AT THE COURTHOUSE“Counsel, do you have anything to say in your defense?” The Judge asked after listening to Victoria state the reason for their presence in court. Laila stood up elegantly and announced, “I would like to invite my client to the witness box to make known his own perspective of the case.” She bent over to George who was sitting beside her and whispered, “Say it as we’ve practiced. Accept your fault, keep it short, and try to sway the juror’s sympathy. Make sure you show your love for her.” George nodded in affirmation before standing to his feet. “The biggest mistake of my life was cheating on someone as perfect as my wife and I will never be able to forgive myself for being such an agent of the devil.” He said wholeheartedly. He turned away from the judge and Chloe this time as he apologized, “Chloe, I am sorry. I’m sorry for betraying your trust like this. I am not asking you to forgive me just yet…I just don’t want us to end like this.” His eyes were filled with
“Chloe?” Dawson asked rhetorically. “I will not be exaggerating when I say Chloe is the best daughter-in-law any family could ever wish for. She is respectful, honest, and loyal and I must say I am highly disappointed to see her leave my family.” Dawson complimented. Hilda, who was sitting beside Sebastian in the audience area, scoffed in disbelief knowing Dawson meant his words in some ways. “As for her demands, I can honestly say she deserves more than she has asked for and I would have made sure George fulfilled every single one of her demands– but unfortunately, George has no penny to his name aside from the 4.78 million CSD remaining in his account from his last salary. Here are some papers to back that up.” He explained, handing out some files. While Laila took the papers from him to display them on the big screen, Dawson turned towards Chloe and said, “Sweetheart, I thought you knew better after living with us for 3 years. I don’t give my children any of my hard-earned money
Dawson shifted in his seat, casting his eyes down from the screen while tapping his feet, not sure what to do for a split second. But then he realized he was in front of the public and the court session was being watched live. He quickly tried to keep his body language in check so as not to give Victoria what she wanted. “I have no idea what you’re talking about. That picture could have been ph–ph–photoshopped for all I care.” He lied, sounding calm and collected.Laila quickly ran towards Dawson and whispered in his ear before saying loudly, “Objection, My lord. The plaintiff’s attorney is asking questions irrelevant to the case.” “Objection sustained. Plaintiff, stick to relevant questions and keep it short.” The judge commanded. “Noted, my lord.” Victoria replied. “I apologize if that made you uncomfortable. Just know you can always decline to answer my questions.” She added. “As for my second question, we will look at the reason Mr. Knightley forbade his daughter from marrying
“If we are forced to pay that alimony, I will make you regret this.” Dawson threatened. As he turned around to leave, he saw Victoria walking towards him. His anger heightened but he was really good at holding it in. “What on Earth do you think you are doing?” He asked once Victoria was close enough. “The tattoo– how the f@ck did you know about it?” He asked in between his teeth, making sure it was only Victoria who could hear him. “Daniel and Fiona died such a miserable death in the palace and Braxton has always felt terribly guilty about the death of their little girl not knowing she was alive all along and so close to home. How do you think my brother will feel about it?” She asked curiously. Dawson frowned before replying to her question with a question, “You know how many lives have been lost because of this Gold Mine? How do you think your brother will feel hearing you blurt it out so nonchalantly?”“Oh! The Gold Mine! What were you thinking? That you could have it to yours
Blake slowly released her grip and turned to face her, his eyes filled with so much excitement.“I’m glad we got this verdict, Chloe.” He spoke with so much affection while staring into her eyes. He gently cupped her cheeks, gazing deeply into her eyes. “I love you, Chloe.” He confessed, his voice husky and filled with lust.Feeling the warmth of his touch, her hand rested comfortably around Blake’s waist as she confessed, “I was scared talking about the Mine openly but being in your arms right now makes me feel so safe.” Without another word, Chloe closed the distance between them, her heart pounding in her chest. Blake's hand found the small of her back, pulling her closer as their lips met in a tender, lingering kiss. The sensation was electric, sending waves of warmth through their bodies as they lost themselves in the embrace.Time seemed to stand still as they allowed themselves to be consumed by the moment, the passion between them intensifying with every passing second. The
“F@ck! Mom, that’s absurd. You know I’d never do something so immoral…”“I am not sure I know you well anymore, Blake. Because I never imagined you would be sleeping with a married woman.” Diana interrupted. Blake sighed deeply, “Mom, are you keeping up with the news at all? They are divorced. Her relationship with the fake Marlowes is over. What you should be curious about is the real Marlowe.” Blake explained. Braxton scoffed in disbelief. “I really wished what I saw on the news were lies but…you even had to make such an absurd thing up– for her.” “We all know Aurora died that night. Have you been questioning me about the past for the past month just so you could turn your lover into a dead girl? I never thought you could be so cheap, Blake. Definitely not for love.” He went on, sounding equally disappointed. “I never imagined a day like this would come. I thought I raised my son right…”His parents went on showing their disappointment in him, not giving him enough chance to exp
