watch. Their worries ceased when they saw that Alex and Olivia are even laughing as their swords countered each other. The couple has a weird idea of having fun.

When Alex nearly slipped through Olivia's guard, the audience thought it's over. Olivia won. But Alex neatly twitched Olivia's sword out of her hand. The sword fell on the floor where Alex lay. He pushed it away while the tip of his sword is pointing directly at Olivia's neck. Olivia looked down on him.

Alex shakes his head as he exchanged smiles with her. "Sweetheart, will you marry me?"

"I'm at the mercy of your sword, darling. So I guess it's a yes?" Olivia laughed. She helped him on his feet.

"Olivia..."

"Of course, Alex. I'll marry you." Olivia wrapped her arms around his neck and gave him a kiss.



>> 15

15

"So, your dream with Alexei finally came true." Brian started as he and his four cousins walked towards the clubhouse after their game of golf. He saw Nick smiled, but it was as if only for their own convenience.

Kevin looked at his youngest brother. He never liked Alexei but if she's making Nick happy, then he will let them be. He and Howie exchanged knowing glances as Howie felt the same way. Alex, on the other hand, now kept blabbing about giving Nick some tips if he needed one about women and sex. Kevin rolled his eyes and smacked his brother on the back of his head. "What was that for?" Alex turned to the older three and wondered who did that to him. Kevin's smile gave it away. Alex chose to ignore him.

"I'm fine with Alexei. I'm glad that she's finally my girlfriend." Nick told them. "It'll be a matter of time before maybe I ask her to marry me."

Kevin sighed. "Listen, Nick. I hope you won't get me wrong. Maybe you're just happy that she finally gave in to your challenge. You know that stuff about liking her for all these years. Having her now is like a trophy to a sport you've been doing all this time. Are you sure you're happy?"

"Yes, Nick. Maybe you're just too overwhelmed about having her as your girlfriend now." Howie seconded, alarmed that their brother has already been thinking about marrying Alexei. He's too blind to see the player beneath the innocent face and wonderful curves. Nick is infatuated with the idea of loving his childhood friend. They could not tell it to him straight away but they will not let him get in to trouble with her either.

"Just let me be, okay?" Nick frowned at his brothers. He noticed their apprehension and chose to ignore it. "Can't you just be happy for me? I'm getting this chance right now. I don't care what other people say about her. I love her." His brothers didn't say anything more but he received uncertain looks from them. Nick sighed and stomped off in to the clubhouse.



~~~



*"Luckily, the wisest little pig had been watching the scene from the window of his own brick house, and he rapidly opened the door to his fleeing brothers. And not a moment too soon, for the wolf was already hammering furiously on the door. This time, the wolf had grave doubts. This house had a much more solid air than the others. He blew once, he blew again and then for a third time. But all was in vain," Monique stopped her storytelling as she turned and saw the kids finally fell asleep. She smiled. Her grandnieces and grandnephews were cute and it was a picture-perfect scene to see them all together lying around her on the soft carpet and fell asleep with her storytelling. Where's Nick by the way? Monique glanced at her watch.

Nick told her that he needs to pick up his surprise for the children to the store but he hasn't come back yet. Monique happened to drop by for a visit and found herself babysitting the children over the next hour while Nick is gone. If the kids' parents will learn about this, they might never trust Nick with the babysitting again. Monique can still feel their distrust over her. Nick is the only person who can somehow trust her right now. Ridiculous as it seems. She threatened his life before. But she has changed and the youngest one was easy to forgive her, or so she thought he did.

Others can't accept the fact that she has really changed.

Monique stood up and looked over closely to the sleeping kids. Scott, Kevin's son, is starting to show some stubborn yet strong personality like his father. David, Howie's eldest child, is smart yet soft-spoken like his father while Howie's youngest, Ava, is starting to show Howie's silent but dangerous side. The little girl has a few mischief right upon her sleeve. Baylee, who looks like Brian, is a fun-loving, naughty and curious kid. He loves the attention to details which makes him the most talkative among the group. And last is Jamie, with eyes like Alex's, she has the tendency to be unique and apart from her cousins just like her father. They are all adorable and Monique wondered what will be the others' children will be like. Nick, Anastasia and Giselle are the only ones left unmarried. Well, Anastasia is going to get married. Giselle is still too young to think about it. And then Nick, who tells everyone before that love makes a stupid person, didn't even know that the only woman who took him as he is and not as the former prince of Arkadia has walked out of his life and he didn't went for it.

Love really makes a person stupid sometimes, Monique thought.

She went out when she heard faint footsteps down the hall. She turned and saw Alexei coming her way. "Hi, Monique. Is Nick here?"

"No, my nephew isn't here. Why are you looking for him?"

"I'm just going to ask him to go with me at the Independence Day ball. Where did he go?" Alexei asked as she pulls out her mobile phone from her bag.

"Call him. And the ball is still far ahead," Monique chuckled, "like two months. Why are you so excited about it?" She raised an eyebrow as she folded her arms across her chest. "It wasn't like you'll break up by that time."

Alexei smiled. Monique knew better than to think that it is a genuine smile. "I just wanted to arrange his schedule in ahead of time. You know Nick. He's a busy man. You have to remind him from time to time."

"I know that. The man still acts like a kid with a short attention span sometimes but I also know that he has his own personal secretary who normally keeps tabs of his daily activities. You, as his girlfriend, don't have to remind him more often. It'll just irritate him." Monique looked at Alexei from head to foot, "unless you're insecure over something that's why you're doing that. Be careful, Alexei. If Nick breaks up with you, there'll be more women who'd be still willing to pick up what you've left behind."

"It'll never happen."

"Do you really think so?"

"What are you trying to say, Monique? Did you know something about him that I don't, and shouldn't?"

"You're not even his wife. You don't have to know everything... yet."

"You're a pain in the ass, did you know that?" Alexei glared at Nick's aunt.

"I was, but I've seen the light and now I walk the spiritual path," Monique laughed which irate Alexei even more. She hates this woman for trying to harm Nick before and she hates her more because she's now the subject of Monique's past time. "Oh, Alexei. Be a sport. I'm just playing with you. You're a player, right? And Nick's your present toy."

Without a word, Alexei stomped off. Just in time, they saw Nick turning down the hall with three large paper bags. When he saw Alexei, he smiled and approached his girlfriend with a kiss. Monique stood by the door and watched them.

"Are those for me, baby?" Alexei sweetly asked.

"No, baby. I'm sorry. These are for my nephews and nieces. But I'll buy you what you want." Nick kissed her again.

"I just want you."

Monique rolled her eyes. Stupid Nick. She went back inside the room.



*From Storybook Castle



>> 16

16

Kevin frowned when his personal secretary excused himself from the boardroom. He stood up and went outside. "Anything happened to my family?" He immediately asked. His only one rule if he will be interrupted in an important meeting is if it's related to his family. His secretary, Robert, looked at him.

"None, Sir."

"Then what's with the interruption?"

"Kayla Murdock is in your office, Sir. She's with a kid."

Kevin frowned. He followed his secretary towards the elevator. He can never forget Kayla. She was his former girlfriend at the time when he's too stubborn to admit that he has fallen for the woman that his father had betrothed for him. She's also the reason he hit Nick for the first and last time. And how can he forget? She's the person of whom Nick had accidentally got pregnant and aborted it. Nick was really devastated. Because of that, Nick longed for the child he should have. He turned his attention to his brothers' children because of his frustration to have his own child live in this world.

Now, Kayla is back. What is she planning this time?

Kevin remembered to thank Robert then entered his office. Kayla stood up once a presence came in the room. Kevin stared at her for a while before turning to a kid standing beside her. His heart began beating fast. He recognized the similarity in the kid's face. "Hello, Kayla. What brings you here?"

"I came for Nick. I came here to tell him about our son."



~~~



Nick frowned as he stared at the Lego pieces in front of them. His nephews are watching him figure out what to do next in building their Lego castle. They looked adorable as each of them is sitting down on the floor with him, hands on their chin as they watched their confused uncle figure out what to do with the Lego puzzle.

"Something is missing here." Nick said, almost to himself.

"Ava and Jamie were playing here yesterday. They must have taken it." David told his uncle.

Nick looked at Howie's son. "Now, David. It's not good to accuse others."

"Sorry, Uncle Nick."

Nick nodded and sighed. He is stuck to babysitting his nephews and nieces once again. Their parents are currently busy. Alex and Olivia are preparing for their wedding while Nick's two brothers and their wives are preparing for a company party later. Nick volunteered to baby-sit, instead of going to the party. He has no problem with the children. He loves them and if he gets married someday, he wants a big family.

But right now, he wasn't enjoying being with the kids. They are pressuring him to build the largest Lego castle - in the world - in which Nick knew would be really impossible since he was tasked to do it by himself as they just sit back and watch him figure out those little pieces. But he agreed and he hates it when they wrapped him around their little fingers. He could not resist them.

"Maybe we should start all over again," Nick said and received groans in return. He chuckled.

"Uncle Nick, that's just a piece of ladder! Let's just buy a piece in the store." Scott said in frustration. He's starting to look like Kevin, with those eyebrows now furrowed.

"But I want to put the ladder now." Nick insisted childishly. "Let's make a trip to the mall today." He stood up. When he did, Baylee excitedly took the ladder from where Nick had seated and grinned.

"You sat on it, Uncle Nick." Brian's little boy, and his cousins, laughed at him.

"I'm so silly. Okay, let's continue." He's about to sit back when his mobile phone rang. He did not recognize the number. It isnot included in his phone book. "Thank you for calling Domino's Pizza. How may we help you?" He went by the window to get a clearer signal.

"Not another one, Nick. This is Chelsea Adams."

"Hi, Chelsea." Nick said in a cheerful voice. "Anything you want to order?"

"Nick, I know your voice. I'm dead serious right now. I've gone through several weird security precautions just to reach you and Yvonne doesn't even know that I'm doing this. After I've gone through the castle's hotline, they've been answering me with a professional greeting, transferred me to McDonald's, Carl's Jr. and stuff before finally connecting my call to you. Who do you think you are huh?" Chelsea is practically screaming at him over the phone that Nick had to edge his ear a little away from it.

"Calm down, Chelsea. Okay, this is the real Nick. What do you want?"

"I need to talk with you about Yvonne."

Nick felt his heart skipped a beat upon mentioning that name again. May God forgive him but he's thinking about her even though he's with Alexei. "How is she, Chelsea?" He quietly asked.

There's a moment of silence on the other line. Nick thought that Chelsea hung up on him but knowing the spirit of that woman, she will never give up now that she finally reached him. He heard her cleared her throat. "Nick, Yvonne is pregnant. She told me that you're the father."

"Really?" Nick leaned his head against the glass window pane and closed his eyes. He's going to have his own child. He smiled at the thought. Memories of Kayla aborting his child are slowly washing away from his mind. He suddenly had the urge to hop on a plane and see Yvonne. "How's Yvonne, Chelsea? Is she doing well? Take care of her for me..."

"I'm here, Nick."

Nick paused for a moment, surprised to be able to hear her voice once again. "Yvonne, I'm going there. Let's talk about this -"

"There's no need, Nick." Yvonne interrupted him. He sensed the coldness in her voice. "I don't know why Chelsea did that but I'm glad that I have this opportunity to talk with you right now. You're not going here. I don't want you to have any part with my child. He's not going to grow up with you and your family and be thrown in the media hounds like you do. I can take this on my own. This is the last time we're gonna talk." And with that, Yvonne ended the call.

Nick is too shocked to even react to that. He felt a lump on his throat as sadness overwhelmed him. He turned around. There are three pairs of eyes staring back at him.

"Are you okay, Uncle Nick?" Scott asked.

Nick nodded. "Will you give Uncle Nick a hug?" In an instant, he received small hugs from his nephews. He drew a deep breath. How could Yvonne do this to him? He has a right over his child. Yvonne knew better than to take that away. He's going to fight for it.



>> 17

17

Kevin glanced at Howie, Brian and Alex as they stood outside Nick's room. Scott told his father about some phone call that his uncle received and it seems like it bothered Nick ever since.

It seems like the young man has been on a circus ever since he went back from the US.

Since he dated Alexei, his name is always on the news. The man who was used to cherish his privacy doesn't care now if he's caught kissing his woman in public. They are worried of Nick. Even now that he still doesn't know that Kayla is back with a son and claiming Nick to be the father.

"We have to do this, Kev." Howie told him. "He needs our help."

"I'm worried. He's been through enough thinking that he lost that baby and now, Kayla is back with their 'son'." Kevin sighed heavily.

