Total pages in book: 57
Estimated words: 54630 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 273(@200wpm)___ 219(@250wpm)___ 182(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 54630 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 273(@200wpm)___ 219(@250wpm)___ 182(@300wpm)
Alyssa pulled her drawer open, rummaging through its contents. “There you are.” Retrieving a set of documents, she wagged the papers in front of the camera. “A pre-nuptial contract, between Warren and me. You can read its entire content on our show’s website.”
Smiling, she said, “You’re all probably wondering why I’m telling you guys all of this. Well, in the past, hiding these truths caused a lot of hurt. It hurt not just my son but a very special woman in our lives as well. She’s someone I’m still hoping may be my daughter-in-law in the future.”
Planting her hands on her hips, she said, “This time, though, the Wellesley family’s collectively decided to start fresh. No more lies. So, that’s my story. Once a gold-digger, now beloved wife and mother and the envy of all of society matrons because my husband is still sexy as he was thirty-plus years ago.”
A groan sounded, coming from the bedroom, followed by Warren’s exasperated voice. “Why do you all insist on saying such ridiculous things?”
Alyssa burst into laughter. Winking at the camera, she said confidingly, “He’s still the jealous and protective sort, too. He insists on being present every time it’s my turn to shoot for the show.”
Clearing her throat, she turned around and walking to one of the corner closets. “Anyway, the reason why I also chose to film here is because...”
She flung the doors open to reveal a beautiful pearl-studded dress behind a glass case. “It’s my wedding gown and...” Alyssa stopped speaking.
When she looked at the camera again, she had tears glistening in her eyes, and the sight of it made Mary cry again.
“Mary, I hope one day you’ll be able to watch this. And if you do, I want you to know I’m still hoping the time would come you’ll wear this for me.” Wiping the tears away, she whispered, “I pray for you two every night, you know. I know he’s done so many things to hurt you, but I’m still hoping that you’ll be able to forgive my son and...”
Her shoulders lifted in a shrug as she let out a teary laugh. “Oh dear. I reckon viewers are thinking they’re watching a soap rather than reality TV.”
Another cut, and this time it was Warren’s turn, and he was shown seated behind his desk in his private study.
Mary choked back a giggle when she saw the former duke simply nod in greeting at the camera, as if the act alone was the greatest concession for someone of his standing.
“My name is Warren Wellesley. I abdicated as Duke of Flanders several decades ago and now head a multi-billion-dollar weaponry firm.” Leaning back against his chair, he said gruffly, “The first time I met Mary Ashton, I believed she was the greatest misfortune for my son.”
Mary cringed.
“Looking at her, it was like seeing history about to repeat itself. Older man, younger girl, another scandal about Wellesley men becoming pedophiles.” His lips twisted. “I’m sure all of you know the story.”
Coming to his feet, he said, “But then I got to know her, got to saw how much she loved my son and how much she had willingly chosen to bear because she loved my son...”
He ran a hand over his face. “This is going to sound incredibly funny, but...that eighteen-year-old made me realize how little I know about love, even at my age.”
Cut.
And then it was Rathe again.
He was standing in their bedroom’s balcony, a blanket of stars and evening skies behind him. He was dressed in a turtleneck sweater and pants, and looked so heartbreakingly gorgeous she wanted to turn the TV off. If she stared at him any longer, she could end up crying the entire day.
As the camera zoomed in, Rathe murmured, “The first episode’s about to end and I’d like to thank everyone who’s watched. I’m not actually sure what would and wouldn’t end up being shown – one of the deals the network made me agree to was that I have no say about the editing or what gets shown. Everything about my life from here on is an open book. And that’s fine with me.”
A pause.
“This show is all about me laying it out in the open. Because...once, there was a girl who loved me, so much that she agreed to be my mistress even though I told her she was the also the one girl I couldn’t allow myself to love. There was a time when I kept her like a shameful secret because I didn’t want the world to think we were like my parents...I didn’t want to be called a pedophile.”
Her heart squeezed at the last words, Mary knowing just how much those words cost to someone as proud as Rathe.
“I was stupid then. But not now.”
Rathe lifted his head.
“Once, that girl asked me if I believed a day would come that I’d fall for her. I told her yes, but it was a lie.” Rathe sucked a breath after his admission. “I’m sorry for lying, Mary,” he rasped out. “I’m so bloody sorry. But this time, if you asked me the same question again, I’d say the truth.”