CHAPTER 3

LUKE

I stared at the king as he lean back on the table, his teeth glistening as he continues to smile at me. "Son, you're just in time."

I dismiss the idea on my head of just pushing this king down the stairs . Instead, I gave him a curt nod, "Just in time for what exactly, Grandpa?" I emphasize the words as I took a seat beside the counter.

"We're heading off to France tonight," He pressed a button on his chair and I watch as it whizzed nearer, "We'll have the ball tomorrow at Paris. I've sent off the invitations to the other royalties and known people Tomorrow will be the official day that you will be presented as the crown prince. In addition to that, you will choose your bride during the party seeing as you didn't have any girlfriend or lover..." I groan internally as I listen to his speech.

In a matter of minutes, I was already dismissed and was sent back to my room. Indeed, I have my own room inside the so called 'castle'. I do not know why it mattered to them so much that I have to find a bride soon. I can rule alone for all I care.

With that thought running inside my mind, I grab the phone again and dial the same number.

'Luke?'

"Elle?" I pulled my luggage off the dresser before putting it on top of my bed, 'Oh, thank goodness. You are still alive'

"Yes, yes. I am still alive. Are you still open for my offer?"

There was a pause and I take this as an opportunity to pack my things. I was about to head inside the bathroom to get my shaving cream when she suddenly spoke, 'Luke, I am so sorry but I can't. I am already married to Gabriel. I can't just go there and pretend. I hated to destroy the happiness we have achieved after all the sacrifices we made.'

"I understand," I sigh and stare back at the mirror, "I'll just choose someone from the ball, then. I'm sorry if I bothered you but I hope you understand my desperation". I ended the call, running my fingers on my hair as I gaze back at my reflection.

"Ugh, I guess shit really happens..."

•

The plane landed down on Paris at exactly five in the evening, in accordance to their so called 'schedule'. A limo pulled up from the airport and headed towards another hangar where we were fetch by a helicopter.

The skyline is beautiful as the setting sun cast a shadow over the buildings around the Eiffel tower. I gaze at the window to see couples kissing, bunch of people laughing; having fun.

We flew for quite a while and reach the beautiful province of Normandy. The horizon shows the mountain and on the other side is the vast ocean. It was majestic.

We arrive at the royal castle, not too far from the m. A couple of women came bouncing beside the helicopter, anxious to meet the king. I was surprise when a woman appeared beside me, " Luca..." she whispered making me remember the last time she groom me back there in London.

"Genova." I nod at her direction before guiding my Grandpa to his wheelchair.

"No, I can do this by myself..." He push my hands off as the wheelchair whirred, descending down.

A couple of picture frames containing unfamiliar faces dotted the hallway as I follow my grandpa, "These are our ancestors. As you can see, this monarchy have reigned for the past century or so. I can even remember my grandpa, passing the throne to my father. It was very momentous, and I can't believe that I'll be doing the same to you and not your father." The wheelchair whirred as he turn around, his face is mask in a different facade as we proceed to my room.

I open it and momentarily stop as I see three ladies standing beside my bed, holding out a different varieties of suits. I am about to ask my grandfather when one of the women bowed in front of me. "Bon jour, monsieur." I gave her a smile before I turn towards my grandfather.

"What is this for, grandpa?" I ask, examining the suit with my hand. It looks very regal.

"It's for you to choose from," he muttered, his face still unreadable.

"But Grandpa, this is all too much!" I stared down at the suits the three ladies prepared for me. "I cannot accept this. These are all expensive and not suited for me, I-"

"Son," he lays a hand on mine and continued, "this is all I can do for you to make up with the things you didn't savor from the moment you were born. Please, just for tonight...let me introduce you to our world." He smiled glancing down on the suit before looking back at me again. "Now, dress up. We don't have all night to prepare you to your destiny, majesty..." I watch him walk out of my room on his wheelchair, shutting the door behind him.

I look down again and let out a groan, "Okay, maybe I can bear this." I gave a smile to the lady before I enter the bathroom and took my bath.

After countless times of trying out the suits, I chose the white suit lined with blue on the collar and wrist. It looks simple and elegant at the same time. Perfect for this night. The three ladies gave me a thumbs-up and nodded before pushing the smallest of them towards me, "Our lord, the ball would be a masquerade. The King ordered us to hand you this..." She provided a white mask behind her back and give it to me.

It was simple, with only a blue lining on the sides. It reminds me of my past, the simple life I'd had about two weeks ago. But now it felt like it was from a different lifeline, a life I almost forgot to live.

