(Alexander and Natalia)

#######

Morning came.

The Yushkova mansion is eerily quiet. The patriarch was not in the mood anymore to go to the dinner party this coming weekend.

"D-dear, eat something." Victoria persuaded him. Her husband wasn't eating properly since yesterday. She knows that Euro is mad but she still want to take care of him.

"Not hungry." Euro shortly replied and marched towards the study room.

"It's not good for---"

"Not good, huh? What's not good is that you have kept a secret all this time. You cheating woman!" The old man sharply uttered.

Victoria flinched at what she'd heard but swallowed it anyway. Her eyes became glossy.

"That was a long time ago. I...I have regretted it."

"Regret? Are you only saying that because the truth comes out?" Euro rebutted. He is having a hard time trusting the words of Victoria right now. He didn't even bother to find evidence against the words of Neero since the old maid has been guilty after the scene yesterday.

Victoria became silent. Her tears are rolling down her cheeks and she felt helpless. She couldn't say anything as the hard truth kicked them on their faces.

"I...I won't give up my shares." She blurted out instead hoping that it will appease her husband.

"Are you even thinking? You will hold on to those useless shares as that other son of yours will possibly tell the whole world about your infidelity!" Euro violently stated not even caring that the words pained his wife's heart. He then turned around and left Victoria. He wouldn't let another news stained their reputation all the more.

Victoria wept and weakly sat down on the floor. Even if Euro won't disown her or throw her out of the mansion, she knows that their relationship would never be the same again. And their marriage will just be a facade from now on.

Devon together with his parents just arrived at their company later that morning.

Neero was already inside waiting to finalize the buyout. He drank from his cup as the family entered the conference room.

"What would it be?" Neero uttered directly without greeting them.

The trio have gloomy expressions. Victoria marched to his direction and sat at the nearest chair opposite the man.

Neero handed the documents to his birth mother. The old woman reached for it and signed the papers quietly.

A public official then verified the documents and the lawyers from both parties finalized the buyout process.

At last, Neero became the major stockholder of Yushkova Tradings Inc. and will be the controlling figure inside the company.

Victoria closed her eyes and hoped that all of this was just a dream.

#######

"You seemed happy." Alexander uttered. He just woke up and saw his wife cooking at the kitchen while humming a lovely melody.

"Yes. I am. I'm going to talk to Neero later at the office." Natalia beamed and walked towards her husband and put her arms on his shoulders. Alexander's eyebrows raised at the statement.

"Tsk. You're happy that you'll chat with that man? What will he even do at your office?" Alexander couldn't hide the sourness in his voice.

Natalia pecked him on the lips. "Indeed. He has some good news for me. It's about Yushkova Tradings Inc. Why wouldn't I be happy?"

The wife went back to the kitchen and continued her preparation. "Besides, we're going to discuss about the Middle East expansion of The Belle Shop. I am beyond joyful." The woman openly told her husband.

"Oh." Alexander coldly expressed then crossed his arms. His lips twitched at her words.

After preparing and changing to his office suit, he ate breakfast with his wife.

"Tell me, if I will invest at the jewelry shop and your clothing line, will you be happy as well?" Alexander started the conversation.

Natalia rolled her eyes inside her mind. Her husband hasn't let go of the matter. She stood up from her seat and sat on his lap.

"Babe, I am joyful and honored that you are by my side. You didn't have to do those things." Natalia told him with sincerity. She cupped his cheeks and kissed his nose.

--------------

The couple just entered and settled at the meeting room.

"Mr. Jabal." Alexander greeted the man. He chose to dropped by at Natalia's office.

"Mr. Gates." Neero shook his hand in return and smiled brightly at Natalia.

"So, what do you have to discuss with us?" Alexander inquired as he blocked his wife from the man's sight then casually sat down after the gesture.

Trish and Natalia almost spit out their drinks.

Neero smirked at the man but nevertheless got down to business.

Surprisingly, the meeting went well and The Belle Shop obtained a huge funding because the two proud men competed with how much they can invest at the jewelry company.

Natalia didn't know what to react with the outcome. She sighed and ignored the two men after.

#######

Last month of the year.

Several people have arrived at the vicinity of the great mansion. All of them showed veneration for the prestigious family. They're eyes were protruding at the scenery before them.

The security fence was so high and wide which can make someone think that once you go inside, you cannot get out easily. It was integrated with highly sensitive security alarms and security personnel were watching on the towers.

Once you passed the first entrance, one can see a driveway leading to the mansion that is surrounded by a beautiful landscape and terrain. The forest background also added to the majestic atmosphere of the ancestral mansion.

People were simple fascinated at the sight!

The venue was situated behind the mansion where a big open area was designed for such big occasions.

The large white canopies generated the perfect ambiance for an elegant outdoor event and were adorned with strands of twinkle lights. The added feature surely evoked a magical and soft ambiance.

On the other hand, the ladies were filled with wonder as to how they can captured the interest of the current President of the Zion Group of Companies and be the mother of it all.

As the event commenced, people were called by their surnames and were introduced with their families. All of them was recognized with respect and admiration.

However, there were two families which knew that nothing would be different even if they were introduced with much regards. These are the Yushkovas and the Zippis.

Each clan has its own reason as to not to celebrate the year.

Euro Yushkova, even though he didn't want to attend the party, was obliged to participate to show the outside world that their family is strong and is united as ever.

Devon thought the same thing, too. That's why they participated despite of the disarray within the family. The Yushkovas atmosphere was far from being warm as what the onlookers can observed.

"Hah. Will you look at that." Luna Lee whispered to their table. The Lees and the Zimmers were on the same table. Jake smirked and seems to enjoy the view. That particular table was gushing with a lot of tension.

