Emerald St. Clair's POV

It had been six weeks since I returned to New York. I just arrived from the Hamptons estate of my grandfather celebrating Christmas with my Granddad, my sisters, and their husbands. Weeks before the holidays I dread the time that I need to go to Hamptons and be with my family I knew they were curious about what happened to me back in Saqr and why I don't want to talk about it with anyone.

All they knew was that Khalil and I broke up but they didn't know the reason behind it. Even Daniel was not in his usual calculating manner. He didn't bother to invite Ryker knowing that I am now very much single.

I have been miserable since then. It feels like day by day something inside me slowly dying I haven't left my penthouse since I arrived ignoring my family and the job offers from the famous luxury brand for campaign ads. All I did was cry day and night nursing my broken heart. I did the right thing but why does it feel like I am about to die at the thought of him marrying another woman?

Hell, even Ruby who was known for having an unfiltered mouth seems to be preventing herself from asking about Khalil. I bet that the family gagged her from doing so I am so thankful that they were giving me this space without snooping. In those six weeks, I stopped using my social media accounts and blocked all the news that had something to do with the Middle Eastern country of Saqr.

I just couldn't bring myself to see news about the upcoming coronation of their new king or worse, his impending nuptials to a royal-born woman.

For a moment while I stayed in the Hamptons with my family I forgot my broken heart, now I was back in my apartment the sadness creeping inside me again. I felt myself crying again for some unknown reason.

"What the hell, Em?" I chided myself placing my luggage on my long sofa. "It's been six weeks for heaven's sake! You need to move on."

My mind remembered the night I said goodbye to him on the tarmac where he was crying watching me board his private plane. It nearly kills me leaving him like that telling him that I don't love him.

I lay on my bed and let misery accompany me. I got some tissue on the nightstand and blew my nose. "Today is the last day that you will cry and after that no more, Em. You can't stay like this forever."

I decide to order a box of pizza get one tub of vanilla ice cream in my fridge and watch movies to mend my broken heart. Half an hour later my cheesy pepperoni pizza arrived and I was eating on my bed while watching chick flick movies.

Halfway into my third movie, I heard Ruby bellowing my name on the silent penthouse. "Emerald?! Where are you? Emerald!!!" I frowned as the door of my bedroom burst open revealing my twin with a mischievous grin on her face. "There you are."

"What do you want?"

"Can't you feel the holiday season?" She advanced into my room sitting on the bed. "My God. Stop hiding in your house and go outside."

I grimaced, taking a bite of my pizza and focusing my attention back on the TV. "I don't want to."

"Oh, come on." She cajoled with a smile playing on her lips. "Let's go clubbing."

"I think I'll pass," I replied flatly. The last time I went clubbing with Ryker I made a fool of myself in front of Khalil and I don't want that to happen again.

Ruby groaned in protest. "Oh, Em. You need to go out. This self-house arrest is not healthy for you anymore. You need to go out and have some fun. I don't know what happened between you and Khalil but I need you to remember that I am always here for you."

Now that she mentioned Khalil my eyes start to burn again with tears as I remember my last conversation with Daniel on Christmas Eve in this study room.

"What's wrong lass?"

I looked up at the man they consider the King of Diamonds. His cold green eyes were intently looking at me. "I don't know what you mean, Granddad."

He sighed deeply as he sat back from his leather swivel chair. "You haven't gone out of your apartment since you arrived six weeks ago and then there's the news that king-"

"Stop!" I cut him off. "I don't want to talk about it, Granddad."

His cunning eyes narrowed in my direction. "He didn't hurt you, has he? When he brings you to his country?"

I shook my head immediately. "No. He didn't hurt me. I was the one who hurt him, Granddad. I have no choice because it's the best for us."

He studied me for a moment and then compassion was visible in his face. "Do you think he feels the same?"

"What?"

Daniel smiled at me sympathetically. "You sentenced your relationship by yourself but did you ever consider his feelings while making this harsh decision, lass? That maybe he has a say in this matter?"

