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tessa-liam · 2 months ago

Text

Turning the Page

Chapter 15

_Bridge of Dreams_

Choices, The Royal Romance, The Royal Heir AU

Series Premise: As Riley Brooks journeys through life as a single parent in New York City, an epiphany strikes as she contemplates the future for herself and her two-year-old son.

Turning the Page Series Masterlist, My Complete Masterlist

Main pairing: Liam Rys x F!OC Riley Brooks

All characters belong to Pixelberry Studios, except William Brooks (Rys) and Matteo Magro, who both belong to this series.

Category: On-going series, contains angst/fluff/depression. Cross-over fic with Choices, Perfect Match.

Rating: M 🔞 - Warnings – Series will have crude language, weapons, NSFW material – not Beta’d - please excuse all errors.

Bridge of Dreams

Chapter 15

Chapter Summary: Liam and Riley revisit the Pont des Arts, ‘Lovelock Bridge” in Paris, France. Olivia begins a relationship with Damien Nazario. William enjoys his first camping trip with Uncles Drake and Maxwell & Bartie

Music Inspiration: I Won’t Give Up, Jason Mraz

A/N1: In this alternate universe, after King Constantine orchestrates two individual scandals to humiliate and entrap Riley Brooks and Olivia Nevrakis in shame, Madeleine Amaranth secures her position as the Queen of Cordonia. Riley, as the King’s mistress and Olivia, in self-imposed exile. Tariq is never found.

A/N2: Damien Nazario has been assigned as William’s personal bodyguard. (Series cross-over with ‘Perfect Match’)

Santorini, Greece

Rubbing away the fog off the bathroom mirror after his hot shower, Damien Nazario could now see his reflection to shave. After waking from a rejuvenating sleep, his plans included enjoying the white sand beaches that were here in Santorini and maybe some sightseeing on the island. He was afforded a couple of free days of relaxation to enjoy the beaches of Santorini by King Liam before he was to return to his duties of guarding the young crown prince in Cordonia.

...and he was determined to enjoy this free time. Damien finished shaving and splashed water on his face. He felt refreshed and energized, ready to take on the day.

He grabbed a towel and dried his face. Then, he headed into the bedroom to get dressed.

Damien padded slowly into the bedroom of her hotel suite and grinned.

He had every intention of enjoying his time with his fiery red-haired companion, whom he shared a bed with after the wedding festivities ended.

After Olivia invited him to extend the celebration in her hotel room -- which he accepted without hesitation -- they spent the night in each other's arms, exploring their desires. It had been a while since he had been with a woman, and even longer since he had been with a woman like Duchess Olivia. She was confident, intelligent, and beautiful. And she knew how to please a man.

Ever since the first day they were introduced, he found himself drawn to her and intrigued by her personality.

Damien had to admit, the redhead was very sexy, and it wasn't just her appearance. It was also the way she carried herself and the way she spoke. Her confidence of knowing exactly what she wanted and was not afraid to go after it.

The way she spoke so eloquently and with such passion was very arousing. He loved the way her eyes lit up when she talked about something she was interested in; her intellect apparent.

He was intrigued by her confidence and her ability to be assertive. Most women would shy away from taking charge, but not Olivia. She was bold and unafraid to express her feelings. He found that to be incredibly attractive and erotic.

Damien smiled, biting his top lip as he thought about the previous night and all the things they did. They had made love until the early hours of the morning leaving them both exhausted but satisfied.

Olivia was already up and dressed, sitting on the bed. She was wearing a pale coral sundress that complimented her skin tone, and her red hair was pulled back into a loose chignon.

"Good morning," Damien said as he approached her.

"Good morning," Olivia replied coyly, a smile playing on her lips.

Damien leaned down and kissed her, his hand cupping her cheek. He couldn't resist pulling her close, inhaling her sweet scent.

"I was wondering if you would like to join me on the beach today," Damien suggested, his fingers brushing a stray hair away from her face.

