I have no words to say how sorry I am for not posting this soon. I have short term memory loss, yes I admit and I had bundles of work. My assignments are due soon and I was 15 mark class tests looming over my head. 

To compensate, I'll post both the parts of this story today. The second part will come out by evening. Stay with me and please bear with me.

This is Reyanna's story. I hope you guys like it. 

For everyone who didn't like Reyanna and Manolo in Like Minded, I hope you like this.

Enjoy!

____

"I don't know what how you think so. Mauve is the best," The bride argued.

"It's my wedding too, isn't it? I want silver as the main color," The groom huffed.

"I don't think so. Silver alone is boring, and cold!" She spoke out.

"So am I!" The groom said.

"You are not boring or cold, you dimwit! You're wonderful!" The bride defended.

"Am I?" The groom asked. "Then we can go with my choice of color scheme, right?" He smirked.

"You...! No!" The bride looked flustered.

"Okay stop!" Reyanna shouted making them both look at her. "We can't come to a conclusion like this!" She told them, and the young couple looked ashamed.

She typed something into her laptop screen, and then shifted a few things here and there. In a moment the projector showed them mauve and silver color themed wedding.

"Better?" She asked them.

"Brilliant!" The bride exclaimed.

"That's it!" The groom grinned as they both looked at each other with adoration.

"Can we finalize on this now, Ms. Smith, Mr. White?" Reyanna asked her British clients.

"Absolutely! This is splendid! For flowers, can we stick to the traditional carnations?" The bride, Olivia Smith proposed.

"Sure, honey. I think traditional would be fine. Our parents are going to be so happy!" He smiled at her.

Sometimes it irked Reyanna a lot. How could two people be so much in love, but then she did live with such people.

"Can we discuss everything else in the evening, Ms. Valdez? My best man is coming. We have to go pick him up," The groom, Mark White asked.

"Sure, no problema. See you at five," Reyanna gave them a warm smile.

As the couple exited Reyanna fell back to her chair with a sigh. This was so hectic. It was her first wedding without the guidance of her mother, and that too in a new place. Though her grandparents and Uncle Kai lived in London, Reyanna was told to handle it all alone.

Reyanna didn't like London much. It was cold and too stiff for her liking. Unlike her Mama, Reyanna was used to Barcelona. She hardly traveled away from home except for the family vacations. She was a summer person and London was cold. She didn't know how she would survive 4 months here. But then, it's just four months.

Including January and February, the coldest months. Fabulous...not.

Reyanna didn't get why her Mama won't come with her. She was still young...okay 22 wasn't young, but Reyanna was inexperienced. Couldn't she give her an assignment in the same country?

Yes, Spain was cold as well, but it was snow here, and Reyanna didn't like snow or cold. She was an idiot to say yes when her Mama asked her to go. She wanted to get away because Manolo was in town.

It wasn't like her and he had a messy breakup. They broke up when he started playing football leagues. He had girls swarming over him, and Reyanna would get irritated. They hardly talked or met. When they did, it was basically him and his fangirls.

Unlike Reyanna, Rylen had found love. She was happy and content with her boyfriend Enrique Alvarez, both playing for same teams, traveling together. They were two poles, but they fit somehow.

Roman, on the other hand, was studying business at Harvard. She didn't know if he had a girlfriend or boyfriend. He had come out as a bisexual to all of them when they were 11, their parents accepted it wholeheartedly. Last she knew he was still struck on his friends with benefits policy.

Reyanna didn't think she fell in love ever. Manolo Juan was her only serious boyfriend. They came together when they were 16. She dated 3 guys before him, and they were if she put it right, brainless male bimbos. Manolo paid attention to her, listened to her cribs and whines, took her out on dates. The sex was good, very good, but it wasn't love.

They didn't even fight when he would go away for months. They just called it quits because it wasn't working out. They split up even without a fight. She still talked to him sometimes. But texting and meeting were different. She didn't know how to react. She was too happy for a person who broke up from a 3-year-old relationship not even 6 months ago.

Reyanna didn't mope around. It took 2 shopping sprees and a few assignments, and she was happy as she was always. She didn't miss Manolo until she saw any PDA. Maybe she couldn't fall in love. Yes, that could be the reason. The triplets had messed up views on love even when their parents were the proof of true love existing.

A shrill tone broke her thoughts, and Reyanna opened her eyes to see her phone ringing. It was her Abuela, Naina. She was staying with them till her assignment got over.

"Sí Abuela?" She answered.

"Reya! Are you coming home for lunch?" Her Abuela asked.

"Yes. I'll leave from here in half hour, and be there for lunch. I have a meeting nearby the house," Reyanna told her.

"Brilliant. I was just trying this tortilla recipe, I wondered if you would come and try it for me," She told her.

Her Abuela ran a food blog. She would try recipes and post them on her blog and vlog. Reyanna's father taught her how to make her channel on the internet. Since then Abuela Naina never stopped.

"Sure! I love tortillas!" Reyanna said enthusiastically.

"Great! I'll see you later then!" She seemed happy.

"Okay Abuela, see you," She hung up.

Reyanna sighed. She wasn't that close to her mom's parents as she was to her dad's mom. They lived far as well, meeting them was hard, but her parents made sure the family kept in touch as much as they could.

"Reya?" A voice broke her thoughts again.

"Sí tío?" She asked Kai who was standing at her cabin door.

"Don't call me tío, Reya. It's so..." He was looking for a word.

"Spanish?" Reyanna offered with a chuckle.

"No, weird. Anyways, how did the meeting go? They looked happy," Kai asked sitting on one of the chairs in front of her table.

"They were arguing on the color scheme again. I swear it was horrible. I mean a minute they criticize each other choices, the next minute they act all mushy," Reyanna told him. "I combined the color choices like this," She showed him the design.

"Mauve and silver?" He asked. He looked confused. Mauve and silver were an odd combination, it wasn't used in weddings generally.

"Yes! Can you believe it? Mauve and silver do not go together!" She exclaimed.

