Prologue

Kristin threw aside the newspaper where her name graced the headlines for graduating with honors in her high school class. She went towards the gazebo at the back of the mansion. She wished that her parents would be happy to hear the news about her latest accomplishment.

"You seemed happy, Miss Kristin," the butler, Horace, said. "I heard the news. Congratulations. We're proud of you."

Kristin smiled and briefly hugged the butler and then went off. She knew that her mother is tending her flowers. Her father might be there too. She only wished they weren't fighting again. Drawing a deep breath, she pushed the door open and went out to the back garden of the mansion.

She knew before she could even reach the gazebo that they are fighting again. She stopped on her tracks when she heard her mother shouting. The duchess is in her worst mood again. Kristin bit her lower lip. She was about to walk away when she met her father's look. There is the usual icy glare that is intended only for her. Her father is standing beside her mother. Kristin knew he never loved her.

Just as she was about to leave, she saw her mother crying and pounding her fists on her husband's chest. She wanted to go there and pull her mother away. Her mother had enough pain. Even she couldn't take it anymore. Drawing a deep breath first, she decided to do it. She saw her mother suddenly fell.

Kristin began to rush.



~~~



Many years later ...

Kristin turned away and tried not to feel jealous when she saw her cousin Rhian was given a large present from her father, King Albert. It's Christmas Eve and there will be a masquerade ball at the grand ballroom of the castle where she lives with her cousins.

Ever since her mother died, she decided to live with her closest relative: the first family of Volzenburga. She became a duchess at the tender age of seventeen. Her father who never loved her decided to leave her and return to the US. Kristin hated him for disregarding her as his daughter all through her life. She decided to give up on him and tried on not having anything to do with him. She inherited her mother's legacy and that's where she should focus her life after she graduated college.

"Aren't you going to open your presents?" King Albert asks her. He smiled at her with warmth in his eyes. He's the nicest man she has ever known and she's lucky to be his niece. Someday, she's going to find a man just like her uncle.

"I will wait until tomorrow, uncle." She replied. Growing up almost alone, Christmas was something she always looked forward to. Alone or not, she tried as much as she can to sit near the Christmas tree and open her presents, just like what other children would have done. It's the closest thing she can do to feel the warmth of the season. Oftentimes, she would glanced up the tree and made a wish. She's been doing it ever since and although not everything come true, she still hoped that someday it would.

Drew stood up. "Okay. Let's go to the ball." She excitedly says. Kristin saw her other cousins' reaction. Amelia, as usual, is bored. Rhian, looking glamorous in a purple gown, shakes her head. She chuckled. If the people only knew what her cousins were really like, they will be surprised. They are far from what the media has portrayed about them.

"I still don't have a mask," she said and winked at her uncle. She kissed him on the cheeks before they went out of the room. Drew did not bother to do that to her father. The three sisters have an unusual and awkward relationship with their father. If she only have a father like her uncle Albert, she's the luckiest girl in the planet.

"I'll order one from the maids. Don't worry." Drew said. She looked beautiful in her green gown.

"What are you so excited about?"

Drew looked at her innocently. "What? Nothing."

"Come on. There's someone out there that you're dying to see."

Drew sighed dreamily. "Christopher, the son of Duke Logan."

Kristin's mouth dropped open. "Oh, the hunky race car driver? Come on. I thought you're still going out with Julian."

"I broke up with him," Drew glanced at her watch, "almost two hours ago. I heard Christopher's coming with his sister. Gaila said she will introduce me to him."

Kristin shakes her head. Drew is beautiful and she can play around but to change men as if she just changed a dress was something Kristin still found awkward. She loves men but she's not the one who changes boyfriend like her cousin does.

More than an hour later, they were enjoying the masquerade ball. The king has arrived to join the festivities on this Christmas Eve. Kristin saw Rhian getting cozy with her new boyfriend and then there is Amelia who's usually surrounded with elder people and talking about serious stuff. She wondered if Amelia would continue being like this. She wished a man would come her cousin's way and swept her off her feet like a fairy-tale princess had in books. Amelia needed that kind of spice in her life.

Kristin is starting to get bored with the party. It's more fun being in the club than here with their relatives, politicians, dignitaries, socialites and some other people she actually did not know. Here, she needs to dress up and follow royal protocols as a Duchess should. But out in the club with Drew, they can do whatever they want without seeing her uncle shaking his head on them.

She started to go to the side door to escape. A couple met her on the way and she made a short chat before preceeding. She's about to reach the door when a hand stopped her and pulled her towards the dance floor.

It's a man, a tall man to be exact, with the cool scent of perfume seeking through her senses as he pulled her to him. He led the dance. He is good at it.

Kristin looked up to the man and met his look. She can only see a pool of emerald green eyes looking right back to her. They were both wearing masks so if she can't see him, he didn't know her either. "Do you know me?" She asks.

"Let's just dance," came the arrogant tone. His hold on her went tight as he spun her around the floor.

"I don't actually dance with strangers."

"Really?"

Kristin nodded. It's true but his presence overwhelmed her. There is something in him that made her feel special and wanted. And why did the musicians suddenly change their music into tango? The man knows how to dance. And she can feel something between them. She knows it is not just her. She felt the man's lips touched her temple for a moment. Who is he?

"What is your name?" She tried to ask.

He only answered with a smile. She nearly stepped on his foot for that. He should know how lethal his smile could be. Her heart is beating fast now. No man as mysterious as him intrigued her before. She had this urge to pull off the mask but she does not want him to get mad for it too.

Drew raised an eyebrow when she saw what is going on in the dance floor. There were other couples dancing too but she caught sight of her cousin dancing with a man, but he's not just any man. His name is Kevin Richardson. He's an American who migrated to Volzenburga and now owned a large estate in the countryside. She learned about him since one of her ex-boyfriends was Kevin's neighbor. She doesn't know him that well except for the fact that he's quite good looking.

Finally, the dance ended and Kristin immediately left Kevin and walked away. Drew watched as Kevin casually leaves the dance floor. Her cousin was nowhere in sight. She saw Kevin was approached by a woman and took his hand.

"Drew..."

"Huh?" She turned around and saw Kristin now standing behind her. How could her cousin moved so fast and went across the other side of the ballroom?

"Did you know that man?"

"Who?"

"I know you're looking at him now. Who's he?"

"Oh, that man. No, I don't know him." Drew lied. It's better not to say anything. She may not know him well but her impression of Kevin was not good.

"I just wondered what kind of man he is and why is he here? Did you know what he just did?" Kristin shakes her head and began telling Drew what happened earlier.



>> 1

1

Kristin watched on TV how several people in the national monument cheered for the king when he arrived for the laying of the wreath to the country's national heroes. She couldn't imagine herself being in her uncle's position, carrying the whole country's needs and wants on his shoulders. It's too much hard work. She's amazed how her uncle Albert was able to pull everything in a graceful manner. For her, she's not thinking about being in that position someday. She's may be the fifth in line to throne, but she's only half-Volz. It invalidates her stand in the line of succession to the throne. She's not pure blooded Volz.

But despite of that, she still inherited her mother's legacy and being a duchess, she should take care of the duchy, her family's estate and the people who lives in it. It's a royal business that she was tasked to take care of since her mother died of a heart attack when she was seventeen.

Everyday, she's checking on the estate's business, looking through the financial ledger and taking time to visit her properties. The duchy is an agricultural zone mostly comprised of acres of land planted with crops, vegetables and fruit trees. Her land is a big provider of grapes, peaches and apples. She valued everything on it not only because she owned it, she wanted to show her father that she's successful on her own way and she never needed him.

Of course, that's not true. Deep down inside, she still longed for his love.

Her musings were interrupted when her secretary announced her visitor. It is Kevin Richardson, an investor who called and said he is interested in supporting the duchy and investing his money on it. She hasn't seen the man yet. They only exchanged emails as well as a few conversations on the phone. He has a good voice and it always made her knees weak just by hearing it. His profile said that he's only thirty, so she didn't worry about expecting an old man coming in her office, being fooled by his young and deep voice.

She prepared a smile when the door opened. She saw Kevin Richardson coming in and she felt him coming into her life. He smiled back and shook hands with her.

"Good day, Your Grace." Kevin greeted. This man looked handsome in his three-piece business suit. She looked unprofessional with her white buttoned blouse and jeans. She would usually wear anything she feels comfortable at work. She did not realize that her guest would be coming in something so formal.

"Good day, too. Pardon me for my clothes. I didn't expect you'll be coming today instead on Friday. I came from the vineyard." She glanced at the TV and turned it off.

"It's alright, Your Grace." Kevin took a seat when Kristin offered him one.

"Would you like something to eat or drink?"

"I'm fine, thank you. No need for that."

Kristin loved hearing his voice. It was as if she already heard it somewhere.

"Let's get down with the business." Kevin smiled. She looked away upon realizing its effect on her. This is the first time she will have a crush on her investor. "And then after this, allow me to take you out for dinner tonight." She heard him say.

"Tonight?" Oh, my. The king requested her presence at dinner. "I'm sorry I can't. I have a dinner meeting with my uncle. Probably, next time." She hoped that there will be next time. She wanted to spend some time with this hunk.

"It's alright. I'll hold on to that promise. A dinner," Kevin said as he takes out his files. "By the way, about this invesment thing is very significant for me. You see, I was born in Kentucky, in America and I grew up in the countryside. My father has taught me and my brothers on taking care of his land and everything on it and that's where I got my chance to go to college. Since I migrated here in Volzenburga when I became the project manager of Stoltz Holdings, I've been looking for something financially worthy that will contribute to my personal savings and will also fulfill my sentimental interests."

Kristin nodded. He's only simple with his intentions. "You fell in love with Volzenburga, huh?"

"I felt like a long-lost citizen. Probably marrying one will only be a cherry on top as I planned to retire here."

"What about your family back in the States?"

"They have supported me to whatever I do. I visit them once in a while but I found my home here and this is where I will stay."

Kristin glanced down at the files in the folder he's given. "I assume you understand that this still has to go for approval with the board. The duchy has its board of members who contributed a lot in spearheading this humble company. The members were all my relatives, including the king. The duchy is not only a family-owned estate but it is a small company that is concerned with the welfare of the people who live and work here."

"I understand. I've been through the background profile that your lawyers have given me." Kevin said.

"Why did you choose the duchy?"

"I've seen the promise of the land when I came to visit here with a friend a year ago. I wanted to contribute something to make this productive and improve the lives of the communities in the duchy."

May I kiss you? Kristin wanted to ask. He's so adorable as every minute passes by.

"I admire your position as the Duchess, Your Grace. I learned that in your late teens, you inherited this enormous responsibility and brought it to prosperity. It was too much of a workload for a young seventeen-year-old lady back then." Kevin tells her.

Kristin smiled. "Well, it was really hard but I was well-guided by my uncle, King Albert. He's a great person. He has taught me a lot to be what I am today."

Kevin nodded. "And your boyfriend must be very proud of you."

If Kristin only knew that it's his subtle way of asking if she has a boyfriend, she will flirt with him. But he sounded so casual about it, it must be just a normal thing for him to say that. "I don't have a boyfriend. But before, my exes saw this as a nuisance as I spent more time working here and doing my royal duties than being with them. Being single is the only time I have for socializing and catching up with things. I enjoyed it and probably, I'll stay single for a period of time so that I can enjoy life."

"Sounds good to me. I would like to celebrate our forthcoming partnership with a dinner. Would you like to come with me?" She didn't know how he made it so casual but also serious when he brought up the topic. He looked interested but there is also a hint of respect and professionalism in him for her as the Duchess who he came to seek for possible investment opportunity.

"Why not? Let's start off with friends, is that what you're trying to say? I'd like to go out and relax with a few friends once in a while."

"Yes, I will be honored to be your friend, Your Grace."

"The title would be awkward if we will be friends. I'm more comfortable with Kristin or Kris unless we're in a board room or at work," they chuckled. They stood up almost at the same time and shook hands.

"Thank you, Kristin. I'm looking forward to this new friendship. Call me Kevin too."

"Yes, Kevin. And I will submit your application on the next board meeting. Goodluck." She grinned.

"Thank you."



~~~



"It's predictable," Victoria tells her brother, Albert. She is having dinner with him, his daughters Drew and Rhian, her niece Kristin and Rhian's boyfriend and the castle's land architect Nickolas Carter. "The committee's strategy on International Tourism is predictable. I've seen it happened in Asian countries before. They have these tv commercials on cable and then organized travel expos on their neighboring countries."

Aside from being the king's sister, Victoria is also the chariman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Tourism Management. She's good at it, if track records will speak about her outstanding performance for the last six years. Tourism boomed in the country and it may be small, but it held recognition from the foreign market under Victoria's governance.

"But it's effective." Albert tells her.

"True. I was also considering about the study that one of the departments had for low-cost carriers. It will promote domestic tourism in our islands. Our beaches will be known." Victoria looked around the table.

"That's a great idea but take note about studying it first." Kristin said after glancing at Rhian and Nick who just placed food on each other's mouth. She rolled her eyes. They're so sweet, ants will feast on them.

"You're just envious," Victoria chuckled when she saw her reaction.

Albert shakes his head. Rhian and Nick sometimes have their own world, regardless of where they are and who are they with. The media were the ants who feasted on their relationship. It's nothing new that a foreigner would be involved with a Volz royalty because it always happened except for the fact that she's the youngest daughter of the king and he's a commoner but who also happened to design the castle's landscaped grounds. That's what made them more interesting.

Kristin glanced at her other cousin, Drew. The other one is quiet. Something's going on in Drew's mind. She grew up with the tres marias of Volzenburga and she knew them well. The eldest sister, Amelia, is away for her final year in medical school. That one will stop at nothing just to become a doctor. Amelia's royal training as the princess-in-waiting is long overdue and she completely ignored that. Drew is very mad at her sister.

"How is your meeting with Kevin Richardson?" Albert turned to her.

Drew instantly turned to Kristin when she heard that. "Kevin Richardson, as in the foreigner? That businessman from the States?"

"Yes. Why?" Kristin frowned. Why did it suddenly irritate her with just the thought that Drew might be interested with Kevin Richardson? She suddenly felt territorial. She knew the man first, or rather she talked with him first. He's hers.

"Nothing. I only wondered. What business does he had with you?" Drew asked her.

"Prospective investor." Kristin gave her cousin a warning look. She knew Drew would understand that.

"Is he young as in as young as you or as young as me?" Victoria grinned playfully.

"As young and as yummy as me," Kristin chuckled at her words. She doesn't care about her uncle's presence. As long as she's not behaving like this in front of the public, he's alright with it.

"Remember that physical attributes are not part of the requirement to become an investor," Albert shakes his head. Being surrounded by women like his sister, daughters and a niece for so many years made him tolerant to this kind of conversation. He's used to it. He began to understand the female species, so to speak. And the public does not even know how he could handle these women's idiosyncrasies.

"I will never forget that, uncle. Don't worry. This one will impress you."

"Give me his background files. I need to study it. Finally, something to look forward to on this month's board meeting." Victoria clapped her hands excitedly. It would have been looked awkward for an almost fifty-year-old woman but not for Victoria. And she always does it with grace.

"Well, you need to provide us the copy by Monday, cousin," Drew said, watching their aunt with amusement. Even King Albert chuckled at his sister's light-hearted mood.

The dinner continued as the conversation progressed to another topic. Kristin is happy that it seems like a part of the board is looking forward into knowing Kevin and his intent to invest on the duchy. She is looking forward into seeing him again and knowing that he might be working with her, too. That will be amazing.

When the dinner ended more than an hour later, Kristin stood up and was about to leave the dining room to have coffee on the other room with the rest of them when she remembered something. "By the way, uncle Albert. When he becomes the new investor, I promised I'll go out with him for dinner."

Albert looked at her for a moment. Kristin held her breath. He's almost like a father to her. She bit her lower lip and waited for his reply.

Slowly, the king nodded. "Interesting, Kristin. That's interesting."



>> 2


























2

"I'm sorry. What did you say?" Kristin asks Drew. She is in her office when her cousin arrived without notice. She folded down her laptop and focused on Drew.

"I broke up with Luke. He's suddenly become overbearing, I couldn't take it."

"That's not new," Kristin shakes her head.

"I know." Drew began to study her well-manicured nails. "And when Papa learns about this again, he will be mad. He doesn't like it when I broke up with another boyfriend. But it wasn't my fault."

"Well, sometimes, I get tired of seeing you do the date-and-dump game either."

"Excuse me?"

"You heard me," Kristin looked at her cousin. She can always tell the truth to her and knock the sense out of her. But sometimes, Drew can be really stubborn.

"I just need to move on."

"Yeah, right. Don't you get tired of it sometimes?"

"It's part of my lifestyle."

Kristin rolled her eyes. "By the way, Dad's coming."

"Where's the enthusiasm?" Drew knew how her cousin always seek her father's affection in a subtle way. Kristin did not want to admit it but her father's approval and attention would matter to her, if given the chance. But the baron, who retained his title even after Kristin's mother died, was far from giving it to his daughter. Drew knew that beneath the strong countenance was a person who only needed to be loved.

"It flew out of the window, Drew." Kristin replied. "So in other news, I'm going out with Kevin tonight." Her smile grew wide. "Just thinking about the man makes my heart beats fast. He's so adorable. And his smile," she sighed. "I researched about him, by the way." She takes out some papers on the side of her table. "Most that I found were local news clippings in Kentucky. He's into sports, football in particular. He is an advocate of the environment."

Drew watched the fascination in Kristin's eyes as she talked about her cousin's latest apple of the eye. She knew that once Kristin has set her mind on something, she will do everything to achieve it. Her latest conquest is the American migrant who is drop dead gorgeous and was known to be a Southern gentleman in his hometown, as what Kristin is telling her right now. "How did you find those facts?"

Kristin winked at her. "PI."

"You'd go to that extent just to know something about him?"

"Drew, I think we're meant for each other."

"You're crazy."

"No." For a moment, Drew saw sadness in her eyes as she looked out in the window. Her cousin is thinking she can find love and acceptance from other people. It seemed like the ones they gave her wasn't enough. She went to hug her cousin.

"Okay, whatever you want, Kristin. I'm only concerned that you might get hurt when he won't return your feelings. Besides, it's too early to tell. This is only your first date. Don't expect a lot already." Drew tells her.

Kristin stared down to her desk. "Can you blame me, Drew?"

"I know. But I don't want you to get hurt." Drew said. "I love you."

Kristin looked at her. Drew wished she could give anything to make her cousin happy. Kristin deserved it more than anything else. She wished it would come soon.



~~~



Kristin smiled at Kevin as he commented her choice of the book they were talking about. Kevin took her in a restaurant with strict protocols against the paparazzi. On the duration of their dinner, Kristin realized that they may not share a lot of things in common but they were complimenting each other, respecting what the other's likes and dislikes. But what she was excited about during their date was that they both shared their interest with nature and they found a lot of things to talk about.

"When I have some time off from the duties and work, I would read. Oftentimes, I go for a ride. Maybe you can visit sometime and I'll introduce Lucas to you." Kristin said.

"Who's he?"

"He's my horse," she winked. "We can go around the duchy. You can tour the place."

"Sure, why not? That will be great. And I forgot that you were an equestrianne," Kevin drinks his glass of water.

"I only did that when I was in college, right before I went to the military school. I decided not to pursue because of so much responsibilities in the duchy." Kristin said.

"Wait, you went to the military school?" Kevin raised an eyebrow.

Kristin rolled her eyes, but her smile remained. "It's a royal decree among the heirs, or heiresses of the throne, to go to the military school. I may not have the eligibility to succeed the throne because I'm only half-Volz but my uncle required me to. Ironically, the people in line to the throne have gone through with it except Amelia, that's the king's eldest child."

"Oh, she's the one in med school, isn't she?" Kevin returned her smile.

"Yes, the reluctant one. She wanted to be a doctor. She's very dedicated in things like those. I admire her for her passion but I also wished she would step up and do her duty. Uncle isn't getting younger." She waved her hand. "Okay, enough of that. It's a family drama. I don't want you to get bored with it."

Kevin smiled wider when the music in the restaurant changed. "Do you dance?"

"Yes, of course..." Kristin was surprised when Kevin stood up quickly when she said that. "Where are you going?"

Kevin grinned naughtily. "I'm not giving you any chance to back out." He took her hand. "We are going to dance."

"Uh..." She followed him towards the center where some couples were already dancing samba. "Wow..." She muttered when she saw Kevin moved his hips in time to the tune. She thought it was sexy. They danced along. She always loved swaying to the music and she enjoyed it more when she had a partner like Kevin.

When the music ended, they were both laughing at the steps they came up with. Kevin kissed her on the cheeks and she tried so much as to hide her surprise. He really amazed her. He led her back to their table.

"You were great." Kevin tells her.

"So are you," she chuckled. "Do you want to go to The Dazzle?" It's a high-end club where only members of the royalty and high society have the ticket to go inside. The club prides itself with the confidentiality and trust that its patrons gave to it. There were strict rules against cameras and paparazzi.

Kevin shakes his head. "I won't be able to pass through the doors. I'm not part of the noble circle." He smiled.

"It's alright. You're with me."

"No, it's alright. Let's just go to my place. I'd like you to meet Garrett."

"Who's he?"

Kevin chuckled. "That's my horse." He takes her hand.

"But it's already late to take a ride," Kristin chuckled. They went out of the restaurant after Kevin paid for their dinner.

"Okay, I lied. Let's just go someplace that isn't noisy. I'm sure my Garrett is resting by now so let's not bother him." They went inside Kevin's car. "Besides, it's already late. I'll take you home."



