Chapter 366

"John! Janie!" Pearl said as she greeted them at the door. It has been a long time since she and her oldest friends had gotten together.

They all sat down for tea after Pearl showed them around the gardens.

"It's so beautiful here." Janie said.

"I've always loved this house." She said. "It's the only one that felt like home here in the UK."

"I can see why." John said.

"We were surprised when you reached out. We hadn't heard from you in quite some time, not since Alexander was born and with what we heard about Sebastian's injury, we thought you would have your hands full. We were happy to hear from you, don't get us wrong. How is everything?" John asked.

"John, it's been a ride." Pearl said. She refilled his cup and filled both of them in.

"Oh boy. Have you and Dylan talked much since it all happened?" John asked.

"Not really. No. I don't have the understanding I need to move forward yet. I know Sebastian is sorry and wants to make things right. And I'm terrified of becoming another princess Di. Divorced. Alone. A life running away from the press and the title. Technically I've only had two real marriages, isn't that sad? One fake and one absolved. And then I think about Dylan. What he means to me. I love him, I've always loved him, but he's right. He's right about everything. I've screwed my life up so terribly because of these men." She explained. John and Janie listened intently while she vented and gave energy angle, every side. "I honestly think I'm going to move into the guest wing of the palace and lead a separate life from Sebastian but stay married." She said. John shook his head.

Janie looked at her and said, "You love Sebastian. You have both made it work for the last few years. He loves you. Things may be tough right now but you have to understand that's all part of it. Part of marriage."

"You can't live like that, Pearl. No matter what happens, you can't live like that." John said.

Pearl nodded. "I know. I get it. I just don't feel connected to Bash as I did before this happened. Before he told me Dylan loved me more." She said.

"Well, I mean, if we are talking pure logistics here, he isn't wrong. Dylan has loved you and sacrificed everything for you. He's not sad about it. He is happy with his choices, and some aren't choices at all. He can't help the way he feels. But Sebastian knew that going in. And whatever jealously Dylan's little pep talk surfaced needs not to be so intense. It's odd and it's wrong. But, he's going through a lot." John said. It all made sense but it was difficult for her to know what to do.

"I'm just going to lay low here, with the kids, until I feel like I know what the fuck I'm doing." Pearl said.

"It's not a bad idea. And you'll know. You will figure it out." John said.

"Pearl, there's something you should know, though." Janie said. John gave her a sharp glare.

"Let's not continue to bother her with this." John said.

"She should know." Janie said.

"What is it?" Pearl asked.

"Dylan isn't all that he seems." Janie said.

"What do you mean?" Pearl asked.

"He is more." She said, putting her hand on Pearl's.

"I don't understand." Pearl asked.

"When you speak to him again, ask him about Wyoming. Ask him about Cloud Ranch. Then ask him about Rhys. And Erik." Janie said.

"I don't, I don't understand." Pearl said, confused.

"He is single handedly navigating everything behind the scenes to keep you safe and happy and protected. Pearl, it's where his money went. He's been busy. For quite some time now. Ask him." She said. And with that, John stopped her.

"I'm exhausted. Let's get to bed. I'm sure Pearl needs the rest, too." He said. Pearl nodded. What was Janie talking about?