BY GOD’S GRACE IT’S ON AMAZON
Hi fam!
I hope you are all well by GOD’S Grace. Most have requested to have this book on Amazon and by GOD’S Grace, it’s done (though in Kindle format for now).
It will be available for free from the 27th — 31st of January, GOD willing. I’m considering making it completely free afterwards.
What do you all think? Are you glad it’s on Amazon? And should we make it completely free? I feel like doing so… XD And, should I keep posting it up here?
Please, let me know your thoughts and opinions. ❤️
Here is a link to it now by GOD’S Grace:
https://a.co/d/iNt4Xk0
CHAPTER FORTY-TWO
On reaching home, Aquilina felt drained. She wasn't only exhausted physically, but mentally as well.
She tiredly took off her shoes at the entrance and slipped her feet into her fluffy indoor ones.
"Estás aqui (you're here)."
Aqui's head jerked up in surprise at the sound of Javier's voice. She hadn't expected him to be waiting around for her.
"Hey," she said softly to him, a tired smile on her face. She began to walk toward him.
"Long day, huh?"
"That's an understatement," she dropped her bag on the sofa. "I'm knackered. Sorry to have kept you waiting for so long."
As she approached him, she noticed how different he looked.
He often dressed formally, even at school—to show off his status.
But dressed in his khakis and a simple T-shirt, she realised how beautiful and young he was. He was just like her.
Young, yet they had both been thrown into a chaotic world filled with power-hungry fiends.
And they never seemed to be satisfied till they had trodden everyone underfoot to reach their goals.
"I got you this," Javier said softly to her.
Aqui then noticed the steaming cup in his hand. She gently reached for it.
"Mmm..." she moaned, giving him an approving smile when she realised its contents. "Hibiscus tea, my favourite."
"And I added some ginger too." He casually placed his hands in his pocket.
"Muchas gracias(Thanks a lot), Javi."
"Javi?" He cocked an eyebrow, clearly amused. "So you're giving me a nickname now, angelito mío?"
An embarrassed Aqui raised the cup to cover her face as she rushed past him and headed towards their room.
"Hey, where are you going to?" He followed after her.
"I'm going to freshen up," Aqui said over her shoulder without stopping.
"Alright," Javier finally stopped as she reached the doorway. "I'll be in the office. There are a few things I have to handle."
"Have you had dinner yet?" Aqui finally stopped, with a hand over the doorknob. "I prepared you something for later too."
"I know... but I was waiting for you."
Something in Aqui's heart melted a fraction. She could sense the old walls within—as thick as Jericho's—begin to crumble bit by bit. It wasn't much of a clearing, but it was something.
And the feeling alarmed her.
"I'll be out in no time."
She didn't give him the chance to respond before darting into their bedroom. After shutting the door, she leaned against it.
What is happening to me?
She had sworn to never give anyone such a chance in her heart—again.
After calming her beating heart with some deep breaths, Aqui finally pulled away from the door and decided to freshen up.
———
"I'm sorry, sir. But all I could find from one of my spies is their address," Boris informed.
He had long practised this little speech. Boris knew he was lying, so he had to perfect his act. For his Rukovoditel'(Boss), Vladimir, was highly perceptive.
"The Homeric Estate? That's all you could find about this... Princess?"
His eyes seemed aflame with the intense anger boiling within him.
"It was very difficult to find even that bit of information. The Jaye family do cherish their privacy."
Vladimir finally stood up and pinched the bridge of his nose. He willed himself to be calm.
At his young age, he had gained all he had—becoming a Mafia leader, alongside owning some of the top leading businesses in the world—by that one virtue. Patience.
Though he was also of royal descent, he had once almost lost all he had.
He couldn't afford to make any rash decisions that would cost him all he had struggled to attain.
"The Estate is very difficult to break into," he looked away for a moment before facing Boris.
"Tell my assistant to call the other leaders of The Rebellion. I need to have an emergency meeting with them. I know who can help us get in."
"Yes, sir," Boris nodded once and turned around to leave.
He had chosen not to directly give up Aquilina.
It is all up to her fate now.
———
"I can do it alone!" Aqui whined as Javier continued to wash the dishes.
He didn't say a word to her but had his back turned as he went on.
When he was done, he turned to a very distraught Aqui with a smirk playing on his lips.
"When my beautiful wife prepares the tastiest meal I've ever had, this is the least I can do."