"But the way you used it is clever. It looks royal even," Kai complimented taking in the details.

"It does?" Reyanna was surprised.

"Yes. You know there are certain things...colors which do not look quite right from afar, but when they mix, they create beauty in their own way. I feel dicey about these carnations, though. I feel they wouldn't go with the scheme," Kai suggested.

"Olivia specifically wanted carnations. Mark's parents, as well as hers, had them at their weddings. I couldn't say no," She told him.

"See what you can do about it. Purple carnations would ruin the whole thing. I feel we could add some white here or maybe pink," Kai suggested.

"I am meeting them at 5. I'll make a note and suggest them. It's their wedding, we will do what they want," Reyanna offered.

"True, but don't hesitate to pitch your ideas. Your Mum always speaks her mind, that's what makes people hire her." Kai gave her a fond smile. Reyanna smiled back.

"Yeah, Mama knows what people want," Reyanna agreed.

"You too have that trait. You just need to realize it," Kai told her.

Tío Kai was cool and fun, but sometimes he made her think a lot. Even more, more than she already did.

"Hon?" A voice called, and they both looked at the door.

"Yes, love?" Kai asked his husband who was now walking towards him.

"I wanted to know where you kept the Whitlock file. I need to tally the accounts," Reyanna's tío Samarth asked.

"Why don't you ask Beth? She keeps all the files," Kai suggested.

"Will you come?" Samarth looked annoyed. "I need it, now!" He added.

She knew that look, tío Samarth didn't want the files. It was a booty call...if tío Kai understood that. Ew! She was already having mental images.

"Sorry Reya, your Uncle Sam has no patience," Kai shook his head but smiled.

"I think he doesn't just need the file," Reyanna shook her head with a smile. That was obvious.

"Look Kai? She understands," Samarth grinned at Reyanna. Kai just rolled his eyes and got up to leave.

"I told you to wait," His Kai argued.

"Not after that picture..."Their voices faded as they left her cabin.

Reyanna sighed again. Why couldn't she fall in love when literally everyone around her was?

She picked up her office phone and dialed Beth.

"Yes, Miss Reyanna?" She asked politely.

"Beth, I am leaving for the day. I forgot to tell ti...I mean Uncle Kai and Sam. Just tell them if they ask," She told her.

"Will do miss," She said curtly.

"One more thing, Beth," She remembered.

"Yes?" She asked.

"Reyanna works," She told her.

"Alright, Reyanna," Beth chuckled.

"Bye," She hung up.

Reyanna walked swiftly over to her car and slid inside as soon as she could. It was freezing outside. How could people even survive in London?

After she had an amazing lunch with her Abuela, because Abuelo Aryan was at work, Reyanna changed for her meeting. Reyanna was thankful she didn't have to dress up like the Englishwomen did. It was quite conservative, and Reyanna unlike her Mama hated that. At work, she wouldn't wear strictly formal clothes, she would wear trousers or culottes, dresses, crop tops even. While her Mama was more of a pencil skirt and shirt person.

Reyanna changed into trousers and a semi-formal ruffled top with coat and a warm overcoat. She wore a beret and ear muffs before going out. Did she mention she hated the cold? Reyanna decided to wear boots because she didn't want any frostbites along with socks. She hated socks. She wore gloves as well.

Reyanna reached the mansion which belonged to Mark. She entered the code Mark texted her and drove into the driveway. She parked before keeping her earmuffs in her bag and came out. She knocked and a butler opened the door for her. Why didn't they have Passcode doors? Then she realized they were British, they were old-fashioned that way.

"May I take your coat, miss?" The butler asked. Reyanna handled him her coat and beret.

"Master Mark and Miss Olivia will be down in a few minutes," The butler told her. "You are welcome to wait in the parlor," He told her. She nodded as he showed her the way.

Reyanna wasn't amazed by the grandeur of the mansion. She had seen tons of houses like these. She felt her house was better than Mark's, but she could be wrong. At least they didn't have a 'parlor'. Her Mama hated show-off. They had a great hall/ living room for the guests.

Reyanna realized she missed her home, that's why she kept comparing everything. It wasn't that she didn't like the British or the UK in general. She was bitter because she just wanted to go home.

The butler left, and Reyanna sat on one of the couch. She looked around. It looked like a decent place. There were a few trophies and shields in glass cupboards.

She stood up to examine the cupboard. There was a trophy for an Equestrian championship, and one for the second position in undergrad school. There was a picture of Mark with some people. They were in the sports uniform. She figured it might be rugby.

"We won that tournament, you know," A voice startled her, and Reyanna jumped back only to collide with the couch and fall back.

Before she could fall, a pair of strong arms held her preventing the fall. Reyanna opened her eyes she didn't realize were closed to see beautiful grey eyes staring back her.

One of those strong arms held her by her arm, and the other on her waist. Coming to her senses Reyanna apprehended what was happening, and she bent forward, the arms let her, just pulling her a bit closer.

"Are you crazy? I could have broken my neck!" She exclaimed in her thick accent, trying to back off, but the couch didn't let her.

"Did it hurt?" The voice was deep.

"No. Thank Dios for that!" Reyanna exclaimed. Why wasn't this Chico moving?

"Did it hurt?" He asked again.

"Are you deaf?" She asked.

"It must have hurt when you fell from the heaven," He looked dazed.

"Huh?" She was confused. What heaven?

"I must be in a museum," He was blabbering now.

"What?" Reyanna was utterly confused.

" 'Cause you're really a piece of art," He said and Reyanna looked at him as if he had two heads. Then she recognized, he was using sucky pick up lines at her.

"Move!" She was angry now. First, he scares the shit out of her, and then uses pick-up lines?

"Are you an alien?" He said. "Because you just abducted my heart," He added before Reyanna could answer.

She looked down and saw that his hands still held her. She pulled away.

"Do you have first aid?" She asked.

"No, why?" He looked uncertain.

"Because you'll need it when I break your nose!" Her nose flared with anger. The guy laughed. How dare he!

