"Seems like we both have a knack for keeping to time." Rose remarks.

I smile. "Waiter?" I call, and the waiter walks up to us. "Please, we'd like a bottle of Cabernet."

"Well, is that your favorite wine?"

I nod, "No, not at all. Chateau Margaux is superior to every other wine, although Cabernet is cheaper. The taste is exquisite. Cabernet is just an option, this, I can share."

She laughs. "That's absurd. I don't think I've heard anyone say they do not want to share their wine. It's a first."

"Well, there's a first time for everything, isn't there?"

"But people tend to not want to share more expensive things, don't they?"

"Mm. That's right, but, you see, it depends on what the value is being placed on. I do not place any value on the Cabernet, because it's a second choice. The value is placed on Chateau Margaux for me. So, as you can now understand, people tend to not share things they value more." I respond, looking at her.

She smiles at me. "That explains it." I just didn't like this woman. It was probably because of the way she spoke about my son. The waiter brings the bottle of wine. He opens it and pours us both a glass. I pick mine and she picks hers.

"Cheers." She says.

I chuckle softly. "What are we cheering to?"

"Well, your wedding. When is it again?"

"Hopefully, next week Saturday."

"Hopefully?" She asks, as I sip my wine.

"Rose, you mentioned you have a partner."

"Yes, I did."

"Are you married?" I ask, taking a sip of my wine.

"Yeah. We are." She responds, a wide smile on her face. She takes a gulp of her wine.

"Is he your first partner?"

She drops her glass on the table. "No. Why do you ask?"

"Nothing, exactly. This would be my third marriage in six years. The two before this, failed. You can understand what hopefully means."

"Hm, yes. I do." She gulps the entire glass of wine in one go. I look at her, shocked. For a moment, I felt as though she had serious issues, her demeanor, everything else, a camouflage. She continues, "I don't know if it's just pity."

"Pity? What do you mean?"

"Look, Natalie, I know you don't like me because of what I said about your son. Personally, I do like you and I feel I can trust you. They say people who dislike you, and know your secrets are better than those who like you and know your secrets. A person who likes you is ninety nine times more likely to spill your secrets, however, the one who doesn't, will most likely do it. but they'll keep your secret until they decide to use it against you."

I scoff, "I don't want you to trust me, Rose." I say, irritated. I call the waiter to bring the receipt. It was time for me to leave.

"But I have no one to turn to here. I've no friend or family."

"Didn't you just say you were married? Where's your husband?"

"He doesn't live here. He's in Quebec."

"Canada?"

"Mm. We met there." She says, as I round up paying the bill.

"I'm sorry for whatever you're going through. However, I have problems too. A few years ago, I would have sat down, listened to you and given you advise or help. Now, I really don't care about anybody except myself and my son. I hope everything works out well for you, Rose. I'll be sure to send you a wedding card. Enjoy the afternoon."

******

"Good afternoon, Ms. Richardson!" Majority of the staff chorus.

"Hello, everyone. I hope you're all doing great. Getting to the point, are there interns here? Do we hire interns?"

"Yes, ma'am. They're mostly in the communication and PR department. Is there a reason?" A lady asks.

"Yes, I'd like to get a personal assistant. I'd like that today."

********

The female interns and I are all gathered in the conference room. I'm scanning them all individually, taking my time to see who I'd feel comfortable with. They all look warm and trustworthy, but I know better.

"Unfortunately, I just need one of you. Is there anyone that'll like to volunteer to be my personal assistant?" Out of about 16, only 9 raise their hands.

"Alright, then. The rest of you may leave."

"What do you when a child cries?" I ask them. They all look at one another, seemingly confused.

"You." I point at the first girl. "Uh... give him chocolates?"

"You." I point at the second in line. She responds, "I've never had to watch a child. . ."

"You there." I point at the last girl. "I think I'd put him to bed. .?"

"Can you answer me?" I ask the girl in the middle. "Give him a hug and try to make him laugh." She says, avoiding eye contact with me.

I smile. "Step forward." I say. I get up. She steps forward, still avoiding eye contact with me.

"Congratulations. You're hired. Come with me."

*****

I take off my heels as I sit in my chair. "So, what's your name?"

"Diane Pratt, ma'am."