"Actually, I was planning on returning to Cordonia today."

"Why so soon?" Damien asked, slightly disappointed.

"I have important business to attend to."

"Is everything okay?"

"Everything's fine," Olivia reassured him, placing her hand on his chest. "I just need to get back to work."

"Of course," Damien nodded. "But you still have the day free before your flight".

"True," Olivia agreed. "I suppose we could spend a few more hours together."

"Excellent," Damien smiled, his brown eyes twinkling. "Would you like to have breakfast first?"

"Actually, I have a better idea," Olivia said, her voice low and seductive.

"What do you have in mind?"

Olivia smirked, her green eyes darkening with desire. "Why don't you come back to bed?"

"Now that sounds like a perfect plan."

Damien's mouth curved into a grin as he gently pushed her back and joined her back in bed.

As she looked out the 18th floor window, Riley could see the Seine River winding its way through the city. She took a deep breath and let it out slowly.

The Suite Impériale at the Ritz, Paris, France

This is it.

Riley knew that she would have to relive the bittersweet memories from the engagement tour. It would be hard, but she knew that it would also be cathartic. She needed this.

She needed to let go of the past.

She turned and looked at herself in the full-length mirror. She was wearing a flowing, white sundress that hugged her curves in all the right places. Her hair was falling softly onto her shoulders, and her makeup was simple and elegant.

She was ready.

She slipped on a pair of white sandals and made her way down to the lobby. Liam was meeting her at their spot once he finished his meeting with the French president and he should be there momentarily.

When Riley stepped outside, the sun was shining, and the sky was a brilliant blue.

She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, inhaling the fresh air, trying to calm her jitters.

As Riley made her way along the Seine, she could not help but think about the last time she was here.

It was a day she would never forget.

The day she and Liam placed that small gold lock on the bridge.

It was the day they declared their love for each other and sealed it with a kiss.

Riley sighed, remembering how happy she was that day. How hopeful.

She had been so naïve.

Tariq was never found and the scandal lived on. Liam would abide by his duty and marry Madeleine, making her his queen.

As Riley rounded the corner, she could see the bridge coming into view.

Her heart started to race, and her palms became sweaty. She felt her tears travel down her cheeks.

She was nervous.

She didn't know what to expect or why Liam was so insistent on revisiting this exact spot.

Riley reached the bridge and stopped. She took a deep breath and slowly exhaled.

She was ready.

The memories came flooding back.

'You spot Liam leaning against a stone railing overlooking the Seine. His expression is clouded, but when he hears you approach, he breaks into a smile.

"Riley!"'

"Liam. You are a sight for sore eyes."

Liam chuckles. "That's my line."

He pushes himself off the railing and takes a few steps forward, closing the distance.

'"I wasn't sure you'd come."'

He wraps you in a tight embrace, resting his head against your shoulder. You feel his chest heave with a sigh.

"After the bachelor party, I found Maxwell and he filled me in on your ... mission earlier."

To think that Bastien helped set you up ..."

Liam nods. "It's ... shocking, yes, but ... I think it might have been a blessing in disguise."

"How so?"

Liam pulls away and smiles. "If we hadn't been interrupted, I may not have had the opportunity to spend the evening with you. And as much as I love spending time with my friends, being with you was ... a much-needed escape."

"I wasn't sure if we should risk coming here. If the person behind this is so powerful that Bastien is afraid of them ..., are we really safe? I don't know how deeply this goes or who we can trust. All I know is that I couldn't bear it if something happened to you. The only way to keep you safe might be for us to leave. Permanently."

Liam smiled sadly, I remember asking you, saying,

"We could ... we could go anywhere. Anywhere in the world. Where do you want to go?"

"You're joking, right? We can't leave Cordonia."

"No, we can. We'll just go somewhere no one will ever find us. We can live in peace and happiness together."

"We could have a family. We could be happy."

"Liam ... no. No matter how tempting that sounds ...

"You can't abandon Cordonia."

