CHAPTER 2

ELLE

I press the green button not caring at all to look at the caller ID.

"Hello, Elle?"

Good heavens should I have to hear that voice early in the morning? Not to mention that it has been five years since I heard about him. FIVE FUCKING YEARS!

"Luke," I regarded him in a small voice, my blood momentarily running cold as I sat up from my bed. I run my hands over my face to stop myself from lashing out on him. "What made you call just now?"

"Oh, geez thanks...you answered the first ring. Uhm-I just want to say... I mean, I ask to-"

"Just say it, Luke." I sigh, exasperated that he have to call this early just because of something he wanted to ask of me. He doesn't even confirm that we are really siblings! He didn't even attend my wedding...

Which made me quite curious about this call.

"Luke....are you still there? HELLO?" I ask after a moment of silence.

"Yes, of course. Uhm, you see...I've got some proposals to make for you. I just wanted to ask if..."

"Luke, tell me why you called. I will be starting on my new painting later this morning and you've waken me early enough to drain my energy. It's three o' clock in the morning, Luke. For Christ sake stop being insane here..." I kick the blankets off before standing up, feeling alone because Gabe is not here. He was off to Singapore yesterday and will return tonight.

"Elle, I'm so sorry but please. I don't know what to do, okay? I'm stuck here...please help me," I can almost see his puppy face drawn all over his cranium; Green eyes shining all too brightly as he pout.

"Okay, Luke." I sigh again turning to my side to stare at Jacob, sleeping peacefully down on his father's side of the bed. I know this little tyke missed his father so much as I do. "First of all, tell me how I will help you...for some reason, I don't know what all this is about? C'mon blurt it out now, stop wasting my time."

"Well, the truth is that I just return here in London yesterday when-"

"Yesterday? I thought you came back there, five years ago? You told me-"

"I lied, yes. I lied because of the reason that I wanted to get away from you as soon as possible. I'm quite embarrassed on how I acted around you a few years ago. I'm very persistent on making you my girl, but it turns out that you were my long lost sister. I thought then, from the moment I stepped down from the plane my karma started. When I arrived on my apartment a mysterious man called out to me, telling me that I'm the lost heir of the throne--"

"The lost heir? You....A royalty? Whoa, that's news to me. So, does it mean that I am some kind of a princess too?" I strut back to my bed and plop on it. Someone should wonk this lad on the head right now. "And, what happen next?"

Oh...this boy, I just miss talking to him that I don't care if he is talking senseless. Now that I know that he's my brother, I can't wish but to have him right beside me. I would to hear him telling me about his crazy adventures.

I yank the blanket close to me before I pulled my son near, listening to Luke. There was a moment of silence before I heard Luke sucking a deep breath. "Then I was brought to the castle, met the king himself as he lay on the bed. He said that he's been waiting for me for so long. He've searched for you and me but came out empty handed. He told me that I should accept the position as the next king as soon as possible so I agreed. His assistant presented me the papers..." He exhaled before continuing, "And I signed them without reading, which is not so wise for me."

"How so?" I turn against the dark only to face my bedside table, looking at the lamp that stood in the middle of it. " I didn't read the most important thing, Elle. I should have considered rereading it before I signed." I heard him exhale again before he continued.

"Look. The thing is I need you to pretend as my bride. Besides you are my sister. No one will ever wonder if we broke up because I finally knew that we are related by blood. In that case, you can be free together with your son. Once I'm king, I can keep you away from Gabe and even win the sole consent you requested, I-"

"Luke,"

"We can win this. You and my nephew can finally be free from him. You can-"

"Luke..."

"Let me finish! Elle, You can marry another man, a much better man. I can even present you to one of the duke or much better a king from the East. I can even-"

"LUKE!"

The other line went silent as I struggled to oppose his idea of marrying me. "Luke, you know and I know now, that you are my brother. Don't you think they know that already,? Plus, it would be so complicated for me to pretend as your bride.