"Nice to meet you, Diane. I'm Natalie Richardson. I'd like for us to work together, gain mutual understanding. Now, what is like for you to do for me is to be there when I need you. You'd inform of my meetings, appointments, you'll report anything strange or anything you hear in the company to me. In essence, you'll do whatever I ask you to do. You'll receive your salary directly from me. Forty thousand per month. If you impress me, fifty." I say and I watch her gasp. I felt like it was my way of making up to Jennifer. I didn't know how to feel about her death.

"Okay, ma'am. Thank you so much! Oh, my God. Thank you!" She gasps, trying to contain her excitement.

"You may begin today because I have my first assignment for you."

"What can I do?"

"Good. I need you to find as many reporters and journalists as possible. I'll be at clumping beach tomorrow, I don't know what time yet, just make sure they get there and take photos of me and whoever they see me with. I want it published on the internet, I wanted it on all the papers, most importantly, the internet. Can you do that?"

"Yes, of course, I can. I was in the PR department."

"Good. I need it done right now, but don't let them know who you are. They can't know I sent you."

"Alright ma'am, I'm on it. Can I ask why you want your pictures taken?"

"I'm trying to get a message to someone. I hope it works."

I watch Rocket and Louis build a sandcastle from a far. Louis was happy. His smiling face was the only thing capable of comforting me at times like this. My phone rings. It's Diane.

"Good. Thank you." I end the call. I scan the area for the journalists. My eye falls on one who's holding a camera. I stealthily look away, trying to pretend as though I had no idea I'd seen him. I begin to walk towards Rocket. I'm a few feet close to him and then, I pretend to fall. I fall on him. I can feel his hands on my bare waist. We share an eye lock momentarily.

"Sorry." I say, getting up. I turn and look at my son. I open my arms to carry him and he climbs my body. I get up, holding my son close to myself. "Do you want to put your feet in the water, my love?"

"Yes!"

****

Holding Louis as tight as possible, my son and I place our feet in the water. It's exhilarating. Louis is all giggles and smiles. The sunlight falls on his face and that's when I get a proper look at him. More than ever, Louis looked like Luke. I gasp, my hand on my mouth. "What's wrong, mommy?"

I'm stunned. He'd always looked a bit like his father but this time, this time it was as though Lucas was standing right before me.

"Natty?" Rocky calls my attention. I look at him, still dazed. "What's wrong?" He asks.

I point at Louis. I'm fighting the tears. "He looks like his father."

Rocket doesn't say a word for a few seconds. "Of course. He's his son, isn't he? It's only logical he takes after him."

"What if Luke's still alive? We could— I could be making the biggest mistake of my life. What will you do?"

"What will you do?" He asks me. I stare at him.

"I don't have to answer that. You know the answer to that."

He chuckles, his hand on his nose. "Luke's dead, Natalie. When will you grasp reality? He's never coming back."

"Mommy?"

"I warned you before not to say that, especially not in front of my son."

"He's going to be my son too, in a few days."

"What is wrong with you?"

"I'll be in the car." He says and I watch Louis run after him. It was crystal clear that my son was too attached to Rocket. It made my blood boil.

******

I'm expecting aunt Ruth for dinner, Delores. Can you make Steak and Kidney Pie? That's aunt's favorite. I'd like if you could get to it." The door opens and I turn around.

"Ashley."

"Ms. Richardson!" She says and I rush towards her to hug her. We hug. "Oh, you look lovely!" I complement.

"As do you," She returns the gesture. I continue, "I'm so sorry, you were home the last time but I couldn't pay you any attention as I was occupied with Louis and his school. Forgive me, will you?"

She holds my hands, "Not at all. I understand and I never felt bad about it. I really miss babysitting Louis."

"You're blonde." I state, as I notice her dirty blonde hair. Ashley was formerly a brunette.

"Yes, yes. It was actually for a play in college but I ended up really liking it and I got a lot of compliments too, so I figured!"

"Ah. It does look lovely on you." I state. Once upon a time, I had blonde hair. I missed my blonde hair. I missed my old life. I missed Luke.

*******

"Well, your mother and I have had tea everyday for the past week and she does not fail to nag about how you've kept her away from Louis. Honey, don't you think you went a bit too far? She's your mother after all." Aunt Ruth states, sipping her cucumber water.

"And not once did she call me to say all of this. Aunt, can we talk about something else, please?"

"Alright, I didn't mean to upset you. Anyway, I saw the pictures, Natalie. You looked way too comfortable."

"What pictures?"

She looks at me, confused. She raises a brow. "The pictures of you, Louis and that ill mannered fool."

