Raffy's POV

"How are you feeling?" I asked as I sat on one of the armchairs in my grandfather's bedchambers. He looks so well and I felt relieved, but still, heart disease is sneaky. I crossed my one leg over the other and clasped my hands on my lap, leaning my back against the back support of the soft leathered chair.

My grandfather gave me a smile, his eyes filled with fondness. It was obvious that I was his favorite grandson since I came out first, and next came Bell.

"I feel a little unwell, but nothing can stop the old man to have fun," he chuckled at his own joke. I just shook my head, a small smile creeps up over my face.

"So," he grinned as he sat on the adjacent chair — the same victorian style — and fixed his robe, then leaned his back. His eyes never leaving me. "How was the show?" he asked.

"It's fantastic. It was packed, and it was well organized. The team did an amazing job," I smiled at him. He shook his head with a wide smile on his face.

"I'm glad," he said.

"So what exactly was the findings?" I asked as I stared seriously at him. Grandpa gave me a quizzical stare. I sat upright, unclasping my hand, resting my elbows on the armrest of the chair, and regarded him intently. "Your health, grandpa," I clarified briefly, giving him a pointed look.

"Oh," he smiled as he shifted on his seat. He looks away and waved his hand, trying to dismiss the topic. "Don't worry. It's nothing serious!" he chuckled and I nodded. He seems fine so I decided to not pursue the topic. I thought to just talk to his doctor. I'll find out about his illness and if we need to bring him a specialist, then I will.

"Alright," I said. Then I remember that girl. "Grandpa," he raised an eyebrow as he averted his gaze at me. "Did you hire a new employee?" I asked.

He shook his head as he chuckles, his eyes avoiding mine. "No, I don't think we need more people here, do we?" he looks at me briefly, then looks away shortly.

He was acting a little weird, but I shook that thought off. Perhaps I'm just being paranoid, or I'm thinking too much. I remembered to do resume my work left in my office.

I slowly rose from my seat and fixed my coat. "I need to go, grandpa. I have pending works to resume," I said and he nodded his head as he rose up. I gave him a brief hug and I felt his hand patted my back softly.

"I'll see you tonight at dinner," grandpa said and I nodded.

Before I reach the door, "Raffy," he said causing me to stop mid-stride and turns to face him. "When did we organize a ball here?" grandpa asked.

I frowned in confusion as I shook my head. "I don't know. Maybe fifteen years ago?" I responded with uncertainty. Grandpa nodded. I don't know what's running in his head. We throw parties here every year, but only close friends were invited. Usually just birthday parties or anniversaries.

"Well, I guess it's time to throw a ball. Tell Osvaldo and Yulia to plan the grand ball, invite all our good friends and royalties. I want this ball to be memorable," grandpa enthusiastically proclaimed, his face glowing and I stared at him, confused.

"I thought you'd like to keep our life private?" I frowned.

Grandpa smiled broadly. "It's getting boring here in the palace, don't you think?" he mused as he walks towards his four poster bed. "And my friend, the duke of Spain had been pestering me to throw a ball here in our palace. It's been a while since the palace threw a ball," Grandpa perched on the side of his bed then pulled the thick blanket and tossed it to the foot of the bed. "You need to have fun, too." Grandpa smiled and propped his back against the headboard, then took the magazine that was sitting on his side table and his glasses, then put it on.

"So when would you like this ball to happen?" I asked. He peered over the magazine and stared at me. "The soonest," then he smiled before returning his gaze at the magazine.

I just nodded in agreement, ignoring the sudden odd actions of my grandfather. "Alright. Have a good day, grandpa. I'll see you later," I said and left him.

.

.

"What happened to my grandfather?" I asked Osvaldo. He was sitting on one of the chairs across my desk. Osvaldo frowned and shook his head slightly.

"I can answer your question, your grace." Osvaldo politely answered. "I've been with you since you started," and I nodded. I let out a deep sighed.

Natalia's face flashed in my head. I smiled. I missed her terribly. "Osvaldo," I unconsciously said without looking at him.

"Yes, your grace?" he responded briefly, his tone always carries deep respect.

"My father just told me to throw a grand ball. You and Yulia had to work together to organize this ball," I smiled as an idea pop up in my head.

"Yes, your grace," Osvaldo answered.

"I want Natalia to attend this ball. Do whatever means to get her attend the ball," I looked at my butler slash right hand, and he nodded his head.

"Will do, your grace," he nodded and then slowly rose from his seat, holding his latest iPhone plus. "Is there anything else, your grace?" he asked as he started tapping on his phone.

I tried to focus back on the papers scattered in front of me but my head still reeling on Natalia. I was still perturbed with the thought that someone was flirting with her. I know it's not a surprise, she's pretty and very sweet. And knowing that this billionaire Morrison is there lying on one of that bed where she was working and perhaps they see each other every day, it just added to my increasing frustrations.

William Morrison.