I bit my bottom lip. I suddenly feel guilty. "It's for the best." I heard myself saying. "I don't want him to choose between me and his duty to his country."

"Ah..." Daniel remarked but from that one word, I knew from the knowing look he threw in my direction that he already knew the reason.

"The sooner we end our relationship the better for us, Gran," I said bravely, fighting back the tears that threatened to fall in my eyes. "He needs to marry a royal princess and that will never be me."

There was a small smile playing on my grandfather's lips. "Are you telling me this or you are convincing yourself, lassie?"

"Whatever, Granddad." I looked at him straight in the eyes. Those sharp gazes made people call him a ruthless businessman. "Now that I am no longer in a relationship with Al-Farsi that doesn't mean that I will agree to your matchmaking with Ryker. I like Ryker but only as a brother and nothing more."

Daniel merely raised an eyebrow in my direction.

"The year will end in a few days and I have no intention of getting married like my sisters. I don't care about your sly manipulation I am done playing games with you, Gran..."

"...are you listening, Emerald?"

Ruby's voice dragged me out of my reverie. I shook my head and focused my attention back on the present time. "What?"

"I said get dressed. We'll party tonight so you can forget your blues."

I looked at her dryly. "Really? Do you think Roman will let you go to a nightclub with me? You are deluding yourself, woman."

"Of course." She replied with a grin. "Because he is coming with us."

"The more reason I don't want to come." I made a face in her direction. "I don't want the idea of my twin sister and her husband babysitting me. I am a grown woman I can handle heartbreak."

She rolled her eyes at me. "Don't be so dramatic, Em! Come with us, I am sure that you will enjoy this. If you want we can call Ryker to accompany us."

"No. There's no need to do that." I said almost immediately. The last night we went clubbing I ended up leaving him alone in that bar. I still haven't had the chance to apologize for that mishap.

I was reluctant to come but Ruby was so persuasive and I found myself dressing for a night in town. I wore this white t-shirt with a luxury brand name printed at the front and I paired it with a figure-hugging black leather skirt and black heels.

I also put makeup at the suggestion of my twin because she claims that I am too pale like a ghost. When I stared at myself in the mirror I noticed how lifeless my eyes were. Perhaps Ruby was right I do need this after all.

Before I knew it, I found myself inside Roman's car as we cruised the New York traffic. Roman brought us to one of the most famous bars in the East Village. As I stepped out of my brother-in-law's sleek car I was about to enter the nightclub when I looked back at the street because it felt like someone was watching me.

"Let's go?" Ruby hooked her arms around mine with grinning ear-to-ear.

I flashed a reluctant smile as we went inside the nightclub with Roman on our back acting like more of a bodyguard. We were seated in the VIP room my twin and her husband ordered drinks almost immediately.

"You don't have to do this, you know," I told them as I settled comfortably on my seat. "You don't need to babysit me."

Roman's smiled kindly in my direction. "Your twin is just worried about you. You aren't been the same since you came home. We miss the old Emerald."

I gave him a watery smile. "I'm still the old Emerald."

Ruby was looking at me with sad eyes. "If you want to cry go ahead. Don't mind us we won't judge you." She stared at me intently. "Want to talk about it?"

"I miss him," I confessed, sniffing in the process. "I miss him terribly. It's getting worse as the day passes by."

"Drink up." My sister urged pushing the ladies' drink into my hand. "You need that."

I shook my head. "I need stronger than that." I gestured to the shot glass in front of Roman. "I want to get wasted tonight."

My sister and her husband exchanged meaningful looks. There was silent communication going on between them. Great! Now they unintentionally rub it on my face that I am single. I took the shot glass from the table and took a swig. The amber liquid burned down in my throat.

"There are times that I found myself booking a flight to Saqr but I stop myself from doing such impulsive things just in time," I told them, pouring myself another glass. "I mean, I already gave up my rights to see him when I left Saqr but my stupid heart is still missing him."

