- 23 hours ago
💖(telegram@linkeex)
Category
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Short filmTranscript
00:00Two months later, Amelia found out that she was pregnant.
00:09Her life was now flipped upside down.
00:13How can you two be so negligent with your futures?
00:16Charles, you animal?
00:17Don't! Charles isn't even the father.
00:19What do you mean he's not the father?
00:21Who the hell is responsible for this?
00:23I know this sounds bad, but I don't know.
00:26Raphael? I didn't know we were racing in this house.
00:29Oh, Amelia, you're pathetic.
00:31How could you betray such a perfect guy like Charles?
00:34He deserves much better.
00:35Sophie, don't get involved. It's none of your business.
00:38Don't talk to my daughter like that, Amelia.
00:41It is exactly her business when you're the one who's ternishing our family name.
00:45Sophie is not all that innocent.
00:47Do you know she brought to my birthday?
00:48Amelia knew Sophia put something in her drink that night, but she couldn't prove it.
00:52See? Look! Turn around!
00:56I'm calling the clinic.
00:57No one cared to hear Amelia's side of the story.
01:01No, no, no, no, no, no.
01:03What do you mean, no?
01:03I mean, I'm keeping a baby.
01:05I'm an adult now, and it's my choice.
01:08Not in this house.
01:09If you keep this child and ruin your life, you will do it on your own,
01:13and without the support of my bank account.
01:14You got that?
01:16Fine.
01:17Get out of my house!
01:19Amelia, wait, wait, wait.
01:20I am so sorry about all of this.
01:25You deserve so much better.
01:27What are you saying?
01:28I'm saying that me and you are over.
01:31Amelia, no, no, no, no, no.
01:32I will be there for you.
01:33I promise.
01:34Please just leave now.
01:36Okay.
01:38Amelia had no idea who her child's father was,
01:41but she had one lead, Mr. Cortez, the lawyer.
01:44She emailed him and set up a meeting the next day.
01:47I'm keeping my baby, and I will not be intimidated.
01:52Well, my client supports your decision.
01:56Oh?
01:56And what right does he have to voice that opinion?
01:59The right of the father of the child, I suppose.
02:02Moreover, though he's not legally required to do so,
02:05my client has agreed to cover the child's medical costs
02:08and provide a stipend for living expenses until the child turns 18.
02:13What's the catch?
02:14There is no catch.
02:15The financial support was guaranteed as long as she signed this agreement.
02:19If at any point during the next 18 years,
02:23my client decides he wants to be a father,
02:26you agree to shared custody, and you will move into his home.
02:30How do I know he's not a smuggler or a black market dealer?
02:33I'm not going to make a deal that puts my baby at risk.
02:36Let me assure you, my client's business is entirely legal.
02:41I can put that in the contract if you'd like.
02:42You know what?
02:45Deal.
02:46I hope he does come crawling back into the kid's life one day.
02:49And when he does, I'm going to make his life hell.
02:52Where do I sign?
02:53Months later, when Amelia gave birth to her healthy baby boy, Max,
02:58she hoped her child's father would show up.
03:00But he never appeared.
03:02Days turned into weeks, and weeks turned into years.
03:05Six years passed, and still no one came.
03:08Years later, Amelia graduated with a degree in modern languages
03:12and secured an internship at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
03:16They were happy in their small world, content with each other.
03:20Amelia had lost hope of ever meeting Max's father again.
03:23Little did she know the mystery man was about to unravel her world once again.
03:27Long, you're home!
03:34See you tomorrow.
03:41Max, haven't we watched enough feeding?
03:43How about we put on something a little bit more age-appropriate, Louise?
03:46You're an adult.
03:47Then this is appropriate for your age.
03:50You're not talking about me, silly.
03:51Hey!
03:53Hey!
03:54Oh, shoot.
03:55The delivery's here.
03:56You ordered ramen?
03:58I'm gonna stay here for it.
03:59I have to go down and grab the bag.
04:01Stay here, and don't open the door for anyone, okay?
04:08Max, are you ready to feast?
04:11Max?
04:13Max?
04:15Max?
04:19Max?
04:20Max?
04:21Max?
04:22It's all right, Miss Rivera.
