His Royal Love For Her

Second Chances

Ophelia looked up at this beautiful man in front of her, who was tall and handsome. The fact that he called her by another woman's name didn't register yet because she was drawn to his handsome face. His long, dark lashes that fanned upwards whenever he blinks and the super coarse beard that slightly hid his jawline. His slightly long hair that he left to his shoulders, giving him that Tarzan vibe. He needed a little shave and trim but either way he was a dream. What fascinated her even more were his rare looking eyes. Gray and Hazel-brown. They were quite beautiful individually, but, they gave out a striking combination. Together they were staggering. Remarkable.

"It's been a while." He added rubbing his thumb on her chin.

Those words brought her back to reality and she realized that this man was confused. He must've thought she was somebody else. It must be why he saved her a few minutes ago.

Ophelia politely removed his hand from her face. "I think you have the wrong girl. I'm not Amelia. I should be thanking you for saving me though..."

His beautiful eyes never once left her. He couldn't believe that this woman looked so much like the woman he loved. The resemblance was amazing and on point. Seeing her was unexpected. Did it mean anything? Why now? Why her? He was honestly starting to accept that he lost his wife even though his heart still yearned for her. The more he mourned for Amelia, there more miserable he became. That's why he renounced the throne and moved to Italy to come and forget Amelia and to forget being the Prince of Airomania. It's not like the kingdom didn't have a king to lead it. His father was alive and well. At least that's what he thinks. He has been gone for so long that he doesn't even know that his father was not that well. He was well enough to make decisions in his death bed but, his wife had to convey his messages because he couldn't do it himself. Prince Egbert still doesn't think he is needed in Airomania.

"Thank you." She added.

Those two thankful words felt like a goodbye to him and he couldn't have that. He needed time with this woman. Just a few more minutes or hours maybe?

He slightly tilted his head and asked cautiously. "What do I get for saving you?"

She should've known... He also wanted something in return for his 'good deed'

That was a difficult question to answer though, but she knew that nothing ever came for free. She knew that from experience. She has paid for everything in all her 27 years of existence, including people. She should probably offer him money, right?

No. A man that has bodyguards obviously doesn't need money.

Minutes ago they mentioned the word Prince. That means royalty. This man looked nothing like royalty. He just seemed like a Casanova. A lounge lizard. A womanizer. Was he really a prince? Isn't he supposed to be in a palace or something, rather than saving strangers on the side of the road then seek for something in return? He didn't strike Ophelia as the royal type. Maybe it was just a diversion to scare those debt collectors away.

What could she possibly give him at this point though? Maybe there was something specific he wanted. So she tested the waters to see what this man wanted. The sooner he says what he wants, the better. She still had things to go and buy, so she can go home and be with her family.

"What do you wish for?" She asked hoping he would ask for something that was... affordable.

"I wish to accompany you today." He bluntly stated and Ophelia chuckled thinking that it was a joke.

This was obviously a joke. "Sir, please just tell me what you want so I can give it to you and we can go our separate ways."

In a hurried tone, he displayed his request. "I just told you what I want. Let me accompany you throughout the rest of the day. That'll be payment enough for me."

He had a firm expression on his face.

He was actually serious.

That was an odd request. She obviously wasn't expecting that but what did she have to loose? She thought about his request and thought that it was better than giving him money because she needed to save every cent. Not today though. Today was special. She was going to give her family a special treat with the incentive she received.

Wait... her family?

This man just said he wanted to accompany her throughout the day. That meant he was also going to meet her family. She really didn't need anymore strangers meeting her family. Her aunt's debt collectors were enough already. Her gambling debt has brought too many strangers into their home to last them a lifetime. They had seen way too many gangsters and thugs because of Aunt Giada.

But... this stranger didn't seem troublesome though. He looked decent, but was it enough to let her guard down and let him accompany her home?

Everyone knows that looks can be deceiving. But what choice did she have? It's not like he wanted anything immoral from her. Just to accompany her and that's it. It was kind of a win-win situation because she'll also be safe from all the thugs of this world if she stays by his side until she reaches home. She might seem okay but her mind still lingered from seeing those big scary men. Who knows what they would've done if this man didn't rescue her?

Anyway, what was she going to tell her family about him? Well, the truth...

She was done debating with her inner self about this man's request. "Fine... I'm going to shop for a few things for my family. We can start at the grocery store." She said and he released a small sigh because deep down he thought she was going to say no to his odd request.

She started walking but he stopped her.