He surprised her by placing a kiss on her forehead.
"I'll be upstairs going over some final documents."
Javier didn't give Aquilina a chance to reply before heading out.
Once again, with mouth agape, she stared after him — lost for words.
He keeps leaving me speechless.
She groaned and began to walk out when a sudden thought hit her, causing her to halt abruptly.
How do I tell such a loving boy, that his mother has been around all this while?
—————————
Hi, fam! Thanks a lot for making it this far. I appreciate it. GOD bless you all.
Vladimir is above
Until next time, GOD willing.
Love,
Phela
CHAPTER FORTY-ONE
THIRD PERSON POV
As the clock struck 5:30 PM, Aquilina was glad to have made it to the WACO's Head Base in good time.
Knowing Javier would be waiting for her, she had sped up on her way to the Base. She hoped to finish up her business and make it home in time.
"Princess," Ray nodded in her direction as she stepped off the elevator on the last floor.
He was her former boss's assistant, a man she had never seemed to have a good feeling about.
"Ray," she responded in kind, giving him a quick polite smile.
Despite her identity having been revealed, her picture was not as publicised. So only those in the higher offices knew her real identity.
As Ray by-passed her into his office, Aqui headed towards her goal, Mike's office.
———
At Velvet Regent's Checkpoint
Boris was mulling over the latest instructions he had received from his Rukovoditel' as he went through the Security Checkpoint and handed over his ID.
"I need to find out everything about the Princess the scoundrel Javier is supposed to get married to. Rumours have it she was right under your nose," his Boss had told him quite furiously.
"Remember, it is to get the Jayes seal of authority and access to the Israeli RTS device, the Lion Dome, that we wanted to use their future son-in-law as quarry."
Boris sighed and ran a hand through his slightly unkempt hair. He'd had little rest the previous night.
He had already given them every information about Prince Javier he could find, along with intel on his friends.
Yet, his boss had no clue about who that Princess was. Aquilina.
Despite her being at the tournament, her identity was yet to be fully revealed to the public.
He remembered when Aqui's mother had once saved his life when they were younger.
Thus, his resistance to give up any information about her.
It seemed he had no choice now.
"Here you go, Sir," the Security man handed over his ID card and ushered him to enter through the teacher's entryway.
Yes, he was a teacher at Velvet Regent. But, he went by a different name.
As his card read, Francis Jones, Art Department.
———
Back At The WACO Head Base
"So, that sums up what we've extracted from them so far... nothing."
Mike sighed and stood up from behind his desk to stand by the large screen in his office.
Aqui glanced at the files he had just shown and gone over with her. They were lying on his desk and were the same as what was displayed on the large screen.
On reaching for them, she thought she found a strange pattern.
"Mihai(Mike)?"
He turned around to face her. He looked really worn and stressed out.
"Would you mind if I take these and study them overnight?"
"Of course..." he started slowly. "Is there anything you see?"
She caught the glimmer of hope in his eyes but didn't want to give him any false hopes in case it didn't turn out as she thought.
"Uhm... I'll just look through and see."
He stared at her for a second before giving her a slight smile.
"Alright."
Aqui was glad to see his mood lighten up, even if it was just a bit.
"Have you eaten yet?" He glanced at the clock on the wall for a brief moment. "Let me take you somewhere."
"Oh, I'm okay." Aqui rose from her seat whilst gathering the documents with the details on the assassins.
"Are you sure? I wouldn't mind."
"Actually... Javier is probably at home waiting for me," she quickly looked down to hide the blush on her cheeks.
"Oh," he said with a twinkle in his eyes. "No time for the brother now, eh? I never should have allowed this then," he faked a pout. "You go on and leave me here alone."
"Mike!" She looked up—her face crimson at that point.
Mike's shoulders shook as he burst out laughing.
"You go on and tease me. I'm leaving."
She rushed out as he continued to laugh behind her.
Aqui still had a slight blush on her cheeks as the elevator descended to the Tech Floor. But, she sobered up when she remembered her mission.
Before going up to her brother earlier on, she had left the footage of the woman she had met whilst exiting the QRS Plaza with someone on the Tech Team.
She could have done it herself, but had an uncanny feeling she would not like what she would find.
So, she had given it to a close friend of hers in the Team, Suzy, and told her to be discreet about it.
"You're here," Suzy, an intelligent Korean-Nigerian, looked up the moment Aqui arrived at her work station.
"Have you found anything yet?"
