The Royal Contract

Also, she found him still in his office clothes, the suit he had been wearing earlier. He must have been out since he left her office and had not been home yet.

Her mind kept thinking of where he might have gone, but she debated that she would soon find out once they started talking. She just had to wait.

“Ok, but are you sure you would not need any help.” Pointing at the food on the table.

She appreciated what her fiance was doing, but she had the kitchen covered. “Go washed up and changed. I can handle this.” Pushing him in the direction of their room.

Although they had not officially lived together, he had left many of his things in her apartment. That included his toiletries and many of his clothes.

“Ok. I will be right back.” Having no option, he strode outside the kitchen and into her room as she continued slicing some vegetables to include in their meal.

.....

She toned down the music to a gentle melody, lowering the volume. Then, set up the table for two. Marcus would be due to come out of the room and join her for dinner.

“That looks delicious.” Marcus smiled at her, sniffing the delicious aroma of the chicken she had prepared for them.

He walked towards her, holding her chair until she settled comfortably before taking the other seat next to her. Then he poured the wine she had chilling right next to him.

“I hope it is well cooked. I was not expecting you would visit me tonight.” She excused herself from her rushed cooked meal.

She wished she had more time to prepare something else. But whatever was lacking in her cooking tonight, she made up for the presentation because the table was beautiful with a few flowers in the middle and two candles burning playfully at the sides.

“I am sure that its taste would be much better than its savory smell,” Marcus assured her as he sliced through the meat.

She was glad that he was right. Despite her lack of time, she still managed to cook it right. It was delicious. She could see that Marcus was also enjoying the rest of the meal.

She was happy they could enjoy their meal even for a few minutes. Both of them knew that they were only prolonging the inevitable.

“Thanks for doing this for me.” Marcus directed his attention to the empty plate, but both knew he was not referring to the meal.

“I am glad you like it.” Referring this time to the dishes she prepared.

She stood up from his position to clean up the table, but he stopped her, grabbing her hand. “We can clean up later.” He told her, not wanting another minute of waiting.

She had no choice but to return to her seat, dropping the plates back to the table and turning to look at him. She watched his eyes swirl around as if his mind was thinking deeply.

Extending her hand, she held him tightly, assuring him that everything would be fine. She had already prepared herself for the worse possible scenario, so nothing else could shock her at this point.

“I know you wondered why I have not introduced you to my family, and then Haley happened.” Marcus wished that he had told her about his life from the start. But he always thought his life was his to deal with alone.

Sharing things was not his style.

Not even Alex was aware of what was going on, mostly with his life. Except for the few things Alex had discovered for himself. But he was not the kind of man who liked to wear his feelings on his sleeve.

“Yes, I wish you would share that part of your life with me since you are planning to include me in your life now.” She honestly did not mind before because, in truth, she understood how hard it was to bare herself when she hardly trusted anyone.

Luckily, she met Dani, who showed her that it was not that hard. She hoped that Marcus would also realize that through her assistance. He would learn to trust her enough to share even his darkest secret. But she was not in a hurry for that. In time, maybe.

“Let us start with Haley. As she said, she is my sister.” He admitted. “Half-sister.” He corrected, taking her hand as if he was drawing some strength from her.

She squeezed him gently, hoping that it would help him continue with his story. “Ok.” It explained a few things.

“I learned a few years ago that I have a sister.” He told her, but his face was not a happy one. “That was Haley.” He continued, stroking her hand as if he was finding it hard to express what was on his head.

“How are you related?” Several scenarios were running through her head, but it could be anything. She shifted in her seat, more interested as she waited for the rest of his explanation.

“I learned that my father was her father.” This time, his eyes darkened, and anger was evident in them. As if he was picturing his father in his mind. At least that was her speculation.

“Did he abandon your mother?” It was a perfect explanation for his fear of commitment. He might have an issue with his parents. The most common thing that traumatized men and women from going through a relationship. The examples that their parents left them behind. Look at her. It took her a while to trust people, living alone for a long time without any parents to look up to as she grew up.

“I wish I could blame him for everything that had happened to me.” But his tone suggested that there was more to the story.

“But the sad part was that I could not point my fingers at my father.”

He looked down on his lap, thinking of something, but she could guess that shame was deeply burdening him at the moment.

She was more confused by his words. Usually, in the scenario he had pictured, she would conclude that it was the father’s fault. But in this case, it seemed someone else caused his fear of commitment.