Chapter 3

I watched as we passed by the streets of Waverly. Neatly lined houses with fallen dried leaves hunk the sidewalks, waiting for the owners to sweep it away.
Ry was driving her red Mini Cooper with Tasha by her side.

I volunteered to sit at the back just to be in my own world. The journey from our dorm to WEP's Bakes took about twenty minutes. I listened to Ry's and Tasha's banter about their choice of breakfast while my mind wandered elsewhere.

I took the opportunity to read the newspaper and came to a conclusion: Leon wanted to see me. Leon is serious. Leon is a Prince. And I am a nobody.

I tried to shut my mind from him only to make it worse. Somebody help me.

'You okay back there?' Ry's green eyes flickered through the rear view mirror.

'Uh-huh.'

'Belle, trust us, it's going to be fine! Once you fill your tummy with pancakes, we can talk about it okay?' Ry assured me.

I shrugged, heaving a huge sigh.

I brought my attention back outside.
A small, cozy and Parisian-looking cafe came to view as the three of us turn in the road bend.

Ry parked her car on the side of the road, paid for the ticket and off we went; hand in hand in the cafe.

WEP's Bakes was filled with people. Some of them were dressed in business suits, and others are in sweats and boots. It was fall in Waverly.

The smell of freshly baked waffles made me hum in happiness. For once, I felt light-headed. I hastened myself to the counter, fully knowing what to order.

Ry and Tasha were right behind me.

'Hey. I'm Reese. What can I get for you ladies?' A friendly smile stretched across her face.

'Hi yourself. I would like to have set B with a large cup of hot mocha, please. Guys, what are you having?' I asked and they placed their order.

'Have a sit. Your breakfast will be served shortly. Enjoy!' We thanked Reese and went over to the back of the cafe to find empty seats.

WEP's Bakes is owned by three siblings; Wendy, Evan and Paige, thus the name WEP were derived from their initials. A family business that started in 2010.

I personally thought that it was a good business. In fact, I had a dream once. I wanted to open up a reading cafe in Waverly. This dream cafe of mine will be filled with books and cakes bake by Tasha. Maybe one day.

Ry and Tasha smacked my arm that made me yelped, 'Ow! What was that for?!'

'Stop thinking! You have been zoning out on us.' Tasha accused.

'Sorry, can't help it. Hey look, our breakfasts are here.' The waiter placed our breakfast on the table. Without wasting any second longer, the three of us dived into the food.

I was ravenous.

Halfway through our meal, the cafe seem to be in silence. And then the sound of a 'ding' of the cafe door brought our attention.

Dressed in dark washed jeans and a black v-neck shirt was Leon. Prince Leon. Standing by his sides were two, burly and muscled men who we all knew were bodyguards.

'Oh. My. God.' Ry stammered with a mouth full of pancakes.

A shiver passed through me. I was sweating. Did he know I was here? Should I run?

I wanted so dearly to hide under the table.

'Keep calm. Stay cool. Don't show any emotions.' I was chanting to myself.

Everybody seem to stop eating. Their eyes were transfixed to the door. As Leon began walking in, soft murmurs surrounded the cafe.

'I think he's looking for her.'

'He looks so handsome. Whoever the girl maybe, she is the lucky one.'

'He wants to find her. Royal romance! Wow!'

As I tried to shut myself from the reality, someone kicked my shin underneath the table.

'What was that for?!' I yelled. Wait what? Damn it.

Someone murder me please! I could feel a hot gaze raking over me. And I knew who it belonged too.

'S**t.' I groaned inwardly.

'Belle, he's coming this way.' Tasha gripped my fingers too tightly, my breath hitched in my throat. Oh Lord, I can die right now.

'Leave now. Both of you.' Growled Leon to Ry and Tasha.

What the hell?!

'Don't leave me, guys!' I said painfully.

'I said NOW!!' Leon snarled.

Ry and Tasha stood abruptly knocking down both chairs and scrambled to the other side of the cafe.

I couldn't bring myself to look into his eyes. How dare he?!

Leon sat down across me and asked, 'Are you Isabelle?'

When I didn't answer, he turned to look at Ry and Tasha for an answer.

Ry and Tasha nodded fervently. Well, hell. Here I thought they would help me but they gave me away just like that.

I narrowed my eyes at them and their face were wrought with guilt and remorse.

'Hmms. This is how it's going to be, huh, Isabelle? Fine. I want you to go and tell your precious friend and sister that you will be following me home. No buts, no No's. Did I make myself clear?' Leon ordered.

'Why.. Why would you do this to me?' I blinked my tears back. Holding on.

'Do you want me to repeat myself? I don't want to do that, Isabelle. I told you yesterday that I will find you. And now I did. Go and be a good girl.. Walk over to your friend and Tasha... Tell them what I just told you. I'll wait for you by the door.' He stood up all manly and confident, motioned his hands for me to go.

I scrambled from my seat and walk cautiously towards the girls.

'Hey.. I got to go with Leon. I'll catch up with you guys later. Promise.' I quickly chattered.

Before I turned to leave, Tasha asked, 'You have your phone with you, Belle? Call me as soon as you're done.' I gazed at her, only to see that a tear rolled down her cheek.

I hugged and squeezed her tight. They waved goodbye too soon.

I was then ushered into a black limo, zooming into the streets.

Leon broke the demeaning silence, 'Isabelle, trust me.'

I shifted my gaze to Leon with tears in my eyes, my voice broke, 'Trust you? Trust you! I think that is the biggest joke of the year! From the moment I saw you, I knew you were trouble. You came in the cafe, ordered me around, pushed my two best friends away from me, and I was forced to follow you!' I was brimming with anger and I continued,

'I don't give a damn if you are a Prince! You are rude and demanding! Now what? You are going to lock me up in the high tower?! Is that it?' Hot tears rolled down my cheeks. I don't care if I looked like a haggard lady but I thought that my dignity was worth saving.

Leon heaved a huge sigh and slowly said, 'I'm sorry, Isabelle. I don't know what came over me. Yesterday, I thought you and I had a connection. Or chemistry. I wanted to know you. Isn't it the same for you? I like you. I know it's only a few hours. But. Damn!'

My tears couldn't stop flowing. Should I tell him about my past?