Suzy took off the head-phones she had over her ears. After glancing around to see if anyone else was watching, she pulled Aqui to the side.
Suzy finally turned to look at her with a serious look on her face, and replied.
"You are not going to believe what I found."
——————
Ooo... How many of you had thought there was something shady about Mr Francis?
And... any guesses on the woman's identity yet? Come on, drop your answers! I can't wait to hear them.
P. S. I'm sorry if there are any mistakes in this. My eyes want to shut at this moment. Might go over it again, God willing.
Con Amor,
Phela.
(Picture of Suzy below, actual person is really Korean-Nigerian)
CHAPTER FORTY
GOD bless you all for your love and patience... your kindness, and support. It encourages me a lot... Really.
Toda Raba(Thanks a lot)
———————————-
"What do you mean I've hidden everything from you?"
Aquilina hoped with all her heart that her voice wouldn't give her away. She had tried to sound as nonchalant as possible. But, Tarquin could be highly perceptive.
And she didn't know what he knew—or didn't know.
"You know exactly what I am referring to Aquilina."
She tried to meet his gaze—which was hard and undecipherable.
Has his father told him?
Aqui couldn't tell. And she couldn't risk exposing everything if his father had not yet told him.
She had told him not to tell about it, right? She dried her sweaty palms on her skirt underneath the table where she had hidden them.
One of the reasons why she hadn't wanted Tarquin to find out had to do with his father.
They had a close bond that she didn't want to break—despite all that King Flavian had done to her.
And besides, they couldn't be together anymore. So why kindle a flame out of ashes?
She set her jaw, determined not to give anything away.
"Well Tarquin, I think everything that needs to be out in the open is already so. So, I don't know what you are troubling yourself over."
His cold blue eyes seemed to pierce straight into her heart, scrutinising and dissecting every intent of her heart.
"If you say so," he seemed to finally have the answer he was looking for. He sat back and began to eat.
——-
In a hidden underground base
He was seated behind his desk, a cigarette in hand. As he swivelled his chair left and right, the perpetual smoke continued to fill the room.
He halted when there was a knock at the door.
Two short taps, a pause, then another. He knew who it was without having to ask.
"Come in, Boris," his Russian accent was very evident.
His employ, a man in his mid-forties, whom no one would ever deem fit for the work he did, stepped in. He was shorter than the average man, and he always dressed and looked too humble for his deeds.
Yet, he was Boris, one of the deadliest assassins to have ever lived. And he was also his informant.
Boris' bulky clothes and simple appearance belied the strength he actually had. He also had a talent for hiding his accent and using other ones instead.
"Have you gotten what I asked of you?" The man behind the desk asked.
He wasn't as old as Boris.
Contrariwise, he was young and considered attractive by most.
With his tall build, and strong jaw, most couldn't resist his charms.
He was a well-known businessman by day. But by night, he was the leader of one of the deadliest mafia groups to have ever existed.
"Yes, Rukovoditel(Boss)," he approached and placed the document on the table.
"I have here the data of their recent dealings."
Glancing through the document, the man behind the desk smiled — a slow, deliberate ominous smile.
"Good."
——-
The sun had begun to set when a stressed-out Aqui walked out of the special entrance of the plaza. She felt drained of energy despite the meal she had taken.
She had lost her appetite during their conversation but knew it would have been rude to decline the food.
Aqui glanced at her watch to check the time, Javier would have waited for her for quite some time.
So lost in thought was she, that Aqui did not realise another figure approaching till they collided.
"Oh, I'm sorry—," she began to apologise when she noticed whom she had bumped into.
The person was not familiar to her, yet, she felt oddly connected. The woman, who appeared to be in her late forties was striking, despite her age.
With dark lustrous hair, and rare—violet eyes?
"Don't worry, dear."
The woman fondly replied and readjusted her purse before proceeding to enter the plaza.
A strong feeling of déjà vu filled Aqui.
Why does she seem so familiar?
———————-
So... what do you think of Boris? And the woman Aqui collided with?
See you soon.
Phela ❣️
CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE
(The Plaza)
"Mike, how's the investigation going?"
Aquilina sat at a secluded area of the Meir Plaza in her DBX with the door open.
Looking out the window, the horizon showed the fair pastel colours of sunset. It was a calm and serene atmosphere. Yet, her nerves were far from calm.
She drew her attention back to the call as Mike, her brother, began to speak.
