quick note before you read
this is the final chapter. i kinda want to end it here so i'm not dragging it all out ridiculously long because i don't think that would be enjoyable for me or u as a reader? like i have ideas but i think this is one of them stories where it's best suited to a thirty chapter book and an satisfying ending. i am leaving it somewhat open for a sequel but i don't think that will happen if i'm honest because i have a LOT of work to do in terms of education and the coming year is quite tough academically (as much as i'd like to spend all my time writin fanfics i'd fail my a levels if i did lmao)
there WILL be an epilogue i just haven't exactly written it yet because i want it to be perfect. it'll come this week (week of mon 20th aug 2018) (and hey those of you that read my bill fic, this means more and longer updates because i'll have more time to focus on it woo)
honestly i just want to thank u all for reading because i read all ur comments and they make my day. like some of u are absoloutely hilarious and make me laugh and gosh i just love u all sm. as for those of u who have messaged me (u know who u are) i love u all and thanku for making my day with ur kind kind words. u have no idea how many all nighters i've done because i've just lost track of time writing chapters and it makes me so happy to know i've spent my time well bc reading ur comments is just SO lovely like i can't express it enough. so thanku
ending note -- i MIGHT edit some of the chapters to be more descriptive etc because i know there's certain ones i published in a bit of a rush so they're not as good as i want them to be. don't worry tho, i won't be unpublishing so u can read allll u like.
love u all
thank u for reading
and goodnight
Matilda
Our return had been somewhat quiet. Edward didn't want a media frenzy given that Josh and I were going to remain as private as possible. Josh could continue his career and I could just be me, a girl with a title but no means to it. Nothing attached to me. Ashbourne was a nice estate, though Josh wanted to split his time between there and the flat, and I was happy to live out my days surrounded by countryside. I'd had enough drama to last a lifetime.
"It's massive." Josh murmured as the car drove along, crushing the gravel underneath it's tyres. I shook my head,
"In comparison to the Palace, it's tiny." I chuckled, teasing his awe of the estate. "It's secluded, Josh. Given the circumstances, I think it will do quite nicely." I spoke. Josh winked at me and I knew exactly what he was inferring. The car pulled up and we exited, greeted by Smithers.
"Smithers." I grinned. He nodded to me and glanced at Josh, still not entirely sure of him.
"Your Highness."
"Smithers," I warned, teasing him somewhat. "We agreed I would be Matilda from now on." He looked utterly unnerved by my suggestion. I paused, taking in his reaction. "Or, perhaps, we'll keep Your Highness for now.."
"I would be grateful for that, Your Highness." Smithers hurriedly muttered before I could change my mind. He glanced at Rosa and gave me a sheepish smile before moving past me, making an attempt to sort the car out. I turned to the blonde, her face filled with a squeal that she knew would be inappropriate to release.
"Rosa," I greeted, taking her hands. "Have you missed me?"
"I have," She chuckled. Her eyes moved to Josh and I glanced back, taking his hand and pulling him forward.
"Josh, you mustn't be so.." I trailed off. "Nervous. They're friends."
"Paid friends." He scoffed. He smiled at Rosa and nodded. She nodded back, indicating their mutual agreement to be nice for the sake of me.
