The Cinderella Princess

by Melissa McClone

  He brushed a strand of hair behind her ear. “Perhaps me?”

  The hope in his voice sent her pulse skittering every which way, like a bowl of M&Ms dropped on a hardwood floor. She couldn’t answer him. Not here.

  Emily tightened her grip on the plate. She felt uncertain.

  “Luc…” She wasn’t using proper protocol, but remembering to say the correct words wasn’t easy when she’d rather call him my love. “Watching you during the ceremony brought a lump to my throat, sir.”

  “You didn’t answer my question.”

  “I…I can’t.” Because if Emily did, she’d give herself—her heart—away. But she could tell him something else. “I quit my job.”

  His eyes widened with a look of shock. His lips parted. He started to speak, then stopped himself. He laced his fingers with hers. “I don’t understand. You love your job.”

  “I thought I did, but I realized that’s not what I want any longer. So far no buyer’s remorse. I’ll see how I feel tomorrow, but right now I want to twirl and shout.”

  “That doesn’t sound like you.”

  “I know. And that’s a good thing, I think.”

  “It is.” He raised their linked hands and spun her in a pirouette. “What are you going to do?”

  “For the first time in my life, I haven’t got a clue. And that’s okay too.”

  He stared into her eyes. “I have a suggestion.”

  “What?”

  “Stay in Alvernia.”

  As if that were a possibility. She half-laughed. “Yeah, right.”

  “I’m serious,” he said. “You’re all I thought about during the presentation.”

  A thrill ran through her. She wanted to kiss him, but reality shouted at her with a blow horn. “Your parents looked pleased.”

  “They adore Maria-Therese.” He reached up and ran a fingertip along Emily’s jawline. “I adore you.”

  She nearly collapsed against him with need. But she knew better. Needing her father had nearly killed her mother. Emily might want Luc, but she didn’t need him. Or anyone.

  She leaned away from him. “Please don’t. You have Maria-Therese.”

  “I want you.”

  Air rushed from her lungs. She was afraid to hope.

  A thoughtful expression crossed his face. “Forget San Diego. Work at the foundation, broaden our donation pool with your advertising expertise, take Dream Big Alvernia to the next level.”

  She stiffened. “You’re offering me a job?”

  “You understand what the foundation means to me. We would not only work together, but we could be together.”

  “What about Maria-Therese?”

  “We aren’t in love. I respect her and look forward to deepening our friendship over the course of our marriage.”

  Emily was confused. “If you’re marrying her, how will we be together?”

  “I own a large estate with many houses. You could live in one of them. You and I can have a family. You’d be a wonderful mother.”

  “Wait a minute.” She shook her head, as if trying to get water out of her ears. “You want to have a family with me when you’re married to another woman?”

  “Married in name only. Maria-Therese is still getting over her brother-in-law.”

  “That doesn’t change the fact I’d be your mistress. The other woman.”

  “Semantics.” He brushed his hand through the air as if sweeping away Emily’s concerns like a gnat. “I’m asking you to be part of my life. Forever.”

  “A life we can’t share beyond the two of us. A life full of secrets and hurt.”

  “No one will get hurt.”

  Emily couldn’t believe this was happening. That he was asking her to do this. She took a breath. And another. “I can’t—won’t—be involved with a married man. Not after what my dad put my mom through with his cheating. His actions destroyed her and me. I thought you understood—”

  “I do, but this is different.”

  “How so?”

  “I care about you. I want you to be a part of my life. And this is the way to make that happen.”

  She laughed. It was either that or cry. “You are a true Alvernian with an unquenchable taste for pastries. You want your cake and to eat it too.”

  All the heartache of her childhood rushed to the surface, memories and pain she thought she’d buried. Watching her mother drink herself to oblivion. Knowing her father would rather be with his other children than her. Realizing she was the only one she could rely on, no one else.

  Luc had just reaffirmed that last one.

