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 has 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 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 looks 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 shelf.

"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'll accept your baby as much as they did with Mark. I heard he's been heavily scolded by his father but he'll 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. 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."

"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.



---



Bam was only called twice at the office of a Flag Officer-in-command, the highest ranking officer in the Navy. That was when he graduated distinctively with the highest honor in the naval training history and when he was given instructions and endorsement as he presented his troops to the Commander-In-Chief, the President of the United States. Now, in his third time, the highest Navy official requested for him to be at the office. Bam wondered the need for his presence.

When he reached the door of the office, the guard gave him a salute and immediately informed his arrival. As he was ushered inside, he didn't expect the person he least wanted to see although he also wanted to talk with. He wondered why the man is here and then he remembered.

Nick is the nephew of the Flag Officer-in-command of the Arkadian Navy.

Bam made a salute to Nick's uncle, Paul Bordeaux. "I'll leave the two of you alone."

"Thank you," Nick tells his relative as he stands up and waits for the other man to leave the office. Bam quietly studied the younger man and noticed that he's wearing a corporate business suit. This is the real Nick, the former prince, the rich man who pretended to be like any other regular people in the US. He meets Nick's eyes when the other one turned to him.

"I need to see Yvonne, Sir."

"Why?" Bam gave Nick the look that was only intended to his troops. He never failed in getting any one scared by his intimidating look and apparently, it works on Nick, too. But the younger one never waver his look from Yvonne's uncle.

"I need to talk with her and apologize for the things I've said and done. I want to take care of her and our baby, Sir. I have to get things straight with her and build a new life with her." Nick drew a deep breath. "There's a lot more to say but the bottom line here is that I love her and I will do anything for her."

"Why did you come to see me when you have the resources to locate where she is now?" Bam's jaw clenched. He watched as Nick struggled to continue. He noticed that Nick is somehow scared of him, judging by the way his knuckles turn white as if gathering some strength from it.

"It wasn't easy for me to do this, Sir, but out of respect to you, I will do this. I want to tell you this. I want you to know my sincere intentions to your niece."

"Now that you already told me, go to my niece and beg for your chance." Bam said and turned to leave.

Nick didn't expect his reply. "Don't you have anything to say? You're not going to interfere?"

"You know damn well that if you screw this chance, you better hide from me because I'm going to find you and kick your ass, regardless if you're the former prince of this country and the father to my grandchild. I don't care who you are. Now, go to Yvonne and support her. She needs you more than I do." Bam reached the door knob just as when he heard Nick say.

"Thank you, Sir."

