Someone’s Someone

by Curious Girl

I've always been someone's someone. I will always be known as the sister of. The sister of the wonder child; the sister of the Nobel prize laureate; the sister of Princess Anastasia of Romanov; the sister of the next Queen of England; the sister of the Olympian... and the daughter of Troy and Gabriella Bolton. But I am so much more. I am Josephine Bolton.

19. Chapter 19

Josephine

The next morning I wake up to the smell of coffee. As I stretch out my limbs and yawn, I notice that I'm laying just in my panties in my bed. I don't even remember walking into my bedroom. The last thing I remember was sitting on the rooftop with Oliver and watching the sunrise. Somewhere around that I fell asleep, I guess.

I open my eyes just as Oliver walks into the bedroom with two cappuccinos in his hands. The smell is delicious, but so is his half naked body. His abs are shifting as he moves over to me. It's so mesmerising and arousing to watch. "Good Morning." He greets me with a smile on his lips.

I take the offered mug and take a look at the latte art of my cappuccino. In a beautiful curly handwriting it says Sorry. I look up, "I don't remember much after coming home from the airport but I do remember us clearing that. You apologised and I expressed my point as well."

"I know... just in case you've forgotten." He says with a shrug before sitting down at the edge of the bed, next to me.

I take a sip of my hot cappuccino. It's delicious as always. "I won't give the flat back by the way. It's yours. Whether you want it or not."

I expect him to get angry at me, but instead he laughs. "Don't you think I don't know you by now? I know you won't give that flat back. You always stand up to your opinion. You're the most stubborn person I've ever come across to."

I smile at him, "But I also know you and how much you refuse to take what I give you."

"We agree to disagree then." He says and mirrors my smile before taking a sip of his cappuccino.

"You know the morning after your birthday, I didn't want to leave without us talking about it. The thought of having an ocean between us scared the shit out of me. I know there's FaceTime but it's not the same. I'd like to be face to face with you when I talk to you, not look at the screen of my iPhone." I admit. "I almost didn't fly."

"And then we saw each other and almost didn't talk at all. Why didn't you say that then?"

I shrug. "I like to protect what's dear to my heart. I'd like to know it's safe under all circumstances. That's why I bought you the flat. I wanted you to have a decent home. A roof over your head. Space for your family when they finally make the jump over the big pond. I needed to know you are safe. Regardless of what happens to us."

He looks at me like he wants to say something, but then he licks his lips as he changed his mind. "Okay."

"Okay?"

"Yes, I accept the flat as my birthday gift and I am very grateful for it."

"I never questioned your gratitude. I never would. Being thankful for the little things is one of the traits that I like most about you."

"Really?"

"Yes. You see our heteromorphic backgrounds as irreconcilable differences but I see them as cultural, personal and mental enrichments. You enrich my life, Oliver. It's good that we met and that we are the way we are. I don't want to change that. I just want to enrich your life the way you enrich mine."

His sea foam coloured eyes soften at my words and he grabs my free hand. "You enrich my life as well."

I intertwine my fingers with his and squeeze it softly. I knew giving him this flat wouldn't come without a bit refusal from his side. I'm glad he gave in.

"How about we have a look at it again this noon?"

I nod, "Sounds like a good plan. It looks better in daylight anyway."

Oliver chuckles. It's one of the best sounds I've ever heard.

Suddenly, my iPhone vibrates with a ringtone on my nightstand. Ana pops into my head. She must've been at Dr. Ross' by now.

"Your phone has been ringing all morning but I didn't want to wake you."

I place my mug next to my iPhone on my nightstand and have a look at the display. Ana called me five times. I gulp before calling her back immediately.

"Where the hell have you been? I've been calling you all morning!" She hisses at me.

"Sorry. I fell asleep."

"Well, your fucking pregnancy tests were wrong!" She yells at me.

"What? You're pregnant?" I ask her shocked.

"As pregnant as I can be! Fucking 6th week!" She hisses before growling. "This wasn't suppose to happen like this!"

"Ana, where are you?"

"I'm in a cabbie. On my way to your place. I went shopping at Harrods. Bought you your dress for the wedding reception. I'm coming over so you can try it on."

I gulp and look at the man next to me. Oliver's here. "Okay. Have you eaten?"

"No but I have a baby in my uterus so I bloody better start watching my diet now!" She hisses and I can hear how she shuts the door of the black cabbie.

"Good. Oliver and I will make you something for brunch then. Any preference?"

"I don't bloody know! I might start throwing up at whatever you serve me now! My body is no longer my own! No wonder I couldn't see anything for six weeks now!"

Yeah, it does make sense now. "Congratulations?"

"Fuck you!" She hisses before hanging up.

I laugh at her outburst. She's definitely pregnant! "My sister's coming over." I explain to Oliver who nods.

"And she's pregnant."

"Yes."

"She doesn't seem happy about it."

"She's shocked. She doesn't know what to feel right now but I can guarantee you, Ana always wanted kids. The timing just never worked out-"

"Until God started interfering."

I shrug. "Kind of, yeah."

"So, shall I whip up some more food?"

I nod, "That would be lovely."

"No problem." He rises from the bed.

"Oliver,"

He stops at my voice and turns around, "Yes?"

I get up from my warm bed and walk over to him before lifting myself on the tip of my toes to kiss him. I wrap my arms around his neck as he returns my kiss. Our tongues start dancing as this delicious warm feeling spreads in my chest. I let it fill me until my toes and fingertips are tingling.

Oliver pulls away before we can let this kiss get any bigger. "Your sister's coming over any minute. I can't fuck you now."

I run my fingers through his beach blonde hair, "I know..."

He pulls my hand out of his hair and kissing my fingertips. He has never done that before. "Any wish for brunch?"

"That it's made by you." I whisper. I trust Oliver implicitly. Whatever he creates in my kitchen will be perfect.

He smiles, "Okay. I'll come up with something then."

"But before you do, please throw on a shirt."

He chuckles, "Yes, of course."

I watch him disappearing into our wardrobe before I walk back to the bed and pick up my iPhone again. I scroll through my messages before I stop at one from my little sister.

'Read the article and tell me how bad my image really is.'

I frown at my sister's message before clicking on the link that was attached to her words.

The power of Royal colour branding!

The Duchess of Oxford appeared in a pale pink Chanel dress as she introduced her three little daughters along side the Duke of Oxford just a little over one week ago. The Duchess has been wearing pink for various events, including state dinners and Royal tours, ever since she had been introduced as George's 'Royal Girlfriend', seven years ago. Pink - in every shade and variation - is the Duchess's favourite colour - and so is blue, but that's not an option (more on it later). Today, we want to introduce you to the topic that is known as Royal colour branding. Colour has a huge power in establishing a cohesive brand message. Duchess Lorelai's colour branding started shortly after the famous paparazzi photos of Prince George (back then) and his girlfriend, taken during a winter holiday in Gstaad when they were sixteen, emerged. Lorelai was quick to learn than having a tied lip is the best strategy to survive in the Royal circles as her now mother-in-law the Princess of Wales famously did as well. However, Lorelai also knew how to use the language of fashion and colour in her favour. The first Christmas walk, which still up to this day shocks royal experts, she wore all Burberry in a deep purple colour (which is a mix of blue and pink, in case you forgot). After that first plum coat, she tried out blue (cornflower and royal blue) a few times, but apparently Queen Elizabeth II put down her foot and told her to find a new colour, as blue had already been taken. By whom, you may ask?

By the Princess of Wales of course! Just like the former Princess of Wales, Lady Diana, Catherine's signature colour has been blue from the start - her engagement interview. While the Princess of Wales does not shy away from different colours, she always sticks to blue - or light grey - on important royal engagements.

But as soon as the engagement of George and Lorelai had been announced, the Duchess started to claim blue as her 'Royal colour', too. Remember the engagement interview and photo shoot? What did she wear back then? A pale blue dress by British designer Jenny Packham with a white embroidery of all commonwealth countries! While it had been sold to us that Packham designed the dress for the mainstream as well and all money would go to charity, the main issue remains. She chose blue! Why did she choose blue when her engagement ring consists of eight pink (!) padparadscha sapphires? Wouldn't it be a clash of colours? Or did she chose the pale blue on purpose, so that her engagement ring - that consists of seven pear shaped paradescha sapphires and is worth millions - could stand out more?

But even George set her signature colour in stone by choosing the pink jewels, that once were a bracelet from Queen Elizabeth II, to design her engagement ring. Because he knows of the importance of Royal colour branding as well.

That quickly left Lorelai with the obvious choice: pink. So, she purchased dresses and hats in every shade of pink there is. While she didn't buy any pink shoes, coats or trousers - thank godness for that - she is conscious of building her wardrobe around the most obvious pink statement item she wears: her engagement ring. On her first visit to Oxfordshire, which is one of the two Dukedoms Prince George and she had been given by the King, Lorelai wore a gorgeous coat and hat by Catherine Walker in a light grey with white embroidery around her waist and beige heels by Burberry. Underneath the coat, she wore a blush pink dress by Alexander McQueen that matched her half moon pendant that dazzled with padparadscha sapphires (a wedding gift by her father). Needless to say, the Duchess knows how to use fashion in her favour.

After all, colour plays a huge role of every Royal event, whether you are aware of it or not. Take last Ascot of instance, all ladies wore blue - yes, even Lorelai, Meghan, Fergie and Charlotte - to symbolise unity. The Queen Consort sends messages with colour all the time as she can't make political statements. And the colour of one of last year's garden parties at Buckingham Palace? Light blue (for Catherine and the Queen Consort) with hints of pink (Lorelai, Charlotte and the rest of the Royal Family). United. Cohesive.

Over her years as being a Royal girlfriend, a Royal fiancé, a Royal wife and now a Royal Mum, she has started to master the voice of Royal colour branding. She stays clear of blue as it's Catherine's colour, as well as emerald green which is Meghan's colour and even red (The Duchess of York's colour) and cream (Charlotte's colour).

We expect Lorelai to wear pink - in whatever shade or variation - tomorrow on Princess Charlotte's big day when she marries the Duchess's brother, Nate. Nathanial, on the other hand won't have a problem to find a Royal colour. It's usually black, navy or grey for men. I guess in that way, men in the Royal Family have it easier.

I read the article twice before typing in a response. 'Not that bad. You like pink. Pink is a nice colour. It suits you really well and I guess it is your colour but I don't think you're limited to pink for the rest of your Royal life. You can experiment with other colours, including blue, green, red and cream. Don't worry too much about it. Focus on the girls.' I hit send and hear how the doors of the lift open.

