The Orphan And The Crown

8

"How ridiculous is the paparazzi?" I said, scrolling through my phone.

Rafael chewed on his food and looked amused.

"I'm glad we clarified that I'm just your friend. They're trying to create a rumor that I'm your girlfriend. Can you believe it? "I looked at him and he shrugged.

"I mean I wouldn't mind." He chuckled.

I threw a French fry at him.

"Haha. Very funny, your highness."

He took a sip of his water before speaking. "So, you said you have a favour to ask me."

I swallowed my food and took a sip of my water.

"Yes, I do. I'm not sure if you've heard of the Hill family. Their daughter, Ella is celebrating her eighteenth birthday and she asked me if you'd make a guest appearance."

He chuckled. "That's - cute."

I narrowed my eyes at him. "Rafael, be serious."

He raised his hands in surrender. "I'll have to check my schedule. But I highly doubt I'll make it."

"Okay, you'll let me know." I replied.

He nodded.

"We have a gala dinner coming up to support charity. Will you be my date?" He asked. His eyes pleaded with me.

I shook my head. "I don't want to be anywhere near Alessandro. You know that." This past week I've been trying to avoid seeing Alessandro. The more time I spent with him the harder it was to suppress my feelings for him. He contradicted me by showing his kind, fun side which I couldn't help but fall for. 

"You'll be with me." He smiled at me reassuringly.

I sighed. "If I go with you, people will definitely think there's something going on between us."

He seemed amused. "Who cares what people think? It will be our fun outing. Plus I'd rather take you than some girl who'll be nervous by my side."

I laughed. "Okay, I'll go."

He smirked. "It's going to be a fun night."

I nodded. "We'll see about that."

"Well, I have to get back to the office. Thanks for the lunch. It was pleasant."

"Bloody hell. I feel like you're always too busy for me. I'm constantly trying to chase you to spend time with you." He chuckled.

I shrugged. "I'm trying to build my own business. Anyway, catch you later."

Once, I got back to the office I found mum and Kate sitting and typing away on their laptops.

My gaze shifted between them. They both shared worried looks which meant two things. A client was unhappy with their event or there was something they were hiding.

"You look gutted. What's wrong?" I asked with a pointed look.

Concern filled Kate's expression. "We've received an email from the royal palace requesting you to be the event planner for Alessandro's wedding."

I stood still, feeling my stomach contract into a tight ball. Could Alessandro have done this? I cleared my head of the thought. He didn't want to get married so why would he suggest that I plan their wedding.

"I say you don't do it. That's too much to deal with." Kate suggested clicking her pen.

"I agree with Kate. It'll torment you to plan their wedding. A wedding that's supposed to be yours." Mum added.