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Chapter Forty-One
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2024-02-21 08:29:40Related chapters
Royal Masquerade - The Prince And Cinderella Epilogue
Ella lifted the earrings Nick had given her for their third wedding anniversary just last week. They matched her engagement ring and the necklace Nick had given her on their 2nd anniversary.They had a state dinner tonight. Nick was currently in the shower. Having arrived late from state affairs. Anthony had stepped down at the beginning of last year. So, he could spend more time with his beloved grandchildren. Anthony had been over the moon when she had fallen pregnant straight after their wedding.The wedding had been an emotional rollercoaster. Considering the state of her family, it hadn’t been surprising to Ella. She was just glad her sister hadn’t sold her story to the media. Ella had half expected her to. The UK had already experienced a similar drama with their royal family, and it didn’t end well for anyone. Perhaps that’s why Ava decided not to go down that path.Nick had helped her through it all. When Ava refused to come, so had Ella’s mother. But her father had gone agains
Last Updated : 2024-02-21Royal Masquerade - The Prince And Cinderella Chapter One
Ella’s gaze turned vacant as she endured her sister Ava’s ceaseless chatter about her upcoming wedding and the countless details. It revolved around how the wedding would be unforgettable and set the standard for others to imitate. How Ava would be a trendsetter? Ella was attempting to ignore her twin completely. Ava enjoyed the sound of her voice. It wasn’t required for Ella to speak! Just hear how fantastic her sister was. Ella smirked to herself. It’s not something Ava would allow her to forget. Currently, she was sitting at their parent’s kitchen table, aiding their mum in preparing the vegetables for dinner. Instead of helping, Ava simply stood there, engrossed in a one sided conversation with her captive audience. Unfortunately! Ava’s presence at dinner tonight came as a surprise to her. Despite being a planned supper, the family aimed to gather weekly for a meal. Ava rarely turned up. She may live under their parents’ roof. Since she had moved back to Ashwell. Ava frequently
Last Updated : 2024-01-09Royal Masquerade - The Prince And Cinderella Chapter Two
The next morning, Ella woke up early with plans to make soup. That would last her the entire school week for lunch.Pulling her long wavy hair back, it really was getting too long and Ella needed to get it cut. Shrugging, no-one saw it, so what was the point? After Ava’s wedding, she planned to ditch the hair spray that dulled her hair and the unflattering black rim glasses that hid her face. Having finished styling her hair into a tight bun at the back of her head, Ella opened her wardrobe, pausing to look inside. Another thing she would stop herself from doing. She had a tendency to buy unappealing and bulky clothing items.In order to present herself as Mrs Blackwater, Ella had been gradually buying a few things to refresh her wardrobe throughout the past year. Ella made a face. She didn’t need the clothes for marrying into the Blackmore family now.She would still need them after Ava got married. Because enough was enough. Once Ava was married, then the time was hers. Nothing wou
Last Updated : 2024-01-09Royal Masquerade - The Prince And Cinderella Chapter Three
Another customer entered the store after they had been talking for approximately 15 more minutes. Emily’s break had ended, and it was a good time for Ella to leave. Ella stood. “I’ll be off then.” Em hugged her. “Thanks for coming to see me.” Emily had been busy with the ball coming up. Ella hoped they could squeeze in a movie night soon. Ella finished her shopping and made a quick stop at the nearby bakery for some bread to have with her soup. She made a large amount and decided to share some with her parents. Taking a large container from the cupboard, she filled it and then departed from the loft. After storing hers in the fridge. Mother did all the cooking at home now Ella had left home. Taking them some soup would give her a break. Ella didn’t cook every night. Sometimes it was just a case of taking a homemade precooked meal out of the freezer and heating it up. Grabbing a sandwich if she wasn’t that hungry. Choosing to walk, it only took 20 minutes on foot. She bumped into