"No, Elle. Please, there will be no complication, I promise. I can make us a contract and have my lawyers protect us on what the future will bring," He took a deep breath before continuing, "Elle, I know this is a lot for me to ask you but my life is at risk. It's a life and death situation, Elle. I don't have anyone to turn to, but you. You are the only woman that I know who would help me unto this. Please, Elle...I don't know what to do. Please-I--"

"Stop it, Luke." I whispered in a stern voice, continuing, "I don't want this, okay? My life was ruined but it's now perfect! I'm struggling to do everything I can to preserve it. Me and Gabe have settled our differences and we are together now. It has been five years. And you, where are you when I needed you the most? You told ne you will never leave me but as soon as you realize that I'm your lost sister, you left" I wiped the tears on the side of my face and continue, not wanting another word from him. "I'm pretty sure you can find someone who could pretend with you, Luke. I'm far too much from being your bride because nobody can deny that we are siblings. We look almost the same!" I ended the call before I got out of the bed.

"If only a shower can solve this things..."

•

I stared back at the phone. It's been two weeks since Luke called. Two weeks since we talk about his impending marriage that he plans to do with me.

Which won't happen, ever.

But what worries me is his words. The life and death situation he's talking about. I'm worried that he's already out cold, dead. It seems that he really got his karma. He's gotten into too much trouble for not telling me the truth.

He does knew all along that I was his sister, yet he did not inform me. Then why would I help him if he's like this?

That old chimp of a liar!

I took my phone out of my bag and punch the dials, hearing a groan from the other side of the line, "Hello?"

"Neo! Are you free?"

"Hmmpph-er- Oh, why?" I can hear her shuffling before a loud thud made me jump.

Looks like someone fell out of the bed.

"Neo, are you okay?" I can almost imagine her nod, her bed hair bouncing off her head as she pull on the sheets, "Yep, I'm completely- aaaaggghhhh!"

"Neo! Goodness, I shouldn't have called you this early..." I glance at the clock which shows five thirty-seven am and sigh, "But I do really need you right at this moment."

"You mean, now?" She emphasized the word 'now' before I heard more scuffling.

"Uh, I hope so. But can you make it here in fifteen minutes?"

More shuffling and a thud on the other line continue as I waited for her response. "Sure, sis. Oh, I'll just, uh-take a shower? And hey, expect me to be there soon!" She promised, ending the call.

I look down at my son and smiled down at him, "Here, my prince..." I pulled him up from his father's side of the bed and tuck him down on my hips, "You've grown so fast, my little prince. C'mon let's make you breakfast." I carried him out of the room and together we descend down the stairs and to the kitchen as Jacob rubbed on his eyes. "Mama, do I have to go to school today?"

I lower him down on his chair as I answered, "It's Saturday baby, no school. Though you have to go to Grandma, you'll help her with the flowers, right?" He just nodded at me, his curls glinting as the suns rays caught it. I remember those days when he is still a baby, biting his rubber spoon before waving it on the air.

I put the blue pancake on his plate, making some whooshing sounds and earning a giggle from this eat-play-poop-play-sleep machine.

I was surprised when a hand suddenly snatch the plate from my hands, making me turn around only to face the feminine version of my loving husband, "Neo, give it ba-"

It was too late for me to pull the plate from her grasp, nor to stop her hand shoving a spoonful of pancake on my son's mouth, "Neo...." I groan, slouching down the chair beside her and my son, "Do you really have to do that everytime I feed him?" I pouted, leaning on the table as I watch her feed my son.

"Indeed, I should." I watch them as they eat together before Neo snap a finger in front of my face. "You know what?" She turn towards me and frown, "Why don't you do me a favor and get me his chocolate drink..." I glared at her, earning a slap on my shoulder.

"Go get it!" She playfully push me again making me stumble as I rush on the kitchen. I snatch the bottle off the fridge, stomping loudly as I walk back.

"Catch!" I scream, sending the bottle up on the air.

I closed my eyes and blink only to find the bottle now stuck on Jacob's mouth. He pulled at it and drank so loudly before opening his mouth again for another spoonful. He is acting like a baby again. Oh these girl! She loves to spoil him...

"Cool...What happen to your catch-that-thing phobia?" I blurted out as I watch her feed him.

"I've got that in control for now at least. So, tell me..." Neo spoke as she finish up Jacob's breakfast with a quick much on the pancakes.

"What?" I ask, trying to beat around the bush.

"Why did you call me here in the first place? Oh c'mon, Elle. I've known you long enough to know when you wanted to avoid topics you don't want to discuss." She carried a happy Jacob on the living room as I follow them. She switch the TV on and transfer the channel to Disney. Jacob settled comfortably on the floor as Neola stared at me.

"Now, talk." I took a deep breath and stared at her.

