You ever wake up feeling like you just had the perfect night with perfect dreams and no nightmares? Because I was experiencing that for the third time in my life this morning.

The first time was after Freshers Ball when I spent the night in Daylen's arms—and although the second was the night he rescued me from the haunted house, last night was really the icing on top when I got an appetizer of pure euphoric bliss being ravished with Daylen's kisses until we fell asleep wrapped up in each other. No wonder people get married; being in love and waking up to your sweetheart every morning must be a dream. One that Daylen was giving me tastes of and leaving me hungry for more.

I woke up to an empty bed however and guessed Daylen had to sneak back to his own room next to Bealey's before anyone woke up. I felt a tad disappointed because I'd have loved to kiss him 'good morning' and maybe steal a cuddle or two before getting up—but then I saw a little pad of yellow paper stuck on the pillow Daylen had slept on. I grabbed it eagerly and read it:

I must bid my dove adieu though it tears my heart that I cannot watch her bloom at dawn. I shall wait impatiently until dusk before I can adore my fleur de Lys again.

Daylen

Sweet flippin' pea, this guy was a regular Romeo! I can't believe he left me another love note like this. I sighed contently, holding it to my heart in swoony satisfaction. I had to go find him; forget about waiting till dusk!

I woke kinda late which meant that I missed breakfast—which also meant that I could sneak to the kitchen for a quick bite without Gwan finding out.

Bealey was there, very much occupied with preparing food for tonight's ball, and—yay! Beside him stood my Peter Pan, shelling peas and looking too sexy for his own good in an apron. Boy, that guy can make vegetables look mouth-watering just by standing next to them.

"Hi," I announced myself with a bright smile making them both turn around. Daylen gave me a secret smile behind Bealey, who looked surprised to see me.

"Good morning, Miss Alyssa! I had no idea you were up—did you ring for me? I would've brought the breakfast tray—" he looked like he was in a dither and I rushed to pacify him.

"No, no, it's fine! I prefer eating down here anyway, it's more cozy," I said, taking a seat at the kitchen table. I pointedly stared at Daylen, hoping he'd say something. Bealey noticed and quickly introduced him.

"Oh, Miss Alyssa, this is my nephew, Daylen."

"Yeah, we've met before." 'Met' being a loose term, seeing as we already spent three nights together in bed...

"Oh, you have?" Bealey looked confused for a second. "Of course, you go to King's too! You probably must've seen him around campus."

"Uh-huh." Yeah, that was it. Poor unsuspecting Bealey! I couldn't keep the amusement off my face and neither could Daylen—his sparkly smile flashed at me as Bealey spoke.

"So, what would you like, Miss? Pancakes or salmon quiche?"

"Salmon quiche? Now that I gotta try." I'd never had that before. Daylen served me a plate, lingering with a frisky smile near me.

"Bon appetit milady," he whispered just for me to hear as his hand carelessly brushed against mine. Ooh, I was so turned on and a trail of fire followed in the wake of his touch. He was such a rascal, secretly flirting with me with his uncle right in front of us! Fortunately, Bealey didn't notice.

"Mmm, this is really good! You're a great chef, Bealey, no wonder nobody else cooks around here," I joked as I ate. Bealey chuckled.

"You're too generous, Miss."

"No, my uncle Jamie is just being modest. He used to attend culinary school in his early days." Daylen spoke up.

"Uncle Jamie... you don't say." I turned over the name in my mind. "That name wouldn't have anything to do with Jamie Oliver, would it?"

"Well now, the cat's out of the bag." Bealey laughed. Daylen and I also laughed and I was glad I could spend the morning here rather than in that stuffy dining room with you-know-who and company. Although poor Henry must be waiting for me to intervene...

"I'd better go, there'll be a lot to do to prep for the ball," I said after a hearty meal and a heartier chat with Daylen and Bealey. I couldn't get a moment alone with Daylen but at least I saw him; I hoped to catch him again later.

"Your Grandmother will be attending church this morning, Miss. She might request that you go along," Bealey said. I felt put off; not at the idea of going to church, gosh no! But at the idea of going to church with Gwan; I'd avoided it last time, what was I to do now? The woman could make a nun swear so imagine what she'd do to me!

When I was little, every summer Gwan visited Venice, Sundays were a royal pain with her involved in church-going activities. She'd fuss over my outfit (it had to be perfect and without a crease, which was impossible for a kid to maintain), grumble over being late although, in dad's Range Rover, we never arrived so much as a millisecond late, whine about which pew we'd sit in, mutter if the homily was dry, huff if unruly toddlers sat near us and to top it off, get severely offended if dad suggested going to a Japanese or Indian restaurant for lunch afterward. It was her thing to eat lunch outside after church. She was freaking fixed on the tradition. Only, blue-bloods don't eat sushi or curry (my favorites). Oh, and no meat on Sundays? A national catastrophe in her book. Vegans were too poverty-stricken according to her and she made it known often enough. Also, Gwan's whining over middle-class food was like nails on a chalkboard.