Oliver

I crack the eggs into the pan and cover it with a lid. I think a Shakshuka, an Israeli dish, is the perfect option. I've also sliced up some avocados and chopped some chives to sprinkle over it in the end. Josephine can't remember anything that happened on the rooftop. Not my love confession and not the reveal of my secret. Maybe that's a sign. Perhaps it wasn't the right timing. But this morning isn't the right timing either.

I take another sip of my cappuccino and wonder if pregnant women can have coffee. I could make Ana a cappuccino but I don't know if she's allowed to drink it. I take another sip of my cappuccino just as the doors of the lift open.

"Oh, I smell food!" I can hear Ana's soft voice ringing through the hallway. Her voice reminds me of her little sister. It's so similar yet so different. A second later, I can hear her footsteps coming closer. Suddenly, panic overcomes me. What if Ana doesn't like me? Do I bow to her? I mean, she's the only Princess of the Romanov dynasty! Nate hates me and he's Josephine's brother! Maybe Ana is the same. The Boltons are all very protective of each other.

"Oh, hi!"

I gulp before I turn around to face her. "Hi, I'm Oliver."

Ana places the huge clothing bag that she's holding on to the empty walnut dining table and walks over to the white marbled kitchen island. Josephine's sister has something absolutely fascinating. She reminds me of Tinkerbell but in an adult version. She's walking like a ballerina, she's almost flying over the ground.

I hold out my hand, so she can shake it but to my surprise she embraces me.

"I told you we'd be getting to know each other better." She says before letting go of me.

I frown, "You remember our meeting in the club?"

"Of course. You were the last vision I had."

I frown at her words. "I'm sorry, but I don't seem to understand. Did you just say vision?" Is Ana some kind of medium?

"Ana!"

I turn around at Josephine's voice. I watch her emerge from the hallway, dressed in a pair of jeans and a grey shirt. Her chestnut hair is up on top of her head. She looks and walks like a ballerina. Just as glamorous and elegant as her older sister.

Josephine embraces her older sister and holds her tightly. "Are you okay?"

Suddenly, Ana all dams break loose and Ana cries in the arms of her younger sister. It's heartwarming to see Josephine comforting her sister. But it also makes me feel uncomfortable so I turn around and check the Shakshuka. It's done. I get the pan off of the heat, sprinkle chives on top and place the avocado on it before putting the pan on a cork plate that's in the middle of the kitchen island. I've already put plates and cutlery on the kitchen island as well as a few slices of bread. "Brunch's ready." I announce.

Ana wipes away her tears before turning around with a smile on her lips. "Thank you. Sorry about that."

I shrug, "Don't worry. I'm used to pregnant crying women by now."

Ana frowns before looking at Josephine. "You-"

"Char." Josephine corrects her. "She had a breakdown once over a movie as well."

"Ah, I see..." Ana sniffs before looking at the kitchen island again. "Is that Shakshuka?"

I nod, "With chives and avocado. But if you don't-"

"It's perfect. The perfect comfort food that I need right now."

I smile at Josephine's older sister, "Great."

Ana and Josephine sit on the barstools at the kitchen island. Ana looks so different than Josephine. The Princess of Romanov has bright blonde angel-like hair that's long and straight and bright green almond shaped eyes. Her features are different as well. She has higher cheekbones and lightly flatter lips than Josephine. Anastasia has also freckles. Josephine on the other side has warm chestnut waves that reach her hips, big sky blue eyes and full soft lips that I kissed the whole night. They look like night and day. Yet, they're sisters.

"Do you want a cappuccino?" I ask the blonde Bolton sister.

Ana looks at Josephine, "Since when do you drink cappuccinos? You're a black-coffee-drinker. Just like Mummy and Daddy."

Josephine rolls her eyes. "Since now." She says to her sister before looking at me. "Ana drinks tea. Never coffee."

I nod, "Okay. What kind of tea do you want?"

"Camomile." Ana answers.

"It's in the third cupboard-"

"I know where the tea is." I interrupt Josephine. After all I've been living here for over six weeks now.

"I can do that." Josephine says before rising from the barstool.

"No. I can make your sister a tea." I insist.

"But-"

"Sit down and enjoy the brunch." I tell her. She opens her mouth to protest but I narrow my eyes at her. "Sit down."

"Fine." She gives in before sitting down on the barstool and started to eat from the pan with her sister.

Ana stares at her with a smirk on her lips.

"What?" Josephine asks her.

"Who knew I'd see you listening to someone just once?"

I chuckle as I open the cupboard and get out a mug. She clearly has the wrong impression. I wish Josephine would listen to me. Just once.

"That laugh hopefully showed you how wrong you are." Josephine tells her sister.

"You're definitely wrong." I tell Ana as I fill the electric kettle with water.

"Oh, I don't know. I'm never wrong. I think Oliver has some impact on you."

"But he hasn't tamed me. No one can tame me."

True. No one can tame Josephine Bolton.

But I don't want her. Taming her would mean to change her and changing her is the last thing I want. I love her just the way she is. Because she is who she is.

"I brought you the dress by the way. You can try it on after we ate."

"Ana, I don't need more clothes. I have a whole room full of them!" Josephine starts arguing. I can't believe what I'm hearing. Josephine actually admits she has enough clothes?

"I bought it and you will wear it."

Josephine rolls her sky blue eyes, "You already sound like a Mum."

Ana's mouth falls open. "I do?"

Josephine places her hand on Ana's. "Yes. Sasha will be over the moon."

"I know. I'm not worried about Sasha being a bad Dad or me being an awful mother... It's the timing that concerns me. I have so much to do that I don't even know where to start or what work to delegate."

"Ana, you need to have a team around you." Josephine advices her.

Ana nods, "I know."

"Mummy and Daddy are only so successful because of their teamwork with uncle Luv. And the teams behind them. You're only ever as good as your team. The weakest link in the chain always comes back to you."

She sounds so wise. I've never seen her talk like that.

"So, that means I should start with job interviews?" Ana asks.

Josephine nods. "Yes. You can't have a child and work full-time at the Academy a day after you've given birth. You need a team."

Ana nods, "Alright. I have a little less than nine months to find a team and for them to learn the ropes of the Academy. That has to be enough."

---

Josephine picks up the clothing bag from the walnut table, "What designer is this?"

"Luisa Beccaria. You'll love it." Ana promises her. "I'm sure Oliver wants to see you in it as he won't be at the wedding reception himself."

"Alright." Josephine agrees before disappearing down the hallway.

"Does she know?"

"I'm sorry?" I ask Ana confused.

"That you love her. Does she know?" She asks me before turning to face me.

"No. I tried to tell her several times but the timing didn't work out. Maybe it's a sign that she's not ready for it."

Ana nods, "If it doesn't work out once, it's a coincidence but if it happens twice it's a sign."

"She's not ready for the l-word."

"No, she's definitely not."

"Does this have to do with your father?" I ask Ana. She's the only relative I can ask about it. I suspect it was Troy that broke Josephine, but I can't be 100 percent sure.

"She told you about it?"

I shrug, "Some bits. I'm sure she left out a lot."

"She's as secretive as our Daddy." Ana mumbles, "And yes, I do think Daddy plays a big role in who Josephine has become. He was her role model up until he fucked her up."

That are some very clear words coming from her sister. I can't even hide my shock.

"What? Just because I look innocent, doesn't mean I am."

That's what she has in common with her little sister. Josephine isn't what she looks like as well.

Josephine

I open the black cloth bag of Harrods and reveal a stunning floral sequin gown that's floor length. The V neckline dress has short sleeves. Tangles of finely stitched leaves and flowers are all over the dress that is also layered with shimmering sequins which will flicker under the light. It has a sky blue background colour but has black sheer tulle as well as colourful embroidery and sequins on it. It's by Luisa Beccaria.

Wow, it's absolutely stunning!

I get the dress off the hanger before carefully getting into it. I zip it up before looking at the full mirror in my walk-in wardrobe. I can already see the matching diamond drop earring on my earlobes, my hair styled up and the slim diamond bracelet that I wore on the night I danced a tango with Oliver in the hallway, around my wrist. Comfortable Manolo Blahniks will finish off the outfit.

I was going to wear my Marchesa crystal-embellished tulle column gown that also has a V-neck is sleeveless and has bead embellishment as well. Just like the dress I'm wearing the Marchesa dress has a floor-skimming length, but the silver Marchesa dress has ostrich feather details and a small train.

However, this dress by Luisa Beccaria is so much better!

"Come on, show us the dress!" I can hear Ana calling from the living area.

I inhale deeply, lick up the excess fabric and walk out of the walk-in wardrobe, bedroom and down the hallway. "It's not styled yet." I remind them as I walk into the living area. I stop across Ana's scrutinising look and Oliver's wide eyes.

"Wow! You look amazing!" Oliver breathes out.

"Turn around." Ana demand and I do as I'm told. The sequins rustle from my movements. "Yes, definitely the right your. Your hair has to be up, though."

I nod as I finish turning around and look at Oliver. He's beaming as if I was some kind of angel sent from above. It's the same look he gave me when I was wearing my dress for the wedding ceremony. "I see Oliver likes it."

Ana looks to the right, "What are you wearing for the wedding?"

"Oh, I'm not going." Oliver answers.

Ana's eyes look at me. "He's not attending?"

"No. He'll stay here."

"You live here?" Ana asks him shocked. "And you're not going to the wedding?"

Oliver shrugs. "I'm not a fan of the spotlight."

Ana waves with her hand. "It would be the perfect opportunity to introduce him as your boy-"

"Ana, you heard him. He wants to stay here and I don't want to take him with me. A royal wedding is not your run-of-the-mine wedding. It's one that comes with commentators, thousands of waving Royal fans, cameras and millions of people watching your every move. It's a lot of pressure." I explain.

"Fine." Ana says to me. "But you're definitely wearing this dress."

My eyes find Oliver's and he nods with a smile on his face. He likes this dress as much as I do. "Yes, I will."

Oliver

Josephine and I stop in front of the mahogany door, six levels below the penthouse. It's still pretty high so the view is spectacular, but it's simply not the same.

Josephine hands me the golden key. "Your space."

I take it out of her hand before unlocking the golden lock. I push the heavy mahogany door open and step inside. The foyer is quite small, but there's enough space for a shoe cabinet and a clothing rack to hang up your coats, jackets and hats.

