1
Brian went out of the rented car he's driven. He surveyed the place where his brother lives and drew a deep breath. The old antique house never changed since he's been there two years ago. He frowned when he saw a woman at the window on the second floor then disappeared. Who was that? That must be the woman who called him to come to France and see Harry.

He made his way to the door. He opened it just in time to stood face to face with the same woman who's probably about to get the door as well.

"Who are you?" He asked. Her soft blue eyes caught his attention. He particularly digs women with such beautiful eyes, especially like the one staring back at him now.

"That's not important right now -"

"It is when I don't even know what you are doing in my brother's house," Brian snapped.

"We need to take Harry to the hospital. He won't let me take him so I thought that you might help me convince him." The woman replied instead. She followed Brian as he made his way upstairs towards Harry's room.

"What happened? Why wouldn't he let you take him to the hospital?" Brian asked and opened the door to Harry's bedroom and stopped on his tracks. Harry lay there, sleeping. But so much has changed from the last time Brian saw him. He looked so thin now, and so sick.

"He wouldn't tell his family," said from the voice behind him. Brian sensed the cracked voice like she's about to cry. "Harry has leukemia."



~~~



Brian's jaw clenched as he sat on the seat by Harry's bed and watched him sleep. He hates being vulnerable but that's what he's feeling right now. He couldn't do anything to save his brother as the doctor said that Harry is terminally ill. The doctor advised to take him to the ICU, and it's been three days now since he was brought there. Brian was only glad that the woman, whoever she is, called him about it. Or he will not forgive himself for not being there for Harry in this time of need.

It's been ten years since Harry graduated from the university and left his responsibility as an heir, and living his own secluded life away from the pressures of the family. Brian couldn't blame him. He didn't have anything against Harry when he left just like that. He's still his brother after all. If he wanted to, he would follow what Harry did. But he can't. It's not because he cannot leave their father and mother. They would not even care, like the way they ignored Harry's decision to leave. They are always busy with the business, social gatherings, and among other things they love to take the privilege of as royals. It's because of his uncle's family. He loved the feeling of being belonged in his uncle Benedique's family. Kevin and his cousins treated him as their own brother and he never wanted to take away that feeling. He longed for a family when his own family left him out in the open.

He stood up and went out of the room. The woman looked up when he got outside of the ICU; her eyes were still fresh from crying. They stared at each other for a while until the woman looked away. "Who are you?" He asked once again.

"Name's Leighanne." The woman replied.

"Do I have to ask one by one to know everything about you?"

Leighanne turned to this man. Harry told her a lot about his little brother, on how Brian is the best brother in the world, how great he is as a person, his compassion and kindness towards others... but it seems like just an illusion. Then, she looked forward to meeting the man that Harry adored so much. Brian surprised her ever since she met him almost seventy-two hours ago. The man is far from what Harry spoke highly of. Brian is a bully of a man. It's disappointing that this hot-tempered and arrogant man shares the same blood as Harry's.

"Have you gone deaf?" Brian pressed more when she still didn't speak. Leighanne casts him a glare. She never knew well the full background of Harry's family except that he is from an influential family in a small country, south of France. And judging from the way Brian acts like a spoiled brat, they must be from a rich and influential family.

"Just to give you a peace of mind, my name is Leighanne. I'm working as a chef and I'm Harry's wife."



>> 2

2

"How are you, Brian?"

Brian looked at Harry and sadly smiled. Leighanne is sitting beside the bed, running her hands through Harry's hair. Hours later, Harry requested to see the two. "I'm not fine," Brian admitted. "I couldn't bear the thought that you never told us about your leukemia. We could have prevented this. I should have taken you to the best doctors."

Harry shook his head. "Medicines will only prolong our life when we'll all end up dying anyway. I don't want any treatment."

"Don't you have any more reason to live? What about me? What about your wife?"

"This is God's will, Brian. Leukemia is leukemia and no matter what we do, this is already terminal. If you're thinking about the things you can do to take me to every best doctor out there, it would rather be used to help the poor and oppressed more than to me." Brian didn't reply at that. He watched as Harry and Leighanne looked at each other. His brother nodded at her and then she stood up.

"I'll leave for you to talk alone." Leighanne said to Brian and went out of the room.

"How did you meet her?" Brian asked when Harry's wife left.

"At a friend's restaurant. Leighanne is a chef, the best cook you've ever known." Harry said as he eased himself comfortably on the bed. "We've been friends for a year until I popped the question last week and we got married. It all comes in a hurry for some unexpected circumstances other than my leukemia. She's a very special person and I hope that you'll take care of her when I'm gone."

Brian stared at his brother as he caught that part of his statement. "Last week? You just got married last week! Harry! You're sick and you still asked a woman to marry you? And just a week? You're insane!"

"Sanity has nothing to do when you're in a grave situation, Brian. When you finally fell in love, you will remember what I said. You will never know when you already found the woman you'll cherish forever with your very own life. It will make you realize, straight on the face." Harry said. "As for me, we won't be forever. And so I'm telling you this: please take care of Leighanne when I die. Take her back home to Arkadia. Give her everything that I have." He looked at his younger brother. He hoped that he would learn to cherish Leighanne in the way he wanted it to be. He knew then that upon seeing his friend for the first time, he instantly thought of Brian, wanted to introduce her to him and make Brian realize that she is the perfect woman for him. Leighanne is a very nice woman and so is his brother. They would look good together.

"Don't talk like that, Harry." Brian bit his lower lip to keep himself from crying.

Harry blinked twice. "Leighanne..."

Brian stood up and called Leighanne. Harry smiled when the two got back. "I already took care of everything with my attorney." He held his wife's hand. "I love you, the both of you. Take care of yourself." He turned to the woman beside him. "Promise me that you'll go home with Brian in Arkadia. My family will take care of you."

Leighanne's tears were falling as her husband speaks to her as if he's imparting his last words. She glanced at Brian who just nodded in silence. "Harry, you can't die yet. Please. You're the only best friend I've ever had..."

"Promise me, Leighanne." Harry tightened his grip on her. "I want to be sure that I'll be leaving you in the good hands of my family. Brian will take care of you. You'll meet our cousins. They are very nice people and they will love you, I'm sure."

Brian watched as Leighanne nodded and cried. What an actress, he thought. He didn't like the feeling ever since he first saw her and now he learned about the occurrence of their marriage. This woman has her own motives and he intends to find out what it is. How could she agree on marrying Harry when she knew that he's ill and dying? She's probably hoping that she will inherit something once she becomes his widow. He stood up to leave the two alone but Harry called him back.

"Brian..."

"Harry?" Brian went back to sit beside his brother.

Harry takes his and Leighanne's hand and put them together. "Promise me that you're going to take care of Leighanne. The marriage may have surprised you but I know that you will take it well. I trust you, Brian."

"I will take care of her, Harry." A lump formed in his throat as he said that. He felt so helpless seeing the once strong man he knew lying on a hospital bed and giving out his last wishes.

"Thank you, Brian."

Brian felt his tears when he saw that smile from his brother. For the first time in his adult life, Brian cried for the loss of his brother.



>> 3


























3

Brian hugged his uncle Benedique and his cousins when they met him at the tarmac of the Charles de Gaulle airport, to take Harry's body home to Arkadia. He never saw his father with them but he didn't expect what his uncle told him. "Your father was left at home and is taking care of the arrangements for the funeral. He cried a lot when he learned the news. He didn't come with us for he couldn't bear picking up his own son placed in a box."

He didn't expect that. Philip Bordeaux never cared about his children. And now he did, when Harry died. It's too late for even Harry to see it.

His uncle, Kevin and Howie glanced at the woman beside him and that's when he remembered to introduce Leighanne to them. "Uh, uncle, Kevin, Howie. This is Leighanne, Harry's wife. Leighanne, this is my uncle Benedique, and my cousins, Kevin and Howie."

"It's a pleasure to meet you." Leighanne tried to smile but her lips quivered as she's about to cry once again. Kevin nodded and stepped closer to hug her.

"I'm sorry about the loss, Leighanne. When we got home, we will introduce you to our wives so you can be less sad." Kevin smiled at her.

"It's nice to meet you, darling." Benedique told Leighanne as he shook her hand.

"Harry got married?" Howie asked quietly as he turned to shake hands with Leighanne then hugged her as well. "We'll take care of you, honey." He smiled reassuringly at her as well. Leighanne muttered her thanks and glanced at Brian. It looks like he didn't like the welcome she received from his cousins. Why can't he like her?

"I heard about Nick's accident. How is he now?" Brian asked them.

"Nick's doing fine at home." Benedique replied. "Alex, on the other hand, had his problems of his own as well. The woman he claimed he loves disappeared and we never knew where she is right now."

Leighanne listened to their conversation as she quietly followed them to a private plane waiting for them. They were told that the enclosed box where Harry's body lay has already been carefully put in the cargo area of the plane. She wanted to stay close with her husband but she's sure that these men won't permit her to do it. She listened, as they talked about a woman responsible to Nick's accident, which was probably the same person related to the man they call Alex. Howie turned to help her in to the plane when he saw her walking behind them. Brian has already gone ahead inside with Benedique.

"Thanks, Howie."

"De nada." Howie winked at her.

"Huh?"

Kevin chuckled beside her. "That's Howie's involuntary eye defect. Get used to his winking. It doesn't really mean a thing. But that is contagious. Now that you're part of the family, you'll get the habit like the rest of us do."

"Hey!" Howie grinned at his brother. Leighanne smiled and silently thanked these two gentlemen for making her feel fine amidst the loneliness she's feeling right now. But she still can't prevent the feeling of anxiety overwhelming her when she was ushered to her seat and when the plane already soared up in the sky. Everything happened so fast. Harry died and from then on, her life has changed.



~~~



Leighanne drinks her glass of water as she sat on a corner and waited for the rest of the family to gather in the study room. They are going to hear Harry's last will and testament, in which he prepared a month before he died. Brian announced about it after the funeral earlier.

He already prepared himself to die, Leighanne thought sadly. She felt cheated. It seemed unfair. How could you just surrender like that, Harry? Tears threatened to fall but she firmly held it back.

"Darling, you're not supposed to sit here in the corner. You're Harry's wife." An old woman said to her. She did not have the chance to be introduced to everyone as the news of Harry's death left everyone shocked and disoriented to even bother to notice her. Brian even decided that no one should talk to her, telling the family to respect her private mourning. Leighanne personally wanted someone to talk to but Brian never knew that. So she remained numb all throughout the funeral, and as when her husband was finally laid to rest. "I'm Marguerite, Harry's grandmother." The elder woman said, interrupting her thoughts.

"Leighanne, madam. It's nice to meet you." She said. She caught sight of the family members coming inside. Kevin came in with his family, as well as Howie and his wife. The youngest man, Nick, is sitting quietly beside Alex and both were giving her a scrutinizing look. She looked away but met another two pair of eyes on her, the two sisters Anastasia and Giselle. And then her heart leapt when Brian came inside and went straight to her. She always felt herself frightened whenever Brian is around. She couldn't understand why, but Brian has an unexplainable effect on her senses whenever he's near.

"We need to talk first, outside." Brian whispered. Leighanne only nodded, took his hand and followed him outside. He led her to another room where Philip, Benedique and the lawyer are waiting for them.

"What's going on?" Leighanne asked and she unconsciously gripped tighter on Brian's hand.

"We just received, at the last minute, the status of your marriage with Harry." Philip started when no one answered. She presented them their marriage contract when she arrived in Arkadia because Brian asked for it.

"What do you mean?" Leighanne asked. She found herself hard to breathe and saw the things around her started to blur. She almost never ate since the whole thing happened. She never had a decent sleep either.

"Your marriage with Harry is fake. He must be too sick to even take care of the arrangements and the marriage contract did not even reach the city council for its approval. We suspect that the one who married you were fake as well." Harry's father, Philip, continued.

"What?" Leighanne voiced out as much as she could. How could these things happen to her? Take care of Leighanne...My family will take care of you. Is this what he meant by those words? Is this his way to help her and take her away from France?

"Leigh!"



>> 4


























4

Leighanne drew a deep breath as her consciousness regained. But she did not open her eyes. There were voices somewhere and they were talking very fast, like something French but isn't. Arkadian language? When she reached Arkadia, she learned that the family of the man she married was not just some wealthy family. Harry came from the infamous former royal family, and he was the prince who chose to live far from the rich privileges he had since birth. She never knew that, and would not probably even bother to know if she could.

She and Harry met through a common friend in a restaurant where she worked as a chef. Harry was one of the usual customers there and they became friends. Leighanne found a best friend from a man who could understand and help her in any way he could. Harry told her only a brief description of his own family dilemmas, his problem with his parents and his love for his only brother, while she had actually poured out all her problems to him.

She's an orphan, who grew up with a cruel aunt who never treated her as a kin. Yes, her aunt Martha paid for her schooling but right after she graduated, that's when the older woman started taking all her monthly salaries. She said that those were payment from all the years that Leighanne spent living with her as well as for all the money she spent in her schooling. Martha controlled her life, and threatened her to be arrested or be sold to the black market if she would not give her salary. Leighanne wanted to leave, tried too many times but failed. Her aunt Martha knew a lot of people she can pay to keep Leighanne at home and be her slave. Leighanne often saw men coming to the house, doing illegal business with her aunt. She did not have the courage to tell it to the authorities out of fear. But things always come to its extent.

That was when Martha decided to marry her off to her friend's son, Leighanne ran away and found shelter in Harry's home. She had other friends but she wondered to herself why she chose to run to Harry for help. Probably because Harry was the person of who will not be easily scared off by her aunt. When she went to him, Harry helped him with the best way he could. That was a week before he died and he offered her his name to help her. Chivalry still existed, Leighanne thought at that time, but she never thought that such act would be offered to her by the very best friend she ever had. She denied the offer and asked to borrow money from him instead so she can go as far away as she could. But Harry insisted the marriage proposal and laid out his own plans.



"I can't take advantage of you being sick, Harry. What would your family think when they learned about me? They won't accept me. They will have their doubts."

"Brian will help you. My brother is a good man. He will take care of you. I trust my brother." Harry held her hand. "I'm your best friend, right? Let me help you. Let me marry you and we'll face your aunt." He wiped her tears.

"Harry..."

"Don't doubt, Leighanne. Trust me."

Harry said the magic word. All Leighanne could do then was to trust him. She agreed on marrying him. They got married the next day. Then Martha found her and discovered what happened and even saw her husband's sickly condition.

"You may have escaped from me for a while, Leighanne. But remember this, when that husband of yours died, I'm taking you back. And I'm sure that it won't be a long wait." Martha laughed then turned to leave, leaving the two in Harry's house.



