CHAPTER 4: Crossroads

Edward paced the luxurious suite, his mind racing. The walls of the D.C. Dynasty's West London property felt suffocating despite the opulent surroundings. He checked his watch again, impatient for Alphonsus to arrive.

A knock at the door broke his reverie. "Come in," he called out.

Alphonsus strode in, concern etched on his face. "Ed, what's going on? Your message sounded urgent."

Edward gestured to the bar. "Pour yourself a drink. You're going to need it."

As Alphonsus fixed himself a scotch, Edward took a deep breath. "I've decided to stop chasing ghosts, Al. I'm going to marry Vanessa."

Alphonsus nearly choked on his drink. "What? But what about the mysterious woman? The letters?"

Edward's jaw tightened. "It was all a wild goose chase. I had Casper dig deeper, and..." He paused, steeling himself. "Olivia's dead, Al. She died in the accident five years ago."

"Christ," Alphonsus whispered. "Ed, I'm so sorry. But how...?"

"Apparently, my parents thought it would be too devastating for me to know. With the amnesia and all..." Edward's voice trailed off.

Alphonsus set down his glass, his brow furrowed. "Hold on. If Olivia died in the accident, then who the hell has been sending you those letters? Who's been watching you?"

"That's what I understand. I fired Casper because he couldn't track her down. Said she was always one step ahead."

"You fired Casper? Ed, he's the best in the business."

"Well, clearly not good enough," Edward snapped. 

He took a calming breath. "I'm sorry , my friend but I'm tired of all of this. The royal family needs this alliance, and frankly, so does the D.C. Dynasty."

Alphonsus studied his friend closely. "And Vanessa? How do you feel about her?"

Edward's expression softened almost imperceptibly. "She's... not what I expected. There's a strength to her, a kindness."

A sly grin spread across Alphonsus's face. "Well, well. Is the great Edward Clark actually developing feelings?"

"Don't be ridiculous," Edward scoffed, but there was a hint of color in his cheeks. "This is about duty, nothing more."

"If you say so," Alphonsus chuckled, raising his glass in a mock toast. "To duty, then."

Edward shook his head, a look of determination settling on his face. "You know what, Al? I'm done with this wild goose chase."

"What do you mean?" Alphonsus asked, leaning forward.

Edward pulled out his phone, showing Alphonsus another cryptic message from the mysterious woman. "I am done doing the chasing. I need to look at the reality right now, which is to get engaged."

"So, you're going through with the royal alliance?" Alphonsus raised an eyebrow.

"Yes," Edward nodded firmly. "If this person is so serious, let them show their face. I'm ready to get this deal with the royal family done."

Alphonsus studied his friend for a moment. "You sure about this, Ed?"

"I'm very sure of that, it feel like the right thing to do, or do you have better ideas”.

Alphonsus had no intentions of answering that, he raised his glass up and observe the content. "You know I will always support you. But what about your parents? They've been keeping this secret about Olivia all this time."

Edward's expression darkened. "I'll come back to them later, the task at hand is also very important."

"And that task would be...?" Alphonsus prodded.

"Is not as if am going to convince some princess to marry me, that has been arranged already"

Alphonsus laughed. "For the great Edward Clark? Piece of cake."

Edward stood, straightening his suit. "I should get going. The palace is expecting me."

"Ed," Alphonsus called as his friend reached the door. "I will always have your back no matter what happens."

Edward nodded, gratitude evident in his eyes. "Thanks, Al. I might just need it."

Meanwhile, at the palace...

As princess Vanessa walked through the beautiful gardens, her ever present maid Grace by her side. Enjoying the good smell of roses, even the smell of rose couldn't bring happiness .

"It's been over a week now, Grace," Vanessa sighed, her fingers brushing against a delicate petal. "Edward still hasn't returned. Let me just get this over with."

Grace offered a sympathetic smile. "Patience, Your Highness. These matters can be complicated."

"Complicated seems to be an understatement when it comes to Edward Clark," Vanessa muttered.

Grace hesitated for a moment before speaking. "If I may, Your Highness... how do you truly feel about this arrangement?"

Vanessa stopped, turning to face her maid. "I can't tell, Grace. At this pace I need to make  hay."

"Now that you have met Edward," Grace inquired gently. "What can you say about him?"

Vanessa looked into an empty space, well he is not what I expected actually, even with his arrogance, he can still be broken. But he's also haunted by something, Grace. I can see it in his eyes."

"Perhaps you two have more in common than you think," Grace suggested softly.

Vanessa opened her mouth to respond, but was interrupted by the swift approach of a palace guard. He bowed as he reached them. "Your Highness, I bring news. Mr. Edward Clark has arrived at the palace. The King requires your presence immediately."

Vanessa's heart beat became palpable, even though she was relieved a little, she turned and looked at Grace and smilled.

"Thank you," she told the guard. "I'll be there right away."

As the guard retreated, Vanessa turned to Grace. "Well, it seems the moment of truth has arrived."

Grace smiled back reassuring her. "Always remember you are the best princess in the whole world. Whatever happens in there, face it with the grace and dignity of a true princess."

Vanessa nodded, taking a deep breath. "Thank you, Grace. What will I do without you?."

Vanessa headed back to the palace, her mind wasn't at ease. Edward was back. I hope what ever reason he is here is for the good of this .

As Vanessa came close to the palace she was preparing her mind for whatever is waiting for her inside. The time for uncertainty was over. Now, they would face whatever lay ahead  together.

Before she entered she took three deep breaths, and when has gathered courage, she pushed the door and entered.

Inside, the room was silent. Edward Clark was standing at the centre and her parents were sitting on one sofa waitinng. 

King Harry's voice broke the tension. "Ah, Vanessa. Thank you for joining us. It seems Mr. Clark has reached a decision."

Vanessa moved forward, her heart pounding but her steps steady. "Has he indeed?" she said, her gaze never leaving Edward's face. "Well then, Mr. Clark, we're all ears”.