"The assassins are giving us no information, Aqui. Whoever trained them did very well," he sighed.
Even from the tone of his voice, Aqui could detect that her brother was distressed.
"I see..." she responded with her voice trailing off.
"Ma Kore?(What's up?)" Mike asked, sensing she had something in mind.
"Would you mind if I come over to help? I also need to investigate something."
"Aren't you busy these days taking over from Sal?"
"Oh, don't worry. For this, I have time." Aqui reached over and pressed the button which lit up the Video Screen in her car.
"Alright, achoti(my sister), I'll see you soon."
After Mike had hung up, Aqui forwarded the video she had recorded. She often kept a hidden recorder on her.
She saw the footage of her entry into the QRS Building of the Plaza, the meeting she had just had, and finally, there it was.
A clear image of the woman she had met whilst exiting.
She examined every one of her features, taking out a pen to note some details.
It's time to find out who she is.
Previous Day:
"I'll try to move in by tomorrow," Javier said as Aqui escorted him to the front door.
He was done touring her place and had informed her that he was going to stay with her.
She had been a bit withdrawn after her earlier phone call. Yet, she gave him a slight smile.
Probably things are improving already, Javier exulted in his heart opening the door.
"Then, I will text you the codes."
"Vale, querida(Alright, dear)."
"Would you want me to prepare you anything?" Aqui inquired shyly, not quite meeting his eyes.
He looked at her with his intense violet eyes for a long moment without answering. She finally raised her head to meet his gaze after noticing his silent stare.
"What is it—?"
But she was cut short when he engulfed her in a tight, warm embrace. It had been so unexpected causing her to gasp.
Eyes wide and mouth agape, she stood still for a moment. His arms were wrapped tightly around her.
And before she knew it, she was embracing him back.
"I will love anything you prepare, angelito mío(my little angel)," his voice came as a silent whisper—his lips close to her ears.
He then drew back and smiled before stepping out the door.
What just happened?
Aqui wondered when the door shut firmly behind him, making a beep echo through the building.
She had been caught off-guard by Javier's actions. Aqui shook her head and forced herself not to dwell on it for long.
Her mind finally wandered back to the phone call she had received moments prior.
~~~
"Hello?" She had responded walking away from Javier in her room — well, their room.
She didn't hear any sound or reply except the silent breathing of someone as she neared the balcony.
Quickly checking the screen, she found the caller was 'Unknown'.
That was strange because she had an excellent background checker on her phone—due to the WACO.
"Who is this?" She queried, a slight frown on her face as she leaned against the railing.
The person on the other end of the phone was silent for a moment before exhaling loudly and finally replying.
"Sono io(It is I)."
Aqui felt her body grow tense with her heartbeat rapidly increasing — that had become her natural response to that person.
"Tarquin," her voice was barely above a whisper.
"Aquilina," his deep voice didn't sound as chilly as it had been during their last encounter.
"Wh-Why are you calling me?" She broke into a cold sweat.
"We need to talk."
His answer was straightforward and his voice emotionless, nonetheless.
Aqui massaged her temples in frustration.
What could this be about?
"Meet me at the Meir Plaza by 3 PM tomorrow. At the QRS building. Piero will be there to lead you to me."
He did not give her a chance to respond before ending the call.
What now?
—————
When Javier entered Aqui's house, or rather, their home the next day, he wasn't surprised to find the place empty.
His aides were going to arrive in no time with his belongings. Yet, he couldn't deny that he still felt the void and the disappointment.
Aqui had sent him a text with the codes. And explained that she had had to leave. But would return soon.
Oh well, what can I do about it? He reasoned with himself as he began to tour the place.
(What the kitchen and dining area looks like—without the food, of course)
As he tried to find out where he will place what, he noticed something on the dining table. Or rather, several things — dishes, to be exact.
He walked towards it and found a note which read,
I didn't know which you would prefer. Please, do help yourself.
Aquilina
The sight of that caused a warmth to permeate his heart and a smile to stretch across his face.
She does care... in her own way.
——-
When the sun had risen the next day, Aqui knew she had to meet with Tarquin.
After much deliberation, she decided to call and ask her assistant, or rather, Sal's assistant to cancel every appointment for the day.
She knew Javier was going to move in that day.
Moving fast, she prepared several dishes she hoped he will like and placed them in food warmers on the table before leaving.
Aqui then left him a note and texted him the codes. She had hoped to be around when he arrived. But, that was not going to happen. He was to also arrive around the same time she left.