"Move!" She warned him.

"Do you have a name, or shall I call you mine?" He asked, a grin on his face.

"Oh, I have a name! It will be on the criminal list if you don't move now!" Reyanna warned.

The guy chuckled again, but slowly left her arm and waist.

"Are you a parking ticket? Because you got fine written all over you," He said and Reyanna rolled her eyes and turned around to leave the parlor.

"Hey!" He called and Reyanna turned to look at him.

"Can I call you Google?" Reyanna gave him a look of disbelief.

"Cause you are everything I am looking for!" He grinned showing off his pearly white teeth.

Instead of replying, Reyanna rolled her eyes and went out only to find Olivia and Mark walking towards her.

"Don't go in the parlor," Reyanna warned them.

"What why?" Olivia asked.

"There is some loco...I mean crazy guy there. I think you shouldn't go in," Reyanna looked at the direction of the parlor, then back at them.

Olivia and Mark looked at each other with confusion.

"No staff of mine is mental, Miss Valdez. Are you sure?" Mark asked. Reyanna nodded.

"Oi Mark!" The same voice called, and the three turned towards it.

"That's the guy! He's crazy, like super crazy!" Reyanna exclaimed.

Olivia and Mark looked at each other and laughed walking towards the parlor. The guy too seemed to laugh leaving Reyanna bewildered.

She followed them anyways. Maybe the guy won't be acting idiotically around them.

"What did he do?" Mark asked the guy.

"First he startled me, I was about to fall! When I scolded him he started using ridiculous pickup lines at me!" Reyanna complained.

"Hey! It's not my fault that you are a bulb!" He answered.

"I'm a what?" Reyanna was confused.

"Because my life lights up when I see you," He said giving her a bright smile.

Olivia facepalmed, Mark, slapped his mouth to stop laughing while Reyanna just stared at the guy in disbelief.

"I think I know you," Reyanna said.

"You do?" The guy asked.

"Yes! You resemble the trash can in my kitchen!" She exclaimed.

There was a snicker at first, but then Mark and Olivia laughed like maniacs.

"This...is the...the...best thing..." Mark couldn't complete his sentence.

"Wow!" Olivia laughed. The guy was chuckling too.

"Can we please talk about something else? I don't want to talk about trash. Makes me want to vomit," Reyanna rolled her eyes.

That made the couple laugh even more. They had to hold each other for support.

Reyanna couldn't understand why it was so funny. She wasn't trying to be funny. The guy just stared at her. He didn't even blink.

"Can we get to business? I have to be somewhere," Reyanna asked the hysterical couple.

"Where?" The guy asked.

"Why should I tell you?" Reyanna challenged.

"Can I follow you?" He said.

"What? Why?" She was confused. The couple was finally sober.

"Because my parents taught me to always follow my dreams," He said and Reyanna wanted to punch the guy.

The couple started laughing again.

"Okay. I've had enough of this nonsense. Call me when you actually want some work to be done," Reyanna told them. She was this close into beating this guy to a pulp.

"We're really sorry, Miss Valdez," Mark sobered. He did look ashamed.

"Yes we are," Olivia seconded her fiancé.

"If we are talking, I want him out," Reyanna told them.

"Dan," Mark threw a meaningful glare at the dirty blond haired guy who was still staring at Reyanna. Dios he was creepy. Hot, but creepy.

The guy nodded and went out of the parlor.

"Forgive my best friend. I've never seen him like this," Mark said motioning Reyanna to sit.

"I am here to do my work, Mr. White. I don't have time for apologies," Reyanna told them curtly.

"Okay. Let's start!" Olivia exclaimed happily changing the subject.

After an hour of discussion and a lot of explaining and demonstrating, they finally made a decision. Carnations weren't as appealing on the decorations so they were to be put on the tables, and the bridal bouquet. Roses, hydrangeas, peonies, and stephanotises were to be used in the overall decoration. Stephanotises too in the bridal bouquet.

"We can go for the card selection tomorrow. I'll get some ideas ready when you guys come to the office," Reyanna told them, packing away her stuff.

"Don't forget to keep the cards according to the color theme," Olivia added.

"I'll make sure of that. We can decide the content, design and the goodies tomorrow," Reyanna asked as they stood up.

"We don't want it too gaudy. It should be classy, sophisticated and elegant," Mark told her.

"I'll get the layouts from the card printer and make sure they look as per your requirements," Reyanna assured them.

"We'll escort you to the door," Mark told her. Reyanna nodded.

As the butler handed Reyanna her coat and beret, Olivia came to her side.

"I'm really sorry about Dan. He's...not like this usually. I hope you don't mind if we bring him along tomorrow?" She asked looking at Mark, and then her.

"Uh..." Reyanna couldn't say anything. How can she decline her clients?

"He's a bit important you see...being my best man and all," Mark spoke.

"Dios mio!" Reyanna muttered under her breath. He had to be the best man, didn't he? What the actual fuck!

"In that case, it's alright, Mr. White. I'll see you all tomorrow," She said, the butler opened the door for her, and Reyanna stepped out only to face the dreading cold.

"Nombre de Dios, why did you have to send me here of all places?" Reyanna muttered loudly to herself walking towards her car.

"So that we could meet," A voice startled her causing her to jump back. Reyanna's boot's heel slipped on the wet ground and she almost fell before the similar strong arms held her steady.

"I think this is going to be our thing," The guy, Dan showed her his pearly whites. For a moment Reyanna thought whether she has ever seen teeth so white. "I can get used to this," He grinned.

Then she noticed that his arms were on her waist and hers were holding the fabric of his coat tightly. Reyanna regained her footing and stood straight pushing him away.

"I know what else you can get used to," Reyanna said.

"What?" He smirked. The nerve!

"My fist, and your face!" She exclaimed. But before she could hit him, he caught her arm, and twisted it behind her, pulling her close to his chest.

"I am really sorry for doing this. Reflexes," He suddenly loosened his grip when Reyanna winced. "This was not gentlemanly. I am extremely sorry," He looked down apologetically.

