The Queen's Secret Affair

Chapter 16

Jack has just arrived back from the states to handle more business about the hotel built in Vegas. He had already talked to Jackie and told her he would call her later once he took a nap. He had a late-night before flying out and the jet lag made him feel even tired.

As he walks to the fridge to grab a bottle of water there is a knock at the door. Thankfully he hadn't changed out of his suit, so he went to answer the door. Even though he wasn't expecting anyone.

When he opens the door he is surprised to see Jackie's mother standing there. From the look on her face, she doesn't seem too happy.

"Uh Your Highness, how can I help you?" he asks before bowing.

"I'm here to talk to you about my daughter!" Janét says getting straight to the point.

"Please come in," Jack says moving to allow Janét into his Condo.

Janét looks around and she must admit she is impressed by his tastes.

"May I offer you anything, Ma'am?" Jack asks while motioning for Janét to take a seat.

"No thank you, Mr. Kennedy, I don't plan to be here long," Janét replies.

"Alright," Jack says sitting across from her.

"Mr. Kennedy, a week ago my daughter Jacqueline informed me that the two of you have been seeing each other for the past nine months, well going on ten. She also told me, you two are in love and are talking about marriage."

"Yes, ma'am I love your daughter very much. I hope sometime soon to ask for her hand in marriage," Jack replies his voice a little shaky. Jackie has told him in the past her mother can be overbearing and come off as somewhat intimidating.

"Well Mr. Kennedy, I'm sure you are a nice man and from what Jacqueline has told me, she's very smitten. You must understand my daughter is the Queen of Le Martinique and is expected to man of Nobility or even a man of Le Martinique heritage. You marrying her would not be accepted by her people."

Jack looks at her mother and something tells him he doesn't like where this conversation is heading.

"Her Majesty has expressed to me she rather marry me than a nobleman. She wants to marry for love," Jack says.

"I know my daughter wants to marry for love and that is fine. But she has to find love with someone from the same country as her. The last thing Jacqueline needs is for her countrymen to turn on her. Do you want that to happen Mr. Kennedy?"

"No of course not! I love Jackie... I mean her Majesty. I wouldn't want anything bad to happen to her."

"Then I suggest you end your relationship with my daughter. I would even suggest you leave the country because if the public found out you and Jackie were seeing each other it can turn out badly for you," Janét says her expression serious.

"I love your daughter, so what if the public finds out. Her happiness is more important!" Jack says standing up and looking at Janét.

"Mr. Kennedy if you don't leave this country and my daughter alone I will ruin you. I will not let you be the reason this country falls apart! I will paint you as a manipulating interloper trying to turn my daughter against her own country. So is my daughter losing everything worth it Mr. Kennedy?" Janét asks standing to look him in the eye.

Jack stands there and runs a frustrated hand through his hair. He loves Jackie and he knows she'll be crushed if he leaves. He loves her more than anything, he would do anything to be with her. The last thing he wants is for him to be the reason Jackie's subjects turn against her, for her to lose everything.

"Well, Mr. Kennedy?" Janét says bringing him out of his thoughts.

Jack walks towards the fireplace. He grips the mantle knowing he has to make the hardest decision in his life. Jackie has too much to lose if he were to stay around.

"Fine..." he says his voice low.

"I'm sorry what was that?" Janét says taking a step closer.

"I said fine! I will end things with Jackie and leave. I don't want her to lose everything she has because of me," he says feeling defeated.

"Good!" Janét says putting her gloves back on, "besides I would also hate to see an end to your little school being built and you ruined financially. I know a lot of people in high places Mr. Kennedy, so you may want to think twice if you try to reach out to Jacqueline again."

Jack doesn't say anything but shakes his head while still gripping the mantle. He is so angry he wants to pick up something and throw it. He hates the fact her mother can't see the beauty in their relationship. He also wonders if she is telling the truth. Would the people of Le Martinique turn against their Queen because she is dating, eventually wed a foreigner? He would never know the truth because Janét Bouvier would make sure they never make it down the aisle together.

"Is it safe to say you'll be gone within the next forty-eight hours?"

"Yes ma'am," Jack says.

"Good, it was nice talking to you Mr. Kennedy," Janét says before walking out the door. Just as he hears the door slam close, he picks up the crystal vase and hurls it at the wall. Causing the valuable piece to shatter into a thousand pieces.

He is so hurt he can't even put it into words. He has to give up the one person he loves so much. Just the simple thought of Jackie's face when she finds out he's gone brings tears to his eyes. Never been one to cry, as he has lived by the credo instilled by his father that Kennedys don't cry.

Jack calms himself a little before going over to the bar to pour himself a double shot of scotch. He downs it letting the burning sensation fill his chest, as he needs something to numb the pain. Slamming the glass down he picks up the decanter and begins to drink the scotch straight from it. Tonight he needed something to help him cope. Never been much of a drinker, but tonight he was going to drink until it didn't hurt anymore.