Chapter 4 Let’s get married
Prince Sinclair Miller sat in the restaurant, waiting for his supposed bride to be to arrive at the location too. Though the restaurant had been reserved only for this purpose but it still felt a bit stuffy to him. If Sinclair hadn't been forced to come, he wouldn't have showed up at all but he didn’t have any choice. This marriage is important for the whole state. The merger between the Miller and Harrison companies must move forward. And if it is delayed, the state would have to suffer for it.
Miller stared up from his drink and saw his prospective bride walking into the restaurant. Natalie Harrison, the only daughter of Prime Minister Harrison. No doubt, she is beautiful but unbearable and from what he has heard from the people working for their family, he knows that she would make a terrible queen. And the main reason why he had called her here was to try to make an arrangement with her. A way to end everything on a based agreement.
"Hello Sinclair.” Natalie drawled softly as she sat on the chair facing him directly.
“Don't you think we aren't that close enough for you to address me as Sinclair?" He asked.
"What? Isn't that your name? Moo ever, I am not used to saying your majesty or your highness. It is not my forte.” She answered maliciously
"Fine, Sinclair it is. Would you like us to order first or we should just get to the point?” He asked lightly.
"I prefer we get down to business cause I have been wondering why you called for me out of the blues. Ever since we got engaged, you have avoided me like a plague and now this?” She looked around. “Just tell me why you have called for me.” Natalie stared straight at him and he didn’t avoid the eye contact.
"You ate right. I have avoided you like a plague because I am not really interested in this marriage just as you are not." He responded lightly.
"And who told you that I am not interested in this marriage?" She asked.
"I know that you are not interested just as I am not interested. So I have a proposal that will benefit us both.”
"What is the proposal?" She asked mildly
"You will still merge your company with ours and I will give you part of a land that I own. It is very fertile, useful and it might get you more income in the future.”
"So in other words, we still merge the company together and we won't get married right?"
"Yes. You get half your share of the company and also the land and in exchange we don't get married. So what do you say?" He asked.
Natalie flashed me an evil smirk before giving her response. "No. It is a no from me, Sinclair. I want the marriage. Although it’s not that I love you or I am dying to be with you but the prospect of being the future queen thrills me a lot. I want to be the Queen and it is either you marry me or we forget this merger nonsense.”
Sinclair arched his eyebrows. "To be blunt, I don't see you as my future Queen. To me you are not suited to be one.” He retorted, a feeling of anger rising within him.
Natalie stood up angrily staring down at him. "How dare you say that I am not fit to be the queen?!”
"You are not fit to be one! You lack all the qualities of being a queen.”
Natalie raised her hand up wanting to hit her face but Sinclair’s guard was quick to stop her. He grabbed her and pulled her away.
"Let go of me! Let me go! How dare you, Sinclair?!" She yelled at him angrily.
"Your behavior only shows how unfit you are to be the queen.”
"Fine then! You don't want me to be the queen right! Well you can forget about the merger because I will do my best to make sure that my dad doesn't let you have your way.” Natalie pushed the guard away and she stormed out of the restaurant.
Sinclair hadn't planned for the meeting to go this way. If this merger wasn't really needed then he won't ever be thinking of seeing her or even think of going to her to apologize. He stood up and followed her.
“Wait! Natalie…please wait up!” He hurried his steps to catch up with her. He grabbed her upper arm and drew her back.
"Let me go you fool!” She yelled angrily.
Only Natalie Harrison call him a fool and get out of it without getting hurt. He could have someone else’s head beheaded for it.
"Relax, we still have to talk!”
"I don't have anything to say to you! How dare you talk down at me, Natalie Harrison?! Who the hell do you think you are?"
"The prince and the next heir to the throne!”
"To hell with you being the Prince, let me go this minute or I will have—“
She couldn't finish her words because Sinclair silenced her with a kiss. Her loud screams was beginning to attract passerby and they could easily recognize them and have rumors spreading in no time. The kiss was quite swift and he felt nothing at all. When he felt her relax in his hold, he let her go. At this point, persuading Natalie to accept his terms won’t work cause he already figured her desires to become Queen by all means. And his father would probably strip him off so many things of the merger doesn’t work out.
"I am sorry, Natalie. Fine. You win, let's get married.” Sinclair said defeated.
