Josephine
The sound of the door bell rings through the whole empty soup kitchen. I have a look at the clean stainless steel kitchen. The countertops are sparkling just like the black and white checked tiles. "I'll be right there, Leo!" I yell back before picking up my iPhone and turning on my heel.
But I'm not standing across Leo. There are six Arabian men standing across me.
My throat tightens and my whole body goes into fight mode. "I'm sorry but the soup kitchen is closed." My voice is crystal clear as my eyes start noticing the details of these six men. All taller than me. All black hair, eyes and long dark beards. They all have the same tattoo on their right wrists. A green snake that wraps around their wrists like a bracelet. They don't look like they're related to one another. They look like they're from some kind of clan. I haven't heard of the clan. I start looking for a way out but the only exit is behind them. I can't run so I have to fight. My eyes start looking for something to fight with but there's not a lot to use. I've cleaned everything, I put everything back into place.
That's the last thought I have before they suddenly start moving towards me. All six of them at once. I hit two of them, but the other four are stronger than me. They drag me back into the kitchen and press me onto the stainless steel island.
I wake up fully soaked in my bed. My hands are shivering and tears are streaming down my face. I look to my right and see my husband sleeping peacefully next to me. I am home. I am with my husband.
I am safe.
I'm no longer in the soup kitchen. It was a dream. Just... just a dream. Another nightmare.
I get out of the bed and walk into the en-suite bathroom. The clock hanging on the wall shows me that it's just after three. I splash cold water into my face before I walk out of the bathroom and bedroom. There's no way I can go back sleep now. My sweaty feet glide over the wooden floor of the hallway. I stop at Ana's painting across the lift and have another look. I love this painting of my husband and me. I love everything about it. From the way the Christi statue glows in the setting sun to the way the sunlight gets reflected in Oliver's eyes. I love the fact that this look in my husband's eyes is the same look he has always given me - I was just too ignorant to notice it before.
My eyes stop at my sapphire wedding band. My fingers automatically move to my left ring finger but it's gone.
I didn't have a nightmare. I had a flashback.
I gulp before tearing my gaze off of the painting and walking into the living area. I stare out of the window front and stare at my hometown. Everything is glittering with lights. St. Paul's is looking beautiful just like the London Eye and the Elizabethan Tower with Westminster Abbey not too far away. I absolutely love this view.
I place my hands on my belly. It's still flat as ever but I know the cherry is still there. The cherry survived something so horrible that I still have flashbacks in my sleep. I couldn't protect it then and there but I will prevent it from happening again.
The title Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Clarence is going to make that happen. And while I will miss this view, I would miss my cherry far more. Motherhood is about compromises and I guess this is the second compromise I ever had to make.
The first was with my husband, the second for our child. The first compromise turned a planned one-night stand into a marriage, the second will ensure our child a life without any worries about security. It will protect us the best way there is. It's not a compromise. It's a choice I would make over and over again.
I sit down on the sofa and grab the phone that's laying on the coffee table. I decide to call the only person that can give me the reassurance I need right now.
"Is everything okay?" My father's deep voice fills my ears.
"Yes, I'm..." I sigh. "Do you still have them?"
"Yes. Wladimir's on duty tonight. All six. Don't worry, we won't touch them until you did."
"I want to come by tomorrow morning."
"We'll be there." My father promises me.
"Okay..."
"Your mother has had them, too." My father says after a moment. "Just like me."
"I don't-"
"It's normal to revisit what happened in your sleep. Just don't allow it to take over your life. You are a surviver not a victim."
"I know... I know. I just-"
"You wake up drenched in sweat with a racing heart."
"Yes." I admit and gulp.
"Oliver?"
"He's still asleep. I don't want to wake him up. He's... He's already overwhelmed by the situation as it is. I don't want him to bother any more." I bite on my lower lip. He suffers in a whole different way than me and it breaks my heart to see him struggling so much. Being with me is hard, I've always told him that but even I never thought this was going to happen.
"If you want to talk about it there's a really good psychiatrist called Dr. Wyatt."
"Dad-"
"Just in case it won't go away."
"I think I keep revisiting it because I haven't gotten my revenge."
"That's what tomorrow's about. Try to get some sleep, okay?"
"Daddy,"
"You'll be fine. This won't define you or your life." He promises me.
"Will it ever become a distant memory?"
"I don't know."
"That's a no then."
My father sighs, "Everyone deals with it differently. Some need to box or run it out, others need to talk... and still others suck it up until they explode."
"What was it with you and Mummy?"
"We tried all options and found that..." He is silent for a moment and I think I can hear him turn into a beetroot colour, "talking about it was the best option."
I smirk, "Daddy, I'm a big girl. I might not be able to see you right now but if I turned on your camera I'd see you're tomato red."
My father's silence on the other end of the line is all I need for confirmation. Us girls all had the sex talk with Mummy while Daddy had it with Nate and will have it with my other three brothers. It's a classic distribution of roles, maybe the only time it ever was this way in my family.
"It's sex, isn't it?" I ask without needing an answer. No wonder I'm so addicted to it. It literally runs in my blood.
"Josephine-"
"I'll find something that works for me."
"Good. That's all I want." He says after clearing his throat.
"There's something else I want to ask-"
"I like him." My father answers my question. "I was hesitant, maybe blind by my prejudices. Especially after you told me about his background. And then when I asked him to give me the samples of his hair, blood and salvia - and he did it without flinching - I knew he wasn't what I thought he was. He is a good man. It's just so rare to see them these days, maybe even one in a million. He is your one in a million, Josephine. And I won't stand in your way anymore. But just try to see it from my perspective for a second. The last three boyfriends my daughters brought home were men made from the same kind of wood as me."
"Wlad and Sasha - Okay. But George? He's the freaking future King-"
"Even he has his dark side. Royal blood isn't what attracted your sister, it was his dark side. His secrets, his ability to hide plenty of skeletons in the royal family's closet." My father says without giving me any clue about the skeletons. "And then you come home after Rio. After six months in a different culture, half a year after you left Edward at the altar, and you bring Oliver home. What was I supposed to think, Jo? What was I supposed to do? How was I suppose to react to a man I knew nothing about, but you knew so well? You didn't talk about him at all. You didn't tell your Mum you were seeing him. You didn't tell your sisters or brothers-"
"Ana and Nate knew." I interrupt him with a whisper.
"But we didn't. Your parents didn't know, Jo. But I guess I can't really blame you, when I have done the same thing you did. But let me give you an advice: secrets from your loved ones cause only pain."
I gulp. I didn't see it that way. "I didn't see your pain. I saw your rage. I saw your ignorance. I saw your protection. But I never saw your pain."
"Because I taught you how to wear a mask. You are my daughter and Della and you are like me the most. It's why I'm so utterly protective of you two. Because I know what it's like to be me and I don't want the two of you to go through the same."
"You managed to keep Della relatively safe." I mumble.
"Trust me, she didn't have a life full of rainbows and unicorns with Wlad in the beginning as well."
I remember how Daddy was when he first found out about her and Wlad, his best friend. Wlad didn't get passive aggressiveness paired with a background scan. He got to meet my Daddy - and Mummy - eye to eye. I haven't seen what they did to him but Della told me it's not something she likes to look back on.
Frankly, maybe Oliver was lucky.
But that still doesn't mean the treatment he received was fair.
"You could've trust me and my instincts." I answer back. "Just because someone's not an assassin doesn't mean they're just as evil."
"I went by what I knew would give me peace."
"He did okay during the training?"
"No. He was terrible. This man doesn't have an aggressive bone in this body! His body was unprotected all the time, his eyes couldn't focus on one single bird and his feet-"
"Daddy,"
"He's no Sasha or Wlad but he doesn't have to because he'll be more like George."
"He told me he hit three birds in the end."
"Yeah but only because I forced him by pointing a gun to his head."
"Daddy!"
"He works best under pressure. I found that out very quickly. Most people crumble under pressure, some can work under pressure but very little thrive on pressure."
"And Oliver's one of those?"
"Yes."
"Interesting."
"Indeed. Maybe he's more of a Bolton than I gave him credit for."
"I love this man with every single heartbeat." I breathe out.
"I know. I saw it in your eyes when you demanded Della to drive you to the house in the woods. You looked just like me. I've never seen you so protective over anyone apart from your own family."
I laugh, "Yeah, well Rory and Nate didn't get bullied in the sandbox after I was done setting down the rules."
"Perhaps your Royal supporter should be a bear as well." My father jokes.
I chuckle, "I haven't really thought about our royal coat of arms yet."
"It's just a suggestions." My father is silent for a moment. "He's a good man."
"He's an even better cook."
"Oh that's something I can't wait to find out."
I won't invite him into the lion's dent. It might be our territory this time but the last dinner we had didn't turn out so great. "Perhaps we should try a restaurant this time."
"Yeah, sure. Some time this week?"
"Okay."
"Go to bed. Try to get some sleep."
"You as well."
"What makes you think I'm not laying beside your Mum?"
"It's just like you said, I'm your daughter. I think like you the most. I know you're sitting behind your desk in your study trying to find the connection to Edward."
"Alright, I'll go to bed if you do."
I smirk, "Sweet dreams, Daddy."
"Sleep dreams, Sweetie."
Oliver
I tie the shoelaces of my Nike sneakers just as my wife comes into my view. It's the first time that I'm leaving her after what happened. She's dressed in jeans, a linen blouse and sneakers as she's heading to the rabbit hole, a complex of two warehouses where the bastards are being held that raped my wife. It's been almost a week and she's finally healed enough to do what she has to do in order to get her peace or revenge. She can't get her hands on Ed, but she can let her anger out on these men.
"Remember to always think of your cover. Never take your hands down." She reminds me as I finish with the second shoe lace.
I rise to my full height, "I've trained with your Dad before. I think Ralph won't be as hard on me as him."
Josephine shakes her head, "Don't underestimate him. He's been my security for a while now. He's an excellent boxer. He can do Krav Maga and material arts. He's excellent in his job and I don't want you to come home with a broken nose. You have such a pretty face, a broken nose would ruin it completely." She smirks to show me she's joking.
"I'll be fine." I promise her before kissing her softly. "I promise to not over do it."
"Good." Josephine grabs the keys to her Aston Martin.
"And you'll be okay without me?"
She nods, "Yeah. It's just a two hour ride. I'm probably going to ask my Dad to pick you up from the gym as I will be busy."
By busy she means torturing the bastards that rape her. I just nod. "I think your Dad's okay with me now."
She runs her long fingers through my hair and her sky blue eyes turn into the most beautiful turquoise colour, "I talked to him last night."
I frown, "When?"
"You were asleep and I couldn't find any so I called my Dad, knowing he would already be in the rabbit hole with Wlad."
I can't believe they aren't touching the bastards until Josephine has had her revenge. It's remarkable given their personalities. "What did you guys talk about?"