Her aunt Martha wasn't wrong. Harry died after a week and he was aware of what will happen to Leighanne after that. And so, he made Brian promised that he will take Leighanne home with him, and will take care of her, away from her Aunt Martha. Even after he dies, Harry still had plans on how to help his best friend.



~~~



"She's waking up."

Jacquie sat on the edge of the bed and waited for Leighanne to open her eyes. She smiled when the younger woman did. She glanced to her husband and her son, Brian.

"I'm sorry for passing out. I haven't eaten much lately." Leighanne said and try to sit up but Brian stopped her. She realized that he's just beside her.

"You're not eating much? Didn't you ever think that you needed it for your baby?" Brian asked, frowning. She looked pale. Leighanne turned to him in wonder. Baby?

"That's right, honey. The doctor said that you have something growing inside you, a new life." Jacquie said, smiling. "Harry may have left us but he also left a legacy through you."

"But there's a problem though," Philip said, glancing at his older brother, Benedique. "The marriage records were fake. You're not actually married to Harry. We just can't let the child be born a bastard."

"Then I think Brian should marry her." Marguerite told them. The old woman is sitting on a couch and just listening to them. She saw her grandson standing up.

"What?"



>> 5


























5

"Damn!"

Alex watched as Brian struggled to arrange his tie for the nth time. What a crazy year they are having! First, there was the turnover ceremony as their family stepped down from the politics to become ordinary citizens, their royal status was dissolved, and then Nick got into an accident. Olivia disappeared, leaving Alex wondering where she has gone to. Then Harry's death occurred and now, Brian is about to marry his brother's 'widow' just to prevent Harry's child from being born a bastard. Media feasted on their family more than ever!

"Let me," Kevin said, growing irritated from Brian's stubborn behavior.

"Tell me if I'm doing the right thing," Brian told every man in the room. Howie, Alex, Nick, their cousins, Mike and Owen, were inside the room.

"You are," they almost said at once.

Howie smiled. "I think that Leighanne is a nice woman."

"You always think that women are nice, Howie." Brian retorted. "You're inconsistent. What happened to your belief in love? Is there anyone listening to me? I wanted to marry out of love!"

"Then why did you agree on marrying Leighanne?" Nick said. "No one will force you if you didn't want to. Grandma merely suggested it and you took the bait. You knew how grandma can be a manipulator at times."

Brian sighed exasperatedly. "Fine, I fell on grandma's trap." He was more irritated when he saw his cousins' grinning faces. They were thinking that this is amusing! Aargh! "I'm telling you, guys, I'm giving this marriage a chance for one year but after this, I'm filing for divorce. There's no way I will bind myself to a woman."

"Leighanne is not another Diana, Brian," Alex said, finally uttering the name that everyone in the room cared not to dare voicing out. "Not all women are like Diana." He even repeated. He must be in the mood for a workout, Howie thought.

Nick shook his head. Here goes Alex and his unstoppable mouth once again. His brother always made his thoughts be known. They agreed never to mention the name but Alex did it anyway. Diana was the only woman of whom Brian had loved, and the woman who fooled him and went to another man just when he was about to propose marriage to her. Tension grew inside the room as Brian snapped his head up and glared at his cousin.

"Come again?"

"I said there is only one Diana Bonnin." Alex repeated. He never cared if Brian gave him a threatening look as he sat comfortably on a couch. "Let go, Brian. This is a new opportunity of a new life with you, with Leighanne. Maybe, God willed it to be this way."

"No one willed it this way. Harry died -"

"God willed it." Alex answered back.

Brian faced him. Others stood beside and were ready if anytime the two will begin to hurt each other. "So, I guess it has been God's will that Olivia left you, hasn't it? Maybe when she found out that her plans backfired and after having sex with you, she realizd that it wasn't worth it to just leave. She must have found out that you don't give a good fuck after all." Brian sneered.

"Damn!" Alex stood up but Nick, Mike and Owen stopped him from attacking Brian.

"Stop it!" Kevin said, pushing Brian away and glancing at his brother. "Stop this!"

"She might have thought that you're just good at your swords," Brian added.

"Stop it, Brian!" Howie said. "Let's not start this! You're getting married, Brian. Just get on with it and don't start picking on any one of us. You got a big problem, did you know that? Your attitude, that's not you, Brian. I don't even know you anymore."

"Yes, Brian. We don't know you anymore. And we think that a marriage with Leighanne would do you good." Mike said. They watched as Brian arranged his suit then left the room without any word to his cousins.

"I feared for Leighanne." Howie said when Brian has gone.

"I pity Leighanne." Alex seconded.



>> 6


























6

Leighanne went out of the dressing room and she heard the women gasped when they saw her. She shyly smiled as Cristin and Adrienne started towards her. The two were one of the first people who made her feel welcome in the family. The others were their husbands. Jacquie, Harry and Brian's mom, was nice but Leighanne had an odd feeling that she could not trust her. Harry told her briefly about his family but then, she still have to give Jacquie the benefit of the doubt. Then there's Isabella, the former queen, and mother of Brian's cousins. She didn't know her well and didn't talk to her much but she seemed nice.

Brian's grandmother seemed nice as well, but she knew better than to underestimate the elder woman. She witnessed how Marguerite easily hinted the marriage thing to Brian and the latter took the bait. The eldest woman is a silent manipulator. She could never forget the grin in Marguerite's face when Brian agreed. It must have been the elder woman's hobby to play around with her grandchildren.

There's also Michaela and her two daughters, Anastasia and Giselle. The mother seemed nice, but she felt that the younger two charged up their protective instinct towards their cousin. They never talked to her, and Leighanne felt awkward with just being around them. Did Cristin and Adrienne also receive the same scrutiny from these young ladies when they were just new in the family?

"You looked quite a beauty, no wonder Harry was caught smitten." Marguerite exclaimed. She joined her granddaughters-in-law in the inspection of her wedding gown. They are just going to have a simple garden wedding in a family-owned castle in the province of Theo. But the ladies insisted that she should wear something extravagant. Jacquie took her to a famous designer for a quick fitting of ready-made wedding gowns available.

If you only knew, Leighanne thought to herself. She still wondered who among the members of the family made it appear that she's pregnant just to get Brian to marry her. She went along with the charade, and silently thanked that someone for the coincidence. She's not pregnant, but if that's the only way to make her stay and away from France, the better. She never wanted to see her aunt Martha again. Just the thought of it sends scary shivers down her spine.

"Well, I think that it's time to start with the ceremonies," Jacquie announced and took her hand. The women started leaving the room until only she and Jacquie were left alone. "I expect that you're going to make my son happy, Leighanne. I don't know why you never insisted that you're never pregnant," She said as she arranged Leighanne's neckline. "But I can give you the benefit of the doubt. And do everything that you can to get pregnant. I know you can. You got a big dilemma on your shoulders. Just make sure that it's going to be my son's child, not someone else's." Jacquie smiled and kiss her on both cheeks. Without any word then, her future mother-in-law left her alone.

So it was Jacquie's plan after all. Why?



~~~



Brian saw his male cousins lining up to get ready for the wedding ceremony. He drew a deep breath when he remembered what happened back in the room earlier. How could Alex remind him of Diana, on the day of his wedding? His musings were interrupted when the women of the family started arriving too. There were only a hundred guests in this private ceremony and Brian was glad. He didn't want to make any more fuss in this event and let just anyone get on with it.

He looked up at the end of the aisle when the wedding march started to play. The sight literally took his breath away. Walking down the red-carpet aisle is his future wife and he admitted, he never felt good like this before in his life. This is his wedding day, and a special day in his life he will never forget.



>> 7


























7

Leighanne was surprised when Brian stood on her side. The wedding ceremony ended a while ago. She started to walk away but Brian's hand caught her arm firmly. "Damn it, Leigh. You're the first woman who wanted a distance from me no matter how hard I tried to get near you." He whispered quietly. Leighanne turned to her husband, her real husband. She liked the way he called her. Leigh. Harry never called her that. He always used the full name.

"I'm sorry," she replied quietly. She's just so nervous. She's not used to being the center of the attention. There are so many people here and they can't get enough of talking with her. "I'm really sorry, Brian."

Brian sighed in exasperation. "Relax, Leigh, and smile. I don't want your face looking like you're sentenced to death on our wedding pictures. Damn!"

Leighanne winced at that thought. She took a deep and calming breath. She's still trying to absorb that a man like Brian, who's beyond her league, will marry someone so ordinary like her. He's a rich and handsome man. He always smelled good. Those angelic blue eyes could charm any woman he wanted to, but he's now bound for duty to his family and to her. "Brian..."

"What?"

Leighanne saw the cold eyes stared back at her. "I... I just want you to know that if you ever decide to finish this marriage because you've already found the woman you really love, I'm willing to give it up just for the sake of your happiness. I'm more than grateful for what you've done for me and the baby, and it means so much." She tried to control her voice and to keep herself from shaking. She's literally afraid of this man. Harry had it wrong when he said that Brian is an angel personified. She met a devil incarnate the moment she met Brian face-to-face.

Brian turned to her as she said that. "After all, you're still considerate huh? Let me tell you this, Leigh. Now that you're my wife, I am going to control all the finances you got from my brother. I know that you only married him for money but the plan backfired, baby." He smiled as an aunt passed them by. "I inherited everything Harry has left when the marriage was found illicit. And I have the control now." He found out his brother didn't even touch the trust fund they received when their grandfather died. It even accumulated which will be enough for him to live without even working as a curator in a museum. And if his marriage with Leighanne was found legal, she would inherit everything that Harry has left.

"I'm not after Harry's money." Leighanne said. "You must believe that he's the only best friend I got and I will never think that way to him."

"Relax, Leigh. You can't fool me." He surprised her when he bents closer to kiss her for the second time. The first one was when the priest announced that they were married and he requested for Brian to kiss his bride. "You know you're beautiful and you're the only one who now always made me wonder how many times a man can have an orgasm in just one night. Ever wonder about that?"

"You're horrible!"

Brian chuckled. "Don't worry. I know that this marriage will be in name only, and I'm going to restrain myself as much as possible away from you. I can take care of that aspect. I never had a problem in that area but you," he traced her face with his fingers, "are not going to have any affairs other than me, Leigh. You bear my name now, and you're not going to ruin that name because you have no right."

Leighanne blushed as she absorbed everything that Brian told her. "Let me assure you that I won't certainly do that. I'm maybe orphaned in a young age but my parents thought me well enough to know the moral values. I don't know about you, but I won't be having a problem on that area." With that, she successfully left her husband and joined her new cousins-in-law, Alex and Nick, who invited her with them.



~~~



"Beware of the family charm," Alex said as he sipped his glass of champagne. Leighanne joined him and Nick a few moments ago, leaving an obviously furious Brian behind. Whatever it is that Leighanne told her husband, Alex was sure that it left Brian speechless. It wasn't all day that his cousin would be rendered speechless. He always had the last word, the dangerous hidden temper beneath those angelic blue eyes. Diana made Brian to be the man that he is now. Damn that woman!

Leighanne turned to Alex as Nick winked at her. Kevin is right, she thought. Howie's habit is spreading in the family. "I'm not charmed, certainly not to your arrogant cousin."

"There's a reason behind that temper, Aya." Nick said, baptizing her on his own nickname. "But we won't delve into that for now."

"Aya?" Leighanne smiled amusingly.

"I'm not Nick for nothing, the master of nicknames," Nick chuckled. "I'll call you Aya the way I called Cristin as Intin, Adrienne as Erin, Anastasia as Stace and Giselle as Elle. These guys just follow what I call you. They don't have any originality."

"Nick, nickname. Got it, Leighanne? He's weird, but we need species like him in this family for some spice." Alex laughed. He drinks his champagne again. Nick turned to him.

"J, may I have that drink too?"

"This is champagne, Nick. Go get your own."

"I know it's not champagne." Nick replied. "You can't fool me. I know the smell. It's..." Nick looked up as he tried to muster the name of the liquid on Alex's wineglass.

Leighanne laughed. "That's cognac and tonic, Nick. It's better when you add ice on that, Alex. As the ice melts, the water dilutes the alcohol and it helps the cognac to release its more subtle aromas. I know you'll like it." The two looked at her in wonder. "What? I'm a chef. And I also have a background on that area." She intentionally winked at them. The two laughed as Alex puts his arms on Leighanne's shoulders.

"Welcome to the family, Leighanne." He kissed her on the cheeks.

"Wait, Aya. Will you cook delicious pasta for me some time? Huh? And pizza as well?" Nick asked as the three of them walked away. "And maybe a whole course meal whenever I get home from the university?"

"You're abusing her, Nick!" Alex said.

Brian just watched from afar as his cousins made his wife more comfortable. What's wrong with him? He's usually not this rough around women. Howie must be right when he said that they don't know him anymore. Even he doesn't know himself anymore too.



>> 8


























8

Leighanne looked up when she heard her new father-in-law called for everyone's attention. The wedding reception has ended three hours earlier, the visitors left and the family gathered inside the Winston Room for a final toast before Brian will take his wife home.

"I'd like to make a toast for Brian and Leighanne's wedding," Philip said as everyone raised their wineglasses.

Leighanne smiled to the new family she gained. They seemed nice, as each one has their own way to warm up on her. Even the sisters, Anastasia and Giselle, have begun talking to her. She glanced at Brian beside her. They still haven't talked since her last retort. She didn't mind at all. Brian has been rude.

"If this would have been Harry's wedding -"

"Then of course, I wouldn't have to be the groom," Brian retorted. "I wouldn't have been the one catching up all the irresponsibility left by your favorite son. Unfortunately, he's dead." He looked at the shocked faces of everyone in the room. His mother gasped at his snappy tone. "And he left a wife he married when he was sick, and left a bastard child." Tension grew inside as he spoke.

"That's unfair," Leighanne exclaimed, looking incredulously at her husband's sudden outburst. "Your brother's not here to speak for himself. And certainly no one pressured you to marry me. I wouldn't have pressured you to marry me either. I didn't ask you to." Her face was red with anger. She very much wanted to wring this man's neck. He's becoming unbearable!

"But it was implied, Leigh." Brian replied nonchalantly. "This family loves to do charity, especially my parents. They wouldn't like their first grandson being born a bastard. It will harm the reputation, if you know what I mean. That is going to be a bad publicity."

"You're being too much, Brian. You and this rough attitude of yours." Marguerite told her grandson. Everyone just stared in silence.

"Yeah, right, grandma. I'm not in the mood right now. Let's just be glad that she's married and Harry's child won't become a bastard. And let's just pray that she won't leave me when she found a better man, because I am certainly not recommending divorce." Brian said.

'Oh, changing minds now?' Alex thought with a sly grin. Brian just told the men earlier that he'd give the marriage a year before filing divorce.

"Oh, I won't do that unless provoked." Leighanne said. "How could you say those things to your brother who was already dead?" She wiped the tears that fell. "Just so you know, to give you a peace of mind, I'm not after your brother's money, or yours. We got married under circumstances we didn't expect to happen. It's not his fault if our marriage was found fake. He's so sick, and I have problems of my own as well. Spare him some respect, Brian. He's the nicest person, and the best brother you could ever have. He kept on telling me how he loves you and this is just what you'll say about him in return? How could you?"

The two of them stared at each other for a while. Brian wanted to reach out to her and soothe her in his arms but he can't. He's so afraid of everything right now. And he needs to drag that attitude out of his system to cover up the anxieties that has built up inside, the sorrow over Harry's death and an overwhelming feeling of being married to Leighanne. He muttered a curse as his wife dashed out of the room. Mixed feelings of anger and guilt built up inside.

Without any word to his family, Brian followed his wife outside.