  “You can’t have me.” Her voice sounded hard, like her heart felt. “Not the way you want.”

  His face fell. She ignored the urge to comfort him. That wasn’t her responsibility.

  “I’ve been part of a forgotten family.” She loved Luc, but she couldn’t do this. “I can’t be part of a secret one. I deserve better.”

  “There is no other way for us to be together.” His jaw thrust forward. “We’ll make this work. I’m not saying goodbye.”

  “You don’t have to, but I do.” Her throat tightened with loss, from the past and from now. “Goodbye, sir.”

  *

  Goodbye, sir. Luc stood on the balcony alone. Emily’s final words echoed in his head and ricocheted in his heart.

  She was gone. He’d wanted to show her how much she meant to him. He thought she’d be happy he’d found a way for them to be together, not disgusted and offended that he wanted to be with her while married to someone else. Someone she’d found for him. A woman she knew he didn’t love. A woman still getting over a past love.

  “There you are.” His mother joined him on the balcony. “Maria-Therese is looking for you.”

  “Give me a minute.”

  His mother came closer. Touched his cheek. “I know that look. What happened?”

  “I…” He stared at the ground.

  “Let me guess. This has to do with that American. The blonde from the TV show. The one you can’t stop staring at.”

  “Her name is Emily.”

  “You’re attracted to her.”

  “I asked her to stay in Alvernia. To be with me.”

  His mother tilted her head, as if in thought. “What about Maria-Therese?”

  “Our marriage is one of necessity, not love.”

  “What did Emily say?”

  “Goodbye. Her father cheated on her mother. She wants no part of being the other woman even though the situations are completely different.”

  “Oh, my son.” His mother sighed. “The situations are exactly the same.”

  “I don’t love Maria-Therese. She doesn’t love me.”

  “Love is only one part of a marriage and cycles like the phases of the moon, especially after you have children. Being committed during the good and bad times is what makes a marriage successful, dare I say more so than love. There are days when I barely like your father, let alone love him. But I made a choice, and continue to make the choice, to love him and remain at his side. Not find a lover and live a secret fantasy instead.”

  Damn. He brushed his hand through his hair. “I screwed up.”

  She squeezed his shoulder. “Yes, you did. Apologize to Emily, then let her go.”

  “I don’t know if I can do that.”

  His words brought another pause from his mother. “Then you have a decision to make. What means the most? Your title and money? Or Emily?”

  She did. Luc knew that in his heart. But he had his foundation to consider, all the children and their families, and he’d also proposed to Maria-Therese. She’d relocated to Alvernia and was planning to marry him.

  Luc rubbed his forehead. What was he going to do?

  Chapter Ten

  ‡

  The days dragged one into the next. Luc went through the motions of “planning” an impromptu engagement party. Thankfully his mother and Maria-Therese only wanted him to nod every once in a while.

  Luc still had no idea wha
t to do about Emily. He appreciated Maria-Therese and what she was doing for him. She’d embraced her role as his fiancée. He wanted to do the same for her. But his every thought, his every breath, his every heartbeat was about Emily.

  He had no idea where she was. Still in Alvernia or back in San Diego? Somewhere else?

  At his engagement party, the sounds of laughter and the chime of crystal champagne flutes toasting became too much for Luc. He sought refuge on the balcony, the same place where Emily had said goodbye.

  Goodbye, not goodnight.

  Air whooshed from his lungs. Memories threatened to overwhelm him.

  Goodnight, goodnight! Parting is such sweet sorrow, That I shall say goodnight till it be morrow.

  If only he could go back to Lake Como… No, to the day they’d met at the hotel. He would do everything differently.

  “Smile.” Brad walked out onto the balcony. Conrad and Wes followed, cameras in hand. “It’s almost over. Tonight will be the last footage we shoot. Unless you sign on for a sequel, and we’re back to do the royal wedding.”