"That's nice. I will think about it.” She responded lightly before walking away.
Sinclair already know that her answer would be yes and just the thought of spending the rest of his life with her makes him feel sick.
**************************************
Brielle packed her clothes and some other things necessary for her escape. She head out of the house wondering if it would be the last time she see the house again. This is all Archer’s fault! Brielle thought as she hailed a taxi and got into it. Ever since he dropped Brielle back home, she began the plan of escape.
When Brielle was sure that he had left, she went straight to the hospital and got her father transferred with the help of her little savings and also with the help of the nurse taking care of him it had become possible to run things smoothly. As soon as she was sure that her dad would be fine, she came back home and booked a train ticket. Having made all the arrangements, she took the taxi and headed for the station. She prayed silently, hoping that when Archer won’t notice their disappearance. And even if he did, they would have been long gone.
As soon as the taxi stopped, she got out of the car in a hurry and headed into the train station. The continuous beep of her phone stopped her and when she saw the caller she felt so scared.
‘Hello.’ She answered the phone.
‘Brielle….It’s me…’ The nurse taking care of her father said in a shaky tone.
Her heartbeat accelerated. ‘What’s wrong?’ Brielle asked. She could already guess what might have gone wrong but she hoped it wasn’t the same.
‘We were stopped by some men and they have taken us hostage.’
Brielle shot her eyes close. ‘Are you hurt? Did they hurt anyone of you?’ She questioned frantically.
‘No we weren't hurt but they forced me to tell them where you are and I had no option than to tell them. I am sorry my child.’ She apologized in tears.
Knowing the kind of person Archer is, Brielle already knew that he would have threatened the nurse with some thing for her to have tell him where she was headed.
‘It’s okay, Nurse Lucia. He would have found me even though I had ran away without involving you.’ She responded sadly.
“Hello Brielle.”
On hearing a familiar voice behind her, Brielle turned quickly and saw Archer staring at her. He snatched the phone away from her and he held her by her arms.
"Think you could play smart right?! You know that I would always be one step ahead of you.” He said looking so angry.
"Let me go, Archer!" Brielle said trying to break free of his hold.
"Just shut up! How dare you try to run away from me after my warnings?! Your father and that stupid nurse will have to pay for it all!” He replied angrily.
"Don't you hurt them! Don't you dare!" She yelled at him as tear trickled down her cheeks.
"You don't have any right to make any demand so just shut up!" He replied, pushing me into the car.
Brielle moved to the far end not wanting to be close to him.
"Do you think you are so smart to leave without my notice? Am I that stupid to you?" He questioned harshly
“No! You are not! You are not stupid, Archer but for once I thought I could get out of this.” She cried.
"You should know that I can't let you go now. You are the most important tool for my plan and I won't let you go easily.” He grabbed her jaw line and tilted her face to read his lips. “You are my weapon!”
"Can't you see that I am not fit for all this? I could mess up along the way and—“ She groaned in pains. “Stop please! You are hurting me!" She cried as he held her jaw tightly.
"You have no say in this! You are to do what I say and that is what you will do! Okay? No more fuss!” He yelled at me, releasing her jaw like as he pushed her away. And Brielle had no option than to keep quiet.
"Tonight will be the night we start the plan." He said after a moment of silence clicked by.
"That soon?” Brielle asked.
"Yes. The more we delay it, the more it takes long. That good for nothing prince keeps on meddling and getting in my way. I want that to end as soon as possible.” He growled.
"So what are you going to do now?" She asked
"Your father will be kept in my custody so if you mess up, I can have him killed and then the real Natalie Harrison will be killed tonight.”
"What?! But I thought agreed to not hurt her.”
"She has to be gone completely. She has to die so that the path can be cleared for us. No matter what, I must succeed with my plan.” He gritted.
"So if you plan is to kill the real Natalie Harrison then how would I come in?" She asked.
"As of now, her break is being cut. The real Natalie Harrison will get in the car, drive and then she would crash her car. Boom! She’s gone! On the other hand, my men would be there to get her out of the car and then you will get in and pretend to be her.”
"But I won't have any injury!"