"Luke called me..." I watch Neo as she paled and stood there with her eyes wide as saucer. It took her a while to recover and just nod "That's surprising, isn't it?" I say , sitting on the rocking chair as I wait for her to recover.

"But it's been--" She counted her fingers and frown at me, "Five years and he called you just now? What I don't understand here is, why would he call you all of a sudden? The reason must be very special. Does he want you back in his life?" She squinted her eyes as she lean down, "Is he, already...pregnant?"

"What?" I almost got a whiplash if I didn't control the angle my head was turning to. "He's my brother, crazy. How could you even say that he's pregnant? He's a man..."

"Chill, I just wanted to lighten up the mood by joking." She raise her hands on top of her head and smile, "Now, continue..."

"So, the call happened two weeks ago and," Her eyes grew wide again as she mouthed 'continue'. "He told me that he just returned to London that day; Then he began telling me that he's related, I mean both of us...me and Luke, is related to the royal family and that he's the heir to the throne. Knowing that, the king required him to sign some papers and told him that he needs to marry in order for him to gain the position. Luke doesn't have a girlfriend or some woman in particular to turn to, so he concluded on just taking me as his bride but ," I sighed, "I love your brother. I am married to him and we have a son. Even if it is just pretending, I can't just do it. "

I took a deep breath and stared at her, "I don't want another complication in our life."

"So, what are you going to do now?" I turn to my side, avoiding her gaze as I bit my lip. I don't have any plan B. I mean how could I plan if I don't know-

"Wait," I was interrupted when she suddenly stood in front of me, "He doesn't have a girlfriend?"

"Like I said, he offered that he would give me a large amount of money if I pretended as his bride. I will marry him and together we would win the consent over my son. The thing is he doesn't even know yet that me and Gabriel are now back together and is living our life like a normal couple". I look at Neo as she stares down on the floor, her brows furrowing as she turned her bright blue eyes on me. She sigh, running her hands on her curls. "There is really no hope for your brother going back here, right? He will have responsibility now."

I sigh, as I turn towards the direction of my son, "I guess so. Sometimes I still miss him. You know like, realizing what he'd done to us, especially on behalf of my son. He saved us. I'm ready to sacrifice myself if only that would mean that my son will live peacefully," I turn to her and hold her hand, "But how about your brother? Gabe's the best thing that happen to me Neo...I can't let him suffer because I agreed to help my brother. Gabe is both the worst and the best. I won't risk to do anything and destroy what we have." I sigh, giving her hand a tight squeeze before letting go.

"You know what?" I suddenly contemplated on asking her a very important question instead of going back my past. She stares at me and furrowed her brows once again as I spoke, "I'm going to Paris next weekend because I need to attend a very grand exhibit. I want you to come with me, because.." I look down at my son and back to her, "I can't leave him here. We can also go on a tour around. And maybe, just maybe," I snuggled close to her and grab her arm, " you can find your pair on the city of love...and poof! You have your happy ever after!" She wince at how shrill my voice was.

She looks at me and exhaled, "Now you're playing cupid. You got me there...God! You really know how to convince me, huh?" She smiled, making me jump up and down. "I'd love to go with you..."

"Thank you!" I pulled her in a tight hug.

계속

CHAPTER 3

LUKE

I stared at the king as he lean back on the table, his teeth glistening as he continues to smile at me. "Son, you're just in time."

I dismiss the idea on my head of just pushing this king down the stairs . Instead, I gave him a curt nod, "Just in time for what exactly, Grandpa?" I emphasize the words as I took a seat beside the counter.

"We're heading off to France tonight," He pressed a button on his chair and I watch as it whizzed nearer, "We'll have the ball tomorrow at Paris. I've sent off the invitations to the other royalties and known people Tomorrow will be the official day that you will be presented as the crown prince. In addition to that, you will choose your bride during the party seeing as you didn't have any girlfriend or lover..." I groan internally as I listen to his speech.

In a matter of minutes, I was already dismissed and was sent back to my room. Indeed, I have my own room inside the so called 'castle'. I do not know why it mattered to them so much that I have to find a bride soon. I can rule alone for all I care.

With that thought running inside my mind, I grab the phone again and dial the same number.

'Luke?'

"Elle?" I pulled my luggage off the dresser before putting it on top of my bed, 'Oh, thank goodness. You are still alive'

"Yes, yes. I am still alive. Are you still open for my offer?"