"Whatever okay. I don't really care," Reyanna brushed it off. She for some reason felt bad seeing him looking down like that.

"Allow me to introduce myself," He said. "Hayden Lenox of Devonshire, at your service," He bowed.

"Reyanna Valdez...of Castelldefels, Barcelona. I'm the wedding planner so yeah...at your service," She told him.

"Reyanna..." He echoed. Her name sounded weird from his mouth. Must be the accent.

"Yeah. So Hayden, nice to meet you and all, but I gotta go," She told him, backing away.

"You have someone waiting for you?" He asked curiously.

"Other than my Abuelos...um...grandparents, no. But I really hate this, can't stand here longer than this," She told him, wrapping her arms around her for warmth.

"You don't like England?" He sounded surprised.

"No, it's not like that. England is fine, but I really hate cold, and it's my first time here in winters. I don't like it. If you'll allow me," She said and he nodded.

Reyanna quickly opened her car and sat down, sighing as the warmth hit her. She pressed the start button of her car and reversed the car out of the driveway and zoomed out not before looking at Hayden in her rear view mirror who still stood there until he faded off her sight.

Reyanna met the three the very next day. It was weird though, the staff was so formal with Hayden. While they went through the cards Reyanna shortlisted, she went out to see Kai. She had to ask him about the weird behavior.

"Ti...I mean Uncle Kai?" Reyanna knocked. When there was no reply, she decided to peep only to close the door. When will these two ever stop making out? By making out she meant...ugh never mind.

Reyanna walked towards Beth.

"Hey, Beth?" She asked and Beth looked up from her tablet screen.

"Yes mi...Reyanna?" She asked.

"I wanted to ask why you were all so formal with Hayden?" Reyanna asked only to get a mortified reaction from Beth. "What?" She asked.

"Don't you know, Reyanna? He's Lord Hayden Lennox. The next Duke of Devonshire," Beth disclosed and Reyanna gasped.

"Nombre de Dios! He's royalty?" She said aloud.

"You didn't know that?" Beth asked and Reyanna facepalmed.

"Shit no! If I knew I wouldn't have said those things...." Reyanna words were cut the middle.

"I didn't mind a word," The deep voice said.

"Mierda!" Reyanna muttered under her breath before turning to face a serious Hayden...Lord Hayden.

"I am so sorry, My Lord!" Reyanna apologized, curtsying him like she saw everyone doing before.

"Are you serious?" He asked and Reyanna looked up.

"I am so sorry for saying all that yesterday...I didn't know you were royalty..." But he didn't let her finish.

"I don't care. I liked it. Very much, and I would like you to please treat me the same as you were. Pretend you never heard who I was," The hot dirty blond haired British man with the whitest teeth spoke. He looked serious, so he wasn't kidding.

"But I..." He stopped her again.

"Not a word Reyanna. I didn't mind at all. I enjoyed it and I hope you treat me the same," He told her. "Or I'll make you," He said with a mischievous grin on his lips.

"Reya...Oh...My Lord," Kai bowed to Hayden who rolled his eyes.

"I am not the Duke yet! Don't treat me as if I am one," He told Kai.

"Umm...Lo...I mean Hayden, this is my Uncle Kai," Reyanna stepped forward. "Uncle Kai...this is well...Hayden Lennox," Reyanna fumbled.

"Uh...Reya meet me after..." Kai trailed away as he backed away. More like he ran like he was on fire.

"Shall we go back?" Reyanna asked a very serious Hayden. He looked at her and smiled. His serious, authoritative look melted and a glint of playfulness appeared in his eyes.

As they walked away Reyanna looked back at a very confused Beth. She widened her eyes at her and Beth chuckled and went back to her work.

At the end of two hours Olivia, Mark, and Hayden came to a conclusion for the card and the goodies. Reyanna told them that it would ready in two days with the gift basket sample.

As the couple left, Hayden stayed behind as Reyanna noted down a few things.

He cleared his throat and Reyanna looked up.

"Sí...Yes?" She asked him correcting herself. Reyanna was used to speaking Spanish, not speaking her mother-tongue was weird.

"Can I stay here...for a while? I mean Mark and Olive are planning to go out for dinner, and I don't want to be the third wheel," He asked.

"Umm...I was going to head out actually. I have to meet the card printer," She said and saw the disappointment on his face. "You can tag along if you want?" Reyanna felt bad for him. She knew how bad it was to be the third wheel. She third wheeled to Rylen and Enrique a lot and to Manolo and his fangirls even more.

"Thank you so much," Hayden grinned. "I'll just let them know I'm not coming," He told her, and went out.

Reyanna meanwhile called the printer to tell him she was coming there. She notified him that Hayden was coming with her. She had to, she didn't want people panicking and stuff when they see him.

Royalty didn't keep bodyguards with them unless they were in real danger or on out of town trips and stuff like that. They got apps designed for defense. Reyanna realized that it was the reason why she couldn't hit Hayden.

The ride was short. Reyanna drove much to Hayden's dislike. It was 'un-gentlemanly' according to him. Reyanna told him that it wasn't a word nor did she care. Her Abuleo's vintage was her possession for now.

They had fun at the shop. Even with the goodies, Hayden helped her a great deal. He knew a lot about Olivia and Mark. Apparently, they went to Undergrad school together. Cambridge was the home of wealthy and nobility. Hayden was a major in Law. She learned he had Masters in Law as well.

"Remind me to never argue with you," Reyanna joked as they came out of the shop. The weather didn't seem so cold today. The wind was cold but didn't seem so cold with Hayden beside her.

"I think the only person I like arguing, and losing would be you," He said casually, but the way he looked at her was far from casual. This made her blush.

Reyanna hardly blushed, she was used to compliments. She was one of the most beautiful girls in school, though she never went to undergrad school, but still.

"How old are you? 5?" Reyanna diverted the topic when her phone rang.

"Sí, Abuela?" She asked.

"It's your Grandpa, Reya," Her Abuelo spoke.