"The bedrooms are to your left." Josephine explains and I turn left. The hallway is held in a beige silky wallpaper and hardwood floor. It's pretty and it reflects the light that's coming from the chandelier. This penthouse must've cost her millions. I stop at the first closed black door and open it. The bedroom is huge! It has a chimney, space for a desk and even a reading nook. I walk into the room that has the same silky wallpaper as the hallway but this time it's an icy blue colour. The King sized bed has white linen beddings. It's right next to the floor to ceiling windows that make the fourth wall. It reminds me a lot of the penthouse that Josephine and I currently live in, yet it has some differences. The view from the window front shows the Thames. It's very pretty.

"Is this the master?" I ask as I open one of the two doors that are inside this room. I reveal a wardrobe that's already full of clothes in the size of a seven year old. Of course, she already bought clothes for Jonathan. "It's Jonathan's room." I breathe out and open the second door. It's a full white marbled bathroom with a bathtub and shower.

"Yes." Josephine confirms.

I walk out of the room and down the hallway. I open the second room. Same wallpaper. Same bed. Same two doors inside. Caio's room.

I close the door again and continue to walk down the hallway until I stop at another black door. I open it and reveal a cream coloured bedroom.

"That's for your Mum. I don't know what her favourite colour is so I thought I'd go with cream." Josephine explains as I look around. It has a similar cut but it's slightly bigger. There's a chimney and two wooden doors for a wardrobe and an en-suite bathroom. The furniture, like in the other two bedrooms, is luxurious.

"Her favourite is green. A deep emerald green." I answer her question.

"Like your eyes."

"Like my father's eyes." I correct her and feel her hand reaching for mine. She intertwines her fingers with mine and squeezes my hand softly. I miss him more than I can comprehend. He's been gone for seven years now and I still feel like he died yesterday.

"I'll have them change the wallpaper." She promises me.

I close the door to my Mum's future bedroom and walk further down the hallway until I reach the last black wooden door. This flat is absolutely breathtaking. My family will think they won in a lottery. Or that Josephine's an angel sent from above.

"This is the master bedroom." Josephine explains before opening the door. There's a grey silky wallpaper contrasting against the hardwood floor. A huge bed stands across the white marbled chimney. Two doors are on each side of the chimney. But what knocks me out the most about this room is the breathtaking view of the docks at the River Thames. The water is glittering from the sun. I'm sure the sunrise and sunset will look stunning. "It's a beautiful room."

Josephine pulls me further into the room. "The master bathroom is quite similar to mine. The same goes for the walk-in wardrobe."

"But there are no secret rooms?"

Josephine chuckles, "No. Unless you want to install some."

I still can't believe Josephine bought this for my family and me! "Thank you for this. I love it."

"You haven't seen all of it yet."

I don't have to. I know Josephine. Perfection is her standard. "I know you by now, you don't do anything that isn't perfection."

She shows me a smile and I watch how the sky blue of her eyes turns into a cobalt colour. "Then you also know I still have that chocolate and bourbon upstairs."

My cock hardens in record time at her words. I still remember her offer on my birthday morning. "Let's go home."

For however long I can still say that.

Josephine

My body gets pressed harder against the window front in the bedroom as he starts thrusting harder into me from behind. The glass was cold at first but now it's warm from my body heat. I'm sticky from the mixture of chocolate and bourbon that Oliver licked off of me but now it has mixed with my sweat and his. He has my arms stretched out above me, his left hand is wrapped around my wrists like chains. The heat from his and my pants clash against the cold glass in regular intervals. I love it when he fucks me this way. Hard. Animalistic.

It's when I feel the freest.

It's not whips and chains yet, but it's pretty damn close.

I tilt my head to the side to look into his sea foam coloured eyes. His beach blonde hair is as sweaty as mine by now. We've spent the last hours chasing one orgasm after another. It was pure bliss. It still is. He's so beautiful when he's fucking me like that. I love those facial expressions he makes, like my orgasm is more important than his. Like this is all about me when it's about both of us.

Suddenly, he slows down his thrusts. "What?"

"I want to see you when you come." I voice this strong need that's building inside of me. It's different from the orgasm that's been building between my legs. It's a need coming from my heart, not my sex.

He lets go of my hands, takes a step back and I feel empty for the first time in hours. I turn around and feel his hands on my hips a moment later. He lifts me before thrusting into me again. I wrap my legs around his hips and feel how his steel hard ass is working hard to give me what I need.

I should have never questioned his ability to deliver. To give me what I need.

He is what I need. Right here. Right now.

"Better?" He asks me between his pants.

I nod and wrap my arms around his neck. I lean forward until our foreheads touch. His eyes stare directly into mine. "Slower." I whisper against his lips. We're both sweaty and sticky from the chocolate and bourbon that he licked off of me earlier but we both don't seem to care. We're one.

He listens to my demands and the most delicious feeling fills me. I've never had issues with orgasms with Oliver. It's one of the many reasons why I've become so addicted to him.

Suddenly, the pressure between my legs explodes and I see a million stars for the zillionth time tonight. We made up for the days we spent apart. This is why I am with him. This is why I need him in my bed.

This and a thousand other reasons.

A grin stretches my lips as I come down from my high. "Your turn." I pant into his left ear.

After a few thrusts he comes with a load growl. I hold him tightly as he shakes slightly from the strength of his orgasms.

This is what I mean. This is why we're so bloody good together.

Oliver

I watch how the water washes away the foam I just slathered on her naked body. The water is coming from the rain shower head above her. Her chestnut hair sticks on to her back. She has the most beautiful body in the world. I want to cherish her body and soul for the rest of my life.

And that's why I can't tell her the truth. Her not hearing me this morning on the rooftop was a sign from God. He doesn't want me to tell her. Because he knows what I know: she would break us up. I would hurt her more than I could ever hurt myself.

I can't tell her my secret. So, I have to find another way to solve my issue.

She looks over her shoulder, showing a grin that makes my heart go haywire in my chest. "Now it's my turn to clean you."

I rise from the marbled bench that I was sitting on and walk over to her. This shower is bigger than my bathroom in Notting Hill. I take her face into my hands and watch how a drop of fear fills her eyes. She can feel it, too. She can feel this love, this magnetic pull... this bliss I can't describe. I'm not imagining this. It's there.

She's just not ready to admit it. But I'm patient. I'll wait forever.

Because she's worth it.

Josephine wraps her fingers around my wrists before kissing me softly. In time, she will find out that this is more than lust. That this is love. And when she does, I'll be standing right next to her. I can't give her up. Not now. Not ever.

Not in eight weeks.

---

Josephine

The hot water is pouring out of the rainfall shower head, trying to wake me from another sleepless night. I can't believe it's already Friday morning, the day before my brother marries my best friend. Today will be filled with wedding rehearsals and a dinner but also with royal duties. The weeks went by too quickly.

I put the deep conditioning mask on the lengths and ends of my hair before reaching for my clamp and clamping my hair up. As my hand reaches blindly for my loofah, I notice that it's not hanging on the hook it usually does.

I wince as I suddenly feel Oliver's arm wrapping around me from behind. A warm feeling spreads within me and it has nothing to do with the warm water coming from above.

"I thought you were still asleep. I didn't want to wake you."

"The bed's not the same without you in it."

I can sign that. I place my hands on his strong forearms and lean back slightly. His hard-on is pressing into my lower back. For as long as we've been sharing this bed, there has not been a morning without us fucking. Our bodies are addicted to one another. We harmonise perfectly together.

"I can't believe it's already Friday..." he mumbles into my ear.

"I feel the same way." I whisper back and inhale deeply. I'm still sore from all the rough sex we had last night. This is the first time I don't want to go on a trip, even if it's just an hour drive away from London. Even if it's for the wedding of my brother to my best friend. I don't want to go anywhere but here. "I almost don't want to go."

He squeezes me softly, "We'll see each other on Sunday morning."

"We didn't get our pyjamas weekends and we won't get it this weekend either." The last weekends were a constant change between my duties as maid of honour and sister. If I wasn't with Char, I was with Rory and my nieces. I was so busy, that we didn't even get to travel through Europe like we had planned in Finland.

"I don't mind. Charlotte's your best friend and she needed you. I'm glad you helped her out."

"But then Rory got her babies and suddenly the whole world was about her."

"She's the next Queen consort, I don't blame her. Besides, it was exciting. I knew the names before anyone else did!"

I tilt my head to the side, so I can look at his stunning sea foam coloured eyes. They're the perfect contrast to his beach blonde hair, that's now slightly darker because it's wet. How can he be so understanding? "I still didn't hold up to my promise. I promised you pyjamas and movies all day... and now I can't fulfil that promise this weekend either." I think out loud.

"Next weekend perhaps."

"Next weekend." I promise him. "There will be a lot of press coverage in the next days. Lots of articles online. Lots of photos and video footage."

"And a lot of articles about your maid of honour dress, I assume."

I nod, "If all works out as hoped, than yes. I'm probably going to be Britain's most hated person for a while because of the dress but that's the plan. Anything to get the focus off of Charlotte's pregnancy."

"The world will never know what an incredible sister-in-law you are. You doing this for your family says a lot about the person you are and the values you have." He says as his thumb runs over my soft lips.

His words have touched a part of heart I didn't know I had. "Thank you."

---

How a Royal Wedding is planned

Like most other weddings in history, all British royal weddings begin with the engagement. But unlike regular weddings these ones involve an elaborately choreographed event that will be watched by an audience of millions. One of the first decisions a couple makes, is deciding where they want to do the ceremony. If their really into history and tradition, there's really only one choice: Westminster Abbey. But not so Charlotte and Nate.

They chose the St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle. We don't have all the ambassadors from all over the world attending, there are no heads is states coming. One reason is because the chapel at Windsor can only take 600 people and therefore there isn't any space, but it's also the wedding of the spare, who will most likely never be the monarch of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Around two months before the big day the Lord Chamberlain's Office sends out individually ha scratches invitations. There's flowers and fittings and the entirety city to prepare.

One day to "I will": While the bride and groom head to sleep in different homes - spectators who want a decent view of the public procession will be sleeping outside. And just a few hours later the guests arrive. The general rule of Royal weddings is the less important you are, the earlier you arrive, and the further back you sit. If you're representing a charity, if a member of the armed forces, or a celebrity, you're relegated to the nave of the church, which means you might not even get to see the ceremony. Close friends of the bride and groom and other guests will head in at least an hour and a half before. The really important people, such as very close friends, family members and the Royal Family, sit in the ambulatory, right where the ceremony happens.

