I look up from the screen of my iMac as the wooden double doors of my office open. I watch how my husband's enters our offices at nine thirty like every Thursday morning. He's dressed in a navy three piece suit with a black tie that match his black leathered shoes.

He was at Dr. Wyatt's for another appointment. After the incident the morning after he came home, he has been seeing Dr. Wyatt every Thursday and Saturday morning. I don't know what he discusses with the shrink, but he didn't try to strangle me again.

It's a rainy Thursday morning as my husband walks over to his mahogany desk, that's standing next to my white marbled desk, and sits down without a word.

I take a sip of my camomile tea and continue working on my emails.

After ten minutes of silent work beside one another I can suddenly feel his gaze on me. "Hm?" I ask him as I send off another email.

"You don't want to know how my appointment with Dr. Wyatt has been?"

"It's none of my business. I told you I'd take you back into the bedroom if you start seeing Dr. Wyatt again. And since you're seeing her twice a week, I think it's fair of me to not ask you about what you're discussing with your shrink. God knows she has some serious digging to do." I answer before looking at him.

My husband's bright blue eyes stare at me with no shame. "I'm talking about the last two years with her. About what I did. What I had to do to protect you."

"Okay."

"Okay?" He asks with a raised eyebrow.

"Yes. I wish you would talk about your issue with Della and Wlad but I also know that it's better to work at one construction site after another."

He frowns at my words. "I don't have an issue with them. It's Adaline who doesn't see her mistakes."

I shake my head at his words. "That's exactly why you should talk to Dr. Wyatt about them."

"Okay since Dad is back now, I think we can officially start planning that wedding." Ana says, squeezing Jake's hand. The green eyed man smiles back at her.

"Do you still want to do it in the winter?" I ask them. Time has gone by slowly. No matter how much I pressured Troy to apologise to our daughter and his best friend, he kept being his stubborn self and now almost half a year later we might be sleeping in the same bed again, but that's pretty much it. Troy has created a deep crack within our family, diving our family members into those who support Della and Troy and those who don't, meaning only Troy. Even my father is on Wlad and Della's side and so is Diana as well as Shailene. I haven't talked to Franklin or Victoria but I'm pretty sure they're on my side and not Troy's.

I've decided to not inform Troy about Franklin's help when I was looking for him. The same goes for Derek. What Troy doesn't know can't hurt him.

Maybe it's good that the triplets will move to Switzerland and escape all the madness here. They need to focus on school, tennis and swimming. They are so close to fulfilling their dreams of winning all four Grand Slams and being an Olympian.

"Yeah, but we thought perhaps on the Maldives. That way we don't have to leave for the honeymoon."

"We really liked the island we stayed on after Christmas."

It was beautiful there. I was seven months along with Elias on that trip... I can almost feel the white warm sand between my toes. "Not the Caribbean Sea?"

Ana shakes her head, "No. Too much of a risk for hurricanes or storms."

Troy nods before leaning back on the couch. "Have you guys settled on a date?"

"January the fifth."

"Next year?" I ask surprised. That's in only five months. The triplets will be on their winter break by that time. It's going to be an herculean task to get this planned.

"Yes. We already talked to the hotel and booked the whole island." Jake says.

"I can't afford to miss more than two weeks during my internship at the Lister hospital. Maybe when I start working as a resident, I have more freedom." She'll be a resident in a year. Ana takes her job nearly as serious as Della. "Besides, in January the triplets will still be on their winter break." I cannot believe they start at Le Rosey in just a few weeks! It feels like yesterday we talked to the triplets about going to boarding school. I miss them already, although they are playing outside in our backyard right now. The house won't be the same without them running around.

"Can you wait that long?" I ask Jake.

The green eyed man shrugs, "I waited all this time. I can wait a little longer."

I look back at Troy, "You hear that? Some men are actually patient when it gets to marrying someone."

Troy grins at me and looks at Jake, "You might be able to wait but I definitely wasn't this patience. I wanted to marry that woman as soon as she said yes."

Jake chuckles. "I definitely know that feeling but Ana wants a proper wedding."

"And by proper I hope you don't mean pompous." She narrows his eyes at him.

"I didn't say that. It's going to be tasteful and glamorous and very beautiful."

"Hire a wedding planner." Troy advices them. "Trust me, she will safe you a lot of nerves."

"Well, I already have a dress in mind and I've already picked out the bridesmaids dresses with Della."

"And I have an appointment for my tux fitting tomorrow." Jake says with a smile on his lips.

Ana turns her head to her father and inhales deeply. "Daddy, I need you to make up with Della. I need the both of you to get along on my wedding day. I need her involved as much as you. She's my maid of honour. You have to accept Wladimir into this family. Because he's not going anywhere. He never left her side. Even when they were broken up."

I can see how my husband's eyes go dark and his hands start forming fists. He thought I was the only one to be able to pressure him, but he forgot that our whole family is standing behind Wladimir and Della. "No."

"She loves him, Daddy."

"I said NO!" He says in a louder voice. "Don't pressure me, Ana. I will never accept Wladimir into this family."

"But-"

"Anastasia," I whisper to my daughter and shake my head.

Ana bites on her lip by holds her tongue. "At least keep yourself together on my wedding day. Can you do that?"

To our all surprise, Troy nods. "I can do one day. But no more."

We drive through the black wrought iron gates of Château du Rosey, entering the campus of the Swiss Elite Boarding School. We're in Rolle, a tiny village located between Geneva and Lausanne. The main campus is located here, right next to the Lake Léman, facing the Mont Blanc. In this privileged location 420 students from 70 countries learn and live together on this unique bicultural and bilingual campus.

Troy parks the black Lexus SUV next to a red Ferarri. This is definitely upper-class. Today's not the first day of school, but the first day of the new students here so the campus is still fairly empty. The parking lot is full of expensive cars. There are Range Rovers, Jaguars, Ferarris, Rolls-Royce, Bentleys... With a fee of 80.000 per year, this shouldn't be much of a surprise.

I turn around in my seat, facing my three bundles of joy. Their blue eyes are wide, taking in as much as possible. We've been here before to take the entrance test which was in mathematics, French and English as it's their mother tongue. They were also interviewed by academic heads and they had the chance to ask questions, which they made lots of use. "Are you sure you want to do this?"

