Chương 456: Chapter 456
The home was quaint and secluded with only 4 residents and was secure both in the home and on the exterior grounds so that confused residents wouldn't be able to wander and place themselves in danger. It had been built specifically for the purpose. Pearl had helped to update it to code as well as champion Alzheimer's and Dementia research and facilities around the world after her mother's diagnosis several years earlier and a few years after her father's death, when it became apparent her mother was suffering from the disease.
Erik opened the door for Pearl and offered her his hand. "Do be careful stepping down, my love," he said as he guided her over the curb. A photographer had followed them from the palace and was taking photos as they exited the vehicle. Pearl noticed it right away and tried to avoid being seen but it was too late. She sighed and continued to hold Erik's hand and allow him to escort her into the residence.
"Your majesty," the woman at the front desk said as Pearl and Erik walked in with Javier.
"Your mum has just finished lunch. I will bring her to the family sitting room."
"No. I will see her in her room," Pearl said.
Erik followed her down a hall and to a large room with a picture window facing the garden.
He saw a thin elderly woman in a recliner seated in front it. Erik leaned in and whispered to Pearl, "That's Darlene? The years have taken their toll, haven't they?" Pearl nodded. She stood in front of the woman she had called mother for as long as she could remember. Darlene didn't seem to notice her standing there. "Hello, mom." Pearl sat in a chair beside her as Erik stood along the wall.
Darlene looked over and reacted as if she didn't recognize Pearl.
"Mom, it's me, it's Pearl." She touched her hand. Darlene continued to stare at her for quite a long while until she finally said in a soft and strained voice, "How's the music coming along?"
"Mom, I'm not doing that anymore. I work for the United Kingdom. I'm the mother of the King." Pearl looked into Darlene's eyes and smiled. Darlene nodded, "That's wonderful."
Pearl looked up and Erik, who then placed the file on the table in front of Darlene. Erik knelt down and pulled out the newspaper articles, the photos of Pearl as a child in Manhattan, the birth certificate.
Darlene looked at it all, picking up one of the articles that showed the Manhattan skyline.
"Allen traveled working construction, he worked in the city a lot." Pearl looked over at Erik.
"That's our little girl, Pearl. We couldn't have kids. But he brought her home to me!" Darlene seemed delighted to see Pearl as a little girl in the photos.
"So smart, she was," she whispered.
"Mom, did you lie about her age? Did my dad kidnap her?"Darlene looked up at Erik and then over at Pearl.
"Kidnap!? Heaven's no! She was given up and Al saved her! My little girl, she was!" Darlene seemed agitated.
"Mom, did you know that he kidnapped me?" Pearl asked again. Darlene looked at Pearl for moment and said, "Who are you?"
"Mom. I don't think you knew. I think he lied to you and kept the secret. I think that's why he was so violent and angry all the time. That's what I have to believe. Maybe I'm wrong. Mom, Allen kidnapped a little girl from a playground in New York. He took her and lied about her age so that no one would suspect."
Darlene looked at Pearl in complete shock but said nothing.
"You both could have ruined my life, but because I was strong, I became so much more than you tried to make me for your own selfish wants. You took me from my family. My home. I am Madeline Sloane. I will never forgive what he did. I hope he rots in hell. This is my last time visiting you." Pearl got up and took Erik's hand.
"Let's go, my love." He nodded.
"I'm proud of you," Erik said as he kissed her hand before they left the building. She was proud of her, too.
They walked to the car where more photographers had gathered. Pearl pulled her sun hat down over her face. One of the photogs yelled out, "Why are you allowing that criminal to hold your hand? Explain yourself!" And another. "Since when does the crown accept corrupt fallen royals back?"
Pearl stopped.
"Pearl. It's alright. Just get into the car," Erik said as he pulled her to the door.
"No." She said. She clutched his hand harder and faced him, pulling him to her and kissing him, passionately, on the mouth. Erik's heart began to race. He kissed her back and pulled her into his arms. He looked incredible in his tailored blue suit with his medium length, razor cut, wavy black hair with hints of gray throughout and his neatly trimmed beard. Age had only made him more handsome, more regal.
She broke the kiss and looked over at the photogs and smiled, as Erik composed himself, opened her door and helped her inside.
"What were you thinking? Your husband hasn't three months and I'm the world's anti-Christ. You shouldn't have done that." Erik shifted in his seat and looked out the window.
"Look at me." Pearl reached for his hand. "I said look at me!"
He looked over at her, his piercing and beautiful eyes meeting hers made her breath hitch.
"I love you. That was my way of letting you know I mean it."
Erik shook his head. "I don't want to cause you or this family any more pain." He broke their gaze and looked out of the window again. She pulled him over to her and took his face in her hands.
"And we're not going to cause you any more pain, either." She kissed him. His face showed so much intensity as his eyebrows moved together, showing how much passion he still felt for her. He took her face into his hands and pulled her closer to his, kissing her with vigor.
"I love you," he breathlessly whispered as he hugged her into his arms and held her tightly until they arrived back at the palace.
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