I gathered more information about the guy. A billionaire who runs several businesses in Madrid, Spain, and he loves to race. A womanizer, who hopped from woman to another, never dated anyone seriously and never been seen with the same girl ever.

I decided to take a walk in my grandmother's glass garden — they named it 'Tati's glass garden' in respect to her — while battling with my thoughts between calling her or not. It's almost four in the afternoon. I ignored the Markovich's employees who stood out of my way giving me a small curtsied as I passed them and ventured along the wide hallway towards the back, where a large and long greenhouse made of glass was beautifully maintained by a few gardeners. It used to be my grandmother's garden, where she spent most of her time when she was still alive, according to my great grandfather, then they turned it into a tropical greenhouse. Along the pathway were palm trees, and rare, beautiful flowers surrounding the date palm trees. There are benches made of boulders scattered around the huge greenhouse for walkers.

Finally, I found the courage to ring her number. After several rings, she finally answered it.

"Hello," came her sweet voice and I was lost for a moment. My heart speeds up, my throat felt dry. I could hear my heart thumping wildly in my ears. And upon hearing her sweet voice, I felt a kick in the gut. A deep, profound longing for her filled my heart.

"H-Hi?" I stuttered after a short paused.

"Raffy?" she said in a soft murmuring tone.

"Yes, it's me," I smiled as I sat on the stone bench facing the entrance of the huge, greenhouse.

"Are you okay?" she asked, her tone suddenly became worried. The longing increasing by the second. How stupid Am I to take her for granted.

"Yeah, I think I am!" I swallowed hard. "Yes, I guess I am," I repeated, rambling like an idiot.

"Are you sure?" she chuckled and the sound of it almost made me smile bitterly. She really had moved on. So quick and I'm still here, stuck and struggling to recover, but I hate to accept the truth.

"Raffy?" she called my name.

"Yes!" I quickly answered, and chuckled softly. "I am. I'm fine. How are you?" I rambled. I heard her giggling. I wanted to smack my head. I never felt so insecure rather intimidated talking to her again.

"You sound so horrible. Are you sure you are alright?" she asked again and I'm starting to regret calling her. I didn't know I sounded like a stupid.

I swallowed the lump to clear my throat and collect my shit together. "Yes, I am!" I said casually, trying to sound normal, a little too cold to reassure her that I am. "How are you?" I asked again.

"I am fine," then she pauses briefly "no, I'm actually happy with my new job," she answered shortly, and I could sense the smile in her tone. William Morrison suddenly pops up in my head.

"That's great to hear," I said, ignoring the bitter taste it left in my tongue. "I'm glad you're enjoying your new job," I said, forcing a happy tone I could muster even though I am grieving deeply inside.

"Thank you," she said sweetly. "You are so sweet, no ... I mean sometimes, when you feel like to," she rambled and I chuckled.

"Yeah. I'm such an asshole," I said, agreeing.

"No!" she quickly disapproved and I let out a soft chuckle.

"Well, thank you for being so sweet, even though all I did was hurting you," I said truthfully and she let out a soft giggle. It feels so refreshing to hear her giggles again, to talk to her like nothing happened.

"True!" she agreed. I chuckled loudly.

"I hope you found it in your heart to forgive this asshole," I joke.

"You are forgiven, your grace. Actually, I forgot it already. It's not really good to keep grudges, it keeps you awake all night. Not worthy," she sighed.

I nodded mindlessly. "So how have you been?" she asked cheerfully.

I smiled bitterly. Rising to my feet, I followed the pathway as I talk to her. My other hand resting inside my pocket while the other holding the phone close to my right ear. "Busy," I simply replied.

"With women?" she joked but it hit me straight in the heart.

"I'm sorry, I'm just joking, Raffy," she quickly apologized and I smiled bitterly.

"No, I think I had enough with these women. I lost the only woman I'd like to spend the rest of my life with," I said and she fell into silence for a moment.

"I think I have to go back inside," she said and suddenly sadness filled me.

"Sure," I responded forcing a cheerful tone. "I hope I can talk with you again, perhaps tonight?" I said.

"Sure. You can text me first, then I'll call you when I'm free," she said which caused me to smile, and hope filled me.

"Sure. Bye, pumpkin," I said and she fell into a silence. I squeezed my eyes shut after realizing my last word. "I mean, Iya." I corrected as I smiled bitterly.

"Bye, Raffy," she answered barely above a whisper, then she hangs up the phone.

I shook my head as I shoved the phone in my pocket.

I mindlessly ventured along the pathway, not really giving attention to the beautiful plants around me, my head still reeling on her. When I reached the exit entrance, I decided to head back to the palace. It's almost half past six.

I entered the mansion feeling a little better than a while ago and ambled along the hallway, passing series of rooms until I get to the grand stairway. I involuntarily look up as I stood on the foot of the stairsteps and there, I saw the back of that girl again, going up the stairsteps already at the second floor. I strode up to catch up with her, my heart beat picking up as I tried to catch her, but when I get to the second floor, she was nowhere to be seen. I saw Yulia approaching my direction as I check every room.