"Yes." they say in choir.

"It's your last chance to back out. Once you get out of this car, you will stay here. For a very long time." I remind them.

"We know, Mom." Nate narrows his fifteen year old navy coloured eyes at me. They are a stunning contrast to his short dark blonde hair.

"We've already send our luggage here a few weeks ago. We're going to be fine." Jo says with a grin on her lips. She braided her long blonde hair into a fishtail braid.

"Are you sure?"

Rory nods, "Yes. I can train here with Andy Murray as the school hired him as their new tennis teacher. Everything worked out great."

My little bundles of joy are leaving the nest. Nothing's working out great. "I know, it's just-"

"Mom, we'll miss you too." Rory interrupts me with a soft smile on her lips. She put her brown hair into a high ponytail.

"But we're also looking forward to this." Jo says with a nod. How can her bright blue eyes sparkle so much?

"Yeah, especially having some peace here. No more bullying for me." Nate shrugs, "We're all the same here." Students from politicians, royalty and celebrities are attending this school. It's not only about the money, but also the reputation. Students only get in if they're good enough.

I nod, "Okay, fine. Get out then." I feel my husband's gaze on me as our children get out of the car. I look to my left and see those dark navy eyes staring at me. It's hard for him, too. "I hate you for doing this to me." I whisper at him as Rory shuts the door close.

"No you don't. You love me." He takes my hand and kisses my engagement ring and wedding band.

"You're right. I do love you. Maybe a little too much." I say before getting out of the Lexus. I look around at the massive campus, seeing the neat grass, the clean paths that lead the way around the 28 hectare big campus and the pretty typical, traditionally rich Swiss buildings. This school is known as the school of kings and I can definitely see why. Shah of Iran, Prince Rainier of Monaco and King Farouk of Egypt attended this school. Rumour has it that the Cambridges sent all three of their children to this school this year as well. But so far, I haven't seen any British royalty. Le Rosey's catchment area was once the glittering palaces that housed the granted families on the continent: the Metternichs, the Borgheses and the Hohenlohes.

"They'll be fine here." Troy's voice interrupts my train of thoughts.

I nod, "I hope so."

"Let's head to the Paul Henri Carnal Hall." Troy laces his fingers with mine and we follow the triplets who run down the path that leads to their very own concert hall. It's a gorgeous flat dome with lots of glass. Its shape recalls a rose or rosette - a fitting allusion for Le Rosey. There are twelve tennis courts, two basketball courts, three swimming pools, four equestrian clubs and a lot more on this campus. Many students are walking to the concert hall with their parents fairly behind. The welcome ceremony is starting in about twenty minutes. 85 new students got accepted this year - my triplets included.

"It's a very pretty campus." I breathe out as we walk down the pebbled road. It's early September, but it's somehow not as hot as I thought it would be.

"It's the best boarding school in the world." Troy says with a nod. "This is right."

I bite my lip, "If they don't like it here-"

"Then we'll bring them back to London. But trust me on this, they will. Rory can continue training with Andy Murray. That way she's going to be able to participate in the Australian Grand Slam next year, maybe even win this thing. Nate can continue his swim training as well. And Jo can ride a horse whenever she pleases. No more driving to Dover."

"I like Dover."

"I know. Perhaps we can drive there ourselves for a week. Just the two of us. How does that sound?"

"Good, but not better than having my kids at home."

"Gabi, this is a great boarding school. They will love it. Plus the tutor-student ratio is one to four. The teaching language is French and English, so they'll understand everything. In addition to that they will learn at least four other languages. They have a lot to do here on campus, so they won't get bored. Boys and girls have their own campuses where they live and eat, so they don't get distracted by the other sex."

"They'll be fine?"

"They'll be fine." he ensures me as we reach the round concert hall. "Besides, we'll see them on the weekend."

"In three or four weeks." I point out. "It'll be the longest month of my life!"

Troy holds the door open for me, "I know."

I walk into the glass building, facing the performance hall, the conference rooms and the black-box theatre. To the left are ground-floor educational spaces. To the right is the access to the learning centre and the restaurant, which also has an independent entrance located near its terrace. A series of side openings articulates the periphery. A forecourt to the main entrance and the concert hall is located along the west facade. "Where are the triplets?" I say looking around. This is definitely worth the school fee. I don't see my kids in the crowds immediately and feel a rush of panic coming over me.

"There." Troy points to Nate, Rory and Jo who are already talking to two other new students. The boy is blonde haired with chocolate brown eyes and the girl has braided her dark blonde hair into a fishtail braid just like Jo. They are all already dressed in the uniform here at Le Rosey: a blazer and tie for boys and a formal dress for girls. They look like miniature politicians or lawyers. It's kind of scary, but also kind of cool.

I frown. They seem so familiar but I can't pin point their faces. Must be some kids from celebrities. I look away, I have to get used to the feeling of not knowing where they are 24/7. "Let's head inside and find our places."

We head into the main hall, which is the wooden core of the steel dome. I almost stumble at the beauty that I face. The Paul Henri Carnal Hall at Le Rosey was built by Bernard Tschumi Architects, one of the best in the world. It's a stunning architectural building. Nine hundred people can fit in here. There are two levels and the parents are all seated on the main floor. The seats are all padded and beige. "Wow, this is so beautiful!" The stage is already filled with an orchestra that consists of students. The rows of beige leathered benches are almost all already taken. "Which seat is our's?" I ask him. We got a specific seat number with the acceptance letter a few months ago.

"1 e and f." Troy says as we walk past all the rows. At each row there's a woman and man standing and greeting the parents.

We stop at row one. "Mr. and Mrs. Bolton, what a pleasure to meet you. My name is Karin." the brown haired woman introduces herself to us before shaking our hands. Just like everyone here, she's dressed like she works in a law firm, rather than a school. "I'll be having an eye on Lorelai and Josephine here. My colleague Martin will be Nathanial's supervisor." Karin says before Martin shakes our hand. Martin is just like Karin in his mid fifties. He has blue eyes and short blonde hair.