Most of the time it is: groom up at the front. The Royal procession comes in order. In order of precedence, which means the more junior royals come first and last comes the King and his wife the Queen consort - about 15 minutes before the ceremony starts. Lots of fanfare as they come up and then the bride turns up.

When the bride arrives, the details of the dress are finally revealed after months of top secrecy. And regardless of who the designer is, she'll be wearing white and will carry a sprig of myrtle in her bouquet, which symbolises love and marriage - both of which are trends started by Queen Victoria. The bride's tiara is almost always the "something borrowed", likely from one of the family's collections of jewels. Since 1923, the ring placed on the bride's finger is always made of Welsh gold. The ceremony's performed by the Archbishop of Canterbury and only takes about an hour. Towards the end, the bride, groom and their two witnesses go to a private room to sign the registrar. At that point the wedding is sanctified in law, as it was sanctified by religious service a few minutes previously.

Officially married, the bride and groom exit, closely followed by the Procession of the King. There's a good chance you'll hear pomp and circumstance around this time - although Americans associate it with high school graduation, it was originally written for the coronation of King Edward VII. The bride and groom will likely make their way into the open 1902 State Landau for the official carriage procession around the city - that's when the crowds who have been waiting for hours, or possibly days, will get their first look at the royal couple. This usually concludes with the iconic appearance on the Buckingham Palace balcony - in which Diana and Charles were the first to kiss. The kiss is a critical moment in the entire royal wedding ceremony. You don't just throw it away in the middle of the church. It has to be seen live by hundreds of thousands of peoples.

Because Charlotte and Nate's wedding is 20 miles outside of London, their first public kiss as a married couple will likely to happen on the steps of St. George's Chapel.

Afterwards, the wedding party takes official photos and ceremony guests gather for the lunch reception, complete with a traditional fruit cake. Though in the past the bride and groom would change clothes and depart for their honeymoon directly afterwards, current royals have gone for a more modern approach with a real party. And they won't be the only ones celebrating. It is generally seen as an excuse to have a good time and somewhat buttoned up Brits who don't really have a good time in public that much, let their hair down and enjoy themselves in the middle of their street.

At that point it's a pretty normal wedding reception - although normal ones don't generally happen inside a castle.

The royal couple head off for the honeymoon - which is almost certainly within the British Commonwealth, while the rest of the country nurses a hangover.

Oliver

"And now live from Windsor! Jenny, how was the couple looking like when they arrived earlier for the rehearsal?" A blonde BBC news reporter asks.

I lean back on the couch and take a sip of my tea. Josephine left this noon and I wouldn't be surprised if they showed her tonight as well. Royal weddings are national holidays after all.

"The couple looked absolutely dazzling as they drove down the long walk into Windsor Castle for their Royal Wedding rehearsal!" A photo of Charlotte and Nate sitting in a car fills the screen of the telly. Charlotte's smiling and her navy eyes are sparkling as much as the diamond earrings on her earlobes. She's wearing some kind of white coloured blouse or dress, you can't really see. Nate is wearing a classic black suit without a tie or bow. The collar of his white Oxford shirt is open. He's grinning as well. They look insanely in love and happy. As they should be a day before their wedding. "Princess Charlotte wore a dress by Zimmerman and earrings by Cartier. But we also got to see Nate's parents and his siblings arriving." Jenny says and the screen splits into four sections. The left photo shows Troy driving a car with Gabriella next to him and three boys in the backseat. I think that are Elias, Gideon and Calloway. Elias has blonde hair and emerald green eyes. He looks very different compared to his brothers. The twins have deep brown curly hair and brown eyes. They're all wearing some kind of school uniform. "Troy drove his family to Windsor. The couple just picked up their kids from school. Le Rosey in Switzerland." Jenny explains.

"They just casually picked them up?"

Jenny laughs, "Yes, in fact they did, Lizzie. The Boltons have lots is jets so it's not unusual for them to hop into a jet, fly over to Switzerland and pick up the boys from school. They're getting Monday off by the way. It's a treat from the school's council." Jenny explains. "Le Rosey may ring a bell for the Royal fans as this is the school the Bolton triplets met the Cambridges and eventually fell in love with them."

The screen zooms into the second photo. It shows Josephine. She's sitting behind the wheel of her Aston Martin. Her hair is wrapped into a low bun and her makeup is light. She's wearing a pretty red dress by Valentino. You can't see much in the shot but I know exactly how she looked like when she left home.

"And Josephine is the last still single Bolton woman left!" Jenny says. "There are rumours she might come to the wedding with Arthur Chatto or even Prince Louis, but to be honest I wouldn't believe these rumours as she hasn't been photographed with neither of them. Of course the press wants to see her with another British Royal as this would make the fairytale complete but it seems like Josephine couldn't care less."

The third and fourth photo of the split screen zoom in and I see Anastasia with her husband, a good looking man with brown hair and emerald green eyes, arriving as well as, I assume, Adaline and Wladimir. Della and Ana are definitely their parents' daughters. They're equally as beautiful as the rest of the Bolton women. Della has navy eyes and long chestnut curls while Ana has long straight blonde hair and light green eyes. Her face definitely has the typical high cheekbones of Russian women. She is the Princess of Romanov after all. And although she doesn't share any genes with her older sister, Della has high cheekbones and full lips as well. I think lots of modelling agencies would fight over them. Over any of the Bolton women, really.

But Wladimir looks like someone you don't want to fuck with. Just like Troy, he has stone hard features and I wonder if he ever smiles or even laughs. He has bright grey eyes and dark brown hair that's a bit wavy. The age difference of 25 years between him and his wife is hardly noticeable because he stayed in shape and healthy, just like Gabriella and Troy. They don't look like they're in their mid-fifties.

On the back seat are their two adorable children, Caroline and Isabella. They have light blonde curly hair and light grey eyes that have an inner circle of glowing navy around their pupils. Those eyes, which have a central Heterochromia as Jo explained to me, alone make them one of the most wanted targets of the paparazzi. They're dressed in their uniforms from Le Rosey.

"The daughters of Adaline and Wladimir will be bridesmaids at the wedding just like their uncles, Elias, Calloway and Gideon who will be pageboys." Jenny explains.

"And just so our watchers understood you correctly, Elias, Calloway and Gideon are Isabella and Caroline's uncles, correct?"

"Yes. In fact, Calloway and Gideon are just a few months older than their nieces."

"Wow! That's so fascinating!" Lizzie says.

"It really is! In fact, we've got some Royal hardcore fans here that have been sleeping here for two days! The crowds have started to gather over the whole day in order to get the best glimpse of the bride and groom tomorrow!" Jenny says and the camera man swings to her side to show the thousands of people that have camped out on the streets. At least it's summer so it's not that cold in the nights. I can see hundreds of British flags swinging in the air and cheers filling the streets. Suddenly, the gates of Windsor Castle behind Jenny open. The BBC news reporter turns around and the camera man zooms in and shows The Duke and Duchess of Oxford! George and Rory walk out with baskets in their hands and trolley behind them that has some kind of big thermo-cans. Royal security is, of course, not too far away from them. The cheers get louder and smartphones get held up as the people only slowly realise what's happening. Photographers and news reporters from all over the world start going nuts!

But Rory and George start giving away the biscuits and hot tea in all calmness. They don't seem stressed out by the noise at all. They shake hands, answers questions, engage with the people and move on to the next. It's a routine for them, but it's lovely to see for me. They actually care for the people. They're true philanthropists at heart.

"The Duke and Duchess have just emerged from the safe walls of Windsor Castle! And it looks like Their Royal Highnesses will serve biscuits and tea to the waiting crowds!" Jenny says with amazement in her voice. "Let's see if they're open for answering some questions." She says before walking over to them. Lorelai is wearing a beautiful deep plump dress with long sleeves and a V-neckline. She paired the dress with dark purple pumps. Her chestnut hair is blow dried straight but there are some waves in the ends. She's glowing as she hands out the biscuits. Her husband is dressed in a simple light grey suits with a white Oxford shirt and black shoes. They look casual but also very royal. George starts filling the cups with steaming liquid before handing it to the people.

"Your Royal Highnesses, how are you?" Jenny asks them.

"Very excited about tomorrow." Lorelai answers as she hands biscuits to the people. "It's going to be a beautiful wedding!"

"How are the babies?" Someone from the crowd asks.

"The girls are doing very well. They're with Rory's parents, sisters and brother-in-laws while we're here." George answers the question. It's the first time he called her Rory in public. "Camomile tea or coffee?" He asks a woman.

"Why are you here? Where are Princess Charlotte and Nate?"

"We all saw you here when we arrived for the wedding rehearsal. They asked us to come and treat you with coffee, tea and biscuits. They're currently in a meeting with the King and The Prince and Princess of Wales." Lorelai answers, totally ignoring the camera that's in her face. "They'll join us shortly as they want to thank you as well."

"What will you wear tomorrow, Your Royal Highness?"

George chuckles before looking at Rory. "I think that question's for you, my love."

Rory smiles, "You have to wait and see."

"Will the triplets join the ceremony tomorrow?"

"No, they're still too small for that." George answers.

"Do you have a date for their Christening yet?"

"You'll find out about that soon." Rory answers with a genuine smile.

"Where's the Princess staying tonight? At the Cliveden House Hotel?"

"No, she's actually staying with us at Frogmore House." George answers while shaking hands and handing out cups filled with coffee or tea. "Along with Rory's family."

They're just the perfect royals. Perfect future King and Queen. They're modern, yet traditional. They're blue blooded and bourgeois. They're one of us and one of long British Royal history.

Suddenly, the massive black doors of Windsor Castle open again and the bride and the groom as well as The Prince and Princess of Wales walk out. They start shaking hands immediately with the thousands of well-wishers. Two generations of Royal Family doing what they do best: connect with their folks.

"Congratulations, Princess Charlotte! How are you doing?"

"Wonderful, thank you!" Princess Charlotte answers with a huge grin on her lips. I wonder if the meeting was about their Royal title. Josephine couldn't tell me the title as she didn't know either. She said it gets revealed the day before the wedding to the bride and groom at a private meeting with the King. So I guess, that was it.

"Is it true that you're all staying at Frogmore House tonight?" Another well-wisher asks.

"Yes. And why not? Lorelai and George have the space and Nate and I are both big family people so whenever there's a chance to spend time with the loved ones, we don't take it for granted."

"But I am sleeping in the guest house." Nate adds with a grin on his lips. I swear, he looks just like his father Troy Bolton. Same grin. Same eyes. Same hair. Same everything.