There was a pause and I take this as an opportunity to pack my things. I was about to head inside the bathroom to get my shaving cream when she suddenly spoke, 'Luke, I am so sorry but I can't. I am already married to Gabriel. I can't just go there and pretend. I hated to destroy the happiness we have achieved after all the sacrifices we made.'

"I understand," I sigh and stare back at the mirror, "I'll just choose someone from the ball, then. I'm sorry if I bothered you but I hope you understand my desperation". I ended the call, running my fingers on my hair as I gaze back at my reflection.

"Ugh, I guess shit really happens..."

•

The plane landed down on Paris at exactly five in the evening, in accordance to their so called 'schedule'. A limo pulled up from the airport and headed towards another hangar where we were fetch by a helicopter.

The skyline is beautiful as the setting sun cast a shadow over the buildings around the Eiffel tower. I gaze at the window to see couples kissing, bunch of people laughing; having fun.

We flew for quite a while and reach the beautiful province of Normandy. The horizon shows the mountain and on the other side is the vast ocean. It was majestic.

We arrive at the royal castle, not too far from the m. A couple of women came bouncing beside the helicopter, anxious to meet the king. I was surprise when a woman appeared beside me, " Luca..." she whispered making me remember the last time she groom me back there in London.

"Genova." I nod at her direction before guiding my Grandpa to his wheelchair.

"No, I can do this by myself..." He push my hands off as the wheelchair whirred, descending down.

A couple of picture frames containing unfamiliar faces dotted the hallway as I follow my grandpa, "These are our ancestors. As you can see, this monarchy have reigned for the past century or so. I can even remember my grandpa, passing the throne to my father. It was very momentous, and I can't believe that I'll be doing the same to you and not your father." The wheelchair whirred as he turn around, his face is mask in a different facade as we proceed to my room.

I open it and momentarily stop as I see three ladies standing beside my bed, holding out a different varieties of suits. I am about to ask my grandfather when one of the women bowed in front of me. "Bon jour, monsieur." I gave her a smile before I turn towards my grandfather.

"What is this for, grandpa?" I ask, examining the suit with my hand. It looks very regal.

"It's for you to choose from," he muttered, his face still unreadable.

"But Grandpa, this is all too much!" I stared down at the suits the three ladies prepared for me. "I cannot accept this. These are all expensive and not suited for me, I-"

"Son," he lays a hand on mine and continued, "this is all I can do for you to make up with the things you didn't savor from the moment you were born. Please, just for tonight...let me introduce you to our world." He smiled glancing down on the suit before looking back at me again. "Now, dress up. We don't have all night to prepare you to your destiny, majesty..." I watch him walk out of my room on his wheelchair, shutting the door behind him.

I look down again and let out a groan, "Okay, maybe I can bear this." I gave a smile to the lady before I enter the bathroom and took my bath.

After countless times of trying out the suits, I chose the white suit lined with blue on the collar and wrist. It looks simple and elegant at the same time. Perfect for this night. The three ladies gave me a thumbs-up and nodded before pushing the smallest of them towards me, "Our lord, the ball would be a masquerade. The King ordered us to hand you this..." She provided a white mask behind her back and give it to me.

It was simple, with only a blue lining on the sides. It reminds me of my past, the simple life I'd had about two weeks ago. But now it felt like it was from a different lifeline, a life I almost forgot to live.

I put it on, took a deep breath then we flew back to Paris for the grand ball.

•

"I would like to present, the crown prince of Rose...Lucas Jonathan Hansel." The band came alive as I walk through the gold carpet with escorts by my side.

I stand beside my grandfather and watch him as he took his place in front, his crown glistening as he says. "Ladies and gentlemen, good evening. Thirty years ago, I was standing right here in front of the different royalties and aristocrats all over the world to pass the throne to my son, Jacob ...may he rest in peace. Unfortunately he pass away and now I'm here again, standing beside my heir." He smiled at me before turning back on the crowd. "I'd never imagined that I'll be able to have a flesh of my own as my successor. I thought that this bloodline will end but I am wrong. Now, may I present to you, the heir to my throne, my one and only grandson...Lucas Jonathan Hansel." And once again I was presented to the crowd of masked people.

The king descended down the platform with me in tow, heading on the royal table as he greet every royalty from all over the world before introducing me as the crown prince. I sat down on the table beside my grandpa as the dinner began.