~~~



Brian found Leighanne standing at the hall, just outside the Winston Room, and looking at the gardens below through the large glass windows. "Let's go home, to wherever it is." Leighanne said, sensing his presence.

Brian walked alongside with her, down the hall, in silence. His wife looked ahead, and consciously keeping her distance from him. "I'm sorry about what I've said." It surprised him to say those words without thinking.

"You must have drunk much. Sorry? Ha!" Leighanne shook her head. "It's been said and done. There's nothing you can say more just to make up for it."

"I'm talking about what I said towards my brother, to you and to the child. Yes, it was thoughtless of me to attack my brother like that and I love him. I regretted what I've done. But I admit as well that I'm mad for what Harry has done to you. I'm sorry." Brian added, quietly. Leighanne felt awkward with this new attitude. "But I will never say sorry to my parents. All that matters to them are their wealth and public appearances." Leighanne didn't comment on that. They reached the waiting car where Brian went behind the wheel after ushering Leighanne beside the driver's seat.

"Where are we going?"

Brian looked at her. "Home, Leighanne. Of course you're my wife now, so technically I'll take you home and you will stay there like a wife should."

"Like waiting for you to come home, cooking your food, cleaning your house, and other stuff like that?"

Brian nodded. "Glad that you got it straight." He maneuvered the car out from the gates of the castle towards the main road.

"But I want to work. I want to earn something and save something for myself. I don't want to just wait there and expect something from you."

"We can remedy that. I'll pay you for staying at home. How much would you like me to pay you? How much is your salary on that restaurant you worked for?"

Leighanne's eyes widened in disbelief. "No. I don't want your money, and I certainly don't want to work for you. I want to work in a restaurant, or in a hotel. I don't want anything from you."

Brian grinned. "Oh, are you trying to prove to me that you don't want our money. C'mon, Leigh. You have the same skin like any other women out there. This topic is closed. You're staying home, I'll pay you and I don't want to hear any more of it." He glanced at her. "And I want you to stay home because you have to focus yourself on your pregnancy."

Baby? What baby? Leighanne thought then sighed aloud when she remembered that Brian thought she's pregnant. Well, the other reason why she wanted to work is that she will pretend to overwork and she will pretend that she will have miscarriage. That way, she will have no problem planning on taking Brian to bed. She doesn't even want to think about it.



>> 9


























9

"That was not the Brian I knew," Isabella said as she and her husband got home. She glanced at the wedding ring on her finger, thinking of how long she was married to this man she loved more than her life. Whatever the circumstances of Brian and Leighanne's marriage, she hoped that they will settle their problems and will grow to love each other - forever until there was another day. She squeezed Benedique's arm, feeling herself more romantic and nostalgic. They have been through a lot, even hiding secrets to protect their loved ones. They were together since day one and seeing Brian's behavior on his wedding day is actually disturbing.

"Brian has a problem. We all know that. But right now, he's still grieving over his brother's death."

"But it's not right that he'll talk that way to Philip. No matter how their parents have been to him and Harry, he should never be rude to them. And the way he talked about Harry and the way he talked about the baby, and to Leighanne. He's being too much, really."

Benedique sighed. "He seemed so reluctant and afraid of this sudden responsibility. All we have to do is to pray that he will get over everything that is in him, and we also have to make Leighanne feel that we'll support her and Brian."

"She seemed nice. I can't think of anything otherwise. Maybe I can invite her, along with Cristin and Adrienne, for a lunch sometime."

Benedique smiled. "Don't forget Michaela. She told me that she wanted to know the new member of the family more." His wife embraced him. "I love you, darling. It's still hard to move on in this life but I am glad that you're always here with me."

"This is the life we lead, Bennie." Isabella sighed. "Things happen the way they were. I hope that Brian will take care of his new wife."



~~~



Leighanne smiled as she remembered her job interview earlier at The Ritz Hotel. She was immediately hired when she presented her credentials, but she thinks that the key aspect when she got that job was when they read and realized that she is Brian's wife. She didn't care. All that matters now is that she has a job and doesn't have to get paid by that arrogant of a husband named Brian.

She instantly started that day, and was introduced to the kitchen staff as one of the new chefs. She loved her first day of work, feeling that she belonged where she wanted to. Being with Brian made her feel like a fish out of the water. The family status is overwhelming and it will take her time to get used to it.

She does not have any mobile phone, and so she did not inform anyone at the house that she will be home late. She is sure that Yuri, the house butler, awaits her call. It has been two days since she and Brian got married. Yuri and Mrs. Helga, the chief housekeeper, are the only people she felt close with. She glanced at her watch, and it's ten in the evening. She didn't call Brian either, although he left his numbers to her.

But when she got home and found that the main receiving area is still fully lit, Leighanne regretted that she did not call Brian. The thought of his frowned face scares her once again.

"Words spread fast in this small country, Leigh." Brian said as he comes out from the left side. Leighanne gasped in surprise. "I was told that you got hired in a hotel, as a chef. Did you ever realize how it will approach the news on me? My own wife seeks a job and everyone thought that I will not be able to support her. We did not even leave for our 'honeymoon' which made some people talking."

"They would think that we are still grieving over Harry's death." Leighanne replied. "Just tell them that I wanted to work, that it's my passion to serve others as I cook for them. No big deal. Excuse me. I'm tired. I still have to report for work tomorrow." She started towards the grand staircase but Brian's next words stopped her.

"You're not going to work tomorrow, or the next days, Leigh. You were fired as soon as you stepped out of that hotel."

Leighanne gripped the side railings of the stairs. "No, don't do it, Brian." She said as she turned around but her foot missed a step. Brian saw his wife fell down the stairs, as he stood shocked.

"Leigh!"



>> 10


























10

"Nice plan." Leighanne heard someone said when she woke up. She saw Jacquie on her side as she found herself lying on her bed. Her back hurts, as well as her hips from falling from the stairs. "Falling yourself down the stairs. I'm just glad that Brian called me first and I made it appear that you lost the baby."

"It was an accident. He had me fired at the hotel. Where's Brian?" She asked.

"Brian is outside with Kevin. He felt guilty that you lost your 'baby'." Jacquie said with a grin. "Don't worry about the job though. I bet he would give you a restaurant just to have something to work with and to ease the guilt feeling."

Leighanne sighed. "No, I do not want anything from him. How could you do this to me, Jacquie? What do you want? What are you planning to do with Brian?"

"Nothing. I just wanted him to be happy with you. I, as a mother, didn't give him that much of a privilege to be happy. You can give it to him, now that you're married."

"He's not happy, and so am I." Leighanne replied. "We hate each other. I hate him more. He's so rude, so arrogant, so..." She tried to muster words to describe Brian more but Jacquie only nodded.

"He's been like that, and it was our entire fault." Jacquie told her and stood up. "Take care of yourself, Leighanne. I got so much faith in you to change my son. I feel that you're the only one who could do that."

"No. I can't." Leighanne said but the elder woman ignored her as Jacquie continued on her way out.

Brian and Kevin looked up when they saw Jacquie came out of Leighanne's room. The woman shook her head sadly.

"Is she awake, Mom?" Brian asked. She's the first person that came to his mind when Leighanne fell down the stairs and Jacquie was glad that her son is slowly putting his trust back to her. Thanks to Leighanne. She knew that the two were having problems with their marriage, but she's willing to help the two and hoping that love will overcome them. Jacquie had so many plans to make up for her son, wanting to make everything right with him. She lost the chance with Harry and she's going to do her best for gaining back Brian's trust.

"She is, but I'm sorry to say this, honey," Jacquie affectionately puts her hand on Brian's shoulders. He's even permitting her to touch him. This was some progress. "She hates you. She doesn't want to see you either."

"She must be blaming me for losing her baby," Brian said quietly. He received a consoling pat on the shoulders from Kevin.

"She didn't say it, Brian. Maybe, she's not blaming you but she doesn't want to see you for now." His mother added. He never met their eyes and knowing him, something is going on inside her son's mind. She feared at the thought that Brian knows what she's doing, trying to control him.

"Fine." Brian drew a deep breath as he looked at the closed door. He wanted to go inside to see how she is doing.

"It must be hard to lose her baby. She had enough loss for the past months." Jacquie added silently, shaking her head. She saw her son stepped forward.

"Brian?" It was Kevin.

"I'm coming in. I need to see her."



~~~



Leighanne turned when she heard the knob turning. She groaned when she saw Brian comes in. She grabbed one of the pillows and threw it at him. "I hate you! I don't want to see you. Get out of this room." She turned away as her tears began to fall. She was surprised when instead of leaving, she felt his arms going around her. She struggled to free herself from him but Brian held her tighter.

"Don't push me away, Leigh."

Leighanne didn't do anything more but just cried. Brian held her close to him until her tears ran out. "I hate you," she muttered.

"I'm sorry."

"You've been saying sorry since day one of this marriage but you kept on doing things to hurt me. Just leave, Brian. Spare me some time alone. I'll do whatever you want me to. I'll stay at home, I'll be your wife, I'll be your slave, but just leave me alone." Leighanne literally pushed him away, went towards the bathroom and locked it.



>> 11


























11

Isabella quickly walked down the hall as soon as she reached Bordeaux. She received a phone call from Hopkins regarding Alex. He said that he found Alex in his study room, drunk and asleep.

"How long has he been doing this, Hopkins?" Isabella asked the butler as he managed to keep up with the former queen's fast pace.

"Since the day he couldn't find Olivia Travois, madam," Hopkins replied. "A month ago, ma'am."

Isabella drew a deep breath as she reached Alex's door. "Did somebody had him freshened up?"

"I did, madam. That kid has been very dear to me, like my own son. He's sleeping inside."

"Thank you, Hopkins, for caring for my sons." She said then turned to go inside. They saw Alex lying peacefully on his bed. He is wearing his pajamas and a blanket was wrapped over him. Isabella sat on a nearby chair to watch her son. "Please leave me alone with my son for a while, Hopkins. Thank you very much." The butler nodded then discreetly left the room. Isabella stood up from her seat and sat beside her son on his bed. She softly ran her hands through his hair and kissed his forehead.

"Oh, Alex. What has Olivia done to you?"



~~~



Leighanne consciously looked around as the people gave her recognized looks. She's aware that everyone knows about her unusual marriage with Brian. She never thought she would be well known someday, that she will marry twice to someone from an influential and known family in some small country. Just like any normal thing she used to do, she went to the market to buy things to cook. But this time, in Arkadia, her normal chore has made others turned in wonder. It was almost enough to call the place a circus from the moment she arrived there.

"Am I doing something not normal from this family?" Leighanne asked Helga, the housekeeper, who insisted to accompany her in marketing.

"Like coming to the market and buy something to cook, Miss Leighanne?" Helga asked with a smile. "No, you're not the first one who did this. Mistress Michaela and her daughter, Anastasia, did twice, a week after the turnover of the government. The former royal family is well-celebrated and well-respected. The people were happy and overwhelmed once someone comes in places like these to do something like other normal people would do."

"But they're now ordinary citizens, normal people like us too, Helga."

Helga nodded. "But since their royal status then, they were not just any other, Miss Leighanne."

"I'm glad though that I came in the family when they were no longer royals," Leighanne muttered but the housekeeper heard it. They stopped by a fruit stand to buy some fruits.

"Don't you want to be a royal, Miss Leighanne?" Helga quietly asked.

Leighanne shook her head. They left the fruit stand as soon as they bought what they wanted. "It's overwhelming but no, I wouldn't dream to be. Did we have everything we need?" Helga nodded. Leighanne smiled as they proceed towards the car. The chauffeur opened the door for them but before she could enter, a woman approached and called her by her husband's surname.

"Long time, no see. Leighanne."



~~~



Brian took off his tie and went to the kitchen in hopes of seeing his wife cooking. She surely had the talent to cook, and the best one he met. Leighanne always made sure that she prepared something to eat for him when he got home from the office, and took care of the things he need, except in the marital bed. They never had a honeymoon, like what the newlyweds would usually do.

The smell of some good homemade pasta welcomed him when he entered the kitchen but was disappointed when he only found Irma, the cook, and Helga. "Where's Leigh?" He asked his housekeeper.

Helga glanced at Irma first before ushering Brian out of the kitchen. "She's upstairs. We went to the market today to buy something here. When we were about to go in the car, a woman stopped by at her, only said hi then left. Since then, Miss Leighanne never spoke. But I saw her paled. She immediately started to cook as soon as we got home but after that, I never saw her again. Yuri said she retired to her room and never went out."

Brian looked at the elder woman who was his and Harry's nanny since they were young. She's like a second mother to him. "What does this woman looked like?"

"Tall, with red hair, have a stern look and a devious grin on her face. Your wife paled when she saw her, like she knew that woman. I just need to tell you this, Brian. Your wife must be having problems with that woman." Helga replied.

"I'll talk to Leigh."

"Please, even if she doesn't want to see you. I'm worried about her. She's a nice person, Brian. She told me that she was glad that you're no longer a royalty when she came here. She's a very simple woman who only wanted to be happy with the simple things in life could bring her. It's very rare to find a woman who would never ask for the things money could bring. Don't give her a hard time."

"I'm not -"

"It was your fault, dear, that she lost her child." His former nanny added, giving him a stern look. Brian's jaw clenched and didn't say anything. He looked at Helga more like a mother than to his own mom. "Please talk to her in a nice way. She's still getting used to this kind of life that you and Harry has gotten her into. What is it to hate about her?"

"Helga, please. I don't need further reprimanding from you. I'm going upstairs to talk to my wife and I promise that I won't bully her, or anything bad you could think of." Brian rolled his eyes and left the elder woman.



>> 12


























12

Brian entered Leighanne's room and frowned when he found it dark. Did she leave? He was about to turn to ask Yuri when he saw the door to the balcony was open. He walked towards there and found his wife, sitting on the cold tiled floor, staring into space.

"Even if you have the key to every room in this house, you still have to knock before you enter," he heard Leighanne said. She looked at him for a moment then turned away. Brian sat beside her on the floor and leaned against the wall behind them.

"I've never seen you with the eyeglasses before," Brian said instead. Leighanne took it off, still trying to get used to it but found it hard. She went to a gynecologist for a check up because of her irregular monthly period. She then, found herself going to an ophthalmologist, as referred, and found out that she has astigmatism. She was advised to get prescription glasses, as her eyes were the reason for her recent headaches and nausea, symptoms that were somehow could be mistaken like those to a pregnant woman. She only found out about it, and she did not intend to tell that fact to anyone.

