“Well, my ancestors used to live in such structures, but with modernization, we too upgraded our lifestyle. But I could show you around the old castles that had towers and dungeons in them.” He offered to show her around one of these days.
“I would love that. I can use some adventure in my life.” She informed him that she was looking forward to a few days of exploration in his country.
“Then, make sure that you are ready for some heavy walking. Because there are so many things that I would like to show you.”
He promised her.
“I am looking forward to it.” She answered him as excitement went through her, forgetting temporarily the dilemma they were about to face.
“Are you ready?” He asked, preparing her to meet his parents. “Just relax and take a deep breath.” He told her. However, it would seem that she did not need his help as she looked confident and ready to meet his parents.
He saw his parents already waiting for them. So, he helped her out of the car and guided her towards them.
“Mom and Dad, I want you to meet Daniella Hamilton.” He presented her to his parents as soon as they were standing in front of them. “Dani, these are my parents, Duke Frederick and Duchess Katherine.”
“It is a pleasure to meet you, Your highness.” She curtsied at the duke, and then, she also acknowledged the duchess with another bow.
She was not sure if she made the correct bow or said the right words. All she could think about was the start of their charade.
She also wondered if her parents had already arrived in the palace. The last thing she heard from them was during lunch yesterday. That was when her father called to offer her to fly with them. But she refused since she already committed to Alex about their flight itinerary.
“It is our pleasure to meet you, Daniella.” The duke told her as he placed a kiss on her knuckles. “But call us Fred and Katherine. Your highness is too formal. Besides, we are about to become family soon anyway.”
Both Alex and Dani were not shocked anymore about his statement. They both knew that this was what his parents were expecting when he brought her home with him today.
The birthday party was just a formality to introduce them to the world as a couple. Everybody concerned already knew that they were about to get engaged formally in front of everyone, their family and friends.
“Then, you can also call me Dani.” She offered as they gave her a friendly smile.
“You both remember, Marcus.” Alex reminded them about his bestfriend, who they met a long time ago. “And his girlfriend, Jacky.” Marcus would have to settle with his introduction since he had no time to explain what kind of complicated relationship they had.
The two could not complain about the introduction, not in front of other people, especially not in the presence of his parents.
“It was nice to see you again, Marcus, and nice to meet you, Jacky.” Both his mother and father welcomed their guests with a wide smile.
“Shall we proceed inside?” The duke asked them to follow him to his study where they could have a more private conversation.
“Dani!” Jacky shouted as soon as she opened her chambers.
Jacky ran towards her and hugged her tightly, as excitement could be seen all over her face. Jacky’s room was just a couple of doors away from her.
“Jacky, what is it?” She asked as she began to sit on the edge of her beautiful four foster peach bed with its drapes and flowery quilt decorations.
Everything in this place screamed luxury as she looked around the outrageous paintings hanging on the walls and the antique vases on top of the side tables and dressers. She wondered what Alex would want more when he was about to inherit all of this.
“Have you seen this place?” Jacky started rotating her eyes to emphasize the things surrounding her. “I just could not believe that I am staying in a palace.”
Jacky had never batted an eye on luxuries and wealth before. To her, those were just material things that she did not need to survive and be happy. As long as she could put food on the table and had a roof over her head, she was good.
Today was different. It was not the wealth that Jacky saw in this place. It was the history that each wall represented and the characters that walk on that hallways. The conversations that took place in those hundred rooms were fascinating to her.
“Yes, you are. So, better enjoy while it last.” She could not stop smiling with her friend’s enthusiasm.
She also felt something different when she stepped on this place. It was a feeling of comfort and belonging, unlike the other times she had vacationed in the different parts of the world. She had stayed in many luxurious hotels there was, but being here was creating a different experience for her. She could not explain it.
“We need to get some pictures.” Jacky sat beside her and started taking selfie pictures of them.
A knock on the door stopped them from giggling like school girls as they took photos of each other in every corner of the room. Jacky felt like this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. After all, this was just a temporary setup, and in six months, this would be over.
“What is it?” Jacky asked when Dani answered the door.
“I don’t know.” She answered as she allowed the palace staff to bring inside a large package that he was carrying.
“This was sent by Your highness, Prince Alex.” The man stated as he placed the box on the center table on the other side of her room before excusing himself from the room.
“What could it be?” Jacky asked curiously as they both stared at the brown parcel when they were alone once again.
“Well, open it.” Jacky pulled her closer to the table, then sat on the couch, waiting for her to unveil the content of the package.
“Wait.” She uttered, slightly hesitant to look at whatever was inside the box. She already had an idea of what it could be, based on the packaging, but she wondered why he would send her such a gift.
“Come on. Don’t kill me with the suspense.” Jacky looked at her as if she was taking so long. If she could do it for her, she would, to end both their misery.
Jacky just wanted to support her friend and make sure that whatever her friend needed, she would be there to provide.
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.
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