"Do you still love him?" Ruby asked gently, taking a sip of her drink.

"Of course!" I answered, taking another shot of the liquor. "I still love him with all of my heart. I thought I would be over this heartbreak by now but it seems that I am not progressing at all."

"What if he decides to see you?" Roman asked casually. "What will do then?"

I looked at him with an alert glance and then I laughed bitterly. "That won't happen." Taking another shot of this alcohol gave me the courage to spill everything to them. "He hates me now after the heartless things I said to him at the airport. I bet he didn't want to see me anymore." I scoffed remembering our last conversation. "Hell, he even told me to date another man."

Once again my companions exchanged meaningful looks. I scowled at them what's with this display of telepathic conversation? Oh, well. I ignored them and continued to drink to numb my feelings even just for that night. I want to fall asleep tonight without crying I think that's not too much to ask, right?

"I think I will be a spinter and just spoil my nieces and nephews in the future." I commented though the prospect wasn't that bad, to be honest."

Roman eyed me for a moment. "What about Creed?"

I gave him a shrewd look. "No chance in hell. As I said, he is just an older brother to me. I don't see myself being married to him." There is only one man I ever consider marrying. And that man was busy hating me right now.

"I am happy for you that you won against Daniel." My sister chirped in. "I know you can do it, Em. There are only a few days left before New Year."

Yeah. I won and I should be celebrating but why is my heart still mourning?

I already lost count of how many shots I had taken but all I knew was I wanted to pee so badly. I stood from my seat and it felt like the floor was already spinning beneath my feet.

"Are you okay?" My twin asked with a concerned voice.

"Y-Yeah..." I shut my eyes to stop the world from spinning. "Ladies' room. I want to pee."

"I'll help you." Ruby was about to stand from her seat.

I stopped her with my hand. I am Emerald St. Clair, I am a strong and independent woman. I can go to the bathroom alone. I giggled at her worried look. "No. I can do this alone."

I marched towards the ladies' room. I tried my very best not to bump into everyone who was on my way. Once inside I found an empty cubicle and emptied my bladder my head was spinning. I took a deep long measured breath while sitting on the toilet I think I will be sick. "Concentrate, Em..."

I wiped myself and flushed the toilet. My God! The floor was spinning I needed to find Ruby as soon as possible because I had enough. I squinted at the nightclub where the hell we're sitting again. I forgot where our table was. I nearly tripped and fell flat-faced on the floor when a pair of large hands was there to steady me.

"Ops..." I giggled, trying to look at the stranger who helped me. I offered him a bright smile. "Thanks."

"Are you okay?"

The hair on my nape stands while my heart skips a beat at the familiar voice. Impossible! The liquor was starting to mess with your head, Em. My vision was blurry for me to see his face. "Yeah. I'm fine. Thank you for your help, Mr. Stranger."

I heard him sigh deeply. "You're drunk."

"I'm not." I denied it fiercely. I shook off his hold on my arm and was about to walk away from him when he tightened his grip.

"Come. I will take you home."

I shook my head. "Oh, no. My twin and her husband are with me. They will take me home." I smiled flirtatiously at him. "Thank you for the offer, handsome. Maybe next time." It was a bit impulsive of me but I have this intense urge to kiss his lips. I tiptoed and gave him a smooch. "Goodbye."

I let out a squeak when he scooped me in his arms. "What will I do to you?" He seemed to be asking himself than me as he started to walk his way out of the nightclub.

"Put me down! My sister is waiting..." My slurred words trail off when I sniffed his perfume. I rested my head on his hard chest. "Y-You smell like my Khalil."

"Oh, yeah?" Was that amusement I heard in his voice?

"Yes."

"Don't you recognize me?"

I looked at him for a moment then shook my head. His face was blurry. "I don't think so. But I think you resemble the man I love."

Rich laughter vibrated in his body. "Really?"