Shortly after Blake left the suite, Chloe ordered breakfast and tried really hard to enjoy her meal but the thoughts of what Blake’s parents would say about their relationship.Just then, the doorbell rang and she reluctantly went to the door. As soon as the door pushed open, Sebastian emerged, pulling Chloe’s slender body into a tight hug, his broad hands covering her back. Chloe was hesitant to return his hug as this was very unusual of him.“Seb…I think this is too much. You’re suffocating me.” Chloe complained before Sebastian finally let her. He cupped her chicks, looking dead into her pupil as he apologized. “I’m sorry. I’m sorry for not recognizing you. I’m sorry for thinking of you as just an enemy. I’m sorry for wishing the worst for you just because you were George’s wife. I’m sorry for letting so much injustice happen to you.” Chloe was confused but not for long as he remembered her new truth. If she was truly the only daughter of the late Prime minister, then Sebastian
“Here at the Kensington Palace this morning, King Braxton Kensington has finally called for a press conference to address the absurd rumors that have been circulating…”The blaring sound from the TV woke Sebastian from where he was sleeping on the sofa. His hands had mistakenly pressed the remote, causing it to turn on. He wiped his face with the back of his palm before he noticed Chloe fast asleep on the sofa adjacent to him. He looked around them and saw two empty boxes of pizza and several cans of beer and everything else registered. They had chatted away the evening and ended up falling asleep after getting drunk. He smiled seeing how relaxed Chloe was even though it was just the two of them in an unfamiliar mansion several miles away from the city. “Stop staring. People might think you’re attracted to me.” Chloe said, finally snapping her eyes open and sitting up. “Of course, I am. I’m not one of those men who find their little sisters unattractive. You and Ruby are beautifu
It was a day of festivity in the Kensington Palace as it marks exactly one month since Chloe returned to the palace with her twins, as well as the date the family had set for their official white wedding. On Chloe’s part, it was easier to forgive Blake’s parents as they weren’t exactly hostile to her. All she ever wanted was to become Blake’s accepted wife, and now she finally got the opportunity. At first, she was worried they had accepted her because of the baby, but after finding out how long Braxton had been trying to abolish the law, she realized they did love her for her. Chloe was a sight to behold. Dressed in a stunning white gown adorned with intricate lace and sequins, no one could tell she just gave to the two genders of life. “Woah! You look magnificent!” Victoria complimented as she walked into the dressing room where Chloe was. “I know, right? The dress fits so perfectly that no one would guess she just put to bed.” Ruby chimed in as she adjusted her ethere
Hot tears trickled down Blake’s eyes as he stared at his parents. “Blake, we’re sorry…” Diana apologized, also tearing up. “You know, I wasn’t the one you offended.” Blake pointed out. “We will apologize to her when she’s back.” She said, “Just please bring back my daughter-in-law.” She begged.Bryce scoffed in disbelief, “She is your daughter-in-law now?” Blake faked a smile as Bryce had asked the question he meant to ask. “Abolishing a law is not as easy as you think. It requires a lot of debate within the parliament, votes, and mutual understanding. It took me five months to finally achieve this. You won’t understand until you are in my position.” Braxton said. “Do you want me to be grateful?” Blake wondered, not sure why he was telling him this. “No.” Braxton replied, “I just need you to know that Chloe can be your queen and your equal now. I wonder why they even made that law and why I had to fight so hard to support it.” He added before turning away and walking towards hi
As Blake had promised, he sent Zane to Wexissia as soon as he resumed office as the crown prince just a few days after his return. But Zane’s journey was fruitless. He searched around the house and realized she wasn’t home. At first, he thought she had stepped out since all her belongings were still intact, but after days of waiting and asking around, he realized she never returned home after seeing Blake off. Back at home, Isabella tried to get an audience with Blake, which became unnecessarily hard since his return. Fortunately, Blake also had a reason to meet Isabella since Chloe sent him to her. After settling things with his family, he found time to go to her school and meet with her. Isabella became anxious after finding out that Blake returned a few days earlier without Chloe, and so as she stepped into his car, he began to inquire about her. “Where is my sister? How could you leave her alone there?” Isabella asked curiously. Blake explained how she’d threaten to kill he