His shoulders slump. "I know that. But if you asked me to, I would. In an instant."

"I could never ask you that. Your people need an honest King now more than ever. And the Liam I know would never leave them behind.

Liam tenderly takes your hands in his.

"We will get through this, Riley. We have to. I refuse to believe otherwise."

He lifts one of your hands and kisses the back of it, his eyes never leaving yours.

"We'll find a way. Together."

Liam pulls you close and kisses you, his arms wrapping around you tightly.

After a moment, he breaks the kiss and rests his forehead against yours.

"I promise."

"I won't give up on you, or us."

"Nor will I."

"Thank you, Riley for not letting my fears get the better of me."

Liam steps back and holds out his arm to you.

"Now, shall we continue our walk?

"I'd love that, Liam."

The two of you start walking down the bridge, hand-in-hand.

"You know, Riley, there's one good thing about this whole Tariq situation."

"And what's that?"

"It's made me realize how lucky I am to have someone like you by my side. You're strong, kind, compassionate, and so much more. I love you, and I'm so grateful that you're a part of my life."

Liam gives you a small smile.

"Thank you, Liam."

"For what?"

"For always knowing the right thing to say."

"Well, I try," Liam says with a smirk.

"I know it's hard. But no matter what happens, at least we'll face it together."

At this, Riley gets very emotional, thinking that by leaving him when she found out she was pregnant, she betrayed him.

Riley was lost in thought as she walked, the sun beating down on her shoulders. It had been a long journey, and she was still processing everything that had happened.

She thought about her decision to leave, and how it had affected Liam.

She thought about William, and how she faced the challenge of being a single parent.

The guilt was overwhelming.

She knew she had made the right decision at the time, but she couldn't help but regret the pain she had caused Liam.

She had left without a word, without a trace.

And while she was certain that the time away had been necessary, she couldn't help but feel like she had let him down.

Joining Liam at the railing they both gaze across the river. The streets around them are practically empty, though many lights still glitter on the water.

It's so quiet. It feels almost like a dream. Like they're the only ones in the city.

Liam puts his arm around Riley's shoulders and pulls her close.

"Love, you look ... you look like you are miles away from here.

Penny tor your thoughts?"

"Liam. Can I ask you a question?"

"Of course ... anything, Riley."

Taking a shaky breath, speaking in a very small voice,

"After you married Madeleine, did ... did you ever grow feelings for her? When I left?"

Liam took a deep breath and sighed. He knew Riley wanted him to; needed him to be truthful.

"Madeleine and I, well, we grew fond of one another. As friends; but, nothing more."

A tear slipped down Riley's cheek, but Liam quickly rubbed it away.

"Our arrangement was that we would marry, have children, and rule Cordonia together. However, as time went on, I ... we both realized that we were never going to love each other. We would be nothing more than friends."

Nodding her head, her eyes were locked onto the floor. She was trying to hold herself together.

"Madeleine did try, at first, to seduce me. She was quite insistent on producing an heir, but I couldn't bring myself to bed her. Cordonia be damned."

Liam placed his hands on Riley's cheeks, cradling her head as she cried.

"I knew that, as long as you were out there, somewhere, I would always be yours. I couldn't move on."

"I'm so, so sorry," she said. "I don't know if I'll ever stop feeling guilty for what happened."

"Don't," he said, shaking his head. "It wasn't your fault. It was my choice. I had a responsibility to Cordonia, and I had a duty to the Crown. I knew what I was getting into when I married Madeleine."

"You didn't have a choice," she whispered.

"Neither did you," he replied.

Riley sighed, her eyes filled with tears, looking up to the sky.

"The night when William was born ... I was so happy. But you weren't mine. you belonged to someone else. It killed me ... that I ran and took your son away."

"Riley," Liam said softly, taking her hand.

Riley pursed her lips, and began...

"Riley," he said tenderly, cupping her cheek.