"Oh. What's up, Abuelo?" She asked him.

"Your Grandma wants to know if you are coming home for lunch," He asked her.

"Uh...I just got free from the printer, and have a friend with me," Reyanna looked at Hayden who was confused.

"Bring your friend too. Your Abuela is cooking lasagne...extra cheesy lasagne," He told her after a pause. Maybe he was checking with Abuela.

"My grandmother is cooking extra cheesy lasagne. Want to join?" Reyanna asked Hayden.

"Sure," He shrugged.

"We'll be there in 15 minutes then," She told her grandpa.

"I hope you don't mind eating with us commoners?" Reyanna asked as they sat in the car.

"I don't care about the status, Reyanna, if you still haven't got it," Hayden was serious as he looked at her intently.

Reyanna didn't say anything just drove to her grandparents' home. As they reached Reyanna remembered that she didn't warn her grandparents about the fact they were having royalty over. She cursed herself internally. Her Abuela would freak out.

"Stay at the foyer until I tell you to come in. My Abuelos...I mean grandparents will freak out seeing you," Reyanna told him. Hayden looked amused but nodded.

Reyanna announced her arrival and saw her grandparents in the living room. They asked where her friend was.

"Um...there is a teeny tiny thing I left when I told you about my friend," Reyanna said cautiously.

"Is it a guy?" Abuelo Aryan asked.

"Um yes..." Reyanna bit her lip.

"And? Are you two dating?" Abuela Naina asked.

"No," Reyanna paused. "He's actually..." Reyanna was saying when Choco, her Abuelos' Rottweiler barked.

"Mierda!" Reyanna cursed and ran towards the voice. Choco was always at the foyer. She hoped he didn't bite Hayden.

But what she saw was unbelievable. Their unfriendly hostile black dog was wagging his tail at Hayden who was busy scratching behind his ear.

"I am so sorry," Reyanna apologized as Choco jumped at Hayden and started licking him.

"It's okay. I like him. What's he called?" Hayden asked.

"Choco," Reyanna told him as her grandparents arrived at the scene.

"Oh my god!" Her Abuela exclaimed.

"Choco!" Her Abuelo scolded his pet. "Back off now!" Choco made a sad voice before he rubbed his face on Reyanna's leg.

"He didn't bite you? Did he, My Lord?" Her Abuelo asked Hayden bowing down a bit. He had a back problem so it wasn't much.

"Please! Call me Hayden," Hayden told them with a smile. "No need for curtsying and all. And Choco is great. He didn't bite me, just licked my face," Hayden smiled at Choco who wagged his tail at him.

"Please come inside. Reyanna, show our guest to the bathroom," Her Abuela said. She was taking it well, for now.

"Yes, Abuela," She told her. "Choco! Stay!" She told the dog who made a face but sat down. "Good boy!" She told him. "Follow me, please," She looked at Hayden who had a smile on his face.

"I say they took it well?" Hayden asked as they walked towards the washroom.

"I think my Abuela is going to kill me," Reyanna muttered and Hayden laughed. Reyanna showed him the door and pressed the button to open it. Hayden nodded and went inside.

While she waited for him Reyanna thought she liked his laugh. It made her feel happy. Maybe she wasn't funny like Rylen so she never actually made anyone laugh. Not even her boyfriends, just her father would laugh at her silliness sometimes.

"Shall we?" Hayden asked breaking her thoughts, and Reyanna nodded and led him to the dining room.

Her Abuelos were already there. The staff was setting the best china they had. Reyanna loved that cutlery. Her Abuela won't use it frequently, only for special guests. Well, Hayden was special.

"I'm so sorry, My Lord, if Reya would have told me earlier, I would have prepared something else," Her Abuela glared at Reyanna who looked down sheepishly.

"Well, Reya... asked me if I wanted extra cheese lasagna...and I don't think I could turn that down," Hayden smiled at her.

But all Reyanna could think was when he called her 'Reya' and she liked it. Usually, she won't let anyone outside family and Manolo call her Reya. But it was fine for Hayden. Why?

The lunch went quite fine. Reyanna gave Hayden a tour of the house after that. He asked her about her family and she told him they were her mother's parents. Reyanna told him about her parents and it seemed Hayden had met her Uncle Nikhil once or twice. Even her Aunt Riya. Apparently, Samaira's dance and theatre group did a few shows in front of the royalty, as organizers Hayden met Aunt Riya and Uncle Nikhil.

Days passed in a blur, Reyanna would meet Hayden, Olivia, and Mark almost every day. The cold weather seemed to bother her less and less every day. The cards were finalized with the gift baskets and were delivered to their guests. Apparently, Mark and Olivia had a lot of noble friends. Well, they were millionaires, of course, they would have such friends.

After a month, Olivia gave Reyanna the news of her maid of honor being pregnant. It was accidental and they were having a quick wedding because it was long due.

Reyanna pulled some strings along with her Uncle Kai and made the simple church wedding a day to remember. During that time she met Olivia's bridesmaids and Mark's groomsmen. One of them was the Earl of Devon who tried to flirt with her, but she politely told him she wasn't interested. These titles confused Reyanna, she hardly fit between them. Though Hayden would never let her feel like an outsider, she felt like one when he wasn't around.

She liked his gestures that way. He would never stop using pickup lines on her the whole day. One of them actually made her blush. It was-

"If the stars fell every time I think of you, the sky would be empty by now,"

He dropped her home that day after the wedding reception. Reyanna figured that Hayden liked her. He found her attractive, which was pretty much obvious. Her Abuela would call her Duchess a lot now. Reyanna would brush it off. She didn't like Hayden that way. He was sweet and charming. She admitted he was hot as hell. Those grey eyes, and carelessly styled dirty blonde hair and that deep voice. His jaw line was something Reyanna couldn't help, but notice. It was enough to make a girl swoon.

Not her though. She was here at work, she won't get involved with a guy outside her comfort zone. She still didn't like London fully. It was always bitterly cold outside, snowing even.