~~~



Kevin's jaw clenched when he saw the mansion again. He is taking Kristin home after their dinner and although he realized that he enjoyed his time with her, he needs to focus on something.

He looked at Kristin. The duchess is beautiful. She had lots of life in her but halfway through dinner, he saw that her smile never reached her eyes. He wondered what contributed to her unhappiness.

She faced him when they reached the front door. "Thank you for the night." Kristin smiled at him.

"Good night, Kristin." He smiled down to her. He leaned to kiss her on the cheeks but she pulled him and kissed him straight on the lips. He closed his eyes to savor the moment. She's a good kisser. He wondered, just like her cousin Princess Drew, how many men have tasted this wonderful lips. With that thought, he slowly pulled away. Kristin had this big smile on her face.

"Alright, I have to go now." He placed one more smack on her lips and then turned to go.

"Good night, Kevin. Thanks for the time," Kristin said.

Kevin waved then sped off. He heard, right from the start, that Kristin always love attention. She would get it from anyone she likes. She's a spoiled brat who would get whatever she wants. He knew that her eyes were set on him. He will take advantage of that interest. He needs to know more about the daughter of his father's killer.



>> 3


























3

Kristin opened her gifts and her eyes widened. It's her birthday and she celebrated through a lunch with her uncle and cousins. Her aunt Victoria is also there. "Oh my! I love notebooks." She exclaimed.

Albert smiled in amusement. No matter what Kristin has gone through in the past, she was always the smiling person who gets happy in simple things. Maybe the lack of love from her parents made her realized the importance of other things, even in the simplest manner. Little things already mean a lot for her, just like the notebook that Drew has given her.

"I know. You love notebooks," Drew watched her cousin browsed on the pages of the three notebooks she gave her. For some reason, Kristin loved different kinds of notebooks. So, she made sure to give her some fine and rare ones as a gift for her birthday.

"Oh, then maybe you should open my gift too." Victoria tells her niece.

Albert drinks his glass of water as he watched his niece open more gifts. A servant approached him and informed about a visitor. "He said he is Duchess Kristin's friend, Mr. Kevin Richardson." Albert nodded and instructed to let the man inside the dining room.

"Oh, a fountain pen!" Kristin said. "Thank you, Aunt Victoria."

"You're welcome, my dear."

Albert cleared his throat. "I have another gift too." He said. The ladies laughed. He gave Kristin a keychain, one that was given to him as a gift when he went to Kenya. "Well, pardon me if I'm not good at this gift-giving but I'm sure you're going to like my surprise package." He glanced at the door. After a few moments, the servant opened the door and revealed Kevin. The king winked at his niece. "Like it?"

Kristin blushed. It has been a week since they had a dinner. She deliberately kissed him on the lips when she knew that he only aimed for his cheeks. She must be crazy because she could not stop thinking about this man. She stood up and greeted him.

"Thanks for coming, Kevin."

"Happy birthday, Kristin." Kevin gave kissed her on the cheeks. He turned to acknowledge the rest of the royal family.

"Join us for lunch. We were having an appetizer. Full course will be served soon," Albert said.

"Thank you, Your Majesty." Kevin nodded. Kristin led her to a chair beside her in the table. He saw the gifts they gave her in front of Kristin. Those were only very simple things but as he watched how Kristin appreciated it, he realized how easy it was to make her smile.

"Open my gift, Kris." Rhian tells her cousin.

Kristin opened the gift. It is a set of perfume. "Thank you, Rhian. I love this. I can use this for Monday, Tuesday..." She said as she points at each bottled perfume. There were seven in the package.

"Amelia has sent her gift too," Victoria said and gave her a box. She opened it and found a framed picture of her with her cousins.

"This is so wonderful!" Kristin stared at the picture. "My sisters." She smiled at them.

Kevin watched the vibrancy of life in Kristin. It was easy to make her happy. Her family knows how to make her smile with those simple things they gave her. They know how to make her feel appreciated. He suddenly felt guilty of exacting revenge for his father's death. The main reason that he is here in Volzenburga is to avenge his father's death from the hands of its killer. He learned that it was Baron Hugh, Kristin's father. It was unexpected. The baron has been his father's friend. He never thought that it would all come this way.

"Kevin..."

"Huh? Sorry. I spaced out." Kevin said. They were looking at him.

"Your gift to Kristin," Drew said.

"Oh, here." He smiled at Kristin.

Kristin met his look. "Thank you." When she opened her gift, it is a red and pink shawl. "Thank you, Kevin. This is beautiful."

Victoria raised an eyebrow. The shawl was so ordinary. Kristin was the easiest person to please. And Kevin seemed happy that he was able to make Kristin smile.

Albert cleared his throat. "Alright, let's now proceed with lunch. I have an engagement in two hours."

The food was served in the table. It was like a feast. The conversation in the table went from politics to local entertainment. Kevin realized that the royal family can be like any other ordinary people too. They can talk about anything and he was able to get involved in the conversation. Half an hour later, they were finished with lunch. Drew and Victoria were debating about the difference between some sort of beauty products that only they could understand.

"It's part of their vanity," Kristin tells Kevin. He chuckled.

They turned when the palace chef came out holding a birthday cake with candles on it. He, and some of the staff, were singing the birthday song. The king and the rest of the family, including Kevin, sang along too.

"Oh, it's a cheesecake!" Kristin happily exclaimed. She hugged and kissed the chef on the cheeks. "Thank you, Salvador. I really appreciate this."

"Happy birthday, Your Grace. Now blow the candles."

Kristin closed her eyes to make a wish first and then, blew the candles. Kevin realized how close she is, not only with the members of the family, but also with the royal household. And they revered her with respect and admiration. Kristin can really charm anyone with only her simple smile and the way she interacted with others. She volunteered to slice the cake. As she did that, the door of the dining room opened and revealed Hugh, her father.

Everyone was surprised, most especially Kevin. He didn't expect the baron coming here and surprising his daughter. He tried to control himself from grabbing the dinner knife from the table.

Kristin was surprised. "Papa, why are you here?" She asked while the kitchen staff discreetly went back in to the kitchen.

"Aren't you glad to see your father?"

"Well, I don't know." Kristin shrugged. She received her father's kiss on the cheeks.

Hugh did not comment. He turned to his brother-in-law. "Albert, it was pleasant to see you again."

"Likewise," Albert replied. He turned to his sister, Victoria. "Come on, Victoria. We still have a meeting." He went to kiss his niece. "Happy birthday, Kristin. I apologize that we have to leave so soon."

"It's alright, Uncle. Thank you for this gathering you prepared for me."

The king nodded and went out of the dining room, followed by Victoria. No one can blame his indifference towards Kristin's father. Hugh was never a good husband. He was to blame for the early death of Leonora, Kristin's mother.

Hugh turned to Kristin. He saw her gifts. They were so simple. "I don't have anything for you, Kristin."

"It's alright. I don't mind."

Hugh turned to the man beside his daughter. "Who are you?"

Kevin tried to hide his anger. He didn't want to cause trouble.

"His name is Kevin. He's my friend." Kristin replied. "Kevin, this is my father."

"It's good to meet you, Sir." Kevin shook hands with Hugh.

"Have we met before?"

"I don't think so."

The two men looked at each other. Kristin cleared her throat. "I want to eat my cake, if you don't mind."

Kevin turned to her. "Sorry, Kris. By the way, I have to go too. I have to go back to the office."

Kristin smiled. "Thanks for coming, Kevin. I really appreciate your coming here, and for the gift as well." Kevin kissed her on the cheeks. He also bid farewell to her cousins. It took a lot of his self-control to keep himself from strangling that man. He needs to act fast on his revenge for his father's death.



~~~



Kevin looked up when the door of his office opened. His secretary told him that Kristin came to visit. He wondered why but then, the answer id obvious. The woman has grown an obsession with him. He smiled when she entered the office.

"How are you, Kristin?"

"I missed you."

Kevin raised an eyebrow. He didn't expect the straightforward profession of her feelings towards him. "Uh, I'm not your boyfriend, Kristin."

"Then can you be my boyfriend?" Kristin sat in front of his desk. She looked at him with that usual charming smile on her face.

"No."

"Why?"

"Because I don't feel the same way that you do. It will be unfair, Kristin. I'm telling you now that you won't expect anything from me." Kevin answered.

"You should know that I'm not going to give up that easy. I never felt like this before."

Kevin sighed. He stood up. Kristin followed him. He held her on the shoulders. "Kristin, I'm sorry but I don't feel the same way about you." He was surprised when she hugged him. And when she looked up to him, she wrapped her arms around his neck. She kissed him. Kevin tried not to respond but her kisses can ignite his senses. For the record, she is an amazing kisser. He kissed her for a while then pulled away. "Don't give up your pride and honor for me, Kristin. I'm sorry but friendship is all that I can give you."

Kristin let go. She stepped back. "You can't do this, Kevin. I know from the start that we were meant to be. I will prove to you that I can love you more than anyone else could."

Kevin didn't say anything. He watched her as she leaves. What is he going to do with her?



>> 4


























4

Kristin is the person that never give up, probably as long she lives. Kevin noticed that. He intended to be her friend, tried to give in for a while to her wants and then, told her that he doesn't like her in the way she wanted it to be. She should notice that he was only playing around with her.

When he heard her pulled up in front of his house, he knew that she is trying to get him again. He smiled. The duchess is obsessed with him and he can do whatever he wants and she will not mind.

He opened the door. He saw her smiling at him. It seemed as though the things he told her to back off was nothing for her. She kept on coming back. He looked at her from head to toes. She looked beautiful, as usual. She's only wearing a simple skirt and a sleeveless top. He can see her pinkish feet as she's only wearing a pair of slippers. In a way, he is attracted to her but he tried to avoid that feeling. This is the daughter of his father's killer. He kept on repeating it to himself.

"What brings you here?"

Kristin showed him a plastic box full of cookies. "I made you peanut butter cookies."

Kevin only looked at it, fighting the urge to take it. How could this woman know his favorite? "Why?"

"Aren't you going to let me come inside?"

Kevin shakes his head and opened the door wide. He bought a land in the countryside and built a house on it. It has four bedrooms, a study, an entertainment room, two living rooms and a big professional-like kitchen. He loves cooking and he focused a lot on building a useful and beautiful kitchen, his favorite part of the house. "We can share it over a cup of coffee," he tells her as he walked ahead towards the kitchen.

Kristin followed him. Kevin takes out an apple pie from the oven. "Let's have juice over this instead." He said and takes the box of biscuits and set it aside.

"You can cook," Kristin said.

Oh, great. She's got another thing to admire, Kevin thought. He gave her a slice of his apple pie. He took a pitcher of iced tea from the fridge. They were silent for a while, savoring the pie he made.

"Don't hope that this will change anything about us, Kristin. I only see you as a friend."

"Can't I change your mind?"

Kevin shakes his head. He looked at her. "Kristin, don't do this. I don't feel the same way."

Kristin drew a deep breath. She began to wipe her tears. She tried to take his hand. "Kevin, are you sure? Don't you love me at least, a little bit?"

"Oh, geez." Kevin placed down his fork. "Kristin, I already said this and I will say it again. I only see you as a friend. Don't make this hard for me. I don't want to kick you out of the house just because you're persistent to get what you want." He wiped her tears.

Kristin reached out for his face and kissed him on the lips. Then she pulled away and stood up. "I still have faith in us, Kevin. I know that deep in your heart, you have something for me. I am willing to wait."

Kevin watched her go. He didn't want to think that she is going crazy. She needs time to think things through. And then she will realize that he is not really the man for her.



~~~



Kristin found time to think things through and no matter how hard she tried to forget Kevin and look for another man, she couldn't. No man can be as amazing and wonderful as Kevin.

"Let him in," Kristin said to the butler when her friend, Jared, came to visit.

Kristin greeted Jared when he arrived in the gazebo. She's currently checking on the financial statements of the estate on her laptop. She closed her laptop. She stood up and kissed him on the cheeks.

"What brings you here?" Kristin offered him a seat.

"Nothing, just the thought of dropping by. And also to follow-up on your consideration." Jared smiled.

Kristin looked at him. She has known Jared since they were kids. He is a son of a duke, the younger brother of her supposed-to-be betrothed Lian, who died of severe pneumonia when he was ten. During her days in the university, Jared reconsidered the betrothal and offered himself to marry her. She refused but it didn't stop Jared from expressing his attraction to her. He's been a patient suitor ever since.

"You have been a very good friend but you know that I cannot accept your offer."

Jared did not say anything as he only stared at her.

"What? Something wrong with my face?"

Jared shook his head. "I just want to take a look at you. You're beautiful."

"I know and thank you." Kristin picked up the intercon and requested something for a snack.

"I would also like to invite you for the opening of my new library," Jared owns the biggest network of libraries in the country, which also sells stationeries, school and office supplies.

"Where is it this time?" They chuckled at her question.

"Well, it's in the south. We can stay overnight there. Then go back the next day. You need to relax from your duties in the duchy once in a while." Jared shifted in his seat. "So?"

The smile in Kristin's face never faded. That is why the people never felt aloof with her. Jared's offer can also be a diversion from Kevin. She can give this a try. Maybe, she only needed to expand her horizons and do not think that Kevin is the only man in her world.

"Sure. That will be a great plan."



~~~



"I'm actually enjoying the fact that you're going out with a man that is not Kevin," Victoria stated and took a sip of her coffee. She just arrived from Lisbon in Portugal for her diplomatic duties and she went straight to Kristin's estate to stay for a while.

Although she has her own private apartments in the Palacio del Halta Monte, she liked it better to stay with her nieces and nephew. Most of them no longer had mothers and she played the role once in a while. In return, the princesses looked up to her as their own and had their respect. Now that Amelia is somewhere in America, Drew and Rhian are busy with their boyfriends, and Juana is busy with her new foundation, she chose to stay with Kristin, the eldest among the cousins.

"Why? Don't you like Kevin?"

Victoria stared at her. She is not the person who raises an eyebrow but she can make an exception anytime. She gave her niece a snobbish one. "I will like him if he can make you happy."

"He can, auntie. Just the thought of him makes me smile. Just seeing him brightens up my day," Kristin sighed. "He inspired me in everything. And excuse me, I'm not going out with Jared. He's only my friend. He knows that."

"He's a good person. I was told that he likes you a lot and he wanted to reassume his brother's betrothal and marry you."

"There is only one man that I want."

"And will never be yours." Victoria added. Kristin frowned.

"If you cannot be happy for me, auntie, you might as well shut your beautiful mouth and keep quiet." She retorted.

"Oh, but this beautiful mouth had lots of wonderful things to say to you and that includes an advice that you should give up on your obsession about that American guy. He's not into you." She raised an eyebrow again. Oh, she can get used to this, but only for Kristin. Her niece must have consumed some pesticide from her orchard to act like this, as if she's high on drugs. She saw Kristin sighed again. Oh, dear.

Then Kristin went silent. "Auntie, why do you think my father never wanted me?"

Victoria turned to her. "Your father is a crazy man. He never wanted responsibility, only wealth, that's why he married your mother. We couldn't do anything, me and my brothers, because we saw how Leonora loved him so much." When she saw a tear fell from Kristin's eyes, she wanted to hug her. But Kristin had to be strong, for herself. If she's longing for love, her family is willing to give her more than she had already. If she wanted it from that American, she didn't know what to do.

Kristin wiped the tears. "I don't need the riches that I have. I only wanted to feel special, feel loved. And I will not give up."





>> 5


























5

Kevin went inside a restaurant and saw his girlfriend, Sandra, already waiting for him. Unknown to Kristin, he already had a girlfriend. He met Sandra in one of the conventions he attended during his first few months in Volzenburga. He already met Kristin before he met Sandra. He was attracted to her in an instant and bravely asked her out on a date. She said yes and they have been going out since. For more than a year of his friendship with Kristin, he never tried telling her that he already had a girlfriend. It was not her business to know anyway.

"I'm sorry, baby." Kevin said when he reached the table. He kissed her. She is not responding so he guessed that something is wrong. He sat beside her.

"Kevin, maybe we really should get married." Sandra said. Kevin takes her hand. "Inigo was at it again. He can't leave me alone." She rested her head against his shoulder.

"Did we already file a TRO against him?" Kevin's jaw clenched. They talked about getting married since that was the only thing that is needed in their relationship. He loves her and he imagined himself getting old with her.

"He don't understand."

"We can start processing our papers then. We can get married through a judge first so that you can live with me." He tells her. There is a culture in Volzenburga that unmarried couples cannot live together. If he marries Sandra, he can protect her. Inigo is being unbearable. He's stalking Sandra, his ex-girlfriend, and couldn't get over the fact that she's already happy with Kevin.

"What about Kristin?"

Kevin frowned. "You know what she is to me. I'm only seeking revenge for my father's death. She means nothing to me."

"But we know how she's deeply attracted to you. She's a princess and a duchess. She's a very powerful person. I can't compete with that. She will get what she wants."

"But I don't want her. I don't love her," Kevin emphasized to her. "I will make her see that. I can only treat her as a friend, or worst, the daughter of my father's killer. That's just it, Sandra." They stared at each other. He bents down to kiss her.

"But you know, if something happened to me or if I'm gone, try to reconsider her. She's probably a good woman after all," Sandra said.

Kevin traced her lips with his thumb. "Don't say that as if you're giving me away. We're getting married and sooner than you can imagine. I love you."

"I love you, too." Sandra smiled as they kissed again.



~~~



"Who is she?" Kristin quietly asks her cousin, Juana, when she saw Kevin with a woman. They attended a citizen's ball wherein the company that Kevin worked for is one of the sponsors.

Juana shrugged. "I don't know."

Kristin looked at the couple again. The woman had her arm on Kevin's. He gave her a kiss on the cheeks earlier and then they were sitting together in a table during dinner. When the dance started, they went to the floor for three times already. Kevin never left her side.

"I wished Drew is here." She heard Juana said. Their cousin is at home in the palace. The king did not allow her to go out after a failed ambush that Drew and Amelia had last week. It was still the talk of the town brave the two princesses when they were able to shoot guns, killed one of the assassins and exploded the car that was chasing them. It was still dangerous that the king had to refrain his daughters from going out. Only Rhian was able to escape and they didn't know where she was.

"She only needed to stay for her safety, that's for sure," Kristin tells her. "However rebellious she can be, Drew can never leave or forget the fact about what she is. And she loves her father, even if she didn't show it. So she stayed and followed His Majesty's orders."

"Hello, ladies," Victoria greeted her nieces. "Goodness gracious. What do we have here?"

The two turned to what their aunt was talking about. A man, with the aura and charm like those of George Clooney's, is walking towards them.

"Carlos, it's nice to meet you here..." Victoria greeted. She accepted the kiss on her hand by Carlos, a high-ranking officer of the royal navy. She turned to Kristin and Juana. "Ladies, this is my childhood friend, Carlos."

"It is good to see you again, sir." Kristin shook hands with Carlos. "He's my commanding officer during my training." She explains.

"Well, this is a reunion to everyone of us." Carlos said. "Do you mind if I take your aunt for a waltz?"

"We would love to see her do the waltz, sir," Juana said with a chuckle and showed her digital camera. "Photo op." They posed for a picture.

"Now, girls. Behave." Victoria said with a smile as she walks away with Carlos.

"Sometimes, I wonder why Aunt Victoria never get married." Juana said as they watched the eldest princess in the family danced the traditional waltz with the navy officer.

"I wondered too. No one could tell how her life has been. Did she have boyfriends in the past? Did she encounter a major heartbreak and vowed never to get involved in any relationships again?" Kristin said. She caught another glimpse of Kevin, who is now alone. "Kevin is alone, finally. I have to talk with him."

"The woman must be his girlfriend."