Mom became a champion at learning to ignore her grating voice, now it was my turn.

Oddly enough, Gwan never grilled Tony like she did me—she must have a soft spot for him since he's the eldest grandchild. Shucks.

I went to the foyer, wondering whether Gwan would drag me along to church or not. I was considering faking a cold or something like last time when I had a real cold—I could easily go to a different church after she left, I just couldn't sit in the same church with that woman without needing to go to confession afterward! God, forgive me. But it was better to 'avoid the near occasion of sin'.

Gwan and Helena came down the stairs after me, all dressed up in their Sunday best. Okay, I'm all for looking your best for God, but somehow the vibe I got from Gwan was to show off and prove she's a wealthy blue-blood from her appearance. Not exactly 'walking humbly with your God'.

"Ah, Alyssa! I was just about to send Bealey to fetch you." What the, she makes him sound like a dog and me a chew toy! Hold your temper, Lys.

"We're going to church and you will be joining us, of course." Hmph, of course, she assumes. Thankfully, Henry appeared on the scene and gave me an out I didn't think of, an excuse that Gwan wouldn't be able to oppose.

"Gran, I don't think she'll attend church with us, All Saints' is Anglican." Bless his soul, Henry just saved my bacon! I shot him a grateful look. He looked surprised; he was probably only stating the fact but he had no idea how desperate I was.

"Hmm, how unfortunate." The pursed lips shriveled Gwan's expression; only Helena looked indifferent.

"I don't see what the problem is," she stated.

"Alyssa was baptized a catholic in America. Isn't that right, cousin?" Henry looked as reservedly as possible at me for Gwan's benefit. I nodded. Thank God Dad was catholic and got married to Mom in a catholic church in London before whisking her off; Gwan never forgave him for that either, converting Mom and making her, in Gwan's opinion, a 'degenerate catholic'. Insert scorn there.

"Yeah, Gwan, I'll go my own way," I said cheerfully. Gwan looked as sour as pickles but finally exhaled her frustration, not finding a suitable counterattack.

"Very well! Bealey will take you as the chauffeur will be driving us. BEALEY!" Dagnabbit, that shrill call always made me cover my ears. Bealey came running from the kitchen, breathless.

"Yes, my lady?"

"My granddaughter will be attending church on her own and I require you to drive her there and back." Geez, woman, whatcha think, I'm gonna skip church like a delinquent? She made me sound like a kid that needed a babysitter!

"Oh, well..." Bealey looked troubled. He probably had a pile of work that Gwan expected to do for the ball and this would rob him of precious time; and it's not like Gwan was lenient, the stiff-necked old bellyacher.

"That won't be a problem, will it?" Gwan narrowed her eyes.

"No my lady, I'll see to it," he said with a bow. Satisfied, Gwan swept out the door with Helena right behind her. Henry paused to speak to me with a look of worry.

"Lys, please tell me you have a definite plan in mind for tonight." I smirked feistily at him.

"Don't you worry, cuz. Everything will be peachy keen—for you, not Helena."

"I certainly hope so, my chance of inheriting this place is hanging by a thread," Henry sighed, patting the doorpost before walking out. I blew out my cheeks. The irony; I was going to church only to plot mischief against Helena afterward. But it'll be harmless fun so it's passable right?

Bealey interrupted my thoughts.

"Miss Alyssa, it's rather difficult for me to drive you today—there's still so much to do around here with the ball just a few hours away—"

"It's fine, I can easily drive myself!" I said quickly, not wanting to upset the poor guy anymore.

"Oh no, Miss! Your Grandmother would have my head if she knew I let you go alone!" Bealey shook his head in horror. I blinked, one breath short of a snort. So I wasn't off target when I thought Gwan was the spitting image of the Queen of Hearts. Figures.

"My nephew will drive you, I can spare him. If that is alright with you?" Ahem! A very merry unbirthday gift to me! A morning out with Daylen? Oh yeah baby, please!

"It's more than alright," I replied with an uncontrollable smile.

"Thank you, Miss Alyssa! I'll go tell him right now and you can leave in two minutes." He hurried off and I went to put on my coat, smirking at the pleasant turn of events.

"Where to, Miss?" Daylen asked in a crisp, cocky accent as he drove me through the countryside. This was a nice change, going to church in a comfy car instead of the bus which I usually took from Angel Lane. I was seated at the back and giggled.

"If I said 'to the stars', would you consider it too cliché?" I saw his eyebrows flick upward and his ears pinken in the mirror.

