He looked out the window of the plane—they were up in the air, and he watched the coast line get smaller and smaller. Cressida was yapping from the other side of the private plane, telling everyone about their engagement. They needed it to keep it private until the announcement but she couldn't keep her mouth shut. It was only a few hours anyways until they announced it. They should be there in just a few hours.
Megan tapped on the tablet, sitting in front of him—she looked at him every few minutes, checking on him.
"I'm fine Meg."
She set down her tablet, as if she was waiting to be prompted— "You are doing the right thing sir."
Cressida screeched in laughter behind them. This was not how he imagined his week going. At the beginning of this week, he was supposed to sleep with over a dozen hot women, and then pick the most sexy and then move on with his life, and get the throne.
But now, he stared out a plane window, with a crazy woman behind woman him, a woman that he couldn't even have sex with last night.
He smiled, shaking his head, it had been a disaster. She led him to his room—and of course stripped down within a second, flashing her plastic boobs at him. He was totally limp—she didn't look hot, not like how he saw her earlier in the week.
He felt obliged to strip. She put her ass to him—and he waited for his dick to get hard. Veronica popped into his mind, and instantly his dick bulged. He tried to use it—but Cressida caught on, yelling at him—screaming at him.
He almost shrugged her off, he didn't care if he couldn't fuck her. But, then she started telling him that he couldn't have liked fucking a dirty slave—and then he lost it. He let his words fly—knowing she would simply take them, she wouldn't let that deter her from the crown.
He took a look at Cressida—she was beaming—she had won her prize. She wouldn't shut up—gabbing on the phone. He regretted the cell service that the jet received.
When they landed, Adrian was surrounded by paparazzi. They snapped photos of him, yelling out a billion questions. Cressida followed close behind him, her sunglasses and sickly sweet smile ready for the attention. Adrian pulled down his shades and walked ahead of her, Meg at his side. His ears perked at their questions.
"Did you find true love?"
"Is this the lucky woman you're going to marry?"
"Who is the woman who stole your heart?"
Of course, Cressida fawned in front of them, posing naturally for the cameras. Adrian kept walking—he just wanted to get out here. Their next stop was parliament. Meg had already told him that he would be making the announcement there first before having a public announcement. The kind of announcement where you wave from the balcony, all smiles. This would leave parliament time to make their decision—before he publicly announced his marriage. The marriage announcement was at least a week away, depending what parliament said.
Then, the wedding would be around the corner. Just a few short weeks away.
Adrian wondered what would happen if parliament denied him still—he wondered if he could just throw Cressida away.
He took a deep breath as they entered the private car. Cressida crawled in beside him—waving outdoors.
"Can't you just wait for the announcement?"
She leered at him, "Why should I—I should celebrate my victory..." she waved her phone at him.
He glared out the window. He couldn't help but wonder what Veronica was doing now?
He inhaled deeply, trying not to think about her getting married. Without Adrian in the picture, Veronica was free to do whatever with whoever she wanted. He hoped she felt free. But, still the thought of her in a white dress for Brian—seethed into him.
He buried his head in his hands. When did his life get more complicated?
Do I deserve all this?
Chapter 34
Veronica made it home—avoiding all pop-ups and magazines announcing any possible royal engagement. She turned herself off to the world. She had a few days to prepare while Brian had another trip booked before the wedding. She had arrived in the states at night—into the San Francisco bay. When she stepped out of the airport, she braced herself against the cold. She looked out onto the twinkling night lights. She had forgotten how cold it was here. She had forgotten about the cityscape and the large buildings.
It was nothing like her home—her boat on the ocean gliding from tropical city to city.
She buried herself in her coat. She looked differently from everyone else. She looked tan and wild compared to the sleek business professionals littering the sleek and modern airport.
Her mom picked her up in a beat up sedan. As soon as her mom sprinted from the car—Veronica remembered how much she missed her mom. She wrapped her into a tight hug. Moms were supposed to be there for their daughters and hold them during heartache. It felt sadly ironic that Veronica embraced her mother in her arms as she felt the pain of Adrian's memory. They hugged for a long time—she didn't want to let her mom go.
"Are OK princess?" her mother smiled softly at her, calling her by her little nickname.
Veronica nodded, feeling tears in her eyes— "I just didn't realize how much I missed you."
Her mother gave her another tight squeeze.
"It's because I haven't seen my little princess in forever," her mother teared. It had been years actually—Veronica had made it a point to run away from her life when Duncan had sabotaged her. But her mother's warm smile soon turned into a concerned motherly rant—about all the things they needed to do before the wedding.
They drove back home—and Veronica admired how the city streets led into smaller but immaculate suburbs. This was why she loved the outdoors—nature was chaotic, adventurous, and beautiful—whereas the city was organized and boring.
"So honey—" her mother was full of chit chat about the wedding, "Have you checked your responses from the guests?" Veronica grimaced, she saw the plenty of email RVSPs in her inbox—but, she hadn't bothered to check.
"Right—I need to do those—" she groaned, this already felt like a chore.
