Finally, I'm Back Home

The next morning, Duke Malcom and Lord Melvin reached the palace promptly at 10 to bring Melissa home. Before she departed, both the Queen and Duke Kensington had a private talk with Duke Malcom to discuss about the postponement of the wedding. Although Duke Malcom couldn't really comprehend what's the real reason behind it, he was equally glad that his precious daughter would be able to stay with the family longer. 

When they reached the main hall, Lord Melvin could be seen arguing with Little William. 

"Take your hands off my sister! She's coming home with me!" Lord Melvin could be heard saying to Lord William, while pulling Melissa's hand.

"No! My mother is coming with ME!" Lord William stubbornly held onto Melissa's legs, unwilling to let go. 

"Who is your mother? This is my sister!" Lord Melvin refused to back down.

Prince Xavier, who was standing by the side, had a look on his face which one couldn't fathom. It could be annoyance, anger, bitterness, sadness, it's simply amusing to see changes of expressions on his face if one could just study it. He didn't say anything, just standing by as an onlooker. 

This morning, he had managed to speak briefly with Melissa after breakfast, asking her to take care of herself well and to see him if she needed anything. He also reminded her that regardless of the past, they're still good friends and he wished she could continue being friends with him without any qualms. She had merely smiled and nodded her head. However, before she left, she had presented him with a sketch. When he saw the picture drawn on the piece of paper, he was touched. It was a beautiful drawing of a bouquet of roses. 

Melissa's laughter broke his thoughts and he looked at her, laughing without any reservation. It was genuine and came from her heart. It was truly heartwarming. The Queen approached with both Duke Malcom and Duke Kensington, and when he exchanged looks with his cousin, Duke Kensington gave him a slight nod. He turned back to look at the childish scene that's happening before everyone and shook his head before walking away. Once again, this young boy could really get on his nerves if he wanted to, not to mention that immature Lord Melvin!

"William, let her go. Melissa is not coming with us, she's going home." Duke Kensington scolded his son. 

"But Father, our home is her home. You promised me! Queen Grandma...." Lord William was on the verge of tears, and looked at Queen Serina for help. He couldn't accept it. He wanted to stay with Melissa and not part with her. 

"Your Majesty, may I have a moment with William?" Melissa finally spoke up and looked at those present. Upon receiving approval from the Queen, Melissa bent down, carried William in her arms and walked out of the room, heading towards the balcony on the side door. 

"Mother..." William was already crying when they sat down on a nearby bench. 

"William, do you know how much I love you?" She asked while cupping the boy's face. The young boy shook his head while looking up at her. 

"I love you to the moon and back. It means, it's so much that you can't possibly count it." She said while using a dramatic tone of voice, causing the boy to stop crying and started to giggle looking at her foolish act.

"So, will you listen to me?" Melissa asked, and the boy immediately nodded his head.

"For now, your mother needs to go home. There's something very very important that I need to do before I could go and stay with you." Melissa whispered, making it sound so mysterious that the boy subconsciously moved closer. 

"What's that, Mother?" The boy whispered loudly. 

"It's a secret! But, if you want to know, ask your father to send you over whenever you're free. But you can only come alone, and after you've finished with your studies. Alright?" Melissa finally said, pinching the boy's cheek. 

"Really?? I can go and see you?? Don't worry, I will come after I finish my studies." William was overjoyed when he found out that he could see her anytime he wanted! With that, the two of them walked back in, William in high spirits, surprising everyone present. 

"Hmmph! You cannot stop me from seeing my mother!" Lord William said to Lord Melvin, while puffing his small chest to the older man.

Lord Melvin wanted to say something in return, but he was stopped by Melissa. After they exchanged pleasantries and bade farewell to the Queen, the Knights and Kensingtons walked out of the palace, heading towards their respective carriages. 

"Melissa, may I speak with you for a moment?" Duke Kensington stopped her before she got on the carriage. 

"Can I visit you at home? Don't worry, I will let you know in advance. If you're not available, you can inform me." He asked with anticipation. 

"Yes, of course. Please bring William too if he's free. It's not convenient for me to visit him at your place, so I would really appreciate it if you could bring him over instead." She smoothly extended the invitation to William as well, so that cheeky little guy need not beg his father for it.