He barked, making her stop. "Wait... "

Turning to him, she asked. "What is it?"

"My Limo is right there." He pointed at it.

She scoffed. "Yeah so?

"It'll take you wherever you're going." He said.

She lifted her brow looking at the limo. "Hate to burst your bubble but I enjoy using my feet as transportation."

He surprisingly asked. "You'd honestly turn down being transported to your destination in a limo to use your feet?"

All the time he was in Italy, no woman has rejected his offer to ride with him in his limo. Ophelia was the very first one.

"Exactly. Besides, when has it ever been a good idea to get into a car with a stranger? Never. Now let's go." She turned, then started walking.

She lead the way, heading to the supermarket she always buys groceries at. She was ahead of him a little but he caught up to her, matching her movements while his guards were striding along behind them at a careful distance.

The pair walked quietly next to each other.

It wasn't an awkward silence for Prince Egbert because he loved being next to Ophelia. It gave him a sense of closeness to Amelia, his late wife. He hasn't felt this sane in a very long time and for the first time in a long time, he felt whole again.

It was an indefinite moment for Ophelia. She had no idea why she was walking besides this man but she was anyway. Either way she was used to paying her dues, so she wanted to do this and be done with it.

"Is it a special occasion?" He asked, squashing the silence.

"Special occasion?" She asked glancing up at him while they still walked side by side.

He glanced back. "Yes, you mentioned buying a few things for your family."

She clicked her tongue, remembering what she told him. "Right... Well yeah you can say it's a special occasion. I'm cooking something special for them."

He smiled at her faintly. "I must've saved you at the right time. I get to meet your family and taste your food. This must be my lucky day."

This little...

Did he just say that?

He was enjoying this little savior act way too much. His words annoyed her but she kept her annoyed expression at bay. She remained unreadable and sent him a small smile then stopped in her tracks, turning to him.

He also stopped, turning to her. "Why'd you stop? Something wrong?"

"Let me make something clear for you. If you still want to continue accompanying me today don't speak about my family. By the way we stopped because we're here." She added then turned towards the supermarket and walked inside, taking a shopping cart.

He smiled behind her, then whispered. "Feisty"

Amelia used to be just as feisty. Little by little this stranger was revealing the littlest parts of her personality and Prince Egbert liked it.

He followed her to the supermarket. One of his guards followed them inside the store while the rest waited on guard outside, at a safe distance, just so they couldn't step on anyone's toes.

Ophelia went to the meat section and browsed for Turkey. She saw a fresh and appetizing one, placing it in her shopping cart.

She moved along to another section and arrived at the vegetable area. She chose all the veggies she was going to use for today's meal. She also took a few fruits that her family likes very much. Bananas, oranges and a watermelon. When she was done taking the fruits, she noticed that the man and the guard accompanying her weren't around her anymore. She was concentrating on collecting her ingredients for today that she forgot that they were here with her.

Maybe they got tired and left? That would be a relief but then again why did they just disappear without telling her?

Then suddenly they reappeared holding a few stuff in both their arms. Junk food mostly, to be precise. They both walked to Ophelia's cart and placed them inside.

She stood back watching them fill her cart.

Surprised by this, she asked. "What is all this?"

"I thought that I should also do my own shopping since we're already here." He replied placing the last packet of chips in the cart.

It made sense. He was here already so he might as well do his own grocery shopping.

She asked, innocently. "But couldn't you take your cart?" Now our products and food are mixed." She added looking at all the food they placed inside.

With a mischievous look on his face, he suggested. "I can always go and find my own cart.-

He suggested that, knowing very well that she wouldn't agree to that.

It would be a hassle, to wait for him to go and get his own cart and then wait for him to get back so they can transport his groceries from her cart to his.

"Never mind, I'm done anyway. We'll sort this out at the front when we pay." She said. She was already irritated. Ophelia got everything she needed and they went to scan their groceries and pay.

He starting offloading his junk food with her groceries, mixing them together.

"What are you doing?" She asked stopping him from mixing their stuff.

With a small he replied. "Helping out. Don't worry, I'm paying."

"Do I look like a charity case to you?" She snapped.

He nervously replied. "What? No, no you don't." 

"You know what? Forget it." She left the supermarket without buying anything.

He jogged behind her until he caught up to her and stood in front of her.

"Wait, wait, wait...Mi dispiace. I'm really sorry if I overstepped."

She snapped. "You damn right you overstepped! What is it to you anyway? You panned this right?"

He didn't quite get her. "Planned this, meaning?"

