The Orphan And The Crown

42

ONE MONTH LATER

It's been a month since the stunt Beatrice pulled. She was detained by the police and sent to jail. Her court hearing was two days ago and the judge sentenced her to ten years in prison for attempted murder. The news devastated many since she was the Princess of Greece. 

Life went on and a lot had happened. I moved with Alessandro to Sandringham House where we've been preparing for the wedding. It takes place in two weeks at Wintermoor Castle. Everything was already in place and invitations had been sent to royals worldwide, A-list celebrities, presidents, and politicians. I'm quite nervous that it will be broadcasted on television and millions will be watching. But at the same time, I couldn't wait to be married to Alessandro. After all the hurdles we'd overcome, I was prepared to be his wife and live happily together.

My first trimester is coming to an end. I don't vomit as much or feel as nauseous as I used but nowadays I have a bigger appetite. I asked the tailor to make my wedding dress a bit loose around my waist to accommodate my small bump.

My lady in waiting, Lucy was helping me prepare for my trip to Manchester. I decided to meet with my grandfather, Angelo Santoro to get clarity and find inner peace. I didn't want to hold any grudges against anyone especially since I was entering this new chapter of my life. He landed in Manchester and agreed to see me at dad's mansion.

"All set Gia." Lucy flashed me a friendly smile. Her short blonde hair was tied in a ponytail and she wore a formal cream white suit with a black formal top. 

"Thank you, Lucy." I returned her smile. 

The door swung open and Alessandro walked in, taking off his black suit jacket. Lucy curtsied before leaving us alone. I bounced on my tiptoes and gave him a soft kiss. He gave me a mischievous smile before pecking my lips again.

"I missed you, princess." His deep voice made my chest swell with emotion.

I rolled my eyes playfully. "We were only separated for an hour." I tried walking away when he pulled me back into his arms. His hands snaked around my waist. His eyes softened with tenderness.

"And now you're going to Manchester for three days." He frowned. "Are you sure you don't want me to come with?"

I pursed my lips. "It's just three days. I'll be back before you know it."

"Okay but you must take your bodyguard. I need to have someone watching you." His face became serious. Ever since the incident with Beatrice, he watched me like a hawk and if he couldn't he made sure I always had my bodyguards with me.

I heaved a sigh. "Fine."

I pulled away from him and grabbed the dress I planned to wear from my bed. Alessandro poured himself a glass of whiskey. "Andrew's out of hospital." He turned to face me.

My eyes widened in excitement. "Really?"

He nodded before taking a sip. "He'll be back just before our wedding."

"I'm glad he's doing well. He really had us worried for a second." I commented with a chuckle. 

I went to my closet and picked a different dress to wear. I changed out of my gym wear and wore the yellow sundress that came just below my knees. It was a dress I had designed at Verde for the new collection. I tried to zip the back but my hands couldn't reach. 

"Alessandro." I called out. He came rushing in a split second.

"Is everything okay?" A worried look crossed his face.

I couldn't help but smile at how handsome he looked when he was concerned. The way his brows scrunched together and his blue eyes filled with concern made my stomach flutter with butterflies.