"Very nice to meet you." Martin's voice is deep and warm. I like Martin. "We'll be in contact every week via facetime, email, telephone - whatever you prefer. Nathanial, Lorelai and Josephine will have a strict time table which we both will make sure they stick to."

"Of course we will make sure Lorelai can train with Andy Murray. Mr. Murray has also told us about her ambitious plan. The same goes for Nathanial. Have you already downloaded our app?" Karin asks me.

"Yes." I answer for both of us.

"Good, in that you'll see their time tables, any extracurricular work, punishments if they don't stick to our rules as well as contact data of their teachers, the headmaster as well as us as their supervisors." Martin says to us with a soft smile on his lips. "You'll also get the phone number from the other parents in this row as you'll have the same supervisors. That way if something urgent ever happens you can reach out to one another."

"Now, have a seat and enjoy our welcoming ceremony. We'll start shortly with a concert from our own orchestra." Karin smiles at us before we get seated. Troy sits down next to a French couple. The two seats next to me are empty. I look at the flyer that are laying on the seats, knowing these are personalised with the parents' name on it. HRH of Cambridge.

I frown as my heart skips a beat. No, that can't be true! I look again, this time closer. HRH of Cambridge. "Troy," I breathe out, tapping against his chest.

"What?"

"Look at that." I breathe out, pointing at the flyers.

"Guess the rumours are true."

"But what are the odds to be sitting next to them?"

"They're just human beings."

"They are blue blooded." I narrow my eyes at him. Suddenly, I see the Cambridges - I mean, their Royal Highnesses - walking over to us. Shit, it's really them!

"Hello!" the Duke of Cambridge says before introducing himself to Troy and me. "I'm William." he shakes our hands with a charming smile on his lips.

"Troy Bolton, this is my wife Gabriella." Troy sounds all cool.

"Hi." I breathe out shocked. I'm talking to the future King of England!

"Catherine, nice to meet you." the Duchess of Cambridge says, wearing that same charming smile. She shakes our hands as well before sitting down next to me. "Guess our children are going to have the same supervisors."

Shit, that means I will have the phone number of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge! Royals! "Yeah, seems so." I say and smile at her.

"Where are you from?"

"London, actually."

"Oh, how lovely!" she smiles at me again. "Which part?"

"We live in Richmond." I don't ask where she lives, because I obviously know. "We have an estate next to Richmond park."

"Do you take a lot of walks in Richmond park?"

I nod, "Every morning and night for an hour we go for a walk with our dog Zeus. An English Springer Spaniel."

She smiles at me. "I have a dog as well. Lupo. An English Cocker Spaniel in black."

"Zeus loves going on early morning runs with my husband."

Catherine chuckles, "Seems like our dogs have something in common."

The lights get dimmed and the orchestra starts playing Beethoven's symphony. I blend out all my worries as I suddenly see my three fifteen year olds getting on the stage along with their ten classmates. The Cambridges however stick out. I guess Nate, Rory and Jo really did talk to them earlier, treating them like children their age, rather than royals. In just a few minutes they'll be introduced as Roséens, being official students at Le Rosey.

I have a feeling this is the beginning of a very special friendship.

I brush through my hair as I totter barefoot through the dining room. My fingers are wrapped around two homemade chocolate ice cream bowls. It's so weird to have a silent house. The only sound is Elias sleeping from the baby monitor but there is no chatter, no arguments and no laughter. I already miss them although they haven't been gone for 24 hours yet.

"Chocolate ice cream." I place the two bowls on the coffee table in front of the couch. Troy's eyes are resting on his iPhone. He didn't even recognise me. "Did you hear me?" I ask him as I sit down next to him. His head swings up, he probably felt my body weight next to him. "What?"

"Who are you texting with?" I narrow my eyes at him.

"No one."

I stretch over him as I try to get the iPhone from his hand but he pulls back. "Do I have to worry?"

He shakes his head and lowers his hand. My chance to grab the phone out of his hand. "Ha! Got it!" I grin before looking at the screen. "Nate? You're texting with our son?!" I ask him shocked as my eyes scan the five unanswered texts he sent him. One text per hour since we left them in Switzerland. Twenty three messages. "Troy!" I breathe out shocked.

"Alright you caught me. I wanted to know how they're all doing but Nate doesn't answer back."

I close my eyes, "Don't tell me you tried to call him as well."

He is silent.

"When?"

"While you were making ice cream in the kitchen I gave him a quick call. But he didn't pick up."

"Troy," I breathe out and open my eyes again. "We agreed to give them their freedom. I mean the teachers told us to not contact them in the first two weeks. They are going to be busy anyway. It will be a lot to take in for them so they don't need us to worry about as well."

He sighs as I place the phone on the coffee table. "And you didn't think of them?"

"Of course I did. But I gulped the worries down." I say as I grab his hands. "You wanted to send them there and now they are there. You should be happy."

"I'm still worried. Can't I be worried?!"

"Look, they will do just fine there. I mean there are students from famous politicians and sheiks attending the school. Even blue blooded are there. I mean, the freaking future king of England is attending this school!" I nearly fell over as I saw the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge bringing their oldest son and his little sister to school in person. It nearly gave me a heart attack. "There won't be any bullying. They will be fine. Trust me. Have faith."

He licks his lips, "I should be the one saying this to you."

"Well," I brush through his hair with my left hand, "I'm saying it to us both. I am missing them too."

"Really?"

"Like crazy." I nod and kiss him softly. "On the other side, we have the house almost to ourselves now."

He grins before pulling me into another kiss. As our tongues start dancing I feel his body weight pressing me into the back of the couch as he captivates me. The heat inside of me rises as my hands wander underneath his shirt. Our lips part just so I can pull the shirt over his head. His fingers start opening the buttons of my blouse before he helps me out of it. My black laced bra sits tightly against my rips as my breath gets more shallow. He starts kissing the nape of my neck as his hands wrap around my wrists. Stretching my arms out to the side, his lips move further south down to my cleavage. Moans start escaping my lips as the throbbing between my legs starts driving me insane. His tongue runs down my stomach until he reaches the button of my jeans. He lets go of my wrists and unbuttons my jeans before pulling them down my legs. His eyes slowly dance up my body, seeing me dressed in only black laced underwear. I lift myself before pulling him into another kiss. My hands travel down his back before stopping at the waistband of his trousers. I hook my thumbs into the waistband before squeezing the steel hard butt of my husband, pushing his body even closer to mine until I feel his hard-on pressing against my sex. "God, you are so hot baby." he breathes out between our kisses.