On arriving at the Plaza, Aqui breathed a silent prayer before heading out to the QRS building.
Millions of questions flooded her mind as she was ushered to the meeting place by Piero, a close aide to Tarquin.
She had met the man before. A slender-looking fellow who looked fairly harmless. Yet, she knew looks could be deceiving so she stayed on the alert.
When she finally arrived at the private room, Tarquin himself ushered her to a table and offered her a seat.
The table was lavish and the setting extravagant. She was amused to find dishes she enjoyed thereon. Pita bread, tahini, and other Mediterranean dishes as well.
So, he remembers, she thought to herself.
Yet, that didn't alleviate her concerns. Especially, with the question he started with.
"Why did you hide everything from me?"
—————-
Hi wonderful fam!
I'm so sorry for the long wait. I hope you're all doing well.
Kindly let me know, what did you think of this chapter? What are your thoughts on Tarquin? I must confess, I love his character.
And, how is life treating you all? Things haven't been very easy for me. But God keeps me going.
Much Love,
Phela ❤️❤️❤️
CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT
"So, that is our proposal, Sire. We hope it will be favourably considered."
The elderly man smiled expectantly at the Prince before him. The latter did not reply but kept his face vacant of feelings.
Yet deep within, his mind was running a thousand miles per hour.
~Flashback~
Tarquin walked down the hospital's hallway and approached his father's room, the only one on that floor.
He was nodding to the guards standing at the half-open door when a familiar voice drifted to his ears. It was soft-sounding.
He immediately grew still.
"Pardon?" He heard Aquilina ask.
He peeped through the half-open door and saw his father draw in a shaky breath.
"Why did you save my life despite all that I did to you?"
Aqui stood silent for a moment before replying.
"If it had been up to me, I wouldn't have. But hate cannot win against hate. Only love can."
King Flavian stayed silent for a long moment. And Tarquin was still reeling from those words when his father spoke again.
"I have decided to tell him the truth—the whole truth. No matter what it may cost, I need to let him know. And also, I want to ask for your forgiveness."
What are they talking about? Tarquin could only wonder.
"I know I have cost you a lot. Nothing can repay you. I had thought about his image and the prestige that would be lost and did what I did. I cannot excuse myself. I am truly sorry."
His father coughed a bit afterwards, causing Aqui to quickly raise the glass of water by his side to his lips.
None of them had seen Tarquin yet.
When King Flavian was calm and satiated, she set it aside. She took a step back and after much deliberation, finally replied.
"I forgive you."
"And don't worry about telling him yet. Get better first instead."
Tarquin turned and walked away before Aquilina did.
But his mind hadn't left the scene.
What has my Father done? And who does he want to confess to? Why did Aqui stop him? He kept asking himself many questions.
He had no answers. But a great feeling of foreboding shadowed him.
~
"Your Highness?"
Tarquin snapped back to attention, and immediately put on an easy smile.
Though his thoughts had drifted for a moment, he had heard every bit of their presentation.
"Well, there are still a few questions I have with regards to the national security proposal." He rose, causing everyone else to do the same.
"Minister Aberto will take over from here. It will be approved if I am satisfied."
And he grabbed his keys and left. He had something else to do.
Something which involved a certain blue-eyed princess.
——————
Javier was excited as he drove to the Homeric Royal office. It wasn't his first time there.
The excitement didn't come from that, but rather, from the thought of meeting Aqui.
She had called him days after his arrival to ask him if was free and if he wanted to visit her place. He had agreed to meet her outside the office, so she would lead him home in her car.
He had visited the estate before but never the side where her home was located at.
He heard the horn of her DBX before she took off. He drove behind her on a hidden road around the river that led to her home.
It wasn't as extravagant as other royals had, yet it was beautiful and unique. He parked the car next to hers and jumped off.
There had been security at the entrance, but none could be seen anywhere around the house. Yet, he felt a certain peace.
He approached her, as she quietly stood by her car with her arms folded across her chest. She looked beautiful.
With her modest cream dress, she truly looked like a Princess.
"This is it," she said softly to him.
He glanced at the house, then back at her face. Her face held almost no expression, but he didn't let it deter him.
"The house reminds me of you. Though it can't compare. It looks simple, but that's what makes it the most beautiful."
"Wha-?" She quickly turned her face away.
