Royal Heartstrings

Chapter 11- A deal

Valerie's POV:

It hadn't snowed this morning, and I was grateful for the respite. I sneezed and drank the medicine my mom had prepared for me. She had made it for me that morning, as I had come down with a cold after the "activities" of yesterday. She had kissed me goodbye, hurrying off to the clinic. Today was my day off from work, so I didn't have to bother telling Alia Mambo that I was sick and couldn't go to work. That was even more convenient since the prince was leaving today, and I didn't have to see him. But somehow, I felt...restless. I pushed the feeling down and focused on my breakfast.

I had decided to wear a huge sweater, baggy sweatpants, and comfy slippers, hoping to feel better. My dad was in our garage repairing the car of Mr. Trevor, the wealthy businessman. I decided to go assist him, as I had nothing to do. As I walked into the garage, I tried to ignore the motorcycle Prince Nova had given us, which reminded me of him.

The garage was cluttered with tools and car parts, and the smell of gasoline filled the air. I had forgotten to give Prince Nova the phone he had bought me, and I didn't know how I was going to return it. I was just going to keep it.

My dad looked up when I walked in and smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "How are you feeling, kiddo?" he asked, his voice warm.

I forced a smile and said I was a little better. Truthfully, I was getting better; the medicinal herb my mom had given me was very effective.

"Is there anything I can help you with?" I asked, trying to be helpful.

My dad thought for a moment. "Come sit first, I'll tell you what you can do."

I nodded and sat next to where he was kneeling, repairing the car. He asked me to give him a wrench, which I handed over without hesitation. He muttered thanks and continued working. My mind drifted back to Prince Nova, and I wondered if they had gone to Calon City by now.

My father asked me to give him a screwdriver, and I reached down absent-mindedly and gave it to him. But instead of a screwdriver, I had given him a spark plug. I hadn't even realized it. What was happening to me?

He looked at me, concerned. "Val, is there something on your mind? You don't look happy at all. Is something wrong?"

I tried to brush it off, but my voice cracked halfway through. "I'm fine, dad."

He looked uncertain but it looked like he was going to drop it but I decided to speak up.

"Dad, have you ever regretted not doing anything?" I asked, looking at him intently.

My father's expression turned thoughtful, and he set down the tool in his hand. "You know, kiddo, I've lived a pretty simple life. But there was one thing...one person...I wish I had been brave enough to pursue. Your mom was already with me, and I didn't want to risk losing her. But sometimes, I wonder what would have happened if I had taken that chance."

This was the first time he was telling me this.

He paused, lost in thought, before continuing. "But I don't regret my life with your mom. We've had our ups and downs, but we've built something beautiful together. And I wouldn't trade that for anything." He looked up at me knowingly. "Is this about Prince Nova, kiddo?"

I looked up, surprised. How did he know?

"He's leaving today, Valerie. Don't you want to say goodbye?" he asked gently. I paused, unsure of what I wanted. Then my father spoke up, "I'm sure you'll make the right choice, kiddo."

I immediately stood up without thinking and said, "Thanks, dad." I rushed out of the garage, hearing my dad chuckle as I left.

I went straight to my room, threw on a coat, and wore a boot. I hurriedly picked up the scarf I had knitted for Prince Nova from the hook on the wall. With that, I rushed out of my room and out the door, running all the way to the Weldon's mansion, clutching the scarf.