I put it on, took a deep breath then we flew back to Paris for the grand ball.

•

"I would like to present, the crown prince of Rose...Lucas Jonathan Hansel." The band came alive as I walk through the gold carpet with escorts by my side.

I stand beside my grandfather and watch him as he took his place in front, his crown glistening as he says. "Ladies and gentlemen, good evening. Thirty years ago, I was standing right here in front of the different royalties and aristocrats all over the world to pass the throne to my son, Jacob ...may he rest in peace. Unfortunately he pass away and now I'm here again, standing beside my heir." He smiled at me before turning back on the crowd. "I'd never imagined that I'll be able to have a flesh of my own as my successor. I thought that this bloodline will end but I am wrong. Now, may I present to you, the heir to my throne, my one and only grandson...Lucas Jonathan Hansel." And once again I was presented to the crowd of masked people.

The king descended down the platform with me in tow, heading on the royal table as he greet every royalty from all over the world before introducing me as the crown prince. I sat down on the table beside my grandpa as the dinner began.

I silently start with my soup and the first course, sniffing the savory tenderloin presented to me. I was about to start with my desert when the ladies bounded on me as soon as I grab my spoon.

"Oh Prince Luke, I just wanna lick that lips of yours and-"

"Stop it, Anesa." I am glad to be able to remember her name, their names to be exact. Letting out a deep breath I look around the table and realize that it's impossible for me to escape this hellhole.

I currently have forty-eight princesses dining on the table with me; Forty-eight girls to dance with; forty-eight bride-to-be's. Forty-eight girls on which I would choose my future wife.

I push Anesa off me yet another girl pulled at my arm, again. "Prince Luke, oh...I'm dizzy." She raise her hands unto her eyes as she leaned on my shoulder, "Mia, stop it-I"

"Son," I stared back at my grandfather as he stares at me, his eyes full of warning. "I'm sorry grandpa, I just-"

"Don't, " He held out his hand before giving me a tight smile. " You might want to bond with the princes from the east. I guess they need a companion..." He pointed out his finger to the three guys sharing a drink on the bar before offering me a smile. I nodded in response and was glad to escape the vicious girls of America.

I am making my way across the room when the door on my left, open. Out came a lady in red; a lady that just captured my interest.

I wonder where she's been hiding for the past three hours? My body must have known that this particular woman will attend my party. I am clearly excited by her appearance. "M'lady..." The blonde beauty didn't stop as I address her. She continue to run across the room, staring left and right like she was lost in some kind of a maze.

"Mademoiselle!" The girl stop running and stared at me; her red mask covering half of her face; concealing the true color of her eyes as it cast a shadow on them. "Where were you headed to? You are ruining the party by running around here like a child. Are you out of your mind? " She looked down on her shoes to avoid eye contact from me though her actions only made me develop an interest to this beautiful distraction...

"That door," I pointed at the Oakwood door on the far side of the room and gave her an exasperated sigh. " Is locked. It will be impossible for you to open that for the royal guards have put a special passcode on it. Specifically, a biometric passcode that could be access by the highest guard. Haven't you thought about it?"

She shook her head, no, before answering "I'm so sorry. I do not know." Her accent thrilled me, she sounds like someone I know.

"Do you have a company? Your parents, or friends, colleagues, maybe?" I ask, grateful with the little bother from this particular lady. She shook her head again from my question and let out a little sigh. I pulled her beside me and lead her to the bar, "Well then, I might as well proclaim myself as your company." I gave her a grin and she smiled a little.

Her smile was contagious that I can't help but smile back. We reach the boys and I greet them as she curtsy. She sat beside me and was shaking slightly. I whispered, "It's okay dear. You are safe as long as I am with you." I notice the slight blush that peppered her freckled cheeks.

I was astounded. My mind went blank as I remember the girl that made my heart stop. It was like that night again. Could it be possible-oh. It is not possible. She was in New York. I am in Paris. There's a huge chance that she hated me for leaving. She would probably wring my neck if she ever sees me.

I watch as the girl smiled back at the lads as they offered her drink after drink.

I never wanted to say this but, I think she will do just great pretending as my bride.

•

I stared back at the blonde woman as she groggily spoke between gulps of beer. It was only the two of us now, sharing drinks. The three lads have retired to their room with their girls while I'm here spending time with this mysterious blonde girl named, Lou.

"Now, Lou. Tell me where you came from?"

