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.

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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

CHAPTER 6

NEOLA

The taxi stopped after ten minutes of travel from the suburban place I've came from to this building which I've been led to by that mystery caller.

It was just a small diner in the middle of the city. The bright green lights blinded me for a moment before it change to a dull yellow , almost comforting to my nerves. I entered the diner by pushing open the glass door and marching about

I am about to take my phone out of my jacket pocket to call the mystery voice when a hand bolted from my side and snatch it from my grasp. "What the f--"

"Bon soir, mademoiselle..." I was surprised to see a middle aged woman bow down in front of me. She straightened up right after and offered me a smile before she speaks, "I am Lizzy Caine, I'm the one who called you."

I just nodded at her, still observing the way she carry herself around with undeniable confidence of a true soldier. I am very aware that she was a woman but she acts like a man-Specially with the way her eyebrows furrowed as she clutch her hands on her sides, her red hair glints as it catch sunlight.

She led us back on a more secluded area and to one of the tables. We both took our seats, the attendants sliding the mahogany chairs smoothly after we sat. "The Queen asked for me to tell you this myself..." Her voice held reverence bringing me a slight shudder down my spine. Geez, her voice is full with raw emotion.

She really honours the Queen so much that it seem like she would offer her life for the Queen. But, isn't she not present at the ball?

"It was unlikely for the Queen to ask favours like this but it seems to be really necessary. She is very anxious for her grandson. She wanted to make sure that you and the prince will be married soon as to assure her of the safety of the prince and of the King." She said all these words while she stare at me with her blue powdery eyes; her eyebrows furrowed. "I'm sorry but, can you please repeat it? I didn't quite catch it that well..."

She sigh before she held both of my hands, which surprised me. "Dear, the Queen wanted you to stay with his grandson. She wanted you to marry the prince so as to not worry the king anymore. Her majesty wanted that to happen very soon so he will--"

"No. Absolutely not!" I stood up before I tried to yank the ring off from my finger, yet it didn't budge. "I'm just twenty two! I just finished attending college and this? It's just one drunken act. Seriously, there is no harm done to both parties." I try to yank the ring off my finger again and huffed. "You know what? You can just look for a lady out there and I promise you, they will be all too willing to be a princess. It's every woman's dream but not for me. I'm happy tending to the patients and being an aunt for Jacob."

With that, I stood from my seat and left her there, her mouth turned to a frown. I hastily leave the restaurant and slipped into a dark alley. My thoughts are running wild inside my head as my fingers ran through the cold metal circling my finger. "Why can't I remove this fucking ring?" I pulled at the platinum band and sigh as my finger protested, the flesh turning bright red.

"Oh, fuck this!" I scream but biting it back when I hear the footsteps getting nearer my hiding place, "Shit...shit." I whispered, my knees scraping the pavement as I crawl deep. I was about to stand from my position when a hand pulled me up on the side.

"Mmpph."

"Hush. Hush, child." I stared at the old woman in front of me. Her face pale as she stared at me with those wide green eyes, "I need to really talk to you. Real quick!"

"Oh my God! How many times should I hear that phrase today? And I don't even know you!" I push myself away from her, looking around to make sure that no one is here to snatch me again. "What is the problem with all of you, people? What am I? A celebrity? I'm not cut out for this . I'm just a drunk person who has unfortunately stumbled upon a prince. I don't even know that it was his engagement party!" I remove her hands that is holding me down before I turn away.

"But you need to listen to me," The woman slide her coat back and said, "I am the queen. Queen Monica. I am listening to your conversation with Lizzy awhile ago and I know how desperate my Husband could be just to save his empire, which is why I needed to really talk to you ." The woman pulled at my hands again before she continue, "I am the reason why you are there that night. I am the one who sent you the invitation. I know the history between you and my grandson which is why I did this. My Husband, Henry, cannot wait for another year. He wanted to see his legacy to continue and to do so, his heir must take over the throne..." my confuse eyes darted back from the ring and to her.

"It was all in the past. Everything that happened to me and Luke is done. I do not want to complicate what I have so please---" I was interrupted as she held unto my hands, her velvet soft gloves warming my frozen hands. "No. Please, dear. Bear with our plan, marry my grandson and I assure you that once you wanted to get out of this, I will help you..." her gaze lingered on me before she continued again. "For Lucas, for him, child. I know it is selfish of me to think like this but knowing Henry...he will just force Lucas to marry a woman Henry chose once he founds out that Lucas hasn't found one. This will probably urge Lucas to rebel against the king like what his father did and I do not want a tragedy like that to happen again. It broke me, can't you see?"

Her words are like bricks falling on my shoulders. I just shook my head at her and said, "Why do you want me--no, let me rephrase that. Why did you choose me to be his bride? I don't even know if he really wanted me. He left me five years ago, for crying out loud. He did not even say goodbye! No explanations on why, on what I have done wrong, or what had happen. It was like, poof!" I made an exaggerated sound with both of my hands before adding, "Don't you know that I even told him that I am a different person? God!"

I stomp away only to hear her departing words with her pale hands pulling me back," Your life is in danger now that you are tied to the crown prince. You might not like it but the ring had chosen you. You need to be the pawn that will protect him. Please, my child, you need to listen to me."

"Can't you get it?" I turn around only to be surprise for Lisa is beside the old woman. "This is just overwhelming for a normal person like me. I am not cut out for this. I do not know how to handle a situation involving kingdom and people...plus, that invitation you sent me doesn't even say that it's a royal gathering."

"It was not just for royals!" Lisa inserted before she earned a pinch from the queen. The queen glared at her before she cleared her throat, "It was not intended for royals but for all ladies that has a social standing for centuries and your family is one, because you are a West. Given that you and Luke have a history and Elle knows you, I kind of hope that this will be a best shot for both of you."

I direct a glare at her before saying, "I can't believe how desperate you all could be"

With that, I turn away from them and run the opposite direction. I could feel my legs trying to make the distance farther from the queen as I broke into a jog. I couldn't stomach the fact that they wanted me to be a pawn just so they could save their empire. It won't be too easy for them to convince me to join their force, though. No matter what, I won't give in. I shan't

I chanted it inside my head, trying to believe every word of it as it comes out of my mouth.

"I won't be. I will get away from this mess. I will--" I momentarily stopped from mumbling to myself as I collapsed with something.

Or should I say, someone?

계속