I get up. "I'll be right back, aunt." I run as fast as I can from the dining room to my bedroom. I look for my iPad and search my name. My breathing intensifies as I see multiple articles with my name. The articles are either, "Third time's a charm; Natalie Richardson's quest to find true love. Billionaire love? Natalie Devaux and Rocket Davenport. Could this be Natalie Richardson's last marriage? Alleged romance; Oil & Telecomms Queen & Famous Hotelier." I sigh. What a way to put it. Three marriages weren't so bad. Rebecca Claire had gotten married at least five times, besides, marrying Alex was only a means to an end. It was for business purposes alone, there were no feelings attached, at least, not from my end. I drop the iPad on the bed, irritated. I run my hand through my hair.

***

"Did you go check it out?" Aunt Ruth asks me.

I nod. "I did."

"Well?" She asks.

I smile. Aunt Ruth expected an explanation. "It's nothing to worry about. It was intentional. I wanted to get those pictures taken."

"Huh? Why? Why would you want that?" She asks.

"You'll think I'm crazy if I tell you. It's better if you don't know." I respond. I continue with my food.

"No, darling. I'd never think you're mad even if you were. Well. . ." We giggle.

"A few years ago, I thought Luke was alive. I believed he was hundred percent. Don't get me wrong, I still do, but a part of me is starting to believe that he no longer exists. He could be gone for good." She gasps.

"How are the pictures related to that?"

"I'm going to marry Rocky, aunt."

"Are you mad? That man destroyed your family, Natalie. Why would you do that?"

"If Luke is still out there, he'll hear about it. I'll pay international media houses to cover it, I don't care. Wherever he is, I'm certain the news will get to him, if he's not already keeping an eye on me. Luke hates Rocky with every blood in him. He'll be forced to come out as he'd never want me to be his, plus he's never want Louis to call another man dad now he knows Louis is his."

"And if he's dead?"

"Well, then, so be it. Louis really wants a father."

"Can you even stand that man?" She asks.

"No. No, I can't."

"And you're willing to bet on spending the rest of your life with him? Did you start taking drugs?"

I can't help but laugh even though I certainly wasn't in the mood for laughs. "I guess, I just have to pray that Luke's really not dead."

"You have a meeting scheduled with the major shareholders of the company. Well, it's not really a meeting, it's just that they demand to see you after such a long period of time and oh, Kelly has requested that her office be moved to your floor." Diane explains as we walk towards the elevator.

I chuckle. "If she wants that, then it's fine by me. What time is the meeting scheduled for?"

"Ten." She responds.

"What's the time now?"

"Nine thirty, ma'am." The elevator opens. We go out, heading towards my office. "Can you get me a cup of coffee, please? Da— I stop as I recognize a familiar face.

"Eleanor." I say, shocked. She doesn't respond. She just stands there, looking at me. I couldn't describe the emotion on her face. I walk up to her.

"How. . . How is he?" I ask. My heartbeat increases as I await her response.

"I didn't know if I'd find you here. No one really knew about your whereabouts until the recent articles,"

"I see. Well, I had to take time off. I lost my child."

"Alex's child, perhaps?" She asks. I look at her directly in the eyes. Alex had no idea that I had gotten pregnant with his heir, hell, no one even knew until I lost the baby. It had to remain a secret.

"I was pregnant for the father of my son, Eleanor." I roll my eyes and sigh. "Shall we go in and talk?"

******

"Alex's condition is worse. He saw the article. He won't eat, he won't drink— the doctors have had to sedate him six times already."

"I- I don't understand, isn't it a mental home? How could he get access to the internet?"

"It's not only on the internet. It's everywhere. He watched it on the television."

I massage my temples, a sense of guilt overwhelming me. "What can I do? I mean, how can I help?"

"My son feels betrayed by you. Why? It's probably because of his Obsessive disorder." She states. She continues, "You manipulated my son into marrying you just so you could get your hands on his shares. You did your part and you kicked him to the curb like a common rag doll."

"Contrary to what you might think or believe, that is not the truth, Eleanor. I beg you to not be quick to—

"Then? What is the truth, Natalie?! Why did you never show up to the hospital one day to see him? Instead, you send your lawyer to finish up your dirty work."

"If I didn't see him, then it's because I couldn't."

She scoffs. She gets up. "You know, I used to really, really like you. Now, I find you extremely disgusting."