"Now dove, there'll be no naughty thoughts. It's a good thing I'm driving you to church." I lightly punched Daylen's arm from behind and he broke out in melodious laughter. I shook my head in amusement.

"You're an artful dodger, you know that? And somehow I find that attractive..." I said as I leaned forward, trailing a sly finger down his arm. I felt him flinch.

"Lys, I have to drive you back in one piece and I can't afford distractions with you in the car. Although," a soft smile touched his lips as his voice went husky, "I could no sooner be immune to you than to oxygen." I blushed; it was such a sweet compliment I couldn't help it.

"How do you do that?" I asked.

"What?"

"Know the exact right thing to say at the right time? Do all Brits take after Shakespeare?"

"Only the ones enamored by rare and exquisite beauties."

"There you go again." I leaned back, pressing my cool hands to my hot cheeks. "Oh and by the way, thanks for the note you left this morning. It was sweet, but you don't know me if you think I'd have waited all day before I saw you again." Daylen chuckled low and soft in his throat.

"Such impatience..." he mumbled with an appreciative glance at me through the mirror.

"Can you blame me?" I questioned him. "It's just fate that I got to see you twice this morning."

"I can't imagine how you got stuck with me driving you," he said with an impish sparkle in his eye, "speaking of, we've arrived, my lady." I glanced out the window where Daylen parked beside 'The Immaculate Conception and Saint Joseph's church'. I didn't even know he knew where to take me.

"You coming in?" I asked, turning back to him as I got out. He looked unsure.

"I don't think I should."

"Daylen, no matter what might have happened in your life, you're always welcome at a church." I encouraged him, touching his hand through the window. He squeezed my fingers, a thoughtful look glowing in his eyes as he considered.

"Then I will join you." He smiled at me and got out of the car and I felt glad I didn't have to go to church for the first time in this country alone.

After service, Daylen drove me back, looking a lot less weighed down than I'd seen him in the last two days. It's amazing how one hour of church can bring a boatload of peace.

"Thanks for inviting me, Lys. I needed that. I just didn't know I did," he said with a serene smile on his face.

"You're welcome. Maybe we can go again next week."

"Certainly."

"So do we have to go back right away? It's almost lunchtime and we still haven't had a decent meal together," I said suggestively. Daylen chuckled.

"True. But I have to get you back or your Grandmother will get suspicious."

"And blame your uncle for it, I forgot. I don't want you or Bealey to get into trouble." I scrunched up my face at the thought.

"Maybe another time. After all, now that we're a couple, there'll be endless opportunities for us to go on dates." Daylen's words made me melt like butter in my seat.

"You had me at 'a couple'." I smiled widely. He wove his hand behind my neck (I had shifted to the front seat on the way home) and gently massaged me while keeping the other hand on the wheel.

"I can't wait for our first real date," he breathed softly. I already began to imagine the places we could go to while admiring his side profile. Somehow, just being with him in companionable silence was magical. I didn't want it to end.

But all too soon, we pulled up in Gwan's gigantic garage where she kept her spotless vintage collection. Daylen got out at top speed, coming around to my side and opening the door for me. I bit my lower lip in amusement at his chivalry.

"Such a gentleman! Why, thank you, kind sir." I played along, taking his hand as he helped me out of the car. He lifted my hand to his lips, placing a delicate kiss on my knuckle. My cheeks warmed and I felt like a princess out of a fairytale. This guy sure knew how to make things romantic.

"I must bid you adieu again, my lady," he said wistfully.

"Why? Where are you going?"

"To see my mother. I'll be too busy this evening to go and I always see her on Sundays." My expression softened and I hugged him.

"Where does she stay?"

"She's being treated at Raphael Hospital in London. It's a non-profit run by wealthy patrons for the most part."

"I'd like to meet her someday if that's okay," I whispered in his ear.

"You will. My mother will be only overjoyed to finally meet the girl who stole my heart." He placed a quick kiss on my lips before backing away to his motorcycle in the corner of the garage.

"I'll see you in a few hours, dove." He waved at me before his motorcycle roared out of the garage and I blew him a kiss. I turned back to the house, strolling inside as a brainstorm slowly lit up my mind. Eureka! I knew which organization Gwan's charity ball should donate to! I almost jumped in excitement at my brilliant idea. I had to make sure the charity picked would be Raphael's Hospital. It was Henry's idea to help struggling hospitals too and together I felt hopeful we could persuade Gwan to choose our charity choice. And foil Helena's plans. Perfect! With that plan in mind, I ran off to ruin a ball.