Her mother gave her a side glance, "Is there something going on—something you want to talk about?"
Veronica did a double take, "No—of course not, why?"
"Because we've been in this car for half an hour and you have spoken a word about the wedding—you keep talking about the boat and the guests, someone like you should be beaming."
Veronica tried on her best smile—feeling a little angry at herself. Maybe Cressida was right, maybe she was easy to read.
"Nonsense—I guess I didn't want to overwhelm you with all my chat about the wedding—I figured you would want to hear about the places and people."
The car pulled into the dark apartment buildings—it was a cluster of apartments, all arranged like a quaint and repetitive suburb. When Veronica stepped out, she felt the walls incredibly close to her—with all these street lights, you could barely see any of the stars above. She inhaled, trying to push back the feeling of claustrophobia.
"I'll get your things, why you don't you go ahead and settle in," her mom began to unpack the light items Veronica brought with her.
Veronica entered her old apartment, feeling like she had been hit with memory lane. She walked into the small place—it made her feel small. The place was lined with photos, they covered the walls. There were boxes lined up against the wall and stacked high. The photos contained pictures of Veronica, her mom, and dad. They held so many memories—from theme parks, to birthdays, to travels up and down the coast. She reached out to touch one, it sent a sting through her.
Her mom shuffled in behind her—Veronica helped her mom bring in the luggage, and when they were done, she watched her mom prep a light and late dinner.
Veronica breathed in deep—letting herself soak into their home. She watched her mom hum happily in the kitchen. Her mom had been alone a long time—since her father passed away suddenly when she small. It had been hard for her mother—to balance Veronica, life, and money on her own. The
y lost the house—and her mom lost job after job due to cuts and recessions. Her mom was a warrior though—Veronica could see it now. Her mother had made it through all that on her own. And yet, Veronica had spent her life listening to her mother's worry—her mother's concern that Veronica would end up like her.
Her mother sat in front of her now, chatting about the wedding as they ate spaghetti. Her mother talked ecstatically about Veronica's new life.
Veronica placed a hand on her mother's—and her mom stopped talking.
"What is it dear?" her eyes looked full of concern.
Veronica smiled at her mom, "Mom—you don't know how amazing you are—you raised me and did all this by yourself." Veronica gestured to the apartment around them.
Her mother looked down, "But, it's not like it used to be."
Veronica leaned over, embracing her mother into a tight hug. She was proud of her mom—Veronica hadn't realized it before, but her mom had been her role model—the example on how to survive without a man, "But, it was definitely enough."
Veronica had awoken with the sun in her eyes. She stretched on her bed – feeling well rested – she wasn't used to the dry land. She was used to sleeping throughout the waves – as they rocked her back and forth. But last night, she had gone to sleep with an epiphany. Veronica realized that she had been afraid of something that she didn't need to be afraid of. Her life, she had been raised to fear the single life.
That didn't erase her debt for Mario and from others. But, for the first time, Veronica felt a new hope. She felt a stirring within her heart – something that taste like freedom. She jumped out of bed – landing on the soft carpet, almost wanted to giggle – she felt like a schoolgirl, expecting for the future.
She grabbed a piece of paper and a pen – sitting down at her desk as she listed all the numbers that she owed.
One by one, she added them up – and on top of that, slammed down the large number that belonged to Mario.
Her eyes popped open in shock – she had so much debt.
But – with some effort, and a couple of jobs – I think I could pay this down sooner than I think." She opened up a laptop on her desk – quickly doing some internet searches on debt counseling and financial plans. She thought to herself that she could try to get the credit cards on board – letting them know about her circumstances. Then, she could try to communicate with Mario – she was halfway across the world now – he might be more obliging now that she was at a distance.
She could even up her minimum payment – letting him know that she was good with her word.
For the first time she thought, this might be doable.
She still hated Duncan – but thought of him seared into her – but, she info so trapped. Her eyes glazed around her room – it was the exact same way she had left it when she went looking for Duncan.
There were photos plastered all over her wall – of tropical islands, a faraway cities, and romantic lands. She laughed herself – she had seen all these in real life. All thanks to the circumstances that had occurred to her. She giggled.
She had seen the world to push – and now, with a new push she was going to take back control of her life.
It was the perfect plan – but, it was a plan.
She got dressed – taking in the morning sun. She flew to the kitchen – and cooked up eggs and bacon for her and her mother. For a moment, she stared at the stove – having not use one in couple of years. She smiled herself – she could consider herself spoiled – she had a sharp on board all times.
But, she would learn again.
When she opened her inbox – her eyes popped open at the email towards the top of the list.
Veronica choked on her food in surprise, it was from Megan. She recognize the full name.
This title of the email sounded cryptic – "For your service."
It sounded like she was a brave warrior something – she hesitantly clicked open the email.
Her eyes scanned through text – there were tons of paragraphs. She realized that she was looking at an attached PDF – with little boxes in it. The boxes each contain the name of some one or company that she owed money to. And at the end of each row – there was the total of what she owed them beside a new column, a column that displayed the zeros per each row.