"I'll try to find that out," Kristin tells Juana. She crossed the ballroom and met Kevin halfway. The man seemed surprised to see her. "Hello, Kevin."



~~~



"Kristin!" Kevin looked back and then, he turned to her. He took her out of the ballroom and into the garden. This is the first time that he took Sandra in a public gathering. Their papers are almost done, he's only waiting for his parents' marriage certificate from the US. Then he and Sandra can get married.

Kristin let go of herself from Kevin's hold. "Kevin, we've known each other for almost two years. I never saw you with a woman."

"She's my girlfriend. Actually, we're getting married."

Kristin stared at him. Even if she already knows that he can never reciprocate her feelings, it still hurt to know face to face that he really doesn't want her. She tried to smile despite the pain. "Congratulations." She reached out to kiss him on the cheeks and then, she walked away.

Kevin did not expect her reaction. If only he did this sooner, it would have saved her from an early heartache. He feels sorry that it had to be this way. Kristin is a wonderful woman. "Kristin..."

Kristin stopped and turned to him. "Yes?"

"I wish you could find your own soon. You're a very wonderful woman and you deserved the best."

"If I'm so wonderful and you think I deserved the best, why don't I have you?" Kristin replied. She turned and walked away.

Kevin wondered why does it feels heavy in the heart to see her hurt and walking away with sadness in her eyes.



>> 6


























6

Partying in the clubs continued to be part of Kristin's lifestyle. She would go home in wee hours of the morning and will sleep until noon. She is so depressed that she also spent most of her time in her office when she's not out partying.

She envied her cousins, Amelia and Drew, when she saw how they become successful with their lovelife. Amelia is now pregnant and getting married to the Count of Conspica, Howie, who turned out to be her longtime beau. Drew's American ex-boyfriend, Alex, is trying to win her back. He just publicly apologized to her and knowing her cousin, Kristin is sure that Drew will give in. Alex is the only person she has fallen so deeply for.

She felt so lonely. She always wanted to have someone but her ex-boyfriends only come for a period of time and left her hurting. Her mother was very busy with her royal duties that sometimes, she was not able to perform the role of a mother. Her father, she sighed at that thought. Her father never loved or wanted her.

Then there's Kevin. He made it as clear as crystal that he only see her as a friend. For almost two years, she finally gave up on him. She learned that he's getting married and it may have hurt her so much, she decided to accept it. Kevin is not her happiness, she might as well move on with her life. She's going out with Jared once in a while. She knew it will take time to heal her broken heart but she didn't want to sulk on a corner and ponder about it. She wanted to do something, anything, just to get Kevin out of her mind.

Picking up her gift, she had her bodyguards be informed about her destination. She decided to accept that Kevin is getting married. For the last time, she wanted to meet Sandra Montenegro, Kevin's fiancee. And then she will go.

She only took two of her bodyguards, in which one is the driver. They were nearing the block where Sandra lives when the car suddenly stopped. A car came out of nowhere, skidding down the road as if there's an F1 race going on.

"Get the car plate. That one should be reprimanded," she tells her bodyguards as she picked up the gift that fell on the floor.

"We'll radio it to the authorities, Your Grace." One of them replied.

Kristin looked out in the window as she takes a deep breath. She can do this. She only wanted to meet Sandra and then she will move on with her life. When the car stopped, she went out and looked for the apartment unit where Sandra lives. She found it immediately and saw that the place is dimly-lit. She glanced at the bodyguard behind her. Then, she knocked.

"Hello? Good evening..." Nobody answered, but there is a little light inside. She knocked again. She realized that the door is open and her heart raced. Something seemed to be wrong.

"Your Grace," her bodyguard went ahead and opened the door wide. He looked around as Kristin followed him. She found a switch and turned it on. They both gasped.

"Oh my God! Sandra. Garth, take her down. She might still be alive," Kristin trembled. Tears sprung in her eyes. How could this happen? They found Sandra hanging by her neck near the stairs. The bodyguard immediately took the woman's body. The other bodyguard made a call to the police. "Let's take her to the hospital."

Garth looked at her after he checked on Sandra. "Your Grace, she's gone. She is dead."

"Oh my God. No! You can't be dead!" She went towards her bodyguard and Sandra's limped form. She touched her cheeks. "No! You're getting married. Kevin will be very sad." She cried. "Let's take her to the hospital, Garth. We might still save her."

"But Your Grace..."

"Garth!"

Garth did not reply as he followed Kristin. The other one, Andres, already started the car. He also informed the police. Kristin decided to call Kevin and meet her at the hospital.



~~~



Kristin tried to deny it but the doctor announced that Sandra was already dead as soon as he immediately checked on the woman's vitals. No, this cannot be happening. Kevin loves her. The loss might devastate him.

She cried again as she sits on one of the chairs in the hallway. The rest of her bodyguards arrived and tried to comfort her.

She can't be gone... She sadly thought. She glanced at the phone in her hand. Her cousins were nowhere as of now. There is only one person she could still depend on. She quickly speed-dialled the number of her uncle. "Uncle, it's Kristin."

"Sweetheart, how are you?" Albert asks on the other line.

Kristin cried again. Just hearing her uncle's voice is enough to calm herself and pour out her emotions to him. Then, she began telling the king what happened.

"Come home in the palace, Kristin. Stay here for a while."

"I will, uncle."

They talked for a little while before she finished her call. Where's Kevin? She drew a deep breath.

"Your Grace, the police are here to talk with you." Garth tells her.

Kristin stood up and her bodyguards made way for the police. One of them introduced himself as Chief Inspector Aris Perez.

"What time were you in her place, Your Grace?" He asks.

Kristin looked at her phone. She showed the police the call register for the phone call she made to Kevin. "It's around this time. I called her boyfriend, Kevin, to tell what happened."

Garth continued the reply on what happened. His boss is a duchess. It is inappropriate that Her Grace is being questioned in a public place without one of her lawyers present. The king will reprimand them if he learns about what the police are doing.

Kristin reminded herself to thank Garth later because she already felt uncomfortable about what happened. Her phone rang. It's her uncle calling.

"Kristin, leave the hospital. I was thoroughly informed about what happened. It is being suspected that she was murdered. They might target you next."

Kristin bit her lower lip. She could not wait for Kevin anymore. She needs to follow the orders of the king. "I will be leaving now, uncle."

"Good. I'll see you now in the palace." Then, the call ended.

Kristin told the bodyguards the king's orders. They were about to leave when Kevin arrived. The doctor is with him. He did not even look at her as he went straight in to the morgue.

"Madam..." Garth called her. She raised her hand to wait. She will wait for Kevin. They heard his cry of agony from the inside. She thought she had to wait a little while but she saw him come out.

"Why were you there?" He asked her. His face is grim.

"I only wanted to visit her..."

"You're not even friends." He snapped.

"I came to congratulate her. I decided to move on, Kevin, but for one last time, I'd like to see the person you've loved and tell her how lucky she was." She tried to reach out for him but she was surprised when he grabbed her and his hand is pressing firmly on her neck.

"You killed her! This is your fault!" Kevin was pulled away by Kristin's bodyguards. "Go! Leave me alone!" His face is fuming red with anger. He did not try to resist the bodyguards' hold on him. He kept on shouting at her. The people in the hallway were looking at them. "Go away! Go back to your castle!"

Kristin looked at him for one last time and then she walked away. How could this happen?



>> 7


























7

Kristin turned when she heard Drew calling her. She is in the orchard, checking on the fruits. She saw her cousin and her fiance, Alex, walking towards her. She envied Drew. Alex love her so much that he gave up his wealthy life in the US, accepted the position of a CEO in Howie's company and proposed marriage to Drew. She wished she could find a man such as Alex who will love her more than life itself.

"What are you doing?" Drew asked as she greeted her with a kiss on the cheeks. Kristin greeted Alex too.

"I'm checking on the fruits." She replied. She missed the exchanged looks between the couple. She felt Drew hugging her from her back.

"You're going to be one of the bridesmaids, sweetie." Drew said. Kristin held back the tears when she remembered Sandra.

"I'm looking forward to it."

"Can you turn around?"

Kristin bit her lower lip. She drew a deep breath first and then turned around. Her cousin is standing alongside her fiancee. "I envy you. You got your man, mine is very angry with me, he probably even hates the air that I breathe."

Drew gathered her in her arms. "Hush," she glanced at Alex.

"Actually, we came here to tell you that Kevin Richardson came to us and sought our help. He wants to meet you." Alex says.

"He should go straight to me instead of going through you."

"Apparently, your bodyguards took the initiative to ward him off because of that episode in the hospital. I spoke to one of them," Alex said. "They are very concerned."

"I think I'm going to give them a raise," Kristin glanced at her bodyguards nearby. She couldn't help but chuckle when she saw them exchanging smiles. She turned to the couple. "Why do you think he's doing that?"

Drew shrugged. "He probably wanted to apologize."

Kristin thought for a moment. She took out her mobile phone and tossed it to her bodyguard. "Call Kevin Richardson. Browse my phonebook and tell him to meet me tonight in my house."

"You're meeting him in your castle," Drew corrected.

"Whatever. I need to settle this and move on."



~~~



Kristin gave one final look at herself in the mirror then took the perfume. Then, she stopped herself. Is she trying to look good and smell good for Kevin?

"It's my habit. Why would I care about him?" Kristin asked herself out loud then proceeds to put on some perfume.

When she is done, she went out of the room. Walking down the long hall, she could feel the looks of her ancestors in the portraits that lined up the halls. She wondered what would they think if they were only alive and could see what she's doing. She knew it is very unlikely for her, who was born of noble birth and came from the royal family, would be doing something just to get the attention of a man. But could they blame her? She fell in love.

For what it seemed like a long time, she reached the Sitting Room where she was told that Kevin is waiting. The door was opened for her. Kevin stood up. He is dressed in a casual polo cotton shirt and black pants. Kristin tried to read his eyes but she could not find anything. She is somehow relieved that there is no hint of anger in it.

The door was closed and they are alone.

"Why do you want to see me?" She asks him.

Kevin gave her a bouquet of flowers. "I know that the flowers are not enough for my apologies. I am sincerely sorry for what I acted that time and for everything I did. I know it's hard to reconsider our friendship but I am willing to do anything to prove to you my sincerity. I am sorry."

"That's it? And you're expecting me to give in?" Kristin didn't do anything to move.

"No. I mean, I know this is not enough but I took my chances."

"Why are you doing this? What's the catch?" Kristin still asked. She saw the sad look in his eyes.

"I missed having you as a friend. Now that Sandra's gone, I don't have much friends and you're only one of those few I trust and really felt comfortable with. I don't want to lose whatever that we have. You're important to me," Kevin replied.

Kristin didn't know what to say. Here is a person, outside her family, who thinks she is important, someone can be trusted. It means so much for her to be accepted by others for what she is as a person and not the princess that most would usually see her as. And of all people who would say that, the words came from Kevin, the person she loves. It means a lot to her.

She slowly smiled at him.

Kevin smiled back. "Are we okay now?"

Kristin shook her head. "You're under probation."



~~~



Juana saw Kristin and tried not to raise an eyebrow when she saw who is with her cousin. They were going her way. She didn't say something when they reached her. They are at a party in an opening of a club.

"Have you seen Drew?" Kristin asks her.

"I think she's busy with her fiancee somewhere." Juana glanced at Kevin. "Why are you with her?" She could not help but ask.

"He's my guest." Kristin gave her a megawatt smile and walked off. She left Kevin behind.

"Funny how she said that then left you here," Juana said. "Why did you come back for her?"

"I don't want to lose a friend." Kevin replied.

"I don't believe you."

"I won't force you."

"You better watch your back, Kevin Richardson. We're all aware how obsessed my cousin is to you but if you dare to hurt her in any other way, I am going to use my money and influence just to see you dead." Juana tells him. "I don't trust you and neither did the royal family."

Kevin smiled. "My intentions are innocent. I won't do anything to hurt your cousin."

Juana gave him one last glare then left him. Kevin tried not to smirk. That one almost got him. Kristin is blind to see that after what happened, he is no longer welcome in her family. For her, as long as they are in good terms, that's all that matters. But for the royal family, he's an opportunist who shouldn't have come back to befriend her. He wondered why they did not try to talk to her out of this. He is grateful that they didn't. He can do what he wants to do with her. He's holding her at the palm of his hand.

"Mr. Richardson."

Kevin turned and saw a man with gray hair.

"His Majesty wants to speak with you." The man gestured him to follow him. Kevin complied and he was led to a series of hallways. The king went to the club, he thought with a smirk. They went through a door and he realized that they reached the backdoor of the club. In the alley, there was a parked limousine. He was told to go inside.

"Good evening, Kevin Richardson."

Kevin's jaw dropped open. It is King Albert. "Good evening, sir."

"I will make this short and sweet as I have no intention to stay here." The king started. "I know about what Hugh did to your family and I am aware of your intentions to my niece. I am warning you. One wrong move on her and you'll be dead." He frowned. "Not really dead, but I'm going to make sure you will lose your identity." He said that with a hint of seriousness in his eyes. He snapped his fingers. Someone must have heard it and the door opened and took Kevin out of the luxurious car. In a blink of an eye, the royal entourage was gone.

Looking around at how fast the pace has been, Kevin wondered, what has just happened?



>> 8


























8

Kevin looked at the photo of Sandra he took from his wallet. He hides it on a hidden pocket. For now, he will have to say goodbye to her while he tries to finish his plans to Kristin. He is going to ruin her and he will show it to her father. Then that's when he will have to call it quits. He was not even threatened by the king's words.

He turned when the butler announced Kristin's arrival. She always makes sure that she visits him once in a while, bringing along something she cooked for him or she would invite him to her meetings with her charity foundations. She is the president of sixteen organizations, or was it seventeen? He lost count and he admitted that he's proud of what she does for others.

"Hi." He greeted as he kissed her cheeks. "What brings you here?"

"Well, aside from the brownies I baked," Kristin sets down a plastic container containing her baked goodies, "I would like to seek your opinion about my idea of starting an orchard."

"Your land already has an orchard." He pointed out.

"I'm thinking about grapes."

Kevin stared at her. "Wine orchard. Why?"

"It's something I need to study. I want something to add as an industry for the Volz and to help the country's economy. This new industry will produce jobs and another export product that will help our economy."

"You have to consider if your soil is good for the grapes, and what are the other things that you might consider before venturing on this business." Kevin replied. He saw her smiled sweetly.

"Can you help me conduct this study?"

He stared at her for a long time. "Come here, Kristin." She followed him. He pulled her when she got near. "You're going to let me be a part of it?"

"Yes."

Kevin smiled. He reached out for her and kissed her. When he finished kissing her, he stared at her. "I realized how easy it is to love you. I am looking forward to waking up one day and all I think about is you." He received a smile from her in return. He gathered her close for an embrace.



~~~



Drew watched her cousin walked around during a charity ball of her breast cancer foundation. Kristin wanted to raise money to support her foundation, in celebration of breast cancer month. The royal family attended the event to support her, except the king who left for a state visit in the US. The media is very focused on their family for these past few day since Amelia married the son of the king's best friend and Drew got engaged to her American boyfriend.

"They seemed serious." She heard Alex says. "Or rather, your cousin really had her sun rise and sets on Kevin Richardson." They saw Kristin and Kevin holding hands and talking about something to a diplomat.

Drew turned to him. "What do you think of him?"

"There's something in his eyes, something I can't tell what."

"I'll kill him if he do something to Kristin."

Alex embraced her. "You're not capable of killing, love. You can only destroy someone's reputation but not taking anyone's life. Don't do that."

"Kristin loves him so much. She's so stupid and blind to see that he only wanted something to her."

"We know but we have to get proof that his intentions were that otherwise, we will only look like a fool. We've got to have something against him, okay?" Drew nodded at him.

They saw Rhian passed them by. She looked like she's on a mission.

"Rhian..." Drew called her sister. Rhian stopped and looked at her.

"Where are you going?"

"Home. I'm tired." Rhian replied. Then she walked away.

"Me and Howie are worried about your sister, Drew. She's like, uh..."

"Crazy, like losing her mind." Drew ended the sentence.

"No, that's harsh."

"Since she broke up with Nick, she's very moody. And she has her own world. No one can get through her. And she's acting weird." Drew shakes her head.

Alex gripped her hand tightly. They turned when a pregnant Amelia arrived with her husband. Everyone's wishing them well especially in Amelia's condition. "I'm looking forward into seeing you big and expecting." Alex grinned at her.

"And I'm still the most beautiful?" Drew's eyes sparkled.

"Of course. And a lucky one, for that matter." Alex replied for which Drew laughed. She embraced him. Some watched the lovers on their private moment together. From afar, Kristin saw her cousins. They looked so happy with their partners. She glanced at Kevin who is busy talking with a diplomat. How would she be able to make him hers and feel the same love and happiness that her cousins have?

"Kristin?"

She turned and saw Kevin. "I decided to go home. I'm tired." He offered his hand and she took it.

"Are you alright?" They started towards the organizers to bid farewells.

"I'm just tired. I have a meeting tomorrow. I need rest."

"You've been working for weeks for the foundations you're presiding. You worked so hard and I've been worried."

Kristin looked at him. "You are?"

"Yes, I am. I've also been thinking about taking you off for a vacation. I think you need that. Let's leave Volzenburga for a while. Anyway, they are still in the celebratory mood because of your cousin's surprised wedding."

"You mean they won't notice if I'm missing, aside from Rhian." Kristin smiled while shaking her head.

Kevin chuckled. "Right. Everyone knows Princess Rhian. Anyway, what do you think?"

"Sure. Where to go?"

"Bahamas."

"Nice."

Kevin smiled wider. They reached the organizers and began bidding their farewells.



>> 9


























9

Kristin is excited. She's going on vacation and Kevin is taking her. She is going to have all the time to spend with him, making him see and feel that she deserves a chance. This is her time to have someone who is going to cherish her and appreciate her for what she is. Kevin is the person who always make her feel special. And she never felt happier like this before.

She glanced at her phone when it began to ring. It's Juana.

"Kris, can you go with me to the palace tomorrow?" Juana asks as soon as she answered the call.

"At uncle's? Why?"

"My passport is going to expire soon."

"I thought you can always ask anyone of your employees to do it for you." Kristin asked as she zipped her toiletry bag.

"Yes but I want to see Amelia. She looked so pretty when pregnant," they chuckled. Their cousin even looked like a doll. Her pregnancy made her more beautiful.

"Sorry, Juana. I can't. I'm leaving tomorrow."

"Where are you going?"

"Bahamas."

There was a short pause. "Why? Did uncle knows?"

"Of course. He gave me legions of bodyguards. He said I might need it plus he wanted to make up for the birthday gift he gave me." They laughed. They remembered again the keychain she received from the king.

"Well, is Kevin coming with you?" Juana asked. Kristin knew it was coming. She knew how her cousin hates Kevin.

"Yes."

"Take care."

"Thank you, Juana. I have to go. I'm packing. Mwah." Then, Kristin ended the call. She continued packing. She could always ask one of the maids to do it for her but this time, she wanted to know personally what are the things she would like to bring. This is a special vacation. She had to be really prepared.

She was finished about two hours later. Kevin came to talk about her security and their itinerary. When they met at the parlor, he greeted her with a kiss. It was long and passionate. Kristin thought he is the air she breathes. When it ended, she blinked twice to make sure that she's not seeing things. Kevin showed her a pair of identical rings.

"What's that?"

Kevin raised an eyebrow. He kissed her again but it was short this time. When he let go, he is smiling down to her.

"Will you marry me, Kristin?"



~~~



Wearing white flowing dress, her hair tucked neatly behind her ear and ornamented with a small pink stargazer lily, Kristin walked on the sand towards Kevin and an older man. A couple also stood there and watched her. Kristin is holding a bouquet of wild flowers in hand. Her eyes were directly at Kevin as he smiled and waited for her. The wind blew softly on her face.

Kevin extended his hand when she got near. He firmly clasped it with his as they faced the older man, the officiating priest in their wedding.

"You are so beautiful." Kevin stared at her.

Kristin felt her heart leaped. "Thank you. And you're gorgeous as well." She didn't care if her uncle would be against her union. The man she's deeply in love with is marrying her. Somebody wanted to stay with her for good.

She knew that any one of the bodyguards is now reporting to the king on what she's about to do. She didn't care.

She's getting married.



~~~



Albert sets down the phone after his call with one of the bodyguards he deployed to watch over his niece. She is getting married, right at this moment and although the bodyguards wanted to stop it, they don't have any say over the matter.

What is Kristin thinking, getting married in haste and to a man who still haven't told her that he loves her? He only wanted revenge and she's giving her every opportunity to do just that. And how daring is that man who marries one of the princesses and is not afraid of the king? What makes him brave?

He took the phone and called his secretary, Enrique Tobias. He had to make sure that the marriage between Kristin and Kevin will be void. He will not permit anyone without good intentions to do anything to Kristin. She is like his daughter and he had to protect her.



~~~



Kevin went to the bar to get some drinks. While waiting, he turned to where he left Kristin and saw her talking with Lance and Jill, his friends who flew all the way from Florida to witness his wedding. She looked so lively as she spoke. Her smile seemed to radiate a different glow in the table where they are. And then she glanced at him. And winked.

How could he feel his heart leaped with that simple gesture? She only winked, for Pete's sake, but here he is, getting mushy like a schoolboy. Could it be that he's getting attracted to her now? He shakes his head. No, it cannot be. He's in love with Sandra and she might be gone already, but his heart went with her. He could never love anyone else again especially to the daughter of his father's killer.

He smiled back to her. The bartender gave the cocktail drinks to him and he went back to the table. When he sits beside Kristin, she stood up. "Where are you going?"

"Ladies' Room. Do you want to come?" Kristin laughed.

Kevin chuckled. Her laugh is contagious. "No, go ahead. I'll wait here." He watched her go. He saw a man crossed her path and talked to her. It's not one of the bodyguards. He frowned. He saw Kristin shakes her head and turned to him. She pointed at him and showed the man her wedding ring. His heart swelled. Why does it felt good to see her tell every people that she's married to him?