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Emily stood in stunned silence, her mouth agape in disbelief. A heavy silence hung in the room, only to be shattered by the sound of her friend’s voice. “You’re serious,” Emily managed to say, her voice full of surprise.“As a heart attack,” Ella replied, her tone laced with anger. Her frustration was not only directed towards Ava but also towards her own family for accepting Ava’s unacceptable behaviour. She didn’t say more to Emily. Not wanting to delve into the reasons behind her change of heart. It didn’t stop her friend from asking.“Not that I’m complaining, but what changed your mind?”“I don’t want to go into why just now, Emily.” The weight of her words hung in the air, conveying enough explanation for Ella’s decision.Ella paused for a moment, contemplating her next words. The room was filled with anticipation. “Okay, will you let me get you ready?” Emily didn’t press for more details, relieved that Ella was finally going.Ella pondered for a moment, her determination solidif
Last Updated : 2024-01-21Royal Masquerade - The Prince And Cinderella Chapter Five
Inside the ballroom of Blackwater Manor, Stephen and Ava accompanied Nick. Ava would soon be his friend’s wife. Nick had instantly taken a dislike to the woman. She was rude and self-centred. He had watched how she acted in the absence of Stephen. Marrying this woman would bring about some challenging experiences for his friend. Nick had arrived only yesterday. His intention was to keep a low profile in England for the upcoming weeks. His father was attempting to arrange a marriage between him and his ex sister-in-law. After his brother’s untimely death 8 months ago. The pressure had increased significantly recently, and stumbling upon a naked Sophia in his bed had been the last straw. Sophia was ambitious to be queen one day. After Nick’s brother had passed away, she had easily transferred her interest to him. He was worried she would do something that would tip his hand. Leave him no choice but to marry her or step down. Let the crown go to some cousin. His mother’s presence coul
Last Updated : 2024-01-22Royal Masquerade - The Prince And Cinderella Chapter Six
“Cindy. My name is Cindy.” She said breathlessly. “Smile Cindy, we are about to enter the lion’s den.” He took her hand and led her towards Stephen and Ava. Ella breathed out. She could do this.Would they be able to identify her by her voice? It wasn’t anything like Ava’s. Ava had one of those high pitched girly voices. Ella saw no need to increase her volume so everyone around her could hear everything she said like Ava did.It was too risky to talk normally, just in case. Ella would intentionally pitch her voice lower to keep others from guessing.The decision to use the ball to seek revenge on Ava was a big mistake. She found herself in a position where she had to cooperate with this stranger. Her mind was racing as they reached the other couple.Nick placed his hand on the bare skin of her lower back, making her breath catch. His hand was hot, and it did something to her she hadn’t experienced before. It was all she could do to keep her smile in place when facing Stephen and Ava
Last Updated : 2024-01-22Royal Masquerade - The Prince And Cinderella Chapter Seven
Ella’s attention was caught by Ava and Stephen as they stood near the edge of the dance floor. She sensed her sister’s extreme anger, and Stephen was discreetly trying to calm her down. Ella had doubts about its effectiveness. It wasn’t just her who was looking towards them - others were, too.“I give that marriage a year at most.”Even though she felt sad by his statement, Ella believed he was likely correct. Stephen will go to great lengths to maintain their unity after marriage, but if Ava continues to embarrass him and his family. There is a possibility that he will have to reconsider.Everyone knew that the Blackwater’s upheld traditions in the community, which were old-fashioned. She knew how Stephen would feel about public scenes or even PDAs (public displays of affection). She was desperately wishing for the prenup to be watertight.“Really, all couples fight Nick. My parents have been together for a long time, but they fight. Rarely grant you.” Looking back at the other coupl
Last Updated : 2024-01-22
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Royal Masquerade - The Prince And Cinderella Epilogue