"I've been using this in a long time. You just never saw me with it."

There was silence between them for a while. Then Brian finally spoke. "Who was that woman, Leigh?" He heard her muffled a chuckle.

"I should try coaxing Helga into a little secrecy and bribe her next time."

"I'm serious, Leigh."

"What? I'm serious too." Leighanne replied. That was her aunt Martha who approached her earlier. She could still hear her say the words before she managed to get herself inside the car. Nice knowing that you're married. I'd like to meet him sometime, you know what I mean. Yes, she knows what Martha means. And it spelled money for her. Martha sees Brian as a walking big bank account. "The woman is just some former college buddy." She lied. "Why? Did you even care?"

"Unless if that person is a man, no." Brian replied. "I'm glad that you're finally talking to me."

"I don't have any choice. You're already here, or rather you forced yourself here -"

"Would you mind if I kiss you?" Brian interrupted her. Leighanne turned to him in an instant, fear and excitement mixed her emotions at that moment. She longed for that kiss again, she admits it to herself. Her husband did not wait for any reply as he raised her chin with his forefinger and his head dipped low to kiss her fully on the lips. Leighanne panicked for a moment but there was the familiar feeling of wanting and longing as Brian's kiss went deeper and bolder. He caught her hands and raised it to his neck. Leighanne soon wrapped her arms around him as his hand softly caressed her back. The other hand went down to her stretched legs and under it. It was too late for her to realize that Brian successfully gathered her up into his arms and inside her room. His feverish kisses consumed her too much.



~~~



Brian glanced at his watch when rays of sunlight reached his face through the open window of Leighanne's room. Yes, in Leighanne's room. They made love for the first time last night and he now believed what Kevin told him about waking up with his wife every morning. It feels good. There's a different feeling on finding himself waking up on a bed with his spouse. It feels better when he realized that he's the first man in his wife's life. He had a virgin wife. Virgin!

He glanced at his sleeping wife. She looked so serene and beautiful with all her blond locks strewn on the pillow. There was still the evidence of love bites all over her body, reminding Brian on how he badly wanted this woman. Just merely looking at her makes him hard once again. And he realized that she was a virgin. He felt that tightness and mild resistance last night before Leighanne finally gave in. Brian saw the stain on the bed. How could it be? How could she act like she's pregnant when she's still innocent to this?

I'm going to find out your secrets, Leigh, no matter what it will cost me now.



>> 13


























13

Benedique met Kevin and Howie down the hall, as he and Nick were about to go to his private office together. Someone is missing among them, again. "Where's Alex?" he asked. He saw the two looked at each other then to him.

"We dropped by at Bordeaux but Hopkins told us that he left very early this morning, Pa." Kevin replied.

"What's happening to him?" Benedique frowned. "Call him, Howie."

"We did, Pa. We can't reach him on his phone."

His sons followed him as he went inside the office. He's beginning to get worried of Alex. He hasn't been himself since Olivia was gone. They tried to look for her everywhere, even found her parents, but no one could tell where she is. Alex is becoming more depressed and desperate. Isabella even told him that Alex began turning to alcohol and excessive smoking. "Let's cancel this meeting. Let's go and find Alex." He announced just as when the doors opened and Alex came in with a wide grin on his face.

"Hi, guys. I'm sorry if I'm late." Alex took his time hugging each one of them while his brothers and father only stood and watched him. "You see, I met this amazing woman last week and had given me the best solution I could ever have." He looked at them and laughed. "What? Don't look at me like that. I'm not yet crazy, not to that bitch named Olivia." He made his way to the couch and sat.

"Are you having drugs, man?" Nick asked, curiously walking over his brother.

"No," Alex laughed. "You think I'm that fool enough? Just a line though." He saw Kevin and Howie silently looking at him. "I hate it when the two of you are looking at me like that."

"Like what?" Kevin asked.

"With pity. I don't need your pity, man. I can totally handle myself well." Alex's voice was louder than the usual. Nick took off his sunglasses, which surprised him. "Hey!"

"Your eyes are almost red, AJ. What's going on? What do you mean by just a line? Are you having coke?"

"Damn you, Nick, for being that smart," Alex muttered. "Hey, who cares about me anyway? I'm just the middle child here, and no one would bother about me anyway. If it's not Kevin and that authoritative attitude, it's Howie who got the attention because he's the adopted son who loves playing nice. Then Nick is the youngest one who always wanted to be the family's baby. What about me? Pa?"

"Alex, we need to settle what's going on with you. What you're saying isn't true. We love all of you equally not because Kevin is the eldest, Howie is the adopted or Nick is the youngest." Benedique started as he watched his son get up from the couch. "You need us, and you certainly need help."

Alex hugged his father. "I just want to be loved, Papa."

"We love you, son." Benedique looked helplessly to his other sons as he hugged Alex back. "Since when have you been having this...?" He asked as calmly as he could. Alex is pushing himself to the limit and he couldn't bear seeing his son like this. He needs help, and his family.

"Just last week, Pa," Alex said nonchalantly. "It feels good, Pa." His eyes slowly drop off as he sighed heavily. Benedique felt the heaviness as Alex shifted his entire weight to his father. His son gripped his arm tightly. He felt him trembled. "Help..." Alex clutched on his father's chest.

"Alex!" Benedique called out as his son finally collapses in his arms.



~~~



"How could I have not seen this coming?" Benedique quietly asked as he and his wife sat in one of the pews in the hospital's chapel. Alex was immediately rushed there. The doctors' findings were drug overdose and excessive alcohol. He hasn't awake yet, and still under observation. "My son was having his own problems and I wasn't there for him."

"It wasn't your fault, Benedique." Isabella hugged her husband. "But let's work together to help our son get back on the right track again. This is the time where he needs us most."

Benedique nodded. Both of them looked up when Anastasia came rushing by. "Uncle, Auntie. Alex is having a heart attack."

"Oh my God."



>> 14


























14

Brian firmly held Leighanne's hand as they made their way through the crowding press outside of the hospital. Everyone already knew of what happened to Alex and they were more interested in the former royal family than ever before.

"Brian, what can you say about your cousin having drugs?" One reporter asked but Brian ignored the questions. He protectively led his wife inside the hospital.

Leighanne glanced at Brian. He's quiet all throughout this ordeal, and she saw how he's been worried of Alex. They were surprised by the news and immediately rushed to the hospital. As they get near the emergency room, they saw Benedique and Isabella came rushing after Anastasia. There were beeping noises and loud voices somewhere inside the ER. They could hear something like Alex was having a cardiac punch and being pumped back to life. Kevin and his wife are there, as well as Howie and Adrienne. Anastasia was busy trying to see through the small round window what was happening inside. Shock and numbness is shown on their faces as they waited and listened at the doctors in the ER. Isabella hugged her husband and cried.

"Oh, God, please..." Leighanne heard her husband muttered quietly. She slightly tugged his hand and pulled him closer in a warm embrace. Brian succumbed into her arms, just like everyone did. There was sudden silence inside the ER and everyone anticipated for any medic to come out the door. They stood still, waiting, even if it kills them.

The silence is deafening. Every one seemed to be holding their breath as they anticipate what happened inside.

"Alex. I love you, son..." Isabella cried. They turned when a doctor went out.

"Alex is going to be fine now. He's looking for someone named Olivia earlier before the attack. Is she here?" The doctor said to them.

"What happened, doc?" Kevin asked, instead of answering his question.

"Alex had a heart attack, his heart stopped for a moment and we revived him from total death. He had taken coke, more than his body could. It greatly affected his system. His pulse is very weak." The doctor said as he elaborated further on advices and suggestions regarding Alex's condition. "He will still be under observation and later, he will be transferred to the recuperating room. I'm thankful that his family is here at this time he needed you most. He also wanted to see Olivia."

Leighanne saw the speechless expression on everyone's faces. She was told that Olivia was the woman of whom Alex loves but has gone missing. No one knew where she was and that made Alex gone into a sheer depression. He must have loved Olivia so much, Leighanne thought. She doesn't have any idea what happened to her. It also seems like the family doesn't want to talk about her, judging by the way Kevin and Howie frowned.

"We'll find Olivia." Howie replied to the doctor, his jaws clenched.



~~~



Leighanne went out of the hospital suite, leaving the former royal family watching over Alex. They were very tight as a family, and Leighanne envied the bond that they have. But then, she's already part of the family too and she's glad that she belonged to something she dreamed of ever since: a family who cared about each other.

"Drug overdose, pretty heavy huh?"

Leighanne turned and was surprised to see her Aunt Martha. "What are you doing here?"

"Darling, is that the way to greet a relative?" Martha said in a slightly loud voice. Some passers-by glanced in their direction. "I'm your aunt and I believe that they should know me, isn't it, especially that wealthy husband of yours? You're a very lucky woman, and I was right when I decided never to let go of you." She touched Leighanne's arm softly. "Wow, you feel rich."

Leighanne took her arm away from Martha. "I don't have money, and I certainly won't take anything from my husband," Leighanne quietly said.

"Oh, you would want to, if you don't want me taking out a whole can of worms about you."

"I don't have anything to hide. There's nothing to hide."

"I know," Martha grinned wickedly. "But I'll think of something and I'll make one, enough for your husband to leave you alone, impoverished and crawling back to me."

"I won't go back to you, Auntie." Leighanne firmly replied.

"I'll find you wherever you are."

"Who is she, Leigh?"

Both women turned when they heard Brian. Martha puts on a friendly face as Leighanne was obligated to introduce her to Brian. "It's been nice to meet you, Brian. I was surprised to find my niece here in the hospital. I'm visiting a friend then I heard about the commotion going on and saw Leighanne. How's married life?" She sweetly smiled at them.

"Great," Brian glanced to his wife then back to Martha. "It was nice meeting you too. Maybe you could drop by at home and we will have a nice chat." He nodded.

"That would be great." Martha said. "I have to leave now. Bye, Leighanne." She kissed her niece on the cheeks. The two watched as Martha walked away. Leighanne felt Brian takes her hand.

"We're going to leave." Brian said.

"We just got here. I still haven't talked to AJ," Leighanne told her husband but Brian ignored her. He pulled her down the corridor towards the back exit where the bodyguards are already waiting for them. "Is there any problem on meeting my aunt here?" She asked him.

"Yes. I don't trust her."

So do I. Leighanne thought as she followed her husband outside.

"I'm just wondering. Why did you suddenly have a relative coming out from nowhere? You never told me about her. All I know is that you're an orphan." Brian added. They stopped when there were media welcoming them at the back exit of the hospital. "What's this?" he turned to his bodyguard. The security shrugged as he quickly ushered the couple towards the waiting car.

"Brian, how's married life?"

"What do you feel about marrying your brother's widow?"

"That's none of your business," Brian retorted as he pulled his wife inside the Range Rover who stopped in front of them.

"How does it feel screwing your brother's wife?" One reporter asked and smirked. "Do you think he'll be happy looking down on you, taking advantage of what he has left behind?" They heard the questions just as Brian closed the door. He opened the door and went out again.

"Brian!"

"Fuck you! It's none of your business." Brian punched the reporter on the face. Everyone was shocked at his outburst as his bodyguard pulled him away. "Don't go talking to my brother and my wife like that." He added then went inside the car.

"What's the matter with you?" Leighanne exclaimed. "You could have just ignored it. Now, I'm sure that guy is going to file charges against you."

"I don't care." Brian said, his jaws clenched.





>> 15


























15

Alex stared at the sword in front of him in silence. Amor est vitae essentia, the inscription says. It means 'Love is the essence of life'. But what's the essence of life without having that love? What's the purpose of living without Olivia? Tears started coming down once again. "Where are you, Olivia?"

He looked up when he heard a sound of metal being pulled out from its sheath. He saw his father coming in, carrying his own sword. Benedique came forward and placed the sword on top of the table, alongside Alex's.

"The ancient skill of using the swords was originally intended for farming. And then it was used against the opponents during war. Now, it was enhanced into what others do as fencing." Benedique started as he sits down with his son. "When you got the interest in learning this skill, you were dubbed as 'The Celtic.' They were known as one of the bravest, artistic, inspiring and exciting fighters in history, displaying great strength and fury. You were brave until you've resorted to something you know was a mistake beforehand."

"I know that drug addiction is wrong, Papa. I'm sorry for losing your trust and confidence." Alex said quietly. He felt his father's arms going around him and hugged him. His emotions gave away and he started crying once again. "I've been weak. I've been stupid."

"Ssshh, Alex. We come across things like these in our lives and I know you learn from you own mistakes." Benedique said. "I'm still glad that you're with us. I will never forgive myself if something happens to you, or to any of your brothers. I love you and I will support you in everything that you do. If you have problems, you can always come and talk with us if you like. And I'm proud that you chose to do this."

"I think that admitting myself to the rehab will help me. Still, I'm sorry for all the troubles I've caused you, Papa." They stood up.

"We are your family, Alex. We are here to support each other." They started towards the door. But Benedique stopped and hugged his son. "We'll help each other out, Alex. I'll always be here with you."

Alex nodded as he fought back the tears. Maybe his father is right. Maybe going to the rehab to correct his mistakes will help him get over it. And maybe he'll overcome the emptiness he felt without Olivia in his life as well.



~~~



"Oh, these smell good. They surely taste good too." Helga exclaimed as Leighanne sets down the snacks she prepared for them. Since Brian wanted her to stay at home, she grew accustomed of working in the kitchen and becoming close with the employees in the house. They like her, and her wonderful cooking.

"What are they called, Miss Leighanne?" Irma, the resident cook, asked her.

"There's the Italian Toast, Chocolate Walnut Cruller," Leighanne points to the newly-cooked bread on a pastry basket, "and Sweet-style Meat Crunch. It's just a simple version of a nacho snack."

"Whatever, madam. It still tastes good," Maria, the housekeeper, said as she poured juice on a tall glass for their mistress.

"Thank you." Leighanne watched them eat. It feels good whenever she saw people appreciating her cooking. And whenever she watched her husband eat, she knew that Brian likes her food although he never said anything about it. She smiled at the thought. Brian and his swollen pride.

"Aren't you going to eat, Miss Leighanne?" Helga asked as the others feasted on the food. Leighanne is more content watching them eat and if they want more, she would gladly cook another one for them.

"I'm fine," Leighanne smiled as she helped herself with a piece of Chocolate Cruller she baked. Yuri, the butler, came in and called for Helga.

"Helga, Master Brian is on the phone."

Leighanne met the housekeeper's look when she heard that. Her husband called but would rather talk to the housekeeper than to his wife. They haven't talked since the night they left the hospital. Alex went home the next day and decided to commit himself into rehabilitation after a period of rest. Leighanne thinks that the young man made a good decision to overcome his addiction, and she was proud to witness how did the family stand up beside Alex in every step of the way despite the unpleasant things that the media said. Brian was supportive as well, Leighanne saw that. They never had communication even though they lived in one big house. But Leighanne was keeping tabs on anything about her husband. And then this call came. Brian ignored her presence in the house as his wife and wanted to talk instead to Helga. What's going on?

