Divorcing His Royal Highness (English-R18)

Chapter 1

TAYLOR

"Where would I put this sunflower, Taylor?" Anton asked, a touch of excitement evident in his voice. He was my trusted supplier of fresh flowers for my shop, and today, he arrived unexpectedly to fulfil a rushed order of flowers for my event.

I motioned toward the table, my voice tinged with apology. "You can place it there, Anton. I apologize for rushing you like this."

A warm smile played on his lips as he set the sunflower delicately on the table. "It's not a problem at all, Taylor. You know how much I enjoy coming here and seeing your radiant smile," he replied, his eyes sparkling with sincerity.

Anton had always been a kind and thoughtful person, someone who consistently brought positivity into my life. His gentle gestures and genuine care for my well-being hadn't gone unnoticed, but after the scars left by my past, I found it difficult to entertain the thought of dating again.

It had been a year since I sought freedom from the shackles of that loveless marriage. Determined to leave the ghost of my past behind, I had ventured far away, searching for a fresh start and the opportunity to carve out a new life for myself.

In this small town of Costa Romana, miles away from where I used to live, I had found solace and a sense of belonging, opening a flower shop that allowed me to express my creativity and bring joy to others. The sight of vibrant blooms and the fragrance of fresh petals had become a balm for my healing heart. I found peace in this place, far away from those prying eyes of aristocrats. Here, no one knew who I was. I was nothing but a simple woman who owned a flower shop.

As I observed Anton, his eyes gleaming with unspoken affection, I couldn't deny the warmth his presence brought into my life. Yet, I hesitated, unsure if I could let myself embrace the possibility of love again. The wounds from my past were still raw, and the fear of heartbreak lingered in the depths of my soul.

Nevertheless, Anton's unwavering support and kindness had planted seeds of hope within me. He had witnessed my journey, helped me when I was struggling settling in, and continued to shine light into my life with his genuine friendship. Perhaps, in his unwavering devotion, I could find the courage to trust again, to let my heart blossom once more.

But for now, as I gazed at the sunflower, its vibrant petals stretching toward the sunlight, I knew that my own healing and self-discovery were paramount. In the embrace of my flower shop and the serenity of this peaceful town, I would forge my path forward, tending to the garden of my heart until I was ready to embrace love's gentle touch once more.

Anton surveyed the array of flowers in the shop, his eyes widening at the sheer magnitude of the order. Concern etched his features as he inquired, "It's quite a huge order you have here. Do you need any help? I don't see Erika around."

I nodded, a hint of weariness in my voice. "Erika called in sick today. She's feeling a bit under the weather. But given the importance of this client, I couldn't turn down the opportunity."

His gaze shifted around the shop, taking in the bustling activity. "Is it a last-minute order?" he inquired, curiosity evident in his voice.

I sighed softly, recounting the circumstances. "Yes, it is. The client called me yesterday, requesting floral decorations for her event tonight. I couldn't refuse her since she has been a loyal supporter of my shop since its humble beginnings."

A thoughtful expression crossed Anton's face before he spoke, his voice filled with genuine concern. "Well, you're in luck. I can assist you with the flower arrangements if you'd like."

Surprised by his offer, I hesitated for a moment, contemplating the practicality of accepting his help. The words slipped from my lips, "Are you sure? I could truly use your assistance. We're a bit short-staffed today."

A warm smile graced Anton's face as he reassured me, "Of course! Consider it done. Just let me know the venue."

"It's at La Casa Carmela," I replied, grateful for his willingness to lend a hand.

His curiosity piqued, and Anton inquired further, "Is it for a wedding? The combination of sunflowers and tulips seems rather fitting."

"I'm not entirely sure," I confessed, pausing to consider the request. "They specifically asked for sunflowers and tulips for the decoration."

A glimmer of recognition danced in Anton's eyes, his voice filled with a lighthearted tone. "Those happen to be your favourite flowers, don't they? It seems like your lucky day."

It was at that moment that the realization washed over me — the chosen flowers were indeed my personal favourites. A tinge of excitement mingled with my weariness as I replied, "I suppose so. It seems the client shares a similar taste to mine."

Anton chuckled, his voice warm and encouraging. "I have a feeling this event will bring you good fortune."

"It is indeed since they are paying me a handsome amount of money for this event."

Anton's enthusiasm radiated as he spoke, his voice filled with anticipation. "Well, we should get to work. The sooner we finish, the sooner we can celebrate!"

With renewed determination, we began loading all the necessary materials into the back of my trusty old pick-up truck. The vibrant blooms, foliage, and decorative elements were carefully arranged, ensuring their safe transportation. Anton had decided to leave his car at the shop and join me for the journey.

The venue, a stunning hotel, was conveniently located just a few minutes away from my shop. The drive was brief, and we soon found ourselves pulling up in front of the elegant entrance.

Stepping out of the vehicle, we were greeted by Miss Torres, the client who had reached out to me in a moment of desperation. Her gratitude was evident in her warm smile and appreciative words. "Taylor! I'm so glad you agreed to my request. I apologize for the short notice. My previous floral decorator backed out at the last minute. You were the only one who accepted my plea for help. You have no idea how you saved me by agreeing to take this job."

"The pleasure is mine, Miss Torres. It's the least I could do for all the help you gave me since I was starting my small business. Besides, I've got generous pay. So, it's a win-win for both of us."

"You deserve it, dear. Please, come inside so you can begin the decoration."