Ella lifted the earrings Nick had given her for their third wedding anniversary just last week. They matched her engagement ring and the necklace Nick had given her on their 2nd anniversary.They had a state dinner tonight. Nick was currently in the shower. Having arrived late from state affairs. Anthony had stepped down at the beginning of last year. So, he could spend more time with his beloved grandchildren. Anthony had been over the moon when she had fallen pregnant straight after their wedding.The wedding had been an emotional rollercoaster. Considering the state of her family, it hadn’t been surprising to Ella. She was just glad her sister hadn’t sold her story to the media. Ella had half expected her to. The UK had already experienced a similar drama with their royal family, and it didn’t end well for anyone. Perhaps that’s why Ava decided not to go down that path.Nick had helped her through it all. When Ava refused to come, so had Ella’s mother. But her father had gone agains
Royal Masquerade - The Prince And Cinderella Chapter Forty-One
Nick found her on the terrace one morning. Sitting down, he looked at Ella, studying her.She knew he wanted to say something. “What?”“How do you feel about a visit from Stephen and Ava? They are currently in Greece for their honeymoon. Stephen called to say their wanted to finish their honeymoon off with a few days here.”Ella wondered if it was truly Stephen’s idea or Ava’s. She knew she couldn’t very well say no. Stephen was Nick’s friend and it would seem unforgiving to never see Stephen or her sister again. With a sense of dread she said, “Ok.”“Are you sure? I have no issue saying, no, we don’t have the time right now.”“I think it needs to be dealt with, don’t you? At some point, we will see them again. Our wedding. It’s better that all the awkwardness is out of the way before then.” Taking a deep breath, she asked, “So, when do they plan to be here?”“This afternoon.” Nick said simply.“So soon?” she could do this. “Ok.”Later that day, the family limo pulled into the circula
Royal Masquerade - The Prince And Cinderella Chapter Forty
Ella moaned, stretching in bed. Her bones protested in a way that reminded her she had been well loved last night and into the morning.Sun streamed through the bedroom windows. It was the sunlight that had woken her up. Looking at the empty space beside her, she realised Nick must have left soon after she had fallen asleep that last time, in the pre-dawn hour. Picking up her phone on the bedside table, she saw it wasn’t as late as she had thought it might have been. 7:47am.She was going to be truly tired today, but she took comfort in the fact that if she was, then so was Nick. Grinning, Ella sat up in bed, stretching her arms above her head. She needed a shower, and what she really needed more than anything was something to eat. The energy used last night had really increased her need for food. Slipping from the bed, Ella headed for the shower.Twenty minutes later, she was dressed in a yellow and white flowery sundress and tan sandals, hair pinned back at the side and makeup free.
Royal Masquerade - The Prince And Cinderella Chapter Thirty-Nine
Ella got into her nightgown and was brushing her hair, then she heard the door click closed behind her. Nick was leaning against the door with his arms folded over his broad chest, silently watching her. “Don’t you have your own room?” Ella said in a cheeky manner, laying her hairbrush on the dressing table and facing Nick. He grinned at her. “Yes! You’re mistaken if you think I’ll sleep there by myself. So it’s here or there? But I didn’t think you would enjoy sneaking back here in the morning.” “Oh, the dreaded walk of shame.” Teasing still. Nick laughed. “I hope leaving my bed isn’t a walk of shame.” Ella blushed, thinking of the things he did to her. It wasn’t shame she felt in his arms. Nick stepped away from the door, stalked her across the room. But she didn’t wait for him. Ella met him halfway, sliding her arms around his neck and reaching up on tiptoes to cover his mouth with hers and effectively moulding her body against his hard, desirable body. He was so deliciously w
Royal Masquerade - The Prince And Cinderella Chapter Thirty-Eight
They wouldn’t be sharing a room, which left Ella disappointed. On seeing her downcast face, Nick pulled her into her assigned room, closing the door. “It’s only for appearance’s sake. I will still be in here with you at night, Bella.” Taking her into his arms.“Are you reading my mind?” She demanded, slightly worried.Nick laughed. “No, your face is an opened book though.”“I will have to learn how to hide my expressions better.”“I enjoy that you don’t hide anything. It’s so you. Now I better go and get ready.” Nick said before slipping from the room to find his own.They had little time to get dressed and Nick told her she didn’t need to dress up for dinner. But she still changed into one of the dresses Em had sent with her. A beautiful green dress that hugged her upper body but fell into a full skirt to her knees. With some light makeup. She was just putting on her shoes when Nick knocked on the door before pushing it opened. “Ready?”“As I’ll ever be.”Smiling, he held out his hand
