The Orphan And The Crown

36

ALESSANDRO'S POV

I finally returned to London after a whole week-long stay in Spain. Rafael, Mum and I visited our family in Spain. The King of Spain, Mum's father, wanted me to bring Gia so he could meet her but she had her father's event. I knew how much it meant to her so I excused her and planned to take her soon. I missed her so badly that it hurt.

I was still mourning my father's passing. It felt strange knowing that he was no longer here. What I dreaded more was all the responsibility that awaited me back home. I am set to be the new King. It's something I've been prepared for ever since I was a baby but I was worried that Gia has been rushed into this life. 

I know she had to spend time with her family after missing out on all these years but I wanted her back in my arms. I needed to hug, kiss her passionately and make love to her the entire night. She was still in Manchester and was set to return tomorrow evening. We were scheduled to announce our engagement on Tuesday morning.

 It makes me happy whenever I think about her being my wife but I know she's nervous about the announcement. She might act tough in front of me but I know she fears the future. I've made it my mission to make her feel safe and assure her that everything will be fine. It's overwhelming to adjust to my world where our lives were so public but I'll keep her protected.

"Your highness." My assistant Desiree curtsied. 

I gave her a curt nod, buttoning my suit jacket. "Is she here?"

"Yes, your highness. She's waiting in the living room."

"Very well. I won't be long. Please make sure the surprise I have for Gia is ready." I ordered and she nodded.

I took in a noseful of air before walking into the living room. The guard opened the door for me and I entered meeting Beatrice's eyes. She seemed a bit frail and tired like a battery drained of power.

She slowly got up. "Alessandro-"

"Have a seat." I said with a serious tone. I buttoned my jacket and sat opposite her. 

"I'm so sorry for your loss." She expressed with a sorrowful look. "Thank you." I answered.

"Thank you for meeting with me. I didn't think you would want to see me." She smiled at me.

I nodded. "I wanted to see you to ask you to leave us in peace, Beatrice." I clasped my hands together.

Her smile faltered and she frowned.

"I acknowledge that I may not have left things between us on the best terms and I apologize." 

Her eyes widened in shock. "Really?"

"Yes, I admit that it was not right of me to lead you on." I sighed. "But please don't take out your bitterness on Gianna. She is just innocent in all this. I ask that we leave things on good terms and live our lives happily."

She was quiet as her frown deepened. I could see tears welling in the corners of her eyes.  "I love you Alessandro." Her voice cracked.

"Beatrice please don't-"

"Wait, let me finish." She sniffled. I stayed quiet staring at her to let her continue. 

"I've always loved you. I just wish you could love me back. I would give you so much more than her and you would be happy by my side." She wiped her tears. "I had great plans for us and I would've wanted us to be happy together."

"But I see that I can't do anything to make you choose me over her." A sigh escaped her lips. 

"I'll leave you two alone." She met my gaze again and smiled weakly. "She's lucky to have you. Many women would die to be her."