But as he had been watching her very closely, he caught the slight shade of pink which had coloured her cheeks.
"Let's go in." She led the way to the entrance.
On reaching the entrance, she entered a series of codes before the door finally unlocked. A beep was heard throughout the building.
She turned to him in the doorway.
"If you like it here and decide to stay, I'll make sure you have all the needed codes."
If I decide to stay?
He didn't say anything out loud but walked in with her. He knew what his answer was without having to look in.
What about her? He had tried to brush it off, yet, her indifference tore at his heart.
But, as she showed him the house with the various rooms therein, he realised, he wasn't going to give up on her.
No matter what it was going to cost. It was going to be painful, but she was worth it.
"And finally, the master's bedroom..." she paused for a while before opening the door.
"It's not much, but if you choose to stay, you could sleep in or use either of the rooms. Including this one."
His attention had been on her all along, not on the rooms.
Maybe, she doesn't want me here. This is going to be difficult.
"I'll stay here, and use this room."
She glanced at him as though trying to figure him out. Finally, she gave him a tiny smile.
"Okay."
It gladdened his heart to see that. He smiled back at her. When he finally looked around the room, he realised its beauty. Then, something else also caught his attention.
"Did you clear out one side of the room for me?"
"Oh, I'm sorry if you don't like that side or how it was done. I did it myself and probably didn't do a good job at it." She looked flustered.
Javier felt his heart melt.
"So you cleared it out for me... were you hoping I would stay then?"
Her face turned crimson and she glanced at her feet. He knew he was going to stay, but couldn't pass up the opportunity to tease her.
She was startled when he approached her and whispered in her ear.
"No te preocupes, querida. Me encanta. (Don't worry, dear. I love it.)"
Javier turned around and checked the wardrobe on his side of the room. He also noticed an empty desk on his side of the room.
He began to plan his move.
"Also..." her voice echoed from behind him in the vast room. He turned to face her.
"I prepared a study for you, in case you'll need it. It's the room opposite this one."
"Okay."
Though his voice was calm, his eyes showed amusement.
"Will you-" she began but was interrupted by the sound of her phone ringing.
"Excuse me, just a moment." She quickly walked to the balcony of the room to answer the call.
Looking at her slender frame through the half-open door, Javier smiled.
It was going to be quite a journey, he could feel it. Nevertheless, he felt assured.
——————-
So sorry for any mistakes. GOD bless you all.
Much Love,
Phela.
CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN
Javier was pensive on the flight back. Francesco tried making a light conversation with him but soon found that his friend wasn’t really in the mood though he was cordial.
Javier had a lot on his mind and barely heard the conversation around him.
“I still can’t believe it!” Rosa exclaimed to Audrey.
As they were all close in one way or the other, with Audrey being related to Francesco, they had returned on one private jet.
“Neither can I,” Audrey lowered her head.
“And to think that we all treated Aquilina so badly,” the usually arrogant Rosa said with chagrin.
“Ugh!” Audrey felt frustrated. “Do you think she’ll return to school?”
“She’s a surgeon,” Francesco finally spoke up.
“My mum once told me all about the trial their family has. She said we’ll be visiting Queen Moriah Jaye soon.” Audrey informed them.
“You’ll be going to Israel?” Rosa was intrigued.
“Yes!” Audrey smiled at the thought of that.
I’ll have to befriend Aqui, she thought to herself.
Then Javier checked the ETA and knew they would touch down soon. His feelings were mixed as he thought about what awaited his arrival.
His father had told him that he would have to move in with Aqui, though he’ll frequent between there and his own home to manage the nation’s affairs.
That gladdened him greatly.
Aqui was allowed to visit his own home with great discretion.
He had already made a call for his home to be renovated according to her tastes, and asked that a cook be hired for whenever she came to visit.
He wasn’t returning to school but would be receiving private studies.
And that would be balanced with him taking over from his father.
But what troubled him the most was Aqui’s reaction.
She had accepted the marriage with great reluctance.
He thought it was just a moment’s reaction. They were both shocked by the situation.
But she had been so cold to him as they were departing.
Perhaps, she just didn’t want others to know. Yes, that must be it.
He comforted himself with that thought as the plane finally landed.
—————
“How many more documents are left to be reviewed?” Aqui asked Tal.
She was on the 90th floor of the Castle Land’s Main Office. It wasn’t any ordinary office.
Every room of the building was exquisitely designed.
The office she was occupying, was Sal’s. Though she had her own inner office close to his.