Suddenly I freeze. Baby? Did he really just call me baby?! I fall back into the couch, feeling stone cold. Baby?!

"What?" he asks me confused. He didn't even notice it!

"Baby?" I breathe out, still in shock. "Why the fuck did you call me baby?!" I push him back with my hands, wanting to push him off of me but he's too strong. "Have you slept with someone else?!" I yell at him, feeling the rage taking over. He gulps, realising his mistake. "Have you?!" I ask again.

"NO!" he says back in an angry voice. "Of course not." he adds as he places his hands on my shoulders. "I haven't touched another woman since I first saw you twenty four years ago, Gabriella."

I wrap my fingers around his wrists, "Then why did you call me baby?" I ask, biting on my shaking lip. I am still mad. But I believe him. Somehow.

He sighs, "I stayed at a sheik's palace once while I was in Egypt. He had six wives. The youngest was fourteen, the oldest thirty two. One wife's name was Keket, which means goddess of the darkness. She was his favourite out of the six, but it was the only wife with whom he didn't have any children. I saw them interacting with each other once. He looked so in love despite loving five other women. But with her... it was different. They were so in love that it reminded me of you. Of you and me... Of us." he looks deeply into my eyes and I know he's telling the truth. "He called her baby. It reminded me of your nickname. I guess this nickname stuck in my head. It slipped off of my tongue. It means nothing. Absolutely nothing." he shakes his head to emphasise his words.

I let go of his wrists and brush through his hair, "It doesn't mean nothing." I explain, licking my lips.

"It does." he insists.

"No." I say as I run my fingertips over his lips, "It means your past will forever be part of you. What you experienced in the last two years will continue to haunt you... and me. Things like calling me baby and choking me will continue coming up... coming out of nowhere. You have to talk to Dr. Wyatt about Della and Wlad. You need that."

"Okay." he nods, knowing I wouldn't take no for an answer.

"Good." I say with a smile on my lips before kissing me quickly.

"Does this mean sex is off the list?"

I frown at him, "You should know me better. I am your wife after all."

He frowns at me not getting the message.

I bite my lip before unclasping my bra from behind. My hands move over to his jeans and I pull them down with his boxers just far enough to reveal his hard-on. I get out of my thong and let the little piece of fabric fall on the couch next to us before spreading my legs wide open. I'm so horny that it almost hurts. "And now make love to your angel."

"Troy, are you awake?" I ask into the darkness. It's long after midnight but sleep has been tough for me ever since April.

Ever since he started fighting with our first daughter.

"Yes." He growls, "Is this because of the triplets coming home from Le Rosey tomorrow?"

"No." I whisper although the thought of finally having a full house tomorrow is exciting.

He rolls over in the bed before looking at me, "What's been bothering you?"

"Christmas is in twelve days."

"I know, we'll get a Christmas tree soon."

"I'm not worried about the tree. I'm worried about... Troy, you have to call Della. Otherwise we won't spend Christmas together. Call her and make up. Accept them. The time has come. I need you to accept them. I need you to-"

"I will never accept them! Not now, not for Christmas Eve or Ana's wedding. Della will see her mistake. She will see how wrong this is. She will understand."

I let out a sigh, "Give her a call and invite her and him for Christmas Eve."

"No-"

"Do it or you will sleep in the guest room again." I threaten him.

"Fine."

"Mommy!" I hear the triplets shouting in a choir before running into my arms.

I embrace them tightly and kiss their cheeks. "I missed you so much!" I squeeze them, I can't believe I haven't seen them in the last months. I've looked forward to their winter break like never before!

"Mom, let go. We can't breathe!" Nate complains.

I let go of them as Troy walks into the house. "How are you?" I ask as my husband closes the big double doors.

"Good." They say out of one mouth with a grin.

"Have you made friends yet?"

"Yes!"

"In fact, George wants to hang out with us." Rory says with a shrug.

"George?"

"And Charlotte." Nate says with a nod.

"Charlotte?" I repeat and look up at Troy. Are they referring to the humans I think they are?

"Yeah. They said you should just ring their parents and schedule a date." Jo answers.

I look at them again. "You want me to ring the future King of England and his wife because you want to hang out with them?"

"Mom!" They roll their eyes.

I sigh, must be some other kids then.

"They are no royals. Not at school anyway." Nate shrugs.

"Yeah, they are just like us!" Jo says.

"George is really funny!" Rory grins at me. "And Charlotte-"

"Knows how to get it her way. Every single time!" Nate finishes her sentence. "She reminds me of you."

I rise to my full height and stare at Troy. Have they really made friends with the Cambridges? With royals?

"Have you guys made any other friends?" Troy asks them.

"Yeah, but none of those live in London. In fact Clementine and Fleur are the nearest friends besides the Cambridges."

"Where do they live?"

"Monaco." Jo shrugs. "But it wouldn't be logical to invite them over. They would fly more than spend time here, so we only invited the Cambridges."

I stare at Troy, still not believing them fully.

"Yeah besides I think they want to spend Christmas time in Kitzbühel. Go skiing and stuff. Or was it on the Maldives?" Rory asks Jo.

"I think both. Kitzbühel with their nanny and Maldives with their parents." Jo answers with a shrug. "Something like that."

"Where's Zeus?" Nate asks.

"Backyard." We say out of one mouth.

The triplets run past us faster than we can look.

"The Cambridges?" I ask shocked as Troy wraps his arms around me. "Our kids are friends with the Cambridges?"

"Not just friends. Best friends." He corrects me with a grin on his lips. "They've been talking about them the whole ride from the airport to home."

I close my eyes. Best friends with royals. "How?"

"How it happened? They have classes together. George is Nate's roommate. Charlotte's room is next to Rory's and Jo's. They hang out together. They have fun..."

I open my eyes, "No, I mean how do I reach out to them? Do I just call a number I find on the Kensington Palace's website?"

He chuckles, "How about you use the app from Le Rosey?"