"Liam, when William was born, I was ecstatic. But then, when I held him for the first time, and he looked up at me ... I couldn't help but think that you should have been there, too. That he should have had his father with him, on the day he was born. And I just couldn't stop thinking about how I had left you behind, and that it was all my fault."

"Riley," he said again, pulling her into his arms. "You were the one who was abandoned, Riley. Not me. I understand why you did what you did. It wasn't your fault."

"Liam ..."

"Riley, I know how difficult it was for you. How painful. But I am so glad that you found the strength to return to me, and with our son. You are a wonderful mother, and I can't imagine my life without you and William in it."

"I love you, Liam,"her lip quivering.

"And I love you, Riley," he replied. "More Than you will ever know."

"Always," she whispered, resting her head on his shoulder.

"Always, my love."

The two of them stood there, watching the sun set over the water, holding each other close.

"It's beautiful, isn't it?" Liam turned to kiss Riley's forehead.

"Yes. It is."

Liam looks down and smiled. "I have a surprise for you."

Leading Riley further along the bridge she sees a wicker basket sitting on the paving stones. Liam pulls a small blanket from the basket and spreads it out. As she settled down on the blanket, Liam pulled a bottle of champagne from the basket, followed by two flutes, a loaf of crisp bread, and several rounds of cheese.

Riley smiled. "Wow, Liam. This is quite the spread. And very familiar."

Liam deftly pops the cork and pours two glasses of champagne. He hands one to Riley, and then raises his own.

"To you, Riley. The most unforgettable woman I've ever met."

"To you, Liam. Meeting you changed my life. But out of all the places I've been and the things I've done since then, the best part has been getting to know you."

"That's more of a toast than I deserve, Riley, but, thank you."

Clinking glasss they each take a sip. There is a faint hint of mint and lemon to the cool, bubbly drink.

"Liam, how long have you been planning this?"

"A few days."

Riley sips her champagne. The sweet and bubbly alcohol is warming.

"How did you manage to sneak a whole picnic out here without anyone seeing you?"

Liam chuckles. "A king can do many things."

"Like bribe the French palace staff?"

Liam laughs. "Perhaps. But no, I was simply able to utilize my authority. And I can assure you, no one will disturb us. This bridge is closed to traffic."

Riley looked up at him, incredulous. "How did you manage that?"

"With great difficulty." Liam winks mischievously.

She raised her eyebrows.

"I have connections," Liam says with a smirk.

"So, you pulled some strings, and now we have a private bridge all to ourselves?"

"Indeed." Liam responds sheepishly.

Riley took another sip of champagne. "I must say, this is quite impressive."

"I thought it would be nice to have a moment alone together, away from prying eyes and listening ears."

"I'm glad you did." Riley giggled.

"Good," Liam says, pouring more champagne into her glass.

"So, what do we have here?"

"Well, we have champagne, of course," Liam says, motioning to the bottle. "And then we have some delicious cheese, courtesy of France. And a fresh baguette, still warm from the bakery."

"This is amazing, Liam. Thank you."

"It's my pleasure, Riley."

Once the food is gone and the blanket and glasses are put away, Liam takes the basket under one arm and offers you the other.

"I believe tradition requires that we continue our evening with a stroll, my lady."

As Liam and Riley walked along the Seine, more and more locks could be seen hooked through the railing.

As she looked down at the locks, Riley couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness in her heart.

They were symbols of love and hope and somewhere in the sea of locks, Riley knew their lock was still locked in place. She bent down to take a closer look.

A reminder her of a time she had tried so hard to forget.

...Remember When...

"Thank you, Riley. With so little permanence in this world, there will always be this little lock on this bridge just for the two of us. I want to believe it will be here forever, no matter what else happens to us."

Riley's eyes filled with tears with this memory from years ago.

"Riley, my love..."

Wiping her tears she stood and turned ...and gasped --as she watched Liam drop down onto one knee before her.

"Liam?"

