I have been pretending to be someone I am not. An intricately designed facade of flawlessness. Daughter, girlfriend, friend - these are roles I carry like clothes that don't quite fit. Underneath it all, I feel like a stranger, confused and scared.I was afraid of Edward before. His generosity remains a mystery that I cannot figure out. He perceives a flaw within me, reflected in his gaze. It is an odd sense of solace, a reliance I haven't deserved.Alex, however, possesses one of my secrets. A risky individual. A truth that has the potential to break everything apart. I am stuck, held captive by my own lack of courage.I am plagued by nightmares. My dreams are filled with images of control and suffering. Upon waking, my heart races as I find myself engulfed in a realm of darkness. These dreams are a mystery that I can't solve.With Edward, I discovered a bravery that I never realised was within me. He is like a stronghold, a protection from the turmoil inside. I hold on to this power
Vanessa gradually opened her eyes, taking in her surroundings in a dazed manner. Edward was seated beside her on the couch, softly running his hand through her hair as she lay there."Hey, are you alright?" he inquired, his tone gentle and worried.Vanessa nodded. "I believe that is the case. Can you tell me what occurred?""You passed out. Alex walked in and saw us together. Was that the reason..."Vanessa's eyes grew larger as she recalled the situation. "Not at all. I don't know, I just lost myself for a moment."Edward had a look on his face but it changed within a second..Vanessa rose to a sitting position, scanning the room. Alex sat in a chair with composure. Although his eyes said other things."Hello," he greeted.Edward pulled Vanessa to a corner before she could even reply. She had a confused look in her eyes and he could tell it was because of Alex."I let him here because of you." He clarified."But why?" "You need to hear his own side. He has something to say to you."
The sun rays from the window cast shadows across the dining table, Damian Clark's fork clinked against his plate. His grey eyes moving from his wife Victoria and to their son Edward, the silence brought tension to the room.Edward shook his head and pushed his food around the plate, his handsome body physique leaning on his chair. Looking up his gaze met that of his father "can you imagine I had another dream last night," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.Victoria's hand trembled as she set down her wine glass. "Oh my dear Edward, this is not an issue we should be discuss over and over again. The doctor said"She couldn't finish, Edward cut her half way."The doctor can say whatever he wants to, I don't care!" Edward's outburst echoed through the dining room. "These aren't just dreams and nightmares, this feels real like my memories."Damian's lips tightened, He was short of words. "Son, it's been five years since the accident. You need to focus on the future, not dwell on
"Vanessa, dear, please have a seat," Queen Evelyn's gentle voice broke through the silence. Vanessa turned to see her parents entering the room, their expressions serious yet it seems their minds were made up already.Vanessa Richardson stood by the grand window of the drawing room in the Palace, her gaze fixed on the gardens below. The sight was serene, but her heart pounded with anxiety as she waited for her parents, King Harry and Queen Evelyn, to join her.Taking a deep breath, Vanessa moved to sit on the sofa opposite her parents. King Harry settled beside her mother, his usually jovial expression now followed with gravity, one could sense the king's aura even from afar."Vanessa, my darling," King Harry began, his voice carrying the weight of responsibility that came with centuries of royal lineage, "as you know, our family is facing unprecedented financial crises."Vanessa nodded silently, her eyes not focusing on anything but wanders between her father's stern expression and h
"Edward, where are you going, and what past are you talking about?" Vanessa called him, No time to explain so he kept going. “Not now” he murmured to himself.Finally He was out of the palace, in the cold breeze, he walked together to his car where his driver and his friend Alphonsus were waiting.Arriving at the park, he scanned the area with his eyes. Everywhere was silent, and kept moving towards the building, his eyes darting from side to side."Where are you?" he muttered under his breath, frustration building with each passing moment. He checked the letter again, the words burning into his mind. This was the place, there was no mistake.“Who is this lady you are looking for again? This is not the almighty Edward of the D.C dynasty I know” Alphonsus asked with curiosity.Edward turned to Alphonsus with a piercing look “Are you making mockery of my predicaments?” “Why would I do that, I am just curious” Alphonsus defended himself.“This is not the time to be curious man, Help me
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
Edward and Vanessa sat across each other on the dining room as the soft candlelight illuminated the walls, what was left of their just concluded marriage ceremony scattered before them.The day had been a swing from one activity to another and small talk with dignitaries. Now they are left alone, the dawn of reality settled on them, it's official.Edward cleared his throat. "So, about your move to the mansion..."Vanessa looked up with keen expression. "Yes?""The east wing is all yours, I have it prepared specially for you" Edward said, with a business like tone. "It's been fully renovated and should meet all your needs."Vanessa gave him a sarcastic look. "How generous of you"Edward's eyes narrowed. "But me be clear about one thing, Princess. Of course this marriage is necessary, but it doesn't mean we have to pretend to be something we are not. You live your life, and I live mine. No interference whatsoever."Vanessa raised an eyebrow. "Believe me, Edward, the last thing I want is
Edwards' Black badge Cullinan series Rolls Royce Drove through the streets of London, taking the latest couples to their new home. Looking out the window, Vanessa felt relieved not because of the view, but because she was out of those Palace walls. Sitting in silence has now become a norm between these two, only that this time it was thick with unspoken thoughts.They removed at the giant but beautiful gates of Edward mansion, Vanessa was left in shock, because the sheer grandeur of the place was overwhelming, bigger than her father's palace."Welcome home wify," Edward said, with a gentle voice that seemed odd.One of the guards opened the door as Vanessa alighted out of the car, she took two huge breaths as took the new surroundings all in. "Impressive."Edward's lips quivered into a half-smile. "Wait until you see the inside."As they entered, a flurry of staff greeted them. Edward introduced Vanessa to the head housekeeper, Mrs. Thornton, a stern-looking woman with kind eyes.