04:24Max is with us.
04:25How dare you?
04:26You went into my apartment and you kidnapped him?
04:28Amelia was furious.
04:30After all those years of silence,
04:32Mr. Cortez came back to ruin her life with Max.
04:35We were concerned for the boy's safety.
04:37Look, when we got here, he was all alone with no adult supervision.
04:41I went downstairs to get delivery.
04:43You had no right, nor human, nor legal.
04:46All right.
04:47You're right.
04:47I'm sorry if we scared you.
04:49Max is just around the corner,
04:51and we're on a bench talking with his father,
04:52and we've secured the location.
04:54I'm sorry, did you say his father?
04:58Does the boy not speak?
05:00Well, sir, he was resistant to come with us.
05:04He picked the guard that carried him.
05:05Good.
05:06Serves a boo right for not following my instructions.
05:08He told them to invite the boy and his mother out to the car,
05:11not abduct him.
05:13Then let me go back to my mom.
05:15Haven't you seen how she was knocking the door?
05:17She is mad.
05:19And you don't want to see my mom mad, mister.
05:21Does that so?
05:22Hey, listen, Max.
05:23No one here means you any harm.
05:25I'm afraid we got off to a bad start.
05:26My name is Ghaffier, and this is Victor, my assistant.
05:30And I promise you'll be reunited with your mother very soon.
05:33How do you know where I live?
05:36How do you know my name?
05:39Max, what can you tell me about your father?
05:42He's dead.
05:44And what if I told you I'm your father?
05:47So are you a ghost?
05:49No, not a ghost.
05:50What, I should prefer a father that's alive?
05:52I'll tell you what.
05:54How about this?
05:54How about you come and spend some time with me?
05:56I have a pool at my house.
05:58I have a basketball court, a horse table.
06:00Do you like horses?
06:01My mom would have been sad if I went somewhere cool without her.
06:04Can she come too?
06:12I'm sorry.
06:12I have to run.
06:14But I look forward to spending some more time with you, Max.
06:17See you soon.
06:19Max, thank goodness you're okay.
06:20I'm so sorry.
06:22Mom.
06:22It's okay.
06:23I'm all right.
06:25Miss Rivera, my clients had to tend to an urgent matter.
06:29But he's invited you and your son to dinner this evening.
06:32I will absolutely join your boss for dinner this evening.
06:35Amelia had to let this.
06:37No, there was no way she'd let him take her son.
06:39Max was exhausted.
06:41So she took him to nap on the couch.
06:43Amelia made her way to confront the mystery man.
06:46His face was just as she remembered.
06:48It annoyed her that someone so vile was allowed to look so good.
06:52Hello, Amelia.
06:55Amelia was confused.
06:56Who the hell was this man?
06:59How insecure you must be to force them to address you as your highness.
07:02Well, I am Javier Calderón, the crown prince of Spain.
07:06You expect me to believe you're a prince?
07:08Don't.
07:09The first lap was free.
07:11But hit me.
07:12And I'll take it you're flirting with me.
07:14Get over yourself and tell me who you really are.
07:17You have a phone.
07:18Google it.
07:19Prince Javier was smitten.
07:21He loved how she treated him like a normal guy.
07:23He couldn't remember the last time he met someone who didn't immediately fawn over him.
07:27If you bow now, I might consider pardoning you for striking royalty.
07:32I'd sooner slap you again.
07:34So, Prince Calderon, now that I know who you are, why did you show up at my doorstep?
07:40Quite simply, I want my son.
07:43I'm his father.
07:44He should live with me.
07:46You have no right to claim him.
07:48You've ignored him for years.
07:50That's because, until last week, I did not know Max existed.
07:53I did not abandon my son.
07:56I understand you're angry, but I didn't do you wrong.
07:59You and I are both victims of a conspiracy to keep me in the dark about Max.
08:04That doesn't make sense.
08:06We have a contract.
08:07You pay child support.
08:09Well, someone has been paying child support, just not from my pocket.
08:14But I met with your lawyer.
08:15Apparently, Cortez's loyalties do not lie with me.
08:22But, who told you now?
08:27Javier, why are you silent?
08:31That's not easy to explain.
08:34Explain what?