Blake chuckled, not willing to believe her, “Chloe, you must be exhausted. Go to bed now.” He suggested and attempted to lay back down, but Chloe had to show him how serious she was. She quickly grabbed a scissors which she’d placed on the drawer beside her and started to cut herself. Blake was triggered, quickly pulling the scissors from her grasp. “Chloe, are you crazy? What has gotten into you?” He asked angrily as he covered her injured hand with his palm and reached out for the first aid kit, which was in the drawer beside the bed. “Maybe if I am dead, you won’t hesitate to go back home.” She said, “Chloe, you can’t be serious about that…why all of a sudden?” He asked, applying first aid while still quite stunned by her decision. “It isn’t all of a sudden, Blake, I have made my decision, and if you don’t leave by tomorrow, I will kill myself.” She threatened, and without waiting to know if Blake was done with his first aid, she pulled her hand away and covered hersel
Holding a small pregnancy stick, Chloe stared at herself in the mirror, the sun reflecting through their three bedroom apartment window. Even though she was already five months gone, her stomach was still as flat as ever. She remembered the first time she found out she had a cryptic pregnancy when she first passed out at the hospital after Blake recovered from his gunshot wound. At first she wanted to inform the family during the big feast but after hearing their decision, she decided to keep it a secret even from Blake because she didn’t want to seem like she was forcing herself on him. Even though she knew Blake wouldn't think that way, she was worried his family could misinterpret it and even end up forcefully accepting her because of the baby. Two months after living as a married couple in Wexissia, she still couldn’t bring herself to tell him the truth until today, which she’d chosen to tell him. Blake wasn’t home at that time because instead of just retiring, he decided t
It took another week for the matter to die down, and the royal family decided to invite everyone that are now considered as family to a huge feast that they had organized. Shortly after the desert, the king and his wife summoned Chloe and Blake to his office along with Victoria and Zane, leaving the kids and Laila out. “I am sure you understand the royal family has been in turmoil for a while now, and adding a contradictory marriage to it will only make the people question the power of the royal family.” Braxton explained, and Blake already started to frown. “What he is trying to say is that we will support your marriage, but only on one condition…” Diana said. Chloe felt a glimmer of hope, seeing that his family were finally going to support them, but Blake knew his parents well and didn’t have any hope whatsoever. “What condition?” He quickly asked, “That you will take her only as a concubine. She can’t be your equal, and you will have to take a wife first before yo
“How could you let her do that? You should have forced her or something!” Blake complained upon hearing the tales of her action since he lost consciousness. He gently caressed her hand as she rested on his bed while he sat on the chair where she was seated earlier. “My brother did everything he could as a king, but she refused to listen and exercised every right she had as a citizen. Don’t even go there.” Victoria explained. “We were all scared to death when she kept throwing up and feeling sick without even eating anything. I don’t think there is anything we haven’t done to make her listen, but it was just as if we were talking to a rock.” She explained further.They were still discussing when Zane and the King who had just heard the news of Blake regaining his consciousness arrived, but to their dismay, the patient was now taking care of the guest. “This girl? She just always has to be so annoying.” Zane complained.Blake gave him a bombastic side-eye, asking, “Did you even apolo
The palace was in a haze, and the violence Blake tried so hard to prevent eventually happened. Blake suffered three blank shots to his chest while Dawson suffered over seven gunshots. They were both rushed to the hospital. After hours of being in the theaters, the doctors operating on Dawson eventually stepped out. Unfortunately, none of his family were by the door waiting for him. Only the prosecutors were.The doctors didn’t hesitate to respond since they understood what circumstances he was brought there. “He is currently braindead, and his organs are failing rapidly. With life support, it would be a miracle he makes it past two days, but that miracle won’t happen the following day.” Despite his critical condition, once he was moved to the wards, he was handcuffed to his bed because of the magnitude of his crime. Meanwhile, Blake’s surgery took a few more hours. His surgery was quite critical because he was shot very close to the heart, and the best surgeons around the globe f
Blake's smile slowly turned into a psychotic laughter that scared the crap out of Dawson for a while. He looked at the plotters and asked, “Don’t you also find this funny?” He said, pointing at the guards who had dragged his family to the dining room.“Once they fall into a deep sleep, those weapons become useless…” His voice trailed off as three guards slowly dropped to the floor one after the other, their weapons crashing beneath them. Real fear surfaced in the plotters face, and Vivian almost peed her pants. “Mr. Aspiring King, why don’t you go back to your seat? We have a whole lot to talk about today.” Blake suggested.Dawson was hesitant as he wasn’t sure whether or not his plans were going accordingly but one thing he knew was Blake had the upper hand for now and he needs to obey him until he thinks of another move. He sluggishly went back and sat among his people, beads of precipitation forming on his forehead. The ministers let out a sudden gasp, confusing Dawson, who was