CHAPTER 28 : Little Moments..."What would society think if they saw the Campbell's prestigious heir crawling around totally wasted at the stroke of midnight?!"Jeffrey indignantly raised himself and shot his father a cold look. "Oh no, you don't! Don't sound all concerned about me right now!" He spat hatefully."You're just worried about YOUR fancy name and damn reputation! But not to worry, over half the people around here are already in bed. Well, except some business-oriented nighthawks." He snorted acerbically and fell back on the couch."Enough! A few weeks strictly indoors should do the job!" Sir Campbell raged. "No more phones! No more credit cards! No outings! No extravagances..." Jeffrey cut him off with a dry chuckle."How 'bout no more you? In case you've forgotten, I'm no longer eighteen...""That's enough! Both of you stop right this instant!" A third party yelled. Jeffrey slightly inched his head to see Felicity on her feet, gazing at the two warlords with as much anger.
CHAPTER 29 : His Cold Indifference... Natalia started to loose focus as her headache returned. She felt like throwing up!Who could've recognized her at the nightclub admist the chaos and taken that picture?! With Arian!... Of all people!! She panicked as a group of girls wearing the same hairstyle came over."Hello! Natalia, Elva and Nicky!" A bubbly girl with short brown hair, who seemed to call the shots, waved brightly. And before any of the stunned friends could reply, she shoved an enormous bouquet of roses in Natalia's arms and placed an expensive box of chocolate on top, somehow squashing it.However, the bubbly girl didn't seem to care. She kept tossing stuff after stuff from her friends on the heap. A large multicolored lollipop, a mini-bowl of ice cream which had all the flavours present. (Sighs. Don't ask how that's possible.)Next, an elegant hairband made of real pearls came on top, a matching bracelet and anklet followed, a portable make up kit, then finally she wore t
CHAPTER 30 : Tank Vs Hole?"I'm so glad you're okay!" Elva breathed tearily, pulling her into a bone crushing hug."Yeah. Me. Too. If y..you don't m..mind... you're c..crushing me!" Natalia gasped for air. Elva reluctantly pulled away. She had tears in her eyes."Jeez! You should get a mirror. You look worst than a bat!" Natalia taunted."And if you weren't on that bed I'd have smacked that sarcasm off your face!" She yelled and gestured to hit her, which made the princess's grin increase.Nicky hugged her too.'Huggy peeps!' Natalia thought and giggled, holding her back."What happened?" Nicky worriedly asked as she pulled away."Um...It happened so fast. But I passed out after Bianca hit... " The door suddenly banged shut, cutting her off. Natalia turned to see Ricky and Jeffrey standing by the door. She cocked her eyebrows in surprise, not noticing they were there too. Ricky shared a sweet apologetic smile before dashing off while Jeffrey came over with an odd grin. "Hey, how are
CHAPTER 31 : Stealing Her Heart...Arian couldn't watch as Natalia and 'the jerk' clung unto each other, grinning like fools so he walked back to the penthouse.He was mad and didn't like the way he felt. The young French took a dip in the bath tub to cool off.Ricky and Jeffrey had left earlier for class but Arian stayed behind. He wore his headphone and laid backwards.Time passed because the water turned freezing cold. He stood up, changed into casual black shorts, wore his slippers and walked out drying his hair with a towel, while his favourite phone and headphone sat in his other hand.Arian froze on his tracks and frowned seeing a girl in the bedroom with his other phones.The bathroom door banged shut behind him. The girl jerked up to see who came in.Natalia?Arian's facial features softened considerably while Natalia bulged her eyes in shock.The creamy color did a good job on her skin. But the way the little vixen unconsciously laid was.....Arian déArgent snapped back to
CHAPTER 32 : The Argent's Party.Over the next few days, invitations to Tommy Elvis De' Argent's sixth birthday party trended in the academy. Everyone was hyped about it because the school hotties were gonna be totally accessible since they were the hosts. The rate at which the girls showed excitement passed that of the celebrant! The thought of impressing the little boy to get the attention of their crush became there only aim.Everyone wanted to dress to impress.Natalia heard of the DéArgent's party which every student was invited to but didn't pay much attention.Her TOP priority was avoiding Arian De'Argent, the boy who single handedly stole her.... No, caught her attention. The Princess knew she liked him but a number of reasons made her deny it.Firstly, it was her sole duty as a Princess and soon to be Empress to marry a Prince. Empires needed it to strengthen relations and the economy of their nations. And Astheria was no different.Then there was the number of hidden enemie