The app. Right. "What if they don't pick up? I mean they surely must be busy."

"Just try. If you want to I can call them."

I sit down on the red velvet bench next to Della in the private atelier of Christian Dior. Ana is currently with Maria Grazia Chiuri, Christian Dior's first female creative director. We've travelled to Paris for the weekend. Troy is having fun with the triplets and Elias. It's nice to be out with my two big girls. After three months in the making, the dress is finally ready. It's her final fitting as her wedding is only three weeks away. I can't believe my little girl is getting married!

"Ready for the final look?" I can hear Ana yelling from behind the white curtains.

"Just show us the dress already!" Della yells back causing me to chuckle.

Maria Grazia Chiuri opens the curtains and Ana walks over to us. She's wearing her dream dress. It's ivory coloured and laced. A classic A-cut made out of the most exquisite fabric. A full skirt in hand stitched floral lace blends with a delicate V-neckline bodice with long sleeves, playing with illusions and the brocade effects of the fabric to enhance the femininity of the bust. Thanks to the bodice, the back seems exposed but the sexiness of the dress gets cut back with floral lace. It looks elegant and graceful.

It's perfect for my daughter.

"Oh, Ana you look so beautiful!" I breathe out as tears start forming in my eyes.

Della nods next to me and I can see how she gulps down her tears as well. "You look very pretty. You look like a proper bride."

My green eyed daughter smiles at us. Her long blonde hair is wrapped into a classic but elegant chignon. A long veil is attached to her hair. It has the same floral lace as the dress around the edges and is five meters long. Ana's earlobes are glittering with diamond earrings but that's not the pair she's going to wear on her wedding day. We're picking up her jewellery from Cartier after this.

Ana turns around and stares at her reflection in the mirror. She runs her fingers over the delicate lace of the dress that's over the tulle skirt. "That's the dress I've had in my head. From the floral lace to the shape of the dress... even the veil. It's exactly how I pictured it. This is my dream dress."

I watch my oldest daughter how she stares out of the oval window in our jet. The carefree look I've seen on her face for the last three days has vanished as soon as we've touched London's ground. The tarmac is glittering from the treacherous icy conditions we have at home. We've spent the weekend at the Ritz hotel in Paris, had facials, mani- and pedicures and just thoroughly enjoyed our time together. I've missed seeing my daughter smile like this. I missed hearing her giggle when her little sister jokes around. I missed my daughter.

Because the woman that's looking out of the window while we're waiting for permission to open the doors, is someone else. It's the person her father has turned her into. Because he still refuses to accept Wladimir and her. He still thinks it's wrong. I tried to make him see that he is wrong but Troy ignores all my attempts. Lucas talked to him, Ryan tried his luck but he doesn't listen to anyone.

And he's hurting our daughter the most.

"Della,"

Her chestnut curls swing in the air as she moves her head. "I'm alright, Mom."

No, she's in immense pain. She's trying her best to hide it but I can see right through it. And it brings me to tears. "He'll come around."

She gulps and nods.

"We're ready to let you out now, Mrs. Bolton. I apologise for the inconvenience." The red haired stewardess with a smile on her lips.

Ana stops texting and shoves her phone into her black Chanel purse. "Finally." She says before getting up from her seat. "I'll see you guys on Sunday." Ana says before rushing out of the jet like someone's chasing her.

"What's up with her?"

"She's eager to see Jake again." Della says while rolling her navy eyes.

"You'll be home on Sunday as well?"

My oldest daughter nods before rising from her beige leathered seat. "Yes. It's a tradition after all. Daddy knows how much we value tradition. The world could go up and flames and we'd still be buying and decorating the Christmas tree on Sunday."

I smile as I watch Elias' fingers wrapped around Della's forefingers. Slowly, but steadily that ten month old baby boy is starting to grow up and walk. He's developing quicker than his twin sisters, but not as quick as Della. Zeus is following my children every step of the way. He's truly a guardian dog. The Springer Spaniel loves our newest family member as much as we do. Christmas music is playing in the living room while I enjoy those free minutes. The boxes with the Christmas decorations are already standing next to the black piano which Della and I moved to make space for the Christmas tree this year.

Suddenly something drops in the kitchen and I wince. "Are you guys alright there?" I ask before rising from the grey couch.

"Leave them alone." Della says as Elias takes another shaky step. She's wearing dark washed jeans that make her legs look even longer and thinner or maybe she has even lost more weight than the last time I saw her. The camel coloured cashmere turtleneck is loose around his stomach. She tucked the sweater into her jeans and put on a thin black Gucci belt. Ana would do that to finish off an outfit but my daughter only wears belt for the practical reason.

Which only confirms my fear.

My daughter lost so much weight that even her skinny jeans have started to become to loose around her hips.

While Wladimir ensured me just yesterday noon, when I called him, that Della was eating enough and that she was alright, this... She is not alright.

She's suffering more from her father's hatred than she likes me to see.

Another shrill sound comes from the kitchen, ripping me out of my worries.

Rory, Jo and Nate wanted to surprise us with dinner but I'm starting to have second thoughts. George and Charlotte are in the kitchen as well. Their little brother Louis is out on a royal engagement with their parents today. In the two week holiday, George and Charlotte have spend almost every second day here. And tonight they actually want to sleep here. I thought they'd have lots of other obligations but maybe because they're just fifteen the firm leaves them alone as much as possible. At least for another three years.

Before their first visit we had the security of the Royal family scan our whole property for security reasons. They were surprised by our high security standards. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge dropped George and Charlotte off earlier today. They are surprisingly normal and really genuine. I like them and our children clearly get along well so I think we're going to see each other more often now anyway. George and Charlotte seem to really enjoy being here as well. They like our big family and how we integrated them so easily.

"Della," I whisper as Elias totters over to me with Della's help. "I'm so happy to have you home."

She gulps before picking her brother up. Elias starts playing with her long curls right away just like he always does with my hair. "I'm quite happy as well. But I still wished for Wlad to be here."

I can feel her pain so clearly that tears start burning in my eyes. "Miracles happen on Christmas."

"Yeah but not in this household. And not with Troy Bolton." She pulls her chestnut curls out of Elias' hands. "You can allow Daddy to sleep in your bedroom again, you know."

