The Secret Arrangement

by Danielle Greyson

  "Let's spend the weekend at Hotel Paris, I hope you like it" said Ali taking Laura’s hand forwarding her to the Rolls Royce, that was waiting to take them to the Hotel.

  The hotel was a beautiful building in a classical style, it was impossible to remain indifferent to the sculptures, spiked walls and marble columns, giving the hotel a unique and glamorous style.

  When they finally reached the suite, there was Cristal champagne with exotic fruit arranged in a silver cup, several small chocolates but with different shapes and arranged colors neatly in another 3 floors silver platter, a beautiful bouquet of fresh flowers as a center piece. The room was covered in rose petals, with candles that smelled of roses and orchids arranged on the floor, in the bathroom, bath was ready with candles and relaxing salts.

  Seeing all everything Ali prepared for them, Laura felt she needed to thank him properly for everything he had done for her.

  They spent a relaxed afternoon enjoying each other, eventually falling asleep and waking up only at dinnertime, because both were so relaxed and didn’t want to blow the mood, they decided to order and having dinner in the room.

  "I thought you wanted to go out, to a fancy restaurant and get to know Monaco" Ali said between mouthfuls, visibly hungry, from all the physical activity that they had during the afternoon.

  "You can you show me everything later or tomorrow before the ball" said Laura also eating with relish.

  "Yes it's true. By the way do you have gown for the ceremony? "

  "Yes, I bought it in London, do you want to see it?" She stood up without giving time for him to answer, went to the wardrobe where the maid had put all Laura’s clothes and showed the dark blue long dress in princess shape.

  "When you finish eating, dress it, I would like to see how it fits on you."

  "Okay"

  When Laura finished eating, she dressed up and showed the gown to Ali was sitting watching her, and elegant moves in front of him, like a top model on a catwalk.

  "It's very beautiful and elegant, you have excellent taste. I also like these sandals. Everything fits you very well." Said Ali, glad to see that she could dress up as the occasion demands.

  They spent the night watching a movie and relaxing in bed, eventually allowing sleeping with the television on.

  The next day they woke up early and Ali wanted to show a little bit of Monaco to Laura. After having breakfast in the magnificent balcony with a splendid sea view.

  After Ali drove a convertible Bentley that Laura did not know if it was rented or it was his own, and she didn’t bother to ask. They walked up and down the famous roads where they usually do the Grand Prix of Monaco and the road where the tragedy of Princess Grace of Monaco occurred.

  They turned out to lunch at the Bay and then toured the sea admiring the beautiful yachts. Laura admired all the beautiful and huge yachts, each more beautiful than the other.

  Ali realized how much she was enjoying the boats, he decided to go to the marina office and rent a yacht for the next day, he wanted to spend the day on sea, in the biggest yacht available, he wanted to impress Laura once again. Barely set foot outside the office, gives Laura, who was still waiting outside, about the yacht rental and she squeals of excitement at the thought she was going to spend the day on a yacht like the one she was appreciating at the bay.

  Ali hugged Laura, smiling shaking his head thinking that she can be sometimes so exaggerated of excitement, after all is only a yacht ride.

  Back to the hotel, in the end of the afternoon to prepare for the charity ball, hosted by Prince Albert.

  Tonight, Laura would meet for the very first time princes and princesses, her enthusiasm was visible in her voice while she was dressing up and Ali amused enjoyed every second of it, for him it was like watching a kid with a new toy.

  After she had the hair arranged by one of the hotel's hairdressers, with impeccable manicure and perfect make-up to match with the prom theme of this year, which was art deco.

  Since 1954 Monaco was presented with the charity ball, the first started with Princess Grace and from the beginning that all royalty and millionaires gathered in a night of glamour, where every year the gala was inspired by a theme, and this year the theme was art deco and who would decorate the party would be a personal friend of the Princess Carolina, the famous fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld.

  Laura was ready to meet the royalty, hand in hand with Ali left the hotel for a black limousine that was waiting for them. The way the charity event in the sporting hall Monte Carlo Ali wanted to fathom it and see if it would be ready for the next step.

  "Laura, I'm thinking spending more time in London. I intend to buy a house in central London, what do you think about the idea?"

  "I think it’s a great idea, at least we can see each other more often." Said Laura, kissing Ali. Going silent, to think about what Ali just said to her. With Ali around she wouldn’t have so much freedom to continue her secret project, but she would have to find a way to succeed in it anyway. After the comment that Ali did, she got the impression that he wanted to get closer to her, and she thought in one hand it was very good, but she doesn’t love him to come too close to nor was marriage in Laura’s plans.

  She just wanted access to experiences and all the amenities that money provided, she was not ready to have a a to serious relationship, now that she started to enjoy life, and she was only 22 years old, she has all life ahead and her prince charming would still show up one day.

  Although she loves Ali’s company and appreciated everything he was doing for her, he was certainly not a man whit whom she wanted to spend the rest of her days with. It was not even an age thing, it was just, she wasn’t in love for him.

  Laura knew she had to keep all her thoughts to herself, she couldn’t share with other friends, because they wouldn’t understand and she wouldn’t for certain share it with Ali, she didn’t want to spoil the agreement she had with Ali.

