Chapter 21

Who would've thought that Archie and I would have lasted this long? A year and eight months going strong.

Of course we did but I think our family members or the press were the most surprised.

I remember going to events with him and his snooty ass cousins would make comments about Archie going through phases with girls and how they hoped I enjoyed my first and last event.

Sike.

I was still here and I didn't plan on going anywhere anytime soon.

Archie and I were getting more accustomed to going back and forth to America and to London. I made an effort to visit my family every six weeks or so and Archie would come with me every now and then. He talked to my family regularly and quite honestly, he had a better relationship with my family than I did with his.

Don't get me wrong, his sisters really liked me. It was just his Dad and step-mom who were assessed at times.

I didn't feel too bad about it because the King was an ass to Archie too and apparently had always been to him.

And then there was the press.

I really tried my best to ignore it but it just got so hard at times and took a toll on my mental health but I loved that man so much that I just pushed everything back.

Moving to London was one of the best things that could have happened to me. I was growing as a person, I was making more friends, I loved my job, I fell in love, everything wasn't too shabby.

"I feel like magenta will be the color of next season." I suggested to David as we were in his office sipping on tea

David flipped around in the scrapbook, "That might look decent with a mustard yellow."

I nodded, "Exactly or an orange and this plaid."

"I would love that on a blazer and make it two-toned, good eye my friend." David complimented me, "I would love to dress you in something like that for a royal event."

"Well, I'm already known for mixing things up so why not?" I agreed to David's plan

He closed the scrapbook, "Listen, Alena, I hope you don't let the press get to you. This country was founded by white conservative men and unfortunately, their ideals still live today. All that should matter is that you love Archie and he loves you."

I gave David a small smile, "Thank you, it's nice to hear someone say that."

"Of course, I care about you and I know it can't be easy in your position." he went on

"Oh it's definitely not but I'm making it work." I took a deep breath, "He's worth it."

"I figured, it's almost been two years huh?" David asked me

I nodded my head again, "Yeah, time flies."

"Have you thought what it would be like?" he questioned me

I raised an eyebrow, "What would be like?"

He looked at me as if I were dumb, "The wedding! It would only be the biggest wedding of the century."

I shrugged, "I mean it's crossed my mind before but never in great detail. I know as the days go on and on the higher chance that I'll have a ring on my left finger."

"But I'd think if we were to get married I'd do the whole traditional wedding here but then have another one back home in California where everything would be laxer. Maybe a sexier dress, more bridesmaids, maybe on the beach? Who knows right now." I continued

"Would you ever consider letting me do your wedding dress?" David asked me

Here's the thing.

David worked for Burberry but he never really intended on working for Burberry for a long time. He was working on developing his own fashion brand and the mand was so talented. He designed two of my dresses for some of the royal events and they were all big hits in the press.

"Of course." I agreed to it

His face lit up, "I've been thinking lace, long sleeves, buttons going up and all the way down, a long train, or maybe something off the shoulder."

I held my hands up, "Slow down, he's gotta propose to me first."

I looked down at my phone and Archie was calling me.

"Hello?" I answered calmly

"Lains, have you seen the tabloids? Where are you? I'm coming to get you right now." Archie spoke frantically

I frowned, "Archie, what? What are you talking about? I'm at work right now."

I mouthed to David to look up what was going on and when I saw the picture my mouth dropped.

"I'm five minutes away." Archie spoke through the found

It felt like my heart was beating out of my chest, how in the hell did they get this?

"What the hell?" I got out, "How?"

"I don't know, we'll figure it out. Get someone to walk you down." Archie instructed me so David walked me down to the lobby and got me into Archie's car without anyone seeing me

I was just staring at the window trying to figure out how that picture could have gotten out.

"I didn't expect you to be so quiet." Archie commented as we drove to his house

"That's because I think I know who sold the picture to the press." I began, "Just think about it, Archie. It was taken in my flat. It was late and who is the only person that's there when it's late?"

He was silent for a moment.

"No way. Sydney?" he realized

I looked over at him, "She is a bloody journalist for crying out loud. Could you imagine the check she got for that picture? Plus she's never been for me dating you. I can't go back there."

Archie came to a stoplight, "Why don't you come to stay with me? Even if you don't want to live with me longterm, at least until you figure everything out."

"Your family probably hates my guts based on the fact that we have premarital sex. They'd probably die if they knew we lived together." I brought up

He shook his head, "Lainey, it's not 1450 anymore. My parents lived together before they got married. It's not that big of a deal anymore."

"I know it seems rash right now but let's just go get some of your things right now and I'll send someone to get the rest later." Archie proposed

I nodded, "Ok."

He turned around and we were at my flat within fifteen minutes. I

I hated how Sydney was just sitting on the couch as if nothing happened. She was literally just sitting there in her pajamas with her feet propped up on the coffee table drinking tea while watching television.

"How could you?" I looked at her, "Don't tell me I'm dumb, I know it was you Sydney. I thought blood was thicker than water?"

Sydney looked at me, "It's not thicker than a wad of money."

My jaw dropped, "You know what? Whatever. I hope you're happy with yourself. I don't know how you sleep at night."

Archie put his hands on my shoulders, "Come on let's just get your stuff."

"He's gonna hurt you, Alena." Sydney shouted as we walked down the hall

"Shut the fuck up! You did that before he ever could!" I yelled back

Archie and I just threw all of my clothes, hair products, shoes, pictures, books into luggage, tote bags, and even garage bags.

I still couldn't believe this was happening and I couldn't wait to rant about it to my Mom later.

I sighed, "I still can't believe she would do that!"

"Honestly, I can. Well, my cousins were always sly like that too but they've never sold me out. Well, then again my oldest cousin did the first time I smoked pot." Archie rambled, "The point is never to fully trust your cousins."

He ran his hand over mine and held it, "Everything is going to be alright. In a few days, we're going to be on a beautiful beach far away from here. You're going to tease me about how I'm pushing forty even though I'm just turning twenty-eight. It's going to work out."

I grinned, "You basically are pushing forty though. I'm only twenty-four, you cradle robber."

"See you still got your wit." Archie squeezed my hand, "I'm going to whip up a quick dinner while you get settled then we're just going to have a relaxing night."

I kissed his cheek, "Ok."

But while I was unpacking I couldn't help but scroll through the comments of the magazines.

'I bet Prince Archie is embarrassed by her.'

'That girl is clearly just out for money.'

'That N*gg*r looks like a monkey. Literally will ruin the bloodline.'

'She needs to go back to her own country.'

'She's clearly trying to overshadow the princess with this nonsense. She clearly set this up herself.'

'It is so obvious that she's a bossy, primadonna girl. I'm so happy the wheels are falling off of that relationship. Archie deserves a real woman.'

'King Winston obviously sees her as a troublemaker...hope he deals with her accordingly.'

And all of that hurt.

Really badly.