"That can be solved with a bit of accident so don't worry but you won't be hurt too much. I have to make this perfect, Brielle and I won't let you ruin it for me. I mean it.” The car stopped in front of a beauty salon. "We are going to get you to look like her.”
"I can't believe this is happening.” Brielle muttered to herself.
"It is and you better believe it.” He responded harshly.
The next few minutes was taken by the hair stylist who made her look exactly how Natalie Harrison looked on the news. When she finished Brielle was quite shocked by how much her face had changed. Archer paid the stylist a huge amount of money. He pulled Brielle out of the salon and they walked back to the car.
"Where are we going to now?" Brielle asked.
"To buy you some clothes.”
"For what exactly?"
"Natalie’s clothes is quite different from yours, if you get to the hospital and they see that you have been wearing your rags, they would suspect some thing wrong. The point is Natalie will never dress like you!” He said.
Brielle didn’t say anything. She remained silent even as they got to the boutique to buy clothes. She was dressed in a black silk gown, similar to that of Natalie’s. It really looked nice on her, if it weren't for the situation, Brielle would have liked the dress but she didn’t want to admire it. They got back into the car and soon they were at a house.
"Where is this?" Brielle asked.
"Where your father is being kept.” He answered.
"Can I go and see him?”
"No, I just brought you here so you can see this place and know that he is here. So any rubbish from you, this house will be burnt down and your father will be in it.”
"Don't hurt him please!" She begged.
Archer smirked. "Just do as I say and all will be well.” He replied tapping her right cheek. “Let’s go.” He commands the driver. The car drove off once again. It was getting darker. Soon the car stopped again in a street and they got down. The whole journey was making her head spin. She saw five of Archer’s men by the street already waiting for him to return.
“Why are we here again?” She wondered when all of this would over.
"Natalie’s car will be driving by soon and we must be ready." He said.
"There is one thing that we are leaving out, Archer. I don't know any thing about Natalie or her life.”
"Then you will learn during the whole act. Now it is time to get you ready." He said.
And before she could say anything else, she felt a hit on her head. It was so painful that it made her dizzy for a while, her vision became blurry as she fell right into Archer’s arms. The next thing she heard was a car bashing into a tree. Through her blurred vision, she could see Archer’s men heading to the car to pull out Natalie and she was lifted by Archer himself to the car.
She caught a glimpse of a bloody real Natalie being lifted out of the car. She felt so sick and sad that she could not do a thing for the poor girl being taken away. Brielle was gently placed in the driver’s seat and Archer made her head fall on the steering wheel, making it look like she had an accident. The last thing she saw was Archer smiling at her.
"Sleep tight baby sis, when you wake up again your life won't be the same anymore.”
Another hit on her and it made her lose consciousness completely.
Chapter 5 The new NatalieThe sun penetrating in through the window woke Brielle up. She opened her eyes only to find herself in a room. Taking in the surrounding, Brielle realized that she was in the hospital. Memories of what happened last night flashed into her mind’s eye. Just remembering what happened to Natalie made her want to cry. Knowing that she was now forced to live her life made the tears flow uncontrollably.The door burst open and she looked up to see a guy walk in. He was the same one in the pictures she had seen. The same man she has been instructed to kill. Archer’s mortal enemy—Prince Sinclair Miller."How do you feel?" He asked.Brielle had to admit that apart from having a handsome face, he also has a perfect voice and she couldn’t take her eyes off him. The door opened again and someone walked in. Looking up at the door, Brielle gasped out in dismay when she saw the person. Why is he here?! She mused.Still starring at the man who just walked in, Sinclair Miller
Chapter 6 No choice"Easy with her,” Mrs Harrison said as they helped Brielle on the wheel chair.After spending a week in the hospital, Brielle has been discharged finally. The past few days has been nothing but horror for her. She has been wondering how her life would be when she leaves this hospital and now it's happening“Careful with her okay? She will be the next Queen so you must watch how you touch her.” Mrs Harrison added, directly her words to the two female nurses who were helping Brielle into the wheel chair.Brielle watched her secretly and she realized that apart from being someone who cares about appearance, Mrs Harrison is also a mother who doesn't care a bit for her child. Ever since the day she stormed in here, she never came back until today. Mrs Harrison never came around to check how her daughter is or to even call and same thing was done by her father. If they had been this way with the real Natalie, Brielle wondered how the girl had been coping. A parents love a