  When they reached the event, she could see luxury cars and limousines everywhere, the driver got into line for them to get out right into the red carpet to get inside the building. The building that was by the lake with one of the most beautiful views you could ask for.

  Finally inside the hall, Laura praised the decoration at Ali’s ear, although the tables were long, receiving dozens of people at a time, it was a way to have the opportunity to meet and speak with many people. Once everyone was settled for dinner, Laura saw the amount of people who knew Ali. She noticed especially in a young man, who must have 25 years, who went to greet Ali and exchanged a few words. Laura was hoping that Ali introduced that man to her, but he ignored her and did not.

  That night Laura was feeling helpless, she couldn’t help thinking about that young man, elegantly dressed in a tuxedo, radiating masculinity and with the most beautiful smile that Laura had ever seen. Surreptitiously from time to time she looked at him, and she couldn’t stay indifferent to him, he had an invisible magnet that was so appealing to Laura.

  Despite feeling an indescribable joy to finally meet Prince Albert and Princess Stefanie, among other royalty, there was one person in particular that she would like to be introduced, but never had a chance, and she could not ask to be introduced, she needed to be strong and respect being there with Ali.

  She tried to forget that man, thinking after the gala she will most likely never see him again and Laura would forget him.

  On the way to the hotel, Ali knew something was going on, because it was not normal for Laura go on quietly staring absently out of the car window, she was usually like a parrot talking about what was going on in an event, but today she was completely silent and he didn’t know why.

  "Are you all right?" Questioning her, in an attempt to find out what was happening with Laura and to know the reason for her silence.

  She looks slowly at him forcing a smile and said "Yes" realizing, it was a short answer to be convincing, she added: "I'm just thinking about this charity party, with all those millionaires, that royalty ... was
a strong night of emotions for me, I always dreamt about this, but I never knew I could fulfill my dreams." She said looking out the window absently again.

  Ali seemed to be content with Laura's explanation, at all was true, he knew not everyone has the opportunity to go to a charity event and gets to know that kind of people every day.

  It must have been a new experience for Laura and she is only assimilating all that information. - Thought Ali.

  Laura said she was very tired, turning sideways immediately on the bed, pretending to fall asleep almost instantly. Ali didn’t bother her and let her sleep the whole night. In the morning she wanted to give Ali fun morning session, but the desire she had for him before the party had magically evaporated and she needed to pretend she was enjoying the moment as he was.

  Right now she just wanted to be in her comfortable apartment in London, all by herself, she needed to be alone.

  But right now, she needed to stay more 24 hours with Ali, they had agreed to spend the day on the yacht and after taking breakfast, they went for the ocean trip.

  Laura tried not to think about the night before, let alone thinking about that man who she saw.

  She tried distraction talking with Ali about his business, and his intention to buy a house in London, having sunbathing and champagne cocktails at same time. Between chatting with Ali and champagne, eventually she forgets the man from last night, trying to convince that she will never see him again.

  In the evening Laura went back to her normal state, ignoring the signs that she was in love with a stranger at first sight. Taking full advantage of the company of Ali, which she did not expect was that Ali returned with her to London the next day, he was decided to start looking for a house to buy and wanted Laura to join him.

  Chapter 6

  Back in London they spent the following days looking for the ideal house for Ali. They end up finding a house with 3 floors in total; it was a huge house in Chelsea, London. The house had a Zen garden with lawn areas, wood with a small waterfall and a dining area at the rear, a basement with pool, sauna and gym, kitchen with dining area and a skylight ceiling giving to the kitchen a natural light coming from the garden, and a bathroom. On the ground floor, there was a huge living room with dining room, and one toilet.. On the first floor, a large bedroom with bathroom and huge closet and a small office, on the second floor they could find three bedrooms with reasonable areas with one complete bathroom.

  Ali thought this was the ideal home to have a new family with Laura. He bought the house on site and in cash.

  Laura asked herself why he wanted a house to live alone and just for a few weeks a year, as he was always travelling for business. But the money was his, and he did whatever he wanted with it. For the money Ali had, the cost of this big house, was peanuts.

  Having lawyers finalizing the process of buying the house, Ali surprised Laura, asking her if she wanted to live with him. He said, that she needed to be aware he would be out for long periods of time and if she accepted she needed to learn living like that, however he assured her that she would have all the financial support she always needed, and would have help to manage the house, including having a driver always available.

  Laura didn’t know what to say to Ali, she was completely taken by surprise, she wasn’t expecting for Ali ask her to live with him. She looked shocked at him, when he invited her, but living together was not in Laura’s agenda, she just wanted his financial support.

  To Ali disappointment, Laura took longer than usual to reply and the answer she gave Ali, was not what he wanted to hear:

  "You got me by surprise; to be honest I am completely in chock. I never thought living with someone in my life, well at least not know, I feel I have so much to see in the world. Please let me think, on my own this evening and tomorrow I'll give you the answer. Is it possible? "She said going on the way and hugging him.