  Luc’s stomach turned, but he kept a smile glued on his face. A wedding date hadn’t been set. His mother had told him a minimum six-month engagement would be required for the royal wedding planning. He didn’t mind waiting. Neither did Maria-Therese. She’d moved into a guesthouse here at the palace and seemed content.

  “Nothing personal,” Luc said. “But I hope this is the last time I see you and your cameras.”

  Brad laughed. “Don’t blame you, dude.”

  Dude. Luc preferred that to being called sir.

  “Question time.” Brad positioned his film crew. “How do you feel now that your search for Cinderella has come to an end?”

  “I’m thrilled the glass slipper fit Maria-Therese. She will be a fine princess for Alvernia.” Each word came without effort because what he said was true. “We have many things in common, and she’s a huge fan of pastries.”

  Though not crème puffs like Emily. He hadn’t offered éclairs yet.

  “So it’s a match made in heaven?” Brad asked.

  “If you want to call Lake Como heaven, then yes,” Luc replied, being cautious with his word choice. “I shall carry fond memories of my time at the villa.”

  Especially the time spent with Emily—working, relaxing, kissing.

  “If you could change one thing about your search for Cinderella, what would it be?” Brad asked.

  That Emily was still part of his life. She wouldn’t accept what he offered her, but he wasn’t in a position to give her what she needed. Not if he wanted to satisfy his father, family, and Maria-Therese.

  Brad repeated the question.

  “I’m sorry it’s taking me so long to answer,” Luc said finally. “Finding a bride was harder than I thought it would be. There were missteps, a few mistakes, but thankfully I found my future wife. I would change…nothing.”

  Liar.

  He would change everything, including the woman he chose to marry. But no one wanted to hear that. Not even himself.

  “There you are.” Maria-Therese sashayed to his side and kissed his cheek. Her elegant gown shimmered under the lights like a million and one tiny silver stars. “Your parents want us in the ballroom.”

  Her exotic perfume was a perfect match to her attire. The smell was pleasant and expensive. But he missed the floral scent of Emily’s shampoo.

  “Let’s go.” His hand found the small of Maria-Therese’s back. He waited for awareness to seep through him the way it had at Vivianca’s cottage with Emily.

  But nothing happened. No spark or hint of physical chemistry. Only respect and gratitude and friendship. That would be enough, wouldn’t it?

  The camera crew followed. Dylan met them on the way into the ballroom.

  Luc escorted Maria-Therese to the front of the orchestra where the king and queen stood.

  “Do you know what’s going on?” Maria-Therese whispered.

  He shook his head once, keeping a smile on his face. “I was hoping you might.”

  “This isn’t something I planned. Maybe your mother did.” Maria-Therese sounded worried.

  He squeezed her hand. “I’m sure it’s some formality or custom I don’t remember.”

  They climbed the steps to join his parents on the dais.

  His father smiled proudly. “I want to thank you for attending our youngest son’s engagement party. Queen Lisbeth and I are thrilled with his choice. Welcome to the family, Maria-Therese.”

  She curtsied.

  “We’ve recently discovered an activity of Luc’s that he’s been keeping secret from us,” his father continued.

  The crowd tittered at the hint of scandal.

  Luc stiffened. Given the two weeks he’d spent with Emily, he fought a rising panic. He didn’t want to hurt her more or cause any pain to Maria-Therese.

  She patted his upper arm.

  He appreciated the support.

  His father raised his hands to quiet the crowd. “Viral photos, scantily clad women, and champagne are not involved, but my son’s Dream Big Alvernia foundation is.”

  What the…

  “I’d like to share engagement wishes from a few special Alvernians,” his father continued.

  The lights dimmed. A screen lowered.

  Luc had no idea what was going on, but he didn’t like the attention his father was focusing on the foundation.

  The words DREAM BIG ALVERNIA appeared, followed by a princess, Addie wearing a pink costume and a sparkling tiara. Smiling, she kneeled next to a familiar looking hospital bed. “What would you like to say to Prince Luc and Countess Maria-Therese?”

