IRIS LOU P.O.V.

4 YEARS LATER

"ELIAS DUKE EPHRAIM !! STOP RUNNING, WOULD YOU !!" I shouted at my naughty four years old son.

"But mother, you're going to squeeze me in case you capture me, which is why I'm not aiming to stop running." He continued to let me chase him here in the palace, and I stopped since I was also exhausted.

"Okay! Run until you're exhausted because I'm sick of following you; you're so mischievous; I don't know where you got your insidiousness," I yelled in irritation.

When he realized I couldn't pursue him, he stopped moving. He had his snout on the ground a few kilometers from me.

"Mom, let's go to Daddy Pard's house," He said, and as he slowly drew nearer to me, I lifted him up.

"You truly tortured me, you naughty child, the hardness of your head is so annoying. Look at how sweaty you are," I murmured, wiping his sweat off my palm, and then I walked back to the palace's living room.

"Stop. We're not going to your Daddy Pards; it's too far from Italy to Greece." I told him, but he just pouted instead. This is how he really is when his wishes are not granted; he constantly begs to make his face live like a pitiful child, but he can't fool me.

"I'll report you to grandpa," He said.

"Ayyss, fine! later tell your Grandpa if he allows you." I said to him, and I let him sit on the sofa. Suddenly a maid came with a telephone.

"(prinkípissa kápoios eínai sti grammí) Princess, someone is on the line," she said. I picked up the phone.

"Hello, whos this?" I asked on the other line while watching my son playing with his toy truck that had been placed earlier on the sofa table.

"It's Dexter," He replied.

"What do you need," I asked.

"It's time for you to come back to the Philippines. You would like to be here to handle your Commerce here. I know that you'll still not be prepared, but I can't do anything. Somebody is attempting to take down your company, and I know you are the one who can handle this." He said on the other line, I'm thinking. I think it's time to come back.

I only said, "Okay," before cutting the line and handing the maid, who was standing on the side of the phone, back. This appears to be the right moment. I am aware that it is hard for us to reconnect because the Philippines is so large. I am aware that he may have a family because of how he expressed compassion for that woman years ago.

Elias reminded me of a younger version of his father due to the way he adopted his father's appearance in everything.

I can't keep him a secret from Eliot because they both resemble each other. He was the one who pulled out of the marriage between the two of us and the cleopards; he didn't want to rush things but was willing to wait.

Sometimes I wonder why Cleopard just is the man I loved and the father of my son and not Eliot.

I haven't heard from Eliot since I left the Philippines because a year has gone. Elias Duke was all I could think about, and I assisted Dad. We also decided that despite all the issues in the palace, I would not usurp his reign out of disinterest.

He concurred, but my son will take his position. Dad promised to hand over the reign to Elias Duke when he turned eighteen. Elias is his grandchild. Thus I am powerless to take any action.

"Mom, let's go to grandpa," He said to me, and then he left his toy on the ground before approaching me and hugging me. I reciprocated by hugging him.

"Fine! We are visiting him. Come on, don't get dressed; your Grandpa will still kiss you even if you're perspiring" because of what I said, he simply rolled his eyes at me, acting like a queer.

I'm amazed by this child, a four years old, but the brain is like an adult. Yeah, he also intervenes in others' conversations. I just shook my head and walked to the main door. I knew he was following me when we came out of the palace. There were still many guards. We went to a black car and took a drive. So there was no problem.

“(tópos vasiliás Erríkos) king Henry place.” I said sparingly, and I know he heard that. He is already operating the car at dad's company. Yes, dad has company here, So his work is double as well as the palace.

When we arrived in front of dad's company here in Greece, I didn't bother to stop Elias because he immediately opened the car door and ran inside the company.

He was a very small child but very fast. When running, my head hurts because of his stubbornness. I won't be surprised if he stumbles.

I also went down and walked in. I saw my son being greeted. The cubicles of the employees here were there. So they were also happy with the child's enthusiasm. When they noticed me, they also greeted me.

"(Kaliméra prinkípissa) good day, princess." at the same time they said at the same time as they stood up and bowed to me as a sign that they were giving respect.

I didn't greet them back and just approached my son before I held his hand, and we walked to the elevator and entered there. I pressed The 59th floor because dad's office is very big in this company, and I know my older brother will be its archer. Until now, that one still doesn't appear, but I know that when the time comes, that one will also appear.

"Mom, who's my real father" I suddenly looked at my son when he suddenly asked that question. He also looked up to me. I don't know what I will answer him because of his question. It's true that he's four years old, but he knows how to observe what's around him. The elevator suddenly opened, which made me take a deep breath.

"Let's go to your Grandpa," I told him to get away. The question we got out of the elevator and walked closer to the door of dad's office. When dad's secretary saw us, he immediately stood up and bowed at the same time as he greeted us. I just nodded and opened the door of dad's office. I wondered if I could escape my son's question because I knew he'd ask that again any time. Elias let go of me and ran towards Dad, who was sitting in his swivel chair.

