( Beverly Hills, California. )
Natalia was ignorant of the sarcastic tone in Elva’s voice and picked up her lotion. She quickly explained to her what happened…. with less details.
“May refused to take us back because of the mud on our clothes so we walked instead. You should see her! She’s more elegant than most people in rich clothes.” She smiled and crossed her legs.
“Oh.” Elva breathed and absentmindedly brushed her hair while Natalia applied moisturizer on her skin.
“We spent the night in his family’s vacation house.”
“There’s nothing else?”
“What do you mean?” She raised her head. Elva shrugged again.
“I dunno. What the house looked like?”
“It was nice and homely.”
“Any maids?”
“No, not really. The house staffs come in the morning and leave at night.”
“So what happened when you two got back??” The gossipy bestie stubbornly persisted. And Natalia forced herself to not stare at her like an idiot.
“I showered and changed?” She pointed. But the Empress didn’t know where her royal assistant was headed.
“Into whose clothes? And who brought it?? Give me juicy details!!” She breathlessly hyped.
“Jeez! Haven’t you heard of spare clothes? The maids brought them in.”
“Ohh.” Elva mouthed disappointedly. “You may continue.”
“There’s nothing else other than we had dinner and….”
“And the maids left?” She purred creepily.
“We went to bed! What else?!”
“So you both spent the night together.” Elva concluded cheekily.
“Yeah… In separate rooms! And wipe that stupid smirk off your silly face!” Natalia snapped and picked up her clothes to change.
“Me?… I wasn’t smiling.” She innocently looked away. Natalia shot her a dirty look and scoffed. Her phone buzzed on the bedside table.
“Emperor.”
“Empress.” Natalia and Esmond said uniformly and chuckled.
“Did you get home safely?” He cleared his throat.
“Yes, thank you. And did you?”
“I did, thanks.” She smiled and they lapsed into silence.
Natalia was ignorant of Elva’s owlish eyes, slyly peering at her as she casually fumbled with the clothes in her hands.
“Yes?” Natalia patiently prodded. Esmond hastily cleared his throat again.
“Um… yeah, the site! The site for the university? The architects wants us to take a look at the blueprint and then go over to the site. There’s a minor glitch in their plans and they’re thinking we might need to change our minds about the location.”
“Oh, okay. Sounds like a plan…. and too much walking.” She drawled lazily. Esmond chuckled lightly and they slipped into another uncomfortable silence.
This time, Elva loudly cleared her throat and almost burst open her windpipe!
“I think I’ll go pick out an outfit.”
“And I’ll go grab a bottle of water. So long!”
“Bye!” She breathed out and quickly cut the call before he even did.
Fastest fingers, indeed.
Natalia easily got uncomfortable with people and the ‘little’ incident at the fields with Esmond made it even worse.
“Don’t worry. Even with that guilty face, I still believe nothing else happened yesterday. Stingy bestie with certain gists!” Elva snorted and stormed away.
Natalia fell on her bed and twitched her lips in annoyance. Trust Elva to always read you like a book…
***
“Sorry dude. I talked to Elva about it but she was reluctant to help.” Ricky reported.
Arian aggressively hit the pool stick and the balls rolled to different directions. They were playing pool at Jeffrey’s game room. And the little fox was with them.
“Let me simply inform y’all in advance…” Jeffrey announced and sipped from his soda.
“Hell! I’m not gonna be part of your suicide squad! You guys know I love you y’all, but my precious life comes first!” He reminded.
“Dude, cool it! Elva was reluctant at first but she agreed to give Arian access to the estate only once. Because if anything goes wrong, she’s gonna get into some serious beef with Natalia.”
“NATALIA??” Tommy screamed excitedly and jumped down from the couch. He ran over to Arian and pulled his hand, smiling infectiously.
“Arian, where’s she?! Mommy told me she took a vacation. Why didn’t you tell me she’s back? Why, huh? Why? Take me to her. I wanna see her. Take me! Take me! Take…”
“Tommy, stop it! Seriously, not now!” He unconsciously snapped at his little brother for the first time ever.
By the time he realised it, Tommy had run into Jeffrey’s arms in fright.
“T… Tommy, I’m sorry.” He whispered and softly reached for him. But Tommy looked away and hugged Jeffrey tighter. Arian breathed out in frustration and pulled his hair.