We followed Miss Torres into the hotel, our arms laden with boxes of flowers and supplies. The hum of excitement filled the air as we traversed through the lavish corridors, guided by the hotel staff to the designated event space.

Entering the grand ballroom, our eyes widened at the expanse before us. It was a blank canvas, awaiting our creative touch. The possibilities seemed endless as we mentally visualized the arrangements and installations that would bring life and beauty to the room.

Working seamlessly together, Anton and I set to work, transforming the space with our artistry. Every petal, every stem, and every delicate touch was infused with passion and dedication. We meticulously placed centrepieces on tables, adorned pillars with cascading vines, and crafted breathtaking floral installations that would become the focal points of the room.

As we wove our magic, the atmosphere gradually shifted, taking on an air of elegance and enchantment. Miss Torres watched with awe and gratitude, occasionally offering suggestions and expressing her delight at our progress.

Hours passed in a blur as we meticulously brought the vision to life. Finally, as the last arrangement was carefully placed, we stepped back to admire our handiwork. The ballroom had been transformed into a breathtaking oasis, a testament to the power of floral artistry and our shared dedication.

Miss Torres approached us, her eyes sparkling with joy. "Taylor, Anton, you've truly exceeded my expectations. I can't thank you enough for stepping in and saving the day. This event is going to be magnificent, thanks to your incredible talent."

Anton and I exchanged proud smiles, knowing that our hard work had paid off. It was a testament to the strength of our partnership and the magic that can be created when passion and creativity intertwine.

"We're pleased that you're satisfied, Miss Torres," I replied with a polite smile.

"And I have no doubt that His Royal Highness will appreciate the arrangements."

Her mention of a royal figure caught my attention, causing a momentary pause. However, I quickly reminded myself that there were countless royals across the globe, and the likelihood of it being the person I had been apprehensive about was slim.

Suppressing my inner turmoil, I composed myself and continued, "Thank you for your kind words. It's always gratifying when our work resonates with esteemed guests."

As the conversation carried on, my thoughts drifted to the past—the loveless marriage, the subsequent divorce, and the emotional baggage that still lingered. I had deliberately distanced myself from the world of royalty, seeking solace in a simple existence centred around flowers and creative pursuits. The prospect of encountering a royal figure, especially one with close ties to the throne, brought a mixture of curiosity and unease.

"It couldn't be him..." I whispered to myself.

"You're saying something, Taylor?" Miss Torress asked when she heard my murmur.

"I-I mean... our work here is done. I think it's best if we leave now before the guests arrive," I said.

"Oh, do you have any plans? I was thinking about inviting you to the banquet. I was thinking about introducing you to his royal staff. I was wondering if they might be interested in your service. I heard that their going to announce his engagement soon. That would be a big project for you," she continued.

I wanted to say no. But before I could even say it, I heard a familiar voice behind me.

"I like what you did with the place, Emma."

"I'm glad you like it, Your Highness. If you may, I would like to introduce to you to the woman behind this masterpiece," she said, then turned to my directions. "Taylor..." she called my name as if telling me to acknowledge his presence.

My feet felt glued to the ground as a mixture of emotions washed over me. Fear, apprehension, and a glimmer of hope battled within me, causing a turmoil I struggled to contain. The voice belonged to none other than Vladimir Philippe Wainwright, the man I had once been married to, the man who was now the king.

The room fell into an awkward silence as all eyes turned towards me, waiting for my response. I mustered every ounce of courage I had left and slowly turned to face him. Vladimir's piercing gaze met mine, his eyes searching for a glimpse of the woman he had left behind.

"I am pleased to meet you, Your Highness," I managed to speak, my voice quivering slightly with suppressed emotions. I bow my head down, paying my respect.

Memories of our past flooded my mind, the pain of our loveless marriage, and the emptiness that consumed me during those years. But now, standing before him, I refused to let myself be defined by those painful memories.

"I see you've come a long way since we last time I saw you." His words echoed in the room, carrying the weight of our shared history.

I took a deep breath, summoning the strength to look him straight to his eyes. The tension in the room intensified, and I could sense the confusion radiating from Miss Torres and Anton. My heart raced, but I refused to let it show on the surface.

"Your Highness, we appreciate your kind words regarding our work. However, we understand the demands of your busy schedule. If you'll excuse us, we'll go ahead."

Without waiting for his response or any further acknowledgement, I turned on my heels, gripping Anton's hand firmly. Determined to distance myself from the ghosts of the past, we walked briskly away from the scene, leaving behind a bewildered Blake and a room filled with unspoken emotions.

As we hurried down the corridor, my mind raced with a mix of relief and uncertainty. I knew that my decision to feign ignorance and maintain my composure was the right one. The wounds of the past were still fresh, and I couldn't afford to reopen them without a solid understanding of Vladimir's intentions.

Anton, sensing my unease, squeezed my hand reassuringly. "Are you alright, Taylor?"

I offered him a small smile, appreciative of his support. "I'm fine, Anton."

We continued our hurried pace, finding solace in the sanctuary of my trusty old pickup truck.

Once inside, I released a breath I hadn't realized I had been holding.

"Is everything okay, Taylor? What happened back there?" he asked.

"Let's go home," I replied, completely ignoring his queries.

Anton complied with my request for silence and refrained from prying into the details of the encounter. The ride back to my shop was filled with an unspoken understanding, as he remained taciturn by my side.

I couldn't fathom why Vladimir had decided to visit this particular location. Was it merely a coincidence? Of course, it had to be. What was I even thinking? Did I dare entertain the improbable hope that he had come here in search of me? No, that was simply impossible.

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