Chapter 98 - Cry Baby

Stacey had never enjoyed a luxury life before. This time she enjoyed it with Harriet and Victoria with an addition of a mother who assisted them in every way. She noticed that Vivien was always caring toward Victoria like a mother. Or maybe, she was just that caring. 

"Kaisley, did you already pick up your gown?" Vivien asked. 

"I couldn't find something that would cover up my bruises," Kaisley said. 

"Don't worry. I will find something for you." Vivien said as she rummaged through the magazines and asked the crew about it. They showed different types of gowns and since Kaisley had a slender body it's easy to fit anything to her. 

"Wow, you looked like a doll!" Stacey said in dreamy eyes. 

"Ladies, there's a guest that was looking for Miss Stacey Tanner." The manager said and they all looked at two men in suits and a lady that looked familiar. She wondered where Stacey saw them. Then, there's a badge, seal of Edward. 

"Yes?" Stacey stood as the bodyguards confirmed their identity. 

"Miss Stacey, do you have time?" The woman asked. "I'm Jenny Morgan, Lord Edward's secretary." 

She looked at Victoria as she nodded. She approached the woman at the age of fifties and extended her hand. 

"Hello," She greeted. 

"Miss Tanner, can we have a private moment? I promise that it won't take long." Mrs. Morgan said. 

"O~okay." She looked at Victoria. "Can I bring Victoria along?" 

"Yes, Milady." 

"I don't have time to change," Victoria said and followed the group of people from Edward Corporation and Stacey. 

Victoria held the fabric of the gown to lift it a little and the private area was settled with a private room and sofas. They sat on the luxury sofa as the woman sat down in front of them and the men took out papers from their briefcase and extended it to Stacey. 

"What's this?" She was puzzled. 

"It's a property that Lord Edward purchased for you and the other one will be for Mr. Caleb Tanner." 

She didn't look at it as she gave it back. 

"I don't want it. I don't need it." She said coldly. "If he wanted to give me something. He should at least give it personally and see me." 

The woman bowed her head politely. 

"I understand, Miss Tanner. But he won't see you." She took out an envelope that had the Edward seal and gave it to her. "This is his letter for you." 

Stacey stared at the seal as she opened it. 

"That little asshole is a coward." She mumbled. She read his letter and the first words cut her deep. 

To my dearest Stacey, 

It's hard for me to let you go too. But it's the only way. The more I am away from you, the more you are safe. It's better that we don't see each other again. If we do, it's better to ignore each other. I can't let anyone know that you were important to me. Knowing that you are safe makes me relieved. So, please stay safe. 

Also, stop eating instant noodles. It's bad for your health or else, your sexy abdominal might say goodbye. Stop drinking alcohol, it's bad for your liver and you'll feel lethargic. Buying take-outs is bad for your health too, mostly fast food. I suggest you buy vegetables, and fruits and eat more of them. 

I have lots of things to tell you but maybe, I'll save them in my dream. I miss you. I miss you so much that it's killing me…

She stopped reading it and tried to hold back her tears but it just rolled down. Stacey quickly wiped it as Mrs. Morgan extended a handkerchief.

"Trust me, Miss Stacey. He's doing this to protect you." She mumbled. "Please accept the villa. It has a high-technology security system." 

Stacey sniffled and exhaled. She promised to meet him again. She doesn't want to read his letter in front of everyone or else she'll burst into an ugly cry. She took the documents and signed them. They also gave him a key, card access, and everything that was needed and it was all in a briefcase. They registered her fingerprint on it and they left as nothing happened. 

When they went back to the dressing room, Vivien approached her and reached her cheek. 

"What's wrong?" She asked as Stacey's tears rolled down her cheeks. Vivien wiped it. "I'll make a delicious tea and dessert for your dear. Don't cry now." 

Stacey hugged Vivien like a baby and everyone sighed at the sight. A big heartbreak ruined their party. 

"Who is the asshole?" Harriet asked. "Is it Mave?" 

Victoria nodded. 

"I'm gonna peel him alive." Harriet hissed. 

"Well, Stacey. Forget Maverick. Let's catch the hot guys and dump them." Kaisley said as Stacey giggled and wiped her tears. 

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They were already tired when they reached the hotel and Stacey received good treatment and even the hotel set up a room for her at Kaisley's suite. They even provide clothes and anything that Stacey needed since she wished to stay with the girls and received their comfort. 