'Ah..William again. As expected, she wishes to see William more than me. Anyhow it doesn't matter as long as I can see her too.' Duke Kensington lamented in his heart, consoling himself.

He nodded indicating his agreement and she finally left with her family.

"What did he say to you, Mel?" Lord Melvin couldn't suppress his curiosity.

"He wanted to visit me at home. He will bring William too." Melissa curtly replied. This brother of hers clearly had a knack for gossip!

"What?? He's bringing that brat to our house? Hah! No wonder he said that to me just now! Father, our days of peace are over." Lord Melvin said tragically.

"Melvin, seriously, why are you picking a fight with a 5 year old? He's just a kid, Son." Duke Malcom reprimanded his son.

"A kid? He's clearly challenging my status in my sister's life!" Duke Malcom muttered under his breath.

Duke Malcom decided to ignore his ridiculous son and looked at his daughter instead.

Melissa was lost in thought, gazing out of the window. She had changed so much in the past few weeks, it was as if she's a different person altogether. The current Melissa was more easygoing and composed, and she was much more kinder and understanding too. And since when was she great with children? It was quite puzzling but it seemed like Melissa has finally grown up. She's so sensible now that Duke Malcom felt she's no longer the little girl he used to dote on. If only Rose was still alive, she would love to see how her daughter has changed for the better.

"Young Miss, you're finally home!!" Lily exclaimed when she saw her, totally forgetting that both the Duke and Young Lord were present. Lily ran to her Mistress and hugged her, crying.

"There, there, I am fine, see? I'm back now." Melissa patted the girl's back and consoled her.

Suddenly a strong hand pulled Lily back and reprimanded her. "Know your place. Is this how I trained you?" Old Mrs Shaw scolded Lily after greeting the Masters politely.

Lily immediately bowed and apologised profusely to both the Duke and Lord Melvin.

Although he was displeased, Duke Malcom merely waved his hand and Lord Melvin shook his head, before both men walked into the house.

"My Lady, welcome back. You've been greatly missed while you're away. I'm so glad to see that you're doing well. Is there anything you need?" Old Mrs Shaw asked Melissa.

Melissa smiled at Mrs Shaw and remembered that this kind woman had taken care of Lady Melissa when the original host was young and she's now assisting the Duke to manage the Knights household after Duchess Rose passed away.

"Mrs Shaw, there's something important that I need your help with. Can you meet me in my room in about 15 minutes?" Melissa asked the older woman kindly.

"Yes My Lady. Lily, bring your Mistress back to her room to rest. And behave yourself." She reminded Lily before they left the place.

Back in her room, Melissa immediately went to work. She took out a drawing paper and sketch the design of the art studio which she had in mind. Her fingers moved across the paper as if she had done this a million times before. After 15 minutes, there was a knock on the door and Mrs Shaw came in with Lily in tow.

"Mrs Shaw, I need the reading space in the garden to be converted into an art studio. It should look like this after renovation. I've also included details which you should look into." Melissa said while handing the piece of paper to Mrs Shaw.

Mrs Shaw took the blueprint design and study it. She was surprised at how beautiful and meticulous the drawing was. 'Lady Melissa can actually draw? But how?'

Lily also gasped and blurted the very question that Mrs Shaw had in mind.

"My Lady, it's so beautiful. I didn't know you can draw so well. You've never done so before!"

Melissa was taken aback by that honest comment. 'Darn! I had forgotten that Lady Melissa couldn't do this in the past.'

"Oh, I learned it once from the Prince long time ago, and I knew I had a talent for it. I just didn't have a chance to do it. Now I think I should try it again." Melissa thought hard and remembered that the original host had once painted with the Prince.

"Very well My Lady. I will get the servants to start work immediately. It will be done in two days." With that, Mrs Shaw bowed slightly and left the room.

After Mrs Shaw left, Melissa immediately listed down all her to-do tasks, and also all her previous artworks. Looking at her Mistress working so diligently, Lily quietly left the room. However, she came back running a few minutes later, disrupting the very peace which she had earlier wanted to preserve. 

"My Lady, My Lady! There's someone waiting for you downstairs." Lily said, panting as she had run as fast as she could after Sir Andrew passed on the message.