"Did you send those men to scare me so you can appear to be the hero and save the day so I can give you what you want and you can abuse the power you wield over me?" She asked feeling her emotions go downhill.

She had enough of all these men trying to control her. To manipulate her.

Not only did they milk her the money she worked so hard for but they drained her emotionally. She was tired and for the first time this man didn't want money, he just wanted to be in her presence. She should've known that this was just too good to be true. Even if he didn't want money, he was still an arse who thought she was easy to manipulate.

Her outburst surprised him. "Tesoro."  His groggy voice came out.

Even in the emotional state she was in, her heart ignited a spark when he called her out like that. Her father called her that since she was a baby but hearing this man say it, it sounded more manly and velvety. It sounded way nicer and intimate.

"I'm going to be honest with you right now. You look like someone who used to be very special to me but she died. That's why I followed you. I saw those men following you, that's why I saw it fit to step in and save you from them. I apologize for that. It was clearly none of my business. I shouldn't have overstepped and I'm sorry if I made you uncomfortable in any way." He calmly said.

Ophelia's expression changed after his explanation. The man seemed genuine, so she felt bad for accusing him of planning this. She just couldn't help herself. Trust isn't easy when you've come across men that has harassed her and her family.

"My intentions were pure from the very beginning." He added.

Pure? That's an innocent word for a lizard lounge like him.

His words calmed her down though but she didn't want to be in his presence anymore. She has never spent so much time talking to a stranger. "I just want to go home." She said uncomfortably.

He didn't want to be away from her, yet... He looked at her in a deliberate effort trying to find words that could ease her tension. "I would never hurt you, if that's what's lingering in your mind. I may be a stranger to you but you've captivated me. I don't think I can be able to set you free, but I will for now. I will do something for you before I leave." He called upon his guard and he pushed the shopping cart towards them. "This is for you. To say sorry for causing this inconvenience for you-" He paused.

He eyed her expecting a comment from her but she was tongue tied. She was confused by this man's generosity and kind words. "Take care stellina. Till we meet again." He said, then departed while his guards followed him. He disappeared in the crowd.

Ophelia was just standing there wondering what just happened.

She looked at all those plastic bags inside of the shopping cart and realized that the food in there included the one he filled her shopping cart with, while they were in the store. Standing here and gawking at all these goods weren't going to take itself home. Anyway she had to get home because she had been gone for too long. She stopped a cab and the driver helped her with her groceries then drove her home. She paid the driver and he helped her offload her goods when they arrived at her destination.

Her aunt came to help her bring some of this stuff in the house.

Her aunt stopped her before they stepped into the house. "Before we go into the house, I wanted to tell you that Lorenzo is here."

In shock, she asked. "What? When did he get here?"

Ophelia thought that she'd never see Lorenzo again.

"He came like 30 minutes ago. Even after we told him that you weren't here, he wanted to wait."

"I can't believe that he is back." She said almost whispering.

"You look more worried that he is here. Is everything okay sweetie?" Her Aunt asked because she saw the worry in her niece's eyes.

"Oh I'm fine. It's just that things weren't good between us the last time we spoke, so I didn't think he'd actually come to see me." She explained.

"Right... I see. Well let's get these in the house so you can go and talk to him." Her Aunt suggested. If only she knew that Ophelia wasn't looking forward to speaking with this man, she wouldn't actually suggest it.

Ophelia and Aunt Giada walked inside the house with the shopping bags in their hands. Immediately when she walked in the twins ran towards her and hugged her. She almost dropped the bags so she carefully placed them down. The twins always look forward to seeing their big sister.

"What did you bring us?" Aurora asked looking excited.

"A lot of goodies." She smiled at them and they smiled back in excitement. " Can you guys go outside and retrieve some of the shopping bags?" She said to them and they ran outside.

When she lifted her head up she came across Lorenzo's face. He was smiling at her and she just kept her straight face because she no idea why he came back. She never thought he'd see him again, especially inside her house, with her family. She really wasn't in the mood for this today. 

"He walked towards her with three more strides then wrapped his arms around her. "My angel. I've missed you." He whispered in her ear. She didn't reply, she just stood there frozen. He unwrapped his arms around her and looked at her in awe.

"Sweetheart, Lorenzo brought us these delicious home made cookies that was baked by his mom. Isn't he wonderful?" Mrs. Brambilla said, sounding smitten by the young mans gesture.

"Yeah mom, he really is wonderful." Ophelia replied feeling a sob in her throat.