"We're worried too, Kevin. And I personally see how he adored our children like they were his own. I've seen his frustrations." Brian glanced around his cousins.

"Anyway, we're here to help him get through this. Let's go inside." Alex took the initiative to knock on the door. When no one answered, he opened it and went inside the big room, followed by the other men. No one is in the Sitting Room so they continued all the way to the main bedroom. They saw Nick sleeping on his couch. There were papers scattered on top of the coffee table. Nick loved making sketches. He must have found time doing that earlier.

Alex picked up one of the papers and found that it was a draft colored sketch of a woman's face. "This is not Alexei," he silently whispered to them. The men took turns to look at it. Kevin began waking up the young man as Alex returned the sketch as if they didn't saw it. Nick stretched and slowly opened his eyes, finding himself under scrutiny by four older men.

"What's this? You want me to baby-sit the kids again?" Nick cleared off the coffee table and discreetly placed his things inside his drawer.

Kevin shakes his head. "Thanks for taking care of them once again."

"No problem," Nick said. He zoned out for a moment then shakes his head. He seemed to be in a momentary deep thinking. "Uh, why are you here anyway?"

The three men looked at Kevin. Why does it always have to be me? Kevin thought. If this is hard for them, so it does for him. He cleared his throat. "Nick, Kayla is back. She brought along a kid and claimed that it's yours."

Nick's mouth dropped open at his brother's words without preamble. He weakly sat back on the couch. Is there any more surprise at stake for him for this week? First, he learned that Yvonne is pregnant and then, Kayla is back with the son she said she aborted a long time ago. "I want a DNA test." He announced more likely to himself but of course, they heard him. If Yvonne will learn about this, he'll never make it up with her again.

He must have said it aloud because Howie threw him a question. "Who's Yvonne?"

Nick closed his eyes. Damn, she shut him out of her life for good. Then there's Alexei. What will she say, or do, when she learns about these? He messed up, big time. "How could I mess up? I'm a good guy. I deserved to be happy, right?" Brian sits beside him while the other three looked down on him, ready for a thorough interrogation if they could.

"So, who's Yvonne?" Kevin is frowning right now. So did Howie. Nick knew better than ignore their questions.

"Yvonne is the woman I met in the US. She's pregnant with my baby. Now, Kayla is back, and my girlfriend doesn't know anything about all of these."

"Geez, Nick. You never failed in the fertility department." Alex tried to joke. "What happened? I mean, was she your girlfriend?"

Nick looked at his brother. "I met her in the US. I lied to her about who I really am but she eventually learned about it. On the day I realized that she knows about me all along, I said things that were really hurtful." He never answered Alex's question. He looked down. He bit his lower lip. "Of course, she got mad. We never saw each other ever since."

"And then now she called you to tell about her pregnancy." Brian added.

"It was her best friend who called and told me about it. But I also got to talk to her. And she told me that she doesn't want me to be any part of her life now." Nick's jaw clenched as he remembered his conversation with Yvonne. He stood up. "I won't permit that. I need a DNA test for Kayla's son, if it's really mine. Then I'm going back to the US for Yvonne."

Kevin and Howie exchanged glances. "What about Alexei?" the older man asked.

"I don't know, Kev. I'll just have to find an easier way to tell this to her."



~~~



"... It's going to be fun. You and I are going to Cannes to attend the film festival. After that, we'll go to Monaco. I already bought appropriate clothes to bring along." Alexei kept on talking as Nick drives her home after dinner. She barely realized that her companion has other things in mind than what she's telling him. "Tomorrow, we'll go to buy clothes for you. And in the afternoon, there's a press conference where we can announce our engagement."

"Okay," Nick absentmindedly said. But as soon as the words registered on him, he stopped the car, never minding that they are at the middle of the road. "Wait... what? I didn't ask you to marry me."

Alexei rolled her eyes. "But that's where we are going to end up to be, Nick." She cupped his face and kissed him on the lips.

"No." Nick moved away.

"Nick, don't let me lose my patience with you."

"No, Alexei. I won't marry you." He turned away and sighed. Some cars were honking on them. "I'm sorry. I don't want to hurt you. I can't marry you. And why did you organize a press conference without me knowing it? You know that I hate the press."

"It'll be good for our image, baby."

"Alexei, I don't have an image. I don't even care if I have. I don't fucking rule this country." Nick returned to driving. "I'm not going to marry yet. I'm not ready."

"Fine, but we'll still go to Cannes." Alexei stubbornly said.

Nick shakes his head. He drove to the shoulder of the road and stopped the car. "I've thought about this before but it slipped my mind. I want to ask you, Alexei. For all these years that we're together, why did you show interest to me just now?"

"It's because I realized that I like you." Alexei coolly replied, her mouth pouted stubbornly.

"I couldn't help but notice that you keep on arranging public appearances for both of us. You knew that I don't like publicity," he sighed when Alexei started crying. "Oh, please. Don't give me that drama. I know you."

"Fine. I'm using you, if that's what you wanted to hear." Alexei glared at him.

"That's not what I'm trying to imply -"

"Oh, it is." Alexei snapped. Nick stared at her, caught off-guard by her immediate admittance.

"Why? We've known each other for years. Why are you doing this to me?"

Alexei bit her lower lip and glanced outside the window. Nick tried to reach out for her but she shrugged him off. He's about to try again but was interrupted by a highway patrolman who tapped on the window. "Any problem, Sir?" He asked when Nick rolled down the window. He instantly recognized Nick. "Oh, Prince Nickolas."

"It's Nick. I just got my eyes tired and rested for a while." Nick smiled. "I'm sorry to bother you. Thanks for the concern, Sir."

"No problem, Your Royal Highness." Even for a long time they were no longer royals, some people could never take the habit of addressing them in their former titles. The officer gave him a warm salute then drove off. Nick drew a deep breath and glanced at Alexei once again. She completely ignored him now. He didn't make any remarks as he started the engine back to life and continued on his way to bring her home.

It has been a long day, actually a long week, and Nick felt the exhaustion inside and out. One phone call from Yvonne and telling him that she doesn't want any part of him in hers and their child's life devastated him. Memories of his aborted child with Kayla were coming back and it frustrated Nick more. Kayla is back and she brought along a boy she claimed to be his son. And Nick doesn't even know what to do between these two things.

He wanted to go back to the US and set things straight with Yvonne. But he got a busy schedule and he's not even sure if his brothers will be glad to hear about this. He received enough reprimanding from his family after he has gone back from the US and they made sure that he won't do it again. In short, he is twenty-five years old and he was still entitled to be grounded. On the other hand, he also wanted to make it clear about what Kayla was talking about. Damn, there are so many things to think about and his parents did not even know it. They will surely freak out if they learn about this.

After another half an hour, they finally reached Alexei's house and he pulled up in front of the mansion. He turned to her. "Let's just be friends." Nick decided but he received a slamming of the door in front of him. Alexei glared at him for one last time then walked in to the house. Nick drew a deep breath and leaned against the headrest. What's her problem now?

He picked up his phone and dialed Alexei's number. She picked up in just one ring. "Alexei, let's talk about this."

"You don't want to marry me." Nick heard her cry on the other line.

"It's not that, Alexei. I want to marry you but I'm not just ready for it right now. I got so much to do and I don't want to complicate things with you. It's hard. I hope you'd understand."

"You don't want to go public with me."

Nick sighed. "I've said it earlier. I don't like the media." He heard her cry more on the other line. "I can't continue with this anymore, Alexei. Let's give space to each other. You do what you want to do and I'll do what I want. I still love you, but I can't compromise with what you want right now."

"Is there a woman involved?" Nick fell silent for a moment. Yes, there is, he wanted to say but he couldn't. "There's another woman, Nick." He heard Alexei concluded. And before he could reply, she hung up the phone.



>> 18

18

Cristin entered the bedroom and saw her husband watching the late night news. She climbed up on the bed and leaned against her husband's chest and they kissed. "What's up, honey?"

Kevin ran his fingers through her hair. "Oil price hike continues, honey." He hugged his wife as they watched the TV together. "And before you came in, Nick was on the news again. He and Alexei already broke up. The woman was seen already kissing someone at a club last night."

"It's amazing how we learn about our family through TV." Cristin told her husband. "They just can't leave the young man alone."

"I feel relieved that Nick broke up with Alexei. I suspect that she did not love our Nick at all. It's not the same way Nick feels for her." Kevin said. "Something's up with her. I just can't figure out what."

"Yeah. Lately, we're seeing Nick everywhere, may it be on the TV or in the newspapers. Nick never went public with his relationships." Cristin looked at her husband's worried face. "Honey, smile."

Kevin looked down and kissed her on the lips once again. "He's going to meet Kayla tomorrow to see his son and they'll go for a DNA testing." He sighed. "He's got so much on his shoulders. There's Kayla and then there's this woman in the US..."

"Did Papa and Mama know about this?" Cristin turned the down the volume of the TV.

Kevin shakes his head. "Nick will hear a very sound scolding from Papa. The old man will be disappointed that his baby would do these. I'm just glad that Kayla told me that she doesn't want this thing to go public, for the boy's sake."

"Do you think she's telling the truth?"

Kevin shrugged. "You know, Kayla is a nice woman after all. We were too young then. We messed around but looking back, that was how it really was. I couldn't say anything against her except the time when she said she aborted Nick's son. That's unexpected from her. But I don't know what's on her mind to do this."

"Did you already research about Yvonne Thompson?" Cristin asked. They turned when a knock came on the door and it opened. Scott came in.

"I did but I still haven't received any information yet." Kevin said and smiled at his son. "Good evening, young man. Do you want to sleep with us?" He asked as Cristin took their son to their bed. Kevin tucked his wife and son in the large bed as Scott hugged his mother.

"I missed you, Mommy, Daddy."

Cristin met her husband's eyes. They have been busy lately and Nick usually took care of Scott, as well as the other kids. But they did not want to appear that they were neglecting their son. Cristin hugged him while Kevin kissed him on the forehead. "We love you, baby." Cristin showered Scott with kisses and blew him raspberries on the cheeks. She looked at Kevin. "And don't worry. You're going to be a big brother soon."

Kevin stopped in surprise, so did Scott. Both boys looked up to the very special woman in their lives. Really? Kevin silently mouthed the words. Cristin nodded in reply. Kevin, who's glad to hear the news, playfully hovered on top of his family and tickled both of them, alternately kissing their faces.

"Daddy!" You're heavy!" Scott laughed. Kevin laughed even more. Life with his family is wonderful. He hoped that Nick would have the same happiness he's having with his wife and son right now.



~~~



Nick glanced at the closed door where his son, Mark, went to. Mark is going to have a DNA test but Nick already have his own results. He knew that the kid is his son. It must be some fatherly instinct. The minute he saw Mark as he was introduced to him, a part of him went out to the little boy. And man! The boy is blonde, has blue eyes and distinctively looks like him when he was a little kid. It felt like looking at the mirror, only to his much younger version.

"Why did you lie to Cristin when you said you aborted the baby?" Nick asked Kayla, who looked fashionably classic and beautiful as she sits beside him. She had this pretty red bandanna covering most of her head, and she wears a white top and long bohemian lace skirt. She doesn't even look like a mother!

"I'm scared at that time. I just don't want anyone to know, not even the media. I'm so afraid that he'll be the subject of scrutiny. It's not healthy for the kid." As Kayla said that, Nick remembered Yvonne telling him the same thing. "And you were so young then. I don't want to give you the burden of having a son in a young age of sixteen."

"But you deprive our son from the knowledge that he has a father. Kayla, I wouldn't really care if the media, or anyone, would know it. I'm willing to take the responsibility."

Kayla stared at him. "You've really grown, Nick."

Nick sighed. "Yes, maybe." They sat together in silence for a while. "Thank you for taking care of Mark. Thank you, Kayla."

"I did this for both of us. You knew what I was before. Mark changed me. I know, so do you. I saw your fondness to your brothers' children. You're going to be a good father when I leave Mark to you."

"Leave?" Nick straightened from his seat and turned to her. "Why? You're the mother, Kayla. Your boyfriend doesn't like him, does he?"

Kayla shakes her head in disagreement. Nick could hint the tears forming in her eyes. "No, Nick. I don't have a boyfriend. And I certainly don't have to marry you to keep us a family for Mark's sake."

Nick held her hand. "But why the decision?"

Kayla drew a deep breath. She hesitated at first, glancing on the other way then back at him. "I'm dying, Nick. Brain cancer." She said. That's when Nick realized the purpose of her silk cloth wrapped around her head. He tightened his grip on her hand and pulled her to him for a hug.

"We'll work on your treatment, Kayla. You're not going to die soon."

