Justin's words somehow calmed Miranda although she had this gnawing feeling that something was bound to happen tomorrow. She didn't know whether it was positive or negative but she was not the one to let her fears cloud her reasoning. She wasn't a weakling either and could take any shit the world threw at her. Justin also had a Long night. He didn't know what to think of the dragon Mark engraved on the pillar at the entrance of the Lambert Villa. He could understand the similarities between the two houses as one being a copycat of the other. Alternatively,the designer could have been one and the same person but that dragon Mark brought question marks. A dragon was a symbol of royalism. It was the symbol of the protector of the crown in their country. He wondered what could be the hidden relationship between the Lambert family and the royal family. The Lambert family was known as business people in the country who always maintained a low profile. They had no entanglements nor relat
Justin's home was located a little far from the city which happened to be the state's capital. The royal palace was built on top of a hill. It was raised above the ground making it strategically easy to defend during attacks. Two hours into the journey and Miranda had dozed off somehow. She was leaning on his shoulders. Miranda had barely had any sleep last night while getting herself all nervous and excited at the same time. It did not help that even after catching sleep for a few hours she woke up earlier than usual to exercise. She was completely worn out and her body could not handle the exhaustion.The convoy finally arrived at the gates of the palace and after the security check were allowed to pass. At some point in the journey, the security details of the royal family had joined the entourage . Justin was glad that Miranda was asleep now, he was not ready to explain his identity to her, he preferred that she figured things out on her own. Despite arriving home,Justin still rem
" Miss lambert, please respect the royal crown." The queen who was displeased by how casually the mannerless lady addressed the king reprimanded. Her voice was stern and laced with deep jealousy. Even though she was married to the king, she was never allowed to act casually around him, she couldn't even call him casually or else she would have to face punishment. thinking about it, how could she allow just any Dick,Harry or Tom to address the king so casually. " It seems the lady the prince brought home is wild and uncultured and needs to be taught royal manners. she should be punished for breaking the royal rules.." she declared bitterly earning a deadly glare from justin but she ignored him and looked at the butler who was known to be strict with royal rules." Sophia, that's enough!" The king said in his calm and composed voice that Sophia knew very well. That voice was meant as a last warning so despite her displeasure, she could only seeth in anger quietly. The king then turned t
" It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss Lambert. I was wondering that a woman to capture the heart of our crown prince should be special and special you are." Nikolai said with a gentle smile extending his hand to Miranda for a handshake. Instead of taking her hand,he kissed her knuckles, maintaining eye contact with her. Someone watching from the sidelines could mistake it as an intimate act between lovers. Miranda scrutinised the man before her and knew that beyond that gentle smile laid the real him. She could tell that he was hiding something behind that mask of gentleness. She didn't need someone to tell her that the man was bad news and the far she stayed from him the better. Looking at the second Prince act so blatantly,the King knew that something was cooking in his mind. He was familiar with the conflict between the two brothers. While Justin preferred to be silent, Nikolai was good at pushing people to their limits and poking them. Nikolai was always mischievous and loved seek
Justin took Miranda for a tour around the palace. It was already the evening when they were done so Justin escorted Miranda to his father's office. He was curious what his father wanted to talk about with Miranda so he insisted that the conversation was strictly between the two. He had seen his father's serious expression when requesting Miranda for the audience. Even with the itch to eavesdrop,he decided to respect the king's orders so he went back to his room. He had of course instructed Miranda to meet him at his room after she was done.Miranda who was standing at the office door could feel her heart hammering in her chest. She was anxious because she had an inkling why the King called her. She was about to knock when the door opened revealing the Palace Butler. From the look of things,the butler was on his way out. The two bowed to each other and the butler stepped out walking away leaving Miranda all alone in the hallway. Taking a deep breath to calm her racing heart, Miranda lif
" It's settled Then." The king said happily. He knew that the decision of changing the country's monarch has always been the reason why the rebels were fighting. He also knew that his son was too laid back to deal with state affairs. He needed someone to rule the country with authority. Someone who was prompt in making decisions and wise decisions at that in times of urgency and Miranda was just the perfect person for that. He had done a lot of things just to have Miranda married to Justin." My king,don't you think you need to consult with the prince before making this decision?" Miranda voiced out. " Oh trust me, Justin will be thrilled to hear this." The king said with surety. He could still remember what Justin had said casually one day. " If we were given the privilege to choose where to be born,I would never have chosen to be a royal. In this life,all I want is a life of a normal man who gets to spend enough time with his family. I want to be a good husband and a good father to