Chapter 7 It’s time The restaurant was empty and Sinclair sat on one of the empty chairs waiting for her to show up. He took out his phone and read her last message to him. ‘We have to talk, Sinclair,. It's urgent. You pick the place and time and I will be there.’ Ever since Sinclair read the text, he has been wondering what she has to say to him. He hoped that it’s not what was occurring in his mind. What if it is? Sinclair thought as he threw his phone on the table “Your Highness, your guest have arrived.” One of the royal escort informed him. "Let her in." Sinclair replied immediately. The Royal escort walked away and soon he saw her walked in. Just as always, she is very beautiful and her smile, her smile always made his heart flutter and that was why he fell for her in the first place. She is an epitome of beauty and fragility. Any time he sets his eyes on her, he always has this urge to protect her at all cost. "You must be wondering why I asked to see you right?" She ask
Chapter 8 The arranged marriage"Wait till you see my daughter, you would certainly like her.” Mr Harrison bragged as they all sat in the room waiting for Natalie to come down stairs.Sinclair stood by the window staring at his phone for any message from Lorelei. Ever since he spoke with Lorelei at the restaurant today, she has been doing her best to avoid him. Each time he calls her, she won't pick and neither would she reply to any of his text messages. Doesn't she knows that she is driving him mad without her not answering him at all? He thought."Why don't you go and get Natalie?" King Ronan, Sinclair’a father said out of the blue."Do I really have to?" Sinclair asked staring at all of them."Yes Sinclair, we aren't the one getting married here and she is no one’s bride here but yours." King Ronan said.And having no choice, Sinclair stood up and went in search for Natalie. He was still staring at his phone, expecting Lorelei's reply when he almost to the stairs.Brielle was head
Chapter 9 Two Timings“Why are you here?!” She whisper yelled, surprised by his sudden appearance."To check on you." He replied."Why would you want to check on me? I am doing everything you are asked me to do!” She whispered."I know and I trust you to do the job perfectly. But I better let you in on the real reason why I am here.”"And what would the real reason be?" She asked."It’s time to put you to your first task.”"My first task?" Brielle arched her brows. "Don't tell me you have forgotten the real reason why you are here!” He whispered. And after thinking about it for a while, her eyes widened and she stared at him in horror."Don't tell me that it is time to—“"Yes, it’s time, Brielle. Time to know what you are capable of.” He smirked.Brielle felt her heart beating fast at the message he just passed across to her."What do you say? Are you ready to do it?' Archer asked Brielle.''I am...I am not ready!'' Brielle responded.''What do you mean you are not ready?!'' Archer
Chapter 10 Photo sessionSinclair walked out of the Harrison's mansion and headed to his next appointment. He kept thinking about Lorelei and what she said to him on the phone. And while the guards guided him towards his car, he saw Archer at the back entrance."What's he doing here?" He whispered to himself.Archer wasn't alone though, he was talking to someone but the person was hidden by the statue which had been placed in the Harrison's mansion and no matter how Sinclair tried, he couldn't see the person.It was odd though cause Archer doesn't know anyone from the Harrison's mansion, so who could he be talking to? *********************"You coming outside to talk to me is something you shouldn't even dream of doing, No one must know that we know each other but since you are here, tell me what you want to tell me and you must hurry." Archer said, staring at his watch.Brielle wouldn't have come after him if only he had given her his word about her father and a promis
Chapter 11 The EngagementTHE DAY OF THE ENGAGEMENT PARTYThe car drove into the palace and Brielle found herself awestruck at it beauty and surrounding. The engagement party was to take place in the palace and so they had to come early to get prepared. Ever since Brielle woke up, she has been feeling so down cause she would have to put on an act tonight too. Having to lie and trying to pretend that she is someone who she is not only makes her feel tired and guilty. If only she can just get away from everything and everyone.As soon as the car stopped, they got out of it. Brielle saw the maids and other workers outside all waiting to welcome them. King Ronan and Queen Miller stood by the door also waiting for them and it seems like the whole house came to welcome them except for one person; Sinclair.Mr & Mrs Harrison and Brielle bowed in respect to the King and Queen and then they were led to the room where the engagement party would be done. While two maids went with Mr and Mrs Harr
Chapter 12 Her propositionBrielle couldn’t just believe what happened now. Why had he stormed in like that? Why had he been furious about Lorelei? Why did he get so angry to an extent of manhandling her? Brielle stared at the clothes she had to wear for the party and it looked creased already. Lorelei? Does he know her and why did he behave in such manner?"My God! Natalie, what happened to your dress?!” Mrs Harrison said intruding her thoughts."It's nothing.” Brielle replied."Come on, look at the your dress. It's all creased now. It doesn't look good anymore, take it off. I will get you another dress."She said."No, I don't want a new dress, I will be wearing it to the party like that." She said."What?!""You heard me right! I won't change it.” Brielle replied and went out of the room.Sinclair ruined the dress, so she won't give him the satisfaction of changing it. While everyone went into the hall where the party was being held, Brielle stood outside waiting for him to show up.