"But I've already prepared myself to it. I've done chemo but I feel that there's no more use trying to live because in the end, I'm really going to die. It's painful, Nick. It hurts in the head so bad. You'd say that I shouldn't give up. I've tried all the best that I could but I've come to a decision to let things be. I can see that you're willing to take care of Mark. I'm glad you're there. I can die with content, knowing that my son will be safe with your family."

"Please don't say that." Just as Nick said it, Kayla let out a painful moan which eventually turned into a scream as she grabbed her aching head. Nick panicked as he caught her in his arms and called for the medics.



>> 19

19

Nick looked up when he heard his name on the TV again. He's still at the hospital where Kayla is now confined. He's staying with her in the suite while his son fell asleep on his lap. It wasn't hard to explain to Mark the consequences of his birth. In such a young age, he is smart enough to understand that his father is the former prince of Arkadia and known to many women and loved by the media. Nick, on the other hand, considered taking Mark under his wing if anything will happen to his mother. At the back of his mind, he knew Mark is his son. Whatever the result of the DNA test is, Mark is going to be his son. He doesn't care no matter what others would think. Mark will carry his name and he will have the best that Nick can provide him.

Looking down at the eight-year-old boy, Nick felt it weird to have a son who's almost like a little brother. But what should he expect? He got Kayla pregnant when he was sixteen. She gave birth when he's most likely seventeen. He's now twenty-five and he got an eight-year-old son. What a blessing, Nick thought in amusement.

"Alexei already got a new boyfriend and you find it amusing?" Kayla asked Nick. She's glad to consider him a friend. That's what Nick wanted them to be, as he told her earlier. She thought it'd be awkward and uncomfortable because she presented Mark to him in an unexpected time. But Nick took them with open arms. She couldn't be grateful enough. He's a very nice person. It was Alexei's loss that she let Nick broke up with her.

"Huh?" Nick looked at the TV. The news anchor is randomly showing pictures of him and Alexei from their previous public appearances. "Wait 'til they learn that I'm the father. And I'm going to be a father again." He muttered under his breath.

But Kayla heard him. "Alexei is pregnant?" Kayla looked at him from the bed where she is lying. Nick shook his head but never told her anything. "Okay. If you want to talk about it next time, I'm just here. And I promise that my lips are sealed."

"Don't worry about it, Kayla. And it's not Alexei that I'm talking about."



~~~



Kevin walked down the hall and smiled as people greet him. He already received the full report on the background investigation of Yvonne Thompson. He needs to tell this to his brothers as soon as possible because he learned something that time cannot wait. And maybe, they could find a way to help Nick with his dilemma. He found Howie and Alex in Brian's office where they were debating on some business proposal. They turned when they heard him come in. Kevin closed the door and locked it behind him.

"Great. Everyone's here."

"Something serious, Kev?" Brian asked, eyeing the envelope his cousin is holding.

"Yvonne's profile is here." Kevin tossed the envelope on the table. "Good woman, an A-student in school and niece of a respectable marine officer." He tells more details as the others browsed on the profile and the pictures.

"Wow. Welcome to the family," Alex exclaimed in appreciation as he looked at the pictures. "Her eyes are like Olivia's. I wonder if she also has a Chinese blood. She's cute. No wonder, Nick is smitten." The guys looked at him.

"Smitten?" Brian chuckled.

"Yeah, sometimes I surprise myself with my synonyms, Brian."

Kevin smiled. "Anyway, you need to know something important here. Yvonne is in need of money to support her pregnancy. So, she's selling the house and the car she got from her deceased parents to pay her debts and get through her pregnancy."

"Nick should know this. He must support her." Howie looked at everyone. He scratched his head. "Oh yeah, I forgot. She doesn't want him to have anything to do with the baby."

Kevin drew a deep breath and nodded. "It's sad. Nick is obviously bothered. I got something in mind though..."



>> 20

20

Nick watched as his father wearily rubs the back of his neck after telling him about Mark. He doesn't want to interpret his father's fake smile either. Telling his parents about his son is hard work but it's good to let it out from his worrying mind. He got lots of things to think about and that includes Yvonne's pregnancy as well.

"Is it yours? Are you sure?" Benedique asked his youngest child. Nick could see the disappointed look and he wanted to cry. He knows that his parents favored him among the others and the news really surprised and caught them off-guard. They wouldn't expect this from their baby. Well, this baby is all grown-up and Nick is starting to act like a man now. Enough of the stupid stunts.

"According to the DNA test we've had, he is my son, sir." Nick replied. His mother, who still looked lovely and elegant, sits on a chair. Her sad face disturbs Nick. He wants to erase that look from her face.

And he hasn't told them yet about Yvonne.

"How's Kayla? Is she fine now?" Isabella asked her son. Trust Mama for still being this kind, Nick thought.

"Yes, Mama."

"Nickolas..."

Uh oh, Nick thought, there goes the full name.

"What have we done wrong for you to do this to us?" His father started. Nick braced himself. "I had enough of your brothers' scandals before with the women and now you're showing us that it's your turn. Please. Tell me. Is this the only thing you're going to tell us?"

"I'm going to be a dad again, to a woman I met in the US."

"Nickolas!" Isabella exclaimed. "What's happening to you? You've been scattering your genes everywhere! Are you even planning to settle down and have a life like your brothers?"

"Yes, I do. But this came unexpectedly. Her name's Yvonne and she didn't want me to have anything to do with our baby." Nick replied, biting his lower lip. He was surprised by his mother's sudden outburst.

"What?" Benedique's voice boomed within the confines of the room. Nick flinched. He and his brothers didn't want to be in their father's presence during this kind of mood but he doesn't have any choice. He has to deal with it. "I'm not tolerating you any more, Nickolas. Fix your life and come back to me when you're done." He walked to get a drink of water on the other side of the room. Nick began to worry of his father's heart problems.

"Is this the reason why you broke up with Alexei?" Isabella asked. "You said you love her forever."

"I thought I did, Mama. But I found out that all she wanted is some of my financial support and publicity when we were together. Knowing that I'm the media magnet, she took advantage of it to get herself famous. But I just can't understand why she'd do this..." Nick said with a sigh.

"You just got your karma, son." Benedique said.

Nick tries to fight back his tears after his father said that. "I'm sorry to disappoint you," he quietly said and excused himself. He went out of the office. His parents only followed his retreating form with a look.

Benedique turned to his wife. "Have I been too harsh?"

"Sometimes, Nick needs it to make him realize the consequences of the things he's done." Isabella replied. She went to hug her husband. "It's going to be alright, Bennie. Nick's a grown man. Don't worry so much. You're making it obvious that he's your favorite."

Benedique chuckled. "Okay. Whatever you say, honey. And he's not my favorite. I don't have favorites. If I'd only have a daughter, she'll be my favorite."

Isabella's face softened and eventually turned sad. She bit her lower lip as a memory passed between them in silence. "Okay. So, Nick is not your favorite." Isabella rolled her eyes, sounding unconvinced and trying to conceal sad thoughts from their mind. "I'm not convinced. Nick is your favorite son. And he knows it. What are we going to do now?"

"You told me that he's a grown man. We'll stay put and watch how he'll deal with this problem on his own." Benedique drew a deep breath. He closed the gap between them and kissed his wife, letting her know that everything's going to be alright despite any bad thing that crossed in their lives. As for Nick. he's been disappointed but he'll never lose his faith in his youngest son.



~~~



"Are you sure, madam?" The lawyer asked Yvonne. She takes a quick glance to her uncle then nodded at Atty. Alvin Moore, a representative of the family who responded to her ad of selling the house and the car.

"I'm not going to stay in the house even if you offer me to house-sit it. It's not mine anymore." Yvonne told the legal representative. The family who bought the house was in Europe and is requesting her to stay if she wants to. But Yvonne doesn't want to get more attached to the house and the car. She had to leave before she'd even regret what she's done. The buyer paid her in full cash and she'll immediately clear out the family debts and if there are remaining funds, she'll add it to her savings for the baby.

"If you're not going to stay here, then let me offer you an affordable apartment that my clients also have from one of their properties." Atty. Moore tried again.

Yvonne raised an eyebrow. "Who's your real client? Is it really Mr. Keith Davis and his family?"



>> 21

21

Yvonne had a feeling that Nick is behind this. He has influence. He will do anything to help her and this might be just one of those things. But she saw the lawyer shakes his head.

"I'm sorry if you doubt my client, madam. Mr. Keith Davis and his wife also learned about your pregnancy and they only wanted to help."

Yvonne nodded. "I'm sorry too." She turned to her uncle Bam when he held her hand. "I'm fine, uncle."

"Please tell Mr. Davis that we appreciate their concerns. We already found a new place to stay. We will give you the address so that you may contact us, just in case." Bam said. He and the lawyer shook hands.

"It's a pleasure having business with you." Atty. Moore smiled. "Thank you and it's been nice meeting you." He shook hands with Yvonne. Moments later, the lawyer left.

"You thought Nick used a dummy person to buy the house and the car so that he could help you, huh?" Bam asked his niece.

Yvonne unconsciously touches her still flat belly. Bam noticed it every time she remembers Nick. "Yes. I think he would do something like this. I hope that Atty. Moore is telling the truth."

"You know, I don't really approve of your decision of taking off Nick's rights with your child. I can understand the man if he will do something to fight for his rights, or to support you. He is the father. He has the right to do it and you cannot take that away from him."

Yvonne sighed. Bam knew how stubborn his niece could be once she made up her mind. "My child doesn't need a father like him, Uncle Bam." Yvonne coldly replied. She excused herself and went back in the house to continue packing her things.



~~~



Nick looked at Mark. Even in a young age, he's starting to look like Nick and he finds it weird. He felt he's too young to have an eight-year-old son. Mark is now the oldest grandchild in the family, beating down Kevin's six-year-old son, Scott.

"I want to know how you feel that I'm your real father, Mark." Nick said.

Mark looked at his older image. "You're too young. You're just like a big brother to me."

Nick sighed. "Yes, I think so too. But we can't do anything about this. I'm your dad. You're my son, no matter how weird we think it is."

"Freaky," Mark chuckled.

Nick gave him a smile. "Yeah, it sometimes is. Are you ready to meet the family?"

"I'm scared, D-dad."

The simple paternity word sends goose bumps to Nick but it also felt good. They stared at each other, both have distinctively blue eyes. It was like looking at a mirror. "I'm here, Mark. I'm not going to leave you."

"How's mom?" Mark suddenly asked as tears started to form in his eyes again. "It hurts to see her screaming like that. I can't even do anything." He hugged his father. "Please do anything to save her, Dad."

"We're trying our best to save Mom, Mark. Have faith." He said then they started to walk out of Nick's room. It's Sunday and the family are now gathered in the gazebo in the garden for lunch. As the two makes their way, everyone turned and somehow stopped what they are doing. The kids, when they saw their Uncle Nick and Mark, ran to greet them. Nick felt Mark's grip on him loosen up as his cousins welcomed them. He already introduced his son to his cousins.

"Let's play," Scott invited his cousin.

Mark looked up to his father for permission. Nick smiled. "Mark, we'll go to Grandpa and Grandma first before you play." With that, Mark nodded. He took the former tight grip once again of his father's hand as they neared the gazebo. It seems like his son is more nervous than him. "Uh, hi everyone." Nick started as they stepped into the gazebo. He caught the looks coming from his brothers. He ignored them and turned to his parents. "Papa, Mama. I'd like you to meet my son, Mark." Nick turned to his son, whose blue eyes gazed with apprehension to the people in front of him. "Mark, this is Grandpa Ben and Grandma Belle."

Isabella bents down and smiled at Mark. "You looked so much like Nick. Hello, Mark." She affectionately touched the boy's head. "We have chocolate brownies here, especially for you." She received a smile in return and Mark went with his grandmother.

Thank you, Nick silently mouthed the words to his parents. He is starting to get emotional again. He's never wrong on trusting to bring his son there.



>> 22

22

Carrying Mark in his arms, Nick ran down the hospital hall to where Kayla's suite is. Mark is crying out for his mother as they saw the doctors inside. When they got in, they saw Kayla on the bed, her eyes closed. She looked very pale as Nick watched the medics cover her entirely. He tried to calm down his son. They already knew what happened but he wanted to hear the words, as hard it would seem to be. "What happened, doc?"

"The nurse was giving her daily dose then she just started to grab her head and screamed in pain. After that, she lost consciousness. Our nurse called for the doctor but when we got here, she no longer had a pulse..." The doctor turned when his colleague approached them.

"I'm sorry, sir. We tried to save her but she's gone."

Nick nodded as tears began to fall. He hugged his son tightly when Mark screamed 'Mommy!' He didn't know what to do. "Mom's gone, baby,"

"Nick?"

Nick looked up and saw his Aunt Monique. He still might have not liked her that much but she's like the beacon in this very dark moment. He saw her as a family now. "I came from my doctor and happened to saw you ran down the hall." She wiped his nephew's tears. "Kayla's gone?" Nick nodded as he embraced Mark even more. "Hush." Monique bit her lower lip. "I'm going to call your mother."

Nick, feeling helpless and confused, sat on the edge of the bed with his son. Mark freed himself from his father and went to pull down the sheets to reveal his mother. He hugged and he cried.

I'm not yet ready, Kayla. You shouldn't have left this soon. Without you, I don't know how to take care of our son. Nick thought sadly. Mark is still crying. He reached out to take his son back in his arms once again.