I sighed, hooking my arms around his neck. "Yes. I miss that guy."

"Where is he?"

"Far, far away in his kingdom," I answered gravely. I closed my eyes savoring the feeling of me in this stranger's arms. It feels like Khalil is here in New York to be with me. Yeah, I will think that way even just for tonight.

"Why don't you follow him in his kingdom then?" The handsome stranger asked, tightening his hold of me as if he could not bear to let go of me. He smells and sounds like Khalil but he is not Khalil.

I shook my head. "I can't. I said too many hurtful things at him I don't dare to face him again."

He muttered something in a different language when I didn't understand. He placed me in the shotgun seat of his car. "No...my sister..."

"I already informed her that I will take you home." He said, coming to the driver's seat of his car. "AC?"

I grinned at him sleepily. "Yes. Please." I settled comfortably in his car. "Do you even know where I live?"

"Of course." He answered, speeding the car on the highway. "I know every inch of you."

"Really?" I stifled a yawn, closing my eyes. "Who are you? My stalker?"

He chuckled softly. "In this past few weeks? You can say that."

"I miss you, Khalil," I muttered under my breath.

"I miss you too, habibti..."

*****

I shot up from the bed. Where was I? I looked around to see my familiar bedroom. I exhaled a deep breath.

It's just a dream...

Just a very weird dream. I thought that I went home with a stranger last night. I wiped my face with my palms. I don't remember much of what happened last night except that I nearly emptied the bottle of liquor by myself.

"My head is pounding."

"As it should be." Ruby sounded in the doorway. "You are already halfway from being alcoholic, sis."

"What are you doing here early in the morning?" I threw an accusing look in her direction.

She smiled at me sanguinely. "To see if you're still alive..." when I glared at her she added with a chuckle. "Just kidding. I came here to fix you some breakfast knowing your reputation in the kitchen."

"I have a housekeeper, you know."

"She went out to restock the pantry." She answered sardonically. "Come. Breakfast is ready."

I was about to leave the bed when an image flashed through my brain. "Oh no..."

"What?"

I looked at my twin worriedly. "How did I get home last night?"

It seems that Ruby was taken aback by my question. She took a deep breath before answering me with a straight face. "Roman and I took you home, remember?"

Then what about that man? I shook my head maybe that was only a dream. I went to the bathroom to wash my face and brush my teeth before coming to the kitchen.

"Eat," Ruby commanded as we sat on the table opposite of each other. "How's your head?"

"Throbbing."

My twin nodded. "You got wasted last night."

"Don't remind me."

Ruby was looking at me with an unreadable expression. "What are your plans for today?"

I gave her a self-mocking smile, sipping my coffee. "I don't know. Maybe spend the day debating if I should book a flight to Saqr or not. But what's the use of that if he didn't want to see me anymore."

"You want to see him?" She queried, looking at me from the rim of her cup. "Why?"

"I want to take back those hurtful words I said to him," I told her with sadness in my voice. "Even if we can't be together I just want to tell him how much I love him."

"Why don't you tell him that?"

I blinked at her. "Excuse me?"

"He's here, you know. Khalil." Ruby supplied, sampling the waffle she cooked. "I ran to him the other day. He's in town to give a commemorative speech in his Alma matter at Yale today."

My heart started to pound loudly in my chest. I could not believe my ears. "Are you serious?"

She nodded. "Yes. He's currently staying in Waldorf Astoria."

I extinguished almost immediately the happiness that bubbled inside me.

"Are you going to see him?" Ruby prodded when I remained silent.

I shook my head. "I don't know. What if he didn't want to see me?"

My twin rolled her eyes on me. "Oh, for God's sake, Emerald! For once in your life put aside your pride and tell him what you feel about him even if you are not meant to be. You at least owe that to him."

I bit my bottom lip. "You think?"

"Of course."

Ruby was right. Khalil needs to know that I don't mean those words I said back in Saqr. I want to tell him how much I love him with all of my heart.