Chapter 17 RumorsBrielle limped into the study hoping to see Sinclair there but he was no where to be found. She went out of the study only to hear someone's voice at the balcony. Could it be Sinclair? Brielle thought as she went there with the hope he would be the one. She got to balcony and saw Sinclair, he was on the phone call. She noticed that something was wrong because of the expression he had on his face.Brielle was about calling out to Sinclair when she saw the placement on the vase, someone already tampered with it. She was sure that the case was going to drop right on Sinclair. Quickly, Brielle ran towards him putting pressure on her injured feet. Though it hurts but Sinclair's safety was more important. Immediately she shoved him out of harm's way, the glass vase fell and shattered into pieces. Brielle laid on the floor with Sinclair holding unto her. They were like that for a while even after the vase had been broken.Brielle stared at Sinclair and saw him staring at he
Chapter 16 Harm wayThe doctor made it clear to Brielle that she still needed to take care of her health and that for a while, she will be using crutches. And then Mr and Mrs Harrison went to fill out the form so she can be discharged. Brielle was dressed by one of the nurses and she was asked to wait for the wheel chair to be brought in while all this was been done, Sinclair never left the room. As soon as Brielle was dressed, Sinclair began to stare at her and it was in a strange way. Could it be that he was suspicious about her? Could he still be wondering why Archer came to see her? Brielle thought as she looked confused.The nurse left the room leaving the both of them alone. Brielle had to know what Sinclair was thinking about and without delay, she asked Sinclair, "What's wrong? You have been staring at me. Did I do anything wrong?" "No matter how I think about it, I still don't know how you suddenly changed overnight.” Sinclair said."Change? Oh!” She said, feeling relieved t
Chapter 15 The Heroine"Natalie, I just asked you a question.” Sinclair said still waiting for an explanation from Brielle."About the bomb, I...I overhead someone saying that it had been placed in your car." She quickly made up a lie."Who? How does the person look? Can you give me a full detail of what you heard.” Sinclair asked."I...I didn't really see the person and I don't know who he is. I didn't wait to listen to the rest of the conversation because I was trying to get a hold of you." Brielle replied Sinclair."But still you would have seen and heard something. All I need is a clue." Sinclair said curiously."I...I…I—“ Brielle stuttered."Stop questioning her Sinclair, she just woke up after three days. She needs her rest and besides you have reported the incident to the cops. Let them deal with the rest." Lorelei said."The cops! The cops knows about this?" Brielle asked."It is an attempted murder, the cops will be involved in it. After all, I am the prince and now my life
Chapter 14 The ExplosionWhere is Sinclair? Brielle thought frantically as she looked for him everywhere. For the past one hour, she has been searching for Sinclair but there was no sign of him and each time she call his cell phone, it was directing her to his voicemail. Could this be his fate? For her not being able to find Sinclair to warn him. Could it really be that he is destined to die in the hands of Archer? She thought.“What is wrong with you, Natalie?" Mrs Harrison asked as she moved towards her."Something bad is going to happen!" Brielle said."What do you mean by something bad? Are you planning on breaking the engagement just like you did in the past? Listen to me young woman, you better not try—“"I am not talking about the engagement!” Brielle yelled at her."Just stay upstairs, make sure everyone stays upstairs and under no circumstance should anyone go downstairs.” Brielle said to her and she nodded staring at her with a strange face.Brielle had only been thinking ab