"Riley, you are my heart and soul. You're the reason I wake up every morning. You're the reason I smile. I cannot imagine a life without you by my side. You've stood beside me through the hardest moments of my life, and you've never once wavered. You've given me the strength to face my fears, and you've shown me that true love can conquer anything. I want to spend the rest of my life showing you how much I love you."

He opened his hand, and she saw a small, black velvet box sitting on his palm.

"Liam ..."

With steady hands, he opened the box to reveal a stunning diamond engagement ring.

"Riley Louise, will you marry me?"

"Yes!" She exclaimed. "Yes! ... A thousand times, yes!"

"Really?"

"Of course," she tearfully replied.

Liam beamed as he slid the ring onto her finger.

"I love you, Riley."

"I love you too, Liam."

Tears ran down her cheeks as she leaned forward, kissing him passionately.

She was his.

Forever.

As they kissed, her heart was bursting with joy.

This was the happiest moment of her life.

They stood on the bridge for what felt like hours, locked in each other's arms.

"So, we're really going to do this, huh?" Liam looked intentedly at Riley, trying to stop his smile.

"What, get married?" Riley giggled.

"Yeah," he said. "It seems crazy, but I've never been surer of anything." Liam started to kiss down the side of her neck, pausing to gently nip her skin.

"Ohhhhh .... me neither." Riley moaned as he squeezed her ass pulling her flush against him.

"Let's get out of here," he growled, leading Riley back to the hotel.

Fontainebleau cliff (outside Paris)

At Maxwell’s request, William, along with his nephew Bartie was joining Drake for a camping trip outside of the city...on the condition that Bastien would be included...at Liam's insistence.

"This is going to be great," Maxwell said. "I can't wait for a boys' night."

After a few hours of driving, and a long hike later ... Maxwell, Drake, William, Bartie and Bastien arrive at a cliff overlooking the lake.

Maxwell sets his backpack down. "All right, guys. Let's make camp."

"I thought you said we were going camping," Bartie says.

"This is camping," Maxwell replies.

"No, this is a cliff. There are no trees or tents or anything."

"We're in the middle of nature. What more do you need?"

"Um, a place to sleep?" Bartie replies dryly.

"I got that covered," Drake says, pulling a bundle of canvas from his backpack. He unfolds the fabric, revealing a large tent.

"You brought a tent?" Maxwell asks.

"Of course. What did you think we were going to do, sleep under the stars?"

"Well, yeah." Maxwell answered.

Drake shook his head, thinking it was a good idea to teach these nobles a thing of two about camping.

"No way. That's how you get eaten by bears."

William looked up at Bastien, questioningly.

"Don't worry, William," Bastien says. "I have an excellent track record for keeping the royal family safe from bears."

"Okay, everyone. Let's get this tent set up," Drake rolled his eyes knowing he had to take the lead.

With the tent secured, the group thrn gathered wood to start a fire.

"Now, we can finally start having fun," Maxwell says.

"First things, first... who is hungry?"

William and Bartie look up at Drake.

"We are," they reply in unison.

"Who wants s'mores?" Drake grins.

"Yum," William exclaims.

"I don't know what that is, but I'm in," Bartie adds.

"S'mores are a camping classic. They're made with marshmallows, chocolate, and graham crackers. I guess your father hasn't taken you camping yet?" Drake shakes his head at Bartie.

"Ha, too funny!" Maxwell laughs. "Drake is an expert on s'mores."

"What do you mean?" William asks.

"Well," Maxwell begins. "S'mores are the only food that your uncle Drake can make. So, when we go camping, we have a lot of them."

"That's not true," Drake scoffs. "I can cook other things, too. Like, hot dogs. And hamburgers."

"You heat those things up. That doesn't count," Maxwell argues.

"Okay, fine. But I can make a mean cup of coffee over the fire."

"That's true," Maxwell admits. "But you still can't cook anything else."

"Whatever," Drake says, rolling his eyes.

The group laughs as they begin to roast their marshmallows over the crackling fire.

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