08:35Wait.
08:36Is my son safe?
08:40Max!
08:40Just then, something occurred to her.
08:46Is my son safe?
08:48This conspiracy, who would go to all this trouble?
08:52It doesn't matter.
08:54It's over.
08:55And don't worry, Max is safe.
08:59Javier didn't feel comfortable sharing the identity of the puppeteer.
09:02But he knew exactly who it was, and made sure to confront the guilty party.
09:09A week ago, when Prince Calderon was still in his home country, he barged into the king's study in a murderous rage.
09:16Give me one reason why I shouldn't strike you right now and commit treason.
09:24King Sebastian Calderon looked up from his paperwork, displeased to see his level-headed son so out of control.
09:31Javier, what is the meaning of this?
09:35Javier slammed a stack of papers down on his father's desk.
09:39Tell me this contract isn't what it looks like.
09:41Did I father a fucking child?
09:43The king removed his glasses with a heavy sigh.
09:48Hmm, how did you find this?
09:53In a fit of rage, Javier shoved everything on his father's desk to the ground.
09:58Let's just say, I smelt a rat on my team and went digging.
10:03How could you?
10:04And Cortez stooped so low as to hide this from me.
10:09Unapologetic, his father's tone was cavalier.
10:12You were too young to get trapped by some pedestrian American you dumped your seed into one night.
10:22Javier gave him a warning glare.
10:25That was not your choice to make.
10:30Javi, try to see the positives.
10:33Down the line, if you and your future wife struggle to produce an heir, you can rest assured knowing you have a son out there who can uphold the family line.
10:46If needed.
10:49The prince couldn't believe what he was hearing.
10:53That's what this is about.
10:55Your paranoid obsession with securing the royal line.
10:59The last couple of generations of Calderon had been plagued with infertility issues.
11:05It was a hereditary curse.
11:08Back when Javier's parents finally conceived him and his sister, it was no easy feat.
11:13So when word got back to Sebastian that Javier had gotten a girl pregnant, he saw one big advantage to supporting the unplanned pregnancy.
11:22Javier was disgusted.
11:23How dare you treat my son like some fallback plan?
11:30The prince snatched the contract and threw it into the fireplace.
11:35I'm going to the States to focus on the defense project.
11:39For the foreseeable future, my Miami villa will be my home base.
11:44Let this be the last time you interfere in my life.
11:48Sebastian's face grew stern.
11:53Javier, you can't afford to get distracted right now.
11:58We have too many plans in place.
12:03As Javier left his father's study, he turned to him with cold eyes.
12:09It'll do you good to remember I'm not my brother.
12:13Back in the present day, Javier's staff served dinner while Amelia processed the many revelations of the night.
12:24After another glass of wine, she was ready to speak her mind.
12:28Ahem.
12:29Ahem.
12:31Crown Prince Calderon?
12:34Just Javier, please.
12:37She straightened in her chair.
12:38Javier, if this conspiracy of yours is real, it is unfortunate we ended up tangled in this strange mess.
12:49But Max is all I have.
12:52And you have so much.
12:53I mean, just look at this place.
12:56I am open to you knowing your son, but you cannot take him from me.
13:01Javier sat back.
13:04His brow furrowed.
13:05Uh, technically, Miss Rivera, both you and Max are contractually obligated to move in with me.
13:14If I so choose.
13:17Amelia's stomach dropped at the sound of this.
13:19But I'm a reasonable man.
13:23I won't force you into my home.
13:25Max, however, will be moving in with me.
13:29Amelia rose to her feet to protest, but he cut her off.
13:33If you had him all to yourself for half a decade, it's my turn to make up for lost time.
13:40The nerve of this man.
13:42To think he can call the shots here just because he's a prince?
13:46Her resentment started to boil.
13:48Maybe lost time is your karma for seducing a girl on her birthday and ditching her the next morning.
13:55Javier clenched his jaw and didn't respond.
14:00You can't remove a child from the only home he's known.
14:03His air of superiority came back.
14:08Ah, kids are quick to adapt.
14:10His quality of life will be better here with me.
14:14For starters, that apartment building of yours is a death trap.
14:19You got stuck in the elevator for how long?
