Chapter 121 - The Pain

Kaisley kept glancing at her left ring finger just to see the engagement ring. It's the most beautiful thing that she has ever seen. She won't ask for a big engagement ring. 

"Milady, we are here." The driver said and she peeked at the window to see the Prince's Castle live. She gaped and felt excited to meet them. 

The car drove around and then stopped at the main entrance. The main hall. Then, the castle guards escorted her inside. She's wearing one of the formal outfits that her assistant picked for her. Everything she wore and her every move should be elegant and graceful. She's an Etrama now and their granddaughter. 

"Kaisley," Prince Philip smiled as she curtsied to them gracefully. 

"Your highness, your majesty." She acknowledged them. 

"Duchess," The King bowed to her. Prince Philip extended his hand as she carefully placed her left hand and walked along with him to the hall. 

"What a beautiful ring?" Prince Philip smiled. 

"I have something to tell you." She smiled at them. 

"Is that what I am thinking?" King Edgar asked. 

"Yes," She giggled. 

"Then, it must be a big celebration!" Prince Philip exclaimed. 

"He said that he's moving to Marduque so we could be together." She told them happily. 

"That's a good thing."The King nodded as the staff followed them to the pavilion. 

They all took their seats and they waited for the staff to set up their food and drinks. Then, they finally left them alone as they stood a distance away from them. 

"How's Victoria?" Prince Philip asked as he sipped on the fruit tea that was made from the kitchen. 

"She still has massive headaches," Kaisley answered. "Her husband was taking care of it and the Marchioness visited her and attended to her while Lord Kenzo was taking care of a few matters." 

"It's better if she's in Westeria." The King said as he sliced the beef that was served to them. "We could protect her more, here." 

"We aren't sure about that." Prince Philip said. 

Then, the King thought about it. The disaster that happened in the castle and the mysterious death of his family. Also, the assassination of Duke and Duchess of Westeria. Kenzo nearly died too. 

"Yes, you are right." King Edgar nodded. "We have to plan well for possible things that might happen." 

"With Cal with us, he could plan a better security plan for the Duke and Duchess." Kaisley agreed with them. 

After their lunch, the King and the Prince tour her around the castle and including the room that will be named to her inside the castle. She was already happy that the Prince would also set up clothes for Caleb. 

"What do you need dear?" The King asked as he sat down on the window seat. "For Caleb's proposal." 

"Everything is well, your grace." She smiled. "Caleb's proposal is perfect. The income that his company will receive plus the tax is enough to have business with everyone, mostly the elites. However, we will set up an office not only for elites, but the ground floor will also be for citizens who need help." 

"That's what I liked about that Caleb~guy! He's not just handsome! But compassionate and genius." Prince Philip winked at Kaisley. 

"The reason why Caleb has this is because~~lots of citizens suffer from blackmail and taking information to them would be part of solving a few cases." 

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Seeing Victoria moaning in pain in her head was also a pain in Vivien's chest. She didn't know what to do but asked the doctors. They couldn't give her any strong painkillers. So, she finally stood and checked on her tea and prepared her warm chamomile tea. It'll help her with sleep and it might relieve her headache. She has to at least help her with the headaches since they can't give her a strong dosage. 

She ran out of chamomile tea and she has lists of it. She needed more tea to help her feel better. So, she called the Astera Tea House to prepare tea for Victoria. She also knows that Victoria loves fruit tea and she could make something and mix the fruit tea and chamomile. Maybe she mixed peppermint with it so she listed down the ingredients and it should be delivered to her outside the hospital. 

"Do you feel better, dear?" Vivien asked and took her left hand to massage it. 

"I feel better," Victoria mumbled. "I hate to stay here and ignore my duties and my hubby." 

"Your husband was worried about you." Vivien sighed and paused a bit. "Victoria, if it's alright. Can I be a mother to you?" 

Victoria was a little surprised by her question. 

"Yes," She smiled. "But won't your children get jealous?" 

"No, they won't. They like you." Vivien said softly. 

"I never had a motherly figure in my life… except my grandmother." She mumbled. 