" Stop Justin From Taking up the crown." Nikolai said and shrugged his shoulders. His words did not surprise her at all, she expected it from him. Being a member of the rebels, what good was she expecting from him anyways. But she decided to play along and not expose him. " What do you have in mind?" She seemed interested but Nikolai knew Just what her intention was." That will be Left for you to figure out the way to accomplish that." Nikolai stated." Why should I do that. I will be the queen after Justin succeeds the throne why should I throw that away?" Miranda asked outrightly. She realised that there was more to this deal Nikolai was not telling her . " It's simple,if you fail,you lose him" Nikolai said in all seriousness earning a glare From Miranda. " Are you perhaps threatening me?" Miranda's voice was threateningly cold surprising Justin for a minute before his expressions turned to those of amusement" I wouldn't dare threaten the crowns protector?" Nikolai asked casually a
Ava had been bored for a whole week after Ronald went for a business trip. She had always been craving for a vacation where she could go and relax but here she was free but indoors for a whole week. She had called him earlier today but he had confirmed that he would only arrive in the country the following day. She got bored to the extent of calling her friends requesting a night out but as expected, the three of them were busy with their own things. She decided to do something to distract herself and what's better than cooking.Born from a family where baking was the source of livelihood, Ava had learnt all the recipes. She could bake a variety of snacks. Today, she'll prepare some cookies. She had noticed that Ronald liked eating cookies. At first,she had thought it was a coincidence but he later informed her that all her favourites had become his favourites too over time. He argued it was the only way he could feel connected to her despite their distance. Since Ronald would be ar
After the glaring contest ended, Justin helped Ezekiel to the house. They all sat on the couches and silence reigned in the house. No one said anything, nothing could be said either way." Now that we have found Ezekiel,I think we should leave the couple alone. I am sure they have a lot to say to each other." Miranda finally proposed and they all agreed. Minutes later, only Ezekiel and Lucia remained in the house." Why honey. Why didn't you tell me?" Lucia tried to gather her composure and try not to break down in front of Ezekiel. At this point,she understood that he needed her support more than ever." I thought this is the best way to not burden you. I knew that I would lose my eyesight anytime soon. I am also about to leave this world. What's wrong with wanting to spend my last days alone?" Ezekiel replied. He didn't like this topic but he knew he couldn't avoid talking about it either." If it was me in this situation, will you abandon me?" Lucia Inquired calmly." Ofcourse I wouldn'
One week. Two weeks and the news about Ezekiel's whereabouts never reached the girl's ears. They followed the lawyer who was the legal advisor of Ezekiel and the Hawk construction company but never got to trace Ezekiel. The newly appointed CEO also refused to say anything about Ezekiel's whereabouts. The secretary knew nothing about his boss' departure.Lucia tried begging Ezekiel's parents but they refused to talk saying they respected their son's decision. The four girls were seated together with their fiances and husbands. They had tried looking everywhere for Ezekiel all in vain ." He must be somewhere in the country. I already checked every record from the airport. Ezekiel never Left this country,but where could he be hiding?" Miranda wondered out loud."Isn't there a place, Maybe a property he bought secretly?" Ronald asked Justin who had a contemplating look on his face." Now that you mention it,he once talked about a beach house he liked and was planning to buy. Back then he
While they were still contemplating on where to start their investigation,the doorbell rang." I'll get that, " Ava said, walking downstairs. Looking through the peephole,they saw Lucia's parents standing at the door,worry evident in their eyes. She opened the door and offered them a polite smile." Aunty, uncle you are here." She greeted with a bow." Yeah,we came as soon as we got the letter. What's happening here my daughter?" Mrs Mendez asked. To her,the four Ladies passed as her daughters." A letter? From Who?" Ava asked, puzzled." From Ezekiel. He said he wanted to officially break the engagement and set Lucia free. He also talked about taking care of his daughter for him." Mrs Mendez replied." It seems he was really prepared to leave." Ava mumbled but her words were caught by Mr Mendez." What do you mean dear, where is he going and why does he have to cancel the engagement if he would be coming back." Mr Mendez asked, puzzled." Aunty, uncle it seems like Ezekiel is not com
