Chapter 2
1122 Words
Six years later, Aaron had just been released from prison for a crime he knew nothing of.
His only possession was a black duffel bag and a silver necklace given to him by a strange inmate called Elijah.
So as he stood at the entrance of Hotel Imperium, London’s most exquisite hotel, letter of recommendation in hand, the door opened and a tall man with big eyes and a sharp tongue questioned him.
“Are you lost?”
“I’m here for the job, sir.”
“You don’t look useful.”
Daniel held up the recommendation letter.
“I’m a trainee from the rehabilitation program.”
The man muttered something under his breath and buzzed the door, then invited him in. And that was how he started a job at Hotel Imperium with Mr. Hargrove, a supervisor who made life a hell.
“Room 814,” Hargrove barked one morning, slapping a tray of tea and biscuits onto the counter. “Lady Windsor. Don’t screw it up. She’s an important guest.”
Aaron nodded, picked up her order and headed for the top floor.
When he entered her suite, the lady's gaze immediately went to the pendant on his neck.
She gasped.
“Where did you get that?”
Aaron instinctively touched the pendant. “A man gave it to me in prison. Said it meant something, but I never understood.”
“That symbol... It's not random. It’s ancient and it marks the chosen one.”
Aaron blinked. “Chosen for what?”
Instead of a reply, she waved him to the cushion.
“I want you to be my husband just for a few days.”
Aaron nearly dropped the tray. “I’m sorry…what?”
“I know it sounds insane,” she said quickly. “But I’m desperate. My name is Seraphina Windsor. Daughter of Queen Elizabeth.”
Aaron blinked. “You’re... royalty?”
“Yes,” she replied. “Before my divorce, I was married to a powerful man named Eric. He’s abusive, violent, narcissistic and obsessed with legacy. When my grandfather died, he left me the Royal Ivory, a sacred heirloom. It’s not just valuable, It’s symbolic, and it represents our lineage.”
Aaron nodded, he was listening.
“My business associate went behind my back to buy the heirloom from him, and now he wants to resell it away from our bloodline.
Aaron leaned forward. “And how did I come in here?”
“My associate is trying to resell it,” she said bitterly. “But there’s a clause in the will. If I remarry before the end of this month, the Ivory becomes untouchable. Legally protected.”
Aaron frowned. “So you want me to pretend to be your husband?”
“Yes,” she said. “That is the only way you can stop the reselling of that Royal Ivory. You'll remain my husband just until the deadline passes, then you can walk away. I’ll pay you. Handsomely.”
Aaron stepped back, stunned. “Why are you telling me this?”
“You wear the symbol,” she said, her voice cracking. “The one Elijah gave you in prison. He was my protector once, and he knew you’d come.”
He looked down at the necklace. The symbol seemed to pulse with meaning. Elijah’s words echoed in his mind.
“I’m just a hotel worker,” Aaron said quietly. “I’ve been in prison, and I’m not someone who belongs in your world.”
She smiled faintly. “You walked into this room wearing that symbol. Because you didn’t ask for this, but you’re here. And because I believe in fate.”
“What do you need me to do?” Aaron asked.
Seraphina smiled, walked over and opened a drawer from where she pulled out a velvet box with a golden seal and a royal crest. She placed it in his hands.
“This royal crest instantly makes you the Mayor of London and you can access all your wealth and assets, onshore and offshore. While this golden seal can be used to access any top profile event without restrictions.”
Aaron swallowed hard, he had never come across such power in his life before.
“So... what now?”
She rose and walked to the closet.
“I am dying from a curse placed upon me the day I defied the royal council and married for love. I cannot leave this hotel. If I do, I will perish within hours.”
“You must find my daughter, Shirley Windsor, she's the only person I trust.”
She stepped closer, her eyes softening. “I hereby transfer all the wealth of the Mayor, the titles, and the authority to you. You are now the new Mayor of London.”
Aaron was speechless. This is madness.
As he turned, his heart pounding, and opened the door to leave. Her voice rang out, softly.
“Thank you, Aaron.”
Aaron nodded, then asked. “This business associate, what is his name?”
“Master Laywone Griggs.”
Laywone Griggs? That was his father-in-law, his ex-fiancee’s father.
But fate had one more twist waiting as he walked back into the hallway. Standing hand in hand were two familiar faces: Gray, his arrogant step-brother, and Lucy, his former fiancée, now Gray’s wife. They were dressed in designer clothes, laughing until they saw him.
“Well, well,” Gray sneered. “Look who’s crawling out of the dungeon.”
Lucy smirked. “Working room service now, Aaron? How pathetic.”
Aaron said nothing.
Gray stepped closer. “You know, Lucy and I were just talking about how terrible you turned out. Prison, a hotel job. You’re a walking sorrow.”
Lucy added, “I used to think you had potential. Now I see you were just... convenient.”
Aaron didn't speak, he simply walked past them.
Gray called after him, “What, no comeback? No clever line? You’re still the same silent loser.”
Outside, a long convoy of black limousines waited for his arrival outside the hotel.
A man in black glasses stepped forward, bowed slightly and held open the door like a parted sacrifice.
“Mr. Aaron,” he said with reverence. “Her Highness has authorized your transport.”
Aaron glanced back.
Gray and Lucy had followed him out, their smug expressions now frozen in disbelief.
“What the hell is this?” Gray muttered.
Lucy’s voice was barely a whisper. “Is that... for him?”
Aaron said nothing. He only entered the limousine which closed behind him with a gentle click.
As the convoy pulled away, Gray and Lucy stood on the steps of the hotel, stunned by silence.
- Writer
