Mask

A Glimpse To Forever

I was tugged out of my sleep by a faint pat on my arm and a soft, familiar voice.

"Hija, gising na. Naghihintay na ang breakfast, andoon na ang mommy at daddy mo" Manang Teresita said with her usual warm smile.

"Good morning, Manang. I'll be there in a minute," I mumbled, still half-asleep.

"Good morning din, iha. Sige, bababa na ako," she said, gently closing the door.

I dragged myself to the bathroom. My morning routine wasn't just skincare, it was my armor. Cleanser, toner, serums, moisturizer, all the expensive things Mom insisted on. Before heading downstairs, I stopped by my fish tank, sprinkling food for my little babies.

"Oh, I hope this day will be as good as the sunrise," I whispered, watching them dart around for food.

As I walked toward the dining room, I heard Mother's voice drifting from the hall.

"Manang Teresita, where's my daughter? She should be awake by now and starting her work," Mom asked in that commanding tone of hers.

"Señora, gising na po siya. Siguro ginagawa lang niya ang morning routine niya," Manang answered politely.

"Mabuti naman," Mom replied.

I stepped into the dining room with my best smile. "Good morning, Mommy. Good morning, Daddy."

They nodded. No smile. No warmth. Just acknowledgment.

I took my designated seat, to Dad's left. He sat at the center, the head of the table, while Mom sat across from me. Our long dining table had 14 seats, but only three were ever used.

Manang and the maids began serving breakfast, pancakes with maple syrup and fresh berries, oeufs en cocotte, a plate of golden pastries, a frittata, and my favorite Da Hong Pao tea.

Da Hong Pao.

Smooth. Strong. Sweet. It smelled like orchids and wealth.

"What's your agenda for today, Princess?" Dad finally asked, eyes still on his phone.

"I'll be going to the National Archaeological Museum of Athens with some friends. They invited me to see the exhibits. Greek history is one of my favorites, so I'll really enjoy it," I said, trying to sound excited but proper.

"Oh? That's good, Princess. Who are these friends?"

"Prince Constantine Alexios and Princess Maria Olympia," I replied. "And some other European royals... I can't remember all their names. There are too many."

Mom's face softened, pleased, of course. Her daughter, mingling with the finest bloodlines in Europe. That's what I was raised to do.

My circle wasn't normal. It wasn't made of classmates who shared my interests. It was Heirs. Heiresses. Crown princes and princesses. Billionaire's kids. Socialites.

"What time will you leave?" Mom asked.

"After breakfast. I'll ride the Bombardier Grandpa gave me."

"Oh, okay. Enjoy, Princess," Mom said, pleased. "And don't forget to send my regards to Chantal."

Chantal — Crown Princess of Greece. Constantine and Olympia's mother.

That's my life.

Make friends with people who can keep you valuable.

That's what my parents always taught me.

After breakfast, Mom and Dad left for "business matters." I went upstairs to get ready.

A quick bath. A touch of makeup. And the Chanel white peplum dress Mom bought last week — formal, clean, and exactly how she'd want me to look in front of royals. Conservative but flawless.

No skin. No noise. Just perfection.

"Hija, tumawag ang piloto. Handang-handa na raw sila, ikaw na lang hinihintay," Manang informed me.

"Coming!" I said, slipping on my Louboutins.

As I headed down the stairs, I called back, "Manang, sabihin mo kay Mommy na i-send sa'kin yung details ng dinner later. I'll come back as soon as I can."

"Noted, hija. Ingat ka!"

"I will. Thank you!"

In the car, I put on my headphones, letting soft music drown out my thoughts. My phone buzzed.

Uncle Skylar.

No. Not Uncle Arthur. Mr. Croft. Klaude's father.

My stomach twisted as I read his message.

From: Mr. Croft

Young lady, I've heard you're heading to Greece with some friends. Take care, my dear. And I hope you won't forget tonight's dinner. My son is there too for business matters. Perhaps you'll meet if you stay on the islands. I'll let him know. Just tell me if you'll be there.

To: Mr. Croft

I will, Uncle. Perhaps Klaude prefers to be alone, especially with his schedule. We'll meet properly at dinner, and I think that would give us time to... process things first.

From: Mr. Croft

Oh, how nice of you, my dear. But I don't think you'd be a burden to my son. Knowing you'll be his wife soon, I'm sure he'd want to spend time with you. Such a beautiful lady for a wife.

I couldn't help but smile faintly. Finally, someone who sounded like they appreciated me.

But I highly doubted Klaude Croft, with all his rumored charm and scandals, would "want to spend time with me."

If anything, I bet he was the type to collect women like trophies.

"Cabin crew, please take your seats. We are now landing at our destination."

The pilot's voice brought me back. I straightened my dress, checking my reflection one last time.

"Señorita Anastasia, nandito na tayo. Naghihintay na po ang limousine sa labas," the attendant said as she opened the jet's door.

"Thank you," I replied, standing tall as the stairs unfolded.

The warm Greek air hit my face. I smiled faintly.

But the moment I reached the bottom step

A shadow blocked my path.

And when I looked up, my heart skipped.

Because standing there, leaning casually against the sleek black limousine, was none other than Klaude River Croft.