"He told me he doesn't see you as a threat anymore and is looking forward to having dinner together sometime this week. A proper dinner with just the four of us. No yelling. No insulting. Just delicious food and wine."
Wine... "Do you want to tell them about the baby?"
"Maybe. We've made it to ten weeks. I guess that depends on how well the dinner is going to go. But I have high hopes." She shows me a smile.
I haven't seen her smile like this in over a week.
"Okay."
She presses the button to call the lift. The doors open and we step in. "What about a Mexican restaurant?" She suggests.
"How about we cook something at home instead?" I ask as I press the button for the lobby.
"You want to cook... for them?" Josephine asks me as the lift moves down.
"Don't you think my cooking skills are good enough? I won't poison them."
My wife chuckles, "Fine. We'll invite them for dinner here then."
"We can cook Brazilian."
"Oh, can we make pastel de queijos?" She asks me with puppy eyes.
I chuckle. I can still remember how many we ate in that small local restaurant when we were still in Rio. It seems like a lifetime ago. "I might have to ask my Mum for the recipe. I've never made them." I admit.
"Well, then how about we ask your Mum to show us how to make them? We can cook together! We can even invite Sergej!" She teases me.
"Tesoro,"
"Okay, fine. Maybe without Sergej." She says just as the doors of the lift open again. "The day after tomorrow?"
I nod, "I'll ask my Mum." I promise her as we step out of the lift.
She kisses me quickly before turning on her heel.
I stand in the lobby, totally amazed by this woman. By my woman... my wife... the mother of my unborn baby.
I pinch myself just to make sure I'm not dreaming.
"Mr. Bolton,"
I turn around at the sound of my name and look at Ralph. Suddenly reality hits me back in full force. I'm training with him today. To be able to protect my wife. Because she was raped.
We don't live in a world of rainbows and butterflies.
There are a lot is snakes in it as well.
"Ralph, Good morning. Ready to kick my ass?"
The security man chuckles, "I'll be easy on you today. It's our first training session together and there are lots to follow."
Josephine
I park my Aston Martin in front of two abandoned warehouses. I'm about two hours away from London. There's nothing around the warehouses for another good ten miles. I get out of my car and shut the door. I don't bother to lock the car because there's no one in sight. The only other car that's here is another Aston Martin in silver. Wladimir's here with my father.
I open the heavy door and walk into the rabbit hole. The big warehouse is almost empty except for a square shaped box. The rabbit hole consists of two large warehouses on 500 hectares of farm land in the middle of nowhere. There are fields with growing herbs that surround those two warehouses. Herbs like dandelion, parsley, basil, mint oregano and camomile - all herbs that rabbits like to eat. Hence the name rabbit hole. The second warehouse is the rabbit hole's very own medical care system. It's a miniature version of a hospital with all kinds of doctors on call, nurses and all sorts of other staff. Especially cleaning staff. They are the most important staff here. Because when we start it gets dirty really quickly.
I stop across the square shaped box and look through the acrylic glass that's mirrored on the other side so the people in there don't see me. Six Arabic men are chained to their metallic chairs. All with the same tattoo on their wrists. All with the same freaking green snake that looks like a bracelet. Omar, Hamid, Amir, Ibrahim, Ahmad and Sahar. The six bastards that raped me have a cloth wrapped around their mouths. They look exhausted and weak. As they should be. Wlad has been keeping them here for the past week. The six black men have equally long black beards and pitch black eyes. I don't know who they are working for yet but I will find out. I won't stop until the word Edward Rothschild comes out of their mouth.
I turn around when I hear footsteps echoing through the massive warehouse. My father and brother-in-law are walking over to me. Both dressed in black T-shirt's and jeans with black leather shoes.
"Thank you for not touching them before me." I say in a cold voice.
"We've had a deal." Wlad says with a nod.
"And I'm surprised you didn't touch them." I narrow my eyes at my father.
"Wlad made it clear to me that you had to go first." My Dad says with a shrug.
I look back at the box. I can't wait to face them and see the fear in their eyes when they realise who I am. "Who is the weakest?" I ask after a minute of analysing their body language. I will rip them apart. I will break their bones and souls.
"That one." Wladimir says, pointing at the man on the left.
"I need a knife."
"Nothing more?"
"No but you can get Oliver when I start." I say as Wlad hands me a sharp knife.
I walk over to the box and open the door. I shut the door and have a long look at the men sitting across me on the chairs. Then I walk around them so they can see me. Their black eyes widen. I knee in front the weakest member in the chain and show him my sharp knife.
I told Oliver I wasn't a murderer but I never said I was a saint.
And when I'm done, he's going to sing like a canary.
Oliver
I follow Troy as he walks into an empty warehouse. We're in the middle of nowhere. There are fields full of salads around here and flowers. On our way here, Troy told me that this is the rabbit hole. He also told me about the endless amounts of blood that has been spilled here. None of them innocent, as he assured me and I believe him. I think he has accepted, I mean fully accepted me.
As soon as he opens the door, I notice Wladimir and his team discussing something. Wladimir's team consists of twelve different men, all the very best at their job.
And then I notice the square shaped box that's standing in the empty warehouse - and my wife in it. She's torturing one of the six men. They're all bleeding, full of cuts and open wounds. They can barely see, most of them have lost consciousness. It's a horrific picture caused by my brutal wife.
I can't believe Josephine did this to them! My wife!
"I thought you would want to have a go before Wladimir and me take over." Troy says to me in an icy cold voice. The fact that he has given me the privilege to go first says a lot about his view of me.
How the hell are these men still alive?! I wince as I see how hard my wife punches into the stomach of one of the men. It hurts just to be watching this. "No..." I can't hurt these men, although they did what they did. I think my wife has had her revenge, she has made sure we both get our revenge. Hopefully, we all can sleep better now after today.
"Are you sure?"
Josephine wipes her bloody hands clean using a cloth before opening the door and walking out of the box. With a bloody knife in her left hand she walks over to us. She looks like a warrior that came straight from the battlefield. She holds up the knife to me but I just shake my head. My wife turned into an avenger angel.
Josephine hands the knife to her father, "Cut their dicks off and put them into a cooling box. I want the doctors and Scotland Yard to have a riddle when we drop them off. I gave Wlad a letter that he is going to attach to the cooling box when he drops the men off."
It takes me a minute to process what she just said because her voice stayed so calm when the words were so horrible. Troy just nods before walking over to the box. I can't watch this violence. I can't see this blood, hear their screams and see their pain. It's too much. I am not made for this.
"Are you done? Can we go home?" I ask my wife. She has drops of blood all over her pretty face. It looks like lots of tiny red freckles. There's even a bit in her hair.
Josephine tilts her head to the side, "What did you expect me to do, Oliver? I wasn't going to let them go with what they did."
"I know." I lick my lips, seeing this side of my woman is scary. "Did they confirm your theory?"
"No, the alpha said he got a call from a blocked number. That's a dead end. I played him a video where Edward gave an interview and he recognised the voice, but said the caller's voice was a bit deeper. But the style of talking matches."
"It's the best you could get."
"Edward's careful, he is no amateur to this. He knows how to get away with murder, so he sure as hell knows how to get away with rape." Josephine sighs.
"Did Wlad find the ring?"
"No. And I don't think he's going to find it anymore." With that she walks over to her brother-in-law and his team. "We're heading home. Thank you for... for this."
Wladimir wraps his arms around my wife and whispers something into her ear.
Josephine nods before waving goodbye to the other men. Then she grabs my hand and leads me out of this hole, the doorway to hell.
I want to get away from this place as quickly as possible. I am not made for this. I help people, I don't kill them.
Josephine
I squeeze the water out of my hair before opening the door of the shower. It took me a long time to get all the blood from underneath my long nails, to wash it out of my hair and off of my body. But I don't regret what I did to these men, because what they did to me was far worse and more painful. But the look on my husband's face is not something I can just wash off of me. He looked at me like I was some sort of monster, like he had never seen something like this.
He's from Rocinha, one of the most dangerous parts of the world, but a freaking rabbit hole scares the shit out of him.
He is not made for this kind of revenge. His kind of revenge is to have them behind bars. But that's not what I want, at least not everything. I needed to get the words Edward Rothschild out of them, but all I got was a bloody maybe. He is going to get away with it and there's nothing I can do about it.
I wipe my body dry with a towel before I wrap another around my hair. Then I get into my fluffy white bathrobe before walking out of the ensuite bathroom. Tomorrow, I will face the King. Tomorrow is going to be a world changing day for both of us, more than today and I need to be ready for it.
I spot my husband reading a book on the sofa in the open living area. "Are you okay?"
He winces from my voice and looks up from the book, "Yeah. I ordered us some fried rice with veggies from the restaurant downstairs."
I sit down next to him. It's not like him to order something because he loves to cook. He has never ordered anything since he moved in with me, even prior to getting married. "Oliver, are you sure everything is fine?"
He closes the book and lays it on the coffee table, "I have never seen you so angry and longing for revenge. I am not sorry for what you have done to them. They deserved it, but... but it was shocking to witness it."
He didn't even see anything. He just saw the result. He didn't hear their screams, them begging for me to stop... fuck, maybe I broke him. I shouldn't have asked my Dad to get Oliver. I knew he wasn't made for this. He is a good soul.
He doesn't have any darkness within him.
I lick my lips, "I told you being with me wasn't going to be easy. I warned you about my family and our dark secrets."
"Yeah, well they're nothing compared to the secrets your Dad told me the other night."
"What?"
My husband shakes his head, "Nothing."
"No, my Dad told you stuff not even I know?"
My husband tilts his head to the side, "Why is that so shocking to you? You think I'd run as soon as I knew your family's secrets? I won't leave you, Josephine. No matter what you say or do. I love you too much, maybe more than you love me."
"Don't try to manipulate me by declaring your love for me!" I hiss at him. "I want to know what he told you!"
My husband grins, "I forgot how well you can read me."
"Tell me!"
"No. Troy told me everything he said was confidential and I want to keep it that way."
"So it's just you and him that know of them?"
"I think a Wlad and Sasha are in on that as well."
"So, it's a husband-thing then?"
This time my husband chuckles, "Maybe."
"Are those secrets bad?"
Oliver licks his lips, "No. He told me about the rabbit hole. So I guess I shouldn't have been so shocked, but... seeing it and hearing of it are two pairs of shoes."
"Did he give you the details of grandpa's decision to stay in Mexico?"
This time my husband's eyes fall into sadness, "Josephine, your grandpa didn't..."
"He didn't what?"
Oliver licks his lips, "I can't tell you."
What the fuck?! "Oliver,"
Just as my husband opens his mouth, the doors of the lift open. The waiter from downstairs rolls a serving cart down the hallway until he reaches us. "Good evening Mr. and Mrs. Bolton. I'm bringing you your dinner. Fried rice with a selection of roasted veggies. For dessert we have a vegan cheesecake. Enjoy." The waiter leaves without another word, probably because he is sensing the tensed atmosphere.