"Finally, you're really in love."

He turned to Lance, who spoke. "Of course. That's why I married her." They didn't know about his plans. Lance and Jill are his best friends since high school and they are the first people that came to mind when he needs witnesses for the wedding. Despite his plans for revenge, he made sure that their marriage is legal and binding. It would be sweeter once Kristin learns about everything and she will realize that it will be hard to let him go.

"We never thought you'll marry a royalty." Jill said.

"She's a nice and a wonderful person. You're going to like her. She's just like any ordinary person." Kevin said.

"Yeah, like we also have several bodyguards," Lance looked around and immediately saw two of Kristin's uniformed accessories. "There they are, watching over their princess."

"It's really not quite grand as you think it is." Kevin said although to himself, he also wanted to pinch himself for checking if it's real, that he has successfully penetrated inside the elite circle of Volzenburga. He looked around. "What's taking her so long?"

"Can't take your eyes off her, huh?" Lance smiled.

"Well, aside from that, she's a princess. I'm always worried about her safety." Kevin stood up. He walked towards the ladies' room. Kristin's lady bodyguard is by the door. "Where's Kristin?"

The lady bodyguard glanced inside. "Her Grace is coming out."

Kristin went out. Her eyes lit up when she saw him. "What are you doing here?"

"It took you so long. I got worried." He takes her hand. "Do you want to rest now? Let's have our own party." They stood face to face. He embraced her.

"Let's go."

They went to bid farewell to Lance and Jill. Then they walked back to their hotel. The bodyguards were around. Some guests would turn their way in curiosity. Others would even try to snap pictures but the bodyguards would immediately stop them.

"What did the man say to you when you went towards the ladies' room earlier?"

Kristin looked at him. "He offered me a drink. I told him I'm married then pointed you out to him."

"He's cute. Don't you like him?" Kevin chuckled. They were holding hands.

Kristin pinched his arm. "No. My husband's cuter. And a good kisser."

"Much better."

"Much better," Kristin seconded.

After ten minutes, they were already inside their hotel room. Some of the bodyguards went to retire while some would guard them within a strategic distance, without bothering them. As soon as Kevin has placed his phone and wallet on the table in the sitting room, he took his wife and kissed her. Kristin kissed back, her arms were instantly around his neck.

Kevin pulled away. He grinned at her as he takes off her dress. "Let's party."



>> 10


























10

Kevin woke up from the sound of ringing of his phone. Still eyes closed, he reached out for his wife beside him. When he didn't feel her, he opened his eyes. Kristin is not in the bedroom. He sat up. He saw a note on the bedside table.

I'm preparing breakfast. Don't ask me how. It's a surprise. I love you. Kris

Setting it aside, he gets out of the bed and went to the living room area. The phone rang continuously. He answered it as he walked towards the balcony. "How is it?"

"Hugh will try to do everything to make your marriage void." His lawyer, Atty. Tanner McAvoy, replied on the other line.

"It will never happen. Even more, when the marriage has been consummated already." Kevin laughed. "What else did you tell him?"

"It will be easy for us to gain control on Kristin's financial obligations. He is going to have a problem with that since despite of his rocky relationship with his daughter, he was still able to receive a part of the profits earned by the duchy. I told him the situation."

"Good. Make sure you'll have him in jail."

"Weird. Most clients with certain vendetta would want the other dead."

"I'm different. I want him to suffer." Kevin replied.

"After this, what will happen to your marriage? You made sure that no one would intercept. You'll stay married to the daughter of your father's killer?" Tanner asks him.

"I can handle Kristin. I'll take advantage of her obsession plus the benefits of being married to her. It's nothing personal. I only want revenge for her father."

"What if she finds out and insists that you divorce?"

"I don't care. If she did, she'll lose. We didn't sign a prenup. She's richer than me so basically, I'll have a part of what she have. I'm sure she, or even her relatives, would not want that." Kevin chuckled. "That's very brilliant, don't you think, Tanner?"

"I guess so. I'm just warning you. Don't fall for her. It'd only be hard to let go."

"Tell me, why do you think I would fall for someone like her? She caused Sandra's death. She died of jealousy because Kristin would follow me everywhere even though I already told her that I don't like her, and I don't want her following me around."

"Because I know that deep in that angry heart of yours is that you're a good person, Kevin. You don't want this to happen," Tanner said.

Kevin's jaw clenched. No, he didn't want others to tell him that, especially when it seemed to be half of the truth. "I have to go. Call me when he's in jail." He ended the call. When he turned, he saw Kristin standing by the door. "How long have you been there?" He asks her.

"Long enough to hear the exact details on your revenge to my father and your plans with me. Are those true?"

Kevin walked towards her. "Listen to me, Kristin." He stopped when his wife stepped back.

"Start talking. I want to hear it but I don't want you coming near me. Why are you mad at my father?"

Kevin smiled. "You're right. I hate your father. I despise him! I'll have my revenge and have you ever wondered why? Because your father killed my father. And what could be a sweeter revenge than marrying you? He will suffer more because I now have the control over you."

"He doesn't care about me so your revenge is useless. And how are you going to have the control when I didn't sign anything?" Kristin paused. "We didn't have a prenup! How could you not remind me?" She glared at him.

Kevin smirked. "First, my plan will not go to waste. He will use everything in his power to break our marriage and take you away from me. You see, he cared after all. But, second, we can't file a divorce especially when we don't have a prenup. You're way richer than me and you won't have any choice but to divide your assets with me, unless you want to share it with me."

Kristin went to him and hammered his chest. Her eyes went blur with tears. "How could you do this to me?"

Kevin caught her fists. "Too bad, you are your father's daughter."

Kristin pulled her hands away from his hold. She pushed him away and ran out of the room.

A few minutes later, Kevin was informed that Kristin was severely hit by a speeding car.



~~~



Kevin impatiently waited outside of the emergency room. When Kristin went out of their room, two of her bodyguards followed her. She didn't say anything on where she's going. They said that she went out of the hotel and walked down the road towards the nearby beach. She didn't seem to mind about crossing the street when a speeding car passed by and hit her, along with one of her bodyguards who tried to save her. The driver of the car was the one who took them to the hospital.

He already called the king an hour ago and he received a very sound scolding and a threat. Kristin's uncle scolded him for marrying her without properly asking for her hand and not giving her a formal ceremony. He also threatened him that if anything happens to Kristin, Kevin should know better than to show himself in Volzenburga.

Drew called a few minutes back and she will be flying to the Bahamas to check her cousin's condition. Her voice is still ringing in his ears when she vented her anger to him.

"I don't know why Kristin is obsessed with you. She didn't deserve you. You don't even love her," Drew had said.

"I love her, that's why I married her," he simply replied.

"Bullshit!" Drew exclaimed, something that a princess would not say. "If something happens to Kris, you'll regret it, Kevin."

"Is there anything more that you want to say?" Kevin asked.

"Expect me to come there." And the call has ended.

Kevin is also worried about Kristin. He felt guilty that this had to happen to her. She didn't deserve it. It's his fault that she got into an accident. He turned when the door opened.

"I'm Dr. Hans. Are you Duchess Kristin's husband?"

"Yes. My name is Kevin Richardson." They shook hands.

"Richardson, as in Richardson Investment Corp.?"

"That's my brother. How's my wife?"

"The duchess had broken ribs and dislocated her arm. It was fortunate that she didn't have internal bleeding but it will take her months to recover from her injuries. She also had a mild concussion and we have to observe her for the next few days. Her condition is still not good." Dr. Hans replied.

"Is she conscious already?"

"No, not yet, Mr. Richardson. She will be transferred to the ICU for further care and observation. This is very critical." The doctor said.

"What about the bodyguard?"

"Miss Lorie had minor injuries. I was told she came a little too late to save the duchess. She will be transferred to the recuperating room shortly."

Kevin looked at the closed door where Kristin is still inside. "I'd like to see my wife. Will you allow me to go inside?"

Dr. Hans shakes his head. "I'm sorry. You can see her later once she is settled in the ICU. We will give you protective garments to wear inside. Please understand."

Kevin nodded. "Yes, I do. Please do everything you can to save my wife." Now, he's really worried. The doctor excused himself and went back in the room. Kevin went to the closed door and tried to peek in the glass window. He saw his unconscious wife being surrounded by the medical personnel. He felt so helpless. He is scared. And then he realized, he didn't want to lose Kristin, the way he did with Sandra. Leaning on the door as he watched the happenings inside, tears fell in his eyes.



>> 11


























11

"Sir, we thought of bringing you coffee."

Kevin looked up and saw Andrew, one of the bodyguards. He took the coffee and muttered his thanks.

"Sir, you haven't rested since we arrived here. Would you like to take some time off?" Andrew tried again.

"I'm alright, Andrew. Thanks for the concern. Kindly tell the others to take shifts so that you can rest. I'll stay with my wife." Kevin said. Even though he already saw Kristin earlier, for only five minutes, he would like to stay to be with his wife. He saw her condition and she's still unconscious. The doctors will observe her for twenty four hours for the concussion.

Andrew didn't say anything more. He turned and left him. Kevin looked at the closed door of the ICU. He wondered what will happen once Kristin wakes up. She's still angry. He didn't know what to do on that. But he wanted to ask for her forgiveness. He will try to make up for what he has done to her but he will not assure her that he will forgive her father.

"Mr. Richardson?"

Kevin looked up and saw Dr. Hans. The doctor nodded at him to get inside the ICU. "What's going on, doc?"

"It's more than twelve hours now since the accident. Her vitals are doing good. We didn't saw any abnormalities with the brain, or damage even."

Kevin was relieved. His wife will be far from grave danger now. He glanced at Kristin. His eyes widened when he saw her groaned and her eyelashes moved. "She's waking up..." He walked towards his wife.

Kristin opened her eyes and looked around the room. There is confusion in her eyes. She groaned as if in pain.

"Kristin, tell us what's hurting you. How are you?" Kevin asked, still full of worry.

Kristin turned to him with that look of confusion. "Who are you? What happened?"

Kevin stared at her.



~~~



Drew saw the bodyguards when she neared the suite where she was told that Kristin is staying. Alex was trying to follow her pace. She needs to see her cousin to know what happened to her.

Kevin stood up as soon as she entered the hotel room. She was told that Kevin requested for medical staff from the hospital to look over Kristin. He decided to take her out of the hospital because no room is available. He also hired a doctor to watch over Kristin.

"Where is Kristin? How is she?" Drew was surprised to see how Kevin looks like. He looked as if he still haven't had a decent sleep. He had stubbles. There were dark circles around his eyes. He looked very worried. Could it be that he married Kristin for the right reason, that he has feelings for her? Her anger subsided, but only a bit. Alex quietly stood nearby.

"She's inside. She's resting." Kevin replied. "Wait, you have to know something first." He called out when she started to walk in Kristin's bedroom. Drew stopped and turned back to him.

Kevin drew a deep breath. "She's been crying ever since. She's looking for her mother."

"She knows that Aunt Leonora has been dead a long time ago."

"Well, that's the thing. We know that but she didn't."

Drew felt her heart beats faster. She glanced at Alex who immediately went to her side. "What do you mean?"

"She lost a lot of her memories. Her mindset now was she's a seventeen year old woman and her mother is still alive."

"She's seventeen when her mother died."

Kevin nodded. "She didn't remember that. She didn't even remember me."

"Oh my God..."



~~~



Kristin was relieved when she saw her cousin came in. "Drew! What happened?" She hugged her. She was scared ever since she woke up. There was a man who greeted her and told her that he is her husband. How could that happen? She's only about to graduate in high school.

"Didn't Kevin tell you?"

Kristin felt her heart beats fast when she remembered the handsome man and she recalled what he told her. "My mother is dead and my father left me?" Tears began to fall again.

"I'm sorry, Kris. It happened when you were seventeen. You're twenty nine now. Your mother died in your arms when she had a heart attack. You assumed her title as the duchess. And now, you're married to Kevin Richardson." Drew wiped her cousin's tears.

Kristin saw a man behind Drew. "Who is he?"

Drew glanced at Alex. "He's my fiance. I'm getting married too. Amelia is also married, to the son of Count of Conspica. She's also pregnant. Rhian denounced her title recently and she's in London, most probably."

"I knew it was coming. Rhian never wanted to be a princess." Kristin shakes her head. "Amelia is pregnant?"

Drew nodded. "She is. It's a long story. There are other things to tell. Right now, we have to take you home."

"Is Kevin coming with us?"

Drew sighed. "Yes, of course. He's your husband now." She felt her cousin's tight grip on her hand.

"He's so handsome, despite the stubbles and his hair undone. He's must be worried about me." Kristin smiled. "Is he a good man? I bet he is. I just won't choose anyone. And I won't just marry anyone unless I know he loves me. How long have we been maried?"

Drew felt Alex's hand on her shoulder, probably reminding her to choose her words carefully. He knows how she hates Kevin right now. "Yes, he's a good man. And you just got married, like two or three days ago. Everyone was surprised. You eloped with him. I still didn't know how you got into this accident though. I'll have to ask him later."

Kristin didn't mind about the accident. "We eloped? Isn't it romantic? What did Uncle Albert say?"

"He was surprised, normally. He became your guardian when your father left you when your mother died. Papa stood as your father since then." Drew said, diverting the topic from Kevin to other matters.

Kristin was silent for a while.

Drew glanced at Alex and he gave her a reassuring smile that he's just there. "What are you thinking, Kris?"

"I don't know how to deal with Kevin. I don't know him. I don't trust him, even if he's my husband. I'm only seventeen... No." Kristin shakes her head in frustration. "I forgot. I lost my memories." She looked at Drew. "Drew, let me go with you. I'm scared."

They turned when there was a knock. A man in white excused himself and introduced him as Dr. Hans. Alex shook hands with the doctor who took care of Kristin since she's in the hospital. He greeted Kristin who lies on the bed, after he greeted Drew.

"Your Grace, I can only give you the permission to go home after two weeks. You still have to recover from the injuries and broken bones that you've had. And when you get home, I will restrict you from doing anything strenous. You have to allot two to six months of your time to heal." Dr. Hans said.

"That long?" Drew said. "What happened to her, by the way? I still haven't asked her husband about that." She said as Kevin comes inside the room.

"She was hit by a car, along with a bodyguard who tried to save her." Kevin replied.

"What is she doing out in the streets?"

"She went out to look something for me. I only found a note that said she's going to prepare breakfast for me. I didn't know that she even had to go out in the streets." Kevin replied. He saw Drew's look. He takes out Kristin's note. "Here is the note, if you don't believe me."

Drew noticed Kristin's handwriting. Kevin is telling the truth. "We'll stay for two weeks, as well." She tells everyone. She gave the note back to Kevin. "I have to see my cousin off this place as soon as possible, as soon as the doctor permitted her to do so."

Kevin met Kristin's look. She avoided him when she turned away. "I agree with that. Until Kristin is deemed to travel, we'll stay here." He says.

"I'll go and take a room," Alex said and went out. Drew followed her fiance. Dr. Hans excused himself and went out. As soon as the door is closed, Kevin sat on the edge of the bed beside his wife.

"How are you?" Kevin sets aside a few strands of her hair off her face.

Kristin looked at him. "I feel tired."

"I'll stay here with you. I'll look after you."

They stared at each other for a while. "I don't know if I could trust you with that, Kevin. I don't really know you." Kristin tells him.

"Then let's start to get to know each other. We just got married. Let me take care of you, Kristin," Kevin stared at her.

"Can we work it out?" Kristin says. "I mean, I'll get to know you and then you will have to earn my trust. Even though you're my husband, I just can't seem to trust you. You must have already heard about my kidnapping."

"No, I didn't know that. But I am willing to give this a chance. I am willing to let you know me and I will try to earn your trust."

Kristin extended her hand. "Agreed."

Kevin shakes her hand.



>> 12


























12

Kevin peeked inside the room and saw Kristin looking so bored. He left early that morning to settle the bills with the hospital with regards to the special medical assistance he requested. He wanted to personally thanked the hospital for the continuous care they are giving his wife. Afterwards, he checked on his work in the office through his laptop. He also ran a few errands, through Drew's help, in managing some affairs in Kristin's duchy. They made a conference call and had a meeting with Kristin's lawyers on temporarily managing the duchy while their Duchess is sick.

Kristin tore her eyes away from the TV. She smiled when she saw him.

"I have a surprise for you." Kevin said. He entered the room and he brought a bouquet of flowers with him. On the other hand, he is holding a paper bag of an imported brand of dark chocolates.

He greeted her with a quick kiss on the cheeks when he got near. "I was told you love dark chocolates."

Kristin smiled happily. "I have a deep and a special relationship with them." She took the bag and took one bar inside. "Thank you for these, and for the flowers, too."

"You're always welcome. Here, let me." Kevin took the chocolates and unwrapped it. "Don't eat too much. Remember your tonsils."

Kristin only smiled. "What kept you busy at the start of your day?" She asks while she began eating chocolates.

Kevin took a bite too. "Well, I checked on my work at the office and then Drew helped me with the duchy. We'll be talking to you later about it. Even if the last memory that you had was when you were seventeen, we believe that you can help out. Do you like that?"

"Who suggested that I should get involved?"

"I do. With or without your recent memory, we need you. I need you," Kevin tells her. Kristin looked away. There was silence for a while.

"Can you tell me something about my family?" Kristin asked later.

"Well, first, I'm American so when you married me, you were no longer eligible to inherit the throne."

"Drew too, soon."

Kevin nodded. "I have a wonderful mother. I'd like you to meet her, probably when you're ready to travel. She's ecstatic when she learned I got married. She didn't know that I married a member of the royal family but then, she won't care. All that matters to my Mom is that I'm settled with a good wife." He helped themselves to another bar of chocolates.

"And your father?"

Kevin drew a deep breath first. "My father was my hero. He was a great man, he taught me a lot about life. It saddened and angered me when he was killed."

"Killed?" Kristin's brows furrowed. "I'm sorry."

They met each other's look. "He was murdered. The case is still unsolved." Kevin shakes his head. "Anyway, I have two elder brothers. I'm the youngest among the brood. Those two were already married." He said, diverting the topic from his father. "They also learned that I got married and they demanded, as in demanded, me to bring you home to Kentucky. They want to meet you and they want us to have a wedding ceremony there."

"That's very thoughtful of them."

"We want to do it for Mom. She's already old." Kevin replied. "Are you okay with that? I understand that we can get married when you're already fine. I won't push you to do it when you're not yet ready."

"I'm looking forward to our wedding, Kevin." Kristin stared at him when she said that.

"Really?" When Kristin nodded, he embraced her. "I'm so happy, Kris. Really, I am. And I'm sorry that I wasn't able to take care of you. This accident is my fault."

Kevin didn't saw Kristin's eyes narrowed.



~~~



Drew watched as her cousin is busy looking at the wedding magazines. While she waits until the doctor allows Kristin to travel, Drew busied herself in preparing for her wedding which will happen next year. Alex is still adjusting with his position as the new CEO in Howie's company, at the same time, as the newest member of the royal family.

"How did you meet Alex?" Kristin asks her.

She smiled dreamily. "I met him in New York, in a club. He offered a drink, dared me to tour the city with him without my bodyguards but refused my offer to be his company for the night. He was a challenge, you know me, but the more I get to know him and spend time with him, I get tingles down my spine. There was the spark I've been looking for. He gave me the kind of happiness and contentment that I'm looking for. I've never fought for a man with Papa before. I love AJ so much; I can't imagine myself living without him."

"It shows how much you love him. I can see that he loves you so much, too." Kristin said. "How did he propose?"

This time, Drew giggled like a lovestruck teenager. "He proposed in public. He put up his proposal in the largest billboard that lined up by the Aurelia River, near Othello Bridge. It has my photo and then his note. He said, 'Princess Drew, I love you. Will you marry me?' Isn't that romantic?"

"Wow."

"I know. I went back to the car and saw him with the dog he gave me as a gift. He knew that I'd love to have a dog because it felt normal having your own pet, taking care of it personally, things like that. We talked inside the car and offered himself and his caring mother who loves and cares for me as well. Except for his mother, his family disowned him when he chose me over them. He lost everything for me but Howie offered him a job in Volzenburga in which he accepted. He promised that he will work for everything just as long as it will bring a smile on my face. He will try to do his best to give everything I want and needed." Drew finished.

Kristin was silent. Drew thought her cousin is probably thinking about her marriage with Kevin. "Did Kevin tell you how you met?"

Kristin shakes her head. "I didn't ask."

"Well, you met at a Christmas ball, organized by Papa."

Kristin frowned. "At a ball? How did that happen?" She pressed her temples with her fingers as if she's trying to remember.

"It's a masquerade ball." Drew's phone rang. "It's AJ. Excuse me for a while, Kris. I have to take this."

"Sure. Don't mind me."

Drew smiled. "Hi, baby..." She walked away.

Kristin turned back to the magazines. She busied herself looking at the designs of the bridal gowns. She dreamt of marrying a man who loves her for who she is, not for what she is. Her mother was unfortunate to end up with her father who only wanted wealth and power. She hoped that Kevin would never be like her father.

