The Royal Contract

In her excuse, the unexpected meeting was not on her schedule for the day. Therefore, she had not prepared anything for her guests.

Finally, she decided that treating them outside for something to eat was the least she could do for their time and pledge of support to her cause.

“I will not say no to that,” Alex stated, feeling the silent growling of his stomach since they had not consumed anything that morning. “I am famished.” He added, looking at her wife, daring her to make a remark.

He suggested grabbing something to eat on their way to the meeting. But his wife was so anxious to even think about eating anything.

Besides, she kept saying that they were already late, and he did not want to be blamed if they came in even a minute after her designated time. So, he had agreed to skip breakfast altogether.

“We will love to join you, Haley.” Dani finally interjected, accepting the offered meal. She had to admit that she could also feel her tummy rumbling.

.....

She felt guilty that she had starved her husband because she could not eat. After all, it was not his fault that she felt uneasy and slightly queasy that morning, unable to think about food.

Anyway, it was already time to eat, therefore might as well join her friend on her invitation. It was better than trying their luck finding a place that was now probably crowded with people.

“Give me a minute to arrange it.” She told them, leaving the couple to go to her office so she could come up with something.

She had to make a lunch reservation quickly. Luckily, she knew the owner of one just nearby her office. She had renovated her place, so she always made space for her.

While the couple was left sitting in the conference room, waiting for her return. For a few seconds, the two remained preoccupied with their individual thoughts.

He looked around the intricate design around him, checking the style of their firm. So far, he could see the appeal of why many hired this firm. Personally, he had never dealt with them.

Nevertheless, he knew that his company also hired them in some of their projects. The results as far as he had seen were excellent.

“What was her name again?” He asked again, returning his attention to his wife, curious if he heard her name right.

He believed that he might have heard her name from somewhere but just could not remember it at the moment. He kept thinking about it, trying to jog his memory for some sort of recognition.

He walked toward the floor-to-ceiling window, gazing at the tall skyscrapers outside. Until now, he was amazed at the progress before him, something that had attracted him to this city in the first place.

“Haley Rosley.” She repeated, gazing at the back of her husband. “She is one of the senior architects in this firm. We met through several common friends because of her foundation.” She explained to her husband her affiliation with her friend.

Although they had been around the same social circle since they were young, they did not really become friends then. They never had the opportunity to interact until now.

She was not that close to Haley, but she still considered her a friend. They learned they shared a few things that they were both passionate about, just like this project.

So, when she realized what she wanted with the property, she immediately called her friend. She knew Haley was busy. But in her excitement, she insisted on the meeting for today.

“Haley Rosley.” He mused to himself. “Her name sounded quite familiar to me, but I am sure we have not met before.” He shared his confusion with his wife.

He was good with names and faces. The Rosley family was a familiar name in this industry since they dominated the market for creating innovative designs. Still, she seemed to be a mystery to him.

“Maybe you have read her name in the news or some magazine. She was featured this past year for her new innovations and her recent works.” Dani explained as she followed her husband by the window.

In addition to her many achievements in her profession, Haley was also a model. She served as an ambassador for some charitable organizations. She also helped several foundations with their cause.

“That could be it.” Alex conceded, giving up on determining why her name was familiar, thinking he might have read it somewhere in passing as his wife suggested.

His mind went back to her plans, agreeing that it was a great idea. He did not mind donating the property to the foundation if it would serve a better purpose than building a house where nobody would live.

“Are you sure that you have no problems with this idea?” She asked, looking for assurance that she was not trampling on his dream of building them a home.

At the moment, she had no idea of what kind of home she wanted for their family. She was still in the process of figuring that out. But she was convinced that the house he was building for her was not the home she wanted.

“I already gave the property to you. It is already under your name. Do what you wish to do with it?” Alex gave her a light squeeze on her shoulders, giving her the signal to go ahead with her plans.

He enveloped her into his arms as they stared at the endless sky above, standing side-by-side. “We can always buy or build our new home somewhere else.” He added, giving her head a gentle kiss before letting her go, so he could look into her eyes.

“I was thinking the same thing.” She smiled at her husband, thankful that he was on board with her plans. “I am sure that we will find the house that would be perfect for our family.”

She leaned over, returning his gesture with a mild peck of her lips on his. Thanking him with action, appreciating his understanding and support.

“I hope I am not interrupting anything.” A voice came by the door. Then, they both noticed Haley waiting for them. “But we can now go to lunch if you are ready to leave.”

Haley had watched the couple for a few seconds before she decided to interrupt them. She admired people just like them. She could only wish to find someone who would also love her unconditionally.

“Not at all,” Dani answered her friend, turning to her. She moved towards her with Alex at her side with their hands entwined. Then, a painting caught her eye. A house surrounded by roses.

It suddenly reminded her of a house that she had adored. It was that kind of house she could live in forever. She believed it had everything she wanted and more. Things she never even imagined she liked.

The first time she saw it, she knew it was perfect. She felt at home. She knew she had fallen in love with her dream house at first sight.