"Your grandmother~~does she takes care of you?" 

"Yes, she does. My grandpa, too. They used to spoil me." 

"Hmm, you said the past tense." 

"Well, something happened and they were mad at me momentarily. I hate to think that I am an embarrassment to my family, but I was. Sometimes~~sometimes I think that dying was an easy escape." She pursed her lips. "But then, I have my best friend and now, I have Kenzo. I won't think of it again." 

Vivien feels like she's being hit by a sledgehammer. She didn't know that her daughter was suffering deep inside her head. It's one part that is much more fatal than a simple injury. 

"I'm here now. As your mom." Vivien said softly. 

"My grandma will~~" Victoria was about to mention it, however, Vivien's phone started ringing. 

"Just a moment dear. It might be your tea." She answered it and nodded. "I'll be there." 

Victoria smiled at her as Vivien stood. 

"I'll be right back, dear." 

She took her purse and left. After a few moments, the door opened as her grandmother entered with fruits and flowers. 

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At the time that Vivien entered the elevator, she saw a glimpse of Lady Regina. She shuddered a little bit but the door was already closed. She couldn't go back there as long as Regina was inside. It's not time to show up. She picked up the tea and called the Security about Regina's whereabouts. She must wait until Regina leaves Victoria's room. So, she went back to the jewelry and bought something for Victoria that she could hold on to. 

Since she has money from the business, she wanted to give things to her daughter that she couldn't give. This time, a locket may be perfect. So Victoria would know that there were people who wanted to have her around. She won't feel depressed. After a few moments of waiting for the package, she watched as Regina's car left the hospital. She went back to the hospital after receiving a message from the guard then, when she came back, Victoria smiled at her. 

"Darling, sorry. I have to take care of a few things back in the Tea House." 

"My grandmother was just here a few minutes ago. You could have met her." 

"Maybe next time?" Vivien smiled at her and caressed her hair. "By the way, I found something." She took out a box and gave it to her. 

"What's this?" She looked excited as she pulled the ribbon and opened the box. She gaped at the heart-shaped silver pendant with her name. 

"It's a locket. Open it." 

Victoria opened it and gasped at the photos that were printed. She pulled out the small heart frames as her friends were there. 

"You said that you thought of suicide. But the people in those photos were the ones who wanted you around. Who cares what other people think?" 

Victoria smiled at Kenzo and her from the Duke's party. They looked beautiful. 

"You have photos?" 

"Yeah, I got it from Harriet," Vivien answered. 

There's also Caleb and Kaisley who were recently taken from their beach outing. Then, there's also Stacey and Maverick. The one that they also took from the same beach. 

"I got Stacey and Maverick's photo just a while ago and others." She explained. "There are still a few refills." She showed the other heart frames. "You can go to the store and have other photos put there. For your future babies, for instance." She stared at Victoria for a while and smiled. "My dear, no matter what the pain you felt, I know that you can get through it. Just think about us, okay?" 

Victoria nodded, nearly tearing from the beautiful gift. 

"There's also Kenzo's grandpas." She pouted at her. 

"Of course," Vivien scooped her face. "They love you. So, you have to be strong my dear." 

"I will." She nodded at her and admired the necklace. It's simple but very much precious. "How can I repay you~~" 

"You don't have to." Vivien looked at the flowers, fruits, and cake that Regina might have brought. "Do you want me to make your fruit tea so we could slice that cake?" 

"Yes, please." 

Vivien doesn't know what Regina told Victoria but it seemed like her mood was good. She wanted to be there for her daughter and this time, no one shall get in between them. She will do everything to be close to her daughter no matter what. 

"Can we use these fruits?" Vivien asked. 

"Yes, please. Be my guest." 

The door opened as Vivien turned around. 

"Kenz!" Victoria exclaimed as Kenzo approached her and gave her kisses. "I missed you." 

"I miss you too." He kissed her forehead. "Well, how are you?" 

Vivien smiled while watching the young couple interact.. The pain can easily fade because there's someone who would love the other so much no matter the flaws.