“I’m just… it’s just… I’ve been thinking too much and it’s stressing me out! Dad’s serious about the internship at headquarters, Mom’s yapping about my checkups, Selena’s stressing about the stupid wedding and I’m focused on getting rid of her and having Natalia back in my life!
“I’m so screwed! I’m absolutely clueless on how to stop the agreement between dad and Sir Felix. Nothing is going the way I want it! My whole life is a mess!”
Ricky walked him over to a couch before he could get a chance to smash things again.
“At this rate, you’ll grow older than the rest of us.” Arian took the chilled can from Ricky and fumbled with the lid. Jeffrey walked over with Tommy and sat opposite them.
“Elva’s trying to pick the perfect time since Natalia has a busy schedule. You know how these things work. You’ll get a chance to explain, don’t worry.” He cheerfully smacked him on his arm.
Arian remained mute. Jeffrey’s phone beeped next to him and he brought it out. It was a text.
“You okay?” Nicky came in and sat beside him.
“Yeah.” He kissed her, casually dropping his phone. Tommy moved over to her and she fondly cuddled him.
“Bae, I have to go somewhere. I’ll see you later?” Nicky opened her lips to argue.
“But…” He shut her with a quick kiss.
“I love you. Arian, chin up.” Arian rolled his eyes and fell on his back while Ricky’s eyes followed his hasty figure outside…
***
The surveyors and architects took the Emperor and the Empress around the site which was quite rocky. Natalia walked slowly to watch her steps which Esmond secretly found amusing.
She was obviously trying to avoid what happened between them at the ranch.
“This is one of the best sites. You’ve both seen the expansion and length. So what do you think, your majesties?”
“Left to me, I think it’s perfect. But what do you think, Empress?” Natalia looked up at him.
“The environment is conducive and the expansion is enough. Besides, the scenery is perfect for learning.” Esmond nodded in agreement and looked out into the valley with her.
The lush vegetation, the gentle coursing river and the magnificent rocks were eye-catching. It was nature at its peak!
They shook hands with the group who then went on without them. Esmond passed Natalia a water bottle and she smiled in gratitude. Their guards stood some distance away.
“Thanks.” She smiled again and crashed on the grass. Esmond returned a teasing one.
“I thought you were careful not to get messy again?”
“Tch! Don’t think too much. My legs are aching! Come sit with me.” She politely invited. Esmond chuckled and sat with her.
They looked like a sweet couple wearing simple denims over white cans which was a complete coincidence.
“I knew you’ld like this place.” He confessed. Natalia looked at him.
“Why is that?”
“I know women have an eye for catchy things. But yours is more natural and artistic.” She flushed and looked away.
Esmond noticed she did it a lot but it made her look cuter each time.
“And how would you know that?” She defended women.
“I’ve met women in Europe. The few I’d come to notice are less of a nature admirer.” He said. Natalia laughed.
“I’m not an artist, though. My friend is.” She smiled remembering the adorable romantic stalker, Ricky Winterfield.
“The one back at the party?” Esmond turned to her. But her smile froze and slowly dropped.
He noticed something change in her. Something he wished she’ld share with him.
“I’m sorry if I upset you.” He apologized softly and she forced a smile.
“No, there’s nothing to be sorry for…. And it’s not him actually. It’s his best friend.” Esmond nodded and looked away.
They sat for a few more minutes in silence, admiring nature. Suddenly, they heard some noise behind them.
The duo inched their heads simultaneously to see reporters rushing towards them. Security swept into action and tried to keep them away but they multiplied each second. They almost seemed like crazy fans!
“How did they know we were here?” Natalia was stunned.
“Someone must’ve tipped them off. I guess it’s our cue to leave?” Esmond brought out his hand and she hastily took it, noticing the guards were having a tough time keeping the crowd away.
“Definitely.” She breathed and they stood up…
***
Jeffrey Campbell pulled up in the familiar driveway and came out. The neighborhood was silent and breezy as usual. He walked into the building and the housekeeper bowed in greeting.
“Where is she?”
“The young mistress is up in her bedroom, waiting for you.” Jeffrey nodded and walked upstairs. Something felt oddly different but he pushed it aside. He got to her bedroom door and walked in without knocking.
“Ash?” He gently called. Ashley looked up from her pillow and ran into his arms.
“Jeffrey!” She held him and he pulled her closer. “I need you so much.”
“I’m here now.” He whispered softly…