"nowhere..." she smirked before letting out a laugh. It sounded like a dying seal making me laugh out loud. "Seriously, Lou, how come you're here on this party, alone? Are you a royal or do you belong to some kind of a--" My rambling stopped as soon as her lips landed on mine. "You talk to much, monsieur..." She whispered as she grabs my chin, kissing my ear. I pull her off the stool and carried her up on the flight of the stairs.

I am so high. It felt like I am floating away from this world. I do not care where my grandfather had gone to. After he place the crown on my head, he disappeared on the crowd of people and I am not sure where he was, seeing that he have so much things too prepare for the next "dynasty".

I opened the door to my room and laid her down on the bed, " Oh, Lou.. you are so beautiful even with that mask. I just want to rip it out off your face and see the beauty behind--"

"Non!" She pulled away as my body shivered from the sudden lost of contact to her skin, "Luca..." She pulled my face before kissing my lips, "Let's just say that I would want to keep my identity a secret, until tomorrow. All I want to do now is to have you in me..." With that she pounce on me. I came into a realization that I should make her pretend as my bride.

This is a benefit I wouldn't dare to turn my back unto. Even though all of this might just be a dream, at least, it's worth the shot.

I'm getting laid tonight!

계속

CHAPTER 4

NEOLA

I never wanted for this to happen in reality but it is always been on my dreams.

You know those things that only happen in the movies? The magical part where a random boy falls in love with a girl because they were in Paris; shared a drink, kissed and did IT? Well, it wasn't that magical and not like the movies; in fact, the man didn't even fall for the girl. It can possibly happen like it was in a book but not in romance or comedy side....it's far worse than worst.

A horror story, maybe?

I grip the sheets tightly as I felt the skin beneath me, the way this particular pillow rise and fall, really creeps me out. Oh. It's not actually a pillow, because it's fleshy and hairy.

It's a chest of the guy with whom I slept with.

I bit my hand to avoid screaming bloody murder. I catch my breath, exerting much effort to pull myself away from his death grip. I am very much aware that I'm naked and so is he...geez

I am disappointed that I didn't get to remember anything from last night. I hated that my first time is simply composed of a blurred memory of me and him kissing.

Getting rid of his body was such a very terrifying act. I do not know the guy for crying out loud! Yet, I did slept with him.

The warmth left my body and I shivered, shaking as I recovered my conscious mind. I leap out of the bed in my pure nudity and was shocked when he suddenly let out a groan. The man turned his head to the side and I was shocked to see his face.

No, it can't be!

Without thinking I pulled a pair of white pants from the floor and a dress shirt. Grabbing my purse with my left hand, I proceed to open the window with my other hand before I jump down. I bit back a scream as I collapse on a heap. The guards are rounding the hallways and I felt like a burglar invading this place. I hastily avoided the maids and made it out the gate once the guards change shifts. I breathe out a sigh.

I walk down the street and got weird looks from almost everyone. Of course, it's not everyday that you'll see an almost naked woman walking down the street. I guess, I have brought the Las Vegas vibe in Paris. It was still early in the morning and I am very tired, sweating like a pig as I nurse a hangover. Not to mention that I was dressed only in a pair of white dress shirt and pants. Very fashionable.

I probably look like a ridiculous psycho who just came out of rehab.

Entering a café, I slip inside a booth and stared at the menu. I was startled when a young lady came barging beside me, "Bonjour, mademoiselle..." I just stared at her not knowing what I would say. I can fully understand her French, but my mind has some problem on processing right now because it's drowning in too much liquor I drank last night.

"Oh, ma'am? Would you prefer me speaking English now?" I cringe at her grammar as she spoke. I urge for her to dictate the menu, ending up with some black coffee and the famous croissant of Paris.

I almost jump out of my seat when my phone rang. Pulling it out of my purse, I answered in a nonchalant tone, "Hello?"

"Neo, where are you? We are boarding on the plane in the next thirty minutes. Now get your ass here right at this moment or I'll be leaving for Seattle without your sorry bum!" She ended the call, not giving me any chance to respond.

I stared at the young lady as she scurry off, bringing back a disposable cup, "You, take it out?" She asked. I just nodded at her as she pour the remains of my coffee on the cup. I didn't wait for her another word as I grab it, handing her a tip "Merci, Celine..." She gave me a toothy grin before I ran out of the shop.

"Come again, Au revoir!"