Bam gave him one last look. "That's an order, not a favor."



~~~ "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..."



>> 27

27

Yvonne was surprised when she saw who was waiting for her at the front steps of the barracks where she stays with her uncle. 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 were 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'll 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 friendship 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." Yvonne looked into his eyes. That was a mistake. She can easily get drawn by those innocent-looking blue eyes.

"Please, Yvonne."

She drew a deep breath. "Okay, but only for a while." She replied. She lets him usher her to a waiting black Range Rover. There was silence as the driver took the road out from the Naval Base. Yvonne secretly studied the man beside her. He looked mature since the last time she saw him. It was as if he had lots of things on his shoulders to think about, probably including her and the baby. But in spite of that, he gained a little weight in which she thinks is good for him. He's been silent too. Well, what should she expect? Tell her on what happened in his life in Arkadia, about his girlfriend or about his son? It wasn't as if the world doesn't know those things yet. She realized that Nick is the most publicized personality in his family. The media took a very special interest in the youngest son of the former king ever since he was born. "Monique never wasted time to call you and tell that I'm here."

Nick glanced at her for a moment then back to the window. Yvonne is more beautiful when she's pregnant and it's overwhelming to see her carrying his child. He admitted that he's on the verge of tears on the first time he saw her went out of the cab earlier. His heart went overdrive and it took him a lot of willpower to restrain himself from taking her in his tight embrace and kiss those wonderful lips. My, he missed her! He never had this feeling of loss before. He loves this woman so much and he's very much a fool for letting go of her before. Now that he saw her again, it was as if things were promised to go right this time around.

He faced her. "Aunt Monique never told me. I still haven't heard anything from her today. It was Brian, my cousin, who told me. He said that he met you at Starbucks at the Prince Martin Monument this morning."

"Brian? I don't know any Brian..." Yvonne thought for a moment. Then, she remembered the couple she ran into at the coffee shop earlier. Monique's right. Arkadia is only a small country and mostly, everyone knows anyone. "Oh, Brian, Leighanne and Baylee..."

"Yes, they're my family and Brian knew about you." Nick confirmed. Yvonne realized that they are now entering some large gates where uniformed men stood on both sides. And not far away, she saw a large castle. "I've prepared dinner for us. We're going to have a long talk, Yvonne."

Unconsciously, Yvonne smoothed her belly. She looked at Nick and then back to the castle ahead of them. Insecurity came over her. "Uhm, where are we?"

"Home."

"Home?" He calls that big building his home? He leaves in a castle? "Uh, no ... no ... no. Get me out of here."



~~



The car is already parked in front of the castle. The driver curiously looked at the rearview towards the pregnant woman in the backseat who panicked when she realized where she is. This one is different, he thought. She was not taken by his boss' wealthy persona. Discreetly, he went out of the vehicle to give privacy to the couple in the backseat.

Nick faced Yvonne. "What's wrong?"

Yvonne glared at him. "You don't have to show me where you live or how extravagant your lifestyle seemed to be just to let you support my child. You don't need to do this, Nick. This meeting is over. Take me home."

Nick sighed in frustration. "That's not my intentions. I took you here for a chance that we'll talk alone because if we were some place else, your face will be on the tomorrow's headlines. I know that. Paparazzi followed me everywhere and someone might have already seen you. I had enough of it and I don't want you or my child faces it right now, not yet. I'm so sorry."

"You're just trying to show off."

"No. You know better that I never did that. Yvonne, I apologize for everything I said and done. I'm so wrong. I deserve whatever you want to do with me but I'm begging you now. Let me support you. Let me be the father to our baby. Let me offer my name."

Yvonne's heart raced when she heard the last one. "What do you mean by that?"

"Marry you," Nick quickly replied. He takes her hands but she pulled it away. Still, he asked her. "Will you marry me?"



>> 28

28

Bam followed his niece as they reached the barracks. Yvonne went inside the mini-room intended for her. He watched her close the door quietly and locked it. With a sigh, he sits down wearily on the sofa and recalled what happened on their day.

Nick unexpectedly came to talk with him about Yvonne. His niece arrive later and found Nick waiting for her. She went with him to talk. And then, Bam received a phone call from Yvonne telling him to pick her up at the Bordeaux Castle. She doesn't want Nick to take her back to the base. When Bam got there, he met the former prince Alex who also lives with his brother. Nick and Yvonne broke the news to him that they are getting married.

But it's all for the baby, Bam recalled Yvonne telling him.

"What?" Bam frowned. He noticed Alex slightly backed away. The other man was his former student in the Navy, as well as Brian. They knew him when he's on the edge of his temper. Alex experienced doing 500 push-ups in only three hours when he was in training under Bam. The marine officer contributed a huge amount of discipline and respect in Alex and the latter remembered everything. Nick is the only prince who didn't undergo the military training among them.

"It's only for a matter of convenience, Uncle," Yvonne said with a stubborn look while Nick, on the other hand, looked frustrated. Without any word, Bam found his fist and punched Nick on the face.

"I should have done that earlier, Nick! You disappointed me." Bam shakes his head. He angrily took his niece out of the castle and took her home.

Glancing back to the closed door, he could hear Yvonne crying quietly. It tears him apart. Nick asked his permission to marry Yvonne but he missed out the part of telling that she's deeply loved. Damn Nick. He wasn't man enough to tell the truth of his intentions.



~~~



Nick looked at his younger image when he saw Mark coming out of the castle to play football with his cousins, Scott, Baylee and David. It was like looking at a mirror. Mark smiled to his father, oblivious on what Nick is about to tell him.

Nick drew a deep breath and made a mental count before he begins. He called his son for a while. "I was told that I'm invited to watch a play in your school. You're in it?"

Mark smiled wider. "Yes, dad. You already received my note?" Nick nodded. Mark always left him notes in his study table for his father. "Are you coming?"

"Of course." They started walking towards the flower path of Isabella's garden. "I'd like to tall you something very important, Mark, and I hope you'll understand." He started.

"You have a girlfriend?"

"I'm going to get married and you're going to be a big brother." Nick saw his son frowned and looked away. When Mark turned back to him, he couldn't tell what's going on in his son's mind. There was silence.