CHAPTER 33 : The Argent's Party (2).Natalia turned to see Tommy running over at full speed!"Little Tom!" She grinned and scooped him up. Tommy giggled excitedly, placing kisses all over her face."I've missed you too! " The Princess beamed knowing that her lipstick would ruin his face if she'd kissed him back."You left that day without saying good bye." He pouted aggrievedly, wrapping his little arms around her neck. "I'm so sorry. I had to leave and you had found your brother." She pouted back and gently fixed his million dollar hair."You won't disappear again today, right?" He tilted his head which made him dangerously cute!Natalia gave him a pretty smile. "With that face and this smile?... I promise I won't. " He grinned again and she returned it."Tommy?" A familiar voice called. Natalia turned to see Arian. She smiled at Jeffrey and Ricky but lowered her eyes when she met his."Tommy come on, the party's about to start." Arian walked closer.The Princess looked around at t
CHAPTER 34 : The Argent's Party (3)."I'm sorry, Damon. You might be cute and all but I'm waaaay cuter! Natalia promised to spend the evening with me." Tommy's head automatically flew up from the Princess's plate."Right, Nat?" He folded his arms and looked at Damon pointedly.Natalia smiled fondly."Yup! He's right. I forgot I've already promised this adorable honey bunch." She tickled Tommy, blowing air around his ears which made him giggle.Damon looked amused."Even if I bribe you with my legendary hair flip?" He mused and did a seductive hair flip with a professional face....which made a girl crash into a waiter behind him.And he didn't even care!Everyone chuckled but Elva's laughter was more dreamy."Aww. You should teach that to hopeless non-romantics! Seems as if they're getting more boring lately." She leaned on the table exposing her rare single dimple.Natalia and Nicky giggled because they knew who she was referring to.Ricky squinted his eyes."Says who? There are oth
CHAPTER 35 : Being So Close...Natalia wiped her tears and turned to find Arian walking over. Her crazy heartbeats started again."I thought you might need some help?" He spared her dress a look before walking past her.Natalia nodded to avoid saying something stupid and followed behind quietly. They got to a door which he pushed open.The Princess walked in and a soft breath escaped her lips. It was classy and probably the guest restroom.No, one of them to be precise."I'll be outside if you need anything." Arian murmured and closed the door.Natalia faced the counter and tried to use a wet towel to wipe it off but the stain didn't move. Instead, the strawberry color hung on tightly to the peach dress, ruining it more.She groaned in frustration.That witch! Pray we don't cross paths on your wedding! She huffed out and took another napkin to wipe it dry and it worked a little.Natalia tossed both napkins into the bin and walked out. Arian waited like he said. He was leaning on the o
CHAPTER 185 : Final Epilogue. ( Beverly Hills, California. ) "What are you doing?!" She bulged her eyes and moved away. "What?" Arian sheepishly groaned. "Don't 'what' me! You know what I mean!" She stated, playing their usual nightly 'what' game.....which usually followed the same pattern. Arian seductively wrapped his arms around her and pulled her closer. "We have the rest of the night to ourselves." He deliciously bit his lips and swept down to capture hers.But Natalia stepped away. "I need to check if the twins have yanked their heads off already." She tried to escape but Arian blocked her. "You're just coming from the nursery." He sexily pouted and Natalia almost gave in. She shook her head to reject the temptation. "I think it's time for Adrian's milk." She tried again but Arian easily caught her. "Adrian's asleep and his milk isn't until midnight. So..." He kissed her and slowly
CHAPTER 184 : Epilogue (2). ( Beverly Hills, California. ) "By the way, where is Jake?" Elva curiously asked. "He had some work to do and promised to be here this evening." Naomi answered. Natalia had set up a special committee of her most trusted ministers to hold the Empire for a few days. Jake was among the members so he had a little delay. "I really admire you." Naomi continued, taking the attention away from herself. "Being an Empress, a wife, a mother, a philanthropist and also a role model, all in one package!" She dramatised. "It's no wonder you haven't changed much with three kids! On the contrary, it made you hotter. I'm just expecting my second child but I feel like a granny!" Nicky joked and fondly rubbed her huge baby bump. "No! You're not a granny. You're my mommy." Louisa raised her head and pouted.The girls giggled when Nicky blushed. "It's no wonder you don't miss Jeffrey whenever he goes away on b
CHAPTER 183 : Epilogue. ( Beverly Hills, California. ) "How was your night?" Arian kissed Natalia as Adrian rubbed baby drool all over his face. Natalia stretched lazily and closed her eyes. "Stressful." She pouted. "I know, right? This champ is quite a handful at night.'' He tickled Adrian who hung on his neck like King kong. "Da-da! Da-da!!" He squealed happily which echoed arouund the room. "As if you weren't a handful yourself." She scoffed and turned away, pulling the duvet closer around her. It made Natalia a little jealous that Adrian hadn't yet learnt to call her mama. In fact, Dada was the only word he knew! Arian noticed it and chuckled, pulling her back to face him. As usual, he was shirtless wearing only sweatpants. Some habits were just so hard to break! Not that Natalia was complaining though. It made her husband look uncontrollably sexy! Adrian grinned down at his mama in his diapers. Fa