The huge desk was white in colour, with a huge white and golden seat.
“Sal wanted you to handle the deal about Petra.” Tal informed her.
“I see...”
“You’ll have to deal with Kai about that.”
He handed her the last document in his hand, and she read through it speedily but not neglecting a single word.
Afterwards, she placed her signature on it. Well, it wasn’t fully hers, though it was.
It was Sal’s signature. But the funny thing was, he always signed her name, while she signed his.
She stood up and stretched out a bit whilst glancing out the huge window at the mansions below.
They all belonged to their estate. She looked at the river that divided the rest of the buildings from a few that stood secluded. Amongst those, was her home.
“He will be living with you, right?” Tal’s voice interrupted her thoughts.
She knew who he was referring to—Javier.
She took a breath and nodded her head.
Aqui knew he had arrived the day prior. But, she hadn’t had the courage to call him.
And apart from that, she wanted to clear out her home before doing so. To clear a space for him.
But, work hadn’t permitted her.
She thought of his hopeful gaze before their departure. She hadn’t meant to be cold, but she was afraid of what he would think if he found out about her past.
Would he look at her the same way? Or be disgusted by her?
Either way, she knew she had to face him sooner or later.
Aqui quickly grabbed her purse and car keys before saying a short ‘Goodbye’ to Tal.
As she was in a hurry, she hadn’t had the time to see the smile he had on his face before her departure.
He knew where she was going to, and above all, who she was going to see soon enough. He knew her well.
He was glad to see her finally putting in some action.
Little girl, you’re in for surprises.
Tal had been with Sal when the incident occurred. They had been looking for her, having a hunch that something was wrong.
A spy had informed them of her kidnap. So he knew everything about her.
He had long wished for his ‘little child’ to move on.
And he was glad that she was finally taken a step in that direction.
——————-
Hi, fam! It’s been really long. I’m so sorry. Things have been so busy and I’m weary.
Are you okay with such short updates for the moment?
GOD bless you all!
Love,
Phela
CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR
Warning: Might contain some sensitive topics, though they are barely brushed upon.
————————-
"You have to perform this surgery," Lu Feng Mian said in a pleading voice.
"But—" Aqui began.
"Please. He could lose his life."
"I have an injury in my right arm, Feng Mian."
He rolled his eyes like his twin Lu Xia. She would have normally joked about it but, she couldn't in that situation.
They were both alone in a private room in the hospital.
King Flavian had been rushed to the hospital after his heart attack. And it had gravitated to the extent that he required surgery—immediately.
"I've seen you perform operations with your left arm only, Aquilina. Only you can handle this kind of surgery."
And it was true. She had been labelled as one of the top surgeons in the world despite her age and hidden identity from normal society.
It's only by God's Grace, she had once said to a magazine which had kept her identity and photo confidential.
But the truth was, it wasn't her only her hand that was serving as a hindrance. The greatest blockade of all, was her heart.
She walked into the OR with a heavy heart. She knew she couldn't do it on her own.
When her aides had declared that all was ready for one of the gravest surgeries of all time, Aqui knew she wasn't ready.
She willed her hands to move, to grab a scalpel—anything. But she couldn't. She felt frozen in place.
"Please, wait," she finally said her heart pounding so loud she thought everyone else could hear it.
Her senses were aware of the fact that they all thought it strange she was delaying the procedure. But they did as she instructed.
"Let's pray before we proceed."
And they did.
————
Aquilina felt the cool breeze on her face as she sipped a cup of hot chocolate on her balcony. She felt weary. She had just completed three surgeries without sufficient rest.
The wind caused a few strands of her hair to fly in different directions disrupting her train of thoughts momentarily.
But her mind quickly returned to the issue which was pressing hard at her.
"Will you like to spend the rest of your life with me?" Tarquin had asked her the previous evening.
After accusing her of being the one to drug him, he had surprised her with a visit one evening.
And slowly, they had gotten to know each other, growing close.
It had been four months since the incident... and three and a half months since she discovered she was pregnant. She had managed to keep it from everyone.
The good thing was, she didn't show much. And her already comfy clothes hid her bulge well.
She had also moved away from the place she had shared with Skylar, staying at the Doctor's quarters in the hospital instead.
It was way easier that way. If not, he might have noticed something amiss.
How am I going to hide this for another five months? She wondered.
She didn't want Skylar to find out lest he felt guilty. He was actually a softie at heart.