~~~



Yvonne looked up at the night sky. She remembered one particular night when she spent a time with someone and talked to him about anything and everything they could just think of: the walk on the beach and at the cafe. She had a wonderful time. And she realized then that she loves that person she was with. He was almost everything she dreamed of: a nice man, good conversationalist, funny and smart. And in spite of what happened before they separated ways, she's still thinking of him. She could not get mad at him for long.

Even more, now that there's something to remind her everyday. Nick's child is growing within her.

Her musings were interrupted when her phone ring. She went to pick it up but no one's answering on the other line. Yvonne sensed she knows who it is and so, she stayed on the line, quietly listening and waiting. Leaning against the wall, she closed her eyes as tears fall. God, she missed Nick.



~~~~



Nick wiped his own tears. Having Yvonne breathing on the other line and staying there gives him enough strength to get through his ordeal right now. Kayla's death brought sadness in him that he never thought he had. It was sadness for the loss of his son's mother and for a friend that he lost. He's grateful that she was able to bring Mark to him before she died. But still, he wished he has done something to make her live longer and see Mark grow up.

Upon Kayla's death earlier, he's now busy arranging her funeral as she wished to be buried in her hometown in Romania. After that, he will go back to Arkadia with Mark where he'll start arranging the legal documents for Mark to bear his name as he is his son.

Nick closed his eyes and bit his lower lip. Yvonne is still on the other line. He missed her so much. He missed seeing her smile and her voice. It's very hard not having her on his side. He realized how he missed the short time they were together. If she's here right now, she's probably making a way to make him smile. Maybe do some silly stunt or just share some anecdote he did not even know where she took it from. It was hard, he sighed deeply. She had this amazing power to give him the light of the day, making grey days turn clear.

When he's through settling everything for Mark, he's going back to America. No matter what happens, he's going to win Yvonne back.



>> 23

23

Luke looked at his best friend and sighed. "How are you, Nick?" He leaned back on the chair as he watched Nick drew a deep breath. They are getting some suits for Luke and Anastasia's wedding, where Nick will stand as their best man.

Nick shrugged. "I don't know. I got my hands full. Mark is starting school here tomorrow and Yvonne is back and pregnant in America. As much as I wanted to go there now, I can't. I can't leave Mark yet."

"Monique offered to baby-sit your son. And so does the media." Luke said. The media finally got hold of the fact that Nick is already a father to an eight-year-old boy. They wanted to know everything about Mark. Nick, as usual, is worried of the privacy. He's not going to hide Mark from everyone but he's concerned about Mark's safety. Mark, on the other hand, seemed to be a darling to the media. Although a little shy, he tries to tolerate the media with a simple smile. The media loves him in an instant. He inherited his father's charm to the public without making an effort.

"Mark told me he hates the attention he's getting but he can't help to be polite." Nick said. "They tend to scare him sometimes."

"Mark seemed to be a nice kid. Kayla raised him well. If it were other kids, I think they might probably take advantage of their status but Mark maintains humility and courage. I admire him for that."

"Luke, I'm not that special and we don't deserve this extra attention." Nick rolled his eyes. "I'm excited I got a kid but it's weird. I mean, I'm too young to be a father to a kid who's about one-third of my age. He's just like a brother."

"Yes, I think so too." Luke stood up when the tailor called him for the measurements. He stopped and takes his time to face his best friend. "But it's your calling, buddy. And it's a lesson you need to learn. Don't sleep around anymore. Go to US and ask that wonderful and very cute woman there to marry you."

Marry? Nick thought as he watched Luke walk away. He never thought of it. But now that Luke opened the subject, he's beginning to consider it. Like Mark, he wanted to give his name to Yvonne's child, give the baby the proper education and a good family life. And yes, he wanted to offer his name to Yvonne. His only wish is that she'd accept him this time.



~~~



"Remember, I won't look after you more often. I'm going to instruct my troops in training there." Bam reminded Yvonne. She nodded. She's been quiet most of the time during the flight and Bam sensed her apprehension over this decision to come with him. But she went, anyway.

"I'll be fine, Uncle Bam. I want to take this opportunity to see some new sights and enjoy my time in this entirely new place. Anyway, it'll be just two weeks." Yvonne looked through the window and saw unending spread of green fields and beautiful mountains. Beyond it is the magnificent Bay of Biscay. Somewhere further from her view is the main city. Her thoughts were interrupted when there was a speech over the speakers.

"Ladies and gentlemen, this is your Captain Drake speaking. In a few minutes, we'll be landing in Ortho International Airport. In behalf of the cabin crews and Co-Captain Pilot Akeroyd, we'd like to thank you for choosing Royal Ark Airlines. Have a good stay and welcome to Arkadia."



>> 24

24

Bam went out of the bathroom and saw Yvonne already awake and gazing out of the window. It's their second day in Arkadia and Bam is going to start his work as an instructor to a batch of US Marines who were on training in Arkadia. It will only take two weeks so he thought of bringing along his niece with him. Aside from the fact that he doesn't want to worry of leaving her alone because Chelsea is busy on her family business, Bam also wanted Yvonne to see Arkadia, the birthplace of her child's father. So although apprehensive, he was able to convince her to come with him.

Personally, he didn't approve when Yvonne shut Nick out of her life. It's unfair for Nick, no matter what is his reason for keeping his true identity from her. Bam wanted the child to grow up supported by a father. He knew Nick is honorable enough to do just that. And so, he hopes that he learned about the house and the car and he was the one who bought it through some proxy buyer. But the lawyer clearly stated that Nick was not involved with anything, whoever that man is. The lawyer did not know the person they are talking about.

"It's still early for you to wake up." Bam told his niece.

"This place is beautiful," Yvonne sighed. She went to wear her sneakers. "Is it alright if I have my breakfast downtown and explore the city, uncle?"

"I can't come with you, Yvonne."

"It's alright, Uncle. Maybe the people here can speak English. Anyway, I know basic French."

"Only a few speak French. Their language here is Ark. But you can survive. Most know how to speak English. Are you sure? Do you have money?"

"I'm sure. And I'm not going for a shopping." Yvonne touched her four-month-old belly. "My baby and I need exercise."

"I'm not sure, Yvonne. This is a different country. Maybe if I ask one of the privates..."

"No," Yvonne gave Bam a reassuring smile. "Okay, I'll be back at four in the afternoon. If I'm not here by that time, I'll go to a police station and ask an officer to bring me here."

Bam frowned. "You're a very stubborn woman." He then nodded, giving up. "Take care of yourself."



~~~



Yvonne thanked the cab driver and went out of the car. She can't contain herself from smiling as she saw the wide green plains of the public park. There were people doing aerobics and jogging around in this fine morning. A monument is situated at the center, surrounded by colorful flowerbeds.

"Prince Martin Monument." Yvonne read the distinctive tourist mark. He must be one of Nick's ancestors, she thought and scolded herself. She made a pact not to think about him now that she's in his homeland. But it seems like everywhere she goes, there's something to remind her of him.

A scent of something brewing caught her nose and turned to find a couple with a cup of coffee each in hand. There's a Starbucks across the street and she thought of stopping by for a quick breakfast of cinnamon rolls and lime tea. She cautiously crossed the street and went into the famous coffee shop. Once she placed her order at the barista in the counter, a woman carrying a blonde child came up beside her. She smiled at the young boy with hair just like his mother.

"How far to go?" The mother asked her with a friendly smile. She's wearing pink racerback sleeveless top paired with pink cotton pants and a pair of sneakers.

"Excuse me?" Yvonne returned the smile.

"How many months to go before the big day?" the blonde woman repeated.

"Five more. I'm excited."

"Oh, a first time mother. That's wonderful. My name's Leighanne." She balanced her son in her arms to shake hands with Yvonne. "You're beautiful, more so when your pregnant."

"Thanks. I'm Yvonne."

"Let me guess, your husband treats you so well." Yvonne showed her fingers void of any wedding ring. "Oh, sorry. I've been tactless."

"It's alright." Yvonne smiled at the young boy.

"Baylee is almost three. His birthday is next month. Isn't it, honey?" Leighanne cooed with her son.

Baylee giggled. "I'm three." He said proudly to his mother's newfound friend, and looked at his fingers to come up with the number.

"We know how old you are, kid," said a voice behind Yvonne. They turned and found another blonde man with angelic features. Yvonne might not have noticed it but there seemed to be a surprised recognition on his face. "Uh, hi?"

"Brian, this is Yvonne. Brian is my husband." Leighanne filled in.

Brian smiled at Yvonne. "That's right. I'm pleased to meet you, Yvonne. Are you from around?"

"I'm from the US. I'm a tourist and staying over my uncle's place in the Naval Base."

"I was a drill instructor in the Navy years ago. Who's your uncle?"

"His name's Richard Thompson," Yvonne replied as she unconsciously smoothed her belly. Brian smiled at the warm motherly gesture.

"Oh, tough guy. We call him Lieutenant Bam. He trained me once when I was about to enter college. I was required to undergo military training like my cousins. Don't ask me why. It's just some family stuff. Anyway, it's amazing. I never knew he has a beautiful niece. I have a cousin that's probably the same age as yours. You might probably like him. He loves kids and pregnant women." Brian added with a light chuckle.

"Thanks. Anyway, I have to go. It's been nice meeting you. You're the first Arkadians I've gained acquaintance with. It's true that you're very warm and nice people."

"It's an honor to hear that from you, Yvonne." Leighanne replied. They watched as Yvonne picked up her brown paper bag and went out of the coffee shop. Leighanne glanced at her husband. He's still smiling as if a light bulb just flashed right above his head. "What's with that smile?"

"I'll tell you later." Brian reached for his phone and dialed his secretary's number. "Tyrone, arrange the office. I'm having a meeting with my cousins today at 10." After that, he went to dial Kevin's number. "My wonderful cousin! I've got some amazing news! Guess who's in Arkadia...."



>> 25

25

"Like how many months did she tell Leighanne?" Howie whispered to Brian as he, Brian and Kevin met at the office pantry for a quick cup of coffee. They never reached Brian's office where he's supposed to tell the news. Anyway, no one's in the pantry but them.

"Four. And the pictures don't give justice to what she looks like in person. She's so cute and has this infectious little smile." Brian told them.

"Nick should know about this," Kevin quietly added. They didn't notice Nick came up behind them all of a sudden. He's wearing a suit and he had neatly combed his hair, far different from the sloppy one who received countless memos from the HR department for violating office decorum. They gave up on him and reported the matter to Kevin and Howie. Nick followed the office rules for only two months and went back to his old habit. Looking at him now, he must be having an important meeting later.

"What should I know about?" Nick asked them.

The three men looked at one another until it came to Brian's cue to speak. "I met Yvonne at Starbucks in Prince Martin Park."

"Oh, she's here..." Nick set out a confused look. "Why is she here?"

Brian shrugged as all eyes are on him. He shrugged. "Leigh met her first and she didn't know who she is until I told her later. Yvonne said she's a tourist and staying with her uncle in the naval base."

"Bam," Nick muttered. He glanced at his watch. He has a meeting in ten minutes. It will take long until the only time he had is to pick up Mark from school. What should he do? He must see Yvonne while she's here.

Howie cleared his throat to get Nick's attention. The younger man looked at his brother. "What's your meeting about?"

"It's with the web developers and graphic artists who will reconstruct our website. I got my own designs here." Nick is the marketing manager of the company. He has high ambitions for the promotions and marketing but right now, his priorities were set to Mark and Yvonne. He hoped that his brothers would realize that. Damn, what should he do? He wants to see Yvonne but knowing his brothers, they won't let him get away that easy. He had to finish this meeting first.

"I'll go with you to the meeting, Nick, and we'll try to finish through every thing." Kevin said, just like what Nick thought. "So that you can go and see Yvonne."

There's only one more problem left. "What about Mark?"

Just then, Alex came and gave a folder to Howie. "AJ will pick up Mark." Kevin replied. Alex gave them confused looks.

"J, Nick needs to see Yvonne. She's here in Arkadia. Is it okay if you pick up Mark from school?" Howie asked their brother.

"Yvonne?" Alex thought for a moment. "Oh, the cute girl in Nick's sketches. Sure." He patted his younger brother on the shoulders. "Why is she here anyway?"

"That's what I'm trying to find out later." Nick replied. But first, he has to find her and hoped that she would talk to him even for just a while. He turned to Alex in wonder. "How did you know about my sketches? Have you been snooping around in my room?"