"You never loved Mom, did you?" Mark asked moments later.

"Mark, you mom will always have a special place in my heart." Nick said. "She's a wonderful person and she gave me a very good son. The one I'll marry is a wonderful person too."

"It's not Alexei, right? Because I don't like her very much."

Nick was caught off-guard by his son's honesty but he appreciates it. And nobody in his family really liked Alexei anyway. "Never, Mark."

Mark felt tears in his eyes. "I missed mom. I wished you should have married her instead." Nick felt helpless when he saw his son is crying. He looked around and saw Alex on the window at the second floor giving him a good luck sign. It's hard to tell things like this to a child, especially to the one who didn't grew up with him, who had his mother died recently and found out that his father has decided to marry another woman. The two of them are still taking little steps at a time in getting to know each other more and trying to be a family as well. Nick tries hard to be a good father to Mark in any way he could. He only wished that his son would understand this situation he had with Yvonne.

"Uh, Mark..." Nick bit his lower lip. "I'm sorry if this is hard for you. It is for me, too, but I hope that you'd understand." His son looked up to him. He gently wiped his tears. "This woman that I'm going to marry... I love her and I won't let her go this time, the way I did with your mom. I'll try to make things right this time. Please, understand."

"If you love her, why didn't you tell her?"

Both father and son turned to the one who spoke. They saw Bam within a distance. The marine officer walked towards them and looked at Mark. "Hello, young man. You must be Mark."

Mark nodded and shook hands with the man. That's what his father taught him to do whenever introductions were made. His father said that it's a sign of politeness and courtesy. Bam smiled. "I'm Bam. Are you afraid of heights?"

Mark curiously looked at the newcomer. "No, sir. What made you ask that?"

"Well, how do you like the idea of wall-climbing with me and your cousins? It's Saturday and there's this special event at the naval base this afternoon." Bam winked at him.

"Uh," Mark, whose face is now dried from tears, looked at his father. "I need to ask for Dad's permission first. Right, Dad?"

Nick nodded. "We'll go there later. Listen, Mark. Will you excuse us for a moment?" He briefly hugs his son. "Thank you so much, Mark." He stared at his son for a while and saw a smile. "It's going to be alright. I will always be with you even if I get married." Mark only nodded and left the two. When he's out of earshot, Nick faced Bam.

"It's hard to tell him, am I right?"

"He wants his mother but of course..." Nick sighed. "I'm a coward, Bam, I lost my tongue yesterday." He tried to explain.

