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“Oh Eric,” Jane says, fluffing out her hair now. “Always overthinking things. But let that go, okay? Come on and take what’s yours, big boy,” she coos before jiggling her breasts at me. “I’m ready.”
But this has gone way too far. Clearly, whatever I say isn’t going to dissuade Jane. The woman is insane, and I don’t appreciate her actions. Moreover, I’m furious at my dad too because how can he think this is a woman who’d make me happy, much less sit beside me on the throne? Jane is worse than a prostitute! Clearly, noble birth has no relation to dignity and manners whatsoever.
I stalk from the dining area, letting the door slam behind me. God, I need to get away from that woman because she’s a shameless whore dressed up in fancy clothes and jewelry. Besides, it’s obvious that I need to find Kitty right now. It may be risky to meet out in the open during the day, but I don't care because I can't leave things the way that they are. That look in her eyes was far too painful, and I have to apologize for what happened this afternoon. Kitty’s a million times better than Jane, and I only hope she can forgive me.
CHAPTER18
Kitty
Maybe Aunt Nellie was right – maybe I'm out of my mind for thinking a maid belongs in a prince’s world. I wipe away my tears as I sob in the garden alone. I thought Eric loved me, but today, things went bad real fast. Who was that woman he was with at lunch? Even worse, she was rude and he barely acknowledged me. I could have been a piece of the furniture for all he cares.
Another sob rips from my throat and my heart hurts so badly that it feels like it's about to explode. This is the pain Aunt Nellie warned me about, but I didn't want to listen to her because at the time, I thought my relationship with Eric was different. Clearly, I was wrong.
A knot forms in my stomach as I glance down at my uniform. The redhead sitting across from Eric was wearing designer clothes and practically dripping with diamond jewelry. Her hair was styled in elaborate waves that were clearly the work of a professional hairdresser, and she had the manicured nails and unblemished hands of someone who’s never worked a single day in her life. I bet she has the type of family wealth that exceeds the Chromian family’s own impressive holdings because let’s be honest: that’s the kind of woman King Wilhelm wants Eric to marry – someone who’s been groomed for royal life since birth, and who’s fabulously rich to boot. Definitely not a maid who from a working class background.
I sniffle piteously again. Maybe I should just end things with Eric now. He says he wants to get married, but how is that even possible? He keeps saying he wants to introduce me to the world, but instead, he’s hiding me in the shadows like I’m some dirty little secret. Is he ashamed to be seen with me? Has this all been a farce, and I’ve been the fool who’s been taken?
Tears spring to my eyes again. I just want to be with the man I love. The passion we share is enough to move mountains. It's the kind of adoration that people wait their whole lives to find. What Eric and I share can’t possibly be fake, can it?
Yet seeing him with that other woman today broke my heart. She was clearly playing footsie with him under the table, and I had to just stand there and watch as another woman made a move onmyman. This isn't the life I signed up for. I know we agreed to be discreet, but I can't do nothing as other women throw themselves at him. I'm usually not the jealous type, but seeing Eric and that woman together made my blood boil and my heart ache.
I sink down onto a stone and bury my face in my hands. What do I do? I just can't seem to stop crying. I’d thought falling in love with a prince was a dream come true, but now, I’m starting to question our relationship. He says that he loves me, but if he really did, would he let me suffer like this? I weep into my hands, the tears leaking between my fingers.
“Kitty?” a low voice sounds from behind my shoulder. I slowly remove my hands from my face. Am I imagining this? Is my prince really here in the garden with me?
“Eric?” I utter, totally stupefied. He leans forward to pull me close. “Oh, Eric.” I rest my head on his chest as the tears continue to flow down my cheeks.
“It’s okay, I’m here now,” he murmurs as he holds me close. His touch heals my heart, but I’m still not satisfied with the way things are. I want to move forward in our relationship, but I feel like we're standing in the same place.
That makes me pull away from his embrace to stare into his eyes. They look full of worry, like he's afraid of what I'm about to say. Good, because heshouldbe worried.
“Eric, I love you, but I can't keep sneaking around like this,” I finally manage in a wobbly tone.
“What are you saying?” he asks. I sigh heavily. I have to spell it out, no matter what.
“I'm saying that you have to tell your father about us, or else,” I say.
“Or else what?” he asks in a slow voice. He knows what theor elseis, but also needs to hear me articulate the sentiment.
“Or else it’s over between us,” I finish in a simple tone. My heart pleads with me to reconsider, to take the words back, but I can’t. This is what it is.
“You don't mean that,” he responds immediately, his blue eyes beseeching. “Please, Kitty.”
But now the horse is out of the barn, and I know what I have to do.
“Yes, I do mean it, Eric,” I say firmly. I step away and turn my back to him; I can’t let him see the agony in my eyes. “I don't want to be your dirty little secret during the day, and then your lover at night. It’s humiliating and embarrassing.”
“Kitty, you know it's not like that,” he protests as he takes my hand in his. “You know I adore you with all of my heart.” He's right. I do know that, but unfortunately, the rest of the world doesn't. I pull my hand away, refusing to meet his eyes.
“I’ve made up my mind, Eric. I’m sorry, but this is how it has to be.”
“Kitty don't do this,” my boyfriend pleads, pulling me back into his embrace. But I shake my head.
“If you really love me, you'll tell your father,” I say in a carefully neutral tone. “It’s the first step.”
He shakes his dark head.
“Yes, I know, but I just need some more time, baby. Please, just give me more time,” he begs.