Leighanne saw Helga stood up and she followed the old woman outside the hall. "Help yourself with the food, Yuri." She told the butler as she passed by him. When she got out, she saw Helga talking with Brian over the phone found in the hallway.

"How many days will you be gone?" Helga asked as her eye met Leighanne's. "A weekend? Don't you want to talk with your wife?" Leighanne could hear Brian's voice on the other line but cannot comprehend what he is saying. Brian didn't give Helga a chance to reply as Leighanne saw the elder woman edged away from the phone receiver as if like Brian slammed down the phone. Helga muttered something about teaching Brian some manners as she puts back the receiver on its cradle.

"What's going on?"

Helga looked at Leighanne. "He said he's flying to France and will be there this weekend." She gave her an apologetic look. "The chauffeur will come to pick up his suitcase anytime soon."

"I'll prepare the things for him," Leighanne started walking down the hall towards the stairs.

"Leighanne..."

She turned to Helga. "Yes?"

"I'm sorry about what Brian did. He really should have talked to you instead of me."

"It's not your fault so don't say sorry." Leighanne replied. "Call me when the chauffeur arrives." Then she continued on her way to Brian's room. They were sleeping on separate rooms, as they both agreed that they needed space from each other. They weren't a true couple anyway. As soon as Leighanne got inside Brian's room, she grabbed Brian's pillow and threw it across the room.

"Damn you, Brian!"

She immediately wiped her tears and threw open her husband's walk-in closet door. She takes out the black suitcase and throws five items each of Brian's clothing, from head to foot. When everything is settled, she placed the mobile phone, in which Brian has given her, inside the suitcase. She zipped it close as there was a knock on the door. Helga peeked inside.

"The chauffeur is here."

"Please take the suitcase to him. Thank you." Leighanne said, and then she walked out towards the balcony so that Helga won't see her tears.



>> 16


























16

Brian adjusted his sunglasses as he sat across the couple, Howie and Adrienne. He learned that Howie is taking his family off for a break and decided to come along on their first stop: France. He's going to find out himself something about Leighanne, and her background.

"What happens to you when you're pregnant?" Brian asked Adrienne. The couple, whose hands entwined, looked at each other then to him.

"There are a lot of things," Adrienne replied. "And right now, since I'm pregnant again, there are things like fatigue, morning sickness, headaches, and backaches. I feel lazy, moody and very choosy over the food I eat..."

"She always wanted me around, more so after that incident with Mac months ago." Howie added. "Why?"

Brian sighed. "I don't know but I think Leighanne has faked her pregnancy. I'm not close to my mom but I've had enough experience in my medical foundation to know this certain kind of things. I've encountered lots of pregnant women before." The couple looked at him in question. He drew a deep breath. "When Leighanne had a miscarriage, I didn't even see blood or her complaint over a stomach pain... or something like that."

"Why would she do that?" Howie asked his cousin.

Brian shrugged. "I have the feeling that my mother has something to do with this. I'm just playing along with them. But they should watch their back once I found out something in France." He shakes his head as he glanced through the window of the Learjet. "I'm not dumb if that's what they think."

There was silence after that. Howie sighed as he leaned back in his seat, drawing circles on his wife's palm. "Brian, why do you hate Leighanne?"

Brian chuckled. "I don't hate her, Howie. You know about the circumstances of our marriage and how did it transpire. I just can't trust Leighanne ever since I met her. I don't hate her." He told the couple. "Harry was a very rich man when he passed away. He didn't even touch the trust fund we received from our grandfather and it accumulated to the amount he could have even if he didn't work at all as long as he lives. And then Leighanne came to the picture and married him a week before he died, at the point where he was terminally ill. Can you blame me if I think there was something odd in the situation? She's a probable opportunist and I'm just protecting Harry's wealth from someone like her."

"So that's why you're going to France to find out more about her?" It was Adrienne who asked.

"Yes."

"But let's still give her the benefit of the doubt, Brian, until you find out the truth."

"I don't trust her, Howie."

"And I think that you don't trust yourself either. That's why you're going to France to learn something and to help you ease your doubts from her. Admit it, Brian. You found Leighanne to be a wonderful woman, just like the rest of us thought that she is." Brian frowned at his cousin. "Just a thought, cuz." Howie added. "She's your wife now and she's beautiful. And you're naturally a good person. You just don't hate people without a reason and I think that what you said wasn't reason enough. Money has never been a problem to you, and you're always willing to share it to anyone."

Brian rolled his eyes. "Since when did you become a psychoanalyst, Howie?" he said sarcastically.