~~~



Yvonne glanced at her wristwatch. It's almost noon and she's starving for lunch. She forgot about the time when after a stroll in the Prince Martin Monument, she found a local citizen who shared his stories about the park and the monarchy that once ruled the small country. Then, she has gone to the national museum on the next block. Caressing her stomach, she started looking for the familiar golden arches. That's the only place where she can afford to eat.

As she looks for McDonald's, she passed by a newsstand and a certain front page caught her eye. It has Nick's picture on it walking alongside a little boy. 'Nickolas and son, Mark: EXCLUSIVE!', it says on the headline. Yvonne takes one copy and read the article inside.

'Everyone was surprised when former Prince Nickolas had a son, whose mother was his older brother's ex-girlfriend. Who would have thought that that innocent face had something in his closet, like an eight-year-old son?'

"Eight-year-old?" Yvonne's eyes widened. She continued to read.

'Kayla Murdock, the boy's mother, recently died of brain cancer last week and left her son under the care of his father, the young former Prince. Nickolas, 25, sat down with his legal team to commit full custody to Mark and bear the Bordeaux name. Meanwhile, former girlfriend, Alexei Wilson, made a statement that it was expected from her former beau to have a child outside marriage. She added that Nick is a sex addict and even she couldn't take it.'

"Oh, that is so mean!"

"Yes, so if I were you, I wouldn't read it, or even believe any of it." The storeowner remarked. "Tabloids take care of all the crap."

"He's right."

Yvonne turned, and to her surprise, saw Monique. The older woman is wearing dark sunglasses and a bandanna over her head. She looked so sophisticated and aristocratic. Standing behind her is a uniformed man carrying quite a number of shopping bags. "Busy shopping?" Yvonne asked, setting down the paper back on the stands.

"It's a necessity," Monique replied in vain. "Pregnancy suits you well." She takes Yvonne's hand and they started to walk. "You looked charming. I just hope you'll let Nick help you with this. Why are you here in Arkadia anyway?"

"You know?" Yvonne asked, ignoring Monique's last question.

"Everyone in the family knows. Nick made sure that they will accept your baby as much as they did with Mark. I heard he's been heavily scolded by his father but he can get over it. Anyway, he's the favorite son. They all wanted to meet you and Nick is trying to arrange everything so that he can leave and see you. Now, if he knows that you're here..." Monique paused. "Why are you here?"

"Don't tell him I'm here. I'm with my uncle who's in the naval base."

Monique rolled her eyes. "Yvonne, this is only a small country and mostly, everyone knows anyone. I may not tell him but others will." She frowned to the paparazzo who snapped his camera on them. He backed away with a satisfied grin. "Come, I'll treat you for lunch. A pregnant woman like you must not go hungry." She pulled the young woman down the sidewalk. "And I'm going to tell you what you should know about the family."

"Oh, there's no need for you to tell about your family." Yvonne said as she was practically dragged towards a nearby posh restaurant. The uniformed man followed them behind. "I don't care about the family."

"You're being selfish, Yvonne. I don't like that. The baby in your belly is going to be my grandchild, too, and is going to be part of our family and knowing Nick, he'll use all his power to make it happen."

"Wait," Yvonne successfully pulled her hand from Monique's tight grip. "Are you saying that Nick is going to take my child?"

Monique raised an eyebrow. "I know you're bright, my dear. And may I remind you that Nick is part of the Bordeaux clan. We, Bordeauxs, never give up without a fight. Kevin fought for his destiny, Howard fought for his lineage and identity, Brian fought for his fate and Alex fought for his love. Expect that Nick will fight for his right. He longed for that child. I know you know how frustrated he was when he thought Kayla aborted Mark. You're not going to take it from him that easy. And now that you're here, you're just going to make things easy for him."

"I won't let him." So that's the story about Mark, she thought. And Alexei is now an ex-girlfriend. Nick didn't waste his time when he had it. She shook her head.

"You still don't forgive him, am I right?" Monique looked down on the petite woman. "But what if he apologized?" When Yvonne didn't reply, Monique knew that there's still a chance between these two young lovers. No matter how much she denies it, Yvonne loves Nick. She could never be angry with him for too long. Part of loving is accepting him and his strengths and weaknesses. Yvonne loves her nephew. "Foolish pride will get you nowhere, Yvonne. Don't lose the chance of being happy. Talk to Nick and get things right."

For the first time since they met, Monique smiled at her. She gently cupped the young woman's face. "I'm glad that I found you, Yvonne. Please. Give Nick a chance to present himself properly to you. He wanted to do that."



>> 26

26

"Alex, is that okay with you?" Olivia asked as she told him her idea of the wedding theme. She suggested a 15th-century Arkadian wedding, complete with the costumes and the ambiance. Both of them agreed to have the ceremonies done at the gardens in Bordeaux where they first met on a swordfight.

"Sweetheart," Alex drew a deep breath. "I don't actually look good in a knight's uniform. It'll be so heavy and metallic." They chuckled. "You, on the other hand, will look beautiful in a lady's gown."

"I didn't say anything about you wearing the metals, Alex." Olivia now laughed this time. "You're going to wear a noble prince uniform. That's all."

"The tights! Olivia!" Alex groaned.

"Alex, this is just a suggestion. We can still change the theme. And don't worry, your brothers will wear the same thing." Olivia said. She paused to kiss her fiance. "But you know, I just wanted to marry you without all that fuss."

"I insisted to have a grand and unique wedding." Alex nipped her lower lip. They pulled apart when the door of the Sitting Room burst open and Alex's grandmother came in. "Grandma!"

"After everything she's done, you're still going to marry her? Are you insane, Alexander?" Former Queen Marguerite's voice echoed inside the big room. She glared at Olivia.

Alex and Olivia looked at each other, surprised by the unexpected confrontation.



~~~



Yvonne looked at the man sitting on the steps at the entrance of the barracks. Nick seemed out of place with his white buttoned polo, his black coat folded on his lap, dark sunglasses on his face and his crumpled yet stylish hair. How could he do that, having that magnetic appeal and standing out without even trying? She studied him. God, she missed him and she lost count the times she thought of him, wanting to see him if not only for her pride. But seeing him now is far from the Nick she knew. The once who wore vintage shirts and casual faded jeans is now wearing something that intimidates her. This is the real him, the former prince - wealthy, aristocratic, sophisticated. She may have told herself that she doesn't see him as the prince but it's impossible to deny the power of his presence. She doesn't belong in the world he's into. They're like heaven and earth.

"Why are you here?" She asked as soon as she got near. Nick already managed to stand up and he towered over her. His presence is consuming her but she had to remain firm and unaffected. "I told you that I don't want you -"

"Is that the way to greet the father of the baby?"

Yvonne protectively put her arms on her big belly. "I don't care what royal protocols you have for greetings. And you're not taking the baby away from me."

"That's mine, too. We did it together, remember?" Nick raised an eyebrow. "Unless you had another man after me..." Her hand was suddenly on his cheeks before he knew it. His face grew red as some uniformed men passing by gave them curious looks. They will have conclusions seeing him here and talking with a pregnant woman.

"You are the father. And as you can see, I'm not asking you for anything except to get out of my life." Yvonne said. "You see me as an opportunist, Nick. You thought that I only see you as the prince, who can help me pay off my debts, that's why I continued my relationship with you, am I right? I'm not that shallow, Nick. I don't make friends just because they have thick wallets with them. I can't believe that there's someone like you." And I can't do anything that I still even love you for that matter, she added to herself.

"You don't have to shut me out of our baby's life, Yvonne."

Yvonne smiled with sarcasm, despite the weakness she's feeling as she stands right there in front of him. "You're not listening, Nick. How will I let my baby know of his father who thinks so low of me? He doesn't deserve you." She watched as Nick's jaw clenched. He stared at her in silence. "Your silence agrees with me, Nick. Why don't you just leave?"

"I'm not leaving unless you come with me."

"No."

"Do you want the media to know about this? They're going to do to you what they did to my son."

"No, they won't unless you tell them." Yvonne firmly stated.

"I won't but we're out here in the open. Somebody will tell. News had its way to reach people. You'll live under scrutiny just like me but they'll ask you what happened and why won't you marry me. I'll promise you protection, support -"

"Why are you so worried about the media? Ignore them, for Pete's sake!" Yvonne sighed. "And are you proposing?"

"Marriage? Yeah, I think I do."

"It's not just something you have to give, Nick."

"But I'm offering it, Yvonne." Nick replied. His face seemed confident.

"You don't have to marry me just for the baby's sake." Yvonne argued once again. I want you to marry me because you love me, she thought hopelessly.

"I don't want the baby to be like Mark when he was born. I want to be on the baby's side like what I'm trying to do now with Mark. I want the baby to know what a family is and that family is ready to support him. Are you going to be that selfish to deny our child being in a family?"

Nick had smoothly turned the table against her. She agreed on that aspect. She grew up with two loving parents. She wanted the same thing for the baby, too. Enough of her pride for now. Nick's right. The baby needs his father. "You're right about that, Nick." She finally said and sighed.

Nick found hope when she said that.

"But you know, you got to prove to me that you're worthy to be this baby's father. I'm not stupid to just marry you when I can provide on my own." Besides, you don't even love me, she added silently. "And you didn't tell me that you already have a son. I don't know what to believe anymore. You lied a lot about yourself."

"That's because I didn't know about him until about a few months' back after I got back here. I would have told you if I knew... if I... " realized that I've been in love with you sooner than I thought. Nick paused. She stared at him for a while before she walked quickly past him and in to the barracks. He messed up. He wants to hit himself in the head for messing up. His brothers are going to smack him on the head when they hear about this. Damn, he really messed it up! What is he going to do now?



>> 27

27

"Grandma!"

"Hear me out, Alex. You know that not everyone of us is ecstatic to see her here after what she's done. Nick is avoiding her because of what happened in the past. He just loved the idea of another niece. And Kevin, you know your brother..."

"Olivia made amends and apologies were accepted. We know it's hard to start again but I'm standing by her side. I'm not going to leave her. I'm not going to lose her again." Alex sighed in frustration.

"So, you think it'll be just as easy as that? Everyone in this family may easily forgive and forget but I won't. That woman almost killed you and Nickolas once -"

"The woman's name is Olivia and I hope you'll remember that, grandma." Alex felt somewhat irritated. He even wanted to scream.

Marguerite snorted. She looked at Olivia. "I'm just trying to protect my grandson. I don't trust you."

Olivia bit her lower lip as she glanced at Alex, then back to Marguerite. "I won't try to convince you and make you see that I've changed, Ma'am, but I assure you that I love your grandson. Love is a very beautiful thing and it changed me in different ways. I've been through a lot in the past, seeking things that will make me happy. I thought that having money and any material thing will give me the satisfaction but I was wrong. Alex made me realize that if I started to love myself and others, every great thing will surely follow. And I love Alex. He makes me happy more than anything I've asked for."

"Olivia..." Alex called out softly.

But Olivia continued. "This is hard for me too, Ma'am, because until now, I don't know where I get the courage to go here and face his family everyday after everything and as if nothing happened. I'm still ashamed of what I've done but Alex is here, guiding me day by day until everything will go right."

There was silence in the room. Marguerite stared at the woman of whom Alex deeply loves. He changed Olivia.

"I respect you, Ma'am. I know you're concerned and it's rare to have that kind of protectiveness and to be in a family like this. I'm glad to have the opportunity to be one with you. I'm hoping that you will give me another chance..."



~~~



Mark looked at his father and he saw that something's bothering him. Nick has been quiet since he picked him up from school. Usually, he would ask how his day has gone and then they will stop by some place to eat. But it must be something that happened yesterday that made his father to be like this. "Uh, Dad?"

Nick just grunted as his eyes were on the road.

Mark glanced at the bodyguard sitting beside his father, driving their car. "Can we have dinner at grandpa's place on Friday?" Mark tried again. Nick looked at him.

"I'll check if they're okay." Nick said.

