The Royal Contract

"I heard that your parents are coming to town to attend the charity ball," Laura said excitedly, looking forward to seeing Katherine again.

They were gathered at the large dining area, having their dinner. Laura was so ecstatic when Alex agreed to bring Dani home for tonight, she quickly arranged for an intimate dinner for all of them.

"Yes, I am glad that they decided to come," Alex replied to Laura, also looking forward that he would be seeing his parents again.

Although he sometimes did not see eye to eye with his father, he still did miss them, especially his mother. In addition, he also would like his father to see what he had accomplished in the life he chose.

"It is also a good thing because we seriously need to talk about your wedding arrangements," Laura told both of them. "If we will let the two of you take over the preparation, we don't think there will be any wedding happening soon."

She only wanted the best for her daughter. After all, she was their only daughter.. For her, she deserved every good thing that this life could offer.

"Mom, we are both busy with our work. Besides, you and Katherine are more qualified to handle such matter." Dani made her excuse, not wanting to discuss the wedding anymore, and put Alex on the spot.

After her last conversation about marriage with him, the topic never did come up again. She still had no idea what would happen with the wedding now that they were in a relationship.

She was doubtful if she was ready to say I do and engage herself in a binding commitment. She believed she was still young and still had a great career ahead of her. 

There were many excuses why she should not marry yet, but only one reason why she should. Although she loved Alex, was that enough justification to get married.

Then again, maybe she was only hesitant about the notion of marriage because Alex had yet to open the topic for discussion. She was afraid that she might be the only one seriously thinking about it.

"I agree with Dani. I think you and Mom will do better in handling the preparation." Alex agreed, acknowledging Dani at his side.

He moved his hands under the table and grabbed hers. He could sense that the topic was a bit uncomfortable for Dani. But talking about marriage was not the right time. Well, not in front of her parents anyway. 

He had thought about it since they had discussed it before but never had the chance to continue. It was just that they both got distracted with her father's incident, then the pile of work. He could not find the right timing yet.

"Enough with the wedding. I am sure my lovely wife and your mother are doing a great job." Ethan interrupted the conversation and looked directly at Alex. "If you have time, maybe we can discuss something while you are here."

He had been confined in his house like a prisoner by his wife. He could not work and take part in his business until the doctors gave him clearance to work.

"Ethan, if..." Laura was about to scold her husband, but he stopped her.

"Alex and I will only have a stress-free conversation about sports and the weather. While you two bond and have your girly talks." Ethan waved his hand as if to make a point. 

For once, he wanted to get away from Laura. He felt that she was overdoing it, but he had no way to disappoint her. So, for a few minutes, he needed an escape.

"Don't worry, Laura. I will make sure that he will have a relaxing time while with me." Alex assured her, seeing the conflict between the couple.

He might not understand yet how this couple's minds worked, being married as long as they had. But he was enjoying how this lovely couple handled their situation.

They also reminded him of his parents, who did have their fair share of arguments. But they always managed to resolve them through a compromise.

"Well, I am glad that I can depend on you. I feel like I am raising another child with his stubbornness," Laura exasperatedly stated as she served the desserts.

She loved her husband, and losing him was not an option. She still wanted to grow old with him. Have their grandchildren running around the house and spoiled them rotten. 

She would do anything to prolong his life, even if it meant locking him in this house and preventing him from dealing with his company. He already worked himself to his limits, almost causing his life. She believed that was enough. Now, it was time that he devoted himself to his health and how he would live long.

"You are just overreacting, but I promise I will only enjoy my time talking with Alex." Ethan even put his hand to his heart to swear to his wife.

He did enjoy his time with the few times he had the pleasure of having Alex around. He was intelligent, witty, and charming, a combination of the making of a great man.

He could already see a great future ahead of him. In truth, he could see himself in him. If he had a son, he wished it would be Alex. Luckily, that would soon come true once he married Dani.

"Mom, come on. I want to tell you something." Dani diverted her mother's attention with her stories, allowing her father to escape.

The two men made their excuse to go to her father's study, while Dani encouraged her mother to show her the newly landscaped garden.

"Alex is a godsend. I am so happy that you are marrying him." Laura muttered as they moved towards the table at the center of the lawn. "I can sense that he is a good man, unlike..." 

She could not say the name of that man. He was a despicable person. She was glad that Ethan discovered what kind of man he was before their daughter married him.

"Yes, Mom. Alex is very different from Nick. Alex is perfect." Dani dreamily said as she laid her head on her mother's shoulder.

She suddenly felt like a child again, confessing to her mother her deepest feelings, such as her crush, first kiss, and the many things she had gone through in life.

How she wished that she could be young again and tell her everything she was feeling. But it was not that simple anymore. There were things she had to keep to herself and handle on her own.

"Do you love him? I meant do you feel like your world will collapse if you lose him. Like nothing else matters when he is with you." Laura started stroking her hair as if she was her baby girl again.

She missed this so much, but she knew that her baby girl had grown up. She might not be their princess anymore, but at least, she found her prince instead.

"I do. I love Alex so much." It was the first time she admitted it out loud to her mother, and it felt so good because it was not a lie.

She knew if anyone could understand what she felt, it would be her mother who loved her father so much. She wanted a man that she could share that kind of love. 

For the first time, she suddenly felt confident that Alex was the right man for the role.