I silently start with my soup and the first course, sniffing the savory tenderloin presented to me. I was about to start with my desert when the ladies bounded on me as soon as I grab my spoon.

"Oh Prince Luke, I just wanna lick that lips of yours and-"

"Stop it, Anesa." I am glad to be able to remember her name, their names to be exact. Letting out a deep breath I look around the table and realize that it's impossible for me to escape this hellhole.

I currently have forty-eight princesses dining on the table with me; Forty-eight girls to dance with; forty-eight bride-to-be's. Forty-eight girls on which I would choose my future wife.

I push Anesa off me yet another girl pulled at my arm, again. "Prince Luke, oh...I'm dizzy." She raise her hands unto her eyes as she leaned on my shoulder, "Mia, stop it-I"

"Son," I stared back at my grandfather as he stares at me, his eyes full of warning. "I'm sorry grandpa, I just-"

"Don't, " He held out his hand before giving me a tight smile. " You might want to bond with the princes from the east. I guess they need a companion..." He pointed out his finger to the three guys sharing a drink on the bar before offering me a smile. I nodded in response and was glad to escape the vicious girls of America.

I am making my way across the room when the door on my left, open. Out came a lady in red; a lady that just captured my interest.

I wonder where she's been hiding for the past three hours? My body must have known that this particular woman will attend my party. I am clearly excited by her appearance. "M'lady..." The blonde beauty didn't stop as I address her. She continue to run across the room, staring left and right like she was lost in some kind of a maze.

"Mademoiselle!" The girl stop running and stared at me; her red mask covering half of her face; concealing the true color of her eyes as it cast a shadow on them. "Where were you headed to? You are ruining the party by running around here like a child. Are you out of your mind? " She looked down on her shoes to avoid eye contact from me though her actions only made me develop an interest to this beautiful distraction...

"That door," I pointed at the Oakwood door on the far side of the room and gave her an exasperated sigh. " Is locked. It will be impossible for you to open that for the royal guards have put a special passcode on it. Specifically, a biometric passcode that could be access by the highest guard. Haven't you thought about it?"

She shook her head, no, before answering "I'm so sorry. I do not know." Her accent thrilled me, she sounds like someone I know.

"Do you have a company? Your parents, or friends, colleagues, maybe?" I ask, grateful with the little bother from this particular lady. She shook her head again from my question and let out a little sigh. I pulled her beside me and lead her to the bar, "Well then, I might as well proclaim myself as your company." I gave her a grin and she smiled a little.

Her smile was contagious that I can't help but smile back. We reach the boys and I greet them as she curtsy. She sat beside me and was shaking slightly. I whispered, "It's okay dear. You are safe as long as I am with you." I notice the slight blush that peppered her freckled cheeks.

I was astounded. My mind went blank as I remember the girl that made my heart stop. It was like that night again. Could it be possible-oh. It is not possible. She was in New York. I am in Paris. There's a huge chance that she hated me for leaving. She would probably wring my neck if she ever sees me.

I watch as the girl smiled back at the lads as they offered her drink after drink.

I never wanted to say this but, I think she will do just great pretending as my bride.

•

I stared back at the blonde woman as she groggily spoke between gulps of beer. It was only the two of us now, sharing drinks. The three lads have retired to their room with their girls while I'm here spending time with this mysterious blonde girl named, Lou.

"Now, Lou. Tell me where you came from?"

"nowhere..." she smirked before letting out a laugh. It sounded like a dying seal making me laugh out loud. "Seriously, Lou, how come you're here on this party, alone? Are you a royal or do you belong to some kind of a--" My rambling stopped as soon as her lips landed on mine. "You talk to much, monsieur..." She whispered as she grabs my chin, kissing my ear. I pull her off the stool and carried her up on the flight of the stairs.

I am so high. It felt like I am floating away from this world. I do not care where my grandfather had gone to. After he place the crown on my head, he disappeared on the crowd of people and I am not sure where he was, seeing that he have so much things too prepare for the next "dynasty".

I opened the door to my room and laid her down on the bed, " Oh, Lou.. you are so beautiful even with that mask. I just want to rip it out off your face and see the beauty behind--"

"Non!" She pulled away as my body shivered from the sudden lost of contact to her skin, "Luca..." She pulled my face before kissing my lips, "Let's just say that I would want to keep my identity a secret, until tomorrow. All I want to do now is to have you in me..." With that she pounce on me. I came into a realization that I should make her pretend as my bride.