I frown. Who told her that? I didn't mention it towards anyone and neither did Troy. "Who told you that?"

"Ana." She says with a shrug. "I've given Dad time to digest the news and you showed him the cold shoulder but nothing works. It's been eight months and we're still right where we started."

Suddenly, I hear the black front doors opening. Jake, Ana and Troy went Christmas tree shopping. The first time without the rest of our family. I hope they made a good choice.

"Guys, they're here!" I yell and hear cutlery dropping again.

"I hope you guys picked out a nice one!" Della says with a chuckle as the men drag the tree through the foyer.

"That's why I went with them." Ana says as she gets out of her shoes, coat and scarf.

Troy and Jake bring the bushy Norway spruce inside. They're wearing both warm cashmere coats and gloves. It's a huge five meter Christmas tree. It's going to look beautiful in the corner next to the open fireplace.

"You picked out a different tree." Della says as the men put the tree in place.

"Yeah. What do you think?" Jake asks as they rip the net open that kept the branches together. The tree suddenly triples in width. The typical pine smell fills the room. A few pine needles drop to the floor.

Della shrugs, "It's different."

"It's a Norway spruce." Ana clarifies.

"I wanted a pine." Jake says as he looks at the five meter big bushy tree.

"I thought it was fitting. Since we're starting with a new tradition." Ana says with a nod. She is clearly pleased with her choice.

"What new tradition?" Della asks frowning. Jake walks back into the foyer to get out of their outwear.

"It looks good." Troy's deep voice fondles my souls while creating goosebumps all over my skin. "You made the right choice, Ana." He wraps his arm around our blonde daughter and kisses the side of her head.

"Oh I like the tree! It's just like the ones we have in Kensington!" Charlotte says with a wide grin. Her blue eyes are shining. Jo has braided her dirty blonde hair into a mermaid braid that consists of various twists and a big French fishtail braid. "What colour do you decorate it? Red just like we always do?"

Ana looks at both Cambridges. "Them."

I frown. "I don't understand."

"Follow me." Ana says with a nod.

"Can we help decorate it?" George asks me. Just like Charlotte he has dirty blonde hair that's a little lighter than his best friend's hair. But unlike his little sister, he has chocolate brown eyes.

"Sure. The triplets-"

"Mom!" Rory, Jo and Nate call out at the same time. They hate it when I call them by that name.

"Decorate the tree." I finish my sentence. "We always have hot chocolate while watching them do the hard work." I smirk at the Cambridges. It doesn't feel like there are two Royals standing in my house. They feel like family.

They both chuckle before walking over to the boxes with the Christmas decorations. They open the transparent boxes and start pulling out what's going to go on the tree this year. The Christmas tunes along with the big chunky snowflakes that fall from sky make me feel happiness for a second. I love having all of my children home. It's the reason why Troy and I built this house after all. We've built it for Della, Ana, Nate, Jo, Rory and Elias.

It feels so good to have them here.

"We'll make the hot chocolates in the kitchen." I say before following Della and Ana into the kitchen. My clean white marbled kitchen looks like a bomb exploded right in the middle of it! There're empty pots and dirty plates everywhere. "You guys will clean that after you're done with the tree!" I call out, being close to a heart attack. They ruined my kitchen!

"Yes, Mom!" Is all the response I hear over the Christmas tunes.

"So, what did you mean by starting new traditions?" Della asks as I start cleaning up my kitchen. I hate when my kitchen's dirty! "Mom, stop cleaning for them. I want to hear Ana."

I sigh before turning around. "Okay, talk. But do it quickly because if I stay in here for more than five minutes I'm-"

"They are not just friends." Ana interrupts me.

"Who?" I ask confused.

"Nate and George?"

"No!" Ana says with a chuckle. "George and Rory." She says with a shrug.

"But they... they're fifteen. They don't seem like they're in love... they seem so... Ana, please don't tell me that my daughter's in love with the future king of England." I breathe out with my hand on my heart.

"You're giving Mom a heart attack!" Della hisses at her.

"Not... not yet." Ana calms me down. "But soon... very soon."

"Did you see that? Did you had one of your... visions?" Della asks her sister in a whisper.

Ana opens her mouth to answer but suddenly she closes it again. "I shouldn't have said anything."

"Too bad because you did and gave Mom a heart attack with that!" Della stares her down. "So you better tell us everything you saw! Everything that concerns Rory, Jo and Nate. And the Cambridges."

Ana opens her mouth but closes it again.

"Ana, she's right. Once you open that box of pandora you better tell us all."

"Box of Pandora? I like it. I like it a lot, Mom." Della says with a nod and a grin on her lips.

I chuckle at her words. "Shut up!" I chuckle before looking at Ana. "And you. Spill."

"Rory asked George to accompany her to my wedding." She says slowly.

"As Friends. Please tell me the future King of England is coming to your wedding as a friend of Rory. Please, Ana!"

But she shakes her head, "As her date."

"Rory and George?" Della asks before turning around and looking at the Cambridges who help my kids decorating the tree. I turn around as well and watch how Rory and George interact. They whisper and chuckle... they smile as they put the different bobbles on the Christmas tree.

Ana places her right hand on my right shoulder and for a split second I see it too. I see those sparkles and that bubble which surrounds them. Goosebumps start covering my arms. No, they can't be in love. They can't be more than friends! This can't be happening!

I look back at Ana. "What did you see?"

My daughter gulps. "It can be false. What I saw may not be the future."

"Ana,"

"Lorelai will be Queen of England." She says in a breath.

"You mean Queen Consort." Della corrects her while I'm still speechless.

Queen? Rory will marry George?!

"No. Queen. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are going to have an accident with George and Rory. Rory will save the Duchess and George but the Duke will die later on in the hospital due to his severe damages. I don't know when it will happen but we still have a few decades, I think." Ana gulps. "George will be in a coma and as their children are going to be next in line to the throne, Rory will be Queen of England as the regent. Don't worry it won't be long. A few weeks. But those weeks will not only shape her and Great Britain but it will make the British Royalty the most famous Royals in the world."

I place my head on my chest. I think I'm close to having a heart attack.