The conservatory was pristine and decked out to look like a magical forest; Helena certainly knew how to pick a theme, that's for sure. There were glass mason jars filled with lights hanging from the roof, flower-wrapped streamers, and vines slung from one end of the ceiling to the other. The entire floor was thickly carpeted with a lavender mossy textured rug hiding the earthy dirt floor and a glossy white tile path was set up. The round tables and chairs that dotted the room were draped with white satin and mauve ribbons. Each table had an exquisite floral centerpiece done up in different shades of purple along with a lit-up mason jar. It was completely transformed into an outdoor-indoor ballroom.

"Damn, Helena's got taste! This place is off the chain!" I muttered to Henry who was standing beside me in the conservatory an hour before guests were due to arrive.

"What are you talking about, I planned all the decorations!" Henry said, looking frazzled.

"Oh, well then, hats off to you, cuz!" I clapped him on the back. "You did a fabulous job. It's a shame this place is gonna turn to shambles tonight..." I quickly snapped some pictures of the conservatory to preserve Henry's hard work.

"Wait, shambles?! Lys, when I said I needed you to distract Helena, not ruin my precious ball!"

"I can't do it without breaking a few eggs!" I said impatiently. "Dude, make up your mind. You wanna run this place or not?" Henry sighed.

"At the cost of all my hard work... very well, Lys, I'll leave it up to you."

"Good. Oh, and there's one thing I need your help with. There's a hospital that I think could really use the donations from the auction tonight. Raphael's Hospital. We need to convince Gwan that it's the perfect place to endow."

"An excellent idea, I happen to know it's one of the lesser-supported hospitals in London. Good thinking Lys, how did you come up with that?" Henry gave me an approving look.

"Er, let's leave that there for now," I said, rubbing my neck. "What matters is overriding Helena's plans to build-a-brick."

"What?" Henry looked confused.

"Eh, it's a lego reference. Never mind."

"Well, well, well, conspiring against your own sister, Henry? You little turncoat!" Helena's harsh voice made us turn around. Henry paled. I wonder how much Helena heard.

"It's not what you think, Nene!" Henry tried to patch the situation. Helena gave us an icy stare. I couldn't let Henry lose out now but since the secret was out, it was no use hiding it.

"Wrong, Henry, it is exactly what she thinks! We're finally getting along while she's got way too much pride to associate with family! Not exactly what Gwan wanted." I smirked, knowing I'd hit home. Helena's eyes narrowed and her face reddened.

"You're barely ever home, it's impossible to get to spend time with you! And besides, you don't know how to act in public so it's a disgrace going out with you!" She retorted. I snorted.

"That's the best you can come up with? Weak sauce, Helena."

"It doesn't matter!" She suddenly snapped. "I came here to tell you the guests will be arriving soon and I want you to get out so I can finish the final preparation for the ball!" As she spoke, three men came into the conservatory, dragging a five-foot-high glass globe on wheels with purple colored lights fixed at the bottom giving off a lavender glow that reflected through the globe.

"What the heck is that?" I asked with a skeptically raised eyebrow. Helena looked smugly at Henry.

"The raffle drum—or should I say globe, where charity slips go in and a winning charity gets drawn out," Helena said.

"What?! No! You can't do that!" I flipped out, this would ruin everything! "You can't just leave charity to chance, that's ridiculous!"

"It's my decision and Gwan approves." Helena dusted her hands off as she spoke. "It'll add a bit of entertainment to the ball."

"Nene, I can't agree to this! And you can't expect me to believe that Gran approved of this!" Henry also protested.

"Go ask her yourself! Now if you'll excuse me, I need to finish setting up for the ball." Helena swept away, directing the men to place the globe at the front of the conservatory. Henry clicked his tongue in frustration.

"I need to go have a word with Gran," he grumbled and tramped off. I began to sidle back to the house to get ready—but something made me linger outside the conservatory and watch Helena. That's when I saw it—she pulled out a slip of paper from the inside of her sleeve. Giving the place a once-over to make sure no one was around, she patted it paper with a devious smile before tucking it back into her sleeve. I backed away before she could see me. I put two and two together, guessing what she was going to do—rig the draw to the charity of her choice! Right under Gwan's nose! No freaking way, I had to rig it myself so that Raphael's Hospital got picked! Because I had someone I cared about who needed this—Daylen.

But in case that plan failed... it never hurt to have a plan B. I just needed to send a quick text. I pulled out my phone.

Mom, I need a favor.

Mischief is afoot! Cheshire cat mischief... Are you tickled pink to see what Alyssa's gonna do? Tell me you love her impish side... I can assure you it came from me 🤣. Hope you loved that the secret is out! Stolen moments of romance with our princess and pauper must leave you swooning. 💋 

Now go get ready, you have a whopper of a ball to attend. It'll be a bang😏😈. Don't wear your best dancing shoes.