If January was bad, February was worse. She had to wear a sweater all the time! Her natural tan was fading, she didn't like her pale skin so much. Barcelona sun helped a lot, though Rylen and Roman had dusky skin so it was all her.

Why did she have to be the unidentical one? Her green eyes and straight brown hair were the only things she liked about her appearance.

Now she was making stupid excuses. She was fine with her fair skin, it was just like her mother. Sometimes people did get confused how she was a Spaniard when she was so fair, but she didn't care. And she had started liking London. The library was huge. It made her smile when she went with Hayden there one day. She even told him her Abuelos love story. It was her favorite, and now she seemed to understand why her grandparents decided to settle here. It was where it all happened.

London was magical despite the snow and Hayden was helping Reyanna see it.

It was after two months when Hayden had to go back home. He was to take his father's place as he decided to retire at 73. Apparently, Hayden was much older than Reyanna. While she was just 22, Hayden was 30, almost turning 31. It was one of a lot of things she learned about him. Hayden had met her the day before he left. He told her he'll be there three weeks before the wedding for the fittings and everything else.

"I will miss you, Reya," He said as they had lunch. It made her heart beat fast, heat rose to her ears and face.

"You have to get used to it. I'll leave for Spain after the wedding and you'll be here," She told him, trying to veil her stupid emotions.

"You'll leave just after the wedding?" He asked, a bit surprised.

"Yeah. I mean if my Mama doesn't assign me another assignment here, then I will have to stay," She joked.

"So there is no reason for you to stay here. Except for a possible assignment?" He asked. There was hurt clear in his voice.

"No, of course not. My Abuelos are here. I have grown close to them. It's the longest time I have spent with them. And then there is you, my only friend here," She smiled at him. He gave her a small smile.

"Only friend? Don't you consider Olivia or Mark your friends? And Beth?" He asked.

"You tell me, have you heard that I went to a shopping spree with Olivia or to lunch with Mark. Or even on a drinking date with Beth?" She asked.

"No," Hayden said without missing a neat. "You went with me," He answered.

"I don't really belong here, Hayden. That's why I don't want to stay. You'll be a Duke in no time, and there won't be a reason big enough to stay. I'll come and meet you, maybe plan your wedding with a Princess...I don't know. But staying in a place where you don't belong isn't something that I can do easily. It's not my comfort zone," She explained.

"Then why are you here?" Hayden asked.

"I don't know. Maybe I feel comfortable with you," She gave him a smile. Hayden smiled back. This time it reached his eyes.

"I feel comfortable with you too," He admitted. She didn't know why, but it made her smile too.

"I don't have many friends," Reyanna told him as he dropped her home.

"I have exactly three close friends," He told her, coming by her side, and opening the door for her.

"Olivia, Mark, Benjamin, your King Cavalier," Reyanna counted.

"Yep," He agreed.

"And where do I stand?" Reyanna asked raising her eyebrow.

"You are not my close friend, Reya," He said with a serious face and Reyanna's heart seemed like it would break.

"Of course. I'll take my leave now, I have to call the caterer to get a food testing appointment," Reyanna told him. "I'll see you in a few weeks. All the best," She said and kissed his cheek. As she pulled away, Hayden held her hand and pulled her close. He wrapped his arms around her, holding her in a tight embrace.

"You're my best friend, Reyanna Valdez," He whispered in her ear making her smile widely.

"You're my best friend too, Hayden Lennox," Reyanna told him.

She went to see him off with Mark and Olivia as he left for Devonshire for his coronation. After he went, they all went to see the caterer. Everything seemed bland and Reyanna wasn't talking about the food.

Her life seemed bland, the days seemed longer despite the winter and it seemed like there was a hollow inside her. She missed him, she missed him bitterly. But she was glad for technology as his texts and calls would cure the hollow. Not fully, but she was happy with whatever she could get.

As days passed, Reyanna got busier, but her thoughts of Hayden never stopped. There were days he wouldn't reply to her messages, not even see them. She would be upset all day until he texted her back, or called her. His voice seemed magical and so would his texts.

Reyanna wondered how that could be possible. She would re-read their conversations again and again. Never delete a message. Her belly would burst with butterflies when she saw his message on her notifications. She won't leave her phone in case he would call or text her. What was happening to her? How could a certain Duke do all that to her?

"Hey!" She texted him. It was one month after his departure. He was returning soon, she was almost counting days.

He didn't reply. It had been the whole day. She waited for the whole day, starting at her phone. Mark and Olivia had taken an off and went to a one-day holiday so it meant no work for her. She didn't go to the office, just sat in her room staring at her phone.

"Reya! Come down for dinner!" Her Abuela called her, and Reyanna decided to take her phone with her. In case Hayden texted when she was away.

When Reyanna came down, she saw her Abuelo watching the news. She sat beside him and watched what he was watching intently. He was watching business news.

"Reya, Aryan!" Her Abuelo called again.

Reyanna got up from the couch, she didn't want to anger her Abuela when her Abuelo changed the channel.

She stopped in her tracks when she heard 'Duke of Devonshire' and turned to watch the news.

"The Prime news today is from the Devonshire mansion," The reporter said. "As announced by the Devonshire Royal, the new Duke of Devonshire, Hayden Lennox is now engaged to Marchioness of Lothian, Alicia Kerr. It was declared today noon. The Duke proposed in a romantic fashion and the Marchioness was spotted wearing a vintage diamond on her finger," The reporter said.

Everything went blank for Reyanna. She stared at her phone which showed her a picture of a baby picture of Rylen, her and Roman along with her parents, but no notifications. Reyanna took the remote and switched off the TV as her Abuela called her and her Abuelo again.

Her Abuelo gave her a worried look, but she shook her head and motioned for them to go and eat. The dinner was peaceful. Her Abuela told Reyanna and her Abuelo about what she posted on the blog today. They were talking and so was Reyanna. There was no difference in her attitude. The dinner was delicious as usual. Reyanna helped in cleaning the table after dinner and went to her room after biding her grandparents good night.