"I don't know. Maybe when I finally found out that love changes everything." Howie said as he turned to Adrienne and kissed her.



~~~



"Martha, what brings you here?" Leighanne asked as she tried to hide her surprise and apprehension when she learned that her aunt found Brian's place and decided to drop by.

Martha raised an eyebrow. "Oh, dropping the 'aunt'." She said. "Just because you're married to one of the elites, you're going to forget that we're relatives. Just because you married a jackpot prize, you're going to be arrogant and drop our relationship."

"I did that a long time ago, why complaining now? You haven't been good to me, and I'm glad I'm finally free from you."

"If that's what you think." Martha smirked. "Careful, Leighanne. You haven't seen yet what I'm truly capable of."

"Don't go threatening me."

Martha laughed as she saw the fear that her niece is trying to conceal. "You won't scare me or the people I'll pay and willing to get her hands on you, Leighanne. So give me what I want and you won't have any problems." She looked around the elegant Sitting Room. "You're in this rich family now, and you should make yourself useful to me and compensate on everything I've done for you in the past."

"I've done enough, Martha."

Martha gave her a devilish grin. "Then maybe I should tell them about your fake pregnancy. We both knew you weren't pregnant at all," she ignored the glare she received from Leighanne. She shakes her head. "No, not that. That wouldn't be enough." She paused for a moment to think. "How about your background from a mental institution? I could imagine it right now. Your husband's family will be shocked to learn that insanity is in your genes. They won't waste time at all in getting rid of you. And then you'll come back to me."

"I don't -"

"A year! Remember that?" Martha gave her a triumphant grin. She knew she reached the point of getting the upper hand. Oh, she loves this game she's playing with Leighanne. "You're confined in a mental institution for a year."

"I remember that. Harry knew that. But that was years ago. I'm perfectly fine now."

"But Brian didn't know." Martha pointed to her. "He will be ashamed and he will belittle you when he learns about it. He will not want anything to do about you. He would rather be away from you, divorcing you in an instant. You know that things could happen. Brian did not marry you because he loves you. Everyone knows that he only did it out of duty for his family. They are so conscious of preserving the family name and would be more than willing in marrying him off to his brother's widow. That's ridiculous." Martha laughed. "It's only been a month since Harry died and you were already married to his brother. Imagine what other people think of you - gold-digger, whore, an opportunist. Do you realize that? And they are far from the league you grew accustomed to. They will never accept you and be ashamed to have you once they learn about your mental capacity. That will be scandalous."

"I'm fine!" Leighanne said and pointed the door. "Now, leave."

Martha smiled. "You know me, Leighanne. I'll get what I want, no matter what it will cost me even if it's your life."

"Money isn't everything, Martha."

"For you, because you're a stray cat and you never had ambitions. Guess what, Leighanne. It won't get you anywhere. You'll die poor, and I'm tired of being poor all my life." Martha started towards the door. "I'm awaiting your decision. Don't let me do something you might regret. You know me, Leighanne." She added over her shoulder. Leighanne watched her go, feeling so confused on what to do right now. How and what is she going to tell Brian about this?



>> 17


























17

Brian looked at the sign outside a restaurant. Isabella's - the restaurant's name shares the name of his aunt, former Queen Isabella. And he's going to see Isabella, the manager, tonight. He's going to take a look on Leighanne's background when she's still working as a chef in this restaurant. He found where she used to work to and contacted the manager.

When he got inside, he went to the bar and called the man there. "Good evening. I'm looking for Isabella Crouix."

The man looked at him and smiled. "Oh, yes. I was informed that you'll be coming, Sir." He said, recognizing Brian immediately. "I'm James Vaughn." They shook hands.

"Brian."

James nodded. "Please follow me, Sir." He led Brian to the restaurant's office where they found a woman in her late twenties talking in French with someone over the phone. When she saw who has arrived, she immediately ended the phone conversation.

"I'm Isabella, Sir. It's nice to meet you."

"Call me Brian," He said as he took the invitation of sitting on a guest chair.

"This is James, our bartender. He's also Leighanne's classmate in college. How's she?" Isabella asked.

Brian looked at them. They seemed to be nice people and the type of those who would do anything for Leighanne. And they made him feel being scrutinized right now. "She's fine. The family gave her a warm welcome when she arrived there. And I assure you that I'm going to take care of her."

"Oh, please. That's our most heartfelt wish. We hope she's happy," James said, and seconded by Isabella.

"We're sad to hear about Harry. We've known him enough to say that he's really a wonderful person." Isabella said. "I'm glad that Leighanne chose to run to him for help rather than to anyone else." She and James exchanged knowing looks and Brian wondered what's going on.

"Is there something that I didn't know?" He asked them.

Once again, James and Isabella looked at each other before the former cleared his throat. "I'll go back to my place. I'll leave you to talk alone. Excuse me. Nice meeting you, Brian." James nodded at him then went out of the office.

"What is it?" Brian asked again once James was gone.

"I know we just met but I'll ask you a favor, Brian. Please don't let her come back here."

"Why?"

"Protect her from her Aunt Martha. Please, that's all I ask. Her aunt is horrible. I'm glad that in time of need, she turned to Harry who was her best friend. They've known long enough and I'm glad they got married in the end. I knew Harry won't let anyone, even Martha, come harassing his wife. We're sad to hear that he's gone, but we are thankful that you took her home to Arkadia and married her. Knowing the royal family, she'll be well-protected from her cruel aunt."

"Seems like we're not the only family with a mean aunt," Brian muttered as he felt sudden nervousness when Isabella said it. "I already met Martha. She's in Arkadia." He told her. He had this urge to leave the restaurant and hop on the latest commercial flight available back to Arkadia. His concern went to his wife, who is now alone in his house. He's not a bad guy after all. He still cares for his wife as Leighanne is his brother's widow.

"What? Is there somebody looking over Leighanne? Don't let her be alone with her aunt. There are so many times when Martha hurt her in front of us, harassing her with money, and verbally attacking her. Now that she's married to someone like you, she is more prone to being kidnapped. No doubt about that. Her aunt was like your Aunt Monique. I just don't know which one is worst." Isabella shakes her head. "Martha is a crazy woman."

"Where are Leighanne's parents?" Brian asked as he reached for his mobile phone.

"They're dead, a long time ago," Isabella said, fidgeting nervously and her face grew very concerned. "It seems like she never told you about this. It's so typical of Leighanne. So that's why you came here to know more about her huh?"

Take care of her... bring her home to Arkadia. Brian remembered those words from his brother. Harry knew the lurking danger if he's gone and he wanted an assurance that he will leave Leighanne to Brian's safe hands. We married in circumstances other than my leukemia. Harry is talking about Leighanne's dilemma with her aunt. "She didn't tell me about this." He said as he makes a long distance call at home. He excused himself from Isabella and went out of the office. It was Helga who picked up the phone. "Is Leighanne home?"

"Yes. Why, Brian?"

"Please take care of her, Helga. Don't let her out of your sight. If she's leaving the house, go with her. Don't worry. I'll be coming home soon."

"It was rude of you at the last time you called, Brian. You hurt your wife's feelings. When are you going to appreciate how wonderful your wife is?"

"Let's not talk about this now, ma'am. I'm in France and I just talked with Leighanne's former boss. I'll tell you everything when I get back. Bye." He didn't give the elder woman the chance to say anything more and ended the call immediately. He called Leighanne on the mobile phone he's given her but it just keeps on ringing. After a few minutes, he gave up and called Kevin. "Cousin, it's Brian. I need to ask you a favor to send one bodyguard for Leighanne today."

"Why?" Kevin asked. Brian could hear noise in the background. Kevin's probably playing with his son again.

"Just send her one, please. I'll explain it to you when I get back."

"Where are you?"

"I'm in France, Kev. I'm just worried of Leighanne being alone at the house." Brian replied, not wanting to tell his cousin about what he had learned today. He will have more time for that when he's back in Arkadia. He knew Kevin will make a big fuss about it and that's the least he wanted right now. He wants to keep things quiet now until he gets to the bottom of all about Leighanne.

He heard Kevin chuckling on the other line. "Geez, Brian. You're worried. Are you in love with her now?"

Brian rolled his eyes. "Please, Kevin. I'm just playing hero here."

"Forever hero? You said before that you're not going to file divorce. So, you're planning to be her knight in the shining armor all your life?"

"Kevin! The bodyguard," Brian reminded to divert the topic.

"Alright, stop with the PMS." Kevin chuckled once again which irritated Brian more. "Relax, Brian. Cristin and I will invite her to stay with us while you're away. Those two are getting along well and I know my wife will be glad to have her here for a while."

"Thanks, Kevin."

"Sure, cuz. I know there's something you're not telling me but I'm going to hear it soon." Kevin drew a deep breath on the other line. "Also, let me tell you that Nick tricked me and Howie into betting again." He laughed. This man was never dull since he married Cristin. Love moves in mysterious ways. Grumpy Kevin turned into a very cheerful one.

Brian formed a smile at the thought of Nick. "And you let yourselves be tricked by the kid." He remembered Nick coaxing Kevin and Howie on a bet of 100 dollars that Adrienne will accept Howie's marriage proposal once he hinted it. Howie and Adrienne weren't in good terms at that time, and they weren't having a real relationship either for Howie to just propose a lifetime commitment to Kevin's best friend. In the end, Nick was 200 dollars richer when Adrienne took Howie's word seriously and agreed to marry him. "What's the kid's bet this time?"

"That after her miscarriage, Leighanne will get pregnant soon with your baby and it's going to be a boy."

"Whoa! Where did that kid gets his confidence?" Brian laughed. "He's becoming bolder in betting."

"Yeah, he asked us for 500 dollars each. Howie doesn't want to bet but Nick persuaded him, telling us that he's risking his money to us. And so, Howie and I bet that Leighanne won't get pregnant until next year. Who do you think will won?"

"Let's see in the coming months. For now, I'll say goodbye and return to my own business. Thanks, Kev."

"No problem, dawg."

Brian ended his call and heaved out a sigh of relief. He wanted to see Leighanne. He wanted to see that she's alright. Damn, Leigh. What is this you're doing to me?



>> 18


























18

"I love your chocolate chip cookies," Leighanne said as she watched Cristin helped her son, Scott, on his cookies. It was her second day in their household and she still hasn't heard anything from Brian. It's a good thing that Cristin is there and she has someone to talk to. Adrienne also dropped by earlier and the three of them went out shopping. They took her to a salon for a total makeover and bought her clothes much to their insistence because she doesn't want to. She's not accustomed to such luxuries but she admits that there's a different feeling of wearing something beautiful and nice that she wanted Brian to see her.

"I made it softer so that Scott could eat it well," Cristin said. "Thanks, Leigh. Coming from a chef like you means a lot."

"But surely your husband appreciated this as well."

"Oh, yes. Of course, but I can't be grateful especially when you see him, Alex and Nick devouring on them like there's no tomorrow." They laughed. "Could you imagine them? They're like hungry lions being served with a piece of steak. Scott cried once when he saw his favorite snack disappeared before him."

Leighanne laughed. "Well, let's wait until Scott grows up and compete against his Dad and uncles in a cookie-eating contest."

Cristin kissed her son on the forehead. "What makes you decide to cook professionally?"

"Actually, I wanted to be an actress, a model or an artist - the stuff who paints." Leighanne said as Cristin nodded. "But I'm a shy person plus the fact that I don't have enough motivation to pursue any of those things. I turned to enroll in a culinary school instead. I worked at day and studied at night, or vice versa. I've been cooking since I was young and I thought that I could turn it into a living. How about you?"

"I'm an architect." Cristin answered with a smile then turned to Scott who announced that he wanted to go out and play. His nanny came to take him out. "I'm fascinated with all those history on every structure I saw when I was young and was mesmerized by the impressive designs. I decided to become an architect and made my dream of designing and helping build beautiful things from my own perspective. It felt so fulfilling."

"But how did your career affect your life as a married woman? Especially now that you're a mother."

"I'm still my own person and Kevin supported me in every step of the way." Cristin's eyes smiled when she did. "Of course it gets hard when you have to divide the time between family and work. It came to the point when I have a very important project and I have to attend this meeting with the contractors. At the same time, both Kevin and Scott have a high fever and they needed me. I just can't leave them with the maids here."

"Oh, my God. What did you do?"

"I can't leave my father and son. I remember going to the meeting in the clothes I only wear at home. I told the contractors that I couldn't attend the meeting because my family needed me. They may cancel the project without me if they don't like me ditching them right there and then, because the best thing I wanted to do at that moment was to attend to my sick husband and son who badly needs me."

"Wow. That sounds so 'One Fine Day', very Michelle Pfeiffer of you."

"I know," Cristin laughed. "So, I got the project and they said that they couldn't imagine trusting the project to anyone else but me. They were impressed on my dedication to take care of my family and they thought that I could do well in their project too. Kevin was very proud of me when he learned that. And although he's high with fever, he insisted to give me the greatest backrub ever. And I did."

"A token of gratitude."

"And love," Cristin winked at her. "You may try some simple tricks on Brian, too. Men appreciate gestures of sacrifice when it means it was done for them. And they like being babied. Knowing Brian all these years, he has a very soft heart beneath that cold attitude. You'll get him soon. Those men in this family have the same blood running in their veins. They were never asked to do a thing but if they did, it means that they have consent on it and they wanted it as well."

"Are you trying to imply that he wanted to marry me?"

Cristin nodded. "Harry, may God bless his soul, has been an instrument for you to meet each other and for Brian to have a chance to change his outlook in life. Brian won't marry you unless he consented himself into it. He's stubborn like his cousins, but they were brought up to love."

"I wish. I'm tired of this silent war against him, when we really don't have to. And all I just wanted is respect and appreciation from him. I'm not after the money or anything. I only want a simple life."

"Life in this family is never simple," Cristin reminded her. They smiled.

"I forgot about that," Leighanne said. "Seriously though, I'p would trade anything in this world just for a normal life like the way it used to be."

"What if it means not having Brian in your life?"

Leighanne met Cristin's look. "Truthfully, I don't want him out of my life, Cristin. I couldn't even imagine myself living without him. It doesn't matter how he treats me. Do you think that I'm falling in love with him now?"

Cristin only hugged her as a reply.



>> 19


























19

She could feel him. She could feel Brian being near, touching her face and sensing him getting down and claiming her lips to his. His tongue teased, licking and playing with her mouth as his hands do wonders in her body. Leighanne moaned. The cold wind coming through the open door towards the balcony sends her shivers but the hands wandering all over her body leave her enough heat against the cold atmosphere.

"Brian..." She softly whispered and gasped in delight as her husband's fingertips played with her nipples while the other found the center of her womanly core. She wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him closer. "This is just a dream, right?"

As soon as she said that, Brian stopped from what he is doing. "Wake up, Leigh." He gently shakes her. "Wake up, darling."

Leighanne stirred and slowly opened her eyes. "Brian! What are you doing here?" She pushed him away and struggled to cover herself with the thick blanket. "Did Kevin know that you're already here? What are you doing here?"

"Kissing my wife," Brian replied, giving her an amused look. "Kevin knows. And why are you dreaming of me?" His intense look is like piercing through her. She stopped struggling when Brian caught her hands.

"I don't know. Dreams are often involuntary sightings beneath the subconscious. People -" She stopped when Brian chuckled.

"Stop making up some answer, Leigh. I had you there. You're dreaming about me."

"So do you want me to say yes? If you're not here, taking advantage of me while sleeping, I wouldn't be dreaming of you. Just be grateful that I said your name instead of another man's." Brian surprised her when he grabbed her arm. She pulled it away.

"Don't raise your voice to me." Brian said. "And besides, I know that there's no other man, Leigh. You were a virgin on the first night I had you." Leighanne's eyes widened. It was a reaction that's too late for her to conceal. Brian never said anything after that night, so she figured that he didn't notice that it was her first time.

"Why did you pretend that you were pregnant, huh?" At that point, both of them were just sitting together on the bed. His wife is looking everywhere but him. He reached out for her to face him. "Don't be scared this time. I know you are. But just tell me why, Leigh." His gentle voice surprised Leighanne.

"What's with the gentle voice?" She asked him instead of answering his question.

Brian drew a deep breath as he stared deep into her eyes. "I'm sorry about what I've done in the past. I've been really rude. It's unforgivable but I hope you could forgive me. I realized all the bad things that I've done and I feel really stupid and I've been really unfair. And so, Leigh," Brian paused as Leighanne looked away. "Please look at me. I'm going to endure a long wait until you forgive me. But starting now, I'm going to fulfill my promise to Harry and to God when we got married, that I'll take care of you. I will do that."

Leighanne bit her lower lip to stop herself from crying. "Thank you."

"Now, please. Tell me why you staged your pregnancy."

Leighanne met her husband's look. "If I told you, would you believe me?"

"Yes."

"Why? What's with this sudden change of heart, Brian?"

"Why do you keep on diverting the topic, Leigh? What are you hiding from me?" Brian asked.

Leighanne drew a deep breath. "I don't want to go back to France, Brian. I want a new life and Harry made sure of it. He made you promise to take me here with you."

"But, why the deception?"

"My hopes shattered when you told me that my marriage with Harry was not recognized. I'm not after the money and I was more worried of the thought of where will I go from here. Would you believe me when I tell you that I'd rather stay here than in France? It's devastating when Harry was gone and I wanted to start a new life. I met you and I was given the opportunity of a new start. But you have full of doubts against me. You hated me so much, I don't know why. I'm so scared on what to do. My prayers were answered when your mother had this crazy idea and filled out the rest of what happened."

"I knew it."

Leighanne nodded. "She's manipulative but she only wanted to make up for the times she lost from being a good mother to you. I hope you would give her the chance."

"I would if she'd stop her controlling schemes." Brian said. Cristin is right, Leighanne thought. The men in this family had a mind of their own. "Just an act of love would be nice enough. Anyway, why don't you want to go back to France?"

"Bad memories. I want to start anew."

"Is that all?" Brian asked, knowing that his wife still have more to say. But Leighanne remained mum. He saw fear and hesitation in her eyes. She did not fully given her trust on him for now. Brian decided to give her time to slowly reveal the conflict going on inside. 'We got married. It all came in a hurry for some unexpected circumstances other than my leukemia,' Brian recalled those words from his brother. He knew it now that Harry meant something from what he said and when he died, he wanted Brian to continue protecting Leighanne from a grave situation she could not prevent. The two were really best friends. Leighanne has been very dear to Harry. Right now, she may have not trust Brian in full, but at least, they reached the first step.

"I'm sorry, Brian, for lying to you. I -,"

"I understand," Brian said. "Let's be friends, shall we?" he gave her a soft, reassuring smile which made Leighanne return the gesture. But she still wondered about his sudden change.

"Yes, friends."



>> 20


























20

"May I put the icing on the cake?" Brian asks Leighanne. They agreed to prepare something special on Yuri's birthday. Leighanne suggested about it and Brian was excited about the idea. They are going to throw a simple birthday celebration today. She realized that despite being rich and famous, Brian is having a close relationship with the people in his household. And they loved him and were loyal to him in return.

"Do you know how?" Leighanne asked with a raised eyebrow.

Brian shook his head. There's this cute innocent look on his face that made Leighanne smile. "If you teach me how..."

Leighanne left the pastries she's been preparing to a basket and went to Brian. She brought along a plate. "Here," she sets it down in front of Brian. She stood behind him and puts her arms around her husband. She held the hand where he holds the pastry bag. "You can make different styles, Brian, depending on what and how you would like it." Leighanne said as they pressed together and make designs on the plate. "You can have it up and down, or circular. Just make sure that it balances with the others or Yuri would think that a kid messed up his birthday cake."

Brian chuckled. He turned to her. "I like the feel of your arms around me, Leigh."

"Really?" Leighanne met his intense gaze. Her other hand pressed his arms. "Are you working out?"

"Yes." Brian sets down the icing and turned to face her. "Because you're making me fat with all these food you're cooking for me, honey." His hands pull her head closer to reach out and kiss her. "And you should know that I want you as my appetizer better."

Leighanne kissed back. "I don't think we need icing on Yuri's cake at all."

Brian chuckled, as they kissed once again. "Yes, that's enough. I'd like doing this better than putting that icing." He started taking her out from the kitchen. "Irma, take care of the rest of the stuff here, okay?" He told the cook.

"Aye, aye, Sir." Irma replied with a salute and a knowing grin.

"Brian! This is embarrassing. You just implied to them that we're about..."

"So what?" Brian laughed. "We're married. Nothing's wrong with that." They reached the hall and started kissing again. "Let's get a room. Yours or mine?" he whispered to her ear.

"Yours." Leighanne followed her husband as Brian pulled her hand. She lets him take her upstairs. She is falling in love with this man. And she didn't have any idea how to make him fall for her.



~~~



"So what did I miss?" Alex asked as he helped himself with Leighanne's carbonara. After more than two months of rehabilitation, he was deemed fine and ready to go back home to his family. On that day, everyone gathered to Bordeaux for the celebration.

Nick shakes his head when his brother offered him the pasta. "It has milk on it. I'm lactose intolerant, remember?"

"Man, you're missing something nice," Alex said. "Leighanne is a great chef. So, what did I miss?"

Kevin smiled at Alex, feeling very proud of his brother. "Adrienne is pregnant, while Brian and Leighanne seemed to be in good terms now." They turned to where the women are. Adrienne and Howie are playing with David and Scott while sitting on the grassy lawn together with Cristin, Leighanne and Anastasia. They saw Brian coming towards the group and gave his wife a peck on the cheeks before setting himself beside her.

"What happened?" Alex asked.

Kevin shrugged. "I don't know. All I know is that Brian called me while he was in France, asking me to hire bodyguards for Leighanne. And then he got home at the break of dawn in my house and went to the room where Leighanne was staying. They must have talked a lot and came to terms of settling the differences once and for all."

"That's nice to hear. I'm glad that he stopped being doubtful about Leigh." Alex finished his pasta.

"And I think I'm winning the bet," Nick said with a grin. He received a knock on the head for that. "Aw! Why Kev?"

Kevin grinned. "Why do you think so, smart one?"

"Because you can obviously tell that those two are having sex," just as Nick said that, they saw Brian quickly biting his wife's ear. "See?"

"I envy them," Alex blurted after drinking his juice. The two looked at him. "If things were different between me and Olivia, we can be happy like them. But don't worry about me now, guys. I'm trying to get over it. Right Nick?"

"Huh? Why are you asking me that?"

"Try to get over Alexei, Nick."

Nick just rolled his eyes and stood up. Kevin and Alex followed him with a look when he crossed the lawn and greeted a woman who's approaching him. Nick kissed her on the cheeks. Then the two started towards them, hands holding each other. "I'd like you to meet my girlfriend, Johanne. And they are my brothers, Kevin and Alex."

"Yow-han?" Kevin asked as he shakes hands with Nick's girlfriend.

"It's J-O-H-A-N-N-E, pronounced as Yo-han. It's cool, isn't it?" Nick and Johanne laughed. He puts an arm on Johanne's shoulders.

"Glad that you joined us." Alex said. They turned when they heard Hopkins cleared his throat to get their attention. Brian, Leighanne, Cristin, Howie and Adrienne's laughter can be heard from the background.

"Excuse me, ladies and gentlemen. I was told to announce her arrival, Mrs. Diana Bonnin-Marquis," Hopkins said with a knowing look. His eyes made a gesture towards where Brian is. As their longtime butler, Hopkins has been their friend and has become aware of the happenings in the family.

"Hello!"

"Uh-oh," Kevin muttered as they saw a woman walking towards them.



>> 21


























21

Brian turned when he heard the familiar voice of a woman. He saw Diana, still beautiful as ever, and coming towards where his cousins are sitting.

"Who's she?" He didn't notice Leighanne also caught the attention of the arrival of the woman.

Brian turned to his wife. "A friend. Her name's Diana." He did not move or do any attempt to go to his cousins until it was Diana who approached him. Everyone was surprised when as Diana got near, she gave Brian a full kiss on the mouth.

"Excuse me?" Leighanne exclaimed, wide-eyed. She saw the two drew apart and Brian's eyes were closed. It was as if he savored the moment the woman's lips touched his. Diana turned to her.

"Oh, and you must be the wife -" she did not finish what she is about to say when Leighanne's hand landed on her face, so hard that she was turned aside.

"Leigh!" But Brian received his share of his wife's hand, too.

"How could you?" And with that, Leighanne stormed off. Cristin and Adrienne, carrying their sons, followed her back in the castle. Nick and Johanne followed as well.

"Why are you here?" Brian furiously asked, his hand holding his red cheek. "And why did you do that? You obviously knew that she's my wife."

"I know. And I also know that you didn't love her. So, why did she overreact? It was as if she owns everything about you." Diana said with a raised eyebrow. "Tell you what, Brian. Wait 'til I get my hands on her. Nobody slaps me!"

"You deserved it." Kevin said from behind Diana.