For five days, Kevin made her feel special with the things he did for her. He gave her flowers and her favorite chocolates. He cooked breakfast for her. He also prepared dinner for her. Yesterday, he was the one who helped her take a bath. And then when she woke up this morning, he surprised her with a hot choco. He must have learned her love for sweets especially chocolates.

"Hey, excited already?"

Kristin looked up and saw her husband. He winked and then sat beside her. "Bridal magazine..."

"It's Drew's. We're looking at some designs for the entourage." Kristin replied.

"I saw her talking with Alex outside." He leaned her back against the sofa. "I can't believe that a quarter of your profits from the duchy goes to the charities. Do you want to check the report later?"

"Sure. How did it go?"

"Very good. I hope you could remember the plan you proposed to me about starting a wine orchard, you want to plant grapes. It's a very good idea."

Kristin stared at him. "Really? Why do you think so?"

"Because you're thinking about the productivity and the welfare of your fellowmen. It's a very noble idea to think about others. You amazed me with that." Kevin answered.

"Really?"

It is Kevin's turn to look at her. "Don't you believe me?"

"It's just that you surprised me with your words."

"I'm proud of you, Kristin. And always remember that I will make up for everything I've done to you. I still blame myself for what happened and I can't forgive myself for it. I want to take care of you and let you do things that you want to do."

"Will you be the same if in case, I got my memory back?" Kristin asked him. He didn't reply immediately at that moment.

Kevin traced her face with his fingers. "Yes, Kristin. I'm going to be the same." He gathered her in his arms for a warm embrace.



>> 13


























13

Kevin never thought he will fear for the unpredictable as soon as the private jet touched down the runway of Volzenburga's international airport. The doctor gave them the go signal to bring Kristin home. He wanted her to bring to the US but Drew said that they should go to Volzenburga first, by request of the king to see his niece.

He feared because of what he has done. The king knew his intentions. He felt guilty that Kristin had to be in an accident because of it. But there's no way to be coward now. He made himself ready to face the king.

"You've been so quiet." Kristin noticed him.

"Yes. I've been thinking."

"About?"

"Your uncle," he honestly replied. "I know he will reprimand me for marrying you without asking him first. He's your guardian, even though you're almost thirty. I didn't give the proper courtesy to ask for your hand." Kevin takes her hand. "Kris, no matter what he do or say, I don't want to be apart from you."

"What if he tried, with everything in his power?"

Kevin sighed. "I don't know. I hope that it won't happen that way."

Kristin looked away. Kevin wished he could read what is in her mind. To himself, he has been telling everything that is in his mind since after the accident. He vowed that he will try to be honest to his wife, after all the things that he put her through.



~~~



Enrique Tobias, the king's executive assistant, ushered Kevin and Kristin inside the office after he knocked thrice. Kevin drew a deep breath as he walked in with his wife. Inside the office, he saw King Albert, paused from a conversation with a younger man. It's Prince Howard, or Howie to everyone, the king's real son and true heir to the throne. Kristin was ushered to sit comfortably on the sofa. Howie went to greet Kristin after his father introduced him. He faced Kevin.

"Welcome to the family," Howie said to him.

Kevin took the offer and shook hands with Howie. "Thank you, Your Royal Highness."

"Thank you for bringing home my niece, Kevin." Albert said to him.

"Your Majesty, I decided to bring home my wife to the US."

Albert glanced at Kristin. "I can't permit that. She's more safe here, especially when she lost a lot of her memories."

Kevin did not say anything against the king. Howie is watching him, studying him. He knew that Kristin's cousin is curious about him. Probably his father also told him about Kevin and his real intentions.

"I'm aware that your place in Kentucky is almost the same to what Kristin has in her estate," Howie said. "To help her recover, I think that it will help that she's surrounded by her family and friends. I know you just got married. I understand. I am, too. My wife needed her family and friends in order for her to get through her difficult pregnancy, just the same with Kristin in order to get through this ordeal."

"Yes, I understand that." Kevin met Howie's look.

"What can you say, Kristin?" Albert asks his niece.

The three men turned to Kristin. Her uncle looked older. Howie looked more mature, from the last time she saw him play polo with Brian. Well, that was twelve years ago. She should always remember that she's almost thirty now, her mother was gone and she's married to a stranger. "I would like to stay here until I'm confident even without my recent memories." She saw Kevin looking away. Sorry to disappoint her husband, but she would rather be with the people she knew, her family and friends, than in a foreign place.

Albert turned to Kevin. "You may take your wife home to the estate. She needs a lot of rest and time to recuperate. Tomorrow, I want to see you here in my office at nine in the morning."

"Yes, Your Majesty." Kevin quietly replied. The three men looked at each other for a while before he moved to assist his wife out of the office.

"He's not going to harm Kristin again. Actually, he didn't intend to and seeing him now, he will make sure that nothing's going to happen to her again." Howie said when the couple was out of the office.

"How can you say that, son?"

"According to the PI, he's giving Hugh an emotional and a financial hard time in dealing with this situation. He didn't have any intention of hurting anyone. He only wanted to get a concrete evidence that it was Hugh who killed his father so that he could send him to jail." Howie replied.

Albert nodded. He walked towards the windows and saw tourists outside the gates of the palace. Then, he saw Kristin's convoy going out of the gates. Tourists and passersby stopped to watch them go. "Let's help fix this problem, Howard. I want Hugh in jail a long time ago. This is my chance for an excuse."

Howie looked at his father. "Why?"

"He cheated on my sister. Unfortunately, Leonora died and we couldn't do anything about him. I want him stripped off from his title. I want him in jail for being the cause of death of my sister and the cause of Kristin's heartaches." Albert's jaw clenched.

"And Kevin?"

"I'll deal with him."



~~~



"Whoa!" Kevin chuckled when they saw a cat on top of Kristin's bed when they reached the bedroom. Kristin has a blank look on her face as she looked at the cat. The furry feline jumped down and went around in circles to her.

"I didn't have a cat when I was seventeen." Kristin said. She went to sit on the bed and the little one followed and sat beside her.

"Let's ask the staff on the cat's name later. Are you hungry?" Kevin sits down beside her. The cat between them looked at him.

"No. I want to meet the people who manages the duchy and talk with them. I want to know how's everything."

"We can arrange for that in your office."

Kristin didn't say anything.

"Drew told me that she wanted to arrange a family dinner for you. Is that fine with you?" Kevin said.

"Yes. Is that fine with you? The family will scrutinize you." She asked him back.

"I'm okay with that."

"I want to see Aunt Victoria. Now." She tells him.

"I don't know her that much. How am I going to call her?" Kevin tries to read her face since they arrived. She's void of any expression. He wished he could tell what is in her mind.

"Ask the butler. He probably knows."

Kevin stared at her. "Is there something wrong, Kris?" He asked, finally.

Kristin glanced at him. "Nothing's wrong, Kevin." He saw something in her eyes that he couldn't fathom. But it was only for a moment and then her eyes smiled.



>> 14


























14

"Did your mistress tell you to sit there and guard me all day?" Kevin asked the cat, whose name is Quincy according to the household helper. The cat didn't move, as if in statue. He only watched Kevin moved about in Kristin's office where he sets up his laptop so that he could work.

Kevin returned his focus to the laptop. He is chatting with his lawyer about the case they will be filing against Hugh. Fortunately, a witness came out to testify against Hugh. They also have concrete evidence pertaining to his father's murderer. Kevin is foreseeing that in no time at all, he will see justice for his father's death. And then he can focus on his marriage with Kristin.

He got worried about that. For almost a month of being married to Kristin, he was enjoying himself. He realized how he loved doing things for her, how it felt good to see her smile. He didn't intend it to happen. He didn't want to marry her for those reasons. He married her as a revenge. He blamed her for Sandra's death.

The chat window shook. His lawyer buzzed him. He lost track for a moment when he remembered Sandra.

'I'm sorry. I spaced out for a moment. Anything more about the investigation?' He typed.

'This is a new one, about Sandra's case. Does the name Inigo Ruiz rings a bell?' Atty. Tanner McAvoy asks him.

Kevin's heart skipped a beat. 'That's Sandra's stalker. Why?'

'The fingerprints found in Sandra's apartment were identified as his. Could it be that he killed her?'

Kevin frozed. He didn't think about it.

'If he did, you should stop blaming your wife for Sandra's death. Aside from lack of evidences, it's really unfair for the duchess, Kevin.' Tanner added.

Kevin only stared at the screen. Quincy quietly moved on top of the desk and sat facing him.

'Try to find the truth on this one, Tanner. Please. Thank you for everything.' Kevin could only say.

'Sure thing, Kevin. I'm working on it. I want you to have a normal married life, not in that situation where you lie to your wife and to her family.'

'What about love, Tanner?'

'Just think that she's the woman you met at the masquerade ball. You never knew about her, right? '

Kevin remembered the woman he danced with at the king's masquerade ball a few years back. He never knew her. He met her before Sandra but he would rather deal with a person he knew the face than with a mysterious woman who he never met again. Sandra filled up the longing he had for the mysterious woman that he forgot about her until Tanner reminded him of her again.

'I cannot pretend Kristin to be someone I don't even know.' He replied to Tanner. 'I don't even know if she has a cat that stares at me as if Kristin told him to guard me. Quincy is giving me the creeps sometimes.'

:laughing out loud: Tanner immediately replied. 'That's cute. You're scared of Kristin's cat. I have to go, Kevin. I need to ask the people you hired about Inigo Ruiz and then more about Hugh's case.'

'Thank you, Tanner.' Kevin answered. Moments later, he closed the chat window. He turned to Quincy. He picked up the cat. "You go out in the hall." The cat purred. "No, really. Leave the office, Quincy."

He ignored the scratching noise when he left Quincy out in the hall. He went back to the laptop to start on his work. He looked up when there was a knock on the door. "Come in."

It was the house butler. "Sir, Her Highness Princess Victoria is here for a call."

Call? Oh, a visit. Kevin noted to himself about the different meaning of words in Europe. He really should get used to it. "Where is Princess Victoria?"

"Her Highness is in the Sitting Room, Sir."

Kevin stood up. "Thank you. I'll be there." When he got out of the office, the cat is by the hall. He couldn't help but chuckle. "Come. Follow me, Quincy. We're meeting a beautiful lady." He walked with the butler down the hall until they reached the Sitting Room. He went inside and saw the king's sister. "Good day, Your Highness..."

"Call me Aunt Victoria, like the rest of them does." They sat down. Quincy cuddled beside Victoria on the sofa. "Kristin was already informed that I'm here. She will be coming shortly but I want to talk with you first."

Kevin quietly listened.

"I don't think you're the right man to be my niece's husband. First, you're not a Volz. Second, you didn't show proper courtesy in asking from her guardian the permission to marry her. You don't know the ways of being a noble. I'm not even impressed even if you are a senior executive officer at Stoltz Holdings or you own a company in the US. Kristin's welfare is all that matters to me. And she didn't deserve you. You don't even love her."

"I don't think that's fair."

"Well, I know something about what your intentions were to my niece."

Kevin looked at the princess. He tried not to show that he was alarmed. "I love Kristin."

"I don't believe you."

"I love her. I don't care if you have your opinions about me."

Victoria responded with a raised eyebrow. "It's a pity that Kristin ended up with someone like you. It's just too bad," she shakes her head. "She's a very smart woman. A very beautiful one, too. And she only married a man like you."

"You don't know me. I'm going to prove that I'm worthy for Kristin."

"Do it." Victoria challenged him. They turned when Kristin entered the room. The elder princess switched her mood and cheerfully greeted Kristin. "How are you, sweetheart?"

Kevin helped his wife towards the sofa. "I'm fine now, auntie. How about you? Did you get married?"

Victoria grinned. "No, but soon. I found a nice man. Your memory was when you were seventeen. He became your commanding officer in the royal navy when you went to your royal training when you're twenty one."

Kristin bit her lower lip. "I wished I could remember." She turned to Kevin. "Kevin, could you leave us for a while please?"

Kevin glanced at Victoria who smiled wider. His jaws clenched. "I'll leave you to talk. Have dinner with us tonight." He invited Victoria.

Kristin's eyes widened. "Yes, that's a good idea. I want you here, auntie. Please?"

"Sure. It will be my utmost pleasure." Victoria said with a grin.

Kevin nodded. "Very well. I will tell the staff. Excuse me," he placed a kiss on Kristin's cheeks before he leaves the room.

Kristin turned back to her aunt. "Finally, you're going out with Carlos. Did you know that Drew and I bet that he likes you?" She chuckled.

"Well, I don't care who's winning. I'm happy with Carlos... Wait. I didn't tell you the name of your CO."

Kristin leaned her back on the sofa comfortably. "I remember my officer."

"Alright..." Victoria stared at her niece.

"That means, I remember everything. I didn't lose my memory. I'm only pretending. The doctors couldn't tell."



>> 15


























15

Kristin watched her aunt stared at her in shock. She could not help herself but laugh.

"This is not funny, Kris. Why are you doing this?"

Kristin's face went serious. "I want to find out something about Kevin."

"His revenge?"

"Among other things and we'll keep this as a secret, Aunt Victoria. No one should know," Kristin replied her aunt. She could still remember the things she heard while Kevin was talking with a person named Tanner. "I can't file divorce. We didn't have a prenup. I don't want to share with him everything that I have."

"Are you mad at him now? Don't you love him anymore?"

"I love him but I'm angry for what he did. He used me." Kristin replied.

Victoria watched as her niece struggled for her emotions. Too bad that things had to happen when Kristin thought she could have the happily-ever-after that she wants. "Your father killed his father. Albert found evidences. And so far, he hurt your feelings but he never hurt you physically. That's something we're still thankful for. He's even taking good care of you, especially in your 'condition'."

"I only wished to be loved. I was really hurt when I learned about his plans." Kristin tells her aunt. "And for my father, it was a shock but I can't do anything about it anymore."

Victoria went to sit with her. She reached for her hand. "What are your plans for hiding this truth about your condition to him?"

"I want to know how long he will stay with me. I want him to be honest despite my 'amnesia'. I don't care anymore if he didn't love me. I already gave up on it. I only wished he would somehow care, as a husband."

"Then if it doesn't happen, you'll pretend forever?"

Kristin bit her lower lip. "I don't know."

Victoria drew a deep breath. "I don't approve of this lying and scheming, Kristin. If you can't live harmoniously together, leave him. We'll talk with our lawyers on the divorce settlement. I don't want to see you living an unhappy life. I promised to your mother's grave that you're going to be happy and have everything that you deserve. I don't want to see you cry, especially to such a man." She embraced Kristin. "Before you came earlier, I told him what I had in mind. Everything that I don't like and don't approve of him. Did you know what he told me?"

Kristin is only quiet.

"He told me that he loves you. He might not care about what others think about him, but he will prove to anyone that he loves you. He will prove everyone otherwise."

"It's hard to trust. He's probably only guilty for what he did that's why he's trying to take care of me."

Victoria stared at her for a while. "Alright, I changed my mind." She said. Kristin tried not to smile in amusement. Her aunt can be really fickle-minded sometimes. "Let's give him a chance. I know that I'm in contrast now from what I said a while ago. I suddenly changed my mind. Love is a powerful thing, a powerful word. You said that you still love him. We have all the time in the world to watch him show what he truly feels for you. But if things will not really work out, I suggest that you divorce him."

Kristin can only embrace her aunt. That's her original plan but how can she continue with it if it's already hopeless? What is she going to do in this marriage with Kevin?



~~~



Kevin busied himself in talking with the butler about the operations around the house. He is trying to know everyone in the household staff. That's how his mother brought him up. He should pay respect and recognition for the people working for his family because they help a lot in making their lives better. The butler, whose name is Felipe, has been in the family for three decades now. His father, Horace, was the original butler until his death five years ago.

They turned when they heard a sound of car.

"That is Duke Jared. He is the brother of Her Grace's supposed-to-be betrothed." Felipe said. They were looking through the windows. A black car was parked in front.

"Where's his brother?"

"Sir Lian died of severe pneumonia when they were ten."

Kevin saw from the window the man coming out of his car. Felipe excused himself to meet the newcomer. Moments later, Jared was ushered to the room.

"I'm Jared."

"I'm Kevin, Kristin's husband."

They shook hands.

"I heard about the news. How is she? May I see her?"

Kevin looked at the man in front of him. Jared is a good-looking man, almost the same height as his. He looked very decent and composed, like a noble should. Suddenly, Kevin remembered what Victoria said. This is the example of a man that Kristin's family would want for her. Jealousy crept in, as well as insecurity. He never met the expectations of the royal family to be Kristin's husband.

"My wife is in the Sitting Room with her Aunt Victoria."

Jared smiled. "Oh, Aunt Victoria is here, too. I'd like to see her, too."

Kevin is not smiling. "I think we should give them time to talk. They have a lot to catch up on things. I'd like to talk with you first." He said straightforwardly.

Jared was caught off-guard. They say that the Americans would always say what's on their mind. He didn't expect that Kristin's husband would confront him. "What do you want to talk about?"

"I was told that you're the last man that Kristin went out with before we got married. I hope you don't have any hurt feelings. Actually, we have a mutual understanding for a long time until we got the chance to elope and got married in secret." Kevin tells him.

"I was surprised actually but I understand. Kristin is a wonderful woman and you're a lucky man. Just a warning though, take care of her otherwise, I'm always here and ready to take her once you let go of her. We've known each other for a long time, since we were kids." Jared said.

"She's mine and I don't believe in divorce. I wish you luck in looking for another woman. Kristin is already taken."

They met each other's look.

"Jared!"

Both men turned at Kristin's exclamation. "Thank you for coming to visit me. Felipe announced your presence." Kristin greeted her old friend with a hug and a kiss on the cheeks. Kevin controlled himself from pulling the man from his wife. He saw Victoria grinning from ear to ear.

"We were having a good conversation. You didn't tell me that you've been friends since you were young." Kevin turned to his wife with a smile.

Kristin looked at him. "I'm sorry that I forgot about a lot of things."

"It's okay," Kevin puts an arm on her waist.

Victoria watched the couple looked at each other. Maybe, her reverse psychology is working out. She tried to make Kevin thinks that he can never be the man suited for Kristin. And with that, he wanted to prove to her and to everyone that he is a loving husband who cares deeply for his wife. Victoria wanted to see if he will pretend on that or he will be true to his word.

Kristin, on the other hand, was convinced that she could never trust Kevin despite the fact that she is still in love with him. Victoria made sure that her niece will think about giving Kevin a chance.

Victoria's plan is to unite the two and stay in their marriage. Looking at the two right now, she's guessing that she didn't have to wait for long.



>> 16


























16

Kristin looked at herself in the mirror when she's finally done dressing up. There will be a board meeting at the palace about her duchy. They will talk about on who will temporarily take over the management while she's 'sick'.

Dressed up in a pair of cream suit, her neck was neatly adorned with small diamond necklace, she is ready to go. She opened the door to get out of her room when she was surprised to see Kevin out in the hallway. He's about to knock when he saw her. He was dressed in a pair of black suit. Since he's a part of the board, he will go with her, too.

"Hi, beautiful." Kevin winked at her. "Ready?" They were on separate rooms. It was in favor of Kristin, anyway.

"Yes." She could not stop herself when she arranged his tie. It's something that a wife would do and she is, although in an unusual way.

"Before anything else, I have something for you." Kevin said.

"What is it this time?" She asks. She felt like being courted. Kevin always gives her any thing, from as simple as an unusual rock from the estate grounds to a unique and expensive set of diamond jewelries, the family's heirloom.

Kevin showed her a white envelope. She smiled. "Oh, a new one." It's a greeting card. To my wife, it says in front. When she opened it, a music played. It's a musical greeting card. "I didn't know that this still exists."

Kevin bit his lower lip. "Actually, I didn't find that here. I asked my brother to find me one in the US." Kristin raised an eyebrow. "I know it's a cheap gift, probably nothing compared to those you've received from the men who adored you..."

"You're crazy. I love this."

"Yeah, I'm crazy... You love it?" Kevin was surprised.

Kristin began to read the message in the card. "The most beautiful sunshine in my life is now beside me and I thank God that He gave me more than I wished for." She looked at him. "Is this true?"

"Why wouldn't it be? You're my wife."

"Did you love me when we get married?" She asks him. She saw him paused and he's probably thinking about what to answer.

"How about if I show you?" Kevin asks and leans closer to kiss her.

A kiss doesn't mean anything if you don't really love me, Kristin thought as she returned the kiss.



~~~



Albert looked at Victoria. "What are we going to do about Kevin Richardson?" He asks his sister. He called for an early meeting before the scheduled board meeting with Kristin and Kevin.

"What do you mean, brother?" Victoria asks him.

"We know his intentions for marrying Kristin. I don't want him taking advantage of her situation now. The lawyers have already filed a case against Hugh in the States. It caused media frenzy because he was related to us. People were also interested not only because Kevin's father was an influential and a wealthy man but also he was a philantrophist. He supported a lot of foundations when he was alive. So a lot of people were mad when he was murdered." Albert drew a deep breath. "Now going back to the question, what are we going to do about Kevin Richardson?"

