The Secret That Shocked De Santis

Neither of those things he ever did.

The truth was she had no real relationship with her father. She’d always disappointed him and he’d dismissed her—in every way possible. There was nothing more she could do.

‘Will he back up our story?’

Stella looked up at Eduardo’s quiet question, realised he was watching her closely, a frown knitting his eyebrows. She pasted on a cynical smile. ‘He would never comment to the media or anyone. He’s utterly dutiful.’ He’d act the part because he always followed the rules and kept up appearances. ‘My father is the perfect emotionless soldier, doing what’s best for the greater good.’

He sacrificed the personal in order to serve the Crown Prince. Every. Time.

‘Is he why you were so determined to succeed in the army?’ Eduardo stood up from his chair and paced to the wide windows, looking out at the sunset.

‘Of course.’ She shrugged and sent her husband a sharp look. ‘I’ve spent my life trying to please him.’

He turned his back to the window and looked down at her. ‘Sarcasm doesn’t suit you. Anyway, some of what you say is the truth.’

It was. But it wasn’t the only truth. ‘I loved my job. I wouldn’t have stuck at it so long if I hadn’t.’ She’d loved the freedom and the strength she got from it. She missed it. ‘My father was almost fifty when I was born. When my mother died he grieved long and hard, and he was left with a child he had no idea how to raise.’ She sighed, suddenly tired. ‘He did the best he could.’

He was still her father. She would always defend him. Because even though his distance and disappointment hurt her she still loved him.

‘He sent you away?’ Eduardo said softly.

Stella frowned. It wasn’t that simple. ‘He ensured that I had an excellent education and that I came to know my mother’s country. That I was well cared for.’

‘By boarding school matrons?’

‘They understood the needs of a young girl better than he ever could.’ She nodded.

‘But you came back? To prove yourself in his world?’ he persisted.

She paused.

‘Because you wanted his approval.’ Eduardo stepped towards her and lifted her chin, forcing her to look into his beautiful eyes.

‘That’s only part of it,’ she whispered, hating this analysis. Life was so much more complicated than he made it sound. ‘I’m not that pathetic.’

‘It’s not pathetic. It’s normal,’ he countered. ‘All children crave the love and approval of their parents.’

‘Did you?’

‘Of course,’ he said simply. ‘My parents were very proper, and it was all just how it always was...but they were there. They loved us both.’

‘And then they died.’ She looked at him, guessing that was a deep-running wound—as it was for her. It was one she could barely think about.

He nodded.

‘You’re not close to Antonio?’

He paused, and she could almost feel him withdrawing. ‘He is very busy. I’m the lucky one. All the weight rests on his shoulders.’

‘Maybe you’re not as carefree as you make yourself out to be.’ She studied him. ‘You couldn’t continue with law...’

He waved his hand dismissively. ‘There are limitations on everyone—many others have worse. Some face huge struggles just to get the right to go to school.’

Yes, but that didn’t necessarily reduce his personal regret or resentment. ‘What else would you have liked to do that you couldn’t?’ she asked.

There was another hesitation. Then he suddenly straightened, looking her in the eye. ‘Your father wouldn’t let me serve in the army. Not on active duty.’

That surprised her. ‘You wanted to be a soldier?’ She knew just how that was—that blanket refusal.

‘Trained for two years. Then they said no to anything overseas.’

‘They?’

‘Your father. My big brother.’

So, no to his first choice of career, limitations in the second. Now he spent his time opening new tourist destinations.

‘Are you feeling sorry for me now? The spare heir, living a meaningless, untameable life? Poor Prince Eduardo!’ He mimicked the headlines that were frequently splashed over glossy magazines.

‘Sarcasm doesn’t suit you either,’ she said. ‘And there’s truth in what you say.’

‘So I am meaningless and untameable?’ He laughed at her expression. ‘I’m luckier than so many. And I accept the things I cannot change.’