The twins came inside the house with other shopping bags clearing the atmosphere. With a grin on their faces they appeared under their sisters arms, interrupting her and Lorenzo. "Sorella, can we eat the chocolates? We took a peek when we were outside." Aureliano said with a huge grin on his face.

"Of course my little minions. You can have the chocolates, but just two each, okay?" She said and they nodded. "I'll bring the rest of the bags inside, I'm quickly going to talk to Lorenzo outside. So everyone should say goodbye before we head outside." She said to her family.

"Won't you let him stay over for dinner sweetie?" Her mom asked sweetly.

"Mamma, he'll join us next time, right Lorenzo?" Ophelia glared at him.

He took the bait. "Yes, I'll definitely stay over for dinner another time. I'll see all of you next time. Take care." He said to the family.

Everyone said goodbye to him and the twins gave him hugs. They also adored him. The pair walked outside to talk but Lorenzo wanted to do more than just talking. He quickly walked towards Ophelia and hugged her again. She pushed him back looking upset.

"My angel, what's wrong? We haven't seen each other in weeks and this is the warm welcome I get?" He casually said, acting as if things were okay between them.

"Lorenzo stop this. I'm not doing this with you anymore. I'm tired of this back and forth." She said looking more upset.

"Ophelia please... how many times do I have to tell you that I made a mistake. I didn't mean to hurt you. I swear baby."

"But you hurt me either way. Your assurances are getting really old now. How much longer do I have to take this treatment from you?"

"I won't hurt you anymore. That's a promise baby. Being away from you have been brutal Ophelia. You have no idea how much I've missed you. Please give us another chance." He asked sweetly.

"I can't trust your words anymore and you can't keep coming to my house uninvited." She warned him.

"Okay I'm sorry about that. I should've called first but I knew you'd never answer my calls."

She reminded him. "With good reason."

He changed the subject. "I see that you haven't told your family about our break up. Does that mean you had hope for us?" He asked brushing his hand on her shoulder.

"You saw how much my family loves you. You honestly think that a break up only affects two people in it? It affects everyone involved. My family means the world to me Lorenzo, I didn't want to tell them because I know that this was going to hurt them too. Now you decided to just show up and make things more difficult while I was trying to ease them into it. I was going to tell them at the right time."

"Okay I'm sorry babe. I see that this is hurting you. Look, you don't have to take my word for it. I'm going to prove to you that I've changed. I will do everything in my power to show you that I really mean my words. Starting tomorrow.... My words will turn into actions. Just let me take you on five dates, that's all ask."

"Lorenzo..." She trailed off.

"Just five dates baby. Tomorrow after your classes I'll be outside waiting for you."

"Fine... just five dates. But don't think that we're back together. I'm giving you one last chance to prove yourself to me."

"Thanks my angel. You will not regret it." He happily stated.

"Look, I have to go and cook for my family. I'll see you tomorrow then." She softly said to him.

He started walking away while Ophelia watched him leave. She felt a little relieved to have spoken with  Lorenzo. He has hurt her twice already and he wasn't this apologetic about it like he was today. He sounded genuine this time. He stopped and turned to her, then smiled and winked at her. She waved goodbye to him and he waved back then walked away.

She wondered if she was doing the right thing by giving this man a chance. Lorenzo has hurt her a lot but when he was with her she felt sane throughout the chaos that she was in between. He was always her safe place. He was a jerk sometimes but he really cared about her and she liked him more and more. She may have tried to forget him but it wasn't easy. They dated on and off for three years. Ophelia felt familiar with him. A part of her didn't want to start over with someone else. Starting over felt like a hassle. Getting to know someone else felt like a job and a half, that's why she stayed single after breaking up with Lorenzo.

She went to take the last shopping bags walking back to the house and helped her family unpack the rest of them. She then started preparing dinner which took her a while because she was making a lot of effort. She even made dessert.

Everyone gathered around the table once she was done. They said grace then started dishing for themselves. She dished up for her dad, including dessert so they can bring him some. Everything she cooked was delicious. Dessert was amazing as well. The twins wanted some more and she told them that they could help themselves.

After washing the dishes, the family prepared themselves to go and see Mr. Brambilla at the hospital. Ophelia didn't forget the food she packed for her dad. Mr. Brambilla was so happy to see his family even in his weak state. He embraced all of them with hugs and kisses. He finally ate the food that his daughter cooked and he loved it very much.

 They spent time with him during their visiting hour. Ophelia's heart was full because she adored the smiles she saw in front of her.