Victoria looked at her brother for a while. She wished her other brother, Antonio, was alive because he always had a good advice on things. Antonio was their second brother, Brian's father, who decided to live with his American wife in the US. He died in an accident when Brian was younger. Their sister Leonora, Kristin's mother, was the emotional one.

Victoria answered her brother. "I'm keeping an eye on him, brother. He's maybe not the type who will physically hurt our Kristin but we know how he can hurt her emotionally. She's very much in love with that man. We cannot do anything now. He married Kristin in a legal way and he's dealing with his father's case through his lawyers, nothing wrong with that."

"Were you able to talk with him?"

Victoria smiled knowingly. "Yes. I psyched him, told him that he can never be the man good enough for Kristin. I was surprised when he said that he loves her and will do anything to prove it to us, he actually didn't even care about what other people think."

Albert was deep in his thoughts. "I don't believe him."

Victoria agreed. "I don't either. But let's go with the flow, as they say. Follow the course with caution. We know what he is capable of. We know what we can do."

Albert nodded. "The children made so much worth of my time."

"Even more now that they were all grown up and falling in love." Victoria chuckled. "We'll get by, brother." She tapped his hand. "I'm excited over grandchildren. I would love to see kids running around the palace."

Albert smiled. "Yes, so do I."

"Excited for your grandson?" They learned that Amelia is having a baby boy. Her grand public wedding, which will be attended by big names from the politics and the high society of different countries, will happen next week. Victoria insisted to let the baby come out first but the couple wanted their first child seen in their wedding photos. They do not care if she will march to the altar with a big belly. Howie and Amelia love each other so much and that is all that matters to them.

"Yes. Then Andrea will get married next year."

"And Rhian? She's not in London?" Her niece gave up her title last month and when they thought she went off to London, just like where she would used to go, their agent said that she is not there. It was odd. She will be always be in the same place where Nick is.

"She's not there," Albert shakes his head. "But I received a message that she will be attending her sister's wedding and then she will be off again. I can't cut her finances just to make her stay. I don't want to let her experience a hard time."

"But she can't do it all the time. She's not giving you respect as a father and as a king."

"Victoria, what do you think should I do? Really, in situations like this, you're always my strength. You know that."

Victoria knew how much Albert wanted to be a good father to his daughters. But no matter how he always favored them and their wants and caprices, they were not grateful for what they have. "Albert, I think you should marry her off to Paolo whether she likes it or not."

"She will be mad at me."

"She didn't give you any choice," Victoria argued.

"I love Adriana. I can't let her suffer the way I did."

"Then what are you going to do?"

Albert drew a deep breath. "There are other ways."



~~~



The Duchess of Alegria and her husband arrived at the palace. From the gates, the paparazzi were busy snapping photos of them together. It was rare to see the newlyweds since they arrived from Bahamas. She remained in her estate to recover and this is her first public outing. The accident that befell to the duchess was in the news but the media secretary never told the truth of her condition. From afar, she looked like a happy new bride but she actually could not remember her own wedding.

Blonde hair neatly tied up in a french twist, Kristin looked smart and beautiful as her equally handsome husband held her hand. Enrique Tobias greeted the couple and they were led inside the palace.

"I hope the place triggers something in your memory," Kevin whispered to Kristin as they stopped in the hall, waiting for the king's secretary's cue for them to go inside the boardroom.

"Do you want me to?" Kristin stared at him.

"Of course." Kevin kissed her on the cheeks. The door opened and revealed Victoria.

"Nice to see you so early. Come in. We still have to wait for Howard." The elder princess told them.

"Hi, Aunt Victoria." Kristin gave her a knowing smile and kissed her aunt on the cheeks.

"Naughty girl," Victoria muttered, soft enough not to be heard. But Kristin squeezed her hand before turning to Kevin.

Inside the boardroom, they were greeted by Albert and Drew. Juana is also there, as well as the king's cousins, siblings Lucas and Sylvia. Kevin shook hands with them. Moments later, Howie arrived and greeted everyone. Amelia is at home and due to her pregnancy, Howie advised her to stay. The meeting began.

They immediately focused on the Duchy of Alegria. Since Kristin's condition is something they have to consider, they need to vote on who will temporarily manage the entire duchy, a thousand-acre land full of orchards, eight stables for high-bred horses, a breeding farm for cows and chickens and an industrial facility for manufacturing whatever is harvested from the land. It was well-maintained by Kristin's grandfather and through Kristin's proper management, it continues to provide a good living for the Volzes.

The votes were tied between Victoria and Kevin. The family's three lawyers were present. They will prepare the contract for the person who will be chosen to temporarily manage the duchy. Kevin and Victoria looked at each other.

Albert looked at the two. "What can you say about this, Kevin?"

Kevin glanced at the king. He was put on the spot to speak in front of the major members of the royal family. He saw the challenging look from Victoria. "It will be an honor for me to manage my wife's duchy and with the background I have as a businessman and the expertise that I have as a former handyman in my father's ranch, I can fulfill the duties if it will be bestowed upon me."

Albert glanced at his sister.

Victoria smiled. "First, the only background that I have were appearing in my royal duties, be an officer in the royal navy and sit in boardrooms to think and talk. Kevin Richardson is more capable to do the job than me."

Kevin stared at Kristin's aunt. Victoria is, indeed, putting him in a challenge. He glanced at his wife.

"Besides, he is Kristin's husband. He has more right to take care of the family business." Victoria ended.

Kevin was speechless. He saw that most of the people were looking at him. He felt conscious. Victoria can easily influence everyone with the way she simply tells what is on her mind.

"If that's the case, then we can already decide that my husband should manage the duchy temporarily." Kristin said.

When the meeting ended, Kevin treated his wife to dinner in an exclusive restaurant. Starting the next day, he will manage the Duchy of Alegria. Kristin has never felt so angered.



>> 17


























17

Kevin was walking with the supervisor of the orchard when he heard horses coming their way. They turned and saw Kristin on her prized thoroughbred, Luke. With her is Jared. He tried not to frown.

The two stopped in front of him. The supervisor excused himself and left them. Kevin helped his wife get down her horse. "Next time that you'd like to go on an outing, let me be with you." He whispered as he sets her down the ground. His arm stayed on her waist. Kristin stared at him, surprised at the statement. Kevin gave her a warning look before turning to the other man. "Jared. It's nice of you to accompany my wife."

"She wanted an exercise. I know she missed riding." Jared replied.

Kevin turned to Kristin. "Did you have fun?"

Kristin still stared at him. Her heart still beats every time he's near. "Yes. Can you take me around the orchard? I'd like to see what's going on."

Her husband smiled. He held her hand. "Sure. Come." He turned to Jared. "Join us, Jared. This is going to be fun."

Kristin sensed the sarcastic remark. She didn't want to think that it was jealousy. Being her husband, Kevin only thinks that he owned her and he sees Jared as a threat in taking her away.

Jared joined them. They walked around the orchard. Kristin is glad to see that everything is still going well with the duchy. She admits, Kevin is a good manager. Her lawyers always gave her reports on the things going on. Being her husband and while she is in her unusual condition, Kevin was granted the right to manage everything, from the duchy to the estate and also her finances.

After the tour, Kevin invited Jared to a dinner. This time, the man declined which brought a wide smile to her husband's face. After they see Jared went off, she turned to Kevin.

"You don't like him." She stated.

Kevin looked at her. "Why did you say that?"

"I noticed."

Kevin smiled. "So you've been looking at me all the time, huh?"

"I'm just curious."

He stared at her, as if trying to see something in her eyes. "I wish I could feel the way you love me. I missed that. You would cook for me. You would give me small things just because you thought about me. You would kiss my cheeks just because you wanted to show you cared. You would take me to your foundations to let me feel how it was like to help others and be grateful for the blessings that I have. You are a wonderful woman. And I longed to feel how wonderful your love is to me."

Kristin never thought that all the things she do for him mattered to him. He remembered too. It touched her. But she couldn't trust him now and with that, she didn't know if she could do those things again. "I'm sorry, Kevin. I don't remember those things."

There was the sign of defeat in his eyes. "I understand."

Kristin nodded. She went ahead of him. Kevin was left staring at her.



~~~



Kevin looked down to Sandra's tomb. He muttered a silent prayer. Afterwards, he sat down to stay for a while. It has been months since she died and here he is, married and re-evaluating his feelings. It felt like betraying Sandra.

"I'm sorry, Sandra. I only intended to marry her to spite her father and to execute my plans for revenge. I want Hugh in jail. I didn't expect this to happen."

Kevin drew a deep breath. "At first I thought I was only guilty. She got into an accident and she lost most of her recent memories. It's my fault." He went silent for a while.

"I missed your smile whenever I say that you're right because this time, you're right. Kristin is a good person. And she was very thoughtful and caring. She's a very sincere person too. She got so much love in her for me and when she lost her memory, I admit that I missed it. I missed those things she did for me."

Kevin bit his lower lip. He stared down to the grass surrounding Sandra's marble tomb. He pulled those and cleaned it. "I really didn't expect this to happen. I love you. But there's this different feeling in me that says I should accept her. There's this different feeling in me that is happy whenever I see her, whenever she's near. And I'm jealous everytime Jared is in the castle to visit her."

"My dad's case is in progress, by the way. We found the witness to my father's murder. Hugh is the suspect. It suddenly all fell into place and I'm not even doing anything about it. I guess God willed this to happen. I guess He thought I should move on, forgive and learn to love again." Kevin sighed deeply. "And He didn't let me do something that I might regret later because everything I did now feels like a blessing."

His musings were interrupted when his phone rang. His eyes widened when Kristin was calling. He glanced to Sandra's tomb and then up in the sky. He answered the call. "Kris?"

"I want some carrot cake. Can you pass by any bakery and buy me one whole?"

Kevin smiled. "You only want a carrot cake? Is there anything else?" There was a pause on the other line.

"I want pretzels, with tartar dip."

"Huh?" Kevin scratched his head.

"And also banana juice."

"Huh? Is there such a thing?" Kristin can be weird sometimes.

"Just find me some. I need it by seven tonight. Bye, honey." Kristin said sweetly and then the call ended.

Kevin glanced at his watch. "It's almost five thirty," he shakes his head. He glanced down to the tomb. "I have to say goodbye now, Sandra. I will always love you. But I know that you'd also wish this. I promise that I'm going to love Kristin and will take care of her the way I would have planned for you." He stood up and walked away.

Sandra's spirit watched him go. "I'm happy for you, Kevin..."



~~~



Kevin found his wife in the kitchen. Kristin is drinking hot chocolate. It was raining outside but he received a call a while ago. He had to go to the farm and check if the cows and chickens were fine. He was trying to call the supervisor but the line could not be reached.

"Where are you going?" Kristin asks him.

"I'm going to check on the cows and chickens. Julian is not answering my call." Kevin muttered his thanks when the maid gave him a freshly-brewed coffee. He glanced at his watch, six in the morning. "Why are you up so early?"

"I don't feel well."

Kevin touched her forehead and felt her neck. "You're not hot. What are you feeling?"

"I feel weak and lazy."

Kevin sat beside her. "I won't leave. I'll just ask someone to check on them." They stared at each other.

"It's more important."

"You are more important." Kevin said.

Kristin looked away and sipped her hot drink. They were silent for a while. When both were done, Kevin stood up and assisted her in going back to her room. On the way, he told Felipe to ask one of the staff to check on the animal farm. Then, he led Kristin towards her bedroom.

"Take a rest. I'll take care of you," Kevin told her as he had her lying on the bed. He joined her and slipped into the covers after he took off his boots and he only had his boxers and white undershirt.

"What are you doing?" Kristin asked him.

"I am joining my wife to bed." He held her close. "You're always sick in the morning. Why don't we go to the doctor later for a check-up?" He didn't receive a reply. When he looked at her, he realized that she quickly went back to sleep. He smiled and pulled her closer. His arms were around her. He placed a kiss on top of his wife's head and closed his eyes. Moments later, he was asleep.



>> 18


























18

Kevin and Kristin both stared at the doctor when she announced the result of her check up. Dr. Ledesma smiled. "I know. That's the usual reaction of first-time parents, most especially from newlyweds like you." She said.

Kevin turned to Kristin. "We hit it that time?" He asks her.

"The answer to that is 'obviously' and 'I don't know', Kevin." Kristin replied.

Dr. Ledesma chuckled, "My, newlyweds!" She prescribed some vitamins and gave them advices on Kristin's pregnancy. Almost fifteen minutes later, the couple is now inside the car and on their way home.

"Something happened to us before I had an accident?" Kristin asks her husband.

"Yes," Kevin turned to her.

"You're sure that this is yours?" Kristin asks.

Kevin frowned. "Don't start something with me, Kris. I know that I'm the father. I trust you."

That simple word made Kristin quiet. Moments later, she tells him, "I'd like to tell the news to my uncle and aunt." Kevin provided her the phone. She dialed the number and spoke with the king. When they reached home, Kevin announced to the staff about her condition. Everyone extended their best wishes for the couple and the baby. They were on their way to her bedroom when Kristin received a call from Victoria. She only told the news to her uncle who promised to relay the message to the rest of the family and will ask his secretary to draft the announcement about her condition.

"Did you do it while you're in amnesia?" Her aunt asks Kristin. She glanced at her husband who went to prepare her bath. He seemed to realize that she always takes a bath everytime she gets home.

"No. Just once, before that thing." She whispered.

"That was last month."

"It was really a surprise." Kristin saw Kevin went out of the bathroom. "I have to go. Talk to you later. Bye."

"Wait..." Victoria was trying to say.

Kristin hung up on her aunt. She watched as Kevin walked towards her. "What?" He had this smile that always made her knees go jelly.

"That's Victoria?"

"The curious one, as always." She replied.

"Your bath is ready, princess."

Kristin stared at him. For once, she wanted to stop pretending that nothing happened and she's not mad at him. She wanted to kiss him and just love him with no inhibitions. But looking at him, she changed her mind. He should know that he should not have done what he did. She should plan a way to reveal everything soon.

"Are you hungry? What do you want to eat?" She heard Kevin asked.

"Ice cream sandwich." She suddenly craved for something sweet and cold.

"Huh?" There goes the bush eyebrows furrowing.

"Two scoops of rocky road ice cream, in a wheat bread." She explained.

"Uh, okay." He shakes his head. "You're weird, Kristin."

Kristin only winked. Kevin excused himself and went out, saying things about looking for the particular flavor of ice cream and calling him when she needs additional orders.

It was about two hours later when Kevin got back from an excursion to the grocery with the castle's main cook. Kristin was freshly-showered and relaxed when Kevin found her at the back of the castle. She is quietly staring at the sprawling green grounds of acres of land that she inherited from her ancestors. She was envied for having everything but she was not happy. She did not have a happy family. She married the man who only wanted revenge from her. Now, what is she going to do that a baby is now growing in her belly? She doesn't want her child to go through the same thing that she did.

"What are you thinking?" Kevin asked her as he placed the ice cream sandwich she requested on the side table. He sat on the chair beside her.

"About renovating one of the rooms as the baby's room," she said.

Kevin shakes his head. "You can't separate the baby with us. I want him in our room."

Kristin looked at him. Did he just say that he wanted the baby in the same room, with him there, too?

"Yes, you heard it right, Kristin. From now on, I'm going to sleep in your room. It's the biggest one and it's going to be the master bedroom. And when the baby comes out, he's going to be with us. There will be a crib nearby but he's going to be with us. I don't want any of you out of my sight or far from me." Kevin said.

Because we're in your possession and you don't want your things out of your hands and out from your sight, Kristin thought. "I understand," she can only say.

"Are we going to tell this to your father, too?"

Kristin looked away. "How is he, by the way? You told me that he's in trial."

They went silent for a while. She heard Kevin drew a deep breath. "I'm sorry that it had to happen. I seek justice for my father's murder."

"You intended it to happen, Kevin. I know you're not sorry."

"What do you mean? Do you remember anything now?" Kevin stood up and faced her. She stood up too. She slipped. She should have chosen to be quiet about her thoughts.

"I was told about the connection between our fathers so I assume you have a grudge and you have a reason for marrying me." She lied.

"Forget about it, Kristin. What matters now is that we are together and we're going to have a baby," Kevin hugged her tight.

It would be easier if you tell me the truth that you never really wanted me, loved me, despite my amnesia, Kristin thought. But Kevin is afraid to let her know that.

Kevin pulled away from hugging her and stared at her. "You knew. You can remember." He held her arm.

"Let me go, you scum!"

Kevin was surprised. Kristin looked at him with so much anger in her eyes.

She pulled her arm away from him. "Don't ever touch me!" She stepped back. "And yes, I remember all along. I'm just pretending to have an amnesia. I can't stand you any longer that's why I have to tell you this. I don't want you in my room or even near me. We're maybe having a baby but I'm raising him on my own."

"No, you can't do that."

"I can do that. Watch me." Kristin glared at him. He tried to reach for her, "Don't touch me. You'll regret that you did."

"So what do you want next? Divorce?"

Kristin laughed. "I will never do that. I will not share with you what I have as a settlement. If I will have to suffer being married to you, I'll make sure that you will experience the same thing. Our child will bear my family's name, not yours." With one final glare, she walked back to the castle.



~~~



Kristin looked up when Kevin entered the office. She saw a luggage and she raised an eyebrow.

"I'm leaving." Kevin announced. When she did not say anything, he continued. "I'm going home to deal with the murder case. I didn't do anything to your father for revenge except to marry you."

Kristin only remained looking at him. Her face is void of any emotions. It has been a week since Kevin learned that she has lied about her amnesia. It has been a week since their dialogue. They did not talk to each other for a week and his leave was unexpected. He is going to leave her without indication that he will be back.

The king learned about Kristin's charade as well and he reprimanded his niece about lying to everyone in the family. Though he understood what she has been going through, he told her that he had faith about her marriage. He believe that Kevin is still a good man despite of what he planned to do. He was motivated by anger and grudge. He was in pain from what happened to his father. But despite all that, Kevin took care of Kristin when they thought she was ill. He supported her to try to bring back her memories. The king, knowing about Kevin's plan, was concerned so he always made sure he knows the happenings in their lives as a married couple.

Kevin placed the key of his bedroom to her. "I am sorry, Kristin. I am sorry for everything. Goodbye." They stared at each other for a while. When she still did not say anything, he turned and left the office, gently closing the door behind him.