"What?!" Della asks confused.

Rory and Queen? Rory and George?! This is too much for me! I hold on to the countertop of the kitchen island as I sit down on the barstool. My Rory?

"George will be known for the heir who declined the throne. Instead Charlotte will become Queen of England." She sighs, "with Nate by her side." She gulps.

"No!" I hiss at her before pointing my forefinger into her chest. "NO! Rory will not marry George! Nate will not date Charlotte! They won't become royalty!"

"Mom,"

"As I said what I saw could be wrong..." Ana bites on her lower lip. "Maybe because I told you now it's not going to come true." My green eyed daughter shrugs. "I mean, I saw that Jake and I would meet in a cafe in London. But instead we met in Marrakesh."

I shake my head, "You bet your ass it won't come true!" I hiss at her.

"Mom, I thought you liked the Cambridges!" Della says to me.

My head swings around and I look at her. "Like them, yes. But that doesn't mean I want my children to marry into their family! Do you know how cruel the press was to Catherine or Meghan as they started dating their future husbands? How much dirt they dug out and presented it on a silver platter for everyone to read?! Can you remember how awful their families were treated?! Paparazzi were stalking them and there was nothing they could do! Nothing! I certainly don't want my family to go through that. This house, this place you call home, will be surrounded by paparazzi and they're going to fly drones over our property once they find out where we live - and they will find out. We will be chased like never before." I explain to them. "Besides, I don't want my children to be in a family that killed Lady Diana." I say with a shrug.

Della chuckles. "You really think the Royal Family killed one of their own?"

"She wasn't one of them and she was a threat to them. Because she was treating people like people. Because she was revolutionary. Because she cared too much about the British people and too little about the image of glamorous balls and state banquets." I tell her. "And Rory, my Rory, has a heart that's bigger than Diana's. It's bigger than mine and Troy's combined. Rory doesn't just care for people, no she suffers with them. Putting her in the spotlight would get her killed, too!"

"Mom, I don't think you have a choice there. This is her life not yours. You've raised her to be an independent, strong woman so far. She makes her own decisions." Ana says softly.

"You thought Wlad and me were wrong once, too."

I shake my head, "That was different."

"How was that different?"

"Wlad is my best friend. The Royal Family is a whole different story!"

"Again, you have no choice. Whether or not what I saw is going to come true, Rory is in charge of her own life." Della reminds me.

"What's going on here?" I head my husband asking.

We all turn around at his voice. Troy is standing in the round arch that's between the kitchen and dining room. His toned body is hidden behind black slacks and a grey cashmere sweater. His feet are cosy in black cashmere socks. His bright blue eyes stare into mine and his short chestnut hair is messy.

"The triplets are waiting for their hot chocolates." He says in a calm voice. "And so are the Cambridges."

Shit, I totally forgot about them.

"Dad, can I talk to you for a second?" Della asks him.

He nods before walking through the kitchen and into the hallway. Della follows him, they're probably going into his study. The temptation to follow them is big but I refuse to give in. They need to clear this themselves. Troy will come around.

We all know it.

"What do you mean?" I ask her frowning. I place my cup back on the marble kitchen island. The Christmas decorations are still on display although Christmas was a week ago. Calling it a disaster would be an understatement.

Troy is sleeping downstairs again.

"He's a spy, Mom." Ana breaks it down for me.

My mouth falls open. A spy? Jake is a spy? I gulp, "What?"

"He was one when we met anyway. He told me he bumped into me in Marrakesh on purpose, before he asked me to marry him. He said he wanted a clean slate before starting this new chapter with me."

Troy was right! Shit, he was right, something was wrong with Jake - and I convinced him otherwise. He knew it from the beginning! "Is that why you turned his proposal down?"

"Partly. I had a bad feeling. But I still did it because I didn't want to hurt you with my happiness."

"You know that's bullshit right?" I ask her and she nods in response. "So, you were his mission?"

She shakes her head, "No, he used me to get to Daddy. Daddy's his mission, not me."

I rise from the barstool, knocking it over before I run down the hallway. I can hear the pulse humming in my ears as I tear the door of his study open. I stop as I see the two men standing across each other, pointing their guns to one another. "Troy," I breathe out in shock as my eyes stare at the silver gun. Slowly, I walk over to him, stopping right in front of the gun. He won't shoot Jake if he has to shoot me first. And I won't let him kill the love of our daughter's life. "Put the gun down."

"I can't." He breathes out through his teeth.

"Jake!" I turn around as Ana's voice fills my ears. "What the fuck are you doing?"

"I told your Dad who I was working with and then he pulled out his gun." The green eyed man explains.

Ana turns around and looks at her father, "You are pointing your gun to him because he used to be CIA?"

"He's not CIA. He never was." Troy barks at her. "And his name is not Jake Ballard either!"

I look at Jake. "What does he mean?"

"I worked for Roman in a special task force."

"Go on!" My husband hisses at him, "My daughter deserves to know whom she shares her bed with!"

"What does he mean?" Ana's lower lip is trembling. Gosh, this is breaking my heart. "What... What is your name?"

"My real name is Sasha Belov."

"Sasha... Sasha Belov?" Ana's in tears by now. I want to hold her, keep her close so he won't be able to hurt her any further. "That's the name you used in Monaco."

But I can't move until they have lowered their guns.

"The whole truth!" Troy barks at him.

"I'm an orphan just like you were before you were adopted. I was adopted in a way, too. I got recruited at the age of ten by a secret Russian agency that works for the government. They gave me a reason to live."

"Tell them what you did." Troy pushes him again.

"There's fucking more?" Ana asks again, wiping the tears away from her face.

Jake - I mean Sasha - licks his lips before putting the gun down, "I wasn't just an agent. I was a trained killer. A very well known assassin. I was so highly asked that I left the Russian government after a few years. I made a lot of money, doing what I do best. I don't leave traces. Roman hired me a few years ago. He wanted your father. I knew getting close to Troy Bolton was a whole new level. It would be my hardest job, because he lives under very high security. So, to get to him I used you." He says to his fiancé. "But I didn't expect to fall for you in Marrakesh. I wanted to see this as just another job, another way to make a fortune, but then we met and I was blown away. First by your obvious beauty and then by your brilliant mind. I fell in love with you just by one look from you. It was fucking love at the first sight. Fucking fairytale stuff happened. I didn't expect to love you as much as I do. So, I dropped the mission and left the task force before I moved to London."