14:21Not to mention, it took my men no time to access your apartment and abduct Max.
14:26Javier rolled her eyes.
14:32Abducting your own son isn't something to gloat about.
14:36Javier leveled with her.
14:39It is not a secure building.
14:42And I have endless resources at my disposal to offer Max.
14:45World-renowned chefs that can cook him fresh, nutritious meals.
14:50The finest doctors on speed dial.
14:52A real yard the boy can play in.
14:54And a security team to keep eyes on him at all times.
14:59So don't pretend Max would benefit more from living in that shabby building of yours.
15:05This man was so rude.
15:07But it was hard to argue with all the amazing things he could provide for their son.
15:12She wanted the best for Max and wondered if it'd be selfish for her to deny him all of that.
15:18Just to keep him by her side.
15:19But, at the end of the day, she wasn't comfortable entrusting Max in his care.
15:26Look, I know you can give Max the best, and he deserves that.
15:34I just can't, in good conscience, send my son to live with a stranger without my supervision.
15:41A teasing smirk crossed his face.
15:45Stranger?
15:46I'd argue that you and I know each other rather intimately.
15:52This prince had no shame in bringing up their sordid past at a time like this.
15:57Noticing her blush despite herself, he grinned.
16:01But, I agree with your idea.
16:05Let's do that.
16:05She knew something was off when he agreed with her.
16:10Wait, what idea?
16:14Javier sat back and crossed his legs.
16:17You said you'll only let Max live here if you move in with him to supervise.
16:22So fine, I'll open my doors to you.
16:25I prefer my son to grow up in a two-parent household anyway.
16:30That certainly was not what she meant.
16:32You're twisting my words around.
16:37He smiled like the devil himself.
16:39Didn't you say that Max deserves all the best that I can offer?
16:45Then what's the problem, Amelia?
16:48The problem was that this prince was a sneaky bully.
16:52He had used her words against her.
16:54And the worst part was, he was right.
16:57The only way to give their son the best of both worlds
17:00would be to let him live in Javier's villa under her supervision.
17:04But, was she really going to live with this man?
17:08Before she'd agreed to this twisted compromise,
17:11she needed to set some ground rules.
17:14His Royal Highness estate is significantly far from my internship.
17:19So, if I am to make my stay here work,
17:24I will need access to one of your chauffeurs.
17:27A glint appeared in Javier's eyes.
17:31Ah, are we setting terms?
17:35How thrilling.
17:36Sure, you can use the cars.
17:40Amelia tightened her gaze on him.
17:42And, I want you to stop stalking me.
17:48He tightened his eyes right back.
17:50Who said I was stalking you?
17:53The gall he had to deny it.
17:56Your Highness, you know where I live.
18:00My dress size.
18:02My shoe size.
18:04Javier groaned.
18:05Mmm, in my industry, that's not stalking.
18:10It's called gathering intel.
18:12But, fine.
18:13I wouldn't want my son's mother to be uncomfortable.
18:16On that note, Amelia thought of one last item.
18:20And, I'd like my room to be in a private wing.
18:24Preferably whichever bedroom is the farthest from yours.
18:29Javier cocked his head.
18:31This woman really was something else.
18:33He had models, heiresses, and literal princesses vying for his attention.
18:38Yet, Amelia acted bothered to share the same air as him.
18:42You know, that contract you signed legally requires you to share my bed with me.
18:47As part of my negotiations, I think that's one line item I'd like to enforce.
18:52I'd rather die than share your bed.
18:59I'm not some harem girl you can handcuff to your headboard.
19:03Amelia was livid.
19:05Javier gave a sly smile.
19:06Who said anything about handcuffs?
19:10Such a dirty mind.
19:13Amelia's patience had reached her limit.
19:16This man spent their entire dinner twisting her words until she finally agreed to live with him.
19:21And now, he thinks he can negotiate her into his bed?
19:24She made the mistake of falling into bed with him once.
19:28And it ended up being the biggest mistake of her life.
19:31That was never going to happen again.
19:34She raised her hand, ready to land a second slap on the monarch who had turned her life upside down.
19:40Then, she noticed a dumb smirk on Javier's face.
19:45He smiled, flashing his perfect teeth.