  The camera zoomed in on Vivianca with a big smile on her face. She wore the tiara Luc had given her. “I want to say I love you, and I hope you live happily ever after.”

  The audience sighed.

  A video from of one of his visits played. He was telling Vivianca a story about a beautiful princess while she painted his fingernails. Gretchen must have filmed that on her cellphone.

  An interview with Gretchen came next. She spoke about the many nights Luc spent at the hospital never leaving Vivianca’s side. About living on the third floor of an apartment building without an elevator and how Luc had moved them into the one level cottage. About how grateful she and Vivianca were to Dream Big Alvernia and Prince Luc.

  “I’m so happy you found your princess.” Vivianca beamed and waved a toy wand. “You deserve so much happiness for all you do and give.”

  A video with a second child he’d helped played. And another. And another. They followed a similar format, but each one touched Luc’s heart. He might not share the same blood or name with these children, but each one was family—his family. He wiped his eyes.

  The final shot showed his staff outside their office at his estate. Each one held balloons and signs. They shouted congratulations and welcomed Maria-Therese to the team.

  Emily.

  She’d done this. No one else knew about the children and his staff. No one else had use of a film crew and Addie.

  But Emily had promised him…

  “I had no idea you did all this for children and their families.” Maria-Therese leaned close and whispered into his ear. “Perhaps you are Prince Charming.”

  Luc realized why Emily had done this.

  Imagine how happy my future wife will be when she finds out about it.

  She’d done this for him and Maria-Therese. That made his empty heart hurt more. “I’m just a man trying to do a little good.”

  “By giving yourself to those children and their families. Loving and helping them.” Maria-Therese kissed his cheek. “You’re amazing.”

  The clips continued. So much care and time must have gone into making the video. He couldn’t imagine when Emily would have had time to—

  After they’d returned from the villa.

  After she’d said goodbye.

  After he’d lost her respect.

  After he’d lost her hea
rt and her love forever.

  Oh, Emily…

  The video ended. The audience clapped.

  His father quieted them. “This video was delivered to the palace. A private gift to Luc and Maria-Therese, but I wanted to share what Dream Big Alvernia does with everyone here tonight.”

  Luc understood how his father had ended up with the video. As a precaution for the royal family’s safety, every package was opened by security.

  “I couldn’t be more surprised, impressed and proud of Luc. What he’s done for these children and their families, and what he will continue to do with Maria-Therese by his side, needs to continue. Queen Lisbeth and I are donating ten million dollars to the Dream Big Alvernia Foundation as an engagement present to my son and his lovely bride.”

  Luc’s mouth gaped. Marie-Therese gasped.

  “I hope you agree this important work needs to continue and will support their Dream Big Alvernia foundation.”

  All eyes were upon him. The cameras filmed.

  Luc searched for the right words to say. He settled for the basic of sentiments, all he could manage at the moment.

  “For all the children served by Dream Big Alvernia, I thank you for your generosity, Your Majesties, from the bottom of my heart.”

  The next hour, Luc was besieged with questions and donations. He’d left Maria-Therese in the capable hands of his brother, Leo, and his two children, then went to find Brad.

  “You made the video,” Luc said to the producer.

  Brad beamed. “Came out nicely, but I can’t take the credit for Emily’s hard work. She was the brain and the driving force, as usual. She made us promise no one would know about the video except you and Maria-Therese. That’s my fault. I didn’t know how deliveries at the palace worked.”

  “I understand, and I’m grateful.”

  “Emily deserves the thanks. She gathered the videos from families and sent Addie for interviews after your engagement presentation. She just finished yesterday. And now…” Brad shook his head. “We’re going to miss her. She’s one of a kind.”

  One of a kind.

  Luc’s kind.

  Emily was the one he thought about before closing his eyes and when he woke up. Her kiss was how he wanted to start his day each morning and end each night.