"How about that one?" Trish discreetly pointed at another table---the Zippis.

Ariel and her parents were quiet during the party. They didn't interact with one another and were just listening to the hosts. They seemed like lost in their own little world of silence. The family smiled and nodded but nothing more. It's not a usual sight for the energetic family but only a few bunch of people noticed this.

As the event proceeds, sumptuous meals were served on each table. The people were full in their hearts content and were now drinking their preferred beverages.

The dance floor was also opened for the guests to groove to the music.

"Where's our girl?" Ziv joined the group as they waited for the ending remarks. Natalia has disappeared after the dinner.

As he was saying this, the man of the night, who was wearing a navy blue three-piece suit, stood up and instinctively, the women around the venue were swooned by his devilish demeanor.

Alexander marched towards the platform as the host introduced him.

Everyone hushed the moment the cold man uttered 'good evening'. His baritone voice filled the venue and soothed the ears of the audience.

The duchess couldn't help but to looked at him with much longing while the other women laid their eyes maliciously at the gorgeous man.

[[On behalf of the Gates family, thank you for being here with us. Known to all of you, this night is very special...]]

[[...Having said that, this wonderful occasion wouldn't be possible without the leadership of one person. That individual worked hard for you to enjoy this evening...]] Alexander stated.

The audience were touched and listened to the words attentively. They're wondering who among the Gates family members exhausted one's energy for this grand party.

[[Let me introduce to you the person who was responsible for this event. The person who has captivated me and the reason for this special night...]]

The crowd halted what they're doing.

'Did he say the one who captivated him?'

[[She's the one who personally designed each and every jewelry that's already in the possession of the ladies here. The one who founded The Belle Shop and is a master jeweler herself...]]

[[A part owner of Ziv Company and the one who started the N Clothing with her authentic designs....]]

The audience was amazed with the man's speech. An accomplished individual is truly remarkable. No doubt, that kind of woman can be paired with Alexander Gates in every way.

At the same time, each lady felt a slight throb in one's heart. The handsome bachelor is not available anymore much to their surprise.

The duchess clenched her fists and couldn't believe what she's been hearing.

Is there another woman in Alexander's life? Who is she??

Ariel and Victoria smirked at the declaration.

How unfortunate it is for Natalia to be ignored and be used for such a short time. Now that Alexander Gates has his eyes on a very outstanding female, the unworthy lady must be crying right now.

As they didn't see Natalia, they assumed that the woman couldn't bear the hard truth.

[[The one who has committed to be with me till the end. The woman who is carrying my future heir. My love, my wife...the queen of my empire...]]

'What!---'

The three sour women shrieked in their thoughts.

'No...!' Duchess Ruth was shaken while Ariel and Victoria gasped at their seats.

The two sullen families can only frown within themselves at the fortune of the Zimmer household.

The crowd, in contrast, applauded the beautiful woman who was now elegantly walking towards Alexander.

The spectators' eyes were full of admiration hearing what she had achieved at such a young age. Now they are certain why the great man is deeply smitten with Natalia. They deserve one another.

As the woman marched wearing her simple designed white evening dress, Alexander's sight became fixated.

Natalia secretly changed to a different dress for this moment. She looked so pure and breathtaking.

At the corner part of the venue, one man froze on his seat and just stared blankly. He quietly stood up and drank his wine while taking a look at the beautiful woman one last time. He then turned his back and silently wished the couple to have a joyful marriage.

Neero exited the grand mansion and didn't look back.

Right at that time, Alexander reached over to Natalia and led her to the stage.

Unknown to the man, Reverend Joseph also came up to the platform.

The couple stared at one another engulfed by the marvelous moment. The reverend started a simple and brief ceremony to reaffirm their marriage vows.

The couple kissed after the priest announced their unity.

Their family and friends were in tears as the audience were applauding at the background.

Alexander and Natalia continuously gazed at one another. Their eyes reflected the immeasurable love that they have for each other.

They uttered at the same time.

The couple climbed down from the stage and went to join their loved ones.

"At last, I'm gonna be a freaking fairy godmother!" Ziv blurted out while wiping his tears.

Several people laughed at the fashion guru. All was overwhelmed by the joyous occasion.

--------------

"Natalia..." Alexander called. The party just ended and they were on their way to the bedroom.

"Yes?"

"Ready to be my queen?" The man asked and looked at her meaningfully.

Natalia was about to answer but then she saw the look on Alexander's eyes. They just entered the room and the man held her two hands.

"Of course."

"So it's alright if we relocate to the Northern Continent?" Her husband gently asked.

"What...what do you mean?" The wife was caught off guard.

"As you know, the Gates are a distant relative to the monarchy up there... And as of today, we're one of the top candidates to be the successor of the royal family." Alexander explained while observing Natalia.

His wife became quiet for a long time. His expression wavered.

Natalia hanged down her eyes. "It's possible that I will be the queen.." Her sentence is not a question but a statement.

"Yes." Alexander whispered.

Natalia raised her head and looked at her husband.

"It would be an honor." She smiled brightly.

Alexander hugged Natalia and both of them glanced at the horizon beyond the room windows.

Both are secured that whatever future they might run into, the two of them will fight their way through it.

"You have to take lessons." Alexander teased her.

"Why, am I not too royal for you?" Natalia asked and furrowed her brows but was still smiling.

"Being a royal, you have to have a lot of patience, understanding, compassion, forbearance and all the other attributes that you can think of." Her husband jested.

"Well, I can sure be forgiving but,..."

Alexander raised his eyebrows this time and wait for Natalia to finished the sentence.

"I will always be your wife."

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