It's just like Rory always preaches me, the staff always know what's going on. And now I guess I have to get used to it as well. Staff, a royal household, comes with the titles and the jobs.
"Oliver,"
My husband sighs, "It's just your family bond is second to none. What your grandpa did, not a lot of people would have done that. He had only met your biggest sister a handful of times, he didn't knew you or your sister and brothers... yet he didn't even flinch when he exchanged himself for Sasha. Your grandpa was a fearless man. Your Dad told me about all the blood that's been sticking to the name Bolton. He told me about the danger that's coming hand in hand with having this name." Oliver inhales deeply. "And I agree with him when I say security wise the Duke and Duchess of Clarence are the best option there is."
I nod, "What else did he say to you?"
"I won't tell you."
"But-"
"Let's just have dinner, okay?" He says before getting up from the couch.
I grab his hand, "Oliver, if this is too much for you... if what you saw is going to haunt you... if I broke you-"
"You will never break my love for you. You will never destroy me. Your father's words didn't scare me. They made me realise what I've gotten myself into."
"I don't know if that's good or bad. I don't want you to lose yourself in us."
He pulls me up to my feet, "Tesoro, your Mum said something very true to me when we stayed at the house in the woods. We are soulmates. We bring the best out in one another. We're a team and a family. I could never lose myself in you because I have found myself in you. I have found the family, the security, I never knew I wanted and needed. I have gifted my Mama and brothers a new life, all thanks to you. I love you to the moon and back. You are my universe, the reason why I was born."
I try to gulp down the tears, but I lose the fight as they suddenly start rolling down my cheeks. "You're not broken..."
He shakes his blond head, "It takes more to break me, Tesoro."
It sure does.
Oliver
I run my fingers through her long chestnut curls as she rests her head on my chest. I love how she embraces her natural curls even more now. She stopped blow drying her hair straight and her hair really thanked her for it. I never realised that she has the same curly hair structure as her mother, twin-sister and oldest sister until now. I thought she had inherited the hair structure from her father, whose hair is thick, wavy and glossy. But turns out she has curly twirly hair. It's so beautiful and glossy.
"You really like my hair, don't you?"
I grin as I pick up an strand and pull on it carefully. It looks so short because of the many twirls and curls but it's actually quite long when you pull it out. When she used to wear her hair straight it usually reached her hips but now the curls just barely cover her tits. "I do. Actually, I like it a lot. So much that I hope our child will inherit that from you."
She lifts her left hand and runs her fingers through my hair, "I really like your shade of blonde. It's been getting darker since you moved back in London but whenever you're out in the sun there are these natural highlights which appear."
"Maybe our child will get your curls and my hair colour."
She grins, "Maybe." She pulls her left fingers out of my hair. Her left ring finger is still empty. Her sky blue eyes follow my gaze and she gulps. "I know. It feels pretty naked and light as well."
This could be my chance. I could buy her an engagement ring and propose to her - like I wanted to since I saw her trying on her maid of honour dress over a year ago. We could get the wedding she promised me. Somewhere at the beach. She could have her bouquet of peonies and I could have a real wedding instead of just signing papers. "Do you still love your mother's ring?"
She shrugs, "I do but I also am becoming more and more independent. I used to want to be as much as my parents as possible. From having their job to drinking coffee like them, which is black."
"To wanting a ring like your Mum." I finish her thought.
"Yes but now... I don't know. I've evolved over the last months. Wearing her ring or a ring that's similar doesn't feel right anymore. It's not me anymore because I've changed."
That gives me the freedom to choose a different ring or design one. "Well, we should get you a ring sometime soon."
And I'm going to start looking tomorrow while she is meeting the King. It's the perfect time window for me to buy her a proper engagement ring.
Josephine
I walk into the Throne Room at Buckingham Palace. It's one of the most impressive rooms of the whole palace with its red wallpaper, gold and wooden floors. The palace has been closed due to a state banquet happening tonight. Windsor Castle is too small to hold such a big event so they still use Buckingham for that. But maybe in the future it's going to be Hampton Court Palace.
His Majesty is sitting behind his mahogany desk, writing something on to the paper with a golden pen.
The doors behind me close. The sound makes the King look up at me. He smiles at me. "Josephine, good morning."
"Your Majesty," I perform a curtsy like I'd do in public. But given the matter of the occasion, I feel like it's appropriate.
He rises from his office chair, "You've dropped off quite a lot of reading material the other day."
"While Oliver and I are very flattered and grateful for the offer and the titles you've put on the table, I wanted you to know we aren't going to be the average royals... if we do this."
Charles gestures to the red velvet couch with golden edges and we both sit down, "So, I assume you have made a decision."
"I did but before so I want to explain the outcome this could have." I tell me. "With all honesty."
Charles nods, "I'm all ears."
"Taking this offer will come with lots of backlash. Hatred. Scrutiny. The press will go wild over this. The British folk is going to question you and your ability to rule the country. This could mean the downfall of the monarchy as it is today. The press will harass my family. The label Bolton-Clan will follow them for a long time. We've just shaken off that title."
"I'm aware of the consequences this offer had. I want to push the young royals more into the spotlight."
"Have you talked to your son about you giving me his job?"
"Harry's aware of the situation."
"I don't want to step onto someone's foot the wrong way."
"He's very happy where he is." The King ensures me with a smile on his lips.
"Where are Meghan and Harry?"
"That's not your concern. And regarding the reaction of the British folk, that's all part of my plan."
"What plan?" I ask him although I know he won't answer me. He's the King. He answers to no one.
"William and Catherine have agreed to take on most of my work after the announcement of you and Oliver joining the family if you're joining us. It will be divided between them and your sister and my grandson. My granddaughter and your brother will get something to do as well."
I frown, "You want to step out of the spotlight?"
He nods, "It's why I wanted to restaff the position with people I trust. Charlotte and Nathanial don't have the knowledge and reach that Lorelai and George have, but they are needed elsewhere. Harry and Meghan chose to live their lives as private citizens, so they're out of the picture as far as jobs go."
"What about Beatrice or Eugenie?"
"No."
"The Wessexes?"
"No. They are needed elsewhere and are in no condition to do all the required travelling."
He seems to have a specific plan for every member of the Royals - every working member that is. I nod, "So, that's why you offered us the jobs and titles."
"Yes. I am very impressed by your work with social projects, the Bolton Foundation, Oxford Royal and the social media work you've done. You've given the royals a revamp that happened so slowly and carefully that the public didn't notice it. Our popularity is the biggest it has ever been."
"Your Majesty this wasn't just my work. I can't take credit for that."
"I stand by my point."
"If we take the jobs, if we take the titles... than Oliver and I don't wan to be like every other royal."
"And you won't. I've read your very detailed folder and it makes sense at most parts but not at every. I can't accept everything that you've outlined there."
I was expecting that. "Okay. What shall be changed?"
He crosses his legs, "Well, firstly your home. You can't continue living at Landmark Place. It's not fit for a royal. A royal of any sort."
I knew that already, but I had hopes anyway. "What do you suggest?"
"As you know, Hampton Court Palace is going to be the base of your sister and my grandson. My granddaughter and your brother will move to Kensington Palace in a few months as well, but I haven't informed them yet. They'll get Apartment 1. You could get Apartment 10 as Nottingham Cottage is too small." He starts explaining. "Apartment 10 has 15 rooms while Apartment 1 has 20 just like Apartment 1a, where my son and his wife live."
Apartment 10 would be our sweet spot within the golden cage. No backyard. No pool. Just rooms. That's not how I want to raise our child. "How about a house on the Kensington Garden street?" I ask him. That's the billionaires road in London. It's the only road that has direct access to Kensington Palace and there are lots of diplomats living there so he entrance is gated with security. It's almost as safe as the palace itself.
"The Crown Estate is currently offering a rent on a few houses there. Including Mrs. Ecclestone's house, which is right next to Kensington Palace's grounds. We could expand the grounds, move the fence and include this house onto the palace's property."
"We have to have a look there first before deciding between Apartment 10 and the house."
"The house has a backyard and private access to Hyde Park. It's a very good option."
"I'm surprised you're not sending me to Windsor."
The King shakes his head, "I'm planning to move and have all senior royals live in London. And while you're no senior royal by the line of succession, you will be one by your hard labour."
That's all part of his plan I'm sure.
"But I could also, of course, offer you a place at Hampton Court Palace."
My eyes widen at his suggestion. "Pardon?"
"You could build your very own home base there. Rory and George will use the Palace as their official residence but I don't see why there can't be more royals living on the grounds, similar to Kensington Palace. It's surrounded by lots of green and you'd have a lot of space."
I frown, "Are you suggesting we're getting the stables?"
Charles laughs, "No, no. That's something Charlotte and Nathanial would be offered but not you."
"Why?"
"Because despite what the rest of this family thinks, I very much know what Charlotte did when she talked to me about you and Oliver for the first time."
Charlotte thought she manipulated the King, when really he was using her. Now that's what I call one epic chess game! "I'm afraid you have to explain this to me. If you knew Charlotte was only doing this to get her royal tour, her patronages and her peace than why did you agree to all of this?"
Charles smirks and shrugs, "Because secretly I was rooting for you and Louis."
I suddenly remember my mother's words. The Spectacular Six. The King wanted the same and I guess now he's getting it, just not the way he planned it to happen. "Louis and me are just friends."
"And your husband is a really kind and handsome looking man." Charles says with a smile on his lips. "He has his heart in the right spot. He's a very well fit for you. Better than Rothschild."
I run my fingers through my hair and miss my wedding ring. "Before we talk any further, there's something else I have to tell you."
"I'm listening."
"A few week ago, on a Sunday night, I worked at a soup kitchen in Parsons Green. The one I have been working at for years. But this day... I had to work longer and clean everything alone. On that night... six men walked in and raped me." I breathe out. It's the first time I talked about it.
The King's brown eyes widen before he embraces me tightly. "I'm so deeply sorry to hear this. I will do anything to find these men." He whispers into my ear and for a moment I fight my tears.
"We already found them and are taking care of the issue. But I didn't tell you this so you would sympathise with me. I want you to know what might come up in the future. Having been through that, makes me want to focus on women who were in a very similar position as me."
He nods, "Of course." With that he lets me go and his brown eyes scan me as if he just saw me for the first time today. "You wedding ring is gone."
"The bastards took it as their trophy."
"You're getting diplomatic immunity wherever you'll go if you take the titles. You can't get arrested on the grounds that belong the Crown and no judge can sentence you to a crime in the name of His Majesty The King."
His way of saying kill these bastards when you find them. I decide to leave Edward out of this as long as I don't have proof. "I'm aware of the privileges that come with joining the firm."
"Well, I also hope you consider the other privileges that come with joining the family." He says with a smirk on his lips.
"Are you aware of my husband's past? I'm sure you did some background checks."
The King nods, "We're aware of his past. We know he lived in Rocinha with his family. But the press won't find that out. Just like they won't find out that he was an illegal immigrant when the two of you first met."