Josephine

I sit on the sofa in the living room, watching Alex and Grace sleeping in their beds across me while my Daddy is making tea in the kitchen of Frogmore House. Mum's with Leni in the bathroom as it's bath time. After the finale wedding rehearsal and dinner, the Royals went to a meeting with His Majesty The King whole the rest of us went back to Frogmore House. Taking care of triplets is a lot of work. I don't know how Rory and George manage taking care of them and working for their patronages at the same time. I mean, triplets are a full-time job!

Suddenly, the front door unlocks and the Royals walk. First Rory and George, then Catherine and William before Nate and Char follow.

"And?" I ask them.

"The walkabout was a huge success!" George says to me.

"And lots of fun. We've had some great chats!" Rory agrees.

I wave with my hand, "Not that. The meeting with the King."

"Oh, we weren't there." Rory says before checking on her sleeping daughters. "Where's Leni?"

"With Mum. Bath time." I explain before looking at George.

"The King only wanted to see Char, Nate, Mum and Dad." George explains. "Where's Troy?"

"Making tea." I explain as I eagerly wait for Char and Nate to join us in the living room. But just like William and Catherine, they take their time getting out of their shoes. But eventually, they will face me. I just hope they bring good news.

My father comes from the kitchen with mugs and a pot with steaming tea. "Camomile." Daddy explains.

"Just what we need." George says with a nod.

"Did it take so long with you two as well?" I ask Rory. I can't remember how long we waited for them to return from their meeting with the King but I don't think it was a three hour meeting.

"No. Five minutes. In and out before we could even finish our teas." Rory says with a shrug. "But the King wasn't upset with me, so..."

Catherine, William, Char and Nate finally come into the living room. I nearly jump up from the couch. "And?"

"We've got a title." Charlotte announces with a small smile on her lips.

Something's wrong. "It's not Duke and Duchess?"

"Yes it is. Duke and Duchess of Windsor." Nate says.

"I don't understand. Why are you guys all so sad then?" I ask the four of them as Char's parents don't look happy as well.

William sighs and looks at my parents, "Sit down."

My father sits down next to me. Oh, this is not good.

"You got a title. That's what you wanted, right?" I ask them.

Charlotte nods, "I wanted Clarence but that doesn't matter now. I knew I didn't have a choice anyway." She says before sitting down next to Nate on the couch across me. I know Char wanted to be the Duchess of Clarence as she has always loved Clarence House. She used to chase Louis through the hallways when they were still little and I think one day she would love to live there. But that's now impossible.

Catherine sits down next to her daughter and grabs her hand. "I'll give you Clarence when it's our turn on the throne, I promise." Catherine squeezes Char's hand.

"The King made some kind of deal with you." I read between the lines.

"She's good." William says to Rory and George.

"Of course. She's an expert by now." Rory smirks at me.

"What does he want from you?" I ask Char and Nate.

"It's Windsor and Harewood Park for the first ten years of our marriage." Charlotte explains.

I frown, "What? He's bounding you to Windsor?"

Nate nods. "And Harewood Park."

"Where's that?" My Dad asks.

"Up north." Nate says.

"In Leeds." Charlotte clarifies. "He's giving us the fucking prize no one wants!"

"I don't understand..." I breathe out confused.

"Harewood Park with Harewood House was originally planned to be given to us but we rejected it and got Amner Hall instead. Then, when Harry married Meghan, it was offered to them again but they chose Frogmore Cottage instead."

"It's no surprise they rejected it! It's in the middle of fucking nowhere!" Char hisses. "It's also a bloody museum! Who the hell wants to live in a museum?! We'll be getting a tiny flat there to spend our weekends there!"

"It's a beautiful land in the English countryside but there's not much around it." William says with a nod.

"And in order to get the title we had to agree to Adelaide Cottage and Harewood House on the weekends. No Royal tour in our first year of marriage, but instead many local engagements. No honeymoon. No Royal website. No patronages."

"No patronages?!" Rory asks shocked. As Royals can't voice their political opinion, patronages are the way to do good.

"No. We're going work solely in the Royal Foundation." Charlotte says.

"The King wants to punish you as badly as he can without the public knowing about it." I read between the lines again. He didn't give them Westminster Abbey. He let them work like donkeys. And now he's not sending them off to Australia, instead he's keeping them locked between Windsor and Leeds. I don't know how Charlotte remained calm with all of this.

"But we managed to get an Instagram account." Charlotte interrupts Nate and grabs his hand. "And titles for the babies."

"They'll have titles?" Dad asks them.

Nate nods.

"Don't tell me they're going to be Ladies or Lords." I warn him.

"No. Princesses, so all of that was worth it."

"Princesses? You're sure you're having girls then?" My Dad asks them.

Nate nods. "The doctor confirmed Ana's prediction today. Two girls. Identical."

"That's great!"

"I offered to give them the Cambridge title." William starts. That's a very generous offer.

"But the King didn't want to give it to us. It was Windsor - with all the add-ons - or nothing at all." Charlotte says to me.

"So you bit into the sour apple." I conclude.

Nate nods and grabs Charlotte's hand. "At least we have a title and our girls will have titles as well."

---

PRINCESS CHARLOTTE AND MISTER NATHANIAL BOLTON: ANNOUNCEMENT OF TITLES

The King has today been pleased to confer one Dukedom, the Dukedom of Windsor, on Princess Charlotte of Wales. Her title will be Duchess of Windsor.

Mister Nathanial Bolton on marriage will become His Royal Highness The Duke of Windsor.

WEDDING GIFT BY HIS MAJESTY

His Majesty The King is delighted to gift Harewood Park to Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Windsor on the occasion of their wedding. Harewood Park is a rural estate of 360 hectares in, which is owned by the Duchy of Cornwall. The land of Harewood Park is part of the Royal hunting estate.

Their Royal Highnesses will use it as a weekend estate.

Josephine

"Ready?" I ask my best friend with a grin on my lips.

Charlotte takes one last critical look in the mirror before turning around. After all, there's pressure to be sparkly and shiny all the time when you're a royal. "Yes."

"Aw, Charlotte, you look exquisite!" Catherine, Charlotte's mother cries out with a proud and loving gaze. She's wearing a pale blue Alexander McQueen ensemble with a Philipp Tracy hat that has roses on it. She looks very pretty, but no one will steal the show from Charlotte today.

Except perhaps me with my scandalous deep cutout in the back and tight fitting silk dress. I'll be sex on legs in a church!

"I wanted to wear the Cartier Halo tiara, the same you wore, but Grandpa didn't allow it." Charlotte explains as Catherine takes her hands.

Catherine shakes her head, "No. The Spencer tiara is a better choice. A wonderful one that makes sure your granny is with you today. It will remind the people of the importance that Diana had and still has in our lives. Your father might cry when he sees you."

Suddenly, the door swings open and a staff member walks in. "Your Royal Highness, we have to leave now."

"Of course." Catherine embraces her only daughter very tightly. "You look absolutely stunning, my love."

"Thanks, Mummy."

Catherine leaves Charlotte and me alone in one of the many guest rooms at Frogmore House. The Boltons, the Prince and Princess of Wales, Prince Louis and Charlotte all slept here today. We could have of course booked a hotel, but that would have been seen as a waste of money when The Duke and Duchess of Oxford have a whole house with empty rooms. Nate slept in the guest house down the little hill, so he won't see Charlotte before the wedding as tradition requires it. I'm sure the break in tradition caused some headlines today and this morning but we don't care. We're a family.

She looks like an angel in this lightning. The sun is shining through the many transom windows in the living room and she's sparkling more than the crystal chandelier that's hanging above us.

"Are you happy?" I ask her.

Charlotte nods with a grin on her lips. "My heart's bursting with happiness."

My eyes move down her dress, "And so is that bump."

Charlotte places her hands on the tiny baby bump that seems to have appeared overnight. "I know. It's pretty tight but I won't wear what grandpa has picked for me. My dress and his choice of tiara. That's the most I'm willing to compromise."

"Well, you look absolutely breathtaking."

Charlotte blushes, "Thank you."

The future Duchess of Windsor is wearing a stunning wedding gown! The ivory silk dress with a portrait neckline has long sheer sleeves with lace applications and sparkly diamonds. It has an empire waist silhouette with a tulle and lace overlay. There's floral lace in the shape of lily-of-the-valley and roses, the Duchess's favourite flowers, growing up and down at the waist, forming a belt that's also sparkling from the sewed in diamonds. The edges of the dress and the two metre train also have floral ivory coloured lace. Instead of wearing a traditional veil, The Duchess has chosen a transparent cape made of sheer organza with sewed in diamonds. The space between the dress and the exposed shoulders is covered in floral lace that grows along the edges of the cape. The wedding date is sewed into the very end of the cape in a cornflower blue. Around it are white lace flowers of all the Commonwealth countries just like in Rory's wedding dress. The flowers grow up the train and stop at the Duke and Duchess of Windsor's cypher in cornflower blue between the shoulder blades.

Jenny Packham overdid herself with this dress. It's a masterpiece!

The world will go crazy over this dress.

And so will His Majesty The King.

Oliver

I stare at the telly that's hanging above the chimney in the living room. The BBC reporters have been talking about the Royal wedding for hours, broadcasting every celebrity that has arrived up until this point. The head of the Royal Family, the King, has just arrived with his wife, the Queen consort, by his side.

That means the bride will arrive with her father by her side very soon.

But most importantly, Josephine will be in the car behind her with the page boys and bridesmaids. Suddenly, the picture changes to a black Rolls-Royce that starts driving out of a gated property that's Frogmore House. "And there we go! We've got the first glimpse of the bride!" The news reporter comments. "Princess Charlotte is sitting in the car along side her father, the Prince of Wales who is wearing a black tuxedo with various orders on his left chest."

"And Princess Charlotte look stunning! From what we can see, she's wearing, what it looks like the Spencer tiara that her grandmother wore on her wedding day. Many people thought the now named Duchess of Windsor would wear the Cartier tiara or even the Fringe tiara, she simply stunned us by choosing the Spencer tiara. With that she brings Lady Diana back into our memories." Another news reporter comments.

"And I think similar to the sapphire engagement ring that the Princess of Wales has been given to make sure Lady Diana will never forgotten, the Duchess of Windsor wanted to do the same in her wedding day. I can imagine she might wear this tiara now more often to state banquets."

"That's definitely an option. And from what it looks like, the Duchess is not wearing a veil! Her blond hair has been wrapped into an elegant bun that usually holds the veil as well as the tiara but the Duchess chose against it."