"I already did and grandpa said that he's preparing dinner himself. And Aunt Aya is baking some cake for me too."

"Why is there a cake?"

Mark bit his lower lip. "Uh, it's my birthday, Dad. I'm turning nine."

Nick closed his eyes and cursed himself. "Oh, sorry, baby. Daddy just got so many things to think of. I'm really sorry. Would you like a party instead and invite your friends over?"

Mark shook his head. "Dinner is okay, Dad. Oh, and Uncle AJ told me that you went to your girlfriend yesterday." He said. "I want to meet her."

"Girlfriend? Oh..." Nick's eyes softened upon remembering Yvonne. Mark watched as his father grew silent. He must be thinking of that woman that his Uncle AJ told him yesterday when he picked him up from school. His dad looked so sad, sadder than when his mother died. He wants to meet the woman. Maybe he will like her. Maybe he can accept her to marry his dad and become his step mom. It may be hard but he will try to face it if that's the only thing to bring a smile on his father's face.



>> 28

28

Monique entered her mother's room and saw the elder woman sitting alone on a high single couch. Her eyes close as she relished the music being played in the background. "I can't believe you can find peace in here when you just broke a couple's momentum in Bordeaux." She started. She learned from Alex about what happened to the confrontation with his grandmother.

Marguerite opened her eyes and turned to her youngest daughter. "Monique! What are you doing here?"

"I'm trying to clean your mess, Mom," Monique rolled her eyes. "I can't believe that I'm doing this. Alex and Olivia are in love. Why are you against their wedding?"

"Olivia is no good for Alex. She's done a lot in the past and I couldn't forgive her for hurting my grandson. Besides, she's taking Alex away."

"Then you should be mad at Yvonne, the woman of whom Nick got pregnant. She's denying Nick his rights to be the father." When Marguerite frowned, she sighed. "Look, Mom. What Olivia has done is nothing compared to mine. So does that mean that you still haven't forgiven me?" She stood in front of her mother. Hurt crossed her face, dreading to hear her mother's reply. But she had to face the truth. She was never close to her mother. Marguerite favored Michaela more than Monique. She was like the excess baggage in her mother's womb for nine months. Monique is closer to her father. The late king was a very nice man, and a very good father. She was very devastated when he died because that would mean that she's now alone as she lost the only person who believed in her, despite her shortcomings.

"Yours is a different case, Monica."

"I'm always the different case for you." Marguerite didn't reply on that. "Look, Mom. Whatever happened in the past will be the past. They clearly love each other and we are not in the position to go between them. And Olivia has changed. She'll never do anything to harm Alex again."

There was a long moment of silence. Monique studied her mother's features. She's too old yet the beauty can still be seen. But don't be fooled, for the former queen is a very stubborn woman. "I think you're right." Marguerite finally said.

"Are you sure?" Monique raised an eyebrow. "Besides, Alex is a grown man. He's not the same little pesky kid running around your garden anymore. He's been through a lot. It's a good experience for him to let those things happened because he's stronger to face more."

"I think you're right," Marguerite said again. She looked at her daughter.

"That's settled then. I'll go to the couple and tell that there's no more problem with you. And you're going to apologize to them tomorrow too." Monique turned towards the door.

"Does the old lady deserve a hug from her precious daughter?"

When Monique heard that, she tries to fight herself from letting the tears fall. She slowly turned to face her mother. "I'm not really into hugs and embraces, Mom. Like what you've always said, I'm a different case."

"Because you're special."

A lump formed in her throat. She never cry, not even in front of her mother. But her mother is getting all cheesy and affectionate and she really appreciates it. It only happens once in a blue moon. This must be the day.

"Thank you for being a loving and caring person you have become, Monique. I truly hope that you really changed." Marguerite said. Monique is always Monique, the strongest daughter she had.

"I'm a renewed person, Mom."

"I believe you are." Marguerite nodded as she opened her arms for Monique. Her daughter gave up her own fight and rushed towards her mother's welcoming arms. "And I love you, Monique. I always will."



~~~



Yvonne stopped on her tracks when she saw Nick standing outside the barracks in this Friday afternoon. It was like deja vu but this time, he's not alone. Beside him is a boy who's most likely to look like him someday. Nick got a nervous look while the younger one is curious. "Uh, hi." She said, avoiding to show indifference towards Nick when his son is here.

"We would like to invite you for a small gathering tonight." Nick started. "By the way, this is Mark, my son. Uh, Mark, this is Yvonne, the one I've been telling you."

Yvonne watched as the boy stepped forward to shake her hand. She couldn't help but smile at his politeness. "It's my birthday today. I wish you'd come with us. Besides, my Dad wanted to see you in a long time." Mark told her.

Yvonne glanced at Nick who looked away. Oh my, this is awkward, she thought. She saw Nick wiping his forehead with his handkerchief and drawing a deep breath. He seemed more nervous than her.

"The family is going to be there," Nick filled in. "It's just a short dinner but if you're not available, we understand. We don't want to tire her and the baby, do we, Mark?" His son looked at him and nodded. "It's okay, Yvonne, if you can't go. We understand you."

"I will go." Yvonne said, her eyes meeting Nick's. He's already assuming that she won't go. But she won't fail Mark, especially now that the young boy used puppy-dog eyes, like his father's, on her. How could she resist that? This kid can charm people without even knowing it. And she's not an exception. She likes this kid already. She's even willing to be his stepmother if given the chance that she and Nick will get married. "I'm honored to be invited by the birthday celebrant." She smiled down at Mark. "But sorry, honey, because I didn't get you a gift."

"Uhm, it's okay, Ma'am." Mark bit his lower lip. "We didn't actually plan for my birthday anyway. I just kind of asked Grandpa Ben for dinner and then he invited everyone to come over." He pointed at Yvonne's belly. "Is he going to be my brother?"

Yvonne nodded. "If it's a boy, he'll be your brother. But if it's a girl, you're going to have a sister." She urged Mark to come over. "Feel it, he's moving. He must have sensed you. Are you looking forward to be a big brother?"

"I've been asking my Mom about that in a long time. But now she's gone and then here you are. I think it's okay." Mark pressed his ear against Yvonne's belly. "He's not moving. Maybe he's just listening to me too." He smiled and looked at his father. "Can we keep her and the baby, Dad?"

Nick didn't know how to answer that. Mark still doesn't understand the things around him. He won't understand the situation that his father is currently into. Instead, he said, "Grandpa is waiting for us, Mark. Let's go." He offered his hand to Yvonne who takes it and they started towards the car. Mark seemed to remember about his small birthday gathering as he hopped excitedly to the waiting car, calling Yvonne to sit beside him. "Thank you," He softly whispered and squeezed her hand.

"You have a nice kid there. I just don't want to disappoint him."



>> 29

29

Alex felt the tight grip from Olivia as they went out of the car when they reached his parents' house. Their daughter, Jamie, came out bouncing happily when she saw her cousins also arrived and they all went into the mansion, their noise rang down the hall.

"Your grandma, Alex..." Olivia said. She sighed. After her monologue earlier that week, Marguerite only stomped out of the room in reply. The elder woman couldn't accept her to become Alex's wife. But Alex stood by Olivia, never letting her go.

"We'll just ignore her, Olivia. If she can't accept you after all the things you've said, there's no point talking to her anymore." Alex replied, soothing Olivia's back, comforting her. They turned when a 4x4 vehicle arrived and stopped behind Alex's Range Rover. They saw Alexei coming out of it, walking towards them like she owned the ground she's stepping on. Howie stood beside Alex.

"What are you doing here?" He asked the blonde woman.

"I'm looking for Nick. I went to Bordeaux but they told me that he's going to be here. Where's he?" She flipped her hair back and raised an eyebrow.

Alex gave her a glare, wishing at that moment if only looks could kill. This woman had the guts to show up in Eastwood as if she forgot the mean things she said about Nick. Their youngest brother has been disgraced in public, to the point of being humiliated when she said lies about him. Nick had so much in his shoulders since Kayla died and this woman fired darts to where it hurts. "He's not here. Leave, Alexei. You're not welcome here after everything you've done."

"I just want to talk to him." Alexei insisted. And yes, she may not have to wait for long. They saw Nick's Durango going down the path and stopping in front of them. Mark came out excitedly, helping someone from the inside to go out of the vehicle. A pregnant woman came out which made Alexei's eyes grow wide. Nick was there to support Yvonne as well. They turned to Alexei.

He ordered Mark to go inside the house immediately in which, the kid complied. "What are you doing here?" Nick demanded as soon as his son was gone.

"Who is she? Another whore you got pregnant with?"

Yvonne's mouth opened to retort but Nick spoke first. "Don't you talk to her like that, Alexei. Get out of here!" He grabbed her arm and practically pulled her towards her car. "You're not invited here, not even wanted."

"If I leave, I'll make sure that you're not going anywhere." Alexei pulled herself from Nick and took something from her purse. It was only when everyone realized that it was a gun when she pointed it towards Nick. He stepped back, shocked that Alexei would resort to something like this. "I learned that you found her. I knew about Yvonne all along. Damn, you've been thinking about her even when we were still together. Have you ever wondered how depressing it was? How it deeply insulted me? You even called out her name more than once when we had sex! Damn you, Nick!" Everyone gasped when she seriously aimed at Nick, ready to fire out, even Yvonne called out his name.

"You will never do that, Alexei." Nick said.

"Oh yes, I will. No one's going to have you, Nick. If you don't want to marry me, she certainly won't have you either." Alexei brushed the tears off her face. "I wasn't worthy enough for anybody, even to you. It was very insulting to have you when some bitch had your heart. I'm not a substitute for anything, Nick."

"Look, Alexei. I'm sorry. Please forgive me." Nick looked at the gun then to her. "I admit I didn't love you as much as I did Yvonne. I liked you since we were kids but I realized that I felt it was Yvonne that I really love. But you were a nice person. Don't let this thing come between us. You're an amazing woman. Don't ruin yourself with me. I'm not worthy of your love. You'll find someone else more wonderful than me, one who will appreciate you more. You have a wonderful life ahead of you." He started to walk slowly towards Alexei. "Don't do this, Alexei."

"Someone has to go before this night ends." Alexei said, breathing heavily. She stepped back when more people came out from the house, even the bodyguards. "Any move from any of you and I'll surely hit the trigger on Nick. All you have to do is watch him die."

Isabella cried, calling out for her son. Nick felt himself sweating. "Alexei, let's talk nicely."

"No! As I told you, I want to be the only one. I changed my mind. " Alexei turned her aim towards Yvonne. "She had to go. You're the one I want and she's the one that has to die." She started to pull down the trigger.

"No!"



>> 30

30

"Nick!" Yvonne screamed his name when he stepped in and takes the bullet from her. He dropped into the ground and she rushed towards him. His family followed her while the bodyguards took the moment of grabbing hold of Alexei, who was too shocked when she realized what she's done. "Don't die on me," Yvonne cried as she hugged him. Kevin takes him from her, carrying him quickly towards one of the cars to rush him to the nearest hospital.

"Yvonne..." Nick called out.

Kevin told her to sit beside him and Nick, who is lying on his lap. Worry crossed his face as blood continues to flow from his brother's. Benedique and Isabella were calling out on him but Howie ushered their parents to the other car. Cristin, Adrienne and Olivia took the kids back in the mansion. The least they wanted is for them to see the violence that has occurred.

"Nick, I'm here." Yvonne held his hand. "Hold on."

"I love you always." Nick said. Kevin quietly listened to the two as his tears were falling already. "I'm sorry for everything I've done." He winced at the pain; tears fell down his face.

"You got a lot of explaining to do with Yvonne, Nick. The two of you will talk after this. We need to get you to the hospital first." It was Monique who said that. She's sitting in front beside the driver. Kevin couldn't even speak, as he firmly holds his brother with him.

"Your aunt is right, Nick." Yvonne sniffed. She placed a light kiss on his forehead and wiped his tears. "I love you, too. You're not leaving anywhere, Nick. You'll see our baby and Mark grow old and graduate in college." She brushes his sweat-stricken hair away from his face.

"I'm scared. Where's Mama? It hurts." Nick cringed. He grabbed Kevin's arms that are holding him. He's holding the two of them as if getting some amount of life from them.

"Mama is in the other car, Nick. She'll see you at the hospital." Kevin found his voice at last. "Now, be quiet."

Nick winced in pain once again. Yvonne cried out in worry, as Nick gripped her hand tighter. "I love you, Yvonne. I always will." And then, he closed his eyes. Kevin grew more worried when he saw that. They began checking on his pulse.

"He's weak. He passed out." Kevin told Yvonne, and comforted her. "He'll live, Yvonne. Have faith. Just wait and see..."