He really looked into us. "What story do you want us to tell the world?"
"The truth while leaving out the details."
I rise my left eyebrow at him.
"You met last spring. Went out for a while before calling it quits. Then you met Edward. Got engaged but you couldn't marry him because you were still in love with Oliver. You went to Brazil for half a year to do work for the Bolton Foundation and met Oliver again. You reconciled, got married and are now expecting your first child."
"I want to leave the child out of this. At least for now."
"Fair enough. But the rest sounds okay?"
I shrug, "It's not a lie. It's just not the whole truth."
"You won't have to do a personal interview if you don't want to. Your focus is on the Commonwealth. You're irrelevant when it comes to the line of succession. People won't be obsessed with you. That's the Oxfords and the Windsors' roles."
I really hope he's right. "There's something else I want to let you in."
He nods, "Go ahead."
"I was actually planning to get Oliver a place at the King's College in London to study medicine. It's been his longest dream to become a doctor, a surgeon in the ER."
"I see. And now with the new position you don't think it's possible?"
"I fear not."
The King licks her lips, "Well, we can always pull a few strands."
I frown, "What do you mean? Currently doctors in the UK may train for up to 16 years before qualifying. Up to 5 years just for their degree - or six if you intercalate and take a useful subject like, say, History of Medicine -, 2 years for a post-graduate foundation course, and then 3 to 8 years in specialist training." I tell him. I've done my research and I was absolutely fine to have him go to uni for the next five years.
"As I said, I can pull a few strings."
"I don't understand. What strings?"
The King leans forward, "Well, for one, while King's College is a remarkable university in London, it is not exactly suited for a Royal. That would be Oxford or Cambridge or St. Andrew's. And given you graduated from Oxford, it would be a scandal to have him study at Cambridge or in Scotland at St. Andrew's."
"You can get him into Oxford Med School?"
"Yes and until the new term starts, which I believe is early September next year, I can arrange private lectures to speed up his education. He could then take exams earlier than everyone else. Courses normally last five years, or four years for a graduate entry programme, but with this we could speed it up to perhaps three and a half years. They involve basic medical sciences as well as clinical training on the wards. The clinical training could be done anywhere he wants." He explains to me. "But that only comes into fruition if you accept my offer."
I nod, "We've discussed it for a long time, considered our options and their outcome very carefully... and have come to a decision. We'd be honoured to take the jobs as President and Vice-President of the Commonwealth and everything that comes with it."
The King grins like a Cheshire Cat. I don't know why. Did he really expect me to decline his offer? Especially the bomb that he just dropped regarding Oliver's educational future?! That would make family dinners much more complicated and uncomfortable. "I'm very delighted to hear that."
"But I've got some things I want to say first before we hit the ground running."
"Sure, let's discuss the details."
"We don't want to be paid by the Sovereign Grant. Security will be paid by us. The household will be paid by us. Official tours, events and engagements will be paid privately by us. No money from the taxpayers - ever. We will be last on the line of succession, always. We will participate in the Royal Rota. We will get our own website and Instagram page. One photographer and one videographer team from the Royal Rota. As you've hired us to revamp the Commonwealth, the focus will be that. I thought about a documentary release annually, similar to the one of the Swedish Royal Family but with the focus solemnly on the Commonwealth. Scholarships granted by the Commonwealth Trust to students from the commonwealth. I want to build a student housings in every big university city in the UK." There's just so much I want to do with the Commonwealth Trust but the King doesn't have to know of all of my ideas just yet. This is a life-long project and it will be epic.
The King nods, "I agree with that. Your idea about the Commonwealth documentary seems very good. It would strengthen the diplomatic connections, show unity... symbolise peace and strength in doubtful times."
"I also want to launch a podcast, have several events in the years and really strengthen the commonwealth countries. If we're going to be doing this, we're going to hit it from all angles." I lick my lips, "And as I've said Oliver and me want to remain as private as possible. We don't want to be the average royal with walkabouts and so on. We want to be known for our work."
"Fair enough. But you will be present at all major events. Eastern Service at Windsor Castle. One garden party at Buckingham Palace a year, Trooping the Colour, the first day of Ascot, Remembrance Day and Christmas Walk."
"Those events will be met with a lot of hatred from the Brits."
"I'm aware that my way to reign is very different than the reign of my mother but I can ensure you, this is right. The folks may not see it but you have great potential for the Commonwealth. You can pursue projects that can change the world for the countries. The Commonwealth Trust was not a major priority of my mother's reign. Her major priority has always been the U.K. but it's not mine. I think globally and I am convinced you are the best for the job. The people will see that and understand that. Maybe not in the first year but once they see how you operate and what you accomplished than they will trust and love you like I do."
Sweet Jesus, The King himself is smearing honey around my mouth! "How many days of the year would we be travelling?"
"Your schedule doesn't depend on me. It will be your schedule. But whenever there's a catastrophe happening in a Commonwealth country, I will send you there to represent the U.K."
Oliver
The doors of the glass lift open and I step onto the floor that holds the boss's offices of Bolton's Enterprises. It's a huge firm that occupies three floors of this skyscraper and the boss's floor is right on the top. The view from glass lift was spectacular and I can only imagine how mouth dropping the view is from their offices.
No wonder my wife chose to live in a penthouse.
I walk down the white marbled floor and pass the light blue walls. There are framed photos of the employees and annual Christmas events hanging on the walls. Clearly, these were inspired by Troy and Gabriella's home in Richmond.
I stop at a huge mahogany reception desk with two assistants. One is blonde and the other brunette. I don't know why I wasn't expecting that.
"How may I help you?" The blonde asks me.
"Hi, I'm here to talk to Gabriella Bolton."
"Do you have an appointment?"
"No."
"Mrs. Bolton is not here right now. I suggest you make an appointment with me right now so you won't come for nothing the next time. The earliest appointment I can offer you is February." She says while looking at the iMac in front of her blue eyes.
"I'm her son-in-law." I tell her.
She looks at me with wide eyes, "I didn't know Josephine got married."
Of course she instantly knows to which Bolton woman I'm married to. "We got married in the summer."
"Congratulations." She smiles at me. "Well, as I said Gabriella is not here right now but she should come in soon. If you want to talk to Troy, he's in a meeting but should be available in half an hour."
"When is she coming?"
"She should be in... in about ten minutes."
"Then I'll wait in her office."
"Of course. It's just across. Do you fancy any water?"
"No, thank you." I say before walking over to the double mahogany doors. There's a golden sign saying Sir Troy Dame Gabriella Bolton's office. Their coat of arms is above it. It's very pretty.
A coat of arms is something Josephine and I have to create as well.
I open the doors and enter their office. Of course Troy and Gabriella share an office. They do everything together without being too dependent on each other.
It's a huge office with two desks - a glass desk which is Troy's and a white marbled desk which is Gabriella's - and a huge seating area with another round table and five chairs. The colour scheme is light grey, soft blues and ivory. It's a very welcoming office and nothing like I expected it to look like. And the window front... the floor to ceiling windows that make up the fourth wall of this room... that's the mouth dropping thing here.
I can see whole London across the Thames here.
Wow! This reminds me so much of my home that I can't help but think that Josephine chose her penthouse with having this office in mind.
Suddenly the doors open and I wince before turning around.
Gabriella Bolton walks inside, wearing a burgundy dress and stilettos. Her hair is styled in soft waves and diamonds are glittering in her earlobes. She looks as radiant as ever. Josephine is so much like her. "Oliver, what a pleasant surprise. How can I help you?"
"I want to surprise Josephine with a wedding and I need your advice on finding a proper engagement ring." I tell her without talking around the bush.
Her eyes widen for a second before they soften, "You want to propose to her?"
I nod, "She asked me the last time and now I want to ask her."
"She did?" Gabriella asks me stunned.
Josephine obviously didn't tell her that. "Yes. But I want to ask her with an engagement ring. Josephine told me how much she loves your engagement ring but as it's now Della's I cannot ask for it. So I wanted to ask you what size it was so I can find something similar."
Gabriella's chocolate brown eyes fill with tears, "I had no idea Jo loved my ring so much."
"It's why she chose to change the diamonds to sapphires on her wedding band."
Gabriella smiles, "Do you have any plans right now?"
"No."
"Great, then we're going to Harry Winston. I'll help you find the perfect ring."
"I already know how it should look like. It should look similar to yours."
"You say that now but once you're in a jewellery shop and see all those diamonds you're going to feel pretty confused and helpless."
"But can you leave just like that?"
"You're my son-in-law and my staff knows that family is my number one priority. Everything else comes after that."
Josephine
"What about the baby?"
I lean back against the back of the red couch, "You want it to have a royal title?"
"Yes."
"What title are we talking about here? Princess or Prince? Lady or Lord?"
"Given your status as a Duchess, your child would have the status of a Prince or Princess."
I rub my forehead, I can't argue with him on that, although it's ridiculous. "No. Given the fact that our titles are closely tied to our jobs within the firm, I suggest Lady or Lord. With all respect, the title of a prince or princess would be too much, especially given the fact that this child will not be a royal by blood. And this is why I don't think you should have custody of it or have a say in the name, Your Majesty." I tell him. I know that the monarch has custody of every royal born into the firm.
"That's fair." Charles nods. "We're going with Lady or Lord now and revisit the issue when it's time."
"Will we get patronages?"
"If you want, yes. You're free to do what you're want as long as you're not harming the monarchy and continuing with your work with the Commonwealth."
I nod.
"I suggest you have a look at both homes in the afternoon and then decide so we can have the move done while no one's speculating about it."
He's moving quickly. The King has already an announcement ready and signed. He's waiting to publish it.
That means my first official engagement with Oliver would be Remembrance Day in November. That gives the public only a few days to vomit out their hatred at us, the King, the Bolton clan as they will call us and he rest of the royal family. "Your Majesty, with all respect this decision is a bit rushed. With all the changes you've been planning, I feel like it would be too much of a shock."
The King leans back on the couch, "What do you suggest?"
"First of January with the start of a new decade. The first public engagement with your family would be the Commonwealth Day on March the 9th. Enough time for the public to calm down. Oliver and I could get to work before Christmas, work out the plans and changes over the new year and hold a forum with all Commonwealth countries. That will be our focus and our way to support you, Your Majesty."
The King thinks for a moment. "I'll consider your arguments."
That's all I can ask for. "Thank you."
Oliver
"Okay, this is just the newest collection. I picked out 20 different styles and shapes." Alister Morgan says before placing a tray with royal blue velvet with twenty different engagement rings on the table in front of my mother in law and me.
Gabriella's been the nicest person ever. We chatted the whole drive from Bolton's Enterprises to Harry Winston about my plans for the surprise wedding. It was so hard to not tell her about the happy news. Honestly, I have no idea how to keep our secret a secret any longer.