19:50I was kidding.
19:53The girl I remember from that night years ago could take a joke.
19:58Javier commented charmingly, which only irritated Amelia further.
20:04Well, that girl had to birth and raise a child on her own after being abandoned by her family.
20:12Thanks to you.
20:13Try enduring six years of that and see if your charming sense of humor stays intact.
20:25Amelia stormed off, heading for the door.
20:29Amelia, wait.
20:31She sighed, ready to be done with him.
20:34Before you go, this is important.
20:38For Max's safety, my identity as his father must be kept a secret.
20:42I have political enemies and crazies out there who could see the prince's son as a target.
20:50No one can know.
20:52Not your family, not friends.
20:54I know it sounds, I know it sounds extreme, but you don't have to explain, I understand.
21:00Amelia cut him off.
21:02Though it pained her to think that Max would have to lie to pretend he didn't know his dad,
21:07his safety was her priority.
21:09Good night, Amelia.
21:11It was good to see you again.
21:14She gave him a disinterested look and strode off.
21:17Javier smiled to himself as the only woman daring enough to strike a prince, not once, but almost twice, walked out on him.
21:27He knew he had a lot to make up for, and he hoped she'd let him.
21:32Days flew by, and soon it had already been a week since Amelia and Max moved in to Javier's estate.
21:40Everything still felt like a strange dream to her.
21:44Just days before, she was at the supermarket having to decide which groceries to remove from her cart
21:49because she didn't have enough money in her account to cover it all.
21:52Her own shampoo was returned to the shelf to be able to buy Max's kid shampoo instead.
21:57Now, the woman who always put herself last had gone from a cramped one-bedroom apartment with no air conditioning
22:05to living in a palatial villa with a staff ready to cater to her every need.
22:11After their tumultuous dinner, Amelia dreaded running into the arrogant prince in the mansion halls.
22:18But to her relief, he had spent the entire week away, traveling for work.
22:22However, not everyone was pleased with Javier's absence.
22:25Max was yearning for the presence of the father who had just entered his life.
22:31Amelia noticed it when she heard Javier's voice coming from the TV in Max's bedroom.
22:36And I'd like to thank the American government for facilitating the trade exchange with Spain.
22:43Amelia walked in to find Max intently watching the news.
22:47The boy looked up at his mother, trying to appear casual to conceal his sadness.
22:52Will Dat be home to put me to bed tonight?
22:56She sighed deeply.
22:59I'm not sure, sweetheart.
23:01He has a busy schedule, but in the morning we can...
23:04We can ask Victor when he'll be back.
23:08Amelia tried to keep Max's spirits up about the whole
23:11my father is alive and a prince but I can't tell anyone situation.
23:15Thankfully, it wasn't hard to distract him now that Javier had spoiled him with every toy
23:21a boy could wish for.
23:22A bed shaped like a race car, a custom-built treehouse with a slide, though the little genius's
23:28favorite part was a cozy reading nook that featured beanbag chairs shaped like planets.
23:34Amelia couldn't help but wonder if it all was a bit too much.
23:37She didn't want him to take his father's wealth for granted and grow up to be a spoiled brat.
23:42After Amelia read Max a bedtime story, he turned to her with puppy-dog eyes.
23:48Big Star, can you sleep with me tonight?
23:52My new car bed is cool, but it's so big it feels weird.
23:56She tucked him in and stared into his sleepy eyes.
24:01Hmm, of course, little moon.
24:04I just have to finish some work and I'll come back in a minute.
24:11As Amelia walked down the hall, she got an email notification on her phone.
24:16When she saw what it was, she groaned in frustration.
24:18It was an email from South Miami Prep School, the best school in the city, offering gifted
24:25classes for advanced kids like Max.
24:27But it was extremely competitive to get into.
24:31Amelia had been fighting the good fight, but no matter what she did, she couldn't get Max
24:34off the waiting list.
24:36She worried he'd have to stay at his current school, which failed to cater to a smart kid
24:40like him.
24:42Amelia entered her enormous bedroom, which had an annex that served as an office.
24:47She sat at her desk to catch up on work.
24:50It had been challenging to balance the big move and her internship as a translator with
24:54Miami's Council of Foreign Affairs.