Towards the end of the email – Megan thanked Veronica for her service – telling her that it was a gift on behalf of Adrian, but that of course, other than this email – he was not to be attached to this gift.
Veronica's jaw dropped – her heart pumped against her ribs.
She blinked – looking over the paper again.
"This can't be real," she looked back at the name – it was Megan's all right. She looked through the PDF again and again and again. Even Mario's name was on there – a signature underneath his printed name. He had been paid off in full.
Is she serious?
As if on cue, a text buzzed through her phone.
It was an unknown number – and she recognize the message immediately. A confirmed her wildest dreams.
Lucky you – pleasure doing business with you.
– Mario
Veronica's heart sank and her stomach – the joy erupted from her lungs – she screamed in total happiness.
She jumped up from her seat, bouncing up and down with the realization.
Her mother came in – flying with the robe barely on – "What's going on?"
Veronica beamed at her mother, screaming with peer bliss.
She grabbed her mother by the shoulders – shaking up and down – "Mom, I'm free!"
Chapter 35
Adrian waited outside the doors. The suit felt super tight on him—like it was going to squeeze the life out him bit by bit. He slumped into the chair. There was no one around so he could act however he wanted and right now, well, he wanted to be invisible.
So far, the plan had worked—and Adrian had gotten the chance to speak to parliament. He stood in front of them—all of their eyes boring into his soul. This was all business for them—they needed proof. He displayed Cressida like she was a slideshow presentation, talking about her status and what positive things she would bring to the throne. His brothers and father watched as well—staring at them from across the room. Their faces were darkened with shadows—they didn't like Cressida. Adrian didn't like her either—but, that was for other reasons. Cressida had left right after—yapping about wedding plans.
He closed his eyes thinking about the engagement announcement ahead. He ran a hand through his hair—pulling at it. He recalled Veronica's hand in his hair, as she gasped and moaned under him. His body tingled in response. His body ached still—from their last time. Although it was terrible, walking away with Cressida—his mind lingered on the way she opened herself to him, and how perfectly he fit inside her.
"They said yes," Megan's voice startled him.
He jumped up, "Whoa—don't scare me like that." He was breathing fast.
She cocked an eyebrows at him, "Daydreaming, are you?"
He felt his face blush— he got up and smoothed his tux, changing the subject.
"So what's next?"
Megan eyed her tablet—flicking her fingers through his schedule, "You have a gala tonight, a charity in a few days, and finally—since they said yes, the announcement."
His stomach turned, "So soon?"
Megan eyed him, "The public also needs confirmation, remember sir?"
He nodded—he never thought this his public image would be so exhausting—so draining. Megan led the way out of the ornate hallway, through the centuries old building—and Adrian looked back one, wondering how all this happened.
The hours swirled around him—the countdown had spun quickly out of his control. The days had passed, and it was time for the announcement. Adrian awoke in his room—the sun shining into his eyes. He had dreamed about Veronica, about the time she had slept in his arms.
The sun shone brilliantly—which felt ironic—on his most doomed day, the sun shone t
he most beautifully.
His eyes went to the painting on his wall. It was a portrait that his mother had made for him. It was the two of them—when he was a teen, embracing in a hug, smiling at the painter. It wasn't like the other paintings in his home—adorned from floor to ceiling with thousands of pounds in paintings. Those were all formal—with stoic expressions.
Nope, this was a special one—it didn't show Queen and Prince, it only showed a mother and her son, smiling.
There was a knock on his door and Megan entered with her tablet in hand. Adrian got up and began to get ready.
"You'll address the nation with a short story—talking briefly about tales of romance, this will make the public feel nostalgic," Megan began to dissect his speech. He had to make it sound like he was in love—right now, that sounded impossible.
"When you're at the end—Cressida will join you as you wrap up your 'story'," Meg put up air quotes.
"What story is that?" Adrian couldn't possibly imagine how he could fake falling for Cressida.
Megan looked away, "Well, we decided that you two met on the yacht—and she was there too, and there was in an instant connection," she coughed, "Then you fall in love as you sailed through the coast."
Adrian looked at her baffled, she was summing up his week with Veronica, not Cressida. He groaned and put his cuff links on—he has to dress his best today.
"And then?" he prompted, he just wanted to get this over with.
"Then you'll pull out the ring...you do have the ring right?" Megan stared at him, reminding him of her warning only a few days ago.
He rolled his eyes, "Yes, of course."
He headed toward his dresser, opening one of the drawers.
"Sir—I thought you were going to put that in a safe?" Megan's tone was disapproving.
He grabbed the small box from the corner of his drawer—it was far too precious to him to leave it in a cold safe. The small wooden box was carved elegantly—it fit in the palm of his hand. It was carved with smooth, hand crafted vines and was outlined with small shining jewels. It wasn't a huge or million-pound box, it was a simple one. His mother's memory stung into him. He had never opened it.
His Royal Majesty : A Royal Wedding Romance Page 15
