11 Suspicions

Mike, Nica, and the gang are almost done in renovating the castle. Maria’s Team are just making the finishing touches especially now the Ms. Teresa has mentioned that Leopold and Maria will be getting married in this historical place. And all were so excited except Mike. He had been having some second thoughts on the arranged marriage. Why so sudden? What could be the grave reason Em agreeing to this none sense…Mike thought curiously. I need to talk to Em about this and soon.

Mom is definitely out of her mind, why would she do this, it’s like suicide. Hmm, what should I do to stop her or maybe…, me popping with an idea so mom won’t deliberately kill herself during my wedding for revenge. Hey, Cronan, are you there? We need to talk.

Knock, knock….Em good morning dear!, Tessa, calling for Maria at the door. Yup yes, Ms Te… oh Tessa!, What can I do for you today?

Ralf oer, Rodolfo asked if you can accompany him this afternoon at the museum and then you’ll check the castle grounds since I think your team have finished the renovations. He want you to take the necessary steps and finish the job right away. Hmm! You know him, he wants everything perfect, especially for your wedding, right!, Tessa advised in a motherly tone. Okay Tessa, I’ll be right there in 30, just need to take a quick shower. Is Louis up already? I asked casually. Yes, he woke up early today and ran, he said he’ll be back after an hour or two.

Alright, thank you!, he must’ve been stressed after the incident at the store. Hmm! I don’t think he had the slightest idea what really happened. Grandma I think you’re right after all. I think I am willing to forgive the Montforts, besides I am a Montfort and I can’t deny the fact that all happened for a reason. I may not be able to avenge your death but I can correct the mistakes our ancestors did before. And I’m pretty sure this marriage would do that. I hope and pray it will, bless me Grandma Gisel, amen, I uttered sincerely to my late Nana to pray for me, our upcoming wedding, my family and especially for Louis Leopold’s sake.

Hey, Ralf!!! Hehe Rodolfo, ready?, I whispered when Rodolfo was just waiting for me inside the car, window on the passenger’s seat was half open. Hmm!!!, he said smiling sneakily. The ride was long just like when we travelled from the castle to the villa. It took us two hours, now maybe two and a half since we needed to pick some groceries for my team. Tessa was the one managing the finishing touches and preparations for the wedding. Rodolfo was the one who does the shopping and groceries so my team would be able to work at peace and finish in time. Thanks Rodolfo for you and Tessa for arranging the engagement and everything. I told him the kissed him on the cheek and hugged him tight while he was driving. He managed to drive and smiled at me sweetly. I think I never saw him give a real smile to anyone much more to mom. But with me, now, he did. Don’t tell your mom about the smile, it’s between you and me ey!!? He said winking at me. Yup, scout’s honor, I said like a girls scout that I am.

Why change of heart I? I was supposed to kill Leopold’s family or relative with my half-brother Cronan Jr. but something in me sparked the change. When mom said he will avenge Grandma’s death, I realized this will never end and if we continue living in fear and hate, we will never be at peace what will only remain is more hate, death and suffering. I don’t want to live like that anymore. We were fine when mom and I are mover this shit. She working in a real estate business and I having fun and history with my works of art anywhere I wanted to go in the world. What more can I ask for? Mom should realize that and I will need to tell Leopold everything before it’s too late. Speaking or Leopold how come he hasn’t been back yet? Hmm! Anyway, he’s a grown man.

At the castle, the team were preparing a surprise for Em for her engagement, Mike was on the side line not joining the party. Hey, what’s wrong, Shiela asked? Oh, nothing, I just want to make sure Em is okay about this wedding. It’s just so sudden. Don’t you think it’s weird? Hmm! Anyway, okay, I’ll help you with the balloons. Fudge, they’re here. Jay go and escort Em here. I’ll cover the balloons, Mike added jumping off the seat to turn kill the lights.

Rodolfo, what’s the deal, it’s so dark here what the….??? Em said then when Sheila appeared with a glass of red wine, she knew something is happening….Ooops I forgot the wine glass haha..sowee, my bad!, Sheila said shyly.

SURPRISE!!! Everyone shouted but since I know they worked hard on the renovations while I am away and this gift, I acted surprised and got carried away and cried a bit. But the tears are real since they did everything by the book, my team did the renovations of the most popular and historical castle in St. Paul Vill. And it was magnificent. Seeing my team makes me want to die with gratitude. Each person was so right for the job and I can’t complain with the work they did.

I LOVE YOU GUYS! Thank you for covering up for me and please let’s drink and be merry for our successful job done and my engagement!!! Mwah!!, we all clapped and ate the pica-pica Tessa and Rodolfo prepared for me and my team. A small catering and bunch of wine. They are all over the place, maybe they plan for us to swim on alcohol later. Hmm, why not, hehe!

Hey, Em, can I talk to you for a bit!, Mike said moving his head back to the kitchen. Okay, Mike, thanks for supervising the team while I’m out. What’s up? , Em added smiling.

Sure, but what’s with the engagement, and then marriage? You told us before that it’s never going to happen. But how come it’s here now? Did you hit yur head of what? Where’s this coming from? Did they force you to do this or threaten to kill your mom or something? Haha!, we’re just worried that’s all, he said explaining everything to Em. I understand Mike, but I’ve decided to go along with the decision to marry Louis Leopold. Not because I was forced to do it but I agreed to it for my mom and my family. I want to let bygones be bygones. I don’t want to hate and harbour ill feelings toward his family anymore. I’m tired of running after the people who killed my grandmother or my dad. It’s tiring. I just want to have some peace for once in my life and live happy with the one I love, Em added in as serious tone.

