Natalia stomped the length of the room, her heels executing the click-tack against the marble floor. Nudging a finger at the deaf mute television, she said: "Look at them! Smiling like some perfect little family-my family."
Her father was sipping whiskey, indifferent. "Sit down, Natalia."
"I won't sit down!" she snapped with her glare of a finger at him."Do you have any idea how this makes me look? I'm supposed to be his fiancée, yet the world thinks she still has a claim on him!"
He swirled his drink, watching her with a sharp eye. "And screaming at the television changes that how?"
"This isn't just about the picture," Natalia hissed."It's respect. I'm fool enough for him!"
Leaning back in his chair, her father put his glass down on the side table. "Respect isn't given, Natalia; it's taken.What do you intend to do?
Brewing tension wreathed around her lips. "He chose me. He promised me. I won't let her crawl back into his life."
"Yet here they are," he said with a motion toward the screen, "stealing your thunder."
Clenched fists were Natalia's possessions. "He's testing me; thinks he can humiliate me like this and parade her around."
Her father interfered sharply. "Quit the whining, and if you want to retain your place, act like you deserve it."
She halted in her tracks and eyeballed him. "What do you mean by that?"
"You are not a victim, Natalia. Remind him why he needs you," coldly said he.Everything he has now,his success, his stability,you had a hand in it. Use it."
She smirked bitterly. "You think Allesandro Wales cares about loyalty? He's blinded by nostalgia for that woman and her perfect little act."
Her father stood, adjusting his cufflinks. "Then blind him with something stronger. Control the narrative. She's his past, Natalia. Prove it."
Her lips curved into a slow smile. "You're right. He needs to remember who he belongs to."
"Exactly," he said, picking up his drink again. "Play the queen, not the jilted lover."
Natalia grabbed her phone, her voice calm but sharp. "By the time I'm done, Ever Miller won't just be out of the picture; she'll regret stepping into it."
displayed on her tablet.A sweet-smile pout was seen on her lips.
"Of course they do. Perfect," she said and placed the tablet down. The butler proceeded to pour her tea, and she savored it.
Just as she sat back to enjoy the moment, her phone rang. The ID flashed Natalia.
She sighed and wiped her face before picking up. "Natalia, darling."
"Don't 'darling' me, Mrs. Wales," snapped Natalia on the other end. "What kind of circus is this? The media is painting them as a prince and princess, and I'm just a third wheel!"
Madame Wales chuckled softly, "Oh, Natalia. You can't take everything at face value; it's all an act, sweetheart."
"An act?" Natalia retorted. "Then what do you say about that picture? They look like a nuclear family!"
"Precisely," Madame Wales said with a tone that was patient but pointed. "The picture is a strategy. The board was getting impatient about Allesandro's public image. They wanted to see stability, and what better way than this?"
For a moment, Natalia said nothing, then she uttered, "And me? Am I just supposed to sit quietly while they play happy families?"
"Certainly not," Madame Wales said as sweetly as before. "Allesandro is already fully aware of the stakes. He came by earlier, you know, bearing flowers for you."
Natalia blinked, her anger paused. "Flowers?"
"Yes, darling. A lovely bouquet. His way of apologizing for how this might look to you. Allesandro knows his future lies with you and the resources your father brings to the table." Madame Wales's voice dropped into a conspiratorial whisper. "He's just ensuring the Wales name remains untouchable for the time being."
Natalia exhaled sharply, but her voice softened slightly. "He should've told me beforehand."
"I agree," Madame Wales said, her tone warm and motherly. "But you know how these men are. So driven, so focused on the bigger picture that they forget the small details. Trust me, my dear, Allesandro is completely committed to you. This is all for appearances."
There was a pause before Natalia asked, "You're certain?"
"Absolutely," Madame Wales reassured her. "You are the future Mrs. Wales. Don't let a mere photo rattle you. Play your part, and in the end, you'll have everything."
Natalia's lips curled into a faint smile. "Thank you, Madame Wales. I needed to hear that."
"Good dear," Madame Wales said. "Now, go and enjoy your day. Allesandro will make it up to you soon, I'm sure of it."
As she hung up, Madame Wales set her phone down with a knowing smirk. She glanced back at the picture on the tablet.
"They do look perfect," she murmured to herself again. "But perfection is only ever surface-deep."
Madame Wales dialed her personal florist, her manicured fingers tapping impatiently on the armrest of her chair. The line connected after a few rings.
"Madame Wales, what a pleasure to hear from you," a cheerful voice answered.
"Spare me the pleasantries, Louis," she said curtly. "I need an arrangement sent out immediately."
"Of course, Madame. Any particular preferences?"
"Yes, roses. Red ones. Classic and romantic. Add some white lilies for elegance, but keep it understated—nothing gaudy," she instructed firmly.
"Ah, a timeless combination," Louis remarked. "And the note, Madame?"
Madame Wales smirked, already composing the perfect words in her head. "Write this: 'Natalia, forgive me for the misunderstanding. You are my future, and I hope you can see that. Yours, Allesandro.'"
Louis paused for a moment before confirming, "Understood, Madame. I'll have it sent to the usual address."
"No," she corrected. "Send it to the Wales mansion. Make sure it arrives by noon tomorrow. And, Louis, ensure the handwriting on the card looks authentic."
"Consider it done, Madame," he assured her.
She ended the call and leaned back, a triumphant smile playing on her lips. The flowers would reach Natalia, perfectly timed to smooth over any lingering doubts.
Just as she poured herself another cup of tea, her butler entered the room.
""Madam," he continued, "shall I arrange your evening schedule?"
"No, not just yet," riposted her with a wave of her hand. "I have to see how this goes first. Allesandro may be brilliant, but even he needs a guiding hand."
The butler hesitated for a moment. "Pardon me, Madam, but what if Mr. Wales discovers?"
"Oh, then he'll know I did what was necessary to protect this family," she interrupted, her tone cold and final.
Outside the window, the sun began to cast long shadows over the estate as it set. Madam Wales watched from the otherwise empty window, her expression one of unreadability.
And as she left the butler, she murmured under her breath, "Let's see how Natalia handles this. Alessandro will have to play along...or I will have to handle the consequences."
Darkness draped over the room except for the faint sound of whispering leaves outside. Somewhere in the distance, a clock struck ominously.