~~~



"How is he?" Benedique asked when they reached the hospital, a few minutes after Nick has been gone to the emergency room. They only found Monique waiting at the hall. Kevin and Yvonne were nowhere in sight. "Where are Kevin and Yvonne?"

Monique saw that almost everyone is there. "Kevin took Yvonne to a room. Her body gave in after what happened and the doctors advised her to rest. Nick is in the ER, taking the bullet off his chest. He lost consciousness on our way here." Her tear-stricken face showed that she's worried like them. "Is Alexei already taken to the police?"

"We made sure about that." Alex replied. His father passed by them, taking his mother with him, and went by the ER's door, hoping to catch a thing on what's going on inside.

"Did Mark already know what happened to his father?" Monique asked, worried about the boy as well.

"I called Adrienne," Howie answered. "Mark is crying at home. He wanted to see his father and she's bringing him here. Kristin and Olivia were left behind with the kids."

"Poor kid. He still not through about losing his mother and then now, his father..." Alex trailed off as he sniffed and wiped his tears. It was worst seeing Nick being shot in front of him, taking the bullet which was supposed to be on Yvonne's. The scene kept on replaying on his mind. They did nothing but stood there.

Howie felt the same thing. He wanted to blame himself for just standing there. His little brother is in danger and they can't do anything about it again. But he's going to make sure that Alexei will rot in jail. They all turned when Kevin came down the hall. He went to his brother and asked for Yvonne. "She's fine. She shouldn't be stressed out. I asked a nurse to look after her for a while. How's Nick?" From Howie, Kevin turned to Monique.

Monique just shrugged; vulnerability across her face. The place grew silent for a while. A hospital attendant approached Kevin and told about the media gathering around the building. Kevin frowned. "So soon?" He sighed as he wearily rubbed his forehead. He wondered how did they know. He went along with the attendant to attend the media matters, picking up his phone to call John Lyndon.

When he's gone, everyone fell into silence once again. It's been a torture for them to wait. The clock ticks mercilessly on the background. The familiar scent of medical laboratories and medicines are filling their nostrils. Faint noise of the doctors in the background is distracting. What could be happening right now?



>> 31

31

A little girl came running about as he walked through the blinding brightness. Once the girl noticed his presence, she excitedly clung on to him, hugging him tight on his leg. He looked down at her and upon seeing her smile, a warm feeling enveloped him. He reached out to touch her face. He couldn't get enough so he bents down and cupped her face. "Why are you alone?" He softly asks.

"I'm not alone. I'm with you." The little girl said.

He looked around for anyone to ask. He couldn't comprehend what's going on and oddly enough, he didn't even feel nervous not knowing anything either. He turned back to the young girl. "Do you know where we are?"

"An old man called this as the paradise. I just had my bath on a wonderful river down there..." The girl pointed out on her right but Nick couldn't see anything. Everything is covered with white smoke.

Nick turned back to the little girl. They settled down on the ground and the girl is still clinging on him. "Do you know me, young lady? Why are we here in paradise?" The little girl noticed his tattered shirt. "I was shot in the chest..." He looked down and wondered why he couldn't feel anything. There was only a scar left from the gunshot wound he had. Is this the place he thought it is?

The little girl looked up to him. "Because you're here. If you'll go back, I won't be here too. You need to go back because Mommy needs you. My brother needs you. You need to go back so that I will be there, Daddy."

"Oh my God..."

"He's there," the little girl pointed to someplace and Nick can now see some sort of an oasis beyond the whiteness of their surroundings. He saw a beautiful place - like a garden, or the paradise. "He's in the river washing someone else's feet and he helped me take a bath too."

"You really take a bath here?" Nick asked her.

The little girl paused and her mouth dropped open. She glanced somewhere then turned back to face him. "Go back, Daddy. I was told that you should go back. They told me that you're still bound to live and see me."

Nick reached out to hug her. "I love you, baby. I'll see you soon okay?" The little girl in front of him is slowly blurring from his view. There was a loud swoosh surrounding him. "Baby? Where are you?" He called out. He felt himself falling and falling and feeling nothing...



~~~



"She stopped bleeding. She's okay now. The baby is fine as well." The woman doctor told Isabella and Monique. The nurse who was looking after Yvonne just called out about the emergency regarding her. Yvonne woke up from her sleep and went hysterical and wanted to see Nick. But she had to be careful because of her pregnancy. That's when the bleeding started. Isabella and Monique quickly rushed over as the news about Nick's condition hasn't revealed yet.

The doctor excused herself after the two thanked her. Isabella and Monique faced each other, hugging the other. "I wish this nightmare would go away." Isabella cried as Monique shushed her.

"I am as worried as you are, too." Monique said. They realized that they were hugging and quickly got shy. They turned away from each other. Monique glanced at her sister-in-law, thinking how she will make the first approach. Isabella sits down beside the sleeping pregnant woman on the bed. Monique cleared her throat and the other woman looked at her. "I'm sorry, Isabella. I really do. I hope we can start anew after this. I know I've really done a lot of worst things anyone could think of. I really should be in jail but I have this blessing of freedom. I still continue with the community service I was tasked into and I'm planning to do more if that's what it takes. And I want to make amends with you. I hope you would forgive me..." She extended her hand to Isabella.

Isabella stared down at Monique's hand extended to her. It was not hard to forgive someone who sincerely asks for forgiveness. Through the course of her comeback, Monique tried every thing to show the family that she has changed. She tried every thing to gain back their trust. She tried every thing to be back as part of the family. If she wanted to start anew, Isabella can give her the chance. She didn't take her hand but instead, she pulled her sister-in-law for a hug. "Oh, Monique! You never knew how I prayed for this moment to happen."

Monique quietly muttered a prayer of thanks. That's when the two cried and hugged each other. After this incident with Nick, both were hoping for a new start.



~~~



Nick suddenly opened his eyes, and as if gasping for breath. The doctor beside him jumped in surprise. "Where are you, baby? Sweetheart, daddy's here!" He tried to stand up to look for something. The people in the ER looked at him. He winced in pain and fell back to lie again.

The doctor feels his forehead. "The operation turned out fine. You're out of danger now. Don't go moving about. We just had stitches in you." Nick roamed his eyes around again. He winced when he felt another pain on his chest but he tried to follow his doctor now. "You need to rest and let the wounds heal. We will take you in the recuperating room in a few minutes. Then, I have to go out too and announce to your family that you're now fine. They have been waiting outside for a long time now."

"I want to see Yvonne, she's the pregnant woman. Is she here?" He carefully and slowly spoke. His voice is low.

The doctor turned to his colleagues. They shrugged except for a petite woman who stepped forward. "Mr. Kevin took her in another room to rest. She was stressed out, Sir. It might harm her and the baby." She told Nick. "She's doing fine now."

But Nick knew that something came up to Yvonne. "Please... check her again. And take care of her... and the baby..." He tried to say. Another nurse came beside him and gave him something to put him to sleep. "Please... tell me about her... when I woke up... will you? I need... to see her and... my daughter when I woke up... Please? This... is a matter... of life and death..." Nick's eyelids fluttered and grew heavy. "Tell her that I love her... please..." He closed his eyes.



>> 32

32

Nick woke up and found his brothers sitting on the sofa, all were asleep. He really found it amusing and also very touching that they were there to stay and look after him. His cousin, Brian, is there too, sleeping beside Howie. If only he had his camera phone with him, he will take this moment to take them a picture. "Good morning!" he tried saying in a loud voice. But he failed and so, he decided to pound his hand once on the bedside table. The four jerked in surprise and woke up suddenly.

"Damn, Nick. Is that your way to be grateful?" Alex muttered and stood up, stretching his arms. Brian went out of the room for a while then came back sooner. Nick received worried glances from them.

"Are you okay, Nick? You slept all day yesterday." Kevin asked their brother. He touched his forehead. "The doctors told us that the operation was successful but you need to rest. Don't talk too much for now. You had two gunshot wounds on your chest. You're lucky it didn't get to the vital organs. Or else, you're inside a coffin by now."

Nick frowned. "Ugh, Kev! Do you really need to say that?"

"Maybe," Kevin replied. "Because you're a two-timer asshole who used women as substitute of the other. How stupid was that, huh? Now you got yourself into trouble and Yvonne almost lost the baby because she's very worried of you."

"I know it was my entire fault. There are so many 'ifs' that should have been done but I was too caught up in what I wanted that I never thought that I already hurt some people." Nick turned away from his brothers and cousin. "What happened to Yvonne?" He asked quietly, worried of her. He tried to sit up but Brian had him back down on his bed, giving him a warning look not to try it again and gestured for his wounded chest. Yeah, he felt that. There's still pain there. But Yvonne was in a hospital room. "What happened?" He asked again.

"She was bleeding the other night, wanting to see you. She got all stressed out and it's causing danger to her pregnancy." Howie replied. "It's okay now, man. She's fine. Mark is looking after her."

They watched as Nick closed his eyes. No matter what they say, they feel sorry for Nick, for having this ordeal on his shoulders. In such a young age, he had so much to deal. "I screwed up again, huh? I get her into harm again. Maybe if I could just let her go and be away from her, this won't happen. She might have lost the baby there." He remembered the dream he had when he was in surgery. He was in this very bright place and a little girl came running to him and hugged his leg. She even called her daddy, telling him that she took a bath and God helped her into it. And he was told then that they were in the paradise. He could never forget a dream like that. It brought deep significance to this another chance of life. And it wasn't his life anymore. It's his children's lives... but if only Yvonne will give him the chance to be part of hers.

"I've never seen anyone so in love that he'll take the bullet from her, Nick. That was really brave. Stupid but brave." Brian said, interrupting his thoughts. He opened his eyes. "And you really loved her that much to give your own life for her. It was really noble of you."

Nick shrugged, still feeling insecure after what happened. "Anyone would have just done it. You, or Howie or just anyone of you, just for the sake of your loved ones." He sighed. "I love her. I'll do anything for her. But will she still accept me after this? I mean, I must have scared her. I may really lose her now this time."

Howie gave his brother a skeptic look. "When I saw her going hysterical that night and worried of you, I was thinking that she loves you too. It's just a matter of pride after what you've said and done to her. But her feelings gave away. She had us all worried when the bleeding started. I even thought of the words I'll tell you if she lost the baby. The tragedy will be too much for both of you if it happens."

"But we're glad that nothing worst came then." Alex added. He looked at the other men in the room and they only nodded at him. "Maybe you should know about the house and the car she sold to have something to get through." He told Nick.

"Wait, the house and the car? She doesn't want it be sold. It meant too much for her."

"It was actually bought in such a great value that she was able to pay her debts after it." Brian said.

"How did you know all of this?" Nick received looks that said 'do you really have to ask that?' "Alright, I got it. You hired another PI. Why didn't you tell me? I should've bought it myself and kept it for her."

"Somebody else bought it," Alex replied in a relaxed tone. They paused when the bodyguard entered with paper cups of coffee, in which Brian asked a while ago.

Nick worriedly ran his fingers through his hair. He could feel how devastated Yvonne must have been to come in a decision just to solve her problems. If only he has been there, he was able to make everything fine. If only he wasn't scared of anything before, the house and the car should have still been Yvonne's. His brothers are right. He is downright stupid. He groaned in frustration. The other men only watched him.

"Alright, I gave in." Kevin said as the others groaned, wanting to let Nick feel more guilty over what Yvonne has done in able to support her pregnancy. "Keith bought it."

"Your best friend?" Nick's hope resurfaced when Kevin nodded. "I'll buy it, Kev."

"Actually," Howie's eyes danced in amusement, "Keith is only the proxy buyer. We bought it for you. We didn't get to tell you about it. And if Yvonne learned about it, she'd give back the money and find another interested buyer. The lawyer who represented us said that Yvonne almost guessed the truth, thinking you used a proxy buyer to buy it yourself. What she didn't know, it was his brothers who bought it for you."

"If I can only move from here, I'll kiss each one of you right now." Nick said in a wide smile.

"Oh, thank you is enough." Alex joked.