"I'm curious if that's because she was might have a cutout in the back as Princess Eugenie had on her wedding day."

"And Princess Charlotte starts proudly waving to the cheering crowds!"

The camera shows Charlotte grinning from ear to ear while waving at the crowds that have been camping out for days just to get a glimpse of her. Her shoulders are covered by sheer organza. There's glittering lace around her neck and shoulders. She's wearing a cape!

"Oh, it looks like Princess Charlotte is wearing a cape instead of a veil!"

"Oh, she'll for sure start a new wedding trend that way!"

I don't see the other car. They don't show Josephine with the page boys and bridesmaids.

"There has been many speculations about the shape of the dress and design. I think most people thought it would be Alexander McQueen or Givenchy or even Chanel. But honestly, I don't think that's the designer behind the dress. It looks like Armani or Valentino even. Maybe Elie Saab?"

"And we've got news about the dress from the Kensington Palace!" The other woman says. "The dress of the future Duchess of Windsor has been designed by British designer Jenny Packham. After meeting with Miss Packham in April 2048, Her Royal Highness chose to work with her for her for her timeless and elegant aesthetic, impeccable tailoring, and outstanding lacework. Her Royal Highness and Miss Jenny Packham worked closely together on the design of the dress. The Duchess wanted the dress to be a reflection of today's time without excluding traditions. The ivory silk dress with a portrait neckline has long sheer sleeves with lace applications and sparkly diamonds. It has an empire waist silhouette with a tulle and lace overlay. There's floral lace in the shape of lily-of-the-valley and roses, the Duchess's favourite flowers, growing up and down at the waist, forming a belt that's also sparkling from the sewed in diamonds. The edges of the dress and the two metre train also have floral ivory coloured lace. Instead of wearing a traditional veil, The Duchess has chosen a transparent cape made of sheer organza with sewed in diamonds. The space between the dress and the exposed shoulders is covered in floral lace that grows along the edges of the cape. The wedding date is sewed into the very end of the cape in all cornflower blue. Around it are white lace flowers of all the Commonwealth countries. The flowers grow up the train and stop at the Duke and Duchess of Windsor's cypher in a cornflower blue between the shoulder blades."

Just as the news reporter finishes reading, Charlotte steps out of the Rolls-Royce in front of the steps of St. George's Chapel. And I must say, she looks absolutely breathtaking!

"Wow! This is such a fashion moment. One that will go down in history!"

"Princess Charlotte looks incredible! She's glowing! And the lightning is just perfect!"

Flowers and foliage surround the West Door and steps of St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle. The displays feature locally-sourced white Peonies, Myrtle, Lily-of-the-valley, white and blue forget-me-nots, white English roses, blue Delphinium, blue Freesia, blue Lilium Casa Blanca and blue balloon flowers. The same white and blue blossoms line the steps of St George's Chapel. Once inside, the garlands also climb the organ loft above the guests' seats. There are English Field Maples nestled amongst the stone work of St. George's with leaves in a bright green colour - just like her mother and father had on their wedding day at Westminster Abbey.

The couple turned the chapel into a fairytale forest.

The arrangement was composed by floral designer Philippa Craddock, whose company is the supplier for the VA, Kensington Palace, Banqueting House, and Hampton Court Palace

Suddenly another car arrives and the door opens by a royal staff. Three boys hop out of the Jaguar before three girls in gorgeous ivory dresses with a cornflower blue silk belt and sparkly shoes follow.

"Oh the page boys and bridesmaids have arrived! They look lovely! The boys are wearing black suits with black leather shoes while the girls are wearing traditional white puffy dresses with a cornflower blue belt that matches Princess Charlotte's wedding bouquet and sparkly shoes. Their hair is being held up by a blue hair clip made with balloon flowers, Nathanial favourite flowers."

And then Josephine appears, holding a blue and white bouquet. My jaw drops to the floor. She looks so fucking beautiful! Half of her chestnut waves are up and held in place by a floral hair clip. The deep cutout at the back is nearly completely covered with Josephine's long hair, but it doesn't cover her sexy butt. The fitted ivory silk dress is the same she tried on here at home but somehow it looks so much better in the bright sunlight of Windsor. The cowl neckline doesn't even seem inappropriate. Somehow the dress works inside a church just as it worked inside the walls of this penthouse.

"Wow, what a dress! Josephine Bolton looks outstanding!" The news reporter says. "Josephine's dress is by Luxury British Couture designer Philippa Lepley. She's holding the bride's bouquet which consists of the traditional Myrtle, Lily-of-the-valley, white and blue forget-me-nots, white English roses, blue Delphinium, blue Freesia, blue Lilium Casa Blanca and blue balloon flowers, a subtle nod to the groom."

Josephine

I know there's the wedding of the year happening right in front of me, but I can't keep my eyes off of him. The man, whom I last saw in France, is sitting across me on the other side of the ambulatory. The Chatto Family, including the handsome Arthur whom I tend to flirt with during events like this, is sitting below them as they're the extended Royal Family. It shouldn't shock me that the Rothschilds sit on the same side as the blue blooded. After all, I've seen their stunning Coat of Arms. There are 25 cameras directed to this royal ceremony and I pray none of them catches me starring at Edward Rothschild.

Because I can't tear my eyes off of him.

And because he's starring back just as hard.

My surroundings get blurry the longer we stare at each other like that. He looks good in his black suit. He's also wearing several orders on his left chest. Some I recognise, others I don't. His turquoise coloured eyes are sparkling just like the water on French Cay. His blond hair is cut short and perfectly styled. His mother and father are sitting next to him. The Rothschilds are worth over a trillion pounds, that's just a little more than the Bolton Family. The Royal Family on the other hand is 'just' worth a few billion pounds, so of course the Rothschilds are invited. The wealthiest family of the world has to attend the most important events as they're secretly tied into the Royal Family. Some even say that the Rothschilds rule over the King and make him do whatever they please. I don't know about that because I'm not within the inner circle that's the King, his Queen and the Prince and Princess of Wales. It takes one generation to die, for me to enter the inner circle of monarchy and power.

Edward came without a date, which is a very big statement on a day like this.

But I came without a date as well.

I gulp and tear my eyes off of him as I can hear how the vows and rings are getting exchanged. Now it's my time to rise from my seat and follow the bride and groom into the private room where they will sign the papers. It's my duty as the maid of honour. And George's as the best man.

I get up from the wooden bench and follow Charlotte and Nate into the private room. The cameras will get another nice shot of my sculpted ass that way. Damn, Char, the world is going to rip me apart for wearing a dress that's a showstopper.

But at least no one will notice the teeny tiny bump that Char has.

George closes the antique wooden door and for a moment we're alone. No cameras. No family. No royal fans.

Just the four of us and the Bishop of Canterbury.

"Your Royal Highnesses, please sign the following papers." The Bishop requests.

Char signs the papers first with a heartwarming smile on her lips. Then she hands her husband, The Duke of Windsor, the sparkly fountain pen.

As he signs it, my best friend turns around and walks over to me. The Spencer tiara is sparkling so much that it's nearly blending my vision.

"How are you?" I ask her and grab her hands.

"I feel like I'm going to vomit or get unconscious every passing second." She whispers.

Shit, that's not good. My smile drops. "What can I do?"

Char shakes her head, "Nothing. Distract me. Morning sickness is real and so is the size of our growing babies. I never had a bump until this morning!"

"Okay..." I inhale. What shall I tell her?

"Tell me anything."

"I can't keep my eyes off of Ed." I tell her.

She squeezes her navy eyes, "I like Oliver more."

"Oliver's not coming."

"I know. I'm just saying. Ed is a good man and I know Nate ships for you two, but I like Oliver more."

"Ladies,"

We both wince at Nate's voice.

"I love both of you, but we're in the middle of our wedding ceremony so how about you guys delay your chat to later?"

"Yes, of course. Let's get outside again." I say my shake my head.

"And my wife's right. I am on team Edward." Nate says with a smirk on his lips.

"Feels nice to say that, doesn't it, Your Royal Highness?" I ask him as I return his smirk.

"It bloody does." He agrees before wrapping one arm around me. "But never call me that again. Nate. Not Royal Highness or Duke of Windsor."

"I thought I'd just do it once." I say with a shrug. "Doesn't fit you."

Nate chuckles, "Well, lets see how Charles handles that freaking bow I have to make now."

"Char has to curtsy in a dress that's too tight for her!"

"Well, she should've worn the dress from the King then."

"You married a rebel not a yes-sayer." Char reminds him and I hand her back the flowers. A stunning bouquet of Myrtle, Lily-of-the-valley, white and blue forget-me-nots, white English roses, blue Delphinium, blue Freesia, blue Lilium Casa Blanca and blue balloon flowers. The bouquet and the tiara are pretty much the only traditions Charlotte has decided to follow. She's definitely a rebel. "Which reminds me, flip your hair to one side to show your backside a little more." The Duchess of Windsor demands of me, knowing I'll do anything to keep her secret.

---

I walk into the Grande Reception Room that's filled with shimmering chandeliers, lit candles and history. Most guests have already arrived in the great room, where the wedding reception is being held. The many colourful hats that were worn for the wedding, have been taken off and the morning coats got replaced by elegant gowns. But my eyes automatically only look for one person: Edward Rothschild.

In the last hour we took photo after photo in the white drawing room, because apparently the green drawing room was off limits. Nate and Char might have gotten a title but that doesn't mean the King can't make their lives a living hell. Especially after Char pulling that stunt with choosing to wear her original wedding dress. His Majesty didn't look pleased at all when he saw her, but he put on a smile for the cameras. The first step was to ban them from living anywhere but Windsor and Harewood Park. Their title bounds them to the city and its castle. London, Balmoral or Norfolk are a thing of the past.

And so is Clarence House.

I think Mum and Dad are hoping for a quick change in the line of the succession. The King won't live forever. We all know that, although the last Queen seemed to be immortal for some time.

But for now Nate and Char will play along... until William's King. That's when things will change again. Charlotte is currently changing into her wedding reception dress. Her second dress is by Elie Saab. A stunning ivory silk chiffon gown with a lace bodice. It has cap sleeves that are made of the same lace as the bodice, a lace back and a short train. The delicate lace bodice is embellished with beautiful crystals and jewels. She looks breathtaking in both dresses.

"Looking for me?"

Goosebumps start crawling up my legs and arms at the sound of his velvety voice. I turn around and look at the man across me. Edward Rothschild is a very handsome man, but tonight... tonight he looks out of this world beautiful. His thin lips stretch into a smile that reaches his sparkly turquoise coloured eyes.