Royal Masquerade - The Prince And Cinderella Chapter Thirty-Seven
The next day was a hive of activity. Their flight to Cristonia was to depart from Heathrow Airport at 1pm that afternoon. Ella had already packed for her move to London. Nick had arranged for someone to come in and move the rest of her stuff to her new homeland.She was just taking two suitcases for now. This would be more than enough to see her through until the rest of her stuff arrived.To say she was nervous was an understatement. She felt petrified! Today she would meet his father, but not only that, the man was a king. Holy shit, was she ready to marry into this family? She had lived her life in the shadows, then all of a sudden, she was taking centre stage with Nick. It was a world stage at that, not just with her family.Their plane left Heathrow on time. She was glad their flight wasn’t too long. Because any longer and she would have brooded. Nick never left her side, held her hand during the flight.Ella hoped that her outfit, a simple white pantsuit with a royal blue shell
Royal Masquerade - The Prince And Cinderella Chapter Thirty-Six
“Stephen.” Nick acknowledged Stephen with just his name, taking Ella out of his arms and into his own. Ella had done so well today. It had been hard on her, he knew. But she needed to fight her demons, and she had come out on top.“Thanks again for coming.” Stephen reaffirmed, looking back at Ella.“Ella, why don’t you go get your bag and we can leave? Ask Tate if she would like a lift.” Before kissing her on the lips and staking his claim in front of Stephen.When she walked away, Ella felt slightly dazed.“Well, that showed me,” Stephen said.“Stephen, you are my friend…. but if I ever catch you looking at Ella like that again, I will break your nose, and that’s only for starters. Do I make myself clear?”Stephen responded like any spoilt child, “Ella is my friend, and I had her first.”Nick got in his face, saying in a deadly voice. “Let’s make one thing clear: you never had her.” Flicking his head towards Ava. “and after choosing Ava over Ella, you have no rights. So, I repeat myse
Royal Masquerade - The Prince And Cinderella Chapter Thirty-Five
As Ella sat down in her seat next to Nick, he put his hand on her thigh to let her know he was aware of her, even though he was busy talking to another guest.A feeling of relief washed over Ella, as if someone had taken a weight off her shoulders. As if sensing her feeling, Nick rubbed his thumb over her leg.Tate sat down as well in her assigned seat. They smiled at each other. Dragon slayed. This had been her biggest fear today. Thanking God that it had all happened in the bathroom. Ava had been waiting for her to come out of that toilet stall. But why was she so surprised when it was her that had stepped out? Because she had, Ella had seen the shock on her face.Frowning now. Needing to run this through. Was Ava still up to her old tricks? Looking for the richest man available. This was her wedding day. Surely, she wasn’t that mercenary. But nothing else made sense.Shaking her head, feeling sorry for Stephen and the Blackmore family. Almost glad though Ava wasn’t her problem anymo
Royal Masquerade - The Prince And Cinderella Chapter Thirty-Four
In the back seat of the limo, Nick squeezed Ella’s hand. “Are you ok?”“I will be,” Ella reassured him.“Do you want to pop back home before the reception? We don’t have to go to it if you don’t want to.”“I promise my dad,” Ella said, unsure.“You don’t owe them anything.” Nick growled, expressing anger at the way they had treated her. Not just today, but always.“I know, but I owe it to myself to finish this. If I don’t go to that reception, people will think I’m still hung up on Stephen.” Ella pleaded with him to understand.“Are you?” Nick asked. Needing to know.Ella looked at him. “Of course not. I know he wasn’t for me. I have known that for a while.”Taking her hand to his lips “Good.. maybe going back to your place isn’t a good idea after all.”Puzzlement overcame Ella. “Why?”“Because it was hard enough to leave the apartment without taking you the first time. If we go back there, you will not stand a chance and I would say screw the reception.” Nick clarified for her.Heat s