As soon as she closed the door of her room, Reyanna looked at her phone which showed nothing, but a message from her bank giving her a discount cashback. Reyanna threw her phone on her bed and went inside her washroom.

Is that why he didn't reply to her message? Was he proposing to someone? Of course, he would choose a royalty like him. They were like-minded people.

Suddenly a feeling of loneliness came over her. Reyanna felt like she didn't belong here anymore. She wanted to leave London and go back home. London was charming, but she wanted to go home, to her safe place.

Her phone's shrill tone broke her thoughts and Reyanna ran to her room and pounced on it only to see it was her Abuela Natasha.

"Hola, Abuela," Reyanna greeted her grandma in Spanish.

"Hola, mija! How are you?" She asked.

"I'm good. Just missing home," She told her honestly.

"Aww. We miss you too!" She heard some commotion in the background.

"We? Are you with Daddy and Mama?" She asked.

"Yes! Even Rylen and Roman are here!" She told her.

"Ugghh! I want to be there too!" Reyanna whined. Now she wanted to go home even more.

"I know, I know. Come online. We can webchat," Natasha suggested.

"Give me a second," She said and called her Abuela via her tablet.

Suddenly her Abuela, parents, and siblings appeared on the screen of her tablet. With them was a surprise. Manolo Juan.

"Hey, guys!" Reyanna grinned seeing her family. God, she missed them. The screen seemed so small. She wanted to be there, in her Mama's lap, her Daddy's protective embrace, fighting with her siblings.

"Hey there, princess!" Her Daddy waved.

"You look so pale, sweety!" Her Mama looked worried.

"It's the cold, Mama. I'll be fine as soon as I return," She assured her mother.

"You look fat!" Roman added.

"Piss off, Rom," Reyanna rolled her eyes, but she was grinning.

"Ooh looks like someone learned new words," Rylen commented.

"Whatever Ry! Hey, Manny!" She greeted him using the name she called him by when they were together.

"Hi, Reya! How are you?" He asked. He still looked the same since she saw him a year ago.

"I'm good now I have talked to you all!" She told them excitedly.

"How is everything there?" Manolo asked.

"It's brilliant! Do you know they are expanding the London Library! It was huge enough, but they are renovating it. And the London eye is so much prettier than I last remember! The wedding preparations are going smoothly as well," She told him.

"Someone is having fun," Manolo grinned.

"Yep. It's good here, even with the cold. And Abuelo Aryan is the sweetest. He actually let me drive his vintage!" Reyanna told everyone.

"No way!" Roman shouted. "He never let me drive that!" He complained.

"Wait! Let me take you to them!" Reyanna said, and rushed to her grandparent's room, and connected her iPad to their TV. "Abuelos, say hi!" She said and there was a family reunion right there.

It was fun. Reyanna finally laughed freely after a long time.

"You know your daughter is now friends with the Duke of Devonshire?" Abuela Naina said, and Reyanna stiffened.

"The Duke? That is so cool! How is he like?" Rylen looked excited.

"He's good-natured. Not snobby or anything. He's actually the best man at the wedding," Reyanna told her sister. Suddenly the doorbell rang and after some shuffling Enrique was in the picture.

"Hey there!" He greeted Reyanna. She sighed, she didn't have to talk about 'him' anymore.

"Hello to you too stranger!" She grinned.

The conversation continued for an hour before everyone said good nights.

When Reyanna was leaving their room, her Abuela followed her.

"Reya?" She called and Reyanna turned.

"Yes, Abuela?" She asked with a last look at her phone. No response.

"Are you okay?" She asked. That's what her mother always told her. Abuela Naina was sharp with knowing feelings.

"I'm fine, just tired. Back to work tomorrow," She joked.

"You sure you don't want to talk? I saw how your mood changed when I talked about that friend of yours," Naina asked. So she knew.

"No, nothing like that. It was just seeing Manolo and everything," She lied.

"Look, Reya. If you want to talk to me about something, just let me know," She caressed her face lovingly. Reyanna couldn't help but hug her tightly.

"I love you, Abuela," She told her.

"I love you too, darling," She smoothened her hair. "Now sleep okay? You have that cake selection tomorrow," She reminded her.

"Good night, Granny," Reyanna kissed her grandma's cheek and ran to her room.

___

A week had passed, nobody talked about Hayden. It wasn't like he was the center of discussion, but no one mentioned his name in front of Reyanna. She didn't know the reason, but she was glad no one had. She didn't want to deal with emotions, she had a lot of work to complete.

"Bloody hell!" Mark came in cursing after attending a phone call. They all were in her office discussing the seating arrangement.

"What's up, honey?" Olivia asked worriedly.

"Dan called. He said he can't come to the wedding until this drama with Alicia ends," He told her.

"What did the bitch do now?" Olivia too looked angry.

"Apparently, she's pregnant with the Duke of Devonshire's baby. Wasn't announcing a fake engagement at the coronation party enough?" Mark sat down, running his hand through his hair.

"Guys?" Reyanna composed herself. Hayden knocked up a girl?

"Oh, we are sorry Miss. Valdez," Mark apologized.

"No problem. If you want we can meet later," She offered.

"No, it's okay. I just don't know why this woman is after Dan," Mark looked upset.

"What do you mean?" Reyanna asked. She was curious.

"This Marchioness of Lothian claimed that Dan proposed to her. When his PR tried to rubbish the news with proof, she claimed he was the father of her baby! I mean Dan won't do that," Mark looked angry.

"I knew she was a bitch since I met her," Olivia too looked angry.

"Maybe, you know...maybe Hayden did impregnate her. I mean she must have some proof to claim that. I'm sure you can't convince anyone in 2041 about fake pregnancy. She might have the pregnancy test and reports. Even the DNA ones. Maybe something happened between them," Reyanna didn't know how she was saying all that. It felt like she wanted to cry inside.

"Dan did say she had pregnancy tests and everything," Mark said dejectedly.