"Your house is beautiful," Stacey said. 

"Yes, it's a penthouse-type. Victoria's presidential house is just above."

"Lucky, bitch." Stacey chuckled. 

"So, why did Maverick leave you?" Kaisley asked. 

"He said that he has to protect me." 

Kaisley nodded. 

"Assassins are indeed after him," Kaisley said. "Her mother was a great-niece of the King." 

"W-What?" She exclaimed. 

"Yeah, Edward. He took his mother's name and disregarded Belmont. Maverick was risking his heart just to make you safe, Stacey. And so, I suggest that you leave the house for a moment. Stay here in Lwazi until Caleb upgrades the security system. You can stay here in my suite or at Victoria's." 

"I prefer here in your suite. Victoria had a husband and I don't want to see them in a lovey-dovey moment. I swear, I'll throw my slippers at them." 

Kaisley laughed. 

"Clean up. We are meeting the royals." 

Stacey nodded and went to her room where her dresses were set up and expensive shoes. Surely, Kenzo would set it up for her since she's Victoria's best friend. She stared at herself in the mirror of the dresser and put on an eye concealer since she's been crying on their way here. She brushed her hair and tied it in a neat bun. Then, when she came out, Kaisley was already speaking to someone in a different language. She looked cool as she spoke over the phone. Then she hung up and smiled at her. 

"Let's go meet them?" 

"Sure!" 

The time that they reached the Duke's presidential floor, the laugher of two old men joking at each other can be heard. Victoria was also laughing in a very unladylike way. But their jokes get to her. She sat down as Marchioness Vivien served her tea and a special dessert. Great! She needs some sweets to comfort her heart. 

It's five in the afternoon and they are having a great time in the veranda that looks like a greenhouse. The King told his servant to give them the magazines of traditional wedding gowns of Royal Great Greivania. 

"Stacey, Kaisley. You should choose your wedding gowns. Don't worry. We'll pay for the expenses of the gowns." 

Stacey laughed. 

"The groom that I was dreaming of just dumped me," Stacey told them. 

"Oh, don't worry dear. I have handsome men that would line up to you." The King said. 

"I suggest Hardin!" Harriet said. 

"Hardin had royal blood. Then, I suggest it too." The Duke said. 

"Grandpas, you are already selling off my best friend who just had her heartbroken," Victoria complained as the old men laughed. 

"As long as they are handsome, sexy, and kind," Stacey said to joke back. 

"Here are Hardin's photos." Harriet pulled out her phone and Stacey gaped at the topless photos of Harriet's brother who was washing the stallion. 

"Holy~~" Stacey stammered. 

Vivien and Victoria giggled. 

"Your grace, your majesty. I am off here." Kaisley said as she stood and curtsied. "I don't think that I am ready for marriage." 

"Just grabbed that handsome man." The King said. "What's his name, again?" 

"Caleb Tanner!" The Duke snapped. 

Kaisley tried hard not to flushed but she's not ready for any relationship. Caleb Tanner was a great lover and although her attraction toward him was still there, she must ignore it. 

"I will tell the judge to sign the divorce right away." The Duke said. "Don't worry dear, I will make sure that they will go broke." 

Kaisley smiled. 

"You don't have to, your grace. Your help is enough." 

"No." The Duke shook his head. "You are like my daughter and how dare they hurt you."

"Thank you. But I have to visit Lord Kenzo and check on the files." 

"Go ahead." 

Stacey never thought that she could meet the King and the Duke personally. Even the Marchioness. She was too surprised to know that Harriet was from a noble family and her best friend married the Crown Prince that will soon be the Duke of Great Greivania. How cool is that? 

"So, my dear. You have to choose your wedding gown. Lady Vivien, Lady Harriet, and Lady Stacey will accompany you. It'll be a grand wedding too. Also, I'll set up a handmaiden for you to set up your schedules." The Duke said. "I know it's new to you, but the Duchess had her schedule. However, you can always set up your schedule." 

"Yes, your grace." 

"After Kaisley's case, I will announce to everyone to give up my crown as a Duke. But you and Kenzo's identity shall remain secret and you can't go out without any bodyguard. The same with Stacey." 

"Uh, why me?" Stacey asked casually. 

"Dear, I heard from Kenzo that my great-grandson requested security for you. But don't worry, they will watch you from afar." 

Stacey knew who it was. Maverick.. Her heart wouldn't take it again if Maverick made another gesture like this.