"Your grace," she stops and curtsied gracefully. I stop and face her.

"I saw that girl's back again, with long, curly brown hair. She was wearing a black knee-length dress," I said, giving her few descriptions but she just furrowed her eyebrows in confusion. "I saw her back there," as I pointed where she was standing when I saw her, but she just frowned deeper. "She disappeared here," I grit out in frustrations, but she only gave me a confused look.

I let out a resigned sighed. "Nevermind," I said frustratedly and decided to head to my room, forgetting about the woman.

I'm probably just hallucinating. Seeing things because of longing for her.

.

.

Inside the dining room, grandpa was sitting in the middle chair while I seated at his right side. He whispered something to Yulia and I just watch them with curiosity.

"What was it, grandpa?" I asked grabbing my wineglass and took a sip.

"Nothing," grandpa answered as he gave me a mischievous smile and I just shook my head, tamping down my curiosity.

"So, did you hear the news?" grandpa started and I frowned, placing my glass gently down, I took my fork and resumed eating.

I just gave him a curious stare and he gave me a grin. "Your friend Kaelan Anushka is back for good," he said and a smile broke out on my lips.

Kaelan is Dr. Adam Anushka's grandson. He went to London to study Medicine so to become like his grandfather. And after he left Russia, I heard nothing about him. I'm not sure if he's already married.

I suddenly felt excited because Kaelan was the closest friend I had that lived close to the Palace. Most of my friends lived miles away from me, such as GP, Alexander, and Lucas. I had some friends, I called them beer buddies, which I usually called whenever I want to go barhopping or crashed some parties.

"He actually came this morning," grandpa said and I nodded.

"He never called me," I said as I popped a piece of meat in my mouth with my eyes trained on my grandfather.

"He wants to surprise you but I told him you attended the airshow. He said he'll come back tomorrow," grandpa smiled and I made a mental note to give him a call instead after dinner. Maybe we could catch up tonight.

As soon as the dinner was done, grandpa headed back to his room and I made my way to my bedchamber, too. I called his old number as soon as I closed the door in my bedchamber and walk towards my huge bed. Taking my shoes off, I plopped down on my bed.

"Kaelan's speaking," he answered and I grinned.

"Kaelan, you ass!" I chuckled. "You never called me, bratan (bro). I heard you came back for good?" I said grinning broadly and put the phone on a loud speaker and then shrugged off my coat.

I heard his loud laughter on the other line. I'm so happy he's back. "Yes, I am. I actually came by to surprised you, but I met someone, and I'm glad," I could see him grinning ear to ear.

I unconsciously furrowed my forehead. "And who?" I asked.

"I forget to ask her name. I was too stunned to see such beauty, I forgot to ask the most important thing," he let out a loud chuckle "her name," he continued between chuckling.

I found myself chuckling at his story. He sounded love struck. There are a lot of beauties that working here in the palace, but I strictly disagree with the idea of mixing pleasure with business. Things will just get messy.

I met a lot here in the palace that was very willing, but I just ignored their discreet invitation. I've been tempted many times on many occasions, but I controlled my desires before I regretted it.

"How about give me a description and maybe I know her, I can give you information about her?" I teased, but I really mean it.

He chuckled then after he sobered down, he became serious. "She stood past my ears, with long, thick, and wavy saddle brown hair. She had the most expressive eyes I've ever met, long dark lashes that complimented her enchanting sapphire orbs ..."

I stiffened as Natalia's face pops up in my head. When her blue sapphire eyes sparkled when she laughs. He was certainly describing my Natalia. There's no doubt about that, and he felt a kick in the gut.

But Natalia wasn't here?

Maybe I was overthinking things.

"I don't remember anyone with that eyes. I know two here that has saddle brown hair, but not sapphire eyes." I said and I heard him sighed, rather a dreamy sighed.

"Are you sure her eyes are blue?" I asked.

He chuckled. "Yes. They were so vivid, I feel like l was staring into the sea. They were so mesmerizing," he rambled. "Does she have a dimple?" I asked. I'm still not convinced. Natalia wasn't here, it's impossible.

"I didn't notice," he answered with a sighed and I nodded, a little relieved.

"But, she is definitely one smokin' hot chick!" he added enthusiastically and I chuckled. Kaelan easily falls in love, and I can't recall how many heartbreaks he'd been through but never learned his lesson. "Especially her plump red lips. They were so sensual and if ever I married her, I would never get tired kissing her, all day, all night."

Natalia's lips flashed in my head. I love to kiss her all the time, and he was on point of describing her lips.

Then I remember the girl I saw twice with the same back as Natalia.

It can't be!

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A/N: I'm sorry guys for the very slow update. I'm just trying to focus on the FFHN. I hope this chapter makes it up to you.

Thank you!!