"Thank you. Thank you so much." Nick felt a lighter feeling after that. "I have to tell Yvonne about it. I'll buy the house and the car back from you. I'll do my best to make everything right this time. I love her and I don't want to pass up any opportunity now." He felt teary-eyed and immediately wiped it away. His brothers and cousin laughed but he didn't mind. He's excited to see Yvonne now and settle things with her.



~~~



Once again, Nick found himself opening his eyes and saw the blinding light on the ceiling. Everything is white but he knows he's only in the hospital. His brothers left him a while ago and he was asked to sleep back again. He turned on the side and saw a view so beautiful that he wanted it to remain forever. Yvonne was asleep on a couch, her head rested on Mark's lap. His son is sleeping as well. They looked all tired out, probably waiting all day for him to wake up. He watched as Yvonne moaned in her sleep, causing Mark to unconsciously caress her big belly. Nick smiled. This kid is going to be a good man when he grows up. He knows how to treat women nicely. Mark slowly opened his eyes and caught his father already awake. "Dad? How are you?"

"I'm fine, although slightly tired. How is she?"

Mark looked down at Yvonne. "I heard from Grandma Belle that she had blood the other night on her legs. Is that normal, Dad?"

"No." Panic crossed his face although his brothers already told him about it. He saw Yvonne sleeping peacefully on his son's lap as if it was the most comfortable place in the world and Mark's hand is still on her belly. "She's supposed to lie on something more comfortable than the couch, Mark. Why is she here?"

"She insisted on lying here with me, Dad. I think she's a nice woman. She treated me nice and she told me a lot of stories. She wanted to stay here with me and watch over you. She's very worried about you. She cried a lot last night, insisting to stay here with you rather than be alone on the other room." Mark replied.

"Yvonne..." Nick softly called out. "Yvonne. Shake her softly, Mark." His son did as he was told. Yvonne moaned once again then opened her eyes. When she saw Nick already awake, she rushed beside him, feeling his forehead and cupping his face. Mark sat beside Nick's head, watching Yvonne with awe. He's never seen a woman this worried of his father before.

"How are you, Nick?"

"I'm fine, and you should be lying on some decent bed. Do you feel your back hurting? How is she?" Nick lightly caressed her belly. "Someone should be looking after you."

"Aunt Elle was here." Mark filled him in. "I saw her pushing everyone to go home earlier and rest and she'll stay to look after us." Just as he said that, Giselle came in, bringing along paper cups of steaming liquid.

"Just as I thought," Giselle smiled at them. "I asked a bodyguard to bring us hot chocolates here, since no one should be drinking coffee especially a pregnant woman." She winked. She gave Mark his cup. "The family is coming back later. They just called to see how you are doing. I assigned myself to look after you."

"Thanks, Elle." Nick returned his gaze to Yvonne who shyly glanced at Giselle and muttered her thanks.

"I guess this is my cue to leave your family alone for now. I'll just tell them to wait outside when they get here." Giselle discreetly went out of the suite.

Nick felt a hand reached for his. He saw Yvonne looking at him with so much love and his eyes moistened. "Thank you, Nick." She said in a low voice. "The bullet should've been mine but you took it from me. After all I've said and done, you still did that. I don't know how to face you now but I'm telling you that I'm really sorry." She bit her lower lip. She carefully wipes the tears on his face just like the same she did on hers. "I'm really ashamed of myself." She cried.

"Shush... don't. I should be the one sorry. I've done things that I only think of myself, making mistakes that I never thought would hurt other people. I was selfish. I never thought of anything else but myself. This is my entire fault. I'm sorry." He looked up to Mark. "I'm sorry, Mark, for not being with you when I should've been there. I'm not a good person and don't take that selfish attitude from me. But I'll make it up for everything, to make it right."

"Dad, you were nice since the day we first met. I'm really happy to have someone to call as my father." Mark replied. Nick sniffed and his son wipes his tears.

Nick smiled then turned to Yvonne. He reached out and pulled her down to hug her. "Don't ever think about being ashamed of yourself, Yvonne. I will never give up on you, or on Mark. You are my life and I wouldn't let anyone hurt you, even if it takes to get the bullet for you, I will do it. I love you." He touched Mark's face as he looked up to his son. "I love you." Mark cried as he joined hugging both of them. "I had this dream when I was in surgery last night. I was in heaven and I saw a little pretty girl." His voice croaked as emotions filled him at this moment. He felt Yvonne lightly kiss his lips then wiped his tears away again. She and Mark looked at him, waiting for him to continue. "I can still remember the very thing she said to me on my dream."

"What is it, Dad?"

Nick smiled. "She called me Daddy."

Yvonne's tears fell once again. "So, it's a she." She caressed her belly, so did Mark.

Nick grinned. "I think so. And I guessed she saved us some money for the ultrasound, huh?" Yvonne chuckled. "She's very pretty. She's just like you, Yvonne."

Yvonne drew a deep breath. "I'm really sorry for everything, Nick."

"I am, too, Yvonne. I shouldn't have said things like that. This is really my entire fault."

Yvonne's hands touched his face. "I love you. I love you so much and it frightened me to think of ever losing you last night. I can't even imagine living without you if things came to worst. A part of me will die if that happens. I love you, Nick. Oh..." Nick gently wiped her tears. "Kevin took me in a room for a rest and later I was bleeding. I was so scared. I don't want to lose you and the baby either. Oh, please. Is there an end for all of this?"

"Yes, Yvonne. We'll be together now. I love you and I won't let go of you again." He smiled at her and gripped her hand tighter. "Do I still have the chance?"

"You always have, Nick. I'm yours right from the start."

Nick felt tears fell in his eyes. As Yvonne softly wipes it away, he took the moment to ask her. "I know that this is not an appropriate place to ask, Yvonne, but I will anyway." He met her look. "Will you marry me?"

Yvonne smiled wider. "Yes, of course. If Mark will accept me, too..." They looked at Mark.

"I don't have anything against you because you're making my Dad happy." He replied.

Yvonne takes the boy's hand. "I am most willing to be your stepmother but I won't take the place of your mom. She will always be in our loving memory. But I will take care of you like my own, Mark. I will love you as my firstborn."

Mark cried at that moment as he went to hug Yvonne. The suite was filled with warmth as hugs were exchanged. Mark smiled down to his father, looking at his happy face as he gazed up to the woman he loves. Sooner, a knock came on the door and the rest of the family arrived to visit Nick. The once-quiet room is now filled with reunited noise of gratitude and joy.



>> Epilogue

Epilogue

He watched as his son danced with his wife in the middle of the dance floor, swaying to the music they personally chosen for their wedding day. Soon enough, their little daughter joined them, probably not wanting to leave out from her parents' attention. Her father scooped her up into his arms and the three of them danced together.

As everyone laughed and watched, Benedique turned his head around the garden. He saw Kevin bending down to kiss his wife, Cristin. His hands went to his wife's rounded belly. She is already more than six months pregnant. Kevin is a very excited father. On the first period of his wife's pregnancy, he's the one craving for food instead of Cristin, much to the family's amusement. The two have found love through the help of the family's tradition and after all the hardships and trials, love still prevailed.

Benedique turned to glance next to Howie, who had his wife leaning against his shoulder as they watched the newlyweds on the dance floor. Adrienne lovingly looked at her husband's face, lightly touching his face with her warm smile. They whispered something to each other as their lips met in a kiss. Since they got together years ago, the couple never really minded about kissing each other in public. Benedique noticed that much about Howie and Adrienne. And they deserved happiness after all they had in finding their own place in the world. Howie had known his real parents and Adrienne found her new family in him. They sacrificed enough and having each other is more than they asked for. Love found its way into their hearts when their world is grey and they couldn't see beyond it. Having found each other gave them the lighter path to take each day, every step of the way. Benedique saw how their true love kept their faith together for each other, growing stronger everyday.

Benedique heard a voice and he saw Brian talking to his son, the ever-playful Baylee. The little blonde boy kept on nodding then hurried off to join his cousins who were playing by the flower garden. He smiled seeing those kids, seeing his dream come true of having his grandchildren enjoying the place he tried to maintain for them. And he's blessed to see the next generation and can still watch them grow.

He heard Brian's laugh as Leighanne said something to him. The couple turned to watch the dance then turned back to stare at each other. A few more words and they were laughing once again. They looked very happy and it's really good to see them that way. It has been hard for them from the start but love found its way into their hearts. Benedique remembered breathing a sigh of relief when he learned that the two finally came into good terms and fell in love with each other. They were still reminded of Harry but they saw it as the way how they found each other. Harry will always be in everyone's hearts. Brian and Leighanne found love in unexpected circumstances. The once fragile relationship they had when they started as husband and wife grew stronger as time passed by. They founded their love based on trust and respect, and everything else followed. Seeing them happy together is a good sight. Love moves in mysterious ways.

And then there's Anastasia and her fiance, Luke - Nick's best friend. They are getting married in three months' time. He never realized that their platonic relationship slowly turned into something deep and special. Now they're getting married. Giselle, who's going to be their maid of honor, is sitting beside her sister. There's a wonderful life ahead of that charming young lady. Among the cousins, she's the only one who will pursue a professional singing career and the family greatly supports her on it. Not only that, she will be starting as a freshman student next year in the university. Benedique only hoped that she will remain the values instilled on her and remain grounded. Then everything else that is wonderful will surely come her way.

A kid passed in front of him and Benedique followed with a look as his eldest grandchild went to his father. Mark absolutely looks like Nick when he was young. He said something to his father then went to kiss him and Yvonne before going off to join his cousins. Benedique watched as his youngest son discreetly wipes a tear. The very emotional son of his is still overwhelmed by the way his life has changed. Yvonne turned to him as he rested his forehead against hers, while her hand went down to her nine-month old belly. Nick followed her hand and placed it over hers, giving the sun the opportunity to cast its rays over the band that binds them together. After a week when Nick was released from the hospital, he married Yvonne in a quiet ceremony in Bordeaux Castle. It was attended by all their family and friends. It all came in a hurry as the two wanted to marry before their baby will be born. Lately this month, the two decided to establish their family in Florida, where all the things started, after Yvonne gives birth. Mark is coming with them, too. Benedique watched as Nick enveloped Yvonne in an embrace and later, they kissed. And with their hands entwined, they stood up to follow the other couples for a dance.

Ayesa, the famous theater actress, took her cue on stage to dedicate a song to her newlywed cousin. The music dramatically transitioned to an old ballad love song and Ayesa began humming the tune.

And as the newlyweds were joined by the others in the center, Alex puts down Jamie, who left him and her mother for a time alone. Alex continues to dance with his lovely bride. They never pushed through the Renaissance theme that they wanted for the wedding. Almost everyone opposed to the idea mainly because of the tights, in which Benedique really found amusing as he imagined himself donning something only their great-grandfathers have worn a very long time ago. He'd never dream of wearing tights on his son's wedding. So, the couple agreed on something unique as well, a rather fairy-tale wedding where all were asked to dress up like fairies and enchanted beings in a fantasy world. The gardens of Bordeaux instantly turned into a magical kingdom that afternoon. The flower girls wore custom-made wings making them looked like pixie fairies. The men were in black tuxedos while the women wore frilly colorful dresses. Alex and Olivia finally got married, after the wedding preparations and the ordeal they had with his grandmother.

He watched as Alex and Olivia shared another kiss, and sighed when he felt that everything in his life is settled now. His sons have found their love and have gone married and have their own family. He had all that he hoped for, at the least. He felt that he will never be complete unless he found that missing link in his and Isabella's life. They have gone through very hard times of making their family safe and together but a memory, of a very long time ago, changed their lives and became a secret that no one ever knew. A lump formed in his throat as he remembered it and his heart ached for longing and deep frustration. He is considered as one of the most powerful persons in the world but he was not able to do anything to do what he should have done in the past. Now, he didn't even know how to tell it to his children.

"He's usually like that lately." He heard Isabella telling the twins, Monique and Michaela. He is glad that Monique had changed and made amends with everyone of them. "In a certain point, you'll see him staring at nothing and then he'll smile." His wife continued. She's talking about him.

"I'm just taking my time, seeing what we have gone through so far." Benedique said, taking his wife's hands to his. "Everyone got their own happy lives. All we have to do is sit back, relax and watch it." Yes, it has been a great and a dramatic journey in their lives. They've gone this far, going through many challenges, being the rulers of this small country and then stepping down from the historical heritage and going through a normal life as private citizens. And still, there were organizations who were working out to bring the monarchy back, just like what happened in Spain, but that still remains to be seen. If Benedique will be asked about it, only time will tell. He's more focused on being a private citizen - something that he longed for ever since his children were born.

Monique nodded, agreeing on her brother. She felt Michaela's hand on hers and she smiled at the warm gesture. Michaela briefly hugged her. She looked back to her brother and sister-in-law. It feels good to be like this. Her faith in God changed her in so many ways and gave her the happiness she longed for in a long time. Slowly, she stated.

"After everything, it all comes down to a happy ending."

Benedique looked back to the couples dancing out there. He always wished for a happy ending. Will he be able to get it?



THE END

>> Alternate Ending ...

>> Proceed to MONARCHY SERIES II