•

I wasn't surprise when almost all of the passengers are looking at me with curious stares. I shrug off my shoulder and stare ahead, looking for that particular brunette mother and child. I am delighted to see her not far from the entrance, carrying a very hyper Jacob whom I assume is having another sugar rush.

"There you are! Oh gosh, you don't know how I've been so worried for you didn't came back home last night. I guess you really enjoyed the party because I gave you my invitation card-and oh my gosh!" She gave me a sweep from head to toe before pointing a finger at me, "You should rather keep hold of your nephew right now while I get you some shirt and jeans of mine. You look ridiculous, m'lady..."

The address made me soft. Memories of last night became rushing back as the velvety voice of his caress me with every word. I shrug at her as she hand me her son, getting me a pair of jeans and shirt from the duffel bag on the floor.

I give Jacob the cup of coffee that is now empty and he happily wave it up on the air, "Darth Vader! Pingpingping," the coffee cup flied on the space around my head as Jacob made sounds. "Silly, Jacob..." I shook my head as he giggled, pursing his lips for a kiss. I lean on him and was surprise when he suddenly grab my hair and pulled "Jake-"

"Aunt Ne-la," he whispered on my ear before puffing his cheek and letting go of the air slowly through his lips. "Brblrrblrrr..." Rains of slobber wet my cheeks as I closed my eyes, shaking my head at my nephew who is now laughing at me. Oh, this boy. He love to act like a baby!

God, he just told me yesterday that he is a big boy and I shouldn't baby him much.

"Neo, here...."Elle handed me the clothes and I happily pass her Jacob. I blew him a kiss before I scurried off to the rest room, entering a cubicle and began stripping out of this clothes.

Oh this clothes, his clothes. Royalty...

Goodness, what am I thinking?! Have I gone nuts? I don't even know what I'm doing last night. I should've been more careful but my heart wants what it wants and the odds led me to it.

Sighing, I undo the buttons, reminiscing how my weekend had flip unto this confusing end. It started out right, with only the three of us landing in the city of love; Elle carrying his son as I carry our things. We had our reservation at the hotel facing the tower. During the afternoon, I went out to the park to watch the sunset with my nephew as we waited for his mother to win a deal from her client.

It was all good, but then that invitation has to ruin it all.

Of course, I didn't expect that the outcome would be like this when Elle urged for me to go. I agreed because of the reason that I'd like to attend to one of this 'royal' balls in my lifetime rather than babysit my hyper nephew. He is very addicted on playing with his stupid robots and light sabers, I find it hard to relate.

It was all good and perfect before that evening came. I was suddenly fetch by a limo and I came face to face with different people, I know it won't end good.

And I was right.

First, I was intoxicated. Drunk myself to death and was out of my mind. Second, I talked and flirted to different people not caring who they were. And third, I slept with a man and gave my v-card without even knowing who he really was. Not until I saw his face a while ago...

Lovely? No! Absolutely not.

I was rambling with my angry thoughts, pulling the jeans up on my leg when I was suddenly distracted by a sudden gleam that caught my eye.

God, I can't believe this.

There on my right ring finger, was a platinum band, littered with small diamonds. The oval shape sapphire located on the center made me go weak.

Did he propose to me?

Well, according to the ring, the answer would be 'yes' but not to my memory; I don't remember any proposals or him getting in his knee, or this freaking ring!

With pure and utter angst, I slipped out of the restroom before dumping his dress on the nearest bin. I tried for countless times, pulling at the ring but it won't budge. Not one inch or even a millimeter.

I was delighted when they announce our flight, urging us to prepare and board. In that way it kept me distracted, my thoughts focusing on finding Elle rather than the stupid ball last night.

As I saw them, I offer to take Jacob on my arms as we pass through the gates. We proceed down the aisle and then we situated on our lovely seats. I pulled Jacob closer as he began to squirm, trying to bang both of his favourite robots as he make sound effects with his mouth.

I glared at Elle as she pinch my sides, pulling Jacob back to her arms. Frowning, I just stare at her and say, "What's with the pinch?" I screamed, my voice now an octave higher. She just giggled, focusing her attention to his son. "I would love to inform you that it hurts, like a bitch, if you wanna know..." I shrug again, lowering myself down on the seat.

"Neo, now tell me...do tell." she urge, pinching me again.

"Ow, fudge balls...Elle? What would I tell you?" I whined, earning a bunch of curious stares from the passengers on our left. I just glared at them and was delighted when they duck their head down, "Tell me about last night." She blurted out of the blue as she gave me a grin. Her son matching her smirk.