And Tarquin... Sooner or later, she knew she would have to tell him. He had the right to know about his child.
So lost in thought and weary was she, that she didn't notice the three dark vans passing by on the street.
Nor did she hear the footsteps of the strong men that had cautiously approached her.
"Umph..." she had tried to scream but couldn't as someone pressed a chloroform filled cloth against her mouth.
Then all went black.
.
.
.
"She's coming around," an Italian-sounding accent said as Aqui slowly gained consciousness.
"Is the big man in yet?" Another asked.
Her eyes slowly flickered open. It took a moment for her to notice that she was lying on an operating table.
She tried to talk but couldn't. Her whole body felt numb. Glancing around the room, she saw several men surrounding her.
Some were in surgical gowns, probably doctors. And the others looked strong with weapons—obviously those that had captured her.
"I want everything to be intact before the big man arrives. Are you sure the baby is out?"
Horror filled Aqui at the sound of those words.
"Positive. Not a trace is left."
She tried to shout out, but had no energy. She wanted to cry, but felt no tears.
"My baby..." she finally managed to whisper.
The door to the operating room flew open.
"The big man is here."
Aqui expected a huge macho man. But when she saw the silver-blonde hair, and similar blue eyes not unlike his son, her heart dropped.
"The baby has been taken out, Vostra Altezza(Your Highness)."
"Good," King Flavian responded.
"What do we do with the young lady?"
He stared at her for a long moment.
"Whatever you want."
——————
Her heart hammered in her ears as the surgery proceeded. She still couldn't believe she was operating on this man.
The man who had ruined her. Not only her baby had died that day—but she felt that a part of her had also stopped living.
Tears blurred her vision, and she had to blink to refocus her vision.
She stared at his unconscious being.
She could slice his heart into two and hide every evidence of it.
She had the power to. And every fibre of her being leaned toward that direction.
Forgive him also, My child. The Voice whispered to her soul.
She recognised that Voice. It had become her constant Companion. But what He required of her, was well nigh impossible.
Lord, how do I forgive him too? He hurt me badly, and because of him, I have lost every shred of hope and joy. I lost my baby, her heart cried out.
He hurt Me too, My daughter. But there is not a thing which has been destroyed that I cannot replace. I will fight for you.
You always require the hardest, Father.
She thought she could hear a soft chuckle from her Saviour. One filled with such warmth that flooded her heart with peace.
I know that I do. But that is why I also always give the best, came the soft reply.
"Are you okay, Princess?" The nurse asked her.
"I am," she replied with a slight smile. And she was. Once again, the fight had been surrendered.
And her heart was at peace.
—————
I've got tears in my eyes. GOD bless you all for making it this far.
Much Love (Really),
Phelita
Searching For Hope in Silence.
Moving in silence can be interpreted in different ways, depending on how a person takes it into perspective. Some people see moving in silence as climbing a mountain without telling anyone that you're about to go to the top of the world. Others may see it as someone having a secret plan and not telling anyone what their plan is until the results are released.
For me personally, I see moving in silence as shutting the world off in your ears to have peace in your mind in order for your passion to be unbothered.
Moving in silence for me creates many different possibilities to set a goal for yourself, to take a massive step in your life, and to build up your biggest dreams without telling anyone you know about your plans. There may be a variety of reasons why people move in silence. For example, they don't want their plan to be interrupted by a person who has the desire to ruin it for them. For others, they simply just want to have a silenced environment so they could move without the wind blowing onto them.
If there was a reason why I should move in silence, it would be to search for peace. There's a big difference between searching for peace and searching for pleasure, but if we choose to do both at the same time, moving in silence instead makes us want to create peace. If there was a universe where I could do anything, and I mean literally anything by myself, without a figure to stab my plan in the back, I would want to live there. But moving in silence also meant requiring to fight obstacles and challenges in your life on your own. Because if no one knows about your plans, they won't be able to properly support you when you face your mental suffering.
I see moving in silence as a blessing and a curse at the same time, which is why we should have a perfect balance in between. Moving in silence allows us to take an immense step in our life on our own, which also allows us to let go from the suffering we have to endure in the past. If we keep holding onto our past, we won't be able to move on. But moving in silence should also allow us to be open for advice and support whenever we need it.
The prompt asks me the question again: "What does moving in silence mean to you?"
To answer that question, I see moving in silence means searching for hope... alone.