"You know what? You are right. I will see him for one last time." I didn't finish my breakfast and went to my room to take a shower and get dressed. I don't know how he would react when he saw me on his doorstep but I am prepared for the worst.

Ruby gave me the room number where he was staying before I left my penthouse after an hour stuck in the traffic. I finally arrived. I rode the elevator to punch the number where his room was located. My heart was hammering in my chest as I walked to the silent hallway. Two blurry men were standing at his hotel door.

Of course, I nearly forgot that he was now a king. His coronation took place two weeks after I left.

"I'm here to see His Majesty." I was not even sure if they would allow me to get in since I just showed up here without an appointment but to my surprise, the two men let me in.

With all the strength I could muster I went inside his hotel room. There I found him in the living room all dressed up in western clothes far different from the traditional clothing he was wearing the last time I saw him.

From the look on his face, he was surprised to see me there.

"Hi," I said awkwardly.

"What are you doing here?" He asked while his face remained stoic.

I bit my bottom lip unsure how to melt the ice between us. "I heard from Ruby that you are in town. I was hoping I could talk to you."

There was no hint of emotion on his face. He was now every inch of a powerful king. He gestured to the sofa. "Let's talk then."

I hesitantly sat on the sofa while he did the same across to me. He was checking something on his phone I had the chance to study his face. In the six weeks that passed, he became slightly thinner and exhaustion was visible in his face. Maybe he was working so hard, as the new king of Saqr but his health suffered in the process.

"What do you wish to talk about?" He asked coldly dragging me out of my reverie. He was eyeing me showing no hint of emotion at all, his mesmerizing cobalt eyes were blank.

I swallowed hard. "I just want to talk about the things I said to you that night--"

"The night you said you don't love me?" He reminded me harshly.

I cleared my throat while it feels like someone was clenching my heart. I bit my bottom lip. "Yes. About that...the truth is," I paused taking a deep breath forcing myself to look at him straight in the eyes. "I lied to you that night. I lied when I said that I don't love you when the truth is I love you very much."

His lips formed a small smile but he quickly vanished as if I just imagined it. "Why are you telling me now?"

I shrugged nonchalantly as I let out a shaky laugh. "To ease my conscience and probably help me move on quickly."

I saw the way he clenched his jaw. He suddenly went to his feet and moved to the floor-to-ceiling glass windows. Why he seems fumingly mad? "So you want to move one?"

"Of course." But I don't think I'll ever get over my love for you. "I want to continue living my life even if you are not part of it anymore."

"I see."

He still looking outside the window with his hands tucked in the pocket of his pants as anger vibrated through his body. I took a deep breath standing from the sofa. I want to memorize his back while I still have the chance.

"Are you happy, Emerald?"

I shook my head, telling him the truth. "I am miserable."

"I thought this is what you wanted?" He asked in a monotone. "You said so six weeks ago."

"I was wrong." I hiccupped, fighting back my tears. "I need to go. I don't want to disturb you any longer since you have a busy schedule ahead of you. Thank you for your time. I'll see myself out."

"May I ask you a question?"

I turned around to face him. He was looking at me with a strange expression on his face. "What is it?"

"Are you pregnant?"

I looked down at my flat belly. I shook my head regretfully in his direction. "No. I had my period last week."

Sadness crept into his eyes before turning his attention back to the window. I wordlessly went towards the door, I frowned when the doorknob was locked. I couldn't open it.

"Who says you can leave now?"

I turned around to face him with a stunned reaction. "What do you mean?"

He slowly walked in my direction. I feel suddenly nervous about the whole thing. "You said everything you want to say? Fine. Now my turn."

My throat instantly went dry. "What is there left to say between us? Aren't you getting married to the princess now?"

His lips curved with a smirk. "Jealous?"

I looked away from his intense gaze. "I don't have the right to be jealous. The sooner we parted ways the better. I need to go. You need to focus your attention on your wedding." Even if, I said that my whole being was laced with jealousy at the thought of him marrying another.