"It's--nothing."

"Noooooo, I won't believe that. You just say that there's nothing because you hide the fact that something's up." She stated, pulling my arm as Jacob nuzzled his head on my shoulder. "Tell me, Neeeoooooo...I know there's something. The way you forgot that this morning will be our flight, the way you reacted, that hangover thingy, the cup, the clothes and not to mention....that ring!" She pointed at it with her eyes shining.

Oh, Geez...I'll be dead before we even reach New York.

I turn my gaze out on the window and sighed, watching as we flew up on the sky, "No, Elle. There's nothing and as much as you insist. That'll be all for now," I heard her sigh as I also let out one.

I don't know how I'm going to face all this.

With that I urge for sleep to come, but I know as sleep grab me, memories of last night will hunt like nightmares I used to have.

계속

CHAPTER 5

NEOLA

Landing in Seattle at eve is just beautiful. I turn my gaze back to the wonderful boy on my arms and his crazy mother on my side as the car rolled down the streets. Taylor was the one who collected us from the airport which surprises me because I know that my brother has been dying to be with his family.

That chimp, I wonder what he is cooking?

"Don't you think he was fooling with me? I mean, Hey! We are moving to this goddamn place somewhere in the outskirts of the city where possibly, no neighbors would even help me if your brother tried to kill me!" Taylor smirked at us from the rear mirror and averted his eyes quickly as Jacob pointed around.

"He won't kill you," I muttered, running my hands in Jacob's curls, "you're just acting so crazy..."

"Me? Crazy? I don't even know this place where we are moving in!"

"It's in Seattle"

" 'It's in Seattle'" She quoted, rolling her eyes at me before saying, "I am aware of that. Isn't it that I am the one who bought our tickets? Still, I am thinking about how rainy it is here and what if there are vampires?"

"You really are a psycho." I stated, earning a glare from her. I tried to distract myself by braiding Jacob's curls, saying, "I get it, Elle. This is a change but my brother really wanted something that will be best for the both of you and Jacob. He wanted his son to grow on a place where he will feel belongingness. This is where we grew up, where we find ourselves." I smiled at her but bit my lips as I remembered. "Oh, by the way, our foster parents are just a few kilometers from where you are moving..."

I was surprised when I felt a pinch on my side, "Oww, Elle!" Jacob suddenly let out a squeak as I accidentally let go of him. "Sorry, baby. Oh, Elle...what is that for?"

"You know about this? You know about the place where we are moving in? I thought there will be no secrets between us, Neola!"

I gritted my teeth knowing that I lose. I muttered a sorry before I hear her speak again, "Your parents? But your mom had died giving birth to you and your father..."

"No. I said foster parents." I look down, not wanting to talk further.

"Foster parents? They never existed before in my and Gabe's life. They seem so detached from your brother and you. Knowing this, I never expected that it will seem peculiar and...awkward. " Elle added the last word silently that I almost did not hear it.

"I know. I figure that my brother did not mention them because for Gabriel, they do not exist. Zia Alonza is the one who took care of us when mom died. She is my Mom's twin and she is very good to us but, uncle..." I sigh. I do not want her to have some bad impression about them so I chose to avert my story. "It was hard for my brother to make this decision, I don't even know why he did but you have to trust him that he has a plan. Plus, I will always be here to support you," She nodded at me as she stare back on the window.

I watch Jacob as he pointed back on the things he see around the city, fascinated. "Aunt Nee, look I see a Darth Vader on the shop! I wanna buy that, mommy." He push my hands off which is holding him down and grab Elle's hand. "Baby Jake, you already have five light sabers."

"But I still want more. In the movies they have like...fifty!" He held out his hands and frown, "It's not that many, mommy. We gonna buy, right?"

"Maybe next time, baby." Jacob made a puppy dog face at his mom and to me, making my heart feel like it's being pinch. "Hey Elle. Maybe I could take Jake--"

I stopped short as Elle directed a glare at my direction. I bit my lip and let her take a teary eyed Jacob from me. "Fred has eight, mommy. He has eight!" He held up his fingers, and made that puppy dog face again, "You are so unfair..."

"Jacob, you already have three Batman cars, a whole cart of legos and your hot wheels collection. Isn't that enough?"

"BUT WE LEFT THEM ALL MOMMY!"