Kristin let the tears fall as soon as Kevin was gone.



~~~



Kevin wiped the tears that fell as he walked down the hallway. He found Felipe in the Sitting Room and reading some newspaper. "Felipe..."

"Your Grace," the butler greeted him with a bow. "You're leaving, Sir?"

"Yes. There's an emergency at home and I will only fly alone. My wife will stay here. I already talked with the security. I want you to personally watch over her and call me for anything, may it be as simple as Jared coming over for a call or Kristin going somewhere. Please. I'm not taking her with me because of her condition but I will be back as soon as possible."

Felipe nodded. "Yes, sir."

Kevin thought for a moment. "Okay, can I ask this? Can you restrict Jared from seeing Kristin? I don't want that man near my wife. Can I ask that?"

"Uh, I suppose so, Your Grace."

"You have my number as well as the contact details of the family. Thank you, Felipe." Kevin tapped the butler on the shoulders. Then he walked towards the door. His heart is heavy for leaving but he had to. He needs to make everything right, finish everything so that he can go back and make things right for Kristin. He will win her back and he will do anything just to feel her love again.



>> 19


























19

Drew turned when she was informed that there were new arrivals for her birthday. She saw Amelia and Howie. Behind them is Kristin, looking as radiant as Amelia with their huge bellies. While Amelia is almost in her ninth-month, Kristin is only in her third month but she's getting bigger already. Kristin is smiling to everyone but Drew knows that it wasn't even a true smile. She may not tell but Drew knew that Kristin is lonely without her husband. Kevin is still in the US. The murder case has been on its climax and the verdict will be announced by next month.

Since her husband's departure, Kristin rarely go out and attend her duties. She would rather stay at home. To Drew's amusement, she learned that Jared was banned from visiting Kristin. This was strictly ordered by Kevin, according to the butler, and it may have caused embarassment from Kristin, she did not bother on lifting the ban.

"Getting excited for your baby boy?" Drew asks Howie when they approached her. They kissed her upon greeting a happy birthday.

"Yes." Howie winked.

"You should see the nursery," Amelia rolled her eyes. "He had it in blue."

"It's a boy. It's supposed to be blue."

"Just because it's a boy, it should be blue. I would have wanted it in violet." Amelia said.

Howie stared at his wife. "Why didn't you tell me?"

Drew shakes her head and left the arguing couple. She knows that in a matter of minutes, the two will be laughing together again. She, on the other hand, wished that Alex is here to celebrate with her. But his mother was rushed in the hospital and he flew to the US to know her condition. She wanted to go but she cannot leave her engagements.

"Happy birthday, Drew." Kristin kissed her on both cheeks.

"Thank you. I've been waiting for you. Let's eat together and tell me how you are doing." Drew led her cousin to her table. The dinner started as guests were treated to sumptous meals from the palace's world-renowned chefs. A program was also prepared for Drew by her father, the king.

"I'm fine. There's nothing to worry about," Kristin replied when their Aunt Victoria asked her.

"Where's your husband? Isn't he here yet?" Victoria asks again.

Kristin did not answer.

"He loves you. I believe in that." Victoria said. Drew held her aunt's arm to stop her from talking. "Oh, let me say what is on my mind. I saw something in Kevin's eyes and I believe that he feels something for you. Somehow, he's no longer keen on his revenge."

"I don't know how to believe that. I love him but I can't trust him." Kristin said.

"I heard he keeps on calling your house to check on you." Victoria glanced at Drew, then back to Kristin. "And you never take his calls. Kristin, try to save your marriage. You have a child."

Kristin smiled when a relative passed by and greeted them, especially her and her baby. She turned back to Victoria afterwards. "I don't know, Auntie. I just want him to go home."

Drew watched her cousin bit her lower lip. "Well, I hope when he gets back, you will have a long talk and that he will stay to take care of you."

Kristin didn't know what to think. She missed Kevin, after all, but she didn't know what to do once he is back. She felt her belly. She's excited for her baby. She hoped that Kevin is, too. She also hoped that she will be able to trust him again so that it will not be hard for her to think that he is only doing things for the sake of their baby. She hoped that somehow, he cares for her.

"Oh my... Your husband is here..." Drew quietly exclaimed.

Kristin immediately turned and as if it was just a dream, she saw Kevin walking towards them. There is an air of confidence in him as he went on his way. He is wearing an impeccable suit that made him looked more handsome. Kristin's heart set a flutter.

"Happy birthday, Andrea," Kevin smiled and kissed Drew on the cheeks. He gave her a small box. "It's one of my grandmother's."

"Thank you." Drew said as she glanced at Kristin. "We just started with dinner. Sit beside your wife."

"I will definitely do that," Kevin sits beside Kristin. He turned to her. "Hello," he placed a quick kiss on her lips. "You looked great." He takes her hand and entwined it with his. He looked at Drew. "We will only stay for a while. My mother and baby should not be stressed."

"Oh, I agree..." Drew slowly replied as she studied Kevin's actions. Kristin remained silent however.

They stayed for an hour more. When Kevin decided they should go home, he told the king and Drew about it. He was extremely concerned about Kristin and looked after her all evening. She still did not say any word to him. After another hour, they reached home and Kristin walked towards the grand staircase. Felipe, the butler, excused himself and went to retire for the night.

"Aren't you going to speak to me, Kristin?" Kevin asks when she already started her way to the stairs.

Kristin stopped and turned to him. "I'm not ready." Then she walked ahead, leaving her husband behind.

Kevin drew a deep breath. He followed his wife but he didn't bother touching her. He was only a few meters away walking behind her. When she reached the door of her bedroom, she saw him standing in the hallway.

"I just have to make sure that you're safe." Kevin tells her. "Goodnight, Kris-" The door was closed even before he finished his sentence. "Goodnight, Kristin. I love you," he whispered, staring at the closed door. He drew a deep breath and then, he went on his way towards his bedroom.



~~~



Kristin woke up to the smell of ham. When she opened her eyes, she saw one of the maids putting down a tray of breakfast in the nearby small table. Fresh callalilies were in a vase at the center of the table.

"Good morning, Your Highness." The maid named Carlotta said.

"Did my husband send it?"

Carlotta smiled. "Yes, Your Highness. He cooked it."

Kristin got up from the bed and sat on the chair. She looked at her breakfast. Wow, he cooked this. There are two garlic bread, ham and eggs, two pancakes with syrup and butter and a freshly-squeezed orange juice.

"He made all of those, Your Highness." Carlotta added.

"This is wonderful. Where is he?"

"The last time I heard before I go out of the kitchen, the duke said that he will stay to have breakfast with Mrs. Potts," the maid said. She is referring to Mrs. Potts, their head chef. "Would that be all, madam?"

"Yes, thank you." She started eating when the maid left. Kevin will not enter the room because he knows that she is mad at him. But she was wrong. She was halfway with her pancakes when she heard the door opened, the footsteps come near and Kevin caught her eating. "Why are you here?"

Kevin only smiled. "Did you enjoy your breakfast?"

"The ham is too salty. The egg is half-cooked. The pancakes were dry." She drinks her juice. "This is sweet." She lied because in truth, she loved it.

It didn't seem to dampen Kevin's mood. "Well, you love it sweet. Anyway, I'll try and try until I get it right. By the way, we're going somewhere so prepare yourself in an hour. Do you need any help?"

"I'm pregnant. I'm not sick." Kristin stood up. "Where are we going?"

"It's a secret." Kevin replied. He glanced at her breakfast. He picked up the remaining piece of garlic bread. "I'll be back." Then he went out. When he's gone, Kristin resumed eating.

"I was about to eat that bread!" She exclaimed and decided to finish the pancake instead.



~~~



Kevin only advised her to wear flats and something comfortable. They were in the car and they were not talking as Kevin is busy with someone on the phone. Kristin wanted to ask where they are going but it looked as if he is stalling to avoid any inquiries.

"I'm hungry," she muttered. A thoughtfully-wrapped sandwich appeared in front of her. She looked at her husband. Kevin winked at her while talking on the phone. She takes the sandwich and eats it. And while doing it, she's caressing her belly.

"You looked cute when you do that."

Finally, he's off the hook. She turned to him. "Where are we -" She was cut off by his phone ringing and he immediately answered it., excusing himself from her. She finished the sandwich.

They must have reached their destination when the Range Rover stopped in front of a big house on the other side of the city. Kevin gave her a bottled water. "I'm sorry for the phone calls. I've been away for so long." He turned off the phone in front of her. "Alright. I'm yours." He takes her hand and they went out of the car and towards the house.

"Where are we?"

"This is the house of my family's ancestors, on my mother's side." Kevin replied.

Kristin looked around. "You're a Volz?"

"Only a quarter left for me to be a Volz. I was born American, so does my mother. She's half-Volz. I brought you here to introduce you to my grandmother. She's almost a hundred years old. She's American, as well, but stayed here since she married my grandfather, even after his death." He led her inside. They were greeted by the staff lined up in the foyer. Kevin took time to introduce her to every one and she was amazed that he knows them. At home, he also knows the staff in the castle. He took the time and effort to get to know them and for her, it's remarkable. Afterwards, he led her to the room at the end of the hall.

Kristin saw a glimpse of Kevin's grandmother who is out in the balcony, sitting on a wheelchair. When Kevin takes her hand, she pulled back. He glared at her and takes her hand.

"Not now, Kris. Not in front of my grandmother."

Kristin did not say anything. They went out in the balcony.

"Grandma, Kevin is here." Kevin announced and kissed his grandmother on the cheeks. Sophia Ambrosio smiled.

"Hijo..." She reached for Kevin's hand.

"I came with my wife, Kristin." Kevin said. "Kristin, this is my grandmother, Sophia Ambrosio."

"It's an honor to meet you, madam," Kristin said as she takes the other woman's hand and shook it.

"You are pregnant. How far to go?" Sophia spoke slowly.

"At least six more, ma'am." Kristin replied. She sat on a chair that Kevin provided.

Sophia looked up to her grandson. "You didn't invite me to your wedding. When did you get married? Where?"

The couple looked at each other first. "We got married almost four months ago in Bahamas, grandma, but don't worry. Once the baby is out, we will get married here and you should be there." Kevin said.

Sophia nodded. "What do you do, Kristin? Do you work, because you don't seem to look like one who does?"

Kristin glanced at her husband. "Well, I have a degree in Arts but I don't use it. I busied myself with the family business."

"And that would be?"

Kevin did not expect that his grandmother still has the mood for queries. "Uh, why don't we all have something to eat in the parlor?"

"I'm not hungry but your wife surely is. Go to the kitchen and ask the staff about what to eat for your wife." Sophia said.

Kevin didn't have a choice but to follow his grandmother.

"So, Kristin." Sophia turned back to her. "Pardon me if I'm being nosy. I was only curious about you. You are not Sandra." She straightforwardly said. "I thought she's the one but I heard she died and you came to the picture immediately."

For someone as old as Sophia, she has a remarkable memory, Kristin thought. "There are some things that we don't really expect. I am in love with your grandson for a very long time. When he's planning to marry Sandra, I didn't do anything but to be happy for them. It was sad for me but I know I'll get by."

Sophia didn't further ask about the rest of what happened. Instead, she went back to her first question. "What do you do?"

"I'm a Duchess, madam. I took care of my family's duchy."

Sophia was not awed by the fact that she's in front of a member of a royalty. "You can't do that when you're pregnant. Is Kevin taking care of you? Do you take your vitamins regularly? Do you have exercises?"

Kristin felt the concern of Kevin's grandmother and she appreciated it. "Yes, madam."

"My grandson is a good man and you are lucky to have him. I am grateful that I saw him now married. He's the youngest among my grandchildren and has the biggest heart among them. You may have misunderstandings in the future but I assure you, his loyalty and love will remain to you. That's how he is." Sophia smiled. "I'm maybe very old but I can still remember a lot of things, even the first day I met my husband, even every distinct personality of each of my grandchildren. That's why I trust you're in good hands with Kevin."

Kristin did not say anything. Her hands were on her belly, smoothing it unconsciously. Sophia smiled at the motherly gesture.

"Do you love him?" She asks.

Kristin looked at Sophia. She saw Kevin walking in the room. She never stopped loving him. "Yes, very much."

Sophia stared at her, without saying anything. Kevin reached the balcony and noticed their silence. "You only stared at each other since I left?"

"You're fast. Where is the food?" Sophia asked instead of answering his question.

"It's ready, in the sitting room." Kevin replied. He helped Kristin get up and gently pushed the wheelchair of his grandmother.

"How many kids do you plan to have?" Sophia asked them. Kevin and Kristin looked at each other.

"Two," Kristin said.

"Five," Kevin said at the same time.

"Five? We didn't talk about five," Kristin tells him. They turned when Sophia laughed.

"My opinion is you only have to keep it coming, as long as the blessings are there." The elder woman stated. Kevin shakes his head. They reached the sitting room where Sophia continued asking the two about their marriage.



>> 20


























20

It was expected that the sentence is grave when the courts in the US finalized the case on the murder of Kevin's father. It was controversial but the kingdom of Volzenburga did not try to get involved with Baron Hugh's case, even if he was the brother-in-law of the ruling sovereign. He did not receive any help whatsoever from King Albert. He committed the crime under the US law. The kingdom has nothing to do with it. He was convicted for murder and was sentenced under the US Constitution.

Kristin was devastated, despite her rocky relationship with her father. She never thought that it will come this way. She told Kevin that she wanted to go to the US to see her father, even for the last time. She knew that Kevin did not want her to but it's the last wish that he had to give.

"How is she?" Albert asks Kevin as they watched Kristin with Drew from afar. The two women were sitting under the tree by the man-made lake in the palace grounds.

"She still insists that we go to Kentucky as soon as possible."

The king shook his head. "I don't want her to. I wished I could do that but I also pity my niece. This is her only chance."

"Her last chance." Kevin added.

Albert turned to him. "I already had the royal jet prepared for your travel, anytime that you are ready. I will lend it to you for your trip to the US."

"Thank you, Sir."

Albert stared at him. "You love her." It is a statement. He met his nephew-in-law's look. "Did she knows?"

Kevin felt awkward admitting to the king his feelings. He consciously ran his fingers through his hair. "I actually don't know how to tell her because she didn't want to talk to me."

"Oh," Albert glanced to where his daughter and niece are. "She only keeps it civil in front of others."

Kevin did not reply. "I love her." He smiled at that. "I don't know how to tell her that but I am hoping for the right time."

Meanwhile, Kristin also glanced at her husband and her uncle. "I'm afraid, Drew. What if Kevin's family will not like me? I'm the daughter of the person who killed Kevin's father."

"And you're not the one who committed the crime." Drew tells her.

"I know but I can't help it if they are probably mad at me, too." Kristin voiced out worriedly.

"Then ignore them. That's what I did to AJ's family, except to his mother." Drew held her cousin's hand. "If that's the case, we can't do anything about it but just let it be. All you have to do is to avoid trouble. Do something good instead of letting them see any faults."

"I wished our baby will be a healthy boy. I want to name him after his father." Kristin smoothed her hands on her belly. She looked at her cousin. "I remember you were saying before that I first met him during one of uncle's Christmas balls."

"The masquerade ball, remember that? You were so excited about this man who just suddenly pulled you out of nowhere and danced with you. That's Kevin."

"I never knew that."

Drew drew a deep breath. "Do you think he planned it all along? Since that day at the masque ball?" She thought for a moment. "That's about exactly the number of years since his father died. It was a very controversial case, his father's murder."

Kristin didn't say anything but tears formed in her eyes. "I really don't want to cry, Drew. I'm worried about my baby. I've been so emotional."

"Ssshhhh..." Drew pulled her in a hug.

"I only wanted to be happy. Why can't I just have it?"

"Ssshhh..." Drew knew that. Kristin always dreamed of that. She saw her took out a box from her pocket. "I know that."

Kristin smiled. "It's the ring I wanted to give Kevin. You know, our engagement ring. Obviously, there is no use for this anymore."

"You can keep it. Who knows? It may be of use someday."

"Kris..."

Both turned when Kevin approached them.

"Let's go home." His hand is extended to her.

Kristin pulled her shawl together and kissed her cousin goodbye. She ignored Kevin's hand as she started to walk with him back to the palace.

"Your uncle already arranged the private jet for our trip to the US. I offered to shoulder the gas expenses." Kevin started as they walk. "My brother offered his ranch house for us to stay. It is isolated from the main road so no one will bother us. Is that okay with you?" He turned to her.

Kristin met his look. "Yes. Don't you have a place of your own there?"

"I'm settled here. There's no sense that I will have a place there too. It's not practical for me."

Kristin didn't reply. She was quiet all throughout their journey back to the estate. She wanted to ask him about his family and if they will like her or if it would be easy to get along with them. But he kept quiet too. It was awkward. She closed her eyes and she must have slept because she opened her eyes and Kevin is looking at her, announcing that they were home.

"When are we going to leave?" She asks him.

Kevin acknowledged Felipe as they went inside. He answered Kristin. "Tomorrow."



~~~



Kevin felt Kristin takes her hand when he passed by her. They were on their way to the US and it has been two hours since the jet took off from Volzenburga. "Yes, darling?"

Kristin stared at him for a while when she heard his endearment.

"What is it, Kris?"

"Can you sit with me? I just don't feel well." She tells him.

Kevin immediately sits beside her. He called for the attendant to bring them drinking water. He never let go of his wife's hand as he placed instructions. Finally, he turned to her. "Are you alright? What are you feeling?"

"I just need to breathe calmly. My heart's racing. Thank you." She tells the staff who gave her water. She drinks it. She placed a hand on her belly at the same time that Kevin did.

"Are you hungry?" Her husband asks her.

She shakes her head no.

"Nervous?"

Kristin bit her lower lip. "My father killed your father. What am I going to expect when I get there? You were mad at my Dad and I can't blame you. I just don't know what to do when I meet them."

Kevin's thumb ran circles in her hand. "You're not the one who committed the crime." He said the same thing that Drew told her the day before.

"You don't understand me," Kristin sighed in frustration.

"I am trying to, Kris. Remember that I will not leave you alone, not even out of my sight when we get there. My mother wants to see you, if that would be a consolation. She said that it will be immature if she will hold a grudge against you just because you are Hugh's daughter."

Kristin pulled her hand away from him. "Unlike you."

"Would you believe me if I tell you that I regret doing what I did?"

"No."

Silence fell between them.

After some time, Kevin spoke again. "Then what should I do to bring back the feelings you've had for me before? What should I do for you to believe every word I say?"

"You can find the right time to say sorry." Kristin said. "And prove something that will make me believe you again because frankly, Kevin, I no longer trust you. I don't know anymore. I may have loved you but I don't know how to feel the way I feel for you before." There, she finally said it. She tried not to cry. This first quarter of her pregnancy has been very emotional for her. She is worried that this might affect the baby. She wanted to end this feeling of loneliness soon. But when?



>> 21


























21

Kristin particularly requested a quiet arrival if they reached the US and Kevin granted her that. As soon as they disembarked from the jet, they were immediately taken away by the waiting van. The waiting media failed to catch a glimpse of her and Kevin.

It will be an hour's travel to Tim's ranch. Tim is Kevin's brother, the one who also picked them up at the airport. Unlike Kevin, Tim is the talkative one and never, even for a moment, made Kristin feel awkward about the situation. He is the one seated in front, while he points the directions to Kristin's bodyguard, who is the one driving.

Their entourage consisted of six bodyguards, two were in the van with them while the other four were at the other van trailing behind them, together with the two maids that they brought along to assist Kristin with her needs. Her lawyer also came along, to accompany her when she sees her father but Atty. Poveda will only be staying for two days and should be back soon to Volzenburga to take care of the duchy, as instructed by the king.

Silence fell inside the van a few moments after they left the main road. Kevin said that there is still a long way to go to his brother's ranch. Kristin felt her eyes dropping. She felt her husband putting his arms on her, pulling her closer and let her sleep in his arms and chest.

Tim glanced at his brother.

Kevin weakly smiled at Tim and then, he turned to his tired wife, who is now asleep. He wished that things will be over soon. Since their conversation inside the plane, he has been racking his brains for ways to convince her that he loves her. He wanted to gain her trust back. He wanted to move forward when this ordeal is over.



~~~



Kristin was expecting the staff of the ranch lined up in front when they arrived. But no one is to be found. Kevin helped her get out of the van. The front door opened and revealed a petite old woman. Kevin and Tim chorused in calling their mother. Kristin was ushered by her husband towards Ann.

"Kristin, this is my mother Ann. Mom, I would like you to meet my wife, Kristin." Kevin said. He also introduced Atty. Poveda, the bodyguards and the maids.

Ann looked at Kristin as she widely opened her arms. "Welcome to the family, Kristin."

Kristin hugged Ann. She closed her eyes and felt as if her mother is the one embracing her. She drew a deep breath as various emotions filled her chest. "Thank you, madam."

"Call me Mom, or Ann, whichever you like." Ann looked at everyone. "I prepared something for lunch. Let's get inside and eat." She is still holding Kristin's hand as she gets inside the house. Everyone followed.



~~~



Kevin watched his wife walked with his mother towards the green fields ahead of them. The bodyguards were keeping a safe distance from them to give them privacy and quality time with the family. During lunch earlier, Ann praised and thanked the security for taking care of her son and daughter-in-law. Kristin gave an amused smile to his mother and he was relieved to see that. When Ann offered to tour her around, Kristin immediately said yes. He has a feeling that not only did she likes her but also this is her chance to talk with Ann about her father.

"It was still weird to see you looking like a love-crazed teenager," Tim chuckled beside him.

"Huh? Do I?" Kevin stretched his arms.

"Yes. I was surprised when you married her instead of Sandra."

"Sandra was gone."

"And you were quick to switch to the next one available and marry her, all in a span of few months," Tim said. "You didn't do that for revenge, right? Did you just simply love her?"

Kevin turned and met his brother's look. "Yes, Tim. I simply love her, that's why. It wasn't hard to love her. She is a very wonderful woman." He answered. "Sandra will always have a special place in my heart but I am moving forward now and I am excited for our future."

Tim did not reply and Kevin thought his brother is satisfied with the answer.

"Aren't you mad at her?" Kevin turned to ask.

Tim's jaw clenched. "I am mad. I am angry," he replied, "But not to her. She doesn't have anything to do with her father's sin. But you can't blame me for feeling awkward at times." He drew a deep breath.

"Kristin never had a good relationship with her father. She never had the fondest memories of him. But after all that she's been through with him, she still went here, hoping to see her father for the last time." Kevin is in doubt if Hugh will see his daughter. He saw the kind of man that he is. He never cared for anyone but himself.

"Did you have a problem before going here?"

Kevin nodded. He can tell anything to his brother but not the fact on how he married Kristin. That was something he really regret thinking on planning for revenge. But marrying her became a blessing in disguise and that is something he would like to cherish. "I don't want her to go here but she insisted and I can't say no to a pregnant woman, and to also a daughter who might probably have one last chance to see her father. I don't want to deny her the chance."

"Well at least the king offered you a convenient way to get here." Tim said.

"Kristin is his favorite niece," Kevin smiled.

"I never thought about you marrying a princess, Kevin. You were a playboy here..."

"Until I met a mysterious woman," Kevin added to his brother's sentence.

"Oh, yeah. You told me about that woman at the ball you attended there. You never met her. Are you still hoping to see her someday even though you're already married and will be having a baby soon?"

"No. I'm thankful now for what I have." Kevin replied to his brother. They watched as their mother and Kristin are now walking towards them. Kevin felt overwhelmed at the sight of his wife walking side by side with his mother. And he wondered when is he going to have the chance to tell her that he loves her.



>> 22


























22

"Oh, my God..." Kristin muttered when she saw the crowd of media waiting for them at the penal facility where her father is currently detained. They were waiting to catch a glimpse of her visiting her father. She wore her dark glasses. She turned to Kevin when he took a bottle of water from the compartment inside the car.

"We are going to the basement parking. We have already arranged a decoy van that will stop in front of the facility." The security informed Kristin.