Chapter 13 Accepting her termsBrielle went into the ladies room and found Lorelei standing by the wash hand basin. She turned and from the look she gave Brielle, she could tell that Lorelei was surprised to see her."You are not suppose to be here.” Lorelei said."It's okay, I just want to talk to you." Brielle told her."But you are suppose to hate me, I am the girl your husband to be loves." Lorelei replied her."I know and I am happy for the both of you.” Brielle said smiling to her."Why?" Lorelei asked surprisingly."Because I don't love Sinclair and I don't want to get into this marriage as much as he does." Brielle replied."But you wanted it, you even came to me and warned me that if I kept on seeing Sinclair, you will make my life a living hell.” Lorelei said.She knows for sure that she would never do such a thing, so it must definitely be the real Natalie."Well, that's all in the past, I didn't mean it back then." Brielle said."Do you mean it now?" Lorelei asked still b
Chapter 12 Her propositionBrielle couldn’t just believe what happened now. Why had he stormed in like that? Why had he been furious about Lorelei? Why did he get so angry to an extent of manhandling her? Brielle stared at the clothes she had to wear for the party and it looked creased already. Lorelei? Does he know her and why did he behave in such manner?"My God! Natalie, what happened to your dress?!” Mrs Harrison said intruding her thoughts."It's nothing.” Brielle replied."Come on, look at the your dress. It's all creased now. It doesn't look good anymore, take it off. I will get you another dress."She said."No, I don't want a new dress, I will be wearing it to the party like that." She said."What?!""You heard me right! I won't change it.” Brielle replied and went out of the room.Sinclair ruined the dress, so she won't give him the satisfaction of changing it. While everyone went into the hall where the party was being held, Brielle stood outside waiting for him to show up.
Chapter 11 The EngagementTHE DAY OF THE ENGAGEMENT PARTYThe car drove into the palace and Brielle found herself awestruck at it beauty and surrounding. The engagement party was to take place in the palace and so they had to come early to get prepared. Ever since Brielle woke up, she has been feeling so down cause she would have to put on an act tonight too. Having to lie and trying to pretend that she is someone who she is not only makes her feel tired and guilty. If only she can just get away from everything and everyone.As soon as the car stopped, they got out of it. Brielle saw the maids and other workers outside all waiting to welcome them. King Ronan and Queen Miller stood by the door also waiting for them and it seems like the whole house came to welcome them except for one person; Sinclair.Mr & Mrs Harrison and Brielle bowed in respect to the King and Queen and then they were led to the room where the engagement party would be done. While two maids went with Mr and Mrs Harr
Chapter 10 Photo sessionSinclair walked out of the Harrison's mansion and headed to his next appointment. He kept thinking about Lorelei and what she said to him on the phone. And while the guards guided him towards his car, he saw Archer at the back entrance."What's he doing here?" He whispered to himself.Archer wasn't alone though, he was talking to someone but the person was hidden by the statue which had been placed in the Harrison's mansion and no matter how Sinclair tried, he couldn't see the person.It was odd though cause Archer doesn't know anyone from the Harrison's mansion, so who could he be talking to? *********************"You coming outside to talk to me is something you shouldn't even dream of doing, No one must know that we know each other but since you are here, tell me what you want to tell me and you must hurry." Archer said, staring at his watch.Brielle wouldn't have come after him if only he had given her his word about her father and a promis
Chapter 9 Two Timings“Why are you here?!” She whisper yelled, surprised by his sudden appearance."To check on you." He replied."Why would you want to check on me? I am doing everything you are asked me to do!” She whispered."I know and I trust you to do the job perfectly. But I better let you in on the real reason why I am here.”"And what would the real reason be?" She asked."It’s time to put you to your first task.”"My first task?" Brielle arched her brows. "Don't tell me you have forgotten the real reason why you are here!” He whispered. And after thinking about it for a while, her eyes widened and she stared at him in horror."Don't tell me that it is time to—“"Yes, it’s time, Brielle. Time to know what you are capable of.” He smirked.Brielle felt her heart beating fast at the message he just passed across to her."What do you say? Are you ready to do it?' Archer asked Brielle.''I am...I am not ready!'' Brielle responded.''What do you mean you are not ready?!'' Archer