A maid's journey to unexpected love

The truth

Two years had passed since that day and Ella still hadn't seen or heard from James. Nathan and James suddenly left only leaving a text message behind.  The message said that there was a family emergency and that they needed to head out of town for a while. Not only did James send this text but gave the rest of Ella's salary for the last few months even though they were gone. She didn't expect to get paid but it made her happy nonetheless. She and Amy were sad to see them go since over the past few months they were becoming close but understood that family should come first.

A little while after that Ella began to apply for jobs anywhere she could. She eventually landed a job as a waitress at a restaurant called . She didn't make a lot of money but enough to make sure she and her daughter were comfortable and that was enough. Today she went into work just like any other day; she clocked in and changed into her uniform which was a black apron with a notepad in the front pocket. She spent the rest of the day taking orders and serving her customers. However, the end of her shift was not the same as usual. She said Goodnight to her coworkers and exited the restaurant only to be met by someone see thought she wouldn't see ever again. "Hello Ella, it's been a while" said James as he walked up to Ella.

Ella said hello in response and continued to stare at James as if he was a ghost. Ella had so many questions running through her mind and could barely speak. "I know that you must have a lot of questions and I am prepared to answer them all", said James as he took Ella's hand into his. "Alright I'm willing to hear you out, said Ella as she began to head to her car. "How about we meet up tomorrow at my apartment," asked James as he opened the car door for her. "Great, I'll see you tomorrow," James closed the door and watched as Ella drove away.

Ella arrived home to hear laughter coming from her living room. She took off her shoes and placed her keys into a basket and turned the corner to see Amy and her friend Miranda playing a game. "Well it sounds like you guys are having a blast", said Ella as she sat down next to them. "Yeah, I'm wiping the floor with Miranda" Amy explained as she put her hands on her hip. "Yes, I will admit defeat", replied Miranda as she and Ella stood up. "Hey mom, is it ok if Miranda can stay for dinner and play with me after" asked Amy as she looked up at the two adults. "Of course Amy, I'll get dinner started". Ella walked towards the kitchen and motioned Miranda to follow suit. Ella put on her apron and took out broccoli and salmon to prepare for dinner. Miranda also put on an apron to help her friend and noticed something was bugging her friend. "What's wrong" asked Miranda as Ella passed her the broccoli for her to cut. "You wouldn't believe it but I ran into James today", as those words came of of Ella's mouth., Miranda froze and looked at Ella with disbelief. "Did he say where he's been and why he has been gone for so long". "No, he said that he wants to meet me at his apartment to talk about it." Ella replied a she seasoned the salmon and put it in the oven.

"I think it would be a good idea to hear him out. You guys were hitting it off and I hadn't seen you that happy in a long time", said Miranda as she put the broccoli in the pot to cook and walked back towards the living room. "I know Miranda, I just don't know where we stand with each other", replied Ella. "Well you won't know until you ask Ella", said Miranda as the two women went to join Amy in the living room and waited for dinner to be ready. A half hour had passed and Ella called Amy and Miranda to the dinner table. The three of them sat at the table and enjoyed their dinner together. They talked about what was new in their lives and listened as Amy explained what she had been learning in school. These were the moments that they all treasured and hoped would never end.

The next day arrived and it was time for Ella to meet up with James. She was nervous but at the same time excited to talk to James after all this time. Right after she finished getting ready, she heard the doorbell ring. She opened the door to be greeted by James, who had flowers in his hands. "Please accept these as part of my apology," James gave the flowers to Ella which put a smile on her face. "I will. Thank you," Ella smelled the sweet aroma of the flowers and turned around to lock up her apartment.

As they approached the apartment Ella looked up at the building and different memories started to flood into Ella's mind. That is until those thoughts were interrupted by James' voice. " Are you ok Ella", asked James as he looked at Ella. "Yea, I'm just thinking about the past." James nodded in response and parked in the building garage. After a short elevator ride they stopped in front of James' apartment door. James opened the door and signaled Ella to enter first. As Ella looked around she noticed that nothing had changed. "Please make yourself at home. I'll grab us some water", said James as he took off his coat and walked towards the kitchen. Ella took off her shoes near the entrance and sat on the couch. A few moments later James returned holding two cups of water and handed one to Ella.

"Well, where should I begin?" asked James as he joined Ella on the couch. "I wanted to tell you this for a long time but was sworn to secrecy. My real name is James Philip Charleston. I am not just a CEO but the king of a nation called Paveria". I went home because my father and older brother were in a terrible accident. Unfortunately, they didn't make it." Ella looked at James to see such sadness in his eyes. Ella immediately grabbed James and gave him a hug. She knew in her heart that James would never lie to her and wanted to ease his suffering any way she could.  "You don't have to talk about it anymore if it's too painful," said Ella as she let go of James. "Thank you Ella but I want to tell you." He continued to explain what had happened to him in the last 2 years. He talked about the funeral and how he was now the king of his nation.

At times he felt overwhelmed but wanted to secure his position before returning to her. "I'm just sorry that it took me so long", said James as he finished telling his story and looked back at Ella. "I understand James. You did what you had to for your family and country. There's no need to apologize." The two of them sat in silence until James built up the courage to tell her how he really felt. "There's something else I would like to tell you", James suddenly put his hand on Ella's cheek and looked at her with affection. "I've loved you for a while now and was wondering if you would be willing to be my girlfriend?" Ella and James began to blush and averted their gaze. James began to get more and more anxious as he waited for Ella's response. "I love you too", James became overjoyed and hugged Ella once more. "Does that mean you'll be my girlfriend?" "Yes, yes!" James grabbed Ella's chin and pulled her face closer to his. He stopped for a moment for any sign of objection; then continued until their lips pressed together.