I look at her, completely understanding where she was coming from. If I was in her shoes, I would've reacted no differently. Maybe the old Natalie would have reacted differently too. . . "I don't know how I can make it up to Alex, however, if you let me, I can come visit him regularly. I don't even do much here so I'm sure I can spare a lot of time to check up on him."

"I don't trust you and your intentions around my son. However, I'm consoled by the fact that you will be remarrying in a few days. All I need you to do is make sure you make my son normal again. Unfortunately, you're the only one capable of restoring order." She says and begins to walk out. She stops and turns around.

"You don't want to have me as an enemy, Natalie."

*****

Laurel's POV!

"Get off of me, you idiot!" Of course, he couldn't touch me. No one could touch me except my darling, Luke. I get off the pole, taking the dollar bills off my body and counting them. I had to pay that stupid Cecily my rent for the month. It was exhausting not living in Luxury. I was in Prague.

"Hey, baby." I say to the man dressed in a suit. He dressed like Lucas and it turned me on. "You want a lap dance, huh? You can't touch me though." I say to him, chuckling. He smiles at me, setting his laps so I can make myself comfortable. I sit on him and I begin to gyrate on him as I rub my body on his. "You like it, huh? Don't you?" I hold onto his neck with my left hand. I continue, "Do you like my hair?" I ask him, as I play with my blonde hair.

"Hm. I do. What's your name, sexy?"

I giggle, excited. "My name? My name's Natalie."

"Is it true blondes have more fun, Natalie?" He asks.

"Most definitely."

"Well, would you like to show me?"

"I can do that for a price, you know?"

"Name your price, Princess." He responds.

I pause, and I turn around to look at him, dazed. "1000 Czech." I state, hoping that he was being serious. I'd hit the jackpot.

"Done."

******

"Don't you think it's a bit too dark in here?" I wonder, as we go into the hotel room. The television's on but it makes little or no difference. I adjust my wig so that it doesn't fall. He turns around and begins to undress me and for some reason, I'm afraid.

I go with the flow, allowing him do with me as he pleases. "Take easy will you?" I ask, getting irritated.

He laughs but doesn't adhere to my warning. I'm about to push him off me and bolt because I refuse to deal with a psychopath at this moment. However, I pause as my eyes fall on the screen. Natalie. It was Natalie, and she was alive. The memories of that evening begin to flash through my mind once more as I remember shooting her with the gun. I gasp. I push him off me. I look at the television again. "No. No. No!" She was dead. She should've been dead. I shot her.

"She's alive?" I begin to sob, unable to control myself. It seemed like no matter what I did, that woman would always be a thorn in my part. What if she stole Luke from me again? "No." I state. I would die first before I allowed it happen. It was time to return to London. It was time to put an end to that bitch once and for all. I would kill her and bury her with my own hands.

"Thank you," I say to Ashley, as she hands me a cup of hot coffee. I'm at the balcony, taking in some fresh air and the beautiful night scenery. This was the only way I could manage to not feel agony or depression in anticipation of the next few hours.

"You know, since that day you found me trying to shop lift up until today, I haven't really seen you happy, except when you're with the little guy."

"Of course. My son is my source of joy and happiness."

"I don't think you're as happy as a bride should be on the eve of her wedding."

I turn to face her, somewhat proud of her. I thought of Ashley as my own and as a family. Maybe it was

time for me to legally adopt her. "We have a long day tomorrow, and you're my maid of honor. Why don't you go get some sleep?" I say, adjusting her hair. She smiles and nods at me. I turn around to watch her leave when I notice aunt Ruth.

Aunt had stayed over for the past week. It was much needed and appreciated.

"You still have time to cancel this. Call it off. Stop this madness, Natalie."

"This isn't madness, aunty. It is my duty to make my child happy. I will never, under any circumstance, neglect my son. I will not be my mother, again." I say, determined to go on with my plans. The news had gone as far as it could. Lucas did not return. He wasn't coming back. I'd come to terms with it even though I wanted to wail, weep, scream and be left alone.

Aunt Ruth grabs me by my shoulders. "I thought you wanted to wait for Luke? I thought you felt he was alive? What happened to that, Natalie?"

"I was a fool to believe it. It's been four years, aunt! Going on five, soon. The Lucas I know, or knew, would never be able to stay away from me for that long, much less when he knows he has a son!" I run my hand through my hair as I drop the mug on the table. "Waiting for him any longer will only ruin Louis' life. I will proceed with the wedding."