This is a benefit I wouldn't dare to turn my back unto. Even though all of this might just be a dream, at least, it's worth the shot.

I'm getting laid tonight!

계속

CHAPTER 4

NEOLA

I never wanted for this to happen in reality but it is always been on my dreams.

You know those things that only happen in the movies? The magical part where a random boy falls in love with a girl because they were in Paris; shared a drink, kissed and did IT? Well, it wasn't that magical and not like the movies; in fact, the man didn't even fall for the girl. It can possibly happen like it was in a book but not in romance or comedy side....it's far worse than worst.

A horror story, maybe?

I grip the sheets tightly as I felt the skin beneath me, the way this particular pillow rise and fall, really creeps me out. Oh. It's not actually a pillow, because it's fleshy and hairy.

It's a chest of the guy with whom I slept with.

I bit my hand to avoid screaming bloody murder. I catch my breath, exerting much effort to pull myself away from his death grip. I am very much aware that I'm naked and so is he...geez

I am disappointed that I didn't get to remember anything from last night. I hated that my first time is simply composed of a blurred memory of me and him kissing.

Getting rid of his body was such a very terrifying act. I do not know the guy for crying out loud! Yet, I did slept with him.

The warmth left my body and I shivered, shaking as I recovered my conscious mind. I leap out of the bed in my pure nudity and was shocked when he suddenly let out a groan. The man turned his head to the side and I was shocked to see his face.

No, it can't be!

Without thinking I pulled a pair of white pants from the floor and a dress shirt. Grabbing my purse with my left hand, I proceed to open the window with my other hand before I jump down. I bit back a scream as I collapse on a heap. The guards are rounding the hallways and I felt like a burglar invading this place. I hastily avoided the maids and made it out the gate once the guards change shifts. I breathe out a sigh.

I walk down the street and got weird looks from almost everyone. Of course, it's not everyday that you'll see an almost naked woman walking down the street. I guess, I have brought the Las Vegas vibe in Paris. It was still early in the morning and I am very tired, sweating like a pig as I nurse a hangover. Not to mention that I was dressed only in a pair of white dress shirt and pants. Very fashionable.

I probably look like a ridiculous psycho who just came out of rehab.

Entering a café, I slip inside a booth and stared at the menu. I was startled when a young lady came barging beside me, "Bonjour, mademoiselle..." I just stared at her not knowing what I would say. I can fully understand her French, but my mind has some problem on processing right now because it's drowning in too much liquor I drank last night.

"Oh, ma'am? Would you prefer me speaking English now?" I cringe at her grammar as she spoke. I urge for her to dictate the menu, ending up with some black coffee and the famous croissant of Paris.

I almost jump out of my seat when my phone rang. Pulling it out of my purse, I answered in a nonchalant tone, "Hello?"

"Neo, where are you? We are boarding on the plane in the next thirty minutes. Now get your ass here right at this moment or I'll be leaving for Seattle without your sorry bum!" She ended the call, not giving me any chance to respond.

I stared at the young lady as she scurry off, bringing back a disposable cup, "You, take it out?" She asked. I just nodded at her as she pour the remains of my coffee on the cup. I didn't wait for her another word as I grab it, handing her a tip "Merci, Celine..." She gave me a toothy grin before I ran out of the shop.

"Come again, Au revoir!"

•

I wasn't surprise when almost all of the passengers are looking at me with curious stares. I shrug off my shoulder and stare ahead, looking for that particular brunette mother and child. I am delighted to see her not far from the entrance, carrying a very hyper Jacob whom I assume is having another sugar rush.

"There you are! Oh gosh, you don't know how I've been so worried for you didn't came back home last night. I guess you really enjoyed the party because I gave you my invitation card-and oh my gosh!" She gave me a sweep from head to toe before pointing a finger at me, "You should rather keep hold of your nephew right now while I get you some shirt and jeans of mine. You look ridiculous, m'lady..."

The address made me soft. Memories of last night became rushing back as the velvety voice of his caress me with every word. I shrug at her as she hand me her son, getting me a pair of jeans and shirt from the duffel bag on the floor.