"What are you going to tell her? You just can't let her believe that this is only a marriage of convenience. My niece deserves happiness and damn you for being the only person who could give that. I don't want to see or hear her crying again. You have to stop this."



~~~



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."



>> 29

29

Yvonne went inside an expensive boutique of a famous designer, following Adrienne. The latter came to the barracks earlier and invited her for shopping for her bridal dress. The whole family already learned about the forthcoming wedding and it's been very confidential that the media still doesn't have any idea about it. Yvonne knows that preparations are working overtime and Adrienne must have been voted to take her to get her wedding gown. She never realized how this family could be so supportive of each other but she appreciates it.

Yvonne takes a quick glance at a dress and noted its price. "I'm not sure if I can find anything here, Adrienne." She said to the tall woman who's looking at another dress.

"Oh, but they have beautiful dresses here." Adrienne smiled sweetly. "Actually, this is the same designer who made my wedding gown. Don't you like it?"

Yvonne shyly looked around. "This place looks expensive actually." She's maybe able to spend a lot in shops like this before but it wasn't her lifestyle then. Besides, this place is really out of her league. It only suits to those people like...Adrienne.

Adrienne smiled. Howie informed her beforehand that Yvonne is not the type of woman who fancies expensive things. She's more on the practical type of person. "Please, Yvonne. Don't worry about it. This is actually a wedding gift. Please?" Actually, her little brother-in-law gave her the authority to use his card. It doesn't matter if she maximized its credit limit as long as Yvonne will have the best she deserves. "The others would like to come along. Unfortunately, Cristin had a project to finish; Olivia was busy with her own wedding preparations while Leighanne has a doctor's appointment." She winked at her. Damn Howie and his habits. She's really getting into it.

"This will be too much for me." Yvonne still hesitated.

Adrienne put both hands on the other woman's shoulders. Yvonne already passed the type she wants to in a little sister that she never had. "Listen, darling. You'll only marry once and to a man you love and who also loves you in return. That's one of the rarest, but also the most special thing that a woman deserves."

Yvonne felt warmth at the thought of getting married but it faded away when she remembered why she is doing this. She unconsciously smoothed her belly. "Thanks. I appreciate your kind gesture."

"No problem. Anything for you and my little brother."

They began looking around together, constantly checking on the gowns if the other woman approves on it. "So, how did you meet your husband, Howie?"

Adrienne sighed dreamily and she found it amusing. They've been married for a long time now but still, it seems like it's only yesterday when she found herself in love with Howie. It's such a wonderful feeling. And remembering Howie makes her want to back to bed again. It was only like six hours ago since the last time they made love before rising up for the day. "I'm Kevin's best friend and Howie's quasi-girlfriend. I never expect to end up with him but I did. I'm happy with him. I love him so much in ways I never thought would be possible. Love comes in unexpected circumstances. You'll never know it until it hits you really hard."

"Yes, it does the same for me," Yvonne agreed.

"I'm glad to hear that." Adrienne takes a gown from the rack but her future sister-in-law shakes her head. They kept on looking around. "I can talk on and on about Howie but that would be selfishness for me. I just really love that man and every time someone would brought up a topic about him, I'll just light up. I really love him. He completes me. Everything went right." Adrienne shakes her head. Yvonne showed her a gown. She takes a look on it but shakes her head. "Cristin, Leigh and Olivia have their own stories. Cristin knew Kevin for a long time since she's betrothed to him."

"Betrothed? It still happens here?" Yvonne chuckled, finding it ridiculous.

"It is a part of the many family tradition you'll know soon and you'll be surprised on whatever are those." Adrienne chuckled. "Anyway, they've been in love all along so after some lovers' quarrel and family troubles, they mended their broken relationship and get back together and stronger than ever. Olivia is another matter though."

"She's the one skilled with the swords and had eyes like mine."

Adrienne nodded. "Yes, she's the stubborn anti-monarchist who married our dear Alex. But he loves her so much. They've been apart for years but they must be really meant to be together. Leighanne, on the other hand, is the former wife of Brian's elder brother Harry who passed away years ago. Their story was a complicated matter."

Yvonne stopped and turned to her. "Oh, really? That must have been hard for both of them. How did they end up married to each other?"

"From a dying man's wish. I'll tell you more about it later." Adrienne saw her look at a simple yet elegant gown on a mannequin. From what she knew, the designer puts his best creation in that particular area of the boutique. "Try it on and let's see if it fits right for you."

"I hope so," Yvonne's smiling eyes adoringly looked at the gown. Adrienne wanted to snap a picture of it. Nick's future wife is so cute. "I hope it fits on the belly portion. I wanted to look great even if this one's big." Yvonne gestured on her big belly.

"Well, it's a Sabrina cut so it would fit but if alterations are needed, we can always ask for the necessary adjustments." Adrienne assured her. The younger woman went to the dressing room.

"Hi, Adrienne."

Adrienne glanced around and saw Alexei inside the boutique. She consciously glanced to where the fitting rooms are then back to Nick's ex-girlfriend. "Hi, you're shopping again?" she smirked. Alexei is used to be one of those 'it' girls in their prep school in which she disliked. Those girls have the unusual penchant to make others miserable and vulnerable that's why it wondered her how Nick came to like this woman before.

Alexei rolled her eyes. "Yeah, I need a gown. Anyway, it's my boyfriend's card." She proudly showed off someone else's card.

"Oh," Adrienne took something from her purse. "Does this one was victimized too?"

Alexei saw the gold credit card and the name on it. She never got to touch it but she knew to whom it was. "That's Nick's. Why do you have that?" then she slowly smiled. "Oh, I get it. The two of you are having an affair."

Adrienne shakes her head. "That would be incest. Anyway, this is Nick's but this is only an extension intended to be used by his bride. I'm only tasked to take care of the couple's fortune while she's at the fitting..." she turned when she saw Yvonne comes out of the fitting room. "Oh, darling. You're absolutely charming. Nick will surely never take her eyes off you."

"Thank you. Hi." Yvonne greeted the blonde woman who stood there, staring at her and her round belly. Instantly, she recognized her and jealousy crept in. So, this is the woman Nick has been fantasizing about. She's beautiful...and bitchy. She noticed the way Alexei glared at her. "You must be Alexei."

"And you are?" Alexei raised an eyebrow.

Yvonne extended her hand. "I'm Yvonne Thompson. I've seen you so many times in the papers. You looked so ... blonde."

Alexei ignored her hand. "Is Nick only marrying you because you're pregnant?"

"No." Yvonne's smile never wavered as she shakes her head. Can this woman be more arrogant? She felt embarrassed when Alexei didn't shake her hand. What should she expect anyway? An ex-girlfriend can't possibly be happy upon learning that her ex is now marrying someone in just merely weeks from breaking up with her. "We have something real going on that's why he asked me to marry him. Anyway, excuse us. I still have lots of things in my mind right now on how to maximize the use of Nick's card because as you know, I'll be his future wife." She pulled Adrienne away to go back to the fitting room. Alexei was left blushing furiously.

"I never knew you got that spirit." Adrienne tells Yvonne.

"I never knew you had Nick's card all along."