"Only you don't leave Roman alive. You only leave him when you're dead." Troy says to us, putting his gun down as well. "He will hunt you down until you either come back to him or die trying to run away."

"Is this true?" Ana asks him with tears in her forest green eyes.

Sasha gulps, "No one has ever left Roman alive. I am the first."

"God, are you insane?!" Ana hisses at him. "I thought you were a simple CIA agent who just quit! I had no idea you were a trained killer!" She shakes her head before rushing out of the room. Sasha follows her immediately. "Ana, wait!"

I look back at Troy, whose gun is laying on the table. "Is he still after you?"

"Who?"

"Roman." I hiss before walking over to him.

He is silent. I hear Ana yelling at Sasha before the front doors snap shut. A second later I hear a car humming to life before it drives off with squealing tires. "Answer me."

His lips remain shut.

"God damn it, Troy! Say it!" I push him, placing my hands on his hard rock chest. I lock the memory of this feeling deeply in my brain.

"Yes."

I take a deep breath, "Okay."

"Okay?" He asks me back frowning.

I kiss him passionately before shutting my emotions off. "Leave my house." I say as my fingers brush through his silky chestnut hair. I let my thumb run over his lips, "And never come back."

"What?" He asks me shocked.

"You will go upstairs and pack your necessities. Pack photos and other things that you have memories with. Make sure to take your passport. I give you ten minutes. I will wait for you downstairs. You will leave this house and never come back." I gulp as I feel emotions awakening inside of me anyway. "You can stay with your Mom for a while. I don't suggest your brother, sister or anyone else from our family. You could also of course choose the house in the woods. Or the house in Swansea. Or stay at our home in France. You can take our jet or any car. I don't care if you leave this city or this country, but I want you out of my house." I say into his teary eyes as he realises how serious I am.

"What if I don't?" He gulps at his question.

"Then I will take Elias and leave this house. Either way, one of us will leave this house in ten minutes. Call me once you've settled into your new home and I will send you everything else you might need. I suggest you take a gap semester from work. I don't think us working together is a smart move. We can release an official statement. You will see Elias every two weeks for a weekend once you've settled in completely. The triplets can spend the summer holidays and thanksgiving with you, but I get Christmas Eve and Eastern. You can have Christmas Day. In a year I will send you the official papers."

"I'm sorry, what?!" He sounds angry. "Are you-"

"Yes, I will file for divorce in a year. Because I promised myself that I will do everything to protect my children from another trauma. I promised to leave you if you pull another stunt on us. And this is it. I've had enough, Troy." I say into his eyes.

I watch his mind racing as his eyes widen, "No! I will not let you take away my children from me! I will not let you walk away from me! I love you!"

"Well," I lick my lips, "I love our children more. And I need to protect them from you and the horror that surrounds you. Roman is just one of many that are still hunting you, isn't he?"

He shakes his head, "No, no it's nothing like that."

"I don't care." I wave towards the open door of his study, "So will you leave me or do I have to leave you?" I ask him back with a raised eyebrow.

I hear the door of our master bedroom upstairs closing as I sit down on the bench next to the right curved staircase in the foyer. Framed photos of our happy days are hanging on the wall next to the left curved staircase. Our children and we are grinning back at me. I hear his footsteps coming closer before he drops his bag with a bang. I hear him walking further down the hallway until he stops in front of Elias' room probably. He opens it and walks in before closing it again. I exhale and bury my fingers into my scalp. Part of me doesn't believe that this is really happening, that I am kicking him out. But I am. It's the only way. The only way...

After a few minutes I hear him walking down the hallway again. I quickly wipe the tears away from my face before sitting up straight. I can hear him walking down the left staircase and I look up at him. He stops across our gallery wall, looking closely at each photo. These photos hold 25 years worth of memories. He gulps and I feel my heart clenching in my chest. It hurts so much but I know it's the right decision. I know it is...

After an eternity he finally turns around and walks down the remaining steps. In his hand he is holding a brown leather bag that has a few things. His necessities. I get up from the bench and walk over to him with my shoulders straight and my head held high. "Do you have everything you need for now?" I ask him, looking at the bag instead of his face.

"Yes." His whisper sounds broken and I feel stitches in my heart.

"Good." I slowly look up and stare into his crystal blue eyes that are filled with tears. Twenty five years I have stared into those eyes but now it's over. I have to do this, I remind myself as the heart starts protesting. I have to. It's the right decision.

Suddenly, his lips crash against mine. I hear the bag dropping to the floor as he circles his arms around my petite waistline. I return his kiss despite being in surprise and bury my fingertips in his scalp. For minutes our tongues dance a tango, a rumba and a slow waltz as our bodies give into this everlasting need to be with one another for the last time. I feel the heat inside of me rising and I know if I don't break apart from him, we will end up naked right here in this foyer - and he won't go and I won't be able to make this decision another time. It's now or never. Now or never.

I pull away from his lips and inhale his scent for the last time. It gave me comfort over the last 25 years but it also made me suffer more than I thought I could handle - and I won't let him to this to our children. I won't.

"I love you." He whispers and I feel his hot breath clashing against my face.

"I know." I say back instead of telling him how I really feel. "And now go." I let go of his upper body and watch him picking up the bag again. He opens the black front door but stops in the doorway. "Do we have to do this?"

"Yes." I whisper back, feeling the tears rolling down my cheeks.

He doesn't turn around. He takes another step and closes the door behind himself.

I fall to my knees and allow my heart to suffer from what my mind has made me do.

Thank for you taking the time to read this chapter.

Was Gabi's decision right?

Do you think Troy is going to accept Della and Wlad or is Della going to leave Wlad? Or is she going to turn her back on her family for Wladimir?

Are Rory and George really going to end up together? What about Nate and Charlotte? Is Ana's vision going to come true?

To find out what happened on Christmas Eve and how Ana will deal with the news, please read chapter 25 and 26 of My Shadow.

Please review!

In gratitude,

Nicole