I give Jacob the cup of coffee that is now empty and he happily wave it up on the air, "Darth Vader! Pingpingping," the coffee cup flied on the space around my head as Jacob made sounds. "Silly, Jacob..." I shook my head as he giggled, pursing his lips for a kiss. I lean on him and was surprise when he suddenly grab my hair and pulled "Jake-"

"Aunt Ne-la," he whispered on my ear before puffing his cheek and letting go of the air slowly through his lips. "Brblrrblrrr..." Rains of slobber wet my cheeks as I closed my eyes, shaking my head at my nephew who is now laughing at me. Oh, this boy. He love to act like a baby!

God, he just told me yesterday that he is a big boy and I shouldn't baby him much.

"Neo, here...."Elle handed me the clothes and I happily pass her Jacob. I blew him a kiss before I scurried off to the rest room, entering a cubicle and began stripping out of this clothes.

Oh this clothes, his clothes. Royalty...

Goodness, what am I thinking?! Have I gone nuts? I don't even know what I'm doing last night. I should've been more careful but my heart wants what it wants and the odds led me to it.

Sighing, I undo the buttons, reminiscing how my weekend had flip unto this confusing end. It started out right, with only the three of us landing in the city of love; Elle carrying his son as I carry our things. We had our reservation at the hotel facing the tower. During the afternoon, I went out to the park to watch the sunset with my nephew as we waited for his mother to win a deal from her client.

It was all good, but then that invitation has to ruin it all.

Of course, I didn't expect that the outcome would be like this when Elle urged for me to go. I agreed because of the reason that I'd like to attend to one of this 'royal' balls in my lifetime rather than babysit my hyper nephew. He is very addicted on playing with his stupid robots and light sabers, I find it hard to relate.

It was all good and perfect before that evening came. I was suddenly fetch by a limo and I came face to face with different people, I know it won't end good.

And I was right.

First, I was intoxicated. Drunk myself to death and was out of my mind. Second, I talked and flirted to different people not caring who they were. And third, I slept with a man and gave my v-card without even knowing who he really was. Not until I saw his face a while ago...

Lovely? No! Absolutely not.

I was rambling with my angry thoughts, pulling the jeans up on my leg when I was suddenly distracted by a sudden gleam that caught my eye.

God, I can't believe this.

There on my right ring finger, was a platinum band, littered with small diamonds. The oval shape sapphire located on the center made me go weak.

Did he propose to me?

Well, according to the ring, the answer would be 'yes' but not to my memory; I don't remember any proposals or him getting in his knee, or this freaking ring!

With pure and utter angst, I slipped out of the restroom before dumping his dress on the nearest bin. I tried for countless times, pulling at the ring but it won't budge. Not one inch or even a millimeter.

I was delighted when they announce our flight, urging us to prepare and board. In that way it kept me distracted, my thoughts focusing on finding Elle rather than the stupid ball last night.

As I saw them, I offer to take Jacob on my arms as we pass through the gates. We proceed down the aisle and then we situated on our lovely seats. I pulled Jacob closer as he began to squirm, trying to bang both of his favourite robots as he make sound effects with his mouth.

I glared at Elle as she pinch my sides, pulling Jacob back to her arms. Frowning, I just stare at her and say, "What's with the pinch?" I screamed, my voice now an octave higher. She just giggled, focusing her attention to his son. "I would love to inform you that it hurts, like a bitch, if you wanna know..." I shrug again, lowering myself down on the seat.

"Neo, now tell me...do tell." she urge, pinching me again.

"Ow, fudge balls...Elle? What would I tell you?" I whined, earning a bunch of curious stares from the passengers on our left. I just glared at them and was delighted when they duck their head down, "Tell me about last night." She blurted out of the blue as she gave me a grin. Her son matching her smirk.

"It's--nothing."

"Noooooo, I won't believe that. You just say that there's nothing because you hide the fact that something's up." She stated, pulling my arm as Jacob nuzzled his head on my shoulder. "Tell me, Neeeoooooo...I know there's something. The way you forgot that this morning will be our flight, the way you reacted, that hangover thingy, the cup, the clothes and not to mention....that ring!" She pointed at it with her eyes shining.

Oh, Geez...I'll be dead before we even reach New York.

I turn my gaze out on the window and sighed, watching as we flew up on the sky, "No, Elle. There's nothing and as much as you insist. That'll be all for now," I heard her sigh as I also let out one.

I don't know how I'm going to face all this.

With that I urge for sleep to come, but I know as sleep grab me, memories of last night will hunt like nightmares I used to have.

계속