~~~



It really bugged Alexei to learn that Nick already asked a woman to marry him in just weeks after their breakup. Why is it so hard for him to ask her instead? She actually begged him for that, for Pete's sake! She never felt so insulted in her life before. She made the assumption then that Nick is going to marry her. But her plans backfired when Nick clearly doesn't want to get married, not to her anyway. Alexei realized it now. He had another woman in mind and she's American. He must have met her while he's in the US.

She wanted to scream in frustration as she makes her way out of the boutique. As usual, since her breakup with Nick, she already had a share of her own attention from the media. There were paparazzi crowding outside, who also knows that Adrienne is inside. But no one knows about Yvonne. Alexei slowly smiled as an idea came into mind. She saw her car waiting for her in front. She doesn't want to go home yet. She had to think of something to get back at Nick and this is the opportunity for her. She knew how Nick kept everything private, including the part of protecting his son Mark. But the media deserves to know about Yvonne and the fact that Nick is marrying her.

"Alexei, have you met Adrienne inside?"

"Yeah, we have a little chit chat for a while. She also introduced me to a new friend. Did you know her?"

"The pregnant woman?" Some paparazzi looked at each other.

Alexei rolled her eyes. "C'mon, guys. I expect you better than that. I'll give you a scoop anyway." She drew a deep breath. "That's Nick's future wife and they're trying out for some gowns for a wedding soon." There were commotions as she said that. "Anyway, I wished them well. I'm happy with Sean now and I hope that Nick and his girlfriend would be, soon." She noticed the paparazzi lost their attention on her and knew why. Adrienne and Yvonne are now going out of the boutique. She gave the two a smile before walking towards the waiting car and left.

"Who are you? How did you meet Nickolas?"

"How many months is that?"

"When is the wedding?"

Adrienne and Yvonne were surprised at the media ambush. The bodyguards with them carefully assisted the two women, most especially the pregnant one, towards the waiting van. Everyone's taking pictures of them and asking them a lot of questions. When Yvonne looked up, they even wanted to push the bodyguards just to get a clear glimpse of her but the bodyguards were bigger men and built to protect their bosses from situations like this. Adrienne knew that Alexei had something to do with this. She gratefully smiled to their bodyguards when they closed the door as soon as they gets inside.

"That's scary." Yvonne's widened at her first-time encounter with the media. "Are they so much interested with Nick that they'd ambush us like that?"

"Yes, especially with Nick. You should see the fuss when he took Mark on his first day in school. It was in the evening news' headlines." Adrienne looked through the tinted windows as the van slowly drives away.

"This is insane."

"This is the life that your future husband got used to, Yvonne. Deal with it." Adrienne held her hand.

"Can I do it?" Yvonne bit her lower lip. She looks down on her four-month-old belly.

"Any woman who denies Nick on his responsibility over his child can also fight for her own right to protect her child against this kind of media. Yes, I believe you can do it, Yvonne."



>> 30

30

"Are you sure with that?" Alex asked his brother when Nick gave him his sketch of what the garden wedding should be like. Alex planned on having the ceremony be held in the romantic gardens of the Bordeaux Castle, where he and Olivia first met.

Nick chuckled. "Hey, man, that's the best thing I can do. I'm not particular with the flowers so those stuff that you see here," Nick ran his pencil over the paper, "looks like vegetables."