I literally melt like chocolate in the sun at his image.

"Hi..." I whisper after a moment of staring at him.

To my surprise he embraces me tightly. It feels so good to have his strong arms around me. I didn't know I missed him as badly as I did. His smell starts filling my nostrils. It brings back the memories of France and the great fun we had there. "Hi, Jo."

"How have you been?" I ask him as I force myself to let go of him. There might be no mobiles allowed but that doesn't mean the hired photographers won't catch us.

"Good. It's been tough two months."

"I can imagine. Sri Lanka was very hard hidden by that earthquake."

"That wasn't tough. What was tough, were the many nights without you."

Sweet Jesus, he doesn't waste any time, does he?! "Edward..."

"I know it's not July yet, but I..." he runs this fingertips up and down my left arm. The toes in my stilettos curl up at the touch. "I can't stop thinking about our weekend in France."

I smile, "I really enjoyed it."

His hand reaches my left one and I can feel his fingertips touching mine. Before he can intertwine his fingers with mine, I pull my hand back.

"Where are you seated?" I ask him instead. My heart is beating so loudly that it's drowning out the chatter of the 100 people and the music from the orchestra that are surrounding us.

"Far away from you." He licks his lips and looks at me as if he wants to kiss me.

He can't kiss me. Not now. Not here.

Not when I'm still bound to Oliver.

"Find me after dinner." I breathe out, the heat between us is making me dizzy and breathless. "We can talk then but right now I have to... fulfil my duties as maid of honour."

"You look exquisite today. Both dresses are stunning."

"You look very dazzling today as well." I give the compliment back.

He picks up my left hand and places a kiss, that echoes through my whole body, on the back of it. "Remember, you saved me two dances."

I smile, "How could I forget?"

He shows me a 1000 watt smile before turning on his heel. I watch him walking away from me as slowly my ears start filling with all the noise around me and the boiling heat within starts to cool.

And suddenly, my lungs crave for the air I didn't give them in the last minutes. I inhale deeply and exhale loudly.

Edward Rothschild... that man does things not even Oliver can.

---

I dance a merengue with Arthur Chatto and laugh as he steps on to my toes for the sixth time. Arthur is a good looking man and a nice flirt, but a very bad dancer.

"Sorry."

"Don't worry. Those shoes are a size too big so I can dance all night. The swelling makes the shoes fit me better." I tell him with a grin on my face.

But thankfully the song ends before he can step on to my feet again.

"Mind if I take over?"

Goosebumps start covering my arms and legs as Edward's velvety voice fills my ears. I have tried to avoid Edward for the whole evening. I tried very hard to not stare at Ed's table. I kept my eyes on the bride and groom as they cut their stunning wedding cake which was made by Fiona Cairns, the same company that made Rory and George's wedding cake and her parents' wedding cake. The flavours of the eight-tiered cake were a delicious rich fruit cake, classic Victoria sponge and Limoncello lemon cake. Charlotte suggested incorporating the design of her wedding dress lace into the cake, and the leaf details around the base of the cake echoed the upholstery used in St. George's Chapel. The cake was decorated delicately by hand, with crafted sugar flowers reflecting those used throughout the wedding and selected by the couple. All the sugar flowers took weeks to make and cascaded down the sides of the cake. Flowers included were Myrtle, Lily-of-the-valley, white and blue forget-me-nots, white English roses, blue Delphinium, blue Freesia, blue Lilium Casa Blanca and blue balloon flowers.

I also kept my eyes on Nate or Charlotte when they held their speeches. I kept my eyes on the stunning row of crests that hung on the wall across me as I held my speech as maid of honour. I didn't look at Edward Rothschild. Not once.

But that doesn't mean my thoughts weren't full of him.

"No, not at all. I think Jo's feet will thank you." Arthur says with a boyish smirk on his lips. Then he turns around and leaves the dance floor. A slow waltz starts playing by the orchestra. I know I can't avoid Edward forever, after all I promised him two dances and a Bolton always stays true to their words. But still, I managed to avoid him until the clock stroke midnight and most guests have left. Even my parents have already called it a night.

The millennials are all that is left of the wedding reception. Those who aren't drunk by now, surely will be in a matter of minutes and those who are drunk let truly loose, knowing no photo of drunk, partying blue blooded will find its way on to the internet.

"You've been avoiding me all evening." Edward says as he places his hands on my shoulder and in my other hand.

The second our bodies touch, my nerves start going crazy. I've only ever known these feelings with Oliver and it confuses me that I feel the same with Edward. It makes me dizzy. "No, I was just waiting for you to man up and release me out of my misery."

Edward's chuckle does something crazy within me. It makes me want to kiss him, fuck him right on this dance floor. "Who knew Josephine Bolton needs a saviour?"

"Not a saviour. Just you." The words have left my mouth before my brain caught up.

He leans forward until our foreheads touch, "Darling, I fancy you too..."

Everything within me reacts to those words with a strong need to kiss him. But I don't because I'm in the middle of a dance floor in the Grande Reception Room at Windsor Castle. On my brother's wedding to my best friend.

"Edward..."

"I know you can feel it, too." His turquoise eyes are glittering in a dangerous tone. "I can see it in your eyes." He squeezes my right hand softly and my whole body comes alive.

"Ed..." I'm lost at words.

"I want you so badly." He admits as our lips are just inches away from one another.

His hot breath clashes against my face as I can feel his lips brushing against mine. The heat is clouding my judgement. All I see is him. All I feel is him. All I want is him - and he knows it. "I bloody want you, too."

He shows me a kind of grin that's full of triumph. "Let's get out of here."

---

I look to my left and stare at the man next to me in the bed. Edward's already fast asleep. I watch how his toned chest lifts and falls with the regular breaths that he takes. His blonde hair is messy and his turquoise eyes are closed. The blanket is wrapped around his hips.

I can't believe I slept with him. Again.

What's wrong with me?!

I sigh as suddenly my throat tightens and tears start building in my eyes. I made the same mistake twice. And this time I actually feel sorry. I betrayed Oliver with the same man. Twice. I let Edward charm me, lull me in with his hot body, smart mouth and mesmerising eyes! I don't have myself under control whenever I'm around Edward. It's like I turn into a doll. Into his doll.

But I like it.

And that's the problem. I like Edward because of his effect on me. An effect that's very different to Oliver's.

I don't know whom I want more. Oliver or Edward? Edward or Oliver?

All I know now is that I have to tell Oliver. Because we promised each other honesty. Perhaps we should have promised each other faithfulness instead.

---

This Is Josie Bolton, the World's Most Famous Bridesmaid: 'Fame Has Its Backside'

Princess Charlotte was the epitome of a Princess bride, but it was the young woman carrying her train - sister-in-law Josephine, or Josie for those close to her, Bolton - who unexpectedly stole the show at the royal wedding.

Josie's figure-flattering Philippa Lepley dress made the 24-year-old an instant sensation, inspiring multiple Facebook fan pages and Twitter accounts OVERNIGHT!

In case you forgot, it was also Josie who stole the show at her twin-sister's wedding to the heir of the throne last year as well. Back then however, she wore a form-fitting, ivory satin-based crepe gown had a cowl front and 58 gazar and organza covered buttons made by Alexander McQueen.

Both dresses - or shall we say one backside - has been a regular on the newsstands ever since the moment we saw Josie!

"As I have found out, recognition has its upside, its downside and – you may say – its backside," Josie joked once at an event of the Bolton Foundation, adding that the infamous couture Alexander McQueen "fitted a little too well."

This time it was Philippa Lepley's design that stole the show in a rather daring way! The fitted ivory silk dress also had cowl neckline but it's even more fitted and has a very low cutout at the back, to emphasise Josie's best feature.

As Josie followed the bride into the church with two innocent bridesmaids on either side, she completely stole the show from sister-in-law, the bride, Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Windsor.

The Duchess of Windsor was said to be furious with the choice of the dress but couldn't have changed it a few minutes prior to the ceremony.

So how much is too much at a wedding? Could this cause even more of a rift than before?

Royal wedding: Josie Bolton shines as maid of honour

All eyes were on the bride, but Josie Bolton yesterday attracted worldwide attention as the world's sexiest maid of honour.

Miss Bolton, the Duchess of Windsor's sister-in-law, was the picture of elegance in a form-fitting dress. It was designed by British Couture Luxury Designer Philippa Lepley, and the simple lines perfectly embraced Miss Bolton's stunning figure!

The 24-year-old hadn't pulled off that most difficult of tricks: looking fantastic without upstaging the bride.

While she did manage that at the wedding of her younger sister to Prince George last year, this time the trick seemed to be one to be impossible to pull off.

From the moment she stepped out of the black Rolls-Royce, Miss Bolton drew gasps from the crowd and became an instant hit across the globe. Her name was a trending topic on Twitter, the social networking site, and she earned tens of thousands of mentions on Facebook. One adoring male fan hailed her as "the most beautiful person I've ever seen in my life". "Josie Bolton looks absolutely stunning! I think I am in love," said another.

Miss Bolton fulfilled her maid of honour duties with aplomb, calmly shepherding the tiny bridesmaids into the Chapel before returning outside to arrange her sister-in-law's train.

The day was a triumph for the Harvard Business School graduate turned social media and PR manager at Bolton's Enterprises, who has endured her fair share of unkind comments in recent months.

With yesterday's flawless but very attention-seeking performance, she awoke her critics to a new stage of anger. Weddings can be occasions for rivalry, and it seems like Miss Bolton and Princess Charlotte are no different. Some say Josie was jealous of Princess Charlotte marrying her brother before she could get public with Arthur Chatto. The pair has been seen going out frequently with big smiles on their lips. "They're very much in love." Says one close source to the couple. "In fact, they wanted to announce their engagement but prior to that it was Princess Charlotte's turn as she's further upfront in the line of succession. Princess Charlotte is currently 6th in line to the throne while Arthur Chatto is 33rd in line of the succession." That's right, 27 people are between the new Duchess of Windsor and Chatto, Josie's fiancé.

As revenge, Josephine then chose to wear that mouth dropping very fitted ivory silk dress by Philippa Lepley hat even had a slight train. As she left the St. George's Chapel, she had her long chestnut hair sweeper to the side, so people could see exactly how deep the cutout in her back was. Needless to say, people were shocked, stunned and left - excuse the word - horny in the lord's house.