Then, I am happy for you and Louis. Truly, we are just worried you’ll end up dead or hurt. We just want your happiness. We are your friends and we are here for you. I am here for you if you need me, okay!? Mike uttered smiling at Em and opening his arms to hug her. Em grabbed the big man’s arm and rested her body on his wide chest in tears. Now, now, baby, don’t cry, you’ll just get married, but hmm! I think it’s a convenient way to bury yourself in misery but with another person haha!, I’m kidding!, her best friend added laughing hard.

Heh, heh!, right, d*ck head!, Em said in a whisper since Rodolfo just came in to get more ice for the wines. Oh, guys, let’s get on and have some fun outside.

Yup, on our way sir! Mike said saluting Rodolfo and smiling at me sweetly. Thanks ! I said feeling so loved by these wonderful people that would literally die or stop a bullet for me if necessary. I didn’t know that Sheila and Jay are together, then Mike and Nica are dating just a couple of weeks before I went away for the engagement. Haaa! I missed a lot of beautiful memories but I would surely miss this one. And I hope I can still work with these guys after getting married. I wonder if Louis would allow me to still do what I love to do? I haven’t asked him about it though, maybe when I get back to the villa, we can talk about IT and his plans or our plans for the future. Anyway, it’s still too soon to demand.

Let’s parteee!!!! Jay said dancing to the tune of “Don’t Start Now” by Dualipa. While moving his body sexily he caught with Sheila and they danced together. I think they already had too much to drink. They’re both laughing hard. Mike and Nica were just hitting it coolly, talking and Mike just hanging his arm on the shy girl’s shoulder. Okay guys, I’m buzzed, I need to rest for a bit. I’ll just be off to my room and sleep. I need to get back to the villa tomorrow. Alright Em, Congratulations again and we love you, they all said in unison. Yeah yeah, I love you too! Mwah, mwah, mwah! I said while walking up the stairs and laughing while I sing to The Weekend’s “Blinding Lights”. Hmm, hmm, ha, ha!!! I slumped my way to the bed and tipsily slept. I felt hot inside and I want to hug Leopold now, which I thought I saw when I came inside my room. But I was so sleepy I can’t really think straight, maybe I was just dreaming he was there in my bed that night after the party.

I woke up with my head banging with head ache. Ahhh! I really hate the after effect of drinking too much alcohol. Wait! Louis, hey! Honey!, why are you here!, I said as if in a blur Louis Leopold is lying next to me. I reached for him and happily bent over to turn his body over, but he is soaking with his own blood. No!!! no!!!, Louis, No, you’re not dead….Then I woke up. Oh my goodness, just a dream, haaa, haa, haaahh!!! I said so relieved and walked down to get a glass of water in the kitchen. But I felt I tripped on something on the hall way, ah, what the f**k!, what’s this, a slipper, Leopold’s sandal, huh, what is it doing here? Hmm. I really need to sleep this off my head is killing me. I went back to my room and fell on my bed and I didn’t know what happened after that. Em didn’t notice due to her drunkenness, someone is standing near her bed, a dark entity, huge built, swearing in his thoughts that Em’s marriage with Leopold will never happen, until I’m here and alive, never! The man said in fury .

Why are you here?, Victoria on military mode, whispered, coming into the picture. In the dark the man with a huge body built flinched and didn’t turn around to look who’s talking behind his back. I am asking you, who are you and why you keep on peeping, checking on my daughter like that?, she asked again and now moved closer to get a glimpse of what this creepy stalker looks like. He turned around and grabbed the woman’s arms and hugged her. He then kissed her like he had been missing her all this time. Who…are..y.. Max..im??? Is it you? Victoria asked when he finished kissing her. Since it’s very dark, he was still a mystery to the lady asking him who he is. I’ll reveal who I am in time, see you again, my love!, he added while running towards the window and jumped out of there, Em’s room was on the second floor. Victoria touched her lips and to her shock, she now remembers the kiss. It is indeed Maximillian, he is alive. My dear husband is still alive, then who did we bury in the royal courtyard?.

Hmmm!, Mom? What are you doing here?, Em asked wiping her eyes and turning on the lamp on the right side of the bed to see her mom since it’s very dark inside the room. Oh! nothing, I was just checking up on you and to also tell you that we are going to choose some wedding dresses for you tomorrow in the city. Go and sleep, I’ll be there in a minute picking up Em’s shoes and pants lying on the floor, I guess I’ll be sleeping beside you since it’s lonely in my room without you, Victoria added being cheesy but truthful since she was also thinking of the marriage and Em moving away after the event. Mom, are you going to cry now, don’t be silly, I’m just going to get married you know!, Em added happily and sweetly smiling at her mom innocently. I know! Sweetie!, I know. Okay!, Victoria motioned for her to go back to sleep. Em did and Victoria caressed Em’s forehead taking some strands of her hair away from her beautiful face. Oh! you’ve have totally grown up to be a wonderful woman. I hope everything will turn out as planned. I too don’t want to avenge your grandmother and father’s deaths. I have realized its’ time to move on and accept the fact that everything happens for a reason and this is it. Victoria now laid beside Em and looked intently on her daughters sleeping face. Just like when she was just a baby, I have cherished and protected her. I hope I can still protect her from her fate. And by the way dear, Victoria said in her thought, your dad is still alive. When till you meet him.

avataravatar
Next chapter