"Yes, it looks like broccoli in a bunch." Howie said. He takes the pencil from Nick and add a few sketches in the picture. The five of them are in a gazebo in Bordeaux where they are having a free time while waiting for the tailor to come. They will be fitting some tuxedos for Nick's wedding this coming weekend.

"Howie, you can't draw." Brian chuckled.

"I think he knows now. He's helping Ava with her school projects." Kevin smiled amusingly.

"So, Nick, how are you and Yvonne?" Howie asked as he erased Nick's broccoli.

Nick sighed. "She's special and I don't know what to do now."

"What do you mean?" Brian asks.

"I still haven't told her that I love her."

"What?" All four men said at once. Alex smacked their younger brother at the back of his head.

"Ouch! I'm afraid." Nick tried to say.

"You're lucky that Yvonne loves you that much to agree on marrying you." Brian said. Kevin stood up and stretched his legs.

Nick shrugged. "I don't know. Maybe she just wanted me to give our child a name and for me to support them."

Kevin smacked him on the head. "You're so stupid! You know what? 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 you asked Yvonne to marry you without even telling her that you love her. It's not easy to say yes for her but she did. Did you know why?" he smacked Nick again. "She loves you, you asshole!"

"Hey! What's the pleasure of doing that?" Nick rubs the back of his head.

"If you continue thinking that way, you deserved more than that." Howie glared at his brother. "Why can't you tell her now?"

"I love her. I'll do anything for her. But will she still accept me after this? I mean, I may scare her at the way I live my life here. She's not used to this. I'm afraid that I may not be able to protect her and our child." Nick bit his lower lip. His brothers looked at him in silence. They understand. They felt the same way when they are about to marry their own wives. Being part of this family is not like any other normal thing that happens to a regular person's life. They always lived under scrutiny, royals or not.

Alex looked at the other men in the room and they nodded at him. "Maybe you should know about the house and the car she sold to have something to get through." He told Nick.

Nick immediately looked up when he heard that. "Wait, the house and the car? She doesn't want it be sold. It means too much for her."

"It actually costs a lot and she paid 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.

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 should have been there, he'll 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 just watched him.

"Alright, I gave in." Kevin said as the others groaned, wanting to let Nick feel guiltier over his stupidity that made Yvonne to something to be 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'll 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."

"I'll kiss each one of you right now." Nick said in a wide smile. He stood up to reach them. His brothers backed away, cringing.

"Ew, Nick. 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.

They turned when Howie's van arrived. They knew that Adrienne took Yvonne out to get a wedding gown. As soon as it stopped, Adrienne immediately went out. Nick rushed over to help Yvonne out from the van.

"He's crazy over her." Kevin watched his youngest brother. They went to the newly-arrived women. Howie quickly planted a kiss to his wife.

"Your ex-girlfriend is insane, Nick. And I mean, Alexei." Adrienne tells the younger man.

"Huh?" Nick's face reddened, feeling embarrassed on what Alexei did this time. He shyly looked at Yvonne while Adrienne relayed what happened at the boutique earlier.

"She's immature and still can't get over the fact that Nick broke up with her without thinking twice." Howie shakes his head.

Brian noticed the young couple feeling awkward about the situation. "Come on, guys. Drop it. Let's leave this two alone to talk." He winked at Nick. "We'll be at the Winston hall to wait for the tailor."

"I'll follow you, guys, there." Nick nodded. "Thanks." He drew a deep breath as he turned to Yvonne. "I'm sorry, Yvonne, for what Alexei did to you." His voice quivered at the impending emotions inside of him. Yvonne only looked at him. To her surprise, she saw tears in his eyes. "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. I'm a spoiled brat. This is my entire fault. I'm sorry. I was so afraid. I'm so stupid to let go of the only person who I will only love for the rest of my life. That's you, Yvonne."

"Are you sure?"

Nick looked deep in her eyes. He can't help himself from stopping his tears now.



>> 31

31

"Yvonne, it's true. I love you. And I'll do whatever you want, whatever that makes you happy. I will always be here and never leave you again." Nick held both of her hands.

Yvonne's voice was almost a whisper when she spoke. "Say that again, please?" her tears fell down too.