I stare at the many sparkling gemstones in front of me. There's a pink pear shaped diamond with a heart shaped diamond on each side. It looks gorgeous but I feel like it's not Josephine's style. She doesn't wear pink and I don't think our daughter - if we get a girl and according to Ana we will get a girl - will wear lots of pink. Another ring is a three stone ring, which is very on trend right now. There's a cushion cut diamond in the middle with a pear shaped diamond on each side. Also very beautiful but also not my wife's style. Another ring catches my attention. It has the shape of a rose. It's absolutely stunning and reminds me of peonies.
But Josephine wouldn't wear that. She'd wear that for me but not because she loves it. It's not the right ring.
There are also antique rings and Art Deco styled rings. But those aren't Josephine's thing as well.
"What do you think?" Gabriella's asks me.
"You're right, there's a lot to choose from." I breathe out.
"Anything you fancy?"
"Do you know which style she would prefer?" Gabriella asks me.
"She once told me that she loved your ring but with a sparkly band. However that has changed." I tell my wife's mother.
"So you're free to choose any style you want."
"Yes but that doesn't make it easy. It makes it very hard." I mumble before looking at the many diamond rings again. Suddenly, I spot a big diamond ring in the shape of a snowflake. It reminds me of Finland and Northern Lights.
Our Northern Lights.
"That's the one." I whisper before picking up the ring.
"Very nice choice, Sir. The sparkling Lotus Cluster Diamond Ring features a round brilliant diamond centre stone meticulously framed by smaller diamonds, using the House's signature clustering technique. The iconic technique creates a three dimensional jewel that shines from every possible angle and brings a fresh floral perspective to the iconic aesthetic the house is best known for. 57 round brilliant diamonds weighing a total of approximately 1.28 carats and the centre stone is approximately 0.30 carats. They are set in platinum."
I move the ring from side to side and see how the diamonds create many rainbows in the room. It's absolutely stunning!
"She's going to love that." Gabriella tells me with a smile on her full lips.
"It reminds me of a snowflake."
"Jo loves the winter."
I nod. I have never seen her happier than when we were in Finland. The ring's quite large and Josephine doesn't like big sparkly things. She likes delicate jewellery. "No, that's not the right one after all."
"No?" Gabriella asks me surprised.
I shake my head, "I'll buy the ring because of the memories it reminds me of but not as an engagement ring. It's too big. Too sparkly. Too flashy. She doesn't like large jewels. She likes delicate jewellery."
"Okay. Then give me five minutes to collect more delicate rings." Alister says to be before rising from his chair and picking up the velvet tray full of big sparkly diamonds. Then he leaves the private room we were brought in as soon as we stepped into Harry Winston.
"You know her better than I thought." Gabriella says to me.
"Why?"
"Well, Edward's engagement ring was a large yellow diamond cluster ring. Ironically also from Harry Winston." She explains to me. "And while the ring was stunning, it was also not to Josephine's taste. I could see it whenever she stared at the ring. She didn't stare at it to admire it, she loathed it."
"All the more reasons to look for something more delicate. Especially since we've chosen to take the King's offer."
Gabriella nods, "Yes. Maybe something more classic would be more fitting. Plus, I think the King's going to want to have your wedding bands made from Welsh gold. That's a yellow gold material which has been more by Royal women for decades."
I didn't think of the option but it makes sense. Total sense. "Then perhaps yellow gold is the material we should go with."
"I think so as well."
Alister walks back with a velvet tray full of new sparkling rings. "I hope something to your taste is here." With that he sits down across us.
"I decided to go with yellow gold." I inform him.
Alister nods, "Okay, we can definitely recreate any of these rings with yellow gold."
I nod before having a closer look. There are rings with oval diamonds, pear shaped diamonds, round diamonds, emerald cut diamonds, cushion cut diamonds... so many different options!
"Anything catching your eyes, Sir?"
My eyes stop at a three stone ring. Three diamonds are sitting on a yellow golden ring. There's a big elongated cushion cut diamond and two half moon diamonds on each side. I pick up the ring and look at it for a moment.
"That's very pretty." Gabriella comments.
"A three stones ring is very classical. It stands for the past, the present and the future of the couple." Alister explains. "The band is made of 18k yellow gold and the diamonds are the best quality there is."
I look up at him, "Could we change the centre stone?"
Alister nods, "Of course. What kind of stone would you prefer?"
"A sapphire."
"A deep blue one like mine?" Gabriella asks me.
I shake my head, "No. I thought of a greenish blue sapphire. A sea-foam colour. Is that possible? Could you find one?"
"Well, that's a very specific request but if you just let me make some calls I'm confident to find just the right shade of green."
Gabriella thinks for a moment, "You want the stone to mirror the colour of your eyes?"
I nod, "She always said she loves the sea-foam colour that they turn to when I look at her. And I think a greenish sapphire would look beautiful against the yellow gold."
"It would make the ring very unique." Alister agrees with me. "And instantly recognisable."
"Can you bring us a yellow gold wedding band? Just so we can see how the finale thing would look like. Maybe the stones need to be a little elevated so they don't rub against the wedding band." Gabriella explains. As always she thinks one step ahead. Josephine has inherited that way of thinking from her Mum.
Alister nods, "I'll have one of my assistants bring it to you while I phone our jewellery handler about the sapphire."
I nod, "A sea-foam colour." I remind him.
"The size of the stones is okay? 5 carats of the centre stone and 2 carts of the other two half moon shaped diamonds?"
I nod although I have no idea about carats.
Alister smiles at me, "I'll be back in a few minutes." He tells us before leaving us alone again.
"You made the right choice. This is much more to Jo's taste. She'll be absolutely thrilled when she sees it."
"I hope so."
Gabriella places her hand on mine, "Trust me. She's going to freak out when you surprise her with the wedding. Let me do all the invites. It'll be the family only."
"Do you think the royals can free their schedules?"
She nods, "Family is the most important. To all of us. We support each other and celebrate milestones. A wedding on French Cay is a moment they won't miss." She promises me. "Even His Majesty won't miss this."
"It sounds a little daunting to be perfectly honest. Having The King at the wedding... it's not something I ever dreamed of."
My mother-in-law smirks, "How life goes."
Indeed. How life goes. A little less than three months ago I was working on a banana plantage. I lived in Rocinha with worries I can now easily shake off. I've gone from being as poor as a mouse to so rich that I'm in a jewellery store that sells diamonds! Real, insanely sparkling diamonds that I can buy without even have to think about it.
Suddenly, the door opens again and a black woman with a bright smile on her faces walks in. She's holding a royal blue velvet tray full of yellow golden rings. "My name is Alicia. I was asked to bring you a few wedding bands."
"Ah yes!" Gabriella smiles at her before picking up a simple yellow gold ring from the tray. "It would look a little something like this." She says while putting the ring on her right ring finger before adding the three-stone engagement ring.
Just like she thought, the yellow gold wedding band sits against the stones, creating a rather large gap.
"Just as I thought. We need to elevate the stones a little bit. Just so much that the wedding band would sit right against the yellow band of the engagement ring." Gabriella explains and she's absolutely right. It would look better if the three stones would sit above the wedding band rather than push the wedding band away and create the gap. They're a unit, not two separate rings. "What do you think?"
"I think you're right on the spot to be honest. I would have never thought about it but seeing it now makes it so obvious. It would look better if the rings were closer together. It would form a unit."
Gabriella nods, "Just what I was thinking."
"Good. I'll let Mr. Morgan know. Will you purchase the wedding band as well?"
"No. Just the engagement ring and the snowflake ring."
"The snowflake ring?" Alicia asks me confused.
I pick up the ring that's laying in front of me, "I find it looks more like a snowflake rather than a lotus flower."
Alicia grins, "It does indeed. Perhaps we should change the name." She rises from the chair again and leaves us alone.
"How come you have so much knowledge about rings?" I ask my mother-in-law.
"It took me forever to decide what kind of wedding ring I wanted. I tried on all different styles. After I think 30 rings or so, I thought to myself fuck it. Let's design one."
I look at her left hand. There's a diamond baguette shaped ring sparkling on her ring finger. "Josephine mentioned it got stolen on Bali."
She wiggles her finger a little. "Yes it did and I will forever be sad about it."
"We didn't you order another one like that?"
"Because maybe it was a sign from God. Or maybe because I was too stupid to follow the instruction in the travel book. Recreating the same ring... It wouldn't have the same memories anyway. It would be a new ring that looked like my old. It would be meaningless."
"So that's why you decided on a completely different one?"
Gabriella nods, "I still miss the old ring but the memories will forever be in my heart."
"Josephine feels the same way. She doesn't want to recreate her wedding band."
"Well, now she won't have to anyway." Gabriella says with a smirk.
Josephine
"There's something else I want to talk about. I've inherited a ranch from my grandfather and I would like to keep it as it is." I explain to the King. I pray that those kids won't suffer from my new job, title and frankly lifestyle.
"Does it have your name as a label?"
"No. It's for disabled children. A therapy centre with special trained horses. There's no association with me on the surface but when you dig deeper-"
"The press won't mention it." Charles ensures me.
"Good, thank you."
Suddenly, the huge double doors swing open and Rory and George walk in. "Grandpa, we might have a solution for the housing problem." George says.
"Since we'd be moving to Hampton Court Palace and giving the size of the property we thought we could build a home there. One big enough for the Clarences and their household. Or a private home just for the Clarences and their household could be based at Hampton Court Palace like ours. That way communication would be easier." Rory starts explaining with a smile on her lips. "The house could be build along the Long Water at the very end of Chestnut Avenue in Hampton Court Park, so its hidden and quite far away from the palace itself. That way we could have a separation that feels natural."
Hampton Court Palace has over 750 acres of parkland and over 60 acres of historic gardens such as the Magic Garden, Maze, Rose Garden, Kitchen Garden, Privy Garden and Pond Gardens. It's absolutely massive, bigger than Windsor Castle's grounds. You can easily get lost there.
I decide to play along to save their asses. "So, your idea is to hide us at Hampton Court Palace?" I ask them surprised.
"No, not at all. It would be like Windsor Castle with it's different homes based in Windsor Great Park."
"So, you're offering me to build us our own Frogmore House?"
"Sort of, yeah. You can call it Chestnut House or Chestnut Manor."
"I already offered them Hampton Court." The King says in a strict voice.
"You did?" George asks him shocked.
"Yes. Oliver and I are going to check out all options today and then make a decision." I tell George and Rory while narrowing my eyes. Seriously, what the hell were they thinking to storm into this meeting?! I was having everything under control until they arrived.
"Oh.., well, I hope you guys are going to choose Hampton Court." George says back.
"I can't make a decision without talking to my husband."
There's a knock on the massive double doors before they open. The King's private secretary walks in. "Your next appointment has arrived, Your Majesty."
Charles claps into his hands before rising from the sofa. "That's my cue. Inform my secretary about your decision. You have until four pm. Then you have an appointment with an architect. Interior and exterior as you will have to make changes no matter which location you're going to choose."
I nod. Everything's already planned. It's scary.