He was now standing a few feet away from me. My heart was already in my throat. "Ah, yes. My wedding."

"N-Now let me go," I said hoarsely. "Open this door."

He rested his arm on the door above my head while trapping me with his body and the door. "Now why will I do that? You are the one who went here on your own. No one forced you to come here."

"I told you, I just went to see you so I can clear my conscience and maybe start moving on after that."

Anger was visible in his eyes. "Dare to move on and you will face my wrath."

"What do you mean?" I asked frowning at him.

"Say it..." He commanded firmly, looking down at me. "...I want to hear what it sounds like, Emerald."

"Say what?"

"That you love me."

I glanced at him for a moment. "And then you will let me go?"

"Say it." He demanded, completely ignoring my bargain. "Before I strip you naked here."

I glowered at him darkly. "You can't do that. Think of what your fiancée will feel when he learns that you slept with another woman before you marry."

"Ah, yes, my fiancée." He said with a private smile playing on his lips. "Thank you very much for reminding me."

His words sliced through my chest, letting my heart bleed. But for him, I need to be happy. At least, now he was willing to marry that woman.

"I came to the United States to pick her up."

"Oh, you mean she's here?" I tried to sound interested.

"Yes." He smiled down at me.

"Where is she then?" I looked away in case he could see the anguish on my face.

"Here. Standing in front of me."

I gasped at him, unable to believe my ears. Is he playing games with me? "I don't have time to play with you."

"You says I am playing games with you, habibti?" He tilted my chin slightly so I could meet his gaze. "I guess you are not yet using your social media."

I moistened my lips because they suddenly felt dry. "It's in every news that I am here to bring my bride home."

"What?" My brain practically stopped functioning. "You're kidding...the law states that--"

"--I can marry the woman I love."

"H-how..." Tears were now blurring my vision. He was giving me a heart-aching smile the way he was looking at me as if I was the only woman in the world and he couldn't believe that I was his.

He wiped my tears tenderly with his thumb. "I appealed to the people of Saqr on a televised public speech to let me marry the woman I love if they still want me to remain as the king..."

"You threaten them?!" My eyes widened in disbelief. "You can't abdicate because of me."

He silenced me with his finger. "I didn't threaten them." There was a smile playing on his lips. "I merely negotiated with them."

"The council. I am sure they are not happy--"

"They have no choice but to amend some laws, habibti." His face became hardened. "They have no choice since I won the public trust. It took me some time but finally, I am here. I love you, Emerald St. Clair."

This time my tears were falling on my cheeks like waterfalls. "I love you too."

"Oh, God." He exhaled deeply, stealing a kiss on my lips. "It took me forever to finally hear those words from you. I waited eight long years to be exact."

"I love you, Khalil."

"You're robbing the air on my lungs, my love. Can you say it once more?"

"I love you. I love you. I love you." I wrapped my arms around his neck as he drew me into his body and shared a heated kiss. "Wait..." I said when he was about to unbutton my coat. "What about your speech at Yale?"

He grinned unashamedly in my direction. "Ruby just made that up."

"What?!" My eyes narrowed in his direction while he was unbuttoning my clothes. "When did you exactly arrive here?"

"Last week." He stated. "The St. Clair clan knew about my arrival. I have been following you around like a stalker since then."

My mouth hung open. "Then...last night..."

He shot me a furious look. "Yes. I was there." He folded his arms in the middle of his chest. "Didn't I tell you not to get drunk when I am not around?"

"I am nursing a broken heart!"

"You're going to kiss a random stranger, huh?"

Fuck. He was visibly mad. "Technically. That's you, don't tell me you are jealous of yourself."

"That's stupid." He said but he was still annoyed at the thought. "I guess I need to punish you for behaving badly."

With that, he scooped me in his arms and went to the bedroom. "Saqr needs an heir, habibti. Let's make one."