24:57Things were picking up at work, and she was determined to impress her boss.
25:01There was a big cultural event tomorrow, and her job assigned her to translate for some
25:05German diplomats.
25:06She needed to prepare for it, but couldn't find the reference books she needed.
25:10They'd been misplaced during the move.
25:12In search of them, she ventured over to the estate's grand library,
25:16which was also Javier's study, and was overwhelmed by the impressive shelves of books that towered
25:22above her.
25:23Just as she suspected, she found her reference material had been stored there, but their location
25:28wasn't exactly convenient.
25:31Of course, they had to be on the highest shelf.
25:36Amelia climbed onto a chair and stood on tiptoe, reaching for the book, but was still a few inches
25:41too short.
25:45Could they have put it any further?
25:49Just then, Javier padded into the library.
25:53He had just returned from his trip and needed to store some sensitive documents in the safe.
25:58He didn't expect to find Amelia in his study, doing acrobatics atop a chair.
26:03Javier hung back to admire the sight of her.
26:05She looked so pretty like this.
26:09Fresh-faced, in her pajamas, her hair seemed so soft and touchable, its ends still wet from
26:15the bath.
26:16Need a hand?
26:19His voice startled her, and she nearly lost her balance.
26:22She shot him a glare.
26:24You can keep your hands to yourself, thank you.
26:28I got it.
26:29He crossed his arms and stood behind her to watch her stubborn attempt.
26:33She stretched again and did a little hop, finally grabbing the book.
26:38Ha!
26:38Told you.
26:43But when she gave the book a hard tug, the chair wobbled, and Amelia went flying backward.
26:49Javier rushed over to catch the clumsy girl, and they both toppled like dominoes onto the
26:54floor.
26:55Dammit!
26:56She exclaimed, offering no apology.
27:00You got it, huh?
27:01Well, the grumpy Javier spoke, the air knocked out of him from the fall.
27:07No one told you to, uh…
27:10Amelia went to stand up, but yelped.
27:12Her hair was caught on something.
27:15She turned to find herself face to face with Javier's crotch, and realized the thing her
27:21hair was caught on was his zipper.
27:24Amelia, what are you doing?
27:27Uh, don't move.
27:31My hair is stuck in your zipper.
27:33She placed her hands on his thigh to brace herself.
27:37Caught off guard by the intimate touch, Javier felt something stir within him and held his
27:42breath.
27:43Her proximity to his lap was particularly torturous.
27:47You have to be kidding me, he muttered.
27:53Amelia gently tugged her hair back and forth, trying to free it, but it didn't work.
27:59Then, while trying to steady herself, she unknowingly placed her hand on a certain bulge.
28:05Javier immediately froze.
28:07Amelia, pay attention, he said in a stern frustration.
28:15Her eyes opened wide, realizing what she'd touched.
28:18She quickly removed her hand, growing flustered.
28:22She changed tactics and clumsily fumbled with his zipper.
28:26Um, stop.
28:28You're making it worse.
28:30Javier snapped, bothered by how easily her touch was affecting him.
28:34He was used to being in control of himself and everything around him, but now his body
28:40was betraying him, as if he were some hormonal teenager.
28:44Equally frustrated, Amelia threw up her hands.
28:48Uh, fine.
28:48Do you have a better plan?
28:50Or has all the blood rushed away from your brain?
28:55Javier reached for his briefcase on the floor and took out a pair of scissors.
29:00I'll just cut you free.
29:02Don't you dare.
29:06I don't trust you.
29:07I'll end up with half a bob.
29:09She protectively held her hands over her hair.
29:13Javier's patience was wearing thin.
29:16This all could have been avoided if you had let me help you to begin with.
29:21Hell, we have dozens of people here who are paid to assist.
29:25Why didn't you ask any of them?
29:26Because I'm not a spoiled princess, she thought to herself.
29:32It's late.
29:33I didn't want to bother anyone.
29:36That's what they're here for, Javier exclaimed.
29:40To be bothered.
29:42And yet, I keep hearing how you insist on doing all your chores yourself.
29:48And Max's, too.
29:50Frustrated, she replied.
29:52You told me to make myself at home.