But also utterly exciting!
"I'm looking forward to our productive future together. I expect nothing but the best." The King smiles at me before looking at George and Rory. "Never interrupt one of my meetings again or I'll show you what I'm capable of." He threatens them.
I gulp, no wonder George wants to dethrone him.
"Yes, Your Majesty. We apologise." Rory says on behalf of both of them.
The King leaves the room without another word.
"Are you bloody insane?!" I hiss at my sister and her husband. "Everything was going great until the two of you came along!"
"I told you we shouldn't have done that!" Rory hisses at her husband. "We just pissed him off!"
George just shrugs. "I wanted to make sure you do the right thing."
It's clear that George doesn't trust me. "I gave you my word. I am on your side, George. We're a team. We're a family. Bloody trust me-"
"I do!"
"No you don't. Otherwise you wouldn't have stormed in just like that!"
"But you're doing it?"
I get up from the red sofa, "What I am doing is going home, talk to me husband and have a look at the three different locations the King offered us."
"Three?" Rory asks me shocked.
"Yes, three. Apartment 10 at Kensington Palace. The Ecclestone house right next to Kensington Palace and Hampton Court Palace."
"Oh wow, he never gave us three options..."
"The King really wants this to work."
Oliver
I made it home just on time. When the doors of the lift open, I step out and listen for any movement or voices coming from the living area, but it's silent. She's not home yet.
Thank God!
I rush into our master bedroom with the fancy black bag with the white Harry Winston Logo. I've spent over a million pounds today. My fingers were shaking when I handed over my black Amex card. A freaking million pounds! Inside the bag are two fancy boxes in velvet pouches. The salesman gave me a certificate which tells me where the diamonds were sourced. There's even a cleaning set. I didn't know that rings and diamonds needed so much attention.
Where the hell do I hide her engagement ring? I can't put it in the nightstand and I can't put it in our wardrobe. She'll find it!
I scratch the back of my neck as I think hard of a solution. Maybe I should stuff the engagement ring into my sock drawer. She won't look there. She is definitely not going to look there. Yes, that's a good plan. I think.
And I can gift her the snowflake diamond ring on Christmas Eve. Maybe not on Christmas Eve as she said the Boltons don't do gifts... It's really hard to gift Josephine something.
Suddenly the doors of the lift open. I quickly rush into the wardrobe and hide the rings in my drawer where the socks are. I can hear her approaching me and feel my heart rate spiking!
Shit!
"Hey,"
I wince at her voice. "H-hi."
Josephine frowns, "Are you okay?"
"Yes." I push the drawer with the socks close. "I was just..."
"Looking for socks?"
I lick my lips and just shrug. "What about you? You look like you ran through a thunderstorm."
Her chestnut curls are all wet. She has gotten out of her shoes and coat but I assume they're soaking wet as well. She reminds me so much of her mother Gabriella. Usually, she looks more like her father Troy but there are moments when her mother's inheritance shines through. "Yeah, it just started raining when I left Buckingham..."
For a moment I forgot where she was. "What did the King say?"
She runs her fingers through her hair, "We're in. We've got the titles and jobs."
"We're really joining the Royal Family?"
She nods with a grin on her lips, "I know, it still sounds like utopia in my ears as well."
"And he stuck to Duke and Duchess of Clarence?"
"Yes. He wants to hurt Charlotte purposely with that but turns out she doesn't really care anymore. She wanted peace. And she used us to get that peace." She explains before wrapping her arms around me. Whenever she touches me I get a little fever. Everything starts tingling. My body awakes to new life whenever we're so close. "George and Rory stormed in at the end of the meeting and offered us to build a house on the grounds of Hampton Court Palace. Bloody idiots. I had the King under control. I got what I wanted. He even gave us three options!"
"Really?"
"Yes. It's either a house built according to our vision at Hampton Court Palace or Apartment 10 at Kensington Palace or the Ecclestone house on Kensington Garden, which is the road that leads to Kensington Palace. The fence of Kensington Palace would be moved to include that house on to the property."
I think about the options for a moment but then realise that there's nothing to think about. Not really. "Let's build our dream home."
She nods, "That's what I would prefer as well. The house would be located along the Long Water on Chestnut Avenue. Rory suggested to name it Chestnut House, which I find quite fitting. George also suggested to allow the Windsors to have their home there."
"All six of us under one roof?"
"No. All six of us on over 750 hectares of land. Naturally divided by a massive square shaped pond called Long Water. Hampton Court Palace would remain the Oxfords' home."
"Can we go there and have a look at the grounds?"
She runs her fingers through my hair and gives me a look full of her love for me. I pray she doesn't feel how hard my heart is beating right now. "We most definitely can. Ralph can drive us there right now if you want."
"What about him? Do we have to let go of Ralph?"
"I don't want to so I asked him today. He wants to be the head of our security team."
"I like Ralph. But I don't want Leo anywhere near you."
My wife rolls her beautiful sky blue eyes at me. "What happened wasn't his fault."
"But he didn't do anything to prevent it!"
"He got knocked out!"
"I don't care! He should've been in there with you. Leo is off our team. He won't watch you or me or my Mama and brothers!"
She sighs, "Fine. I'm sure Wlad is going to find work for him somewhere else."
Finally, we agree on something. "When do we have to make a decision about the living situation?"
"We have two hours. The King made an appointment with an architect this evening. He or she is going to meet us here."
The royals are really moving quickly. "Then we should head there now."
"Okay."
"But I need to change before we leave."
"Me, too. We should put on rain boots as it just started raining when I left Buckingham." She says before walking past me to her shoe collection.
I exhale loudly. I have no idea why I'm so nervous. I'm already married to this remarkable woman. Hiding an engagement ring shouldn't raise my blood pressure so much.
She gets into her rain boots and walks back to the island. I watch how she grabs a scrunchy from the bowl on the island. She twists her hair into a bun, like she does in the shower when she has a mask in her hair, before securing the style with the hair tie. "I need to take off my makeup before we leave." She mumbles before walking out of the wardrobe. I watch how she sways her hips until she's out of my view.
Bloody hell, this woman!
I turn around and pull the drawer with the socks open again. The two boxes are still there.
"Do you have any architectural ideas for the house?" My wife's voice rings all the way from the en-suite bathroom in my ears.
I wince again before closing the drawer again and quickly getting into a pair of rain boots. "I don't know. Something with a roof." I answer as I put a sweater on.
My wife's chuckle makes my heart almost stop beating. "I know but I was more thinking of styles. Like French, Mediterranean... Victorian... that sort of thing."
I look at my reflection in the mirror and check on my hair before walking of the wardrobe. I can do this. I can be calm. I enter the en-suite bathroom and watch how my wife dries her face with a towel. "I haven't really thought about it."
"Perhaps you should look online. We both could make mood boards on Pinterest." She says before facing me. She still has a black eye but it has started to fade a lot. She looks better but she's not healed.
"I will." I promise her.
I hold on to the big umbrella as we walk through the grass that has soften from the heavy rain. Hampton Court Palace is a royal palace in the borough of Richmond Upon Thames, 19 kilometres south west and upstream of central London on the River Thames. Gabriella and Troy's home is just 6 kilometres away. It's the perfect place to settle.
The Long Water Canal is absolutely stunning! There are even water fountains. No wonder tourists even take their wedding photos here.
"I think this would be a great spot." Josephine says before stopping at the Long Water. There are rows of chestnut trees lining the canal. The sun has just started to set, right over the long canal. It looks absolutely stunning. On the other side I can see Hampton Court Palace. River Thames is across us. Lots of perfectly trimmed grass is around us. I know there's lots of wildlife in the Home Park of Hampton Court Palace as well. Deers, pheasants, ducks and other animals call this place home.
Just like we soon will.
"Can you imagine having this view every day?" Josephine asks me.
I look down at her. It's a miserable day but even today it looks beautiful. "I think this is the perfect place to build our home."
"I was thinking maybe a red bricked house. Similar to Hampton Court Palace. With ivory coloured window shutters and transom windows." My wife starts explaining to me. "And big double front doors with coloured glass." Her blue eyes light up at her words.
"Not like your parents' house?"
She shakes her head. "No. But I do want a rather big house. I'll show you some photos of how I imagined it to be before the architect arrives."
"I'm surprised you want something different." I think out loud.
She wraps her arms around my neck, "You've helped me become the woman I truly am. I don't need a penthouse with a 360 degree view of London. This right here - standing in the rain with you - with this view of peaceful nature... That's what I want. It's what I want with you and our unborn child." Her eyes glitter in a royal blue as her words slowly unfold their meaning in my ears.
"Tesoro..."
She presses her forehead against mine so I can feel her warm breath against my face. "I love you and I promise you we will build the most perfect home for us."
Josephine
Oliver pinches the bridge of his nose as we drive through London's streets. "Why do we have to see the other two places again?"
"We should consider the other options. Just to be polite."
"Okay and where are we heading now?"
"The Crown Estate is going to give us a funding of one of the mansions in Kensington Palace Gardens. Six are getting sold right now. We should have a look and maybe walk around in the Ecclestone house for half an hour before turning it down."
"Kensington Palace Gardens? Isn't that where Catherine and William live?"
I nod, "Kensington Palace is located to the south and west. Kensington Palace Gardens is a private street in London. Police men are guarding both ends of the street as they're lots of embassies located there. It's the safest road of London. And it's also named the billionaires row."
"I guess I don't want to know the price then?"
I smile before kissing him quickly. "You guessed right."
I stop the silver Aston Martin in front of the gates of Kensington Palace Gardens and push the button to roll down the window of my car.
"Good Morning, Miss Bolton!" The police men greets me while tapping his hat. "How are you?"
I am so used to getting called Miss that I don't even correct him. "Excellent. I'm actually going to have a look at a few estates here today." I explain as Oliver hands me his ID. It's the first time he uses his new ID.
"Really? Well, you'd be the perfect fit for this street."
I hand the police men Oliver's and my ID.
The officer looks at it shortly before looking up. "You guys are married?"
I nod, "Freshly back from our honeymoon." I lie.
"Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Bolton!" He grins at me before handing me back the IDs. "Have a great day!"
"You, too!" I smile before rolling up the window again.
"That police men didn't even look at our ID properly." Oliver notices as I drive through the black gates that have opened for me. The freehold on this grand street is owned by The Crown Estate, meaning most properties are sold with 90-125 year leases. Each end of the road is guarded by gates and checkpoints with Diplomatic Protection Group police officers, thanks to the number of embassies and ambassadors' residences on the street.
"That's because you're a Bolton now. The name is associated with trust, protection and wealth. Plus, my brother-in-law's parents live next by."
"The Prince and Princess of Wales." He breathes out. "It sounds a little crazy, considering we might dine with them in the future."
"Yes but call them William and Catherine when you meet them. Or Wills and Catherine but don't call her Kate. She doesn't like that."
"I'll meet them?"
I look at him as I drive past the embassy of Russia. "Of course. They're now your family as well."
