84. RSVP

[Luke]
I smirked as I read the morning news published in the papers.
Margaret Jorgensen had been assaulted in prison, she'd suffered multiple injuries, broken bones, head trauma, and even multiple stabbings, she'd been admitted to the hospital and she was currently in the ICU fighting for her life, it was unclear whether she would recover from her injuries, but she was still alive and fighting for her life, for now.
"I see you've seen the papers." Liam entered the dining room with a frown on his face.
"I do not see a grin." I looked up at him.
"That's because hurting her can never bring back what I have lost." He said and I nodded.
"But it does feel good to have finally had your revenge, doesn't it?" I asked him and he nodded.
"A bit."
"How is Megan?" I asked.
"She's better, currently recuperating in physical and mental therapy." He said.
"How long will her treatment last?" I asked, The last time I visited her, her swelling had gone down and the bruising had healed but she still needed casting for her broken bones and she couldn't move her legs yet.
"Six months or more depends on her recovery." He said.
"You need to support her, now more than ever," I told him. "The press can't know about you two at least until she gets better."
"Of course." He nodded. "What are the doctors saying concerning the King, it's almost impossible to hide his condition from the public anymore."
"Yes I know, the palace media will release a statement later today, the King moved his hand today so the doctors are hopeful that he will soon recover," I said, smiling.
"That's really great." He said.
"There's something I haven't told you and while I don't know if I should tell you, I'm just going to anyway," I said.
I'd not told anyone of Claire's pregnancy after Sir Thomas's advice and the King's collapse, I couldn't bring myself to think about her because I felt guilty every time but now that the King was getting better, I didn't have to feel that way anymore.
"I'm surprised you hid something from me." He shook his head and sighed.
"I kept tabs on Claire after she left and I found out about something," I told him.
"I'd be lying if I say I'm surprised." He said with a straight face. "I'd however advise you to stay away from that woman, you've already done her much harm and I don't think she will ever forgive you for what you've done."
"I know." I sighed. "I would've let her go but I've discovered something and I just can't let her go now."
"She's pregnant," Liam said and I frowned.
"How did you know?" I asked.
"So it's true, my goodness." He gasped. "I just guessed but I did not expect it to be true."
"I can't abandon my child, man."
"Congratulations man, I understand you but just know that this will be the most dangerous thing ever, not only for you but for her and the child as well."
"Why does everyone keep saying that?" I frowned.
"Why are you talking like a naive child, you're no stranger to palace politics, you might be the Prince but you should know undoubtedly that there are forces greater than you." He said and I sighed.
He was right.
"I'm not giving up," I told him.
"I already know brother, and I'd never expected you to, you have my support all the way." He said.
***
"I already RSVP'd for Annemarie's wedding, sir." My father's secretary stuck her head into the office to tell me.
"Fine, I'll need you to extend my stay there by a few weeks," I said and dropped the file in my hands.
"I'm sorry your royal highness but may I ask why?" She asked, stepping into the office and shutting the door behind her.
I sighed and massaged my eyes with my hands before I responded to her. It was a very tiring day at work and I was in no mood to put up with her questions but I knew that I had to give her an answer.
"My school in America is hosting a reunion a few weeks after the wedding. I want to take some time out to relax first, For any mobile work please compile them and I'd work on them there." I said.
"Yes, sir." She smiled. "Permit me to say that your father would be very proud of you."
I smiled at her as she left the office, having worked as the King's personal secretary for a long while. I'd known her since I was a child and she was always really nice to me.
She was one of the people my father usually sent to replace him at school events and other events he couldn't attend himself.
"Claire," I whispered into the dark as I took a sip from the glass before me.
I couldn't wait to see her again.
.
.
[Claire]
"Miss, you have a visitor." My secretary announced just as I was preparing to leave the office.
"Who?" I asked her.
"He says to tell you that he gives good advice."
"Let him in." I smiled as I realized who the person was, it was Jake.
My child was now better and growing at a regular healthy rate but my baby bump was still so little it mostly resembled belly fat.
My friendship with Jake had progressed after that day we met. We had gone on a few dates and though he wanted to take things forward, I wasn't ready and he was patient enough to wait for me.
I didn't think I could ever get over Jean and his betrayal, it was still fresh in my mind and the fact that I couldn't expose my pregnancy to anyone made things with Jake very complicated.
I didn't want to deceive him and I didn't want to hurt him.
It was his first time visiting me at the office and so my secretary was not yet acquainted with him.
"Jake, welcome." I rose up from my desk to greet him.
I turned my cheek as he placed a greeting peck and I returned the greeting.
"Hello, Claire, you look great."
"Thanks, please have a seat."
"Thank you."
"Is there anything I can offer you?" I asked.
"No, nothing please don't treat me like a stranger." He said and I nodded.
"So, what brings you to these parts?"
"You act like I don't frequent this building."
"Well, you certainly haven't visited me before."
"Yes I know, I was passing by so I decided to stop by and invite you to lunch, can you do lunch now?" He asked.
"Yes," I answered and he smiled.
I wanted to refuse but at the mention of food my stomach began to rejoice, ever since I started eating better, I'd been consuming more food than I could ordinarily eat before.
"Give me a few minutes to pack up, I'll join you downstairs," I told him.
"Alright, I'm driving." He said and I chuckled.
He knew me so well in such a short time.
"That's fine by me, I'll have my secretary send my car home," I said because I knew that he had every intention of dropping me at home after lunch.
***
"Clare, are you truly enjoying yourself?" Jake asked after I'd eaten my meal.
He'd taken me to a really nice restaurant and I'd eaten all of my food.
"Of course, what do you ask?"
"Nothing, it's just sometimes I can see the traces of sadness in your eyes." He said, grabbed my hands in his, and squeezed softly.
"I'm happier," I told him and pulled my hands out of his. "Well, you know that it's a process," I said and massaged my wrist to take away the awkwardness of the moment.
"That's nice, I always want to see you happy." He said and I smiled.
"Thank you very much, Jake, you're too kind."
"Claire, I wanted to ask you something." His face turned serious.
"Yes."
"My school has a reunion party in a few weeks, would you like to attend with me?"
"Which school?"
"Just my university." He said and I considered it.
"Of course, I'll go with you," I said and he smiled.
"I'm glad you accepted."
After the meal, we talked about other matters and of course about work. Ever since he invested in the company, it had improved and it was doing well.
We talked for a few more minutes before we left the restaurant and he dropped me off at home.
I hugged him goodbye as I walked up the path to my house.
.
.
[Unknown]
I frowned as I held my camera steady and clicked multiple times, this was something I needed to capture.
I could already imagine his reaction once I send the photos to him, he would be really pissed and who knows what he was going to do.
It was not my business anyway, at least I was getting paid for my work.