With Every Heartbeat

Chapter 3

When Nicole awoke the next morning, she rethought about her night with the chest and all. Finally, Nicole's eyes fluttered open and was blinded by the sunlight pouring through her window. She managed to adjust her eyes and turned her gaze to the Dead Man's Chest. She smiled when she saw it, knowing her conscious would finally be cleared. Nicole got up and shuffled out of the room.

When Nicole entered the kitchen it was empty. Her father was probably working outside. Nicole yawned sat down on a chair, and looked around the room. It was probably in the afternoon now since the sun was high in the sky. Suddenly there was a tapping on the door, sounded like a cane banging on the door. Nicole sighed, "Who is it" she called jokingly. "Now don't play games darling, Nancy be a dear and open the door."

When Nicole got to the door, three women walked in with boxes followed by a man in black and white very expensive clothing. His face was cleanly shaved and his short light brown hair was neatly combed. Quite frankly everything about this man was perfect about him because this man was none other than Andrew Dracone.

"Good Morning Sweet Pie "Andrew said, kissing her on the lips. Even though Nicole showed she was completely taken off guard, Andrew really didn't seem to notice since he continued to talk. " You're still in your sleepwear at this hour "."

"Oh, I figured by now you would want to change my dress anyway so why bother" Nicole said giggling.

"Hmm "Andrew replied, gesturing his pimp cane in the direction of Nicole's bedroom. They waked into her room and Nicole got dressed in silence. It was sometimes hard to make conversation with Andrew. Now was one of those times.

. In the meantime, Andrew walked around Nicole's bedroom examining everything. He walked over to the bedside table the Dead Man's Chest was on. "You sure do have lots of odd objects of what not in here.

Nicole poked her head out from behind the screen and let out a little shreek when she saw Andrew about to pick up the Dead Man's Chest.

He turned around, alarmed, to look at her. "Corset "Nicole lied stepping from the screen to reveal her beautiful red dress she was wearing. Andrew stepped towards Nicole. "You look beautiful" he said simply".

"Naturally" Nicole replied modestly. Andrew smirked, "Come girls" and then left the bedroom. Unsure of what to do, Nicole also followed them from the room. When all the maids had left the house, Andrew turned to face Nicole.

"I'm heading back to my mansion to supervise for tonight, are you coming?"

"No!" Nicole said almost too instantly. "Um well my father probably um wants help, you know around the house."

"Ah probably best you stay here, I'll see you tonight then" Andrew said kissing Nicole's hand. When Andrew was a far enough away, Nicole shut the door and rested her back against it. This Engagement Gala would be a complete disaster. Nicole exhaled. This was going to be a long day.

That Night

" Uhhh", Nicole moaned, "Not more boxes from Andrew" " Open your mouth Deary" One of Andrew's maids said to Nicole. "Well he wants everything to be prefect"

"And this is why the wedding has been taking so long" Nicole said jokingly when the maid was finish coloring Nicole's lips. The maid ignored her comment and went on doing Nicole's eye makeup. "You look absolutely stunning" said a voice from the doorway. It was Andrew.

When the maid was finished and ad left, Andrew walked up to Nicole's chair. "You said something like that this morning" Nicole said looking up at him. "Actually you say it all the time, from the day we met"

"And I mean it every time I do, why is that a problem?"

"Yes, it is, you have never said anything else about me" Nicole said standing up so she could look Andrew in the eyes. "Then maybe I should start" Andrew said with a sly smile as he wrapped his arm around Nicole's waist and began to walk.

"You are an incredible young woman. Smart, independent..." He turned them so they face one another, "And beautiful. But this is our world now. Beldrom looks up to the wealthiest and they expect the handsome, rich tycoon and the wife that is so perfect it appears she was the image of a glass angle from God himself."

Nicole was so taken back by his strong compliments. Was she that perfect? "I don't think I am right for you, all this special treatment I am given, and it's like a whole new life" Nicole said quietly.

"It's for Royalty" Andrew said taking a small box from his coat pocket and opening it. It was a small diamond crown. He gently placed the crown on Nicole's head and turned her so she was facing the mirror. "We are Royalty Nicole"

And it was true and to make matters worse, Nicole finally believed it. By just looking at her refection, she could tell she was that perfect. Just then Andrew broke through her thoughts. "And every King needs a Queen". She was that very Queen, although she felt like a prisoner. On the outside Nicole appeared bold and strong, but inside, she was shaking.

Andrew saw her realization and fear in her eyes, and he smiled with satisfaction.