Kevin felt Kristin took his hand. He gripped it tight, silently telling her that he will never leave her side.

Kristin saw three black vans stopped in front of the facility while their vehicle went straight to the basement parking. Jail guards welcomed them, as well as more security personnel, and led them towards the receiving area for visitors. They were briefed about the house rules for visiting the prisoners. Kristin only half-listened as her heart beats faster. She is looking forward to see her father but still apprehensive over the fact that he might not want her to see him behind bars.

When it was time to see Hugh, she drew a deep breath.



~~~



Hugh is sitting alone in a chair when Kevin and Kristin entered the room. There were two guards standing on each corner behind him. Hugh looked at them. He became so thin and had dark circles in his eyes. Kristin took pity in her father's appearance. Hugh is far from the strong man she knew but there is still a trace of arrogance on his face.

"You didn't waste your time, Richardson." Hugh said, referring to Kristin's pregnancy.

Kevin chose not to reply, in respect to his wife. He wanted to hurt this man for making Kristin's life miserable. He wanted to torture this man for not giving Kristin the love and affection of a father. But he chose to be quiet.

"You married her to spite me. Fucked her to avenge your father's death. Take all her possessions for your personal gain." Hugh added.

"Shut up, Dad." Kristin said. She couldn't take what she is hearing from her father anymore. This is probably not a good idea after all.

Hugh turned to her. "What are you doing here anyway? You want to see me for the last time before I die? Or rub it in my face on what I have done?"

Kristin's face hardened when she heard that. "I came here as a daughter who wants to see her father, even for the last time and that somehow, despite the relationship we've had, I still care for you." She received a glare from her father. Her hand is instinctively on her belly.

"I don't care. I don't want to see you. I don't even want you to be here. Go away!" Hugh stood up and went towards the other door, leading to his cell.

"Dad..." Kristin cried. She wanted to run to him and hug him but she knew that it wasn't worth it. Until the end, her father never wanted her. She watched as the two guards cuffed Hugh. But before he moves on, he turned back to them. He met Kevin's look and after a while, his look transferred to Kristin.

"You take care, Kristin," he only said and they ushered him out of the room. She turned to Kevin, hugged him and cried.

Kevin was surprised at the last moment before Hugh left. For that short period of time, he felt that Hugh's last look gave him a message that he was entrusting his daughter to him. Somehow, he became a father on that last moment. Kevin shushed his wife. He promised himself that he will take very good care of her and their child. He vowed that he will never be like Hugh. Kristin deserved all the love and it is time now to tell her what he truly feels.

When they got home a few hours later, Ann is waiting by the front porch for them. Once Kristin is out of the car, she ran to Kevin's mother. Ann welcomed her with open arms and let Kristin cry on her shoulders.



~~~



Ann organized a family get-together to celebrate Kevin's arrival and marriage. She invited most of their family and close friends in Tim's ranch. Kristin would like to stop Ann from doing it but she doesn't want to offend the elder woman. She decided that she had to face Kevin's family now than do it later.

Through the windows of the bedroom, she walked towards the mirror to check herself before she goes out of the room. She drew a deep breath. She's really nervous. She turned when there was a knock and then Kevin came in to the room.

"Are you ready?" Kevin looked excited in introducing her to his family and friends. Kristin doesn't want to ruin his mood by begging him to let her stay instead inside their room.

"Yes," she tried to say as much as she could. She accepted the hand he offered.

"You're cold," Kevin clasped both of her hands. "Are you sure about this? I can make up a story instead that you're not feeling well." He looked very concerned.

Kristin tried to smile. "Silly. I'm fine. You just can't stop me from being nervous but I'm ready. I want to meet them, too."

When they reached the garden where Ann set up the gathering, a lot of people have already arrived. They turned when they came and greeted them. Ann formally announced their arrival and Kevin introduced Kristin as his wife. She felt the scrutiny from Kevin's relatives.

"Welcome to the family," Jay, Kevin's other brother said. He kissed her on the cheeks. Others followed in welcoming her, too. Kristin tried to remember their names and faces. She tried to make this much easier since she was used to meeting people during her royal engagements in Volzenburga.

"This is my first time to see a princess," Claudia, Kevin's cousin, said enthusiastically. She's only a teenager. Kevin and Kristin laughed.

"Well, I guess it's okay for some pictures, isn't it?" Jasper asked, full of curiosity. He glanced at Kristin's bodyguards who were all over the place.

"Yes, I think it's alright." Kristin smiled. They posed for pictures.

"What do you speak in your country?" Felicia asks, Kevin's aunt.

"We speak Volz, it's a mixture of Spanish and French. We were colonized by the Spaniards and the French in the 1800s so our culture were also a mixture of both." Kristin replied.

"You looked more like an American," a little boy pointed out.

"Uh," How could she tell that was because she was half-American without bringing up the topic about her father? The said matter is complicated. Kristin glanced at Kevin. He went to pick-up his nephew Nathaniel.

"You're a smart boy. Where do you learn to figure out those things?" Kevin kissed Nathaniel on the cheeks.

"My mommy," Nathaniel said.

"Yes, that's me."

They turned at the one who spoke. Kristin saw a beautiful brunette walking through. "Hi, Kevin. I missed you, cousin."

"Laura," Kevin said in acknowledgment. "This is my wife..."

"I know. She's also the daughter of your father's murderer."

Kristin drew a deep breath when she heard that. Her hand went to her slightly bulged belly. She raised her chin. "Yes, I am." She said. "But I have nothing to do with my father's sin." When she saw the look of surprise from Laura because of her unexpected reaction and confidence, she tried not to shake her head. She couldn't help it if there were people who will still try to rub it in about what her father has done.

"But you know, you can't take away the thoughts of most people here about you. Your father killed my uncle. You're not really welcome here but who can stand up against Kevin and his brothers? If they say that everything's going to be fine, others would just agree. Even if the wife of one them is a killer's daughter." Laura glared at her.

Kristin did not say anything. Everyone was quiet. Tim approached Laura and pulled her away. But before she leaves, she called Kristin.

"I hate you. I will always do." Taking her son Nathaniel, she went off with Tim.

Kristin looked around and saw everyone were either looking at her or avoiding her by turning away. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry, everyone." She said and then she walked off and back in to the house.

Kevin is raging with anger at his cousin as he followed Laura with an angry glare.

"Follow your wife, Kevin. She's hurt and she's pregnant," he heard some of his relatives advised. He saw his two uncles followed Laura who reprimanded her for what she did. How could Laura do it? That was unfair. Kristin has nothing to do with her father's sin. It hurt him, too. Kristin is a good woman. He turned and followed his wife.



>> 23


























23

Kristin is firmly holding her mobile phone as she walked towards the bed. She did not look up when the door opened and Kevin called her name. "Kris?"

Kevin saw the phone. Is she planning to leave him after what happened? "Kristin..."

Kristin looked at him. "I want to stay here. I want to give birth here." She announced.

Kevin stared at her. "You're not planning to leave me?"

"It doesn't matter what Laura thinks or what your other relatives think. You are all that matters to me." She never knew how happy he is to hear what she just said.

"We will have the royal jet returned to your country. We will call your uncle later." Kevin said. He will do anything that his wife wishes especially if it's in favor of him. He appreciates that she wanted to stay where he is.

"Can we also settle a house here?" Kristin added.

Now, the answered prayers seem to keep on pouring in, Kevin thought. "Why did you suddenly decide on that?" He asks her.

"There are so many unpleasant memories at home." Kristin met his look. "I want to start something here and your mother is going to help me."

"My mom? What did you talk about?"

"Yesterday, after we went to my Dad, she said that if I want to start something new and fresh, we can settle here for a while. I think I can do that," She started fidgeting. Kevin noticed her apprehension. He sits beside his wife on the edge of the bed.

"Is there a problem?"

His wife shakes his head. "No, I don't have a problem." Kevin stared at her. It made her uneasy. "I just thought that I want our baby to be born as an American citizen."

"Huh?"

"It won't be the first time. My cousin, Brian, is American, so I guess it's okay with my uncle."

Kevin thought for a moment. "Do you really want that?" He asked. He sensed that she wanted to forget her past memories of her family, especially about her father. The Alegria Estate held so many memories for her. He is aware of that.

"Yes." Kristin glanced at the phone in her hand. "Let's call my uncle."

Kevin knew that this is the moment he's been waiting for to tell her the truth that he loves her, for real. He is really hoping she would believe him. The last time he felt a love like this, it was with Sandra. When he lost her, he thought he could never love again but Kristin made it easy for him. In fact, it seemed like she was the one all along and he was only too blind to see it.

Kristin stared back at him and she now knew why those eyes seemed to be familiar to her. He is the arrogant masked man in her uncle's Christmas Ball a few years back. Forgetting about the impending affirmation to her request to call her uncle, she asked another. "Did you know how to dance the tango?"

A smile appeared in his handsome face. "I know a lot aside from tango. Swing, rhumba, boogie, waltz... I have an aunt who taught me when she had nothing to do." Kevin replied. "She's outside with the other guests."

"Can we dance?"

Kevin didn't expect it. "Right now?" His wife nodded. They stood up at the same time. Kevin is still wondering what suddenly came to his wife's mind to ask him to dance. He walked towards the entertainment system at the side of the room and browsed the CDs. "Tim doesn't have anything here. Very typical," he shakes his head. His brother preferred country music.

He turned when Kristin is suddenly beside him. She took a CD. "Let's just dance to whatever." She puts the CD on the player and an old romantic song filled the room.

It seemed like this has happened before, Kevin thought as he wrapped his arms around his wife's body. He tried to think of it. Kristin smiled at him. His heart beats fast, trying to think on how is he going to start telling her his feelings.

"I love to hold you like this. Believe me when I say that." Kevin started. "I'm very sorry about Laura. It was really hurtful. She didn't have to say that. It wasn't right. You have nothing to do with what your father did. You are a good woman. And you deserved better judgment. I'm so sorry. Please believe me."

Kristin took his hand and entwined it with hers. She looked back at him. "I believe you."

"I always love to see you, Kristin. And I'm looking forward to every day of my life seeing you around."

Kristin held her breath. Their dance continued. His other hand pulled her closer and she fits right next to his body. It felt good that her big belly is pressed on his stomach. They seemed to dance like one family: she, Kevin and their child.

Kristin turned back to see his face as she spoke. "It's a good thing that you are my husband now because you see," She paused and he waited. His intense look at her sends tingles down her spine. "I don't actually dance with strangers."

She felt a jolt from him. His eyes widened. To her surprise, Kevin leaned down and kissed her. His lips softly brushed hers at first, touching and feeling. Then he fully covered her mouth with intense passion. And it felt like coming home. Well in fact, this is the only place she called home. She can be anywhere in the world, as long as Kevin is with her.

Kevin tasted her lips for one last time before he pulled away. He stared at her for what seemed like the longest time. "Oh my God. It was you all along." He softly traced her face as if seeing her for the first time. "Oh, my God."

"I didn't know until Drew told me. She saw us that night and she knew you behind your mask."

Kevin tucked a hair strand behind her ear. "I've been looking for you. When I first saw you, never knowing who you are, there was an attraction that I could not explain. I decided I have to dance with you. But you left as soon as the music ended and I don't know what to do then. I never saw you again until now..."

Kristin looked down. By doing what she did now shows that she can already forgive him. She wished that everything between them will be alright so she could go on a peaceful life with him. Not counting her uncle and his family and the rest of their relatives, she feels like she is all alone. Her father never wanted her. She is hoping that Kevin wants her.

"I will never let you out of my sight again, Kristin." He gently lifted her face and they looked at each other's eyes. "For this third chance, I will make sure to make everything right. I regret the things I planned on doing and I hurt your feelings. I am sincerely sorry and I am willing to make up for everything for as long as it takes for you to forgive me. I love you, Kristin, and I want and I need you in my life."

Kevin saw tears fell down his wife's cheeks. He wiped it away as he leaned down and kissed her again. "Please, don't cry, sweetheart."

"I'm happy," Kristin initiated their kiss. "I'm sorry that I lied to you, too. I was very mad. I don't know how to trust you."

"Ssshhh..." Kevin closed his eyes as his finger touched her lips to shush her. When he opened his eyes, she's still there. This is not a dream sequence in some movie. "It's not your fault. I blame myself for putting anger in you. You are the most loving person, the most wonderful woman I know and it was a shame to put you in that unfair situation."

Kristin felt her chest was about to burst from the overwhelming emotions. When she saw him took out a necklace from his pocket, it fueled the feeling of joy that her wishes will be granted after all. Finally, here is the person who will stay with her, love her and take care of her.

"This has been in my pocket for a long time now and I really intend to offer this to you, as a sign of my love and loyalty, as well as your belongingness to the Richardson family. May I?"

Kristin bundled up her hair to the side as Kevin puts on the necklace. She looked down to the pendant. It is a dove made of diamonds. "This is beautiful."

"My mother passed this on to me and my brothers. Each of us was able to offer this to our wives. I'm offering this to you. Kris," Kevin met her look. "I'm not as rich as your family or as noble. You have a very dignified background. But as a husband, I can offer you four things."

Kristin chuckled. "Four?"

"Yes, four," Kevin nodded with a smile. "I offer you a respectable family who can always be there for you; I offer you a mother who can take care and love you like her own," Kristin began to tear up as he said that, "I offer you my whole self who will remain loyal and supportive to whatever you want to do and lastly, I offer you my love, one like no other and I will be loving you forever." He has been very vocal about his feelings for her and he can feel that she is feeling the same way. He only wished that he would hear it too but if she is not yet ready, he is willing to wait.

From the necklace, she transferred her gaze to her husband, who still seemed to be treading in uncharted waters, probably wondering if his wife feels the same way that he does. Since he stepped on a new level and professed his feelings, there is no point to hold herself back from him. "Aren't you going to ask me about my feelings?"

She saw him became uncomfortable. "I can wait if you're still undecided over your feelings for me. I understand." Kevin replied. "But if you finally felt it again in your heart, please tell me and it doesn't matter where I am or what I am doing, even if I'm making a speech in front of the board, do not hesitate to tell me."

Kristin stared at him. He seemed to be afraid of it and she cannot blame his insecurity. She gently takes his hand. "I love you."

She watched him looked stunned. Then, she felt him tremble as his face slowly dawned a smile. "Thank you for loving me, Kristin," he said as he took her in his arms' embrace.

It wasn't everyday that a man would thank a woman for telling him that she loves him.

"I forgive you, too. It wasn't an easy process because I don't trust you then. But you proved that you could be worthy of gaining back my trust and you took care of me and the more surprising of all, you love me. We may not have a good start in this relationship but I hope that we can continue this until we grow old." Kristin looked at him and kissed his cheeks.

"Trust me that we will have that forever. I will never let you down again. I will always love you," Kevin wiped her tears. "Ssshh... Don't cry, sweetheart." He hugged her tighter. "I love you and our baby."



>> Epilogue


























Epilogue

Kristin heard the sound of Kevin's car arrived. Taking one last glance to their sleeping son, Mason, she went out of their child's room to greet her husband. As she walked down the hallway, she passed by the area as what they called as 'hall of frames'. There is one area in the Alegria Estate that they began to convert into a hall where they will fill up photo frames of their memories as a family. Kevin is trying so hard to put good memories in this big old house.

A week after they talked about their relationship, they flew home where they decided to arrange some important things in the duchy before they go back to Kentucky to start on settling there. They both thought of the idea on converting the Mannrose Hall into the Hall of Frames. They began choosing photos from the time that they were still friends, then when they were going out, to their memorable beach wedding at the Bahamas and then some photos with Kevin's family in Kentucky. Recently, they also put framed photos of Kevin's inauguration as the new duke of Alegria, alongside his wife Kristin. They also celebrated the moments at the hospital when Amelia gave birth.

The latest addition were photos when she gave birth to their baby boy, Mason. She gave birth in the US, as agreed but they flew back after two months to make some remaining arrangements for their transfer. They named their son Kevin Marc Richardson and they nicknamed him Mason. It was a playful thought from both of them to combine some syllables in their child's name. Their first family photo was hung up in the hall. The Hall of Frames is a very long corridor so it would not be a problem to them if they ran out of walls to put the frames. They can convert any halls in the mansion whenever it is needed.

When they got home, she asked Kevin that they should go to the church. She wanted to personally set a time for the Lord to thank Him for the blessings and for answering her prayers. She is very happy that sometimes, she still finds herself teary-eyed. So does Kevin.

When she reached down the main hall, she saw Felipe discreetly walking away when his mistress appeared to greet her husband.

"How are you? You're early," Kristin asks as Kevin takes her hand and kissed her.

"Don't you want to see me early?"

"Of course, I do..." She was stopped by his kiss. "What made that call so important?" She asks him. They just finished their lovemaking when there was a call. Kevin only quickly said that it was something about the case of Sandra's death and he left.

"Did they find out that the license plate is related to Inigo?"

Kevin hugged her. "Yes. And he sold the car a week after Sandra died. He killed Sandra, Kris."

"Oh, my God." Kristin returned his hug. "Are you alright, Kev?"

"Not really. It was horrible. Inigo made it appear that Sandra committed suicide when she actually died accidentally." Kevin said. "I was called because they caught him. But instead of sending him to jail, they will send him first to the mental asylum. He was found in a sidewalk, muttering something inaudible. He went crazy. When the police took him, he began saying that he didn't mean to kill Sandra. He loved her too much to do that. He only accidentally pushed her down the stairs. That's how she died."

Love can be fatal, Kristin thought. "It's a relief that we found the person behind Sandra's death." She said. Kevin nodded. "Let's go to Sandra at the cemetery, Kev. Let's pray for her soul."

Kevin stared down to her. "Huh? Are you sure?"

"Yes." She wanted to finish everything so that Kevin can finally move on from that episode. She thinks that perhaps taking Kevin at the cemetery and giving some time for one last mourning will help him move on. She knew that Sandra will always be in Kevin's heart but she's confident that his family is all that matters now. The trip to the cemetery will not hurt them. She wanted to pray for her, too.



~~~



Kevin and Kristin were holding hands when they arrived at the king's palace. They were gone all afternoon. They left Mason under the care of his nanny. Around three in the afternoon, they received a message from Drew that she dropped by the estate and no one was there. Mason is already awake and he immediately went to his aunt. Drew decided to take him to the palace, to play with his granduncle and grandaunt. That is where the couple found their son, playing and giggling happily with his Aunt Drew and her husband, his Uncle Alex. The two didn't have their own baby yet so whenever there was a chance, Drew would usually take Mason out in an excursion or just play with him in his room.

Victoria is the one holding Mason. When she saw them, she gave him to his mother. "Only five months old and he has already grown so big and fat," the elder woman said. "And those eyebrows. He's going to kill someone with those eyebrows someday. Gorgeous little kid." She shakes her head.

Kevin and Kristin laughed. "Watch out when he started having teeth," Kevin said.

"I heard that Howie flew to London. Did you already find Rhian?" Kristin asks.

"Yes," Drew glanced at her father. "Howie is going to take her home, whether she likes it or not."

"I'm very worried about her. She's too much in love with Nick."

Kevin turned to his wife. He took her to the adjoining room. "I think it's a good thing. We will only have to guide her. Do you want to play matchmaker? I met the young man. He seemed to be a good person." He leaned down to kiss her.

Kristin moaned. "Nick can do it on his own. He tamed her before. He can charm her again." She glanced down to their son. "He's so beautiful. I love you, Kev."

"I love you more." Kevin placed a kiss on Mason's forehead before they kissed once again. Every day is an exciting day for both of them. Kevin is happy that he found the person he's been looking for so long.

Kristin stared at her husband. She struggled to get the happiness she longed for in her life and she thanked the heavens for the blessing bestowed on her. She could not ask for more. Here is a man who loves her and cares for her, who will support her, who will guide her and most of all, the one who will just be with her for the rest of their lives.

They turned when Mason suddenly laughed in her mother's arms.

And yes, life is going to be exciting for the rest of their lives.



~~~



Albert is staring at the photo frames on his executive desk. He missed his daughters. He seldom sees Amelia and Andrea anymore. Both were already married. His eldest one is now living with his real son while his second daughter is now living with her husband in a private apartments in Palacio del Halta Monte. He doesn't live there although people thinks he is. It was a diversional tactic for security purposes. He actually lives in a secured cottage, only five hundred meters away from the palace within the estate grounds. His sister Victoria would sometimes stay with him.

He missed Adriana too. He wished that Howie will be able to get to her immediately and get her home safely. That was all he wished for.

His musings were interrupted when the phone rang. He recognized Enrique's voice who introduced the caller on the other line. It was Nickolas Carter. "Let me talk to the kid, Enrique."

Within seconds, he heard the young man's voice. "Your Majesty. I have already told Mr. Tobias the news."

"He surely didn't tell me, Mr. Carter. What is it?" He saw his trusted secretary entered the room with his chief security and chief travel officer.

"I am in the hospital, sir. I'm in the emergency room with Rhian. She was shot. Can you please help us take her home as soon as possible?"





Rhian is in danger. Find out her story and her search for love in the last story of this series HERE