Almost a Fairytale

CHAPTER TWO   The two combatants - Lady Elizabeth and Chris Duvier scrutinized each other warily. One was standing behind an oak table with the air of autocracy. The latter exudes the confidence of a well-season negotiator. Each one sizes up the other. The grand lady holds his cold, steely eyes with perceptiveness from age and experience. Graciously she asked him to sit down on the wing chair. He took his time in doing so. Deliberately, choosing the opposite chair. It was a maneuver that the lady took notice of knowingly. She was arching her brow, looking at him with disdain. "I can see that money cannot buy breeding." The lady said coldly. "I can see that age cannot curve arrogance," he replied frostily.  Lady Elizabeth flashed a smile which Chris reacted in surprise. The Baroness looks at him with a meaningful smile. This situation is getting dangerous, Chris silently warned himself. He was wondering why s

CHAPTER FOUR   That was their first meeting after so many years. Agnes groaned with embarrassment when she remembered her misadventure yesterday with Chris. She needs time to think and get away from the castle. She was wearing her old white nightdress and too fragile from being overused. Her hair flowed down on her back, black and silky straight. Yesterday she wore it in a braided bun, courtesy by her aunt and their distinguished guest. Today, her carefree self was once again out. Agnes opens the glass door, letting in the morning breeze caress her skin. She can see the sun slowly creeping out. This moment is the time of day Agnes loves to step out of her bedroom and walk out to the lawn. Agnes closed her eyes and bathed from the rays of the sun. Unaware of the world around her, except her dreamland. Chris did not sleep well last night. He was re-plotting his strategy. Marriage is now part of the equation. He rearranged his chess piece to deliver

Chapter SixSelf- preservation     The counsel of Lady Elizabeth cleared his throat, "If everybody now is ready..." he looked at the Baroness. She nods. He cleared his throat and read in a monotonous voice. He rumbled on and on about Walden’s Edict that has not changed for decades then he paused, looked at her, and continue his reading" The stipulation of the contract is the following, that the ownership of the castle will be transferred to the firstborn, Agnes Daniel Walden only when she marries Chris Bennett Duvier."  "That the Lady of Winshord Castle, Lady Elizabeth Charles Walden, will automatically give up her rights as the owner, of the castle and the land it was built and her title as the Lady will be pass on to the firstborn Agnes Daniel Walden if the marriage ceremony is performed by the priest. The priest is handpicked by the current owner of the castle. All parties should sign the marriage document to

CHAPTER EIGHT Prick the Wound   The contract signing between her, Lady Elizabeth, and Chris Duvier were gloomy. The rain outside poured heavily like the environment, inside the castle library. Agnes wore again her black frock and her pair of glasses. She felt relaxed now that she manages to have an agreement with Chris.      They signed the contract without hesitation. She smiled. She felt vindicated of the mistake she made eight years ago. She can smile again for her sister and Chris. She just hopes that they will love the castle as well as the people inside it.      A sigh of relief escaped from Lady Elizabeth. “This call for celebration.” Smith suddenly appears pushing a trolley with the champagne, wine glass, and a dainty cake.      “Duvier, my niece especially made this cake for you. She said special people need a special cake.” The lady smiled at he

  CHAPTER 10 Dilemma        " Do you want me, Agnes? Even if I will have nothing, would you still want me?"      She stared at his eyes. If only you know Chris Duvier, that my heart already belongs to you. Long before you set eyes on my sister. Much longer before that. The first day when I saw you standing in front of the horse while you talked to them. My heart was also communicating with you. Long before you glance at me dismissively you already took my heart away. I love you. Even now, my heart is aching, I will still love you because part of me is already yours a long time ago.       Suddenly unbearable pain twisted her heart. She said, "What change you, Chris Duvier? I remember, a boy who was good and kind. What happen to you?" She asked him sadly. Her hand unconsciously touched his beautiful