16. Chapter 16
Albrecht
I pace my room back in Italy, the walls closing in on me at how desperately I miss her. I’ve tried calling, texting, but she won’t respond. I understand why, but it doesn’t make it any easier. I feel like I’m losing the most important person in my life, and I don’t know how to fix it.
Everything within me wanted to follow her that day, but I was trying to respect the fact that she told me to leave, so I booked a flight back home that night. I didn’t even bother about all of my things at her cottage, because I’m trusting to believe that I’ll be back. I know she needs space, and so I’ll respect that while I do what I need to here.
It’s been a week since then, and I’ve already met with Bathilde and her parents and ensured the betrothal is done. Bathilde was as relieved as I was, despite her parents being disappointed. She’s hoping she too can meet someone before her parents try to attach her to someone else.
My family has been incredibly supportive and understanding that there’s no other option for me but to give up my title and move to California to be with Giselle. My mother is practically giddy with delight and says she’ll disown me if I don’t get her back.
Sitting down at my mahogany desk, I pull out the new laptop I got since my other one was left behind. If Giselle won’t take my calls, maybe I can reach her through email. I need to explain everything, to make her see that my intentions were never to deceive her. I start typing, pouring my heart into the message.
Dear Giselle,
I know you’re hurting, and I’m so sorry for the pain I’ve caused. I hope you’ll read this to understand why I did not tell you about Bathilde.
I was born into a world of obligations and expectations. My title, my role as Grand Prince of Tuscany, has dictated my life’s path for as long as I can remember. My betrothal to Bathilde was arranged by my parents. It was never about love, only duty and tradition, and apparently, a way to force me to get serious about finding someone to date. I was not onboard from the get-go, neither was Bathilde. We convinced our parents to give us two years before marrying, hoping that we’d find a way out of it before then. That is partly why I wanted to escape to Napa on this business venture; I felt trapped and needed to get away.
Meeting you changed everything. For the first time, I saw a future that was mine to choose, a future filled with love and happiness. I didn’t tell you about my true identity because I was afraid of losing you, afraid that the weight of my title would come between us.
I’ve decided to abdicate, to leave it all behind. I’ve already started the process, and I’m working on moving to Napa permanently. I want to build a life with you, Giselle. You’re the only one for me. Please give me a chance to make things right. I love you more than anything.
Yours always,
Albrecht Loys Silesia Habsburg-Lorraine
I hit send, hoping against hope that she’ll read it and understand. But I know words alone might not be enough. I need to talk to her father, to make him see how serious I am about this and ask for his forgiveness as well.
I dial Nello’s number, my heart pounding in my chest. He answers after a few rings.
“Hello Loys. Or shall I say Prince Albrecht?,” he asks, his voice guarded.
“You can call me whatever you want.”
“Oh, I doubt you’d want to hear the names I’ve called you in the last week, seeing my daughter heartbroken over you.”
“I know I deserve them, sir. Nor do I deserve your time, but I’d like to explain myself,” I say, praying he’ll hear me out.
“I was wondering when you’d call.”
“I love your daughter more than anything. I know I’ve hurt her, and I’m doing what I can to make it right. I’ve started the process of giving up my title, and I hope to return to St. Helena if Giselle and your family will have me. I know I don’t deserve it, but I have to try. She means everything to me.”
There’s a pause on the other end, then a sigh. “She’s been through a lot. Trust doesn’t come easily to her, especially after what happened with Hilarion. I know you’re a better man than him, but she’s confused and hurting.”
“I know,” I say, my voice breaking. “I was a fool to not explain who I was from the start, and forewarn her about the betrothal that my parents had established. I’m sorry I kept who I was from you as well. But I promise you, my feelings for Giselle are real, as is my family’s desire to still be partners. I’m willing to do whatever it takes to be with her, to earn back her trust and yours.”
Nello is silent for a moment, then he speaks, his tone softer. “Give her time. She needs space to process everything. Keep reaching out, but don’t push her. Let her come to terms with it on her own time. As for the investment deal, I don’t feel comfortable moving forward with it until I know where Giselle stands with you.”
“Thank you, and I understand,” I say, grateful he hasn’t completely written me off. “I won’t give up on her.” We end the call, and I feel a renewed sense of determination.
I write to Giselle every day, explaining everything about my family and childhood, and the struggles I’ve had to find my own way under so much weight of duty. Each email is an open book, revealing parts of myself I’ve never shared with anyone. I know it’s a long shot, but I can’t lose hope. She’s all I want, and I’ll keep fighting for her, no matter how long it takes.
In the meantime, I’ll focus on finalizing my abdication and sorting out my affairs. Every step brings me closer to the life I want with Giselle, and I cling to that hope like a lifeline. And I pray that one day, Giselle will find it in her heart to forgive me and let me back into her life.
The invitation arrives in the morning, the black envelope addressed in fancy silver script, standing out against the stack of mundane correspondence on my desk. I open it, my heart pounding as I read it.
Mr. Moratti cordially invites you to a masquerade ball at the Moratti Estate Winery at 8 p.m. on All Hallows Eve. Formal wear and masks required for entrance.
I can hardly believe it. Nello is giving me a chance—a chance to see Giselle, to explain everything in person, to prove my love for her. I quickly make arrangements, booking a flight back to California on Friday, since the ball is this Saturday. This is my shot to make things right and I won’t waste it. I pray Giselle’s heart has softened toward me over the last few weeks.