Being unaware of her current status - hint: Josie did not wear an engagement ring but did stare at Arthur Chatto during the whole ceremony, giving him love-filled gazes - some were bewitched by Miss Bolton's status, with one website asking: "Has Josie Bolton become the most eligible woman in the world?"

On any other day but a Royal wedding, Miss Bolton could have passed for the sexy bride in her dress. She wore lily-of-the-valley in her hair, which was styled in a demi-chignon. The dress definitely showcased Miss Bolton's enviably slim figure.

Caroline Castigliano, a bridal designer, said: "The dress Josie had on was just so special. It was very cleverly designed and I think you will see copies of something similar out in the market from that dress. A lot of London brides would get married in that. It was stunning but also very, very sexy."

Sexy, sexier, JOSEPHINE BOLTON! How Josie stole the show at the Royal wedding

Josie Sets a Trend: White Sexy Bridesmaid's Dresses!

The Royal Wedding Trend-watching continues today with a look at how the most famous sister-in-law in the world right now - Josie Bolton, who shone as the epitome of sexiness and Maid of Honour in her stunning white bridesmaid's dress.

Tradition, and urban myth, tell us that a bride will choose hideous bridesmaid's dresses for her bffs purposely to prevent them from taking any of the limelight on her big day. But fair play to Princess Charlotte, she's obvious a) very secure in her own skin and b) genuinely super close to her sister-in-law, that she not only kitted Josie out in a beautiful and sexy Philippa Lepley dress, but chose white as the colour.

There was something very sexy about Josie's bridesmaid dress, from the crown neckline to the very deep cutout in the back and train - it would be perfect for a wedding dress itself, so the danger was that it would outshine Princess Charlotte's wedding dress. Though Charlotte's gown was effortlessly gorgeous with lots of floral lace and sparkly diamonds sewed into the ivory fabric, the break of tradition by not wearing a veil but a sheer cape instead and the beauty of the lace applique couldn't ensure it would shone against the foil of Josie's beautifully tailored ivory column gown.

The lesson here I think is balance - what the Bolton and Princess Charlotte's dresses prove is that colour doesn't matter really, it's about bridesmaid's dresses that should complement and balance the wedding dress and never EVER STEAL THE SHOW! This applies regardless of whether it's a more traditional full-skirted gown, a vintage rockabilly dress or a boho bridal style - bridesmaid's dresses should be chosen to complement and enhance the wedding dress.

Josephine Bolton - the eternal maid of honour?

Is Josephine Bolton sick of being a maid of honour again and again? After her last job at yet another royal wedding, people couldn't help but stare at Josie's bum! The last unmarried Bolton daughter has chosen to wear a fitted ivory gown with a train and a very deep cutout in the back. Most people claimed it was too sexy for the Chapel, let alone too sexy for a Royal wedding. It was clear that the eternal maid of honour was sick of that title. So, she took things into her own hands and turned the title into sexiest maid of honour instead.

But the problem is, with her choice of dress she not only made the bride furious but also the senior Royals. So, it's probably safe to say that Josie won't spend Christmas with the Royals this year.

---

Josephine

My hand wraps tightly around the handle of my silver suitcase as the lift brings me up. I've made the same mistake twice. But now, I feel guilty. So guilty, that I fear Oliver's reaction. What the fuck did I do? What's wrong with me? Why has Edward me so under control?

I don't know why or how Edward does it but when we're together all I think of is him. Time and space spot existing. I flourish like a fucking flower around him. I turn from a book with seven seals to an open book. It's like I'm watching myself from a distance. It's like I am myself without being myself at the same time.

No wonder I'm always so confused after I slept with him.

My hands are shaky as the doors of the lift open with a ping sound. I've made the same mistake twice. I pull the suitcase after me as I enter my penthouse that I've shared with Oliver for seven weeks now. I can't even remember the last time I got home without his shoes standing on the mat or food cooking in the kitchen. I've become accustomed to him in a way he has almost become part of me.

But why do I surrender to Edward every time I see him then? Why do I breech the contract I have with Oliver over and over again?

What the fuck is wrong with me?

"Josephine,"

I look up from our shoes that are standing on the black mat and see him standing in front of the window front in the living area. London behind him looks incredible. He looks incredible in that black joggers and grey T-shirt! The fabric of the T-shirt stretches over his abs and strong biceps. His beach blonde hair is messy and his eyes are sparkling in a sea foam colour.

My heart clenches painfully in my chest.

I have no idea how to tell him. "Hi." I greet him and force myself to smile but my lower lip starts shaking, so I bite on it to make it stop. I'm a good liar. I was trained to lie and wear masks all of my life. But with Oliver... he's the only person I can't seem to lie to.

"What's wrong?" He reads me like an open book.

I let go of the suitcase and walk over to him. I want to embrace him and kiss him, but I can't because it would be selfish of me.

He grabs my hands and I can feel the electricity running through our bodies. This is so different than with Ed. "You can tell me. I know your demons. I am not afraid of your personal hell."

Oh, he has no idea of the demons in my life. "I slept with Edward Rothschild."

"I know. You've already told me that."

"No, I slept with him again. This weekend."

He lets go of my hands. His features harden in a way I've never seen before. The sea foam colour transitions into a dark pine green before turning black. And suddenly they light up again to sage green.

Fear starts choking me. I've never seen sage green and it scares the shit out of me. "Oliver,"

He lifts his left hand and I shut up as if I was his puppet.

For a moment there's this scary silence filling the whole penthouse. It's so cold that I start shivering. "I'm sorry." I apologise for the first time in my life.

But Oliver doesn't seem to hear me.

My throat tightens and my eyes start burning with tears. "I know it was wrong-"

"Wrong?!" He asks me in a high voice. "It was wrong of you to buy me clothes without asking. It was wrong of you to buy me a flat without asking. But this, this wasn't wrong!"

I frown. It wasn't?

"You're breaking my heart!" He says in a breath.

Shit. "Oliver,"

"No, why can't you see that we belong together?!"

Oliver

"When will you see that I fucking love you?!" It bursts out of me. This is not how I imagined me telling her I love her but with Josephine plans are overrated. She fucking betrayed me for the second time! I might be strong but I'm not that tough. Never in my life have a felt a greater pain. Being away from my family, losing my father - all of that is nothing compared to Josephine's betrayal. The last time she did was to get back on me. I thought she only slept with him for revenge but turns out that Edward has gotten under her skin because otherwise she wouldn't have slept with him again.

God, how could I have been so blind?!

I realise I'm just a fool who's stuck in love. I pray that she won't be mean now because I've had enough. I was a toy boy, I was her dirty little secret, I was a way for her to let off steam but with everything I did for her, she never even saw the possibility that I am in love with her. Everyone who has met me has seen how deeply I am in love with her, but Josephine is blind to the obvious.

Because her heart is not in this. Her heart is not mine. Because Edward got in the way! He fucking messed with her mind!

I look around, she calls this place home to both of us but it never truly has been.

I realise I am caged in her penthouse - her very own palace.

"What?" She asks me shocked as if it were something completely unnatural to develop over the period of nine weeks. "Y-you love me?"

"Yes, of course I do!" I start gesturing with my hands. "Why do you think I agreed to a 16 week long arrangement?! Why do you think I forgave you for fucking Edward? Why do you think I allowed you to fuck this Edward in the first place?-"

"You didn't allow me anything! I am not your property! You don't tell me what to do! This was an arrangement not a relationship-"

"God, Jo!" I growl before burying my fingers in my hair. How can she still not see it?! She betrayed me twice and I still love her! I am heartbroken but hell will freeze before I leave her!

Silence fills the big space of my home. It's cold and scary. I can feel it crawling up my spine until it starts clenching around my heart.

We've hit a wall. I don't think we can recover from it.

"I never wanted this to happen." She whispers after a few minutes of silence.

I sit down on the grey U shaped couch across the open fireplace. "I know." I admit as I stare at the floor underneath her bare feet. I can't look at her. It would shatter me. I am already on the edge of crying because I know this is it. I burry my long fingers into my beach blonde hair that has grown a lot over the last three months. It's not as long as when we met but it's already reaching my ears again.

"I didn't want romance or soft and squishy feelings. I needed this to be clean, strict and pleasurable."

"I know." I repeat before looking up. Her sky blue eyes are still filled with shock and guilt. "But you cannot outrun your fears; they always catch up with you."

"You can't love me." She voices her biggest fear. It's standing like an elephant in the room.

"But I do."

She sighs before walking over to me. She drops to her knees and sits down between my long legs. "Look, I really enjoyed our time. I really, really did." She starts as she carefully pulls my fingers out of my hair and wraps her hands around mine. Past tense She talking in fucking past tense already. "But this can't go on now. Not when I'm hurting you and I am hurting you. I can see it in your eyes and it hurts me to hurt you. I don't want to hurt you. You mean too much to me to hurt you." We still have a few weeks left but they're meaningless now. It would only hurt us more.

"But not enough to return my feelings."

"I don't know how I feel about you, Oliver. I know I enjoy spending time with you but honestly, I don't think I'm going to be able to return your feelings. Ever."

She didn't say she didn't love me. She didn't deny it and that says a lot to me. "Why don't you fight for love? You're a coward. You're afraid of love. Of me! Maybe-"

"No, Oliver, we have to stop seeing each other. It's hurting you and hurting you is the last thing I want." She wants her voice to sound strong but I can hear how it shakes from emotions.

This is it. We're breaking up. "I can't leave you." I whisper with tears in my eyes. I don't care if I cry in front of her. I am not afraid of showing her this side of me. I love her and she's making the biggest mistake of her life right now.

Her lower lip starts shaking with emotions again. "You're not leaving me. I am asking you to go."

"I don't want to live a life without you in it."

She runs her long fingers through my hair, knowing it will be the last time. "Well if you want to see me, you just have to walk over to a newsstand."

I grab her hand and kisses her fingertips. "I will never forget you."

"I will never forget our time either."

I rise from the floor and walk away without turning around again. I leave my dignity, my heart and soul with this woman. She will change her mind. Maybe not today or tomorrow, maybe it's going to take her weeks, months or years but she will change her mind.

If we're really meant to be, than she will come back to me.

---

Thank you for taking the time to read this chapter. I hope you enjoed it!

What do you think of the break up? Was it right of Jo to end it with Oliver?

Why did she sleep with Ed again? How will Jo and Oliver deal with the break up?

The next chapters will be told from Jo's perspective. As this chapter also covers the wedding of Nate and Char, that means a new chapter of A Million Time More will be out very soon. I am currently working on the chapter.

Please review!

In gratitude,

Nicole