HIS DECEITFUL WOMAN

12. Reality

A/N: This took so long. #holidays

*******

"Your grace?" The attendant called the duchess in a whisper manner.

"Tara, it's Melinda!" uttered by the duchess of Salem pointing her finger to the fading back of Mia.

"Your grace. The young miss is in the mansion. Lady Melinda is in her room as always." Tara shook her head slightly. It's not hidden that the incident, from two decades ago, took a hit on duchess Dinah's emotional and mental health.

"I cannot be mistaken. Her eyes. Her face. It's her, Tara." The duchess stated as her voice was shaking. Her feelings are so overwhelming that her knees become weak and her poise wavered.

"Please, your grace. Calm yourself."

"I... I need to see her. And talk to her!"

"Alright. I will arrange the meeting. But please sit down, your grace." Tara sighed helplessly and agreed to her master. She then took a look at the entrance of the shop, where the lady disappeared, and pondered for a while.

-------

"You look lovely, M! Didn't know you could pull that off." Leah smiled at her friend and co-worker.

"Thanks. Honestly, I was very nervous out there. My hands are still shaking." Mia held Leah's hand and her friend felt its coldness.

Both of the women chatted while Mia changed to their uniform and started to work on their duties.

After the store opening, the special guests headed to the Mudhish Palace as per the King's invitation. The Yushkova family were able to tag along because of Princess Tamar.

In the grand hall, the guests are busy exploring the different works of art.

Neero approaches Natalia while her husband, Alexander Gates, is busy talking with his parents.

"Natalia."

"Your highness." Natalia nodded and chuckled at the First Prince.

"Didn't I say... Hmm, never mind. You're glowing by the way." Neero stated as his eyes softened at the woman's belly.

"Thank you. You look quite better, too. Is it because of your fiancée?" Natalia teased the royalty who became her friend not long ago.

Neero didn't give an answer but smiled at the woman.

"On a more serious note, I'm also grateful for your family's hospitality. " Natalia said while caressing her growing stomach.

"You're always welcome here." Neero uttered.

"That includes me, right?" Alexander stated smiling. He held his hand up.

"Of course." The First Prince grinned at his former rival and shook the man's hand.

"Natalia, dear." Someone called.

"Your majesty." The Gates power couple bowed their heads at the Queen.

"Enough with the formalities. I just want to let you know that we're honored to see Natalia's beautiful creations. Thank you for sharing it with us, my dear."

"Grateful for your kind words, your majesty." Natalia replied happily and instructed someone.

"This..." The Queen uttered in amazement as the head accessory from the shop's launching was now in front of her.