"Leave this to me, cuz." Brian glared at her. "You're not going to lay any finger on her, Diana!" he retorted. "And by the way, she owns me. I'm her husband, that gives her the right whether I love her or not." He could not believe how irritated he is at Diana right now. He could not even believe that he had loved this selfish woman that is in front of him right now.

"I think the handprint looks good on your face, Diana." Alex added with a teasing grin.

"Leave it, Alex." Howie said and gestured his brother to go back to the castle.

"Wait up," Brian called out, casting one final glare at the woman he thought of the world revolved around her but found that it was just purely obsession. Nothing compares to Leighanne, he knew it. He followed his cousins while Kevin was left behind with Diana.

"What's going on here, Kev? It's just five years."

"Many things can happen in five years, Diana. You see, I'm not the player I was. I'm married, so did Howie and Brian. Things changed around here. We're no longer the royal family everyone looked up to." Kevin replied. "Brian may have loved you that much before, waited and hoped you would come back even though you've gone married to a man richer than him. He was stupid and he didn't see it until now when Leighanne came into his life. He loves her more than anything else." He followed with gaze as Brian's back disappeared from view. Brian did not admit about his feelings with Leighanne yet but it was clearly obvious that he loves Leighanne. "It's sad to see your loss, Diana. Brian got over his obsession and found someone who will love and cherish him back more than life itself. And that's Leighanne. He deserved her better than you."

"I won't stay here and hear it."

Kevin grinned. "But you did." He shakes his head. "Go, Diana. After what you did, you're not welcome here anymore."



~~~



"Where's Leigh?" Brian asked as soon as he reached the hall. Cristin and Adrienne gave him a look then pointed towards the Frances hall. They heard footsteps and Brian immediately followed his wife. "Leighanne..."

Leighanne stopped on her tracks and turned to face Brian. "I looked like a fool out there, Brian. I don't want to sound like I really own you but please, spare me some respect."

"I'm sorry." Brian noticed his wife was pale and sweating. "Leigh, is there anything wrong?" His arms went on her shoulders to keep her balance because she seems to be collapsing any moment. "Are you alright?"

"I suddenly got dizzy." Leighanne closed her eyes and hugged Brian. "I got this feeling for the past few days now. Brian, do you think I'm pregnant?"

"Let's check it with a doctor then." Brian said as his hands run up and down her spine. Her weight felt heavier against him so he swept her off her feet and brought her to a nearest room, which is a common room, and set her down on a sofa.

"Brian, if you keep on treating me like this, I might fall in love with you." Leighanne said. "Thanks for taking care of me."

"Just lie there while I go and call a doctor," Brian said instead, stood up and left the room. Leighanne bit her lower lip as she watched Brian leave the room. She scared him off. She should not have mentioned the word 'love' to him as he seems to be so uneasy about the idea. But she feels so emotional. She's beginning to fall in love with her husband, after analyzing her conversations with Cristin and Adrienne, as well as her own feelings. She looked down at her still flat belly and sighed.

"Don't worry, baby. Your daddy may not love me but he will love you, that's for sure. He will love you very much and he's going to be a good daddy."



>> 22


























22

"You looked so beautiful, even in a maternity dress, Aya." Nick said as he picks up two cookies from a jar.

"Thank you, Nick. You're very sweet," Leighanne said, giving him a tall glass of pineapple juice. "Here's your prize."

"No wonder Nick likes to come here. You spoil him too much with food." Adrienne chuckled and caressed her own nine-month-old belly. Leighanne is on her seventh month. "Are you excited about giving birth?"

"Oh, I'm terrified," Leighanne replied. "This is my first. What if I've done wrong?"

"The doctors will be there," Nick said. "And Brian, of course." There was silence when he said that. Leighanne looked away, thinking of how Brian has been a very affectionate father-to-be and spoiling her with everything she needs with her pregnancy. But she knew that was the only reason.

"Where's Brian, by the way?" Adrienne asked.

"He's with Alex, playing golf somewhere I don't know." Leighanne turned to Nick. "Why aren't you with them? I thought you loved playing golf."

"Nah, I'm not in the mood," Nick took another cookie until he declared that the jar is his. The two gave him amusing looks. "Besides, he asked me to be here to look after you when I asked him to borrow some book in his study. I was tasked to be yours and Adrienne's bodyguard for a day."

"We don't need any guarding from you. I think that it'll be the other way around." Adrienne pointed out. "You're such a baby, Nick."

"I don't think so. I can make a baby. Remember that?"

Leighanne looked from Nick to Adrienne. "Baby? You're a young father, Nick? Where's your child?"

Nick drew a deep breath and sadly looked away. "It's gone. I mean it's been aborted." He looked back to them. "I've learned from a stupid mistake of messing around with women, Aya. Erin knows that." He gestured on Adrienne. "I did that just to spite Kevin but it got the woman pregnant and she aborted it. I may not be ready to be a father but," he sighed, "I'd be willing to take the responsibility. Life is life. No one should take that away from someone."

"Oh, Nick..."

"It's okay, Aya." He smiled to both women. "It happened. That's the way it was. But if the child had lived, I will take him and raise him on my own. I've always liked children."

"It figures," Adrienne commented. Nick gives her a playful shove in the hair. "But whatever I said, you're a great uncle, Nick. And I'm looking forward into seeing you become a father. Your children will be lucky to have you."

"That's sweet, Erin." Nick kissed her on the cheeks. He did the same with Leighanne. They turned when Yuri entered the room.

"Miss Leighanne, you have a package."

Nick stood up before Leighanne could. "Where did it come from?" He asked Yuri.

"It doesn't say, Sir. It's still outside and the security still holds the person who brought it. It seems like a very odd package and we're asking your permission to open it, Miss Leighanne."

"I'll go with Yuri to see what it is, Aya." Nick decided before his cousin-in-law could even speak. Leighanne nodded as the two men left. But she wanted to see what it is too and she sensed where it could possibly come from. She decided to follow Nick moments later.

"Leighanne!" Adrienne called and followed her outside. Leighanne continued on her way. She reached the front entrance and heard gasps of surprise from the men outside.

"Oh my God!" She heard Nick exclaimed aloud. She saw him coming back inside and his face was alarmed and angry.

"What's wrong, Nick? Where's the package?"

Nick hugged her tight. "Don't go there to look at it. It's very unpleasant. We have to know who's behind this practical joke."

"I think I can handle it, Nick. Is it horrible?"

"No, don't go there." Nick said firmly. Leighanne saw how serious he really is. He saw Adrienne. "Don't come out either."

Leighanne surrendered within Nick's arms. "Tell us what it is, Nick."

Nick sighed heavily. "A dead fetus, covered with fresh blood." He replied rather hesitantly. Adrienne gasped. Nick reached for his sister-in-law's hand. "It's horrible, very unforgivable." His jaws clenched with anger, remembering once again his supposed-to-be-born child.

"Is there anyone you know who would think of doing this?" Adrienne asked Leighanne.

There was silence for a moment until Leighanne slowly nodded. "I think so."

"It has a note, madam," Yuri said, coming near them. "A note comes along with the package. It says, 'To Leighanne. Here's my gift for the baby shower.' "

"Who would do this then?" Nick asked, more to himself than to anyone else. He turned to Adrienne. "Diana?" Adrienne shrugged. They turned to see Leighanne walked towards the window, deep in her thoughts.



>> 23


























23

Alex watched as his cousin smiled. There's a dreamy look in Brian's eyes. "Yes, AJ. I'm really excited for this baby. It's going to be a boy according to the doctor. Leighanne and I have already gone shopping for baby stuff."

"I can see that she's excited too. I'm glad you're getting along well with her now." Alex walked alongside Brian as they reached the clubhouse to grab something to eat.

"There's nothing to hate about her. She's a wonderful person and I've been so wrong about her before."

Alex grinned. "Brian, do you realize what you've been talking about for the last two hours?"

Brian nodded. They found a table and sat on the seats. "Leighanne." Alex didn't say any word relating to love. He'll let Brian's momentum of a dreamy bliss go on. Brian seemed not to know what hit him and Alex is not going to point it out for him. Brian may just deny it. Both men looked up when somebody called Brian. It is Philip, his father.

"How's Leighanne?" Philip asked, inviting himself to join the two. Brian felt awkward and aloof having his father around. He's not really close to him.

"Fine. What are you doing here?" Brian asked. Alex felt the cue for him to leave the two alone. He stood up and excused himself. Brian turned back to his father. "Anything that you wanted to tell me?"

Philip drew a deep breath as he stared back at his youngest son. "I know that this is not the right place and the time to say this, Brian. I'm actually looking for you and what I'm meaning to tell is that I need you to lead the business, Brian."

Brian raised an eyebrow. This is the first time he heard his father telling him he needed him. "What changed your mind, and your heart?" He saw how uncomfortable his father with the situation but he's impressed that Philip is braving himself through the situation and let this confrontation with Brian go on.

"Your mother and I opened our eyes to the things we've done in the past. We were sad at the loss of your brother and realize that life is short. We still have you and while we still can, we will make up for everything we've done of neglecting you."

"If it wasn't for Harry's death, you wouldn't think about doing this." Brian quietly said. His eye caught Alex talking to some of their friends. "Give me time, dad. There have been too many wounds to heal after so many years that I never felt having you as my parents. Right now, Leighanne needs me and I'm going to be a parent that you've never been. My child may need his grandparents and maybe, you should start from there instead."



~~~



Brian saw Nick and Adrienne at the top of the stairs. They stopped talking when they noticed that he arrived. Alex followed behind Brian. "What happened?" Brian asked when he sensed that something has happened while he's gone. Yuri gave him a polite greeting earlier in an odd way.

"We received a package addressed to Leighanne." Nick replied. "It was a very bad prank, Brian."

"What is it? Where is it? Where's Leigh?"

Nick didn't say anything but called for Yuri. Brian turned to Adrienne. "Leighanne is in the room." She said to him. "She was there all this time since she learned about the package. Nick didn't let us see what it is. He said that it's really horrible."

"Erin," Nick called when Yuri arrived with the familiar box. Adrienne bit her lower lip as Alex hugged his sister-in-law. Brian looked inside the box and read the note as well.

"It's Diana." Brian said. Alex raised an eyebrow. "I knew her writing. Her dots on the i's are circles and she has this distinctive curve of the S like it's a G-clef."

"She should have left you alone. You're married. She's married too." Alex shakes his head. "But apparently, it doesn't seem to be like that." They watched as Brian excused himself to go to Leighanne. "Tell Leigh I said hi."

Brian nodded. He turned to Yuri. "Prepare a proper burial for it tomorrow, Yuri." Then he left. He reached his room. Since they found that Leighanne is pregnant, Brian wanted her to sleep in his room to take care of her. He couldn't tell that he wanted her beside her so he made a reason instead. Besides, he really wanted to take care of her.

For months of keeping a smooth friendly relationship, Leighanne put her trust in him on some aspects. On some parts, she still hasn't told him about her dilemma with Martha. He still gives her time until she's ready to tell it but he's keeping a watchful eye for any danger that may occur towards her. And now, this package arrived. He wanted to wring Diana's neck for that. His jaws clenched but stopped himself when he reached the door. He entered and saw Leighanne staring into space. Her hand is on her stomach, caressing it lightly.

"No one is going to take my baby away from me." Leighanne said when Brian sat down beside her. She turned to him. "He's not going anywhere, Brian."

Brian saw the fear in his wife's eyes. "Yes, Leigh. Our baby is safe. I'll do the best I could to protect both of you." He hugged her. Leighanne suddenly cried on his shoulders.

"I'm so scared, Brian. Nick didn't let me see it but I know that it's not a good sight. No one will harm my baby. He's mine. They aren't going to take him away from me."

"Shush, Leigh." Brian brushed his hands on her back to comfort her. Moments later, he is already kissing his wife, wanting to ease away her worries. And for himself, he's scared too. He's scared of losing his son and scared of losing his wife.



>> 24


























24

Brian smiled to himself as he recalled the scene at the delivery room. He witnessed Leighanne gave birth to their son. He's been with her all the time, letting her grip his hand, enduring the pain of seeing her having a hard time and screaming in agony, soothing her feelings with words of endearment until their son finally came into the world.

Brian felt the tears in his eyes at the very moment he caught sight of his child, his son. The doctor gave him the opportunity of cradling the baby before taking it to get cleaned up.

"Brian, how is she and the baby?"

Brian turned and saw his father. Concern is all over Philip's face. He's getting old, Brian thought, and he has changed. Philip, since the last time they talked, showed in every way he can that he's truly making up for the things he's done to him and Harry, on how he hasn't been a good father to them. He neglected them as his sons and focused more on the business and his privileges of being royals. "They're doing fine, Dad. Leigh asked for the baby and the two are in the room right now."

Philip patted his son on the shoulders. "I'm proud of you, Brian."

Brian's eyes blurred from the tears that are threatening to fall. Becoming an official father must have made him a more emotional man, too. His father never said those words to him, until now. When they were young, it was always Harry who received the praises. Brian never heard anything from their parents even though he tried everything to win their attention. He gave up trying until he got his chance once again, when Harry left him a duty to Leighanne. It's his brother's death wish.

Brian was about to speak when they heard a scream coming from Leighanne's room. The two rushed inside just in time to see a silhouette of a man escaping through the open window to the fire exit. "Brian! He took our baby!"