CHAPTER 182 : The Seal Of Their Love. ( Astheria, Australia. ) Still sitting on the floor, Naomi slowly arranged her things inside a cardboard box. She shivered a bit because she was still wearing her clothes. But Naomi didn't care. There was more important things to be done than caring if she had gotten a cold by wearing her wet clothes for so long that it'd dried still on her. A knock sounded on the door. "Please go away. I'm a little busy." Her hoarse voice sounded. Naomi knew the visitor wasn't on an official business. If the Empress or the royal assistant needed her, they'ld have easily sent an email. And so far, they hadn't. Naomi couldn't blame them though. She felt embarrassed and hated her family's history. And after everything they had done to the Santianas, she couldn't bare to look at anyone anymore. After a while, the knock sounded again and this time, the person walked in without consent. Naomi didn't bother to l
CHAPTER 181 : Where's Naomi? ( Astheria, Somewhere in continent Australia. ) ( Hours Later. ) "She's not in danger but I still recommend a lot of rest. You can see her. Just make it as quick as possible." The aged doctor whispered and walked away. Elva Thompson and Jake Buniz nodded before walking into the Royal study. They found Natalia leaning on her desk, gently running her fingers over her grandmother's diary. Louis had kept it safe like he'd promised. "You should be resting. Doctor's orders." Elva let out a small frown in displeasure. "I'm fine." Natalia curtly said and stood up. The thick sweats she was wearing matched with her pale skin. She returned the diary to one of the drawers and faced them back. "Tell me. The casualty report?" She ordered. "We lost a good number of our men while the rest are being taken care of." Jake reported. "And Max?" Jake lowered his cold eyes in hes
CHAPTER 180 : The Battleground (3). ( In The Carribean Ocean.) The Mob boss snickered which sounded like something made in hell and back hugged Natalia, erotically pulling her closer. Arian fought the impulse to take a step and lunge at him! He was purposely riling him up to draw him into the sensors! "Tsk! Don't make her feel bad!" He clicked his tongue. "You were smart, my love. But sentimentality was all I needed to sneak into your lives.... And you gave it to me." He nuzzled her hair and possessively trailed kisses down her neck. Arian's insides cringed feeling his control slowly snap while Natalia's self hate increased each passing second. "Let her go!" Arian snarled, running out of patience and clenched his fists. "And you expect me to ask 'Or what?'." Leonardo cocked a cocky brow. "Look around you, fool! We ain't in some shitty movie. This is my turf! I run this freaking game!" He viciously barked. "What do you want?" A
CHAPTER 179 : The Battleground (2). ( In The Carribean Ocean.) Meanwhile, the automatic doors trapping Arian De' Argent in the hallway reopened after the lights had suddenly turned off and returned after five seconds. Arian turned to continue the search for his love but stopped when Naomi froze....and then fainted. He hastily caught her before she could crash land. "Hey, hey!" He called seeing her drowsy eyes. "What..." The French heir froze on his interrogation when he saw four darts pierced into her pretty brochette and a fifth one stuck on the skin of her neck. Naomi had thrown herself in front of Arian when she noticed the danger he was in without thinking. Arian pulled them out and tapped her lightly. "Hey, stay with me, okay?" The timid spy tried to nod but the snake venom was working tremendously fast, already at the second stage of the symptoms which was total paralysis. "Hey!" Arian yelled. "What?!" Max yelle
CHAPTER 178 : The battleground (1). ( In The Carribean Ocean.) "Who do you want to go first?" He casually, but deviously asked. The gunshots continued more fiercely and through the cameras, Natalia and the few in the room could see the gory battle going on. As observers seeing the whole battle ground, anyone could bet that Astheria had an upper hand! "The only game we'll be playing is the one you'll be losing." She seethed in confidence. Leonardo coldly smirked which gave her goosebumps for some reason before placing his hand on a screen which scanned his fingerprints. "Good evening, Master. How may I be of service?" The voice of an artificial intelligence echoed from thin air. "Ava, place the fortress on lockdown." He ordered. "As you wish, Master." A moment later, metal doors sprung up trapped everyone in. Those who were fighting outside couldn't get in and those who were in couldn't get out. Natalia's heart skipped a be
CHAPTER 177 : Let's Play A Game, Shall We?... ( In The Carribean.) "Something is wrong." Jake Buniz stated, pacing restlessly around the communication tent. The geniuses among the little battle squad was in the same tent, doing what they did best with the gadgets and devices in there. They were all dressed the same with silent and serious features. "She should've made contact by now." The Captain of the army continued. "Let's think more positively. It could be that Naomi hasn't yet located the Empress.... Even though it's not really a positive thought. However, you above everyone else knows how shady these Kelions are. There's still a few hours till midnight. We should give her a little more time." Max offered, more relaxed than his superior as as he typed away on a computer. "I trust my instincts. And right now, something doesn't feel right." Jake stopped behind him and leaned over with a hand on his chair and the other on the table.