  He couldn’t let her walk away, that wasn’t an option. Telling her the following news immediately, he wanted to give the house he bought to Laura. He was hoping this way perhaps so she would change her mind and wanted to live together.

  After leaving Laura, Ali was feeling insecure and he needed to reassure her, that being with him was the best option.

  Ali called Laura "I know you asked to think about, but I wanted you to know, that you can move to the house, as soon as possible and decide if you want me to live with you. Whatever happens, I want you to know that I want you secured. Whatever happens, I want you to stay protected. Speak tomorrow?"

  "Yes, see you tomorrow, kiss"

  "Kiss honey"

  Ali knew exactly how to disarm Laura and give everything as she wanted, the way she wanted. He knew how important financial stability was for her.

  After Laura had received Ali’s phone call, she thought carefully about everything, but she knew she could not refuse Ali’s request, after all, the house would be for her and live with him was the price to get a home of 10 million pounds. She knew it would worth the sacrifice; She knew he would be away most of the time, so she had lots of time for her and to work on her secret projects, her books which had taking off already and was going very well, she got an online publisher and with an investment £2,000, she is hitting success.

  Laura had found the answer, and she didn’t want to wait until morning to talk with Ali, decided to give him the answer he wanted to hear personally.

  Called one taxi and went to the hotel where Ali was staying, when she went into the hotel, crossed the lobby to the lift, she sees for her surprise Ali at the bar, he was talking to the man Laura sighed for him in the Monaco Gala, but she could not understand what they were saying, she was too far away.

  What would you were both talking about? - She questioned herself. A terrifying idea crossed her mind. - Does Ali also like men and was that man somehow linked to him in a relationship, or was it from a previous relationship that isn’t yet fully closed? - They had never talked about that possibility.

  She was questioning now everything, does he wants to life together so he can still have other relationships? – Laura had her thoughts confused.

  At this point she realized that they never talked about Ali’s previous relationships. She questioned right now if he had been married before?

  She had no idea that Ali was already married with two other women.

  There is something intriguing with that mysterious man; she was wondering why Ali doesn’t introduce him to her.

  Not knowing what to do, Laura didn’t know whether she should leave or go ahead and interrupt their meeting. But she was feeling in her gut that she should stay away. Leaving the hotel without being seen by them, she returned to her flat.

  Meeting only the next day as agreed, they have the breakfast together, after telling him that she accepted to live with him, Laura couldn’t resist and asked Ali what he had done last night. And he just said "Nothing Special"

  He didn’t mention that he had a heated meeting at the hotel bar. She didn’t make any pressure to get more out of Ali, obviously he didn’t want her to know.

  But now she was nervous, now she knew that the mysterious man was from Ali circles, but she just couldn’t find out why? Was it personal or business?

  Laura couldn’t understand what was happening between them, and looked Ali was decided not to tell her either.

  Embracing on her own thoughts she was already front at her new house, distracted with keys in her hand when she looked down at the street and saw the mystery man again, he was coming in her direction, he went directly to her and asked for Ali.

  Laura didn’t know what to answer because she didn’t know what kind of relationship they had, but obviously was intimate enough for Ali to share his new address, or did the mysterious guy find it on his own? She didn’t know what to think.

  Nervous and feeling her hands sweaty with her body trembling, she didn’t know if it was that secret relationship between both men or because of his captivating physical appearance and the most beautiful smile Laura had
ever seen in a man. And now he was talking to her, she was feeling nervous, lack of words, and his voice was so dawn sexy and sensual.

  She tried at some cost to get out some sound from her mouth and after clearing her throat, she was able to say that Ali was not in and took the opportunity to ask him who he was, because she saw him around.

  "Yes, of course, I am so sorry for rudeness. I am Mohammed, Ali’s eldest son"

  "Seriously?!" asked Laura in stunned disbelief that the sexiest man she'd ever seen in his life was the son of his sugar daddy, the man she was about to move in with and was giving her financial support.

  Laura felt her body shaking more than ever, her legs felt like jelly and now if she needed to take a step knew she would fall, her head was like a whirlwind still trying to absorb what she had just heard.

  "I saw you at the Monaco Charity dance with my father, and who are you?" Ask him Mo.

  She didn’t know what to answer him if he didn’t know who she was, if his father never told about her to his son, it was obvious he didn’t want him to know the truth, and she wasn’t the one that will tell him everything. But she could find more about Ali from his son.

  "I am Laura, Ali’s assistant ..."

  "Nice to meet you Laura. In the charity gala I asked my father to introduce you, but he was upset with me and he refused to introduce us. And because he refused I thought you would be having an affair or he would be shopping around for his third wife. Glad to know you are only his assistant" Mohammed said smiling at her and sighing with relief.

  Laura was more nervous than ever, the man of her dreams was now in front of her, and he was the son of the man with whom she maintained a secret relationship. And now she get to know that Ali was already married, and twice? And is looking for a third wife? That was terrible news for Laura, she didn’t want to get married, not before and must less now. Laura felt her head spinning, not feeling any better.

  Mo realizing she wasn’t well asked if she wanted to sit in the coffee shop nearby and drink some water.