"Grandpa!" He ran and shouted loudly at dad and gave him a hug. His Grandfather was fine, and that was a truss. I Just shake my head and sit on the sofa.

IRIS LOU POV

"My grandchild! You're really wicked. Be cautious, you might tumble down, you're constantly running." Dad said to Elias that was being hugged by Dad.

"Grandpa mother won't let me go to Italy and see daddy Pards," he complained to dad. I just shook my head at his accusation; he was always like that.

"Don't worry grandson, I'll ready the private plane for you to see your papa Pards in Italy." Dad told Elias, who was sitting on his lap and had his hair messed up,

"The reason that one's head keeps growing is because you always give him anything he asks for. What if he is already an adult, dad? I have no idea from where he got that." I boredly said.

"Why would I be rich if I don't spend the money I earn? You're really always like that Lou." He said, turning to look at Elias who was playing the part of a cute monkey in front of him.

"Grandpa, do you suppose my stench don't bother you?"

He murmured, Elias said could understand because he wasn't yet accustomed to Tagalog.

Naturally not, grandson! even when you take a bath with perspiration, you still smell like you. Only you stand out among everyone as the most fragrant." Dad murmured sniffing and laughing at him, Elias was still laughing.

"I'll accompany him there and to Italy. He is utterly insistent on seeing cleopard and you give in. I am powerless right now. Dexter said that someone is attempting to bring my firm down in the Philippines, and I will go back there because I can't let the business I worked so hard to build fail. "I murmured here, and he turned to face me, while Elias slumped on his father's chest, appearing exhausted and possibly already asleep.

"Are you sure you're going back there?" I only nodded at him after he said.

"Then I can't stop you anymore because I know even you anything faith will still be the rule and let the two of you meet again." He remarked in a significant way so that Elias wouldn't hear because he is a smart child,

"I'm ready dad, If we meet, destiny will take care of it." I answered. I got to my feet before moving toward the door, but I looked at my father first.

"Dad, I'm just going somewhere for a little bit and I'll be right back, so please look at Elias first." I said to dad and he just nodded. I left the building directly and then went to the elevator, where I hit the number one to get to the first floor.

A few minutes the passerby opened the door and I came out everyone I passed bowed to me but there was no emotion in my eyes as much as possible I do not want to show a little smile to them. I know dad's enemy is just around.

I immediately left the company and went to the car that Elias and I had hit earlier. When the driver saw me, he immediately opened the door. So I entered and crossed my two legs. When the driver entered the driver's seat, I immediately spoke.

“Take me to Cape sounion.” I told him and closed my eyes.

“Okay princess.” He answered and the car started working. Until now, Greek language is still the word I use because they do not know how to speak Tagalog and in English they are weak, that they can easily understand everything I have to speak in the language they grew up with.

The entire journey to Cape Sounion, my favorite destination in Greece, has been peaceful. The cape sounion is known as the temple of Poseidon and features a blue sea, a pleasant atmosphere, and a pleasant breeze. I feel sleepy that's why i take a nap.

FAST FORWARD

"Princess, we've already arrived." I opened my eyes when the driver speak outside the car he opened the car door and i step outside. As soon as I stepped outside, I was greeted with both the temple and the stunningly blue sea, together with a very fresh wind.

I turned to the driver and said, "Return to the firm; if I need to go back there later, I'll just call you.

I had not stopped moving toward the white temple. and examined it. The only thing visible is the cement of the temple, which is the only thing left standing. I just made my way to the sea's edge by walking along the Rocks. I removed my heels in order to avoid tripping on the rocks. When I sit on a large rock that is slightly elevated, I can view the entire blue sea.

I scaled a small rock before sitting on the wide rock that had been raised. I then set my sling bag and the heels I had been wearing earlier next to me. Before noticing the breeze, I closed my eyes. Blowing my hair. I raised my head and observed the weak sea urchin waves.

The Greeks considered Poseidon to be the "ace of the sea".Given the significance to Athens of exchange by ocean and the importance of its naval force in its creation and survival amid the fifth century, Poseidon was of a specific significance and esteem to the Athenians, that's why they called this temple of Poseidon and ace of sea.

I think of the man I used to love and adore my entire life while I gaze at the azure water. How is he doing, I often wonder? Does he currently have children? But the bitterness and rage that have left a scar on my heart still won't go away.

What I'll do when we meet is a mystery to me. I am not quite aware of the truth. I can look into anything, but I simply don't want to know everything. That is why I decided to do nothing.

I'm stumped as to why this is happening. It was even worse after we got married since he abandoned me in the church and even more strongly preferred that pregnant woman.

Just in case, I can assume that he is unknown to me and that he is simply a stranger to me based on the route we both took. Our previous vows to one another have all fallen through. Not only did he betray me, but it all burns to ashes.

IRIS LOU POV

FLASHBACK THE TIME I RUN AWAY IN THE PALACE.

"PAK!" The sound of my father hitting me in his palace office.

