Page 73 of Arrogant Heir
I was worried Arthur wouldn’t approve of Damian getting engaged to the family ghostwriter, but Damian told me Arthur couldn’t have been more overjoyed when he told him. Damian wanted to break the news to him alone, as he wasn’t sure how he’d react. On the one hand, he knew Arthur had taken a shine to me, but he wasn’t sure if he had someone lined up for him to marry. Mega wealthy families like their children to make advantageous marriages, so a part of me feared Arthur would be angry or, worse, disappointed. Liking me is not the same as accepting me into the family.
But I needn’t have worried. Damian told me that Arthur said I’ve gotreal heart. He said something about always being able to make more money, but heart is a rare quality, and Damian should snap me up. Apparently, he wasn’t surprised at all and said he knew we were meant for each other.
The terms of Damian’s inheritance include Arthur approving of his marriage. Damian said he would cross him if there was no other way, but he’d rather not! And I wouldn’t want to cost Damian his inheritance, so it was a huge relief.
We haven’t set a date yet. There’s no rush. The eldest heir to the Rochester dynasty can’t have a small wedding, so we’re enjoying some peaceful time together before we plan the big day.
I’ve never been happier, and I know we belong together. Damian says the same. He’s a different man from the tortured one who charged into the Greystone library the day we met. He’s much more relaxed, and he says he doesn’t remember sleeping so well. His murderous headaches have miraculously disappeared.
It’s mind blowing to suddenly be a billionaire’s fiancée, but the way we take care of each other has nothing to do with money. We share a connection that I’ve never experienced before, and it’s obvious we are soul mates and are destined to be together.
It’s funny how what seems like a disaster can lead you in a new direction, which turns out to be perfect for you. That’s how it was for me after Simon called off our wedding. Now I thank God that he did. We weren’t right for each other, and one of our mutual friends told me he’s already dating someone new.
I’m pleased for him and while he was seriously pissed off when I told him about me and Damian, once he processed it, he soon moved on. Recently we wished each other well, and I’m grateful we closed the door on our relationship with no hard feelings.
It’s time to say goodbye to my flat and embrace my new life with Damian in his Chelsea penthouse.Ourpenthouse, as he keeps reminding me. It still hasn’t sunk in that I don’t need to worry about money and hustle for new clients unless I want to. It’s like a dream. I’m taking a break from ghostwriting while I oversee the redecoration of the penthouse. Damian asked for my help. It’s so much fun having an unlimited budget to do what you want with a place, rather than only what you can afford.
The view from the terrace overlooking the Thames while we drink our morning coffee never gets old.
I really do feel like I’m living the fairy tale. Fortunately, Damian no longer plays the part of a cursed prince. Talking of the cursed prince, I’m pleased to say I’ve been editing my fantasy romance novel and have almost finished the second draft. I’m not sure whether I’ll launch my career as a full-time novelist when the book is published or whether I’ll still take on some clients. We’ll see. Having the freedom to take my time to decide is a privilege, and I’m fully aware of how lucky I am.
Shanella, my best friend, is coming home next week, and I can’t wait for her to meet Damian. And in case you’re wondering how my mum took the news of our engagement, let’s just say she wasn’t surprised, either. It seems we were more surprised than all those who know us best.
My phone rings and it’s Damian.
‘We’re downstairs,’ he says. ‘Ready to go, or do you need us to come up and give you a hand?’
I say I’ve just about finished, and the last boxes are ready for the removal service collection. ‘No need for you to come up, darling. I’ll be down in two minutes.’
Taking a quiet moment to say goodbye to my flat for the last time, I look around, and a wave of nostalgia washes over me. As I shut the door quietly behind me, I know it’s time for me to move on. Damian’s waiting in the Range Rover and once I’m sitting beside him and he kisses me hello and reaches for my hand, we drive to Hampshire.
Greystone looks as imposing as ever, and it’s hard to believe this is going to be our home one day.
Arthur opens the front door and welcomes us. ‘Come in, come in, you two. I’ve been waiting for you.’ His eyes twinkle. Honey barks and flies at us, wagging her tail madly and licking our faces as we lean down to stroke her curly apricot coat.
I kiss Arthur hello and we follow him through to the drawing room.
A crescendo of voices chorus, ‘Surprise!’
I glance at Damian and laugh. They’ve organised a surprise engagement party for us, and it looks like all the family is in on it.
Marian rushes forward. ‘We wanted to do something special to congratulate you properly on your engagement,’ she says, hugging us both. She shoots me a mischievous grin. ‘You’re my sister, now.’
My mum appears, beaming. ‘Did we surprise you? We all parked on the other side so you wouldn’t know we were here.’
We agree they smashed the surprise, and we had no idea they were planning a party.
‘It’s just family,’ Vivian says, hugging us both. ‘Congratulations, my loves. We couldn’t be happier for you.’ Her mossy green eyes are bright, and she smiles at me with pure joy.
All the siblings are here, and one by one they greet us and wish us well. Sebastian’s daughter, Daisy, approaches us hesitantly, with her father closely behind. ‘Congratulations, Uncle Damian and Auntie Jamie,’ she says, smiling shyly.
‘Daisy’s so sweet,’ I say to Sebastian later when she’s gone with Nathalie to find some treats for Honey.
He smiles and gives me a big hug. ‘Welcome to the crazy Rochester gang,’ he says. ‘What have you done with my brother? I’ve not seen him this happy since we were kids! He’s a lucky guy.’
I smile and tell him I’m the lucky one.
Nathalie appears at Sebastian’s side and congratulates us. ‘You make a beautiful couple,’ she says.