Brian cursed aloud as he ran towards the open window and followed the man. Philip called for the nurses and security to alarm them of what happened.



~~~



"How is she? She's been like that since we came back." Brian said worriedly to the doctor. He's very frustrated, depressed and mad at the same time. He didn't reach the man as he jumped from the fire exit and saw him going inside a runaway car. Who would do such a thing? His baby is only two days old. How could anyone do this without taking consideration on the baby's condition? When he went back to his wife, he found Leighanne shocked. She's staring into space and wouldn't talk to anyone.

"She's in mental shock, Brian." The doctor replied after examining Leighanne. She didn't even budge. "She was traumatized from what happened. This is one of the most dangerous cases of mentality that a person could have. We couldn't even know what's on her mind. There's no medicine to cure her. The only thing you can do is to take care of her, show her love and help her to pass this ordeal right now. After all, she can hear and see you. She only doesn't want to talk. She chose not to talk and you cannot force her to talk. Keep an eye on her. This traumatic depression has a suicidal tendency." The doctor patted Brian on the shoulders. "You may bring her home anytime you're ready. I'm sorry to hear about what happened."

Brian nodded and went to Leighanne who is quietly sitting on the bed. Philip watched his son sadly as Brain pulled his wife in a tight embrace. Leighanne seemed not to notice as she continued staring blankly into space. He went outside with the doctor to leave the two alone. The others are waiting outside.

"How are they?" Benedique asked his brother. Philip drew a deep breath. Almost the entire family is there. They were giving him worried looks as they wait for his reply. Jacquie is still in the US, but she's on the way home by the time Leighanne gave birth. It will surprise her when she hears that their first grandchild has been kidnapped.

"Leighanne is still in shock. She won't speak to anyone. Brian is with her." Philip replied. Then the doctor repeated what he had told Brian and Philip in the room.

"This isn't fair," Philip heard his niece, Anastasia, said. He nodded. It really isn't fair. His jaws clenched, remembering the sight of the lonely couple when he left them inside. They deserved to be happy but someone took their happiness away. He will do anything in his power to find the person who took his grandson away and he is going to make sure that death is the only punishment for whoever that is.



>> 25


























25

"I brought something for you," Nick told Leighanne when he, Alex, Cristin and Anastasia came by to visit her. Brian called and needed help to have someone watch over her while he takes care of finding their baby. Several called and asked for ransom money in exchange for the baby but Brian only knew certain persons who would do it. It's either Diana, or Martha.

"Yes," Cristin said. They showed Leighanne a bouquet of flowers but the latter didn't move or reacted a bit about it. Anastasia, who's sitting beside her, took her nails.

"Oh, I think you'll appreciate a good manicure or a hand spa. Remember that you love those things? Elle and I will drop by tomorrow and let's do it together." Anastasia said.

"That's a good idea," Nick winked at his cousin. "Aya, listen. Please get well soon. I want you to taste my spaghetti. I tried learning one from the recipes you gave me." Still, there was no reply.

"Nick's right," Alex seconded. "We need your second opinion since you're the greatest chef. Nick is so confident of his newfound skill that he's even organizing everyone to come to Bordeaux for a pasta party. I've already called the Bureau of Health, as well as printed out some preliminary precautions for the guests. I've tasted it last weekend and it's just too cheesy, you wouldn't think that he's lactose intolerant."

"Hey! You said it was good." Nick turned to Alex.

"I said that?"

"Don't mind them," Cristin said with a smile as the two men continued to argue. "Please say something, Leigh. Look at us. We need you back. Brian needs you. Do you realize how much he really loves and cares for you? We're looking for your baby. He's out there right now and looking for him." Cristin wiped her tears and hugged the still-shocked Leighanne. Nick and Alex watched as the two women hugged their cousin-in-law but the latter still has no reaction.



~~~



Brian went inside the bedroom and didn't find Leighanne there. His heart began to race wildly as he think of the possibilities that could happen. Where are Nick and Alex? He ran towards the balcony but no one's there too. He went back to the room and into the hall. He heard a piano playing and went towards where it comes from. He found Leighanne in the Sapphire Room, sitting quietly on the sofa. He rushed over to hug her. Everyone turned to him.

"I thought you're gone. I can't afford to lose you too." Brian cried. Leighanne still remained sitting, eyes staring ahead as if oblivious to the things going on around her.

"We're sorry that we made you worry." Alex said. "We thought of singing her a song."

"Thanks for taking care of her."

That night, Brian carefully tucked his wife to sleep after giving her a warm bath and dressed her up in a comfortable sleeping gown. Sometimes, she would respond by raising her arms but still won't talk. Brian felt tears in his eyes as he did those things. He wanted the old Leighanne back.

Brian turned to the side of the bed and opened his eyes immediately when he felt an empty space. Leighanne! He stood up. It's only almost an hour since he'd fallen asleep, because he couldn't. He haven't had a good sleep since his son was kidnapped. They were trying to locate Diana but she's nowhere to be found. The investigators went to France for Martha and found her dead in her own apartment. She was found strangled by a wire on her neck. He still hasn't told Leighanne about it, and with her condition, she's not deemed fit to receive any more bad news. At the thought of their baby, he searched for his wife. Where's Leighanne?



>> 26


























26

"Are you leaving me, too?"

Brian stopped on his tracks when he heard Leighanne's voice. He saw her standing by the door adjoining to the baby room. She's carrying a rolled towel in her arms.

"You know, I almost lost the baby once and I didn't tell you about it. After the 'miscarriage' I've made you believed that happened before, I don't want to disappoint you any more." Leighanne said.

"It's okay, Leigh. I -"

"And I've fallen in love with you, Brian. I don't want to push you more away from me by giving you more things to disappoint about me. I want to give you the best. I love you so much."

Brian stared at his wife. This is the first time Leighanne said something since the hospital incident, and she revealed her feelings for him. How would he react on that? He feels kindly soft towards her but does he love her?

"I thought you're leaving. Please don't leave, Brian." Leighanne's voice trailed off and she began to cry. Brian felt his own tears and went to hug her. It felt so good to hold her close in his arms. He never wanted to let go until...

"Hold it, Brian. We might squash our baby."

"Baby? What -" His gaze went down to the rolled towel. Leighanne holds it as if it is a real baby. Oh my God...



~~~



Brian didn't try stopping his tears from falling as he sat across his father and beside his mother. "She lost it." He said once again.

"Where's she?" Philip asked.

"She's in the baby's room, taking care of the 'baby'." Leighanne is losing her sanity as she takes care of the towel as if it's a human child. Brian was surprised to realize what happened last night. As soon as dawn breaks, he called his parents for help. They came as soon as they heard his call and he poured out all the details when they arrived. He felt pity towards Leighanne, towards himself and he doesn't even know when this nightmare will end. They still couldn't find Diana.

He never knew this thing will come although he found out, when he was in France, that Leighanne had a disturbing mental history. He disregarded it and remained mum about it, seeing and believing that she's all well now. But this thing happened and Leighanne couldn't bear the pain of loss anymore. She has been through a lot.

Jacquie puts a hand on her son's shoulders. "Are you taking her to the doctor?"

"Yes, she needs help and I'll support her in any way I can." Brian drew a deep breath. His phone rang when he's about to speak more. It was Kevin on the other line. "Kev. Why?"

"'Lo, Brian. Your baby has been found. We need you here at the hospital."

Brian stood up. "Hospital?" His heart raced wildly. He turned to his parents. "The baby was found."

"The baby is very weak and the woman who took care of him rushed him here. And the hospital called me, reporting that the baby's here. You might as well rush over here. I was told that it's really Diana behind the kidnapping." Kevin said. "The woman here managed to escape the baby from Diana. The police are in search for the place where she's hiding right now."

"How's our grandson?" Philip asked when Brian ended the call.

"The baby's weak. Diana kidnapped my baby. She must have mistreated him and that's why he needed medical attention." His jaws clenched just at the thought of it.

"The two of you should go to the hospital while I look after Leighanne." Jacquie said. Brian gave his mother a grateful hug.

"Thank you for all your help, Mom."

"We're making up for the times we've neglected you and your brother. We never realized how important you are to us until we lost Harry." Philip said. "We're sorry for everything and hoped that it's not yet too late to amend things with you and start anew for this family."

"You father's right, Brian."

Brian hugged both of his parents. Finally, he is having the family he dreamed of in a long time. And now that his son is back, he will have a complete family he dearly longed and wished for.



>> 27


























27

Brian carried his son in his arms when the doctor decided that he could take him home. He carried him as if never wanting to let go. And that's what he really feels right now. Even his parents could not borrow their grandson for a while but they understand. It was traumatic for him, and for everyone. This is his son. Alex doubted earlier that it's his baby, that it might have been exchanged for another. But the woman who took the baby to the hospital, whose name is Debbie, confirmed that it was Brian's. She took care of the child as soon as it arrived in Diana's house. Besides, the baby has a mark on his back just like the rest of them and no one outside the family knew about. The baby is a certified member of the Bordeaux clan.

Diana, on that very morning, was arrested in the house where Debbie pointed out that she's staying. She did not admit to the kidnapping charges but there were baby stuff found in the house including the cloth that the baby wore in the hospital when he was taken. Right now, Diana is under the police custody and a final lawsuit has been filed already against her.

"It's a very adorable baby." Philip said when they're in the car going home.

"He is," Brian looked at the small sleeping form in his arms and his eyes moistened from tears threatening to fall. His poor child must have gone through a lot while under Diana's care. Now, Brian is glad that he had his baby back and he can't wait to tell Leighanne the good news.

"Are you going to tell Leigh, despite her condition?" His father asked him.

"Our baby might help me to get her back, Dad. I want my family to be complete." Brian replied. When they got home, Brian jovially greeted everyone in the house who welcomed the baby home. He gave time for everyone to see his child until the time has come for his reunion with Leighanne. He excused them and went upstairs. He found Jacquie, who's just about to go out of their room. "How's Leigh?"

"She's quietly staring into blank space again, Brian. She took the baby's loss very hard." Jacquie said as she looks down at the baby and kissed his forehead. "Are you sure you're telling Leighanne, despite her condition?"

Brian nodded. He looked down when his baby moved. "Wish me luck, Mom." He entered the room and found Leighanne sitting on the edge of the bed and staring into nothing. "God, help me..."

He sits down on the bed beside Leighanne. "I've got good news for you, Leigh." He started. He heard a noise seconded him. He looked down and found his son wide awake. Although a few weeks old and still could not see, the baby's wide eyes seemed to be staring back at Brian. A smile formed on the little red lips. "Our baby's back. We found him." Brian continued, as the baby let out another noise. "He was given back to us, Leigh." The baby seconded his father and Brian can't help it but chuckle. "We're going to be a complete family now, Leigh. It will be you, me and the baby plus his grandparents." Tears came down his cheeks. "Leigh, look at us. Please, everything's going to be fine now." But still, there was no response coming from Leighanne.



~~~



Brian impatiently sits on a chair, his arms resting on his lap while his hands hang down by his knees. He looks down to the cold floor and oblivious to the curious looks that the people around are giving him. He heard the door opened beside him and looked up to see Dr. Albert. He stood up. "How is she, doc?"

"She still doesn't want to talk. The behavior you've told me was obviously the result of the trauma she had when your son was kidnapped. We can't let her stay in this place as the only cure is having her family around." Dr. Albert said. Brian nodded. It has been two days since they got their baby back but still, there's no development from Leighanne's condition. While his mother is taking care of the baby at home, Brian took his wife to the doctor to consult his wife's condition. He followed the doctor inside. "Leighanne, your husband is here now to take you home."

Brian thanked the doctor and sits beside his wife. The doctor excused himself and left the room. "Leigh, it was hard for me as it was for you. Our son is back. He's healthy and he's looking for his mother. He needs you, I need you. We love you, Leigh. Please come back to us." Brian cried and wrapped Leighanne in a tight embrace. "I love you, Leigh."

He wanted to make everything right this time, to start anew with his wife. If Leighanne is not yet ready to talk, he will wait until she is. He realized how much he loves her and how much he is willing to give everything for her and do everything for her. He wiped his tears but he never lose his embrace. "I love you, Leigh. I love you so much. Please come back to us. We will start as a family. I'll take very good care of you."

As he cries, he didn't notice his wife shedding tears as well. It wasn't until she spoke. "Brian..." He looked up and for the first time in weeks, Leighanne is directly looking at him. They looked at each other for a while.

"Leigh..."

Leighanne nodded as she cried. "I couldn't speak because I'm scared. It's my fault that our baby is gone. I kept on blaming myself because I failed to protect him. I don't want to cause you any more pain. I'm really sorry, Brian."

"Shush, Leigh. Everything's fine now. Our baby is back." Brian kissed his wife and wiped away her tears. "We are not going to lose him again. And I'll never let you out of my sight. You're just going to be right here, beside me." He kissed her once again. "Oh, God. How couldn't I have seen it before?" He stared at his wife.

"What is it, Brian?"

"I love you, Leighanne. And I'm really scared when you were shocked and in trauma and wouldn't say anything. I'm so afraid of losing the woman I found very exquisite, and a very good friend. I'm so afraid that I will lose the person who is very special to me."

"I'm back, Brian. I love you too."

"Did you know that these beautiful eyes are the first things that caught me off guard when I first saw you? I have to stop for a moment to check if I'm in a real world." He smiled and paused just as when his lips are merely inches from hers. "You mesmerized me, Leigh." They shared a very long and passionate kiss, consuming all the depths and emotions they have inside. "I married you, without even thinking twice. I don't want to accept the fact that I married my brother's widow after he was laid to rest but I couldn't let you go. I want you for myself even if I had doubts before on who you are in Harry's life. It all mixed with the jealous feelings and wishful thinking that you should have met me first instead of my brother. And I was really rude and I didn't respect you. I'm really sorry."

Leighanne smiled. She leaned across her husband's chest and rested her head to the hollow of his neck. "You're forgiven, Brian. We all make mistakes. I did, and I also have to tell you everything about me from now on."



>> Epilogue


























Epilogue

Brian let go of Leighanne's hand as they entered the nursery room. He's becoming more emotional since his son was born, and this moment is not an exception. He watched as Leighanne peeked through the crib and saw their baby sleeping. Her soft light hair cast a beautiful glow against the morning rays. Brian thought he had seen an angel watching over their baby. But angel or not, this is Leighanne, the woman he loves more than life itself.

"He's so adorable, Brian." Leighanne said as she gently touched the baby's face. "He will look so much like you."

Brian went beside his wife and together, they watched their son in a peaceful sleep. He held her hand. They both turned when somebody knocked on the door and entered the nursery. The newcomer got so many balloons and a cloth bag of stuffed toys that he stumbled down the floor. Brian frowned and recognized Nick. Leighanne laughed.

"Nick! The baby's sleeping!" Brian whispered. "What's that? The baby doesn't need that yet!"

"I'm just excited for my new nephew. You see, I wasn't able to visit home because of the midterms and I really wanted to see how the baby is doing now. Are you okay now, Aya?" Nick asked as he struggled to stand on his feet. "I mean, I heard about your condition. Uhm..."

Leighanne nodded. "I'm fine, Nick. Don't worry." She takes the stuffed toys from him. "Our baby's sleeping." But Nick must have been so clumsy that he tripped once again. Brian rolled his eyes and sighed. Trust Nick, the giant man who stood more than six feet, on clumsiness. The baby cried from the sudden noise. Leighanne laughed as she went to carry her son.

"Ooops," Nick bit his lower lip. "I'm sorry, Brian. I'm just trying to give this to your son. And I want to see him."

"Later, Nick." Brian began pushing his cousin out of the room. "The baby doesn't need balloons. He won't appreciate it, not yet."

"But Brian, those were beautiful balloons. My girlfriend told me that babies that age may have not seen it yet but they will feel it. I'll make your baby boy feel the balloons. He'll love it and the stuffed toys too."

"Nick, don't be such an idiot. See you later." Brian closed the door from Nick and locked it. Leighanne is already cradling their son and making it go back to sleep. But it's already awake and making cute noises. "Now I understand why Cristin and Adrienne were complaining about Nick coming to their house."

"He only loves babies. I remember you told me about his frustration to have one a long time ago." Leighanne said. Brian came near and gave her a sweet kiss on the lips. "I pity your cousin. He must have been so sad to lose a baby."

"He will find his happiness soon. I can see it. I have a hunch about it." Brian kissed their baby.

"So, you're foretelling the future as well. Let's see, what do you think the future holds for us?" Leighanne initiated their kiss.

"Happiness for every one of us, as well as love." Brian said. "Together, forever."



THE END