This story starts when Candy found that Albert was the Prince of the Hill...

Candy ran to Albert's arms and both of them hugged very tightly. Candy asked excitedly, "Since when did you know it?"

Happy on her welcoming reaction Albert felt very relieved and responded, "When I picked you up the night you were running away from Neal, I saw the pendant which I lost years ago. Then, I remembered I lost it the day I went to Pony Hill to play bag pipe and met a crying little girl on the hill. I started to think about the connection and surprise surprise... I realized that your Prince of the Hill was me."

Albert was so relieved that finally he could unload this secret from his heart.

Candy couldn't help to stare and examine Albert's complexion. She compared Albert's blue eyes, blonde hair, genuine smile, caring voice to the prince's. Indeed, the handsome cute little prince had transformed to a very handsome man. She then suddenly realized that Albert was staring at her too. She felt so shy and abruptly stopped looking and blushed.

At this moment George appeared. "Sir William, we have a meeting to attend."

"I know George, I'll be right there," said Albert. Then he turned towards Candy, "Well, I need to go. I'll write you letters, ok? Have fun partying with your friends please give my regards to your mothers."

Candy was disappointed that Albert decided to leave immediately. But, she had no other choice rather than to wave good bye to him. She was upset that he didn't even give her one minute to hear her side of the story. She really liked Albert and was about to tell him that but then George came. She was very annoyed that George appeared at that crucial time. Now he's gone. She didn't know when she could see him again. She cried at that thought. Why it's so hard to have some time with him, she thought. Left with no other choice, she walked back to the Pony's home to meet others.

She and Albert exchanged letters often. Whenever Candy received Albert's letters she's very happy and eagerly responded to him. But, after a while letters got shorter and became rarer and rarer. Time drifted them both apart.

Luckily, Candy was a busy professional woman. She went back to school to get a degree in health care program. She also worked in the hospital as an executive of the new hospital Albert built for Dr. Martin. After a while she got used to live without Albert. She'd be a strong woman as she promised herself long ago (1). She also had several dates that came and went. The most serious one was Dr. Kay. Dr Kay was an associate doctor who participated in exchange program with the USA from Germany. Candy and him was in love, mutually. But, unfortunately he needed to go back to Germany something that Candy wasn't ready to do. She's happy living in the USA. Not to mention that she couldn't speak the language.

Albert genuinely liked Candy. But being just introduced as William he was at the height of his career where he needed to do many business trips. He needed to visit many Ardlay places, associates, centers and other engagement around the country and around the world. Time drifted the two apart. After a while what remained was an affection they had for one another like a brother to a sister or a step father to a daughter.

Albert did take care of Candy with a living standard appropriate for an Ardlay. He moved her to a more appropriate house with servants, car, allowance, and more. Candy initially refused but he kindly explained to her as an Ardlay she should live like one. After a while she finally accepted it. He also helped to put Pony's home under Ardlay foundation. The house got remodeled and hired more workers to help Ms. Pony and Sr. Lane. As a gratitude to Dr. Martin who helped him generously when he was penniless, Albert also had the foundation built a more decent hospital for him to serve the poor and the rich alike. Candy was an executive in this hospital.

In the public eye, Candy was well known as a professional woman and a respected daughter of Sir William Ardlay. She had mastered all manners and etiquette rules with the help from aunt Elroy.

oOo

Mm. Elroy was very concerned that Albert was still unmarried. She busied herself to look for a wife for Albert. All candidates were found to be unsuccessful since he felt he couldn't like someone by just meeting her over a dinner or one round of dance. So despite all her efforts, Albert still had no steady girlfriend.

One night, Albert toured around his newly founded Ardlay Chicago technology center by himself. He expected the office should be empty. But, he found one scientist was still at work.

"Sir William," she stood up politely as she recognized the boss came.

"How are you doing, Ms…"

"Melinda, Sir"

"Melinda, do you mind if I look around?" asked Albert.

"Please," she said and she helped to show him around.

"How come you're still here at late hour?" inquired Albert.

"Night is the best time to work, Sir. It's quiet," she replied calmly.

It started that way. The more Albert met Melinda, the more Albert liked her. The discussion got longer and they started to have dinner together. Before long he started to fall in love with her. He proposed to her. Aunt Elroy was delighted and received the request at no opposition at all.

- TO be continued -

Note:

1. Taken from manga. One scene Candy was wondering what if Albert left her. But, she told herself she'd be strong regardless.

2. In the manga, Neal was a spoiled boy. He did nothing good and caused so much trouble to Candy so Albert didn't like him.