The Royal Contract

For the first time in his young life, he had been thinking clearly about what he wanted for his future. Not only for his career but his personal life. It was as bright and evident as the sun shining above him. He wanted a family.

“I love you so much, Ria.”

He remembered declaring his love for her last night after their passionate lovemaking. He might have said it during the heat of his desire, but he meant every word of it.

He finally believed that he discovered love most unexpectedly with an incredible woman that he wished to be the mother of his children. Yes, he was ready to build a family with her.

Unfortunately, she did not say it back to him. Instead, “Thank you, Zach, for everything.” She said after she had come down from the clouds.

But he was not worried about her reaction. He knew she needed time to adjust to their situation. Besides, she was not only thinking of herself but also her son.

He knew that her past had scarred her heart, but he was willing to do everything to heal her wounds and make her whole again. He would not stop until he had proven she could trust him.

Now, he had to get home to shower and do some errands. But he promised he would return to have dinner with Ria and Edison and spend the night. He could only wish that he could stay with them for good. But he was willing to wait until she was ready.

.....

“That would be perfect.” He thought as he imagined himself living with her as his wife and Edison as their firstborn. But he intended to add more.

He parked his car at his designated parking lot and rode the elevator to his penthouse suite.

But as soon as he entered his apartment, he knew something was wrong as he heard music playing in the background. Someone else was inside his apartment at the very minute.

He might have an idea who it might be, but he could already guess he would not like it. He moved toward the other side of the living and turned the music player off.

He was about to march upstairs when she suddenly appeared coming from the kitchen, carrying a bottle of wine and two empty glasses. “Hey, stranger. Where have you been?” She asked as she moved toward the living room, putting down the glasses and champagne in her hands.

“What is the meaning of this?” He asked, staring at his unexpected visitor. “What are you doing here, Blaire?” As his eyes scanned the robe she wore. It was his.

And from previous experience, he would suspect she was here to seduce him again with her manipulative ways. She had already broken his heart, so he was not about to fall for the same trap again.

After seeing her last night, he should have expected that she would do something like this. He suddenly regretted not changing his locks and informing the management that they should not let her into his apartment.

“I told you. I miss you, Zach.” Blaire stated, unaffected by his cold demeanor toward her. “Come on, join me.”

She sloppily sat on the couch, allowing the robe to hitch up, giving him a preview of what she was offering him. Then, she poured the wine into the glasses.

“You remember that we are over, right? So, you don’t get to come and go in my apartment as you please.” Zach cooly said to her, not appreciating her presence in his private space.

“I still remember that. But I thought that since we are still friends, we should reconnect. Come on, drink with me, and let us celebrate your new love. Tell me all about her.” Blaire patted the seat beside her as she raised the glass to him.

“Blaire...” He was about to tell her to leave, but she cut him off.

He would be a hypocrite if he said he wanted to have any involvement with her again, even friendship. But he guessed he did not hate her anymore, although she deserved it.

After meeting Ria, he did not care about what Blaire did. He was over her and ready to move on with the woman he truly loved. He was committed to starting a life with her.

“Don’t tell me that you still hate me that much for leaving you.” She looked regretful. “I already said sorry so many times. When will you ever forgive me.” She drank the red alcohol in her glass and finished with several gulps before putting it down.

She was about to drink the other glass when he stopped her, grabbed the wine from her, and put it on the table. He did not want her to get wasted in his apartment.

“I don’t hate you, Blaire. Not anymore.” He looked into her eyes, hoping they could finally move on with their lives separately. “But after what happened to us, I don’t think we can even be friends.”

He could honestly say that Ria helped him to understand what true love means. Therefore, he could safely say he was happy with his current situation. He did not want anything to ruin that.

“You don’t mean that, Zach. You know I love you.” She spoke in denial as she stood from the couch and grabbed onto his shirt.

Without wasting a few seconds, she had her lips on his, catching him off guard. She swiftly untied her robe and was naked before him. It happened fast as she pushed him onto the couch.

In instinct, his hand moved to stabilize himself, holding onto her body as they both fell into the soft cushion. She winded up straddling him, with her lips moving on his lips, along his jaw and neck area as she tried to elicit a reaction from him.

But he was not falling for her seduction. It would not work on him anymore. At this very moment, he only wanted one person. Unfortunately, that was not her.

“Stop it, Blaire.” He responded as he gently pushed her off his body, holding onto her arms at a safe distance. “Don’t disgrace yourself by doing this. I don’t love you anymore.”

“But I still love you, Zach. I can’t live without you.” She persisted as she pushed her body against his arms and hugged him tightly. “I am sure we can fix whatever I did. I am willing to change for you.”

He waited for that to come out of her mouth when he was heartbroken. But now, he did not need her empty promises. He found something better, so much better than her.

He stood up, pulling her to her feet. Then, he grabbed the robe and wrapped it around her body. “Please, Blaire, get dressed and leave my apartment and my life for good.”

He did not want to be rude, but he could not tolerate her behavior. She could not keep showing up, thinking that it was ok. He had to stop this before it became a problem for him and Ria.

He was through with this chapter of his life. He was ready to move on to the next.