"Of course." He echoes with a shrug.
I stop at house number 8. It's a four storey white and red bricked house. The real estate agent is already standing in front of the black ironed fence that's surrounding the property. "That's the Ecclestone house." I say as I park my Aston Martin next to a red Ferrari.
"It looks... posh." Oliver says before we both get out of the car.
"I like it." I decide before Daniel Martin, the real estate agent I hired, walks over to us. "But our home at Hampton Court Palace will look better. Perhaps we can find some inspiration here. If not from the interior designs, maybe from the architectural style. Red bricks look nice, don't they?"
My husband nods, "Yes. Especially with those big white windows."
"The white transom windows would look better with window shutter though. But I'm not into these massive pillars."
"No, me neither. And I think they would look even better if they had an arch on the top."
I have to agree. The windows would be even better. I can't wait to start planning our dream house!
"Mr. and Mrs. Bolton, what a pleasure to meet you here." The brown haired man in the grey suit shakes our hands.
"I like it." I tell him with a smile on my lips. "The red bricks remind me of the house my sister lives in."
"Frogmore House is white." Oliver says confused.
"Not her. Ana." I tell him before looking at Daniel. "She lives in Hannover street. Next to my other sister."
"A lovely area. Gated as well. Second safest street in London." He smiles at us again as we walk over to the front door. There's a brass door knock saying Ecclestone. "So, this house was previously owned by Tamara Ecclestone. She renovated the place quite a lot to make it... her own. It's styled very uniquely but remember you can always change the interior. Shall we have a look?"
I nod and feel how Oliver grabs my hand. "I like the door knock."
Daniel smiles at me. "You could have one custom made as well. A bee, dragonfly or maybe your last name."
Or maybe our royal cypher - however that's going to look like.
"I would prefer big glass front doors. Maybe with an arch. That would open up the space and create pretty shadows when the light shines through." Oliver thinks out loud.
I smirk, "I like that."
"You can of course change the doors." Daniel says to us.
We walk into the estate that Tamara Eccelstone wants to sell. I heard the place got robbed a few decades ago but the security has been even more tight ever since the incident.
"Just remember everything you see has been custom made to match Mrs. Ecclestone's taste. It can all be changed." Mr. Martin tells us. "There are 57-rooms in this incredible house, which was built in the early 1900s. It has four storeys above ground and two below and its value has almost tripled since Mrs. Eccelstone bought the place."
"Enough space for your soccer team." I joke to my husband who chuckles in response.
There is a lavish entrance hallway to Tamara's soon-to-be-ex-home, with wide stairs topped with patterned carpets. This area has a monochrome colour scheme with shades of black and grey, and a striking pink painting hanging on the wall.
"One living room has been used as a playroom for their children, with a Little Mermaid painting on the wall, lots of toys scattered around, and pink and white foam tiles on the wooden flooring." Mr. Martin informs us before we step into the room. Wow, this place is every little girl's dream! It reminds me of Ana's atelier at my childhood home.
The things you do for your children.
"Just like Kendall Jenner, Tamara has a gold free-standing bathtub in the master bathroom, with marble wall tiles adding to the luxurious décor. There's a cinema in the basement. An indoor pool with a hot tub is in the house as well." Daniel continues talking as I scan the formal dining room that's a room full of mirrors. Ah, yeah this place takes a lot of imagination and renovation to get it where you want it to be.
I'm so glad we won't be moving in here.
"What do you think?" Oliver asks me.
I don't know how fast this place could get sold and how long the renovation process would take. Whoever buys this, they would have to rip everything out - the wallpapers, mirrors, floors - until the blank structure is left and then rebuilt it again. I would want to bring back the original charm, the old flooring and woodwork. It would be a lot of work.
It would take longer than building our dream home in Hampton Court's Park. Having a red bricked house in the middle of nature, surrounded by big old chestnut trees, the Long Water in the backyard and a view over the Thames sounds much more peaceful and homely than this.
I look back at my husband, "It's a lot of work."
I let go of my husband's hand and walk over to the transom windows that overlook the garden. It's a very large garden that has a private access to Hyde Park. There's a miniature playhouse in the shape of this house there. I'm sure it's worth a few couple of thousands of pounds but I find it very cute. Maybe we could have a miniature version of our dream house build as well and use it as a playhouse. Or build a treehouse in one of the many chestnut trees in our backyard.
For a second I can see Oliver chasing our children there.
I turn around and look at my husband who is admiring the white marbled fireplace. I can see how his mind is racing, filling with different inspirations for our dream house on the Hampton Court Palace's grounds. "Where is the kitchen?"
Daniel starts beaming, "This way." He says before leading the way.
He has no idea we've already rejected the house.
"So, what kind of house were you thinking of?"
"We really like the Georgian style." Oliver answers the question of the architect called Arthur.
"Red bricks, white arched transom windows with ivory coloured shutters so the house matches the palace from a distance." I say with a nod.
"Square shaped?"
"At least the base house. We thought about a big, three floored square shaped house with two wings of square shaped houses facing horizontal instead of vertical on each side with two floors. The connecting long hallway would be on the main level." Oliver tells him and the architect starts drawing.
"And a big white conservatory as well as an indoor pool in something that looks like a sun room but all the glass can be moved by a folding mechanism or something like that, so it can be transformed into an outdoor pool as well." I tell him, "I hope you know what I mean by that."
Arthur nods. "Absolutely. How many chimneys do you want?"
"As many as possible! Can we have one in each room?" Oliver asks him.
"It's your dream house. You can design it however you like." Arthur says with a smile, "Black pointed roof?"
I nod, "Yes."
"Centred front door sheltered by a portico and topped with a fan-shaped transom light?"
"Definitely. Oh and a few oval rooms facing the Long Water would be great." Oliver says to him.
"The Long Water would be the backyard?"
"Yes."
"My colleague can help you design the garden." He says before scribbling something on to the paper with his pencil. "How many square meters?"
"About 15 thousand would be good." I tell him. "We need lots of guest rooms because we have such a large family." But then again, Christmas will probably be held in Hampton Court Palace anyway and the Palace has enough space to accompany our large family.
Arthur nods, "Six guest rooms alright?"
"Yes."
Arthur stops drawing and turns the drawing towards us. "That's what the facade could roughly look like." He starts explaining. "A white covered porch supported by columns embellishes a picture-perfect Federal-Adams facade. Red bricks with a pointed black roof that reminds me of Cadogan Square or Kensington Olympia in London. A beautiful white front glass door with a glass arch surrounding it. That could also have stained glass with your royal coat of arms for example. The main house has three levels in total, but we could also add more basement levels. Symmetrical fan shaped windows with ivory shutters that match the front door and are floor to ceiling in height. Two on each level on each side, facing from the front. Then we have two smaller houses, with two windows on the ground floor and one on the top, attached to the main house on each side, facing horizontally not vertically like the main house. The hallways that connect the two horizontal wings could be made from glass or rows of transom windows, similar to Frogmore House. That would make a very nice and unique looking U form. Is this roughly what you're looking for?"
I'm totalled amazed by what I see. This looks so good!
Oliver nods, "This is exactly what we wanted."
Arthur smiles, "Good. We could add chimneys here, here and here." He points with his pen to a few places on the drawing. "From what you've told me, I understand that you want a chimney in pretty much every single room, correct?"
"Yes. Very big, vintage and marbled chimneys." I whisper. Oliver asked me once if I decorated our home in Landmark Place and I just shrugged it off by saying I hired an interior designer. But this... this is what I really want. It couldn't be further from the place we're currently living in. It's the polar opposite. But it will be ours.
"Let me just make a rough drawing of the ground floor so you have an idea of how the proportions would look like." Arthur talks while he starts drawing. He creates a very big U shape, where the baseline of the U is wider than the two lines going up. I really like this shape.
Then he starts drawing the inside, showing us where the living room would be, the formal dining room, our studies, the laundry room, the kitchen, the big pantry, a massive library that could have round windows and the many, many other rooms.
"This looks very good." Oliver says as he looks at the first rough drawing of our home. "I like the shape and the proportioning."
"We could add the conservatory at either of the two wings." Arthur says to me.
"What shall we put between the two wings in the backyard?" Oliver asks.
"You could make a pergola for outside entertaining." Arthur suggests. "A place to enjoy your coffee in the morning while you look at The Long Water."
"That sounds heavenly."
"Good, I'm going to get that digitalised and see you here the day after tomorrow. Tomorrow morning Marco Baressi will pay you a visit. He's going to take care of the interior designs."
"Marco Baressi?" I ask back surprised. I didn't know Marco was working for the Royals.
"Yes, do. you know him?"
I nod, "He's a friend of my Dad and brother-in-law."
Arthur smiles at us, "Well, then I think the three of you will get along just fine."
Oliver
"Thank you for meeting me, Mr. Baressi."
"Call me Marco. I'm a friend of the family, so no need to be so formal." Marco Baressi shakes my hand with a firm grip. The Italian man is wearing a dark navy suit without a tie. The first buttons of his white Oxford shirt are left open. He has black hair and mocha coloured eyes. If I didn't know better I'd guess he is in his early forties. He doesn't look like a man that's in his mid fifties. He's in marvellous shape. There's a sparkling diamond wedding band wrapped around his left ring finger. It matches his Omega watch that also has diamonds. This man definitely enjoys his luxury. "Where's Jo?"
"She's still at the gym downstairs but she should be home very shortly." I explain. I've timed this meeting an hour earlier on purpose. "Do you want a drink? Scotch?" I ask. He looks like the scotch kind of man. Or maybe wine.
"No. I don't drink when I work but we can have a drink afterwards." Marco says before opening one of the tubes that he brought with him. He gets out his the huge poster that's the game plan for our new home at Hampton Court Palace - the Chestnut House as we're going to call it. "I think I could start explaining the ideas I've come up with. I've also brought paint swatches and mood boards to give a better idea of how everything's going to look like. At our second meeting I'm going to show you around in a digital form."
"Actually, before we start there's something else I want to discuss. I want to surprise Josephine, which is why I scheduled our meeting an hour earlier."
Marco grins like a Cheshire Cat, "My favourite kind of meetings! What do you have in mind? A rose garden? An artelier? A spa-"
"No, I was more thinking of a..." I don't even know what to call it, "a playroom."
"A playroom?" Marco asks me surprised. "I didn't know Jo was into xboxes and stuff."
"No, I meant an adult playroom."
Marco's lips stretch into an even wider grin, "A sex room?"
I shrug, "Yeah."
"Hey, I'm not judging you. I've used diamonds to get my wife knocked up, so everyone to their tastes. Some like diamonds, others enjoy plain vanilla sex and yet others like the kinkier stuff. I'm here to make everyone happy."
That's a relief. "That's nice to know."
"So, where do you want to have the room?"
"I thought somewhere upstairs near our bedroom..."