"I love you so much, Yvonne." Nick gently wipes away her tears. "And I'm so sure about this. I'm so sure about marrying you and spending my life with you. I'm so sure that whatever the circumstances are, I will protect you with every fiber of my being from anyone or anything." He kisses her hands. "You never knew how much I cared for you ever since I saw you drinking all your way at the club. I've enjoyed every moment that we had together. It must have been fate that led me to the US and to you. And I'm really sorry for the things I've said and for the times I really hurt you; that I let go of the only one that will make me happy."

"I was hurt, that's true, but I can never be mad at you for so long. You let me see life in a different perspective, finding it all so wonderful despite of the negativity and violence around. You helped me get through the pain of loss. You made my days happier whenever I spend it with you. You never knew how much I treasured the moments we were together. I never realized that I cared a lot for you too. And I love you. You taught me to be stronger. You taught me to live. You taught me to love the way I love you now." Yvonne gripped his hands that are holding hers. She wiped his tears in return as she smiled.

"You're making me cry again." Nick cupped her face.

"I guess, there's no use to pretend and be stubborn when in truth, I'm so happy to see you again. It's like I found my way home and it's with you." Yvonne said. She closed her eyes when Nick kisses her. Yes, it's indeed a homecoming for her. She missed Nick so much. Her heart swelled at his revelations. Tears fell as their kiss deepened. Nick leaned closer as he embraced his future wife.

"I felt home with you, too, baby." Nick kisses her again. "I was due for a meeting when Brian told me that she met you at the Prince Martin Park. I wanted to rush over and see you but my brothers have this unusual penchant to torture me. I continued with a meeting and when I'm done, I rushed to the naval base to talk to Bam. Considering that he's your only family, I laid out my intentions for you to him."

"Uncle Bam is like a father to me now. He's fuming when we got home after he hit you. I've never seen him that angry before. I was worried."

Nick nodded. "He dropped by the next day after he hit me to tell that I should admit my feelings to you. Uncle Bam knows how much I love you. I laid my heart out to him when I came to speak with him. He's still mad but his only wish is that I'd take care of you. He's very much like a father looking out for his daughter." He embraces her more. "You'll finally get to see Mark tonight."

"I'm looking forward to meet your son, Nick."

Nick looked down to her. "What do you think about him? What do you feel to realize that I'm a young father?" Worry crossed his face again.

"I will give him the same love as I will do to my child, Nick. He'll be our eldest child." They smiled. "I'm looking forward to meet him. Do you think he will like me?"

"He felt awkward at the situation at first but he told me that he wanted to know you." Nick sighed. "I know it will take time for everyone of us to adjust in this kind of setting but I will try all my best to make this a happy family. Mark is a good kid. Kayla raised him well. He's a young gentleman. He's looking forward to be a big brother too."

"There's no need to rush. We'll take things one at a time. I know it will be hard for Mark this time. I'll try to make some adjustment on him. I know that I can never replace his mother." Yvonne said. They were silent for a while. "It's sad that I sold the house and the car." She looked up to him. "So I guess, I'll stay here in Arkadia."

Nick kissed her on the forehead. "I have a confession to make." He stared at her. "I'm sorry that you forced yourself to sell those things that are very important to you. It's my fault. Fortunately though, my brothers learned about you and the dilemma that you had. They bought the house and the car through Kevin's best friend so that you wouldn't notice the conspiracy. My brothers are good at this stuff." He shakes his head.

"You mean..."

"They bought it for me because they think that if you learn about what they did, you won't sell the house to the proxy buyer. I guess, they studied everything to help us. My brothers loved to meddle on stuff like this. I'm sorry they lied to you. They only told me about it earlier and I will buy it back for you, no matter what's the cost. I will give any penny that I had just to get it back. No one should own that but you."

Yvonne chuckled but soon enough, she's laughing. She hugged Nick. "Oh, my God!" She kissed him.

"Wait, baby. You're not mad?" Nick wondered.

"I'm grateful that those weren't bought by just anyone. I'm glad that your brothers did. It doesn't matter if you can't buy it back, Nick. But I feel relieved." She reached out to hug him again.

Nick chuckled. "Oh, my God. I love you!"

Oblivious to them, Nick's brothers, Brian and Adrienne are watching them from the window up in the castle. "Oh, little brother is getting married." Adrienne singsong. They watched as Nick carried Yvonne and spun her around as if she's not a heavy pregnant woman.



>> 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

>> Proceed to MONARCHY SERIES II