"I can't get through to you. If only your father was here to talk some sense into you. So, will you give Rocket's name to Louis?"

"That's the whole point, aunt."

"You're making the biggest mistake of your life but at the end of the day, I will support you. However, I will be here to console you when you realize the horrible mistake you've made." She says. I want to hug her to console myself, because somewhere, deep down, I knew she was right. However, my love for my son was above all else; even myself. She turns to leave, leaving me all alone in the cold.

****

I'm in the room, Luke's room, and I take his photograph as I sit on the couch.

"I won't forgive you for leaving me. I won't ever, forgive you for abandoning our son. I won't forgive myself for not immediately accepting to run away with you that day. We both have wronged our son. Although, we never took those vows, it should have been forever— we should have stayed together, as a family," I begin to sob, all the pain in my heart finding a way to come out. I squeeze my shirt, crying as I remember the lovely moments I'd spent with Luke. "How do I live with the very man I despise the most? I have so much hatred and anger in my heart towards Rocket who has been nothing but a father figure to our son. How do I forgive him? How do I- how do I, how do sleep on the same bed as him, how do I let him touch me?" Rocky had demanded that in order for him to marry me and give Louis his name, I'd have to agree to live as his wife not only by name but physically too.

*****

I'd rejected the bridal team Rocket had sent over. For me, it was definitely not a glamorous event. It was the beginning of my unhappiness. I could console myself with the fact that I could leave the marriage when Louis was old enough. Surely, he would understand.

As I line my lips, the door opens. "Mommy!" My son rushes over to me, hugging me. I return the love gesture.

"You're getting married, right? To uncle, Rocky."

I nod, "Yes, my love. Are you happy?"

He does the okay sign with his hand. "I know you're doing this for me mommy."

"Huh? Why do you think so?" I ask. If anything, Louis took after his father. He was definitely a smart child for his age.

"Because you asked me. I remember."

"Come here, give me a hug, and a kiss too." I say, as I hug my son, my heart in human form. There's a knock on the door. "Aunty Granny!" He says, referring to aunt Ruth.

"Oh, my boy. You're our sunshine." She says, walking to us. She looks at me through the mirror.

"Are you sad, Natalie?"

I arch a brow, confused. She didn't have to say that in front of Louis. "I'm good, aunt."

She smiles, "I hope so." She murmurs. She picks up the veil from the bed and places it on my head.

"You look pretty." My son comments, melting my heart. "Thank you, Luke." I look away, alarmed at what I'd just blurted out. From the mirror, my eyes fall on aunt Ruth who's giving me the I-told-you-so face.

"Who's Luke? Is that my other name?" Louis asks.

"Yes, of course. It's your middle name. Luke."

********

Since there's no one to walk me down the aisle, I insisted that my son do it. We are walking down the aisle. I'm completely, zoned out, my heart, palpitating and my emotions all over the place. I'd requested a no sermon wedding and thankfully, this would all be over soon.

"Rocket, do you accept Natalie Devaux Richardson do you accept Rocket Davenport to be your lawfully wedded husband in sickness and in health, in happiness and sadness, sorrow or joy, in pain and grief, wealth and poverty, forever and ever until death separate you?"

He doesn't waste even a second. "I do. I accept her."

"Natalie, do you accept Rocket Davenport to be your lawfully wedded husband in sickness and in health, in happiness and sadness, sorrow or joy, in pain and grief, wealth and poverty, forever and ever until death separate you.?"

For one last time, I look back., hoping and saying a prayer internally. "God, please, if you can hear me, return Lucas to me. Please, this is all I ask. Amen." I close my eyes, hoping a miracle would happen and I'd see Luke rushing down to stop me. Unfortunately, as I open my eyes, there's no one.

"Natalie?" Rocket taps me. He was panicking already.

The priest repeats, "Natalie, do you accept Rocket Davenport to be your lawfully wedded husband in sickness and in health, in happiness and sadness, sorrow or joy, in pain and grief, wealth and poverty, forever and ever until death separate you?"

I close my eyes, trying to fight the tears from falling. "I do."

"Is there anyone that has reason to oppose this marriage? Speak now, or forever hold your peace."

It's me again, God. This is my final chance. Please, send Lue back to me. If you do it, I'll donate all my money to the church. I'll be good. Please. . .

"With the power vested in me, I pronounce you man and wife, in the presence of God. You may kiss the bride." And without asking for my consent, Rocket begins to kiss me. This was it. I was married to Rocket.