The Other Side of Fairytale

Chapter Eighteen: Consequences

Maxwell sat at breakfast with Bertrand. He had a large smile on his face, despite the verbal reprimand he was receiving. Maxwell felt like he had finally won. He had announced to all of court last night that Annabelle was his. Bertrand was still furious about the spectacle Maxwell made yesterday at tea. He had not been thrilled to learn of the engagement to Lady Annabelle, but once Liam had announced his intentions to make Olivia mistress, and then published the article, he relented and gave Maxwell his blessing. He knew Maxwell was not going to give up this time. That did not let Maxwell off the hook, however, for his behavior at the tea party and the unsavory kiss in front of the Royal family.

Annabelle was grateful for the opportunity to enjoy breakfast with her friends away from Maxwell.Today was the opera, but first Olivia had booked them appointments for a day at the spa. Annabelle was feeling okay, despite Maxwell's insistence on parading her in front of court last night. Drake had made clear his feelings to her and Annabelle felt hopeful having Olivia on her side, that they could figure something out. Plus, if she was being honest, telling Olivia the secret she had been holding in for so long felt good, freeing, like a weight had been lifted. She was no longer alone in this nightmare, and that helped her see the light.

Drake strode in, claiming Maxwell's spot next to Annabelle. He gave her a small side-smile, gripping her hand under the table as they sipped their coffee, pretending not to notice one another. The rest of the group chatted about the day and the opera tonight.

"Will you be coming to the opera later, Drake?" Olivia asked innocently.

Drake smiled, "No, as a matter of fact I will not be there. I have other plans." He looked down at his coffee. Maxwell perked up hearing that Drake would not be coming tonight and allowed a smug grin to form on his lips. He would have Annabelle to himself tonight and not have to worry about any competition.

Annabelle and Olivia took a car to Zuhair Murad to try on their dresses. Both fit perfectly and no further fittings were needed. Annabelle stood in the mirror twirling as Olivia came up behind her.

"When you picked that dress, did you know you would be arriving on Maxwell's arm?"

Annabelle nodded, "I made up my mind right away that I would do this for Drake, Savannah and Bartie. And this dress" she grinned, "is going to piss Maxwell off." She turned to Olivia, "And I am really going to enjoy that."

Olivia smirked. "I like you more and more."

While Annabelle and Olivia enjoyed their day at the spa, Maxwell had arranged for an appointment to be fitted for a tuxedo for tonight. He figured he would need one as they attended events leading up to the wedding and Paris was the perfect place to buy a high end tux. Bertrand had accompanied him and continued to berate him about his display at the tea party yesterday.

"I expect better behavior from you tonight at the opera. Lady Annabelle's reputation is tarnished enough getting passed from suitor, to potential mistress, to that disgusting picture of her abd Drake kissing. And now you do the same?" he huffed.

"Take it easy, Bertrand." Maxwell tugged on the sleeves of his jacket, determining if they were the correct length. "Shes's mine, now. She agreed to everything. Now we just need to file the paperwork for progeny."

Bertrand looked down, a twinge of sadness crossing his features. "You're really okay with giving up rights to your only child, Maxwell?"

He turned back to look at Bertrand. "Yes. I am. Belle and I will have children of our own. Besides, I never had feelings for Savannah", he scoffed. "She was never going to be my endgame, Bertrand." He turned back around with a smirk. "She was just a fun stop along the way."