" I Know by the time you get this letter I will be away,far away from you and my daughter but will be thinking about you.I am sorry my love,I know sorry will not fix anything and you must be cursing me for being a scumbag, which I am .I love you Lucia but I will not become a burden in your Life just because I love you. I set you free,live your Life and take care of our daughter. I already sent an engagement cancellation request to your parents and explained myself. I hope you can forgive me.All arrangements for her future have been made,you don't have to worry about her finances, ofcourse I know that's the least of your worries.I left a video,let her watch it when she turns twelve,tell her that Daddy loves her the most and most importantly, don't come looking for me."Ezekiel.By the time she finished reading the letter, streams of tears were flowing down, wetting her clothes. So that's it? Was that the end of it all? Why didn't he wait for her and tell her those words instead of l
, After dropping Lucia off to work, Ezekiel went straight to the office. He had a few things to do before taking his leave away from his family, his love. He ringed his lawyer and instructed him to prepare a ownership transfer of all his properties, including the company.He also called a number and when the call was connected,he briefly said. " Meet me at my private Villa by the beach tonight."Arriving at the office,he called his secretary to give him a few instructions." I have transferred ten percent of the company shares to your name. I am resigning and never coming back. Please be here to guide the person who will take over after me and probably when my heir finally succeeds, support him too. Take care of yourself and your young madam while I am away." Ezekiel instructed his secretary to widen his eyes in astonishment." Boss,are you going anywhere? Why don't you let me accompany you?" He asked. After working with Ezekiel for years,he had gotten used to him. Their relationship
Ezekiel thanked the doctor for keeping his health condition from Lucia but the doctor informed him that he did it for her. Seeing that she was pregnant and knew nothing about his condition,he decided to keep it a secret from her. He then urged him to break the news to her because according to his diagnosis,he barely had two months to live. Ezekiel assured him that he would definitely discuss the matter with Lucia and thanked him yet again before leaving to Join Lucia who was waiting for him in the waiting lobby." That took you a long time to just say thank you." Lucia commented. He had been gone for fifteen minutes which according to her was a long time for just a thank you." He was occupied and I had to wait for him." Ezekiel replied casually trying to keep a straight face. Lucia didn't probe further and dropped the topic. She was so exhausted and jet lagged that she went to bed immediately after they got home.After ensuring that she was asleep, Ezekiel took his phone and went to
Tomorrow marked the second week of their long vacation. Ezekiel was very secretive of their last destination. He told Lucia that it was meant to be a surprise for them and he didn't reveal until they were receiving their boarding pass. Upon checking their last visiting destination, Lucia's eyes widened with both surprise and excitement. Of all places, Ezekiel decided to close their vacation by taking her to Africa and precisely to Kenya,her dream country." Honey,did you do this on purpose?" She asked,tears of happiness streaming down without restraint. Ste was deeply touched by his consideration. Along the way he had taken her to places sfe wished to visit but she never in her wildest dreams think that he would take her to visit Kenya as their last destination. She couldn't help but kiss him In Front of the people." This was supposed to be our vacation, not just mine. I have known for a long time that you have always dreamt of visiting that country so I chose it as our last destinat
The following morning, Ezekiel was the first to wake up. By the time Lucia woke up,she found Ezekiel ready with two packed suitcases." Good morning my Queen." Ezekiel greeted pecking her lips." Morning." Lucia replied, eyeing him then added," going somewhere?" She inquired. Yesterday,he didn't mention going anywhere. What was more surprising was the fact that one of the suitcases belonged to her." Yes,we are going somewhere." Ezekiel replied with a smile on his face. After last night,he figured out that before going to meet his maker,he might as well fulfil some of the wishes piled up. He had always wanted to tour the world with the woman he loved. He still had like three weeks before completely losing his sight,he might as well take advantage of that available time and fulfil that wish." You didn't mention something about that yesterday!" Lucia stated." I decided on it overnight. I want to take you on a vacation as we tour the world together. After this month,I'll be busy with c
Lucia had this unsettling feeling that something was up with Ezekiel but she couldn't say what exactly. How did she know? His frequent out of mind moments. She had caught him staring at her with pity filled eyes. Sometimes,his expressions would spell sorry. She couldn't quite understand why he looked sorry towards her.Pushing those thoughts at the back of her mind,she decided to go prepare something for him to eat once he woke up. He had been the one taking care of her all these days so while he rested, she figured out she should return the favour. Another reason was because she had noticed that his body was declining and his appetite poor. These days,he hardly eats anything and would always say he's full. That was alarming according to LuciaShe cooked his favourite chicken rice and veggies. She didn't forget to prepare pumpkin soup which was known for increasing appetite.Evening came and Kiel had slept for six good hours, something that added more to Lucia's suspicion. Despite how