"Lou, how much longer will you make me feel ill?!!" Da yelled at me cause i just embarrassed the daughter of his investor who arrived from the States.

"Dad, she was the first to make a mess! I hope nothing untoward happened at the party if she didn't merely pour me booze on purpose." I declare it without fear,

"Lou! Damn it! Alcohol can't kill you; why didn't you just let it go? Look what you did: Mr. Gregory retreat investing in our company; you know how well-known Mr. Gregory is in the United States." He reprimanded me sharply.

"Dad, you are the king of the country where you are now, so a lot of money comes to you, and then you hurt me? your own child? just because of your worthless investor!" I told him in a furious tone, I resisted crying in his face because I didn't want to suggest that I could only be vulnerable around him.

I'm not that strong, but I'm strong in combat because my brother and I have been practicing our fighting skills since we were young. As a result of the challenging training I underwent as a child, I broke several bones. My older brother, who seemed pretty reasonable to me at the time, changed into a psychopath without anyone around him noticing.

He simply killed my old brother old self, and dad was no longer concerned about my brother changing.

He stared at me sharply and said, "You're just a kid, don't answer me. " He is no longer our father; back when our mother was still living, he used to call me his darling princess.

"You are not the father I knew in the past. When I was a kid, you weren't the father I knew. I used to be your princess, dad, so how dare you speak to me in such a loud voice!" I mumbled to him, I fall down on floor and my leg is getting weaker.

I couldn't lift my hand, "So you merely have to throw me away now. Dad, what's going on? What did you show my older brother and I if this is all a lie when Mom was still alive?" I stared up at this question with my eyes getting darker because I couldn't stop crying.

"DAD, WHY CAN'T YOU RESPOND? !! DUE TO THE FACT THAT IT IS, HUH!" I growled at him. I shook my head in frustration as I bowed down.

"Don't attach the long-dead Lou! A 5 MONTH GROUND IS IN EFFECT! get out of my sight right away! Never leave your room, either. For five months, if you refuse then you can stay in the Dungeon." He stated icily while avoiding looking at me. As he turned his back and prepared to approach his swivel chair,

I look dismayed at him and say, "Are you truly like that and you can put me in the prison as your own child?"

"If necessary I'll do it" He said to me while turning his back I can't see his expression because he turned his back on me but you can see the extreme coldness of his voice.

“You're a monster" I said angrily to him.

I made a point of telling him, "You'll regret this," before I walked out of his office and into my room. I dressed comfortably before packing so that I could later easily elude the royal guards and find whoever was wandering around the palace.

I grabbed my cellphone and dialed a reliable employee's number, Dexter.

"Ring ring" He responded after just two rings.

"What do you need?" he asked straightly.

"Prepare your private jet. We will leave this country secretly; make sure that it is the one you will use so that we cannot be found." I told him.

He ended the phone by saying, "Fine, let's simply meet at the airport," so I next contacted Aunt Carmine, the mother of my childhood cleopard.

"What made you dial Hija?" She stated on the other line, and I just sighed since she is the only person I can trust.

"Auntie, I'm leaving Greece and I'm going to the Philippines tonight, and I don't want you to tell anyone where I am because you're the only one I can trust." I informed her in Italian.

"Why are you leaving HIJA?" She questioned.

"I'll be explaining it to you next time, Auntie, I'm losing too much time now and I really need to go." I hung up the phone after saying that, I know she won't let me down.

Even though I was prepared, I went outside on my balcony first to see if any bodyguards were there since I would pass by later and climb the wall to leave the roadway behind. Time went by. As it got later in the evening, I dropped my cellphone on my room's floor to prevent them from finding me.

I stepped over to the veranda after putting on my backpack. I looked around to see if there was a royal guard nearby, but when I couldn't see any, I leapt. I gently touched down on the surface.

I carefully made my way to the back of the palace and, as soon as I arrived, climbed the tall wall with ease because there was a tree on the side. As soon as I reached the top, I leaped onto the road and instantly turned onto the correct side of the street.

A taxi finally stopped in front of me after I had been waiting for 15 minutes. I continued, so.

"Take me to the airport." I said as I entered inside the car.

"Yes , ma'am." The driver responds.

FAST FORWARD

The large Athens International Airport in Greece was in front of the automobile when it stopped. Before leaving and entering the airport, I gave him my money. They recognized me, so the guard didn't try to stop me when he spotted me.

I traveled to Dexter's location and asked him to direct me to the Philippines. Together, we made our way to his private aircraft. His two flight attendants welcomed me right away when we got there.

We step up and took a seat in the aircraft. He handed me an envelope when he was seated in front of me.

"I changed your last name temporarily Iris Lou Clifford and you can't use Ephraim." He explained.

“There. It will be about you. You're poor, so when someone asks where you're from, say the province. You also need to find work to support yourself because you can't use a credit card because your dad might easily find you." He advised, and I just nodded.

I took a snooze first because I knew the trip was still a ways off while the plane kept flying through the skies.

END OF FLASHBACK