The Prince That Got Away ( A Royal Romance Novel )

I Have Loved You For Years

Emilia's POV:-

I had woken up with a start and headed straight to the lounge area thinking of asking Louis about his mother's condition when I saw him on the phone with none other than my sister. I am sure she has good intentions but she has always loved to interfere in my personal matters. I find myself feeling nervous about what she's saying to him.

First I see a look of pain and remorse cross Louis's face but then his expression changes to one filled with pure determination. I wonder if I am dreaming as I hear him tell my sister that he will never give up on me no matter what. He didn't say he loved me but his words sounded very close to a love confession.

He notices me watching him and smiles at me. After he hangs up Louis opens his mouth as if to say something to me but just then my gaze falls on the TV screen.

" Why are these people claiming your mother tried to commit suicide?" I exclaim shocked.

"It's because of Rick. He's the one who spread this rumor. He told the reporters that my mother tried to kill herself because I had broken all ties with her and was forcefully sending her abroad." Louis runs a hand through his hair a habit of his when he's feeling frustrated.

The flight attendant comes in to tell us that the plane is about to land. After an hour or so we finally reach the hospital. I spent most of the journey in trepidation about what was to come. I knew that at least some people would view me as the toxic daughter-in-law who destroyed the relationship between a mother and her son.

" If you want to go home it's okay. You don't need to be here unless you genuinely want to." Louis squeezes my hand as the chauffeur parks the car at the entrance of the hospital.

" I want to be here Louis. If I don't show up today despite my mother-in-law's 'critical' condition the world would get another excuse to talk shit about me." I say determinedly.

There aren't many people outside Lady Ariella's room. Just two men in black suits who I assume are her bodyguards. The only real visitor she has is Lady Zara the Duchess of Thumbria. Her face is ashen and completely devoid of make-up and she looks very different from the regal woman I had first met.

She glares at me for a second before she quickly composes herself giving me and Louis the fakest smile ever as she curtsies. Louis merely nods in her direction before he goes inside. I don't follow him in. Coming to the hospital to keep up appearances is about as far as I can go.

I do stand near the door, however, eavesdropping shamelessly and ignoring the looks Lady Zara sent my way. I could hear Lady Ariella sob and I was surprised that her tears didn't move me at all. I open the door slightly so I can listen in on their conversation.

" What are you doing?" Lady Zara hissed.

" You have a problem 'Lady Zara' ?" I say sternly. She looks taken aback and goes to sulk in the corner.

"Did you really try to kill yourself" I hear Louis ask Lady Ariella.

" I had nothing to live for anymore." She sighs dramatically.

"I know why you hired that man to shoot at Emilia. You feared your secret would be exposed right? Didn't want me figuring out out that Leyla was your agent right? You wanted Emilia gone before I could find out that actually she was the girl I fell for." Louis says and I notice that there's both sadness and bitterness in his voice.

For a second Ariella doesn't say anything, probably too stunned to speak.

" I only wanted to protect you." She says lamely.

" Please save me the excuses, Mother. I won't even try to argue with you. I will always take care of your financial needs and protect you as you are my mother but other than that I don't want to have anything to do with you anymore. You have brought me enough pain already. I won't have you break my trust again." Louis starts to get up and stops.