章 21: 21. You're Heartless
"Congratulations Prince Aaron, Ms Jones. I wish you all the happiness in the world. Let me introduce my fiancée, Alexandra Zane." Zachary Croft replied and introduced Alexandra to the Prince and his bride.
Benjamin was stunned, he didn't expect this turn of event. His brother knew Zachary Croft?? Suddenly a soft voice, the voice which he had longed to hear since he left, spoke up. "Congratulations Prince Aaron, Ms Jones. You two looked lovely together." Alexandra said with a smile.
"This is my brother, Benjamin. Benjamin, this is my business partner, Zachary Croft and his fiancée." Prince Aaron introduced Benjamin to the other two guests, looking rather surprised that Benjamin had kept his back to them. Not one to be rude, Benjamin's acting out of norm right now. It was common courtesy to face the guests who approached and not turn one's back at them. Benjamin was taught decorum and manners since he was a baby! Did he have any feud with the Crofts?
Although Prince Aaron knew of Benjamin's love interest back in Azteria, he didn't fully know the identity of the girl. All he knew was that Benjamin called her Alex and that she's a doctor. Therefore, Prince Aaron had no idea that the Alexandra Zane that was standing before him was the Alex whom his brother was in love with. Benjamin took a deep breath and turned around to face the love of his life.
"Hello Mr Croft and Ms Zane. Nice to meet you." He said with a faint smile.
Hearing that voice again, the voice which she had been missing everyday since Benjamin was gone, Alexandra immediately looked up to see the owner of that voice. The moment her eyes locked on the familiar face, she took a step back, in shock. Her eyes immediately teared up and her heart was pounding so hard, it almost burst out of her rib cage. She couldn't stay a moment longer, she couldn't believe it. The person she was trying so hard to find, whom she had often cried herself to sleep thinking about, the man who had occupied her heart, was standing right before her, looking so bright and more ethereal than before. She managed to murmur an apology and turned around to leave the hall. She didn't know what commotion she had caused, nor did she care, she just needed to leave this place so she could breathe.
"Alex!" Both Zachary Croft and Benjamin exclaimed.
The moment the name was spoken, Prince Aaron looked at the two of them, realization dawning on him.
"I'm sorry Your Highness, Ms Jones. My fiancée must be feeling unwell. Let me attend to her. Nice to meet you again, Prince Benjamin." As much as he was displeased that Benjamin had caused Alexandra to be upset, his upbringing still warrant him to be polite, especially to the royal family. Upon receiving a nod from Prince Aaron, Zachary Croft turned around and walked in the direction where Alexandra had gone.
"Benjamin, is that…the Alex?" Prince Aaron immediately asked. Emelia was amused at what had transpired and given her high EQ, she somehow knew what was happening and couldn't help but feel sorry for her brother in law.
"Yes, she's the one. I didn't expect her to be here tonight." Benjamin replied, clearly feeling distraught. He saw her tears before she left and he felt guilty. He wanted to chase after her but he didn't want to make a scene at his brother's wedding. Furthermore, Zachary Croft was also present. Compare to him, Zachary Croft held more authority over matters concerning Alexandra. Who is he to her? A nobody!
Looking at his sad and distraught brother, Prince Aaron didn't ask further and simply asked him to go home early and rest. Benjamin agreed as he didn't have any mood to stay anymore.
Zachary Croft found Alexandra sitting by herself at a bench in the garden. As he approached, he noticed she was crying. Noticing Zachary's presence, Alexandra quickly dried up her tears. Zachary sat next to her and held her hands. Keeping silent, he waited until she was calm enough to talk.
"Zachary, I'm sorry for running off just like that. I hope I didn't embarrass you and offend the Prince." Alexandra finally spoke.
"Don't worry about it. The Prince is a good person. I told him you're unwell. How are you feeling? Do you want to leave?" Zachary Croft asked softly. He could see sadness in Alexandra's eyes and felt his heart grew heavy as well. She was clearly affected by Benjamin's presence, but here she is, still worrying about others.
Alexandra could only nod. She didn't want to stay, she didn't know how to face Benjamin. It's already shocking enough to find him here in Northernlands, it was more shocking to find out his real identity. She was confused with the whole thing. So many questions appeared in her mind, to which she had no answer to.
Benjamin saw both Zachary Croft and Alexandra walked out of the palace, heading towards the valet. They must be leaving. She must be the one who wanted to leave. Of course, how could she want to face him, someone who had hurt her, she must be so angry at him now, for lying about everything after she discovered his identity. Benjamin's hands instantly formed a tight grip and he held himself back from chasing after her. His vision became slightly blurred and not wanting to create a scene, he gestured to his bodyguard to bring the car around.
In the car, Benjamin received information on Alexandra's current stay in the city and was glad that she's staying at the Royal Hotel, which was owned by his family. It looked like his brother had arranged for both Alexandra and Zachary Croft to stay in that hotel. After pondering for awhile, Benjamin immediately instructed his driver to send him to the Royal Hotel. Both Prince Aaron and he occupied a Royal Suite each at the hotel and therefore, staying there at any given time was not a problem. Moreover, the suite was for his own exclusive use and therefore was fully equipped with his necessities. After informing Uncle Tim of his plans to stay at the hotel for a while, Benjamin silently hoped he would be able to meet Alexandra soon.
At the Royal Hotel, Alexandra was sitting by herself at the balcony, looking out at the magnificent view of the capital city of Northernlands. After assuring Zachary that she was fine, he left for his room. Alexandra knew that Zachary was worried about her and she was grateful that he did not ask her what was going on. She felt guilty for not being able to tell him the truth about Benjamin. She still couldn't believe that Benjamin was the second Prince of the Vern Dupont royal family. Why did he conceal his identity from her? He even worked as her bodyguard and driver. Not to mention, the intimate relationship they had. He had seen all of her, for God's sake!
'He said he would always stay by my side, but then he disappeared, only to be found again but with his real identity.' Alexandra sighed. She didn't understand what's going on no matter how hard she tried. Should she ask him directly about his motives of approaching her back in Azteria? Then what? She's already engaged, and with his current status and background, he must have had a beeline of suitors both royal-born and noble to choose from as his bride.
'Wait, what am I thinking of? It's not like we owed each other anything. Between us was simply impossible!'
Alexandra closed her eyes and leaned against the sofa bed place at the balcony. The cool air of the night made the surrounding scene appear calm and peaceful. She was mentally exhausted from the night's turn of event that she instantly fall asleep.
Benjamin reached the Royal Hotel and gained access to his suite using the private elevator reserved exclusively for the royal family. After freshening up, he queried from the front desk as to Alexandra's room number. He's determined. No matter what, he needs to meet her tonight.
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