"Okay. He's got a point there." Elle look at me, trying to ask for some help. I held out my arms but Jacob doesn't want to let go of their argument. "YOU TOLD ME THAT YOU ARE GOING TO BUY ME A TOY ONCE WE ARRIVE! You lied. You are not like Papa" Elle stared down at his son before Jacob decided to situate himself on my arms.

"Baby Jacob, that's very bad baby." I whispered on his ear as I stared at Elle who is trying hard not to cry. "Mommy is only telling you not to buy because the paparazzi will see you"

Jacob stared back at me, his brows furrowed before he pulled down my head and whispered, "Mommy promised, Aunt Nela..."

I sighed, not knowing how to fix this. "Do you want Tay and mommy and aunt Nee to have trouble making you safe because you want that toy?" I whispered back and I watch him as he shook his head. "Okay. Now be a good boy and say sorry to your mother. I am sure your Papa have so many surprises for you back home." He giggled before he took a look at his mom.

He slowly inch his way near her and hug her, reminding me of the younger version of Gabriel. Jacob and him really look alike. "Ma," he whispered before lunching himself to Elle. They hug each other for a bit, distracting me that I did not even see the white gates.

I was about to tell Taylor to stop when Jacob screamed, "Papa. Papa! Mommy I can see Papa. He's there at the big house..." He pointed out the car window as he push my hands off him. "Oh, there is a pool and Papa's holding something. It's a toy, I knew it!"

The driver stopped before Jacob finally escaped Elle's arms, fumbling with the car's lock. "Aunt NeeeNeee," he pulled a puppy face at me before I opened the door, letting the tyke escape.

"He surely loves his father so much," I whispered to Elle as we stare at Jacob, kissing his father's face.

Like the most perfect scenes happening in our lives, we have to be interrupted by reality. Taylor cleared his throat and stared at Elle and me. We both step down the car and smiled at Jacob.

Jacob bounce up and down as he hug a new batman action figure closer to his chest, his hands tangled up with his father's.

I couldn't help but smile as Gabe pulled Elle closer and lean in to kiss her cheek. I momentarily stare at them and can't help but feel jealous.

Why can't I have what they have?

Oh, quit it. Didn't I just had a taste of this yesterday and let me say how it resembles a nightmare rather than a dream.

I know what Elle and Gabe have gone through in the past and I'm willing to experience it too...as long as something as sweet like them would be my precious price in the end.

Still I know, it was a very long shot.

I touched my thumb over the cold metal on my left ring finger and sigh only to be surprised when my phone vibrated. I pulled it out from my purse only to see an unknown number flashing on the screen.

I frowned down on the screen before I push the locked button and silence it. Jacob tugged at my hand but before I reply, the phone vibrated again. Oh well! Someone is pushing my patience off the edge...

I pulled the phone out of my purse and deliberated on answering it or not. In the end, I slide it and answered, "Hello? Who is this?"

No reply. Creep.

"Do I know you?"

"No" there was a pause, before a sigh, "But I know you..." The raspy voice brought chills down my spine before I answered, "I'm warning you. I'm not in the mood for a prank."

"I assure you, Madame. This is not a prank." There was a moment of silence before the voice answered, "I am called by the Queen to inform you about the value of ring on your finger right now. Not only the price but also the responsibility and symbol it brings."

"How did you know that I have the ring?

"We have tracked your location with it. We've been following you around the city of Seattle now since you left France. I am here waiting for you at a restaurant in the city. There is something that I need to tell you." the voice sound urgent that I can't help but feel anxious.

"How should I know that you are not lying to me? For all I know this could all be a twisted prank for some show. Are you from Jimmy kimmel's show? "

"I assure you that this is not a prank. It is every bit of reality. And I would like to remind you that you are halfway done of becoming a part of the French royalty."

"This is insane!" I signaled a thumbs up at Elle as she asked me about the call. She just shook her head at me before Gabe ushered Jacob inside the house with her.

" I know that it sounds every bit as insane as it should to a normal person like you but believe me, you needed to be here in the next fifteen minutes. We worry that the media will know about all these before you even have the chance to grasp the reality..." the voice sigh, sounding troubled. "Believe me. This is all for your safety. "

"Fine, just tell me about the directions."

I put the call on hold before sending my goodbyes to Elle, telling an excuse about some old friends I would be meeting at the city.

With one last glance at the house, I hailed a cab, thanking my lucky stars that I am already inside it before I saw the ghost of my past standing on the porch steps just a few miles away from Gabe's lot.

Oh goodness.

계속