Marco nods before picking up one of the four posters, revealing the sketches of upstairs. It's a pretty plain outlining but it does the job. "This is a very rough plan. We can also move walls to create bigger rooms or join two rooms or even find a room for adult activities. Or rearrange the space differently altogether."
I stare at the plan in front of me. I can't believe this will be our home!
"That would be the master suite as I like to call it. As you can see, there's lots of space with a round balcony and walk-in closets on each side as well as a big master bathroom." Marco explains to me. He used the left wing of the second floor for us. I like this idea of having a whole area instead of just a room to us. The staircase in the left wing would lead to our space, while the second floor of the main house could be dedicated to guests, just like the second floor on the right wing. It's a natural division. "We could use a room next to one of the closets as your surprise room for Jo. I thought this could be a place where you could store your jewels, but this room can be used for anything and everything. We could build a door into the closet to hide it."
"I like that idea. I think it's the best option."
Marco nods before taking a few notes on his iPad with his pen. "I'll adjust the plan and show you the finale interior design in about a week. I'll email you the ideas for your surprise separately so Jo won't find out." The Italian man winks at me. "Happy wife, happy life, right?"
I chuckle, "I guess so."
"Do you have any colours and materials in mind?"
I think for a moment. "Maybe an emerald green wallpaper. Something that looks precious. Maybe with a floral pattern. As for materials... maybe dark oiled walnut or mahogany or something like that."
Marco nods, "Don't worry. It won't look cheap. I know what I'm doing. I've decorated a similar room once before."
It's calming to know that we're not the first. "Okay."
Suddenly the doors of the lift open and I can hear my wife stepping out. She was downstairs in the gym, attending a pregnancy yoga class. She walks into the open living area and stops as she spots Marco and me sitting at the dining table. "Marco, you're here early."
"Yeah I know. I couldn't wait to see you again. But your husband told me you're in a yoga class, so we started without you." Marco says before rising from the chair and embracing her.
"I hope you've made some wicked plans for us." She smirks at Marco before releasing him. "How are Brooke and the kids?"
The Italian man starts beaming. "Very well."
"Show us what you've had in mind for our dream home." My wife says before sitting down next to me at the square walnut shaped dining table.
"Sure. Let's start with the main floor and then go each of the three floors up before looking at the lower floors." Marco grins before pulling another big poster out of his tube. "Your husband told me you guys created mood boards on Pinterest?"
"Yes. Let me just get the iPad and we can show you what we thought of." Josephine says before rising from the chair again.
I didn't tell Marco about the mood boards but he must know her well - or maybe all women go crazy on Pinterest whenever they renovate a room or in our case want to build a whole house.
"What room do you want to start with?"
"The kitchen?" I ask as Marco pulls out another poster that reveals the floor planning for the main level. It has a very unique U shape, where the middle of the U is quite big and two long hallways, that will have transom windows, which lead to a wing on each side. I really like this shape, it's unique just like Josephine and I.
"The kitchen is always the heart of the home." Marco grins at me before pointing at the right wing of our home. "I thought we could have the kitchen and a big pantry, the dining room, the sun room and a large drawing room on the right wing."
"What's in the left wing?"
"Your two studies, a laundry room, a mud room, an entertaining room and the indoor pool you guys talked with Arthur about last evening." He points to each room with his pen.
Josephine walks back with an iPad in her hands. "Shall we start with the kitchen?"
Marco smiles, "Yes. What were you guys thinking of?"
"Definitely country style kitchen, like the one at my childhood home. White hanging glass cabinets, marble countertops, a big island and a breakfast bar as well as a sitting area to have breakfast at." Josephine starts explaining before showing Marco her ideas on Pinterest.
"How about we combine the island with the sitting area? We can make a U shape island with the sitting area in between the two wings. That way you still have enough working space but also have a little breakfast area." Marco suggests.
"I like it."
"And to accentuate the island we could use a different marble for the island. We could use a light marble for the rest a a dark marble with a royal blue and grey swirl. We could use the same stone to create the table in the seating area."
"Well then maybe we shouldn't go with ivory for the cabinets. The space is so big that it could use a little colour. Perhaps a sage green or a teal blue?" Josephine looks at me. "Or maybe even a darker blue...or a blue with a purple tint..."
"Sage green would look nice with brass or golden long thin handles." I think out loud. "Or perhaps a blue darker than teal blue would be better. Something with a grey undertone. Perhaps indigo."
Marco nods, "What kind of flooring?"
"Tuscan tiles. Very Mediterranean. Grey coloured"
"But don't you think sage would match the tiles better then?" Josephine asks me back.
"Maybe if we chose the grey tiles that have a blue undertone we could even go with grey blue colour for the cabinets. A light grey tone with blue undertones. And then the long thin golden handles as a contrast."
"No, then the handles would have to be nickel or silver." My wife disagrees with me. "But I like the idea of the light grey with the blue undertones."
I nod, "Sounds good."
Marco starts drawing the kitchen we talked about into the rough floor plan of the main floor. "There would be cabinets here and here. We could add a built-in china here and French double doors leading to outside here." He points at two spaces. "And in the middle we create a big U shaped kitchen island with the bespoke countertops. It would look like a booth with a padded bench for eight people and chairs on the other side that could sit another six. Around the island we can create lots of cabinets and plugs that are hidden underneath the countertops."
"Can we have rounded edges for the countertops?"
"Of course. We could even hide the door to the pantry by using the style of the kitchen cabinets. So what would look like the hidden door of the fridge, would actually be the door to your pantry."
"That's brilliant!"
Josephine
Marco's ideas are amazing! He has spoken to us and helped us to perfect our ideas of each room. Our Pinterest boards were the best way to show Marco our vision. He took the ideas, colour schemes, wallpaper ideas, floor tiles and everything else, and created our ultimate dream house.
"Last room of the lower floor, the mud room." Marco says before pointing to a room that's on the left wing. It's quite a big square shaped room.
"What's a mud room?" My husband asks us.
"It's the first room you enter when you've been hiking, playing outside or when it has rained cats and dogs. It's called a mud room because this room will get full with mud from your rain boots, sneakers and other shoes. It's where you dry your umbrellas, wash your dog clean... that's the idea behind it." Marco explains to him.
"Sounds like a very useful room." Oliver says with a firm nod. "Although we're no dog people."
"You prefer cats like Della and Wlad?"
I smirk as I remember Lily and Luna. Della and Wlad's white Persian cats. They're so fluffy and cute! "Maybe it runs in the blood, who knows."
"What was your idea?" I ask Marco.
"Built-in shelves and cabinets, a wall full of open lockers with hooks for jackets and a bench with a padded mat on it. A place that could be used to wash your dog or clean your muddy rain boots. A big floor to ceiling window should also be there."
I nod, "I like the idea. What about the colours?"
"Traditionally, it's a very dark room with walnut shades or even a navy or teal green but I would like to make it more open and go for the non-traditional light and neutral colours. A white or ivory."
"And the floor?" Oliver asks.
Marco sits straight in the chair, "Okay, I know this sounds a bit crazy but bear with me. I was thinking of teal green hexagonal tiles." The Italian man must see our disapproval because he licks his lips. "Or maybe we could create a carpet with Portuguese styled tiles. White and blue. A rich royal on a white glossy surface that create big stunning flower patterns." He picks up his phone and shows us the tile he was talking about. "They're hand painted in Portugal. A very small business."
It's so beautiful!
"Oh that's almost too pretty to just use in the mud room!" Oliver says.
"We could use it in other rooms as well. Maybe outside under the pergola or have a water fountain build with those tiles under the pergola."
I nod, "I like the tiles. Definitely a yes for the mud room and for the space under the pergola but let's build more of an island with these tiles." I agree with a nod. "And perhaps a water fountain would be a great addition as well." The pergola will fill the space between both wings of the U shape house - our home. The pergola will have pink peonies, purple wisteria and white grapevines growing up and eventually building a natural sun blind. Under the pergola will be the bespoke water fountain and a long dining table for outside dining along with a barbecue area and a pizza oven.
I can't wait to spend my evenings there with my husband, our child and families.
"Can they paint the flowers on other materials as well?" Oliver asks Marco.
"Yes, of course. What were you thinking of?"
"The tiles in the master bathroom. We want it to be a white marble but maybe we can accentuate the floor by using these flower pattern on it. I really like the floral pattern and the royal blue."
"That's a very nice idea." I say with a smile on my lips.
"I'll talk to the firm and ask them about it." Marco nods before taking a note on his notepad. "So, shall we start with the first floor?"
I nod, "Yes. Let's start with the master bedroom."
Marco pulls out another big poster with the flooring plan of the first level. "That would be here." He points at a room on the left wing. "The whole left house would be for the master bedroom, bathroom and the closets."
"Closets?" Oliver asks him confused.
"Yes. A his and hers."
"No, let's do a royal and non-royal one. That would make more sense." I tell him instead.
Marco nods, "Of course."
I notice the way Marco has laid out the master wing is very unique. Instead of a long hallway, there are big double doors when you reach the first floor. Then comes the master bedroom with two dressing rooms on each side and a master bathroom as well as another square shaped space that's added to one of the dressing rooms. "What's that for?" I ask as I point at that room. "Is that a panic room?"
"It's my surprise for you." Oliver tells me just as Marco opens his mouth to talk.
"A surprise?" I ask him back.
"Don't worry. You'll like it."
I decide to trust him on that. "But we really do need a panic room." I mumble.
"Don't worry. That's what the floor beneath the main floor of the left wing is for."
"You gave us a whole wing?" Oliver asks him shocked.
"It's just like the panic flat in the Kensington House." I mumble as I remember the only freestanding glass house that's in Kensington.
"Yeah. I built that."
"You did?" I ask Marco.
Marco's grin is addicting. "Yep. I also built the house in the woods and redid the spa at Wladimir's house."
"Oh, I really like that indoor pool area!"
"And you will love your home even more." Marco promises us.
I believe him with my whole heart. Our home will be absolutely amazing and I can't wait to the day we move in. Chestnut House will be our oasis, our piece of heaven on earth. It will be the place where we will raise our child, host dinner parties and spend time with our families and friend - all surrounded by the most peaceful nature on Hampton Court Palace's grounds.
It's going to be epic!
Thank you for taking the time to read this chapter!
Hopefully, you are all healthy and staying safe wherever you are in this world. In such a scary time like right now, please take extra care of your loved ones and yourself.
I hope this chapter took your mind off of your worries for a little while.
Do you think Jo and Oliver are going to find Jo's wedding band? What could Edward do with it?
What do you think of Oliver's surprise wedding for Jo? Did he choose the right engagement ring for her? Both rings can be found on the internet: Harry Winston's Lotus cluster ring and the Camilla Ring from East West gem company (there are two versions of the ring, one with diamonds and the second one with a dark green centre stone).
What do you think of Chestnut House? The house was inspired by a floor plan and drawings I found on Ritz-Craft Custom Homes (The Adrienne model which was their house of the month for August 2013).
Stay healthy!
In gratitude,
Nicole