"How long did she say she was pregnant for?" Reyanna asked.

"Four weeks," Mark said.

"Um...I'm sorry to point, but wasn't Hayden in Berkshire four weeks ago? At Windsor Castle? He had to take an oath or something, along with his father," Reyanna told them.

They had talked for an hour that day. Reyanna had the pleasure of talking to the Duke that time, Hayden's father. She and Lord Lennox shared a few minutes while Hayden was called by one of the ministers.

Mark's face lit up while Olivia was surprised at her observation.

"Jesus! I'm sure none of them had thought about it! Dan must have forgotten about it. Excuse me for a minute," Mark said as he tapped furiously on his phone and went out of her cabin.

"You and Dan talk?" Olivia asked after her fiancé was gone.

"Not really. I had sent him the picture of your bouquet and Mark's garter as he had asked me to when he was here. He was in Windsor Castle that day. So I remember," Reyanna lied.

Hayden and her friendship was hidden from Olivia and Mark. Hayden said they would make conclusions, and didn't want anyone to know about them meeting outside of work. Reyanna obviously understood.

"He said he'll ask for the tests again, this time he would be there to witness. He never slept with her," Mark was smiling now.

"He did, I think. First year in undergrad. That's a long time now. If she thinks she is pregnant from that time, she needs a mental asylum," Olivia snickered.

Reyanna didn't know how to feel. She felt relieved that Hayden wasn't involved with this Marchioness, but he still never replied to her. Something inside her burned as she thought if Hayden did sleep with the Marchioness, or maybe liked her. Alicia Kerr was a beautiful lady, and she was royal like him. What if he decided to marry her anyway?

Why was she so concerned?

The following day was hectic for her despite being a Friday. The wedding was only a few weeks away. She didn't know how her Mama did all that alone for so long. She was glad she had Kai and Sam and their team.

That night she had dinner with her grandparents, Uncle Nikhil, and Aunt Riya. Her cousin Samaira was out on tour with her theatre group.

The dinner was good. It was good to catch up with her relatives. They were so cool. Aunt Riya told everyone that Samaira had found someone. He was from her theatre group, and he proposed to her. She was telling them about Samaira and the guy when something struck Reyanna. She wanted to run and hyperventilate, but she couldn't.

When everyone went home, and her grandparents had retired to their rooms, Reyanna ran to her room and closed the door shut behind her. She sank to her knees. She had imagined her and Hayden when her Aunt talked about her cousin and her fiancé.

"Mierda!" She cussed under her breath.

His pickup lines did make her heart beat fast. His smile did take her breath away. His ignorance did break her heart. It bothered her that Hayden could marry another woman. She really was in love with Hayden.

Her phone suddenly vibrated in her trouser pocket.

"Reyanna Valdez," She answered in a clipped tone as per her habit not looking at the caller id.

"Reya," The voice made her heart beat faster.

"Hay...Hayden?" She stuttered.

"It's me," He paused. "I'm sorry," He apologized.

"Why?" She asked as she slowly got up from the floor and sat on her bed.

"For not replying or talking to you," He told her. His voice seemed anxious.

"It's alright. I mean it's not like we had to talk literally every day. You are a busy man know. I understand," She told him. Her voice was calm, but her hands were shaking.

"I wasn't busy, Reya. I mean I was, but I wasn't that busy," He spoke slowly.

"What?" She asked.

"I thought I messed things up. I thought you would have heard the news, and I messed everything up," His voice had anguish.

"Messed up? What could have messed our friendship?" She asked calmly, but her heart was accelerating. Obviously pumping blood with twice the flow, that's what hearts did.

"Mark told me you told him I was at the Windsor Castle with my Dad four weeks ago. The reports were fake, Reya. It was all a lie," He told her and Reyanna felt as if life came back to her body. "It was a lie, but I was terrified of something else. But it's cleared now," He told her.

"What terrified you, Hayden? Talk to me," She asked him.

"It scared me that I might have to live without you," He said in a serious voice and all the air in her lungs was sucked out. What did he say?

"Why would you even think that? .....Wait, what do you mean?" Reyanna was confused.

"I cannot live without you, Reya. Believe me, I have seen that. I was miserable, your texts kept me sane. I was about to text you back when all this happened. I wish I could explain to you how I felt, but I just want you to know that you have slipped under my skin, invaded my blood and seized my heart," He spoke slowly and Reyanna couldn't help, but grin.

She was about to tell him that she felt the same when she remembered Olivia's friend's wedding, and what happened when Hayden wasn't around. She was different, uncomfortable, an outcast.

"Mauve and silver do not go together," Reyanna said. Remembering her words she told Kai.

"Mauve and silver? Are you talking about colors right now? I just confessed my feelings and you are talking about colors?" He seemed confused.

"They are not just colors, they depict us. You are mauve, Hayden. Mauve represents royalty, nobility, power. While silver is delusional, moody and sensitive. More than that silver is odd. You and I don't match Hayden. You are royal and royal matches gold, not silver. We can't be together in any way. We can't blend," She told him.

"You are really rejecting me via a color theory?" Hayden asked incredulously.

"I am telling you that I don't belong here. I don't belong with your people. I am not British. I have a thick accent while I talk in English. I have zero etiquette. I am not a people pleaser, definitely not sophisticated. I am not even literate like you. While you are grace, power and royal, you are a change and I am scared of changes. I am comfortable with you, but I'm sorry I can't be with you like that. It won't be good to you or me," Reyanna hung up.

Then she cried.

***
Spanish Translations:

No problema: No problem

Dios: God

Tio: Uncle

Abuela: Grandmother

Abuelo: Grandfather
Abuelos: Grandparents

Chico: Boy

Loco: Crazy

Mierda!: Shit!

Mija: Daughter
----

She refused!

Did you like Hayden? Who was better according to you, Manolo or Hayden?

What do you think will Reyanna do now, or Hayden?

Let me know your views through comments, PMs or anything you like

Vote if you like the story

See you in the 2nd part

Until then

Racs...