29:55And at home, I do my own chores.
29:58It calms me.
30:01Also, if this is supposed to be my home, why can't I ever find any of my things?
30:08She smacked his leg in exasperation.
30:11Javier yelled.
30:13Sorry.
30:13Just then, something occurred to her.
30:17If you want to help me with something, I actually need help with.
30:23Why don't you get your son into South Miami prep school?
30:27Javier furrowed his brow.
30:29They won't let him in.
30:33Amelia let out a disappointed breath.
30:37Perpetually waitlisted.
30:39Even though Max got perfect scores on all the entry exams.
30:42He took this in.
30:44Then nodded.
30:46I'll handle it.
30:48Consider it done.
30:50That's it?
30:51Is that easy?
30:54Was this what it felt like to have a partner in raising your child?
30:57She'd gotten used to carrying the burden all on her own.
31:00Realizing she now had someone fighting in her corner.
31:04She was filled with a sense of warmth.
31:06That is, until she came back to reality and realized she was still trapped in a very
31:11compromising position.
31:13As if he was reading her mind, Javier shifted.
31:18Okay.
31:19I'm going to try something.
31:21Just don't move.
31:24Javier fished through her hair, unbuckled his belt, then slowly unzipped his pants.
31:30It worked.
31:31Amelia was able to pull her hair free.
31:33Ah, finally.
31:36God.
31:37Amelia looked over, and her eyes fell on Javier, not expecting to see his undone pants hanging
31:43low around his hips.
31:45Her gaze drifted down and landed on two defined V-cut abs that disappeared into a pair of snug
31:52black boxer briefs.
31:54She was staring, and she didn't even know it.
31:59Enjoying the view, Miss Rivera?
32:05I, no.
32:07For your information, I wasn't looking at you.
32:10I just thought...
32:12I saw a spider.
32:15Amelia was a brilliant woman, but a terrible liar.
32:18Javier pulled his pants up, smirking as he fastened his buckle.
32:25Hmm.
32:26Must have been a pretty big spider.
32:29This shameless man will be the death of her.
32:32She narrowed her eyes in a stubborn retort.
32:35It was average and quite unimpressive.
32:40Desperate to save herself from further humiliation, Amelia spun around and bolted before he could
32:46see her cheeks flush with embarrassment.
32:49Javier chuckled to himself, teasing Amelia might be his new favorite hobby.
32:56Amelia ran straight to her bathroom, wanting to hide.
33:01She stared at herself in the mirror, her cheeks still red from the incident.
33:06How mortifying.
33:08How did the simple task of grabbing her workbook land her head first in Javier's crotch?
33:14And he caught her staring right at it.
33:16Oh, a saw, a spider?
33:20Really, Amelia?
33:22That was the best you could come up with?
33:24Moving into this place was a mistake.
33:27Unless I can avoid that man altogether, I'm likely to never know peace.
33:31Just then, the image of a smoldering Javier standing in his boxer briefs popped into her
33:38mind, and a warmth shot through her all over again.
33:43Amelia quickly splashed water on her face, hoping that would wash away the memory.
33:49She was furious with herself for letting that arrogant man get inside her mind like this.
33:53Suddenly, Max's voice interrupted her thoughts.
34:00The butler said you forgot this.
34:03Amelia looked down to see Max holding her workbook.
34:07After that whole fiasco, she was in such a hurry to leave the study that she forgot the
34:11only thing she went there for.
34:13Mommy, you're all red.
34:16Are you sick?
34:18Do you have a fever?
34:20Her eagle-eyed five-year-old fired off a barrage of questions.
34:25Oh, were you doing your exercises?
34:30Each question made her want to bury her head deeper into the ground.
34:33Yes, uh, mommy is red from exercising.
34:38I was just about to come to sleep with you, like I promised.
34:44You were going to come to bed without a bath?
34:48Max asked, bothered.
34:50That's so unfair.
34:52Why do I have to shower before bed?
34:54But you don't.
34:56Amelia couldn't hold back her laughter.
34:59This little one was the best cure for a bad mood.
35:01Max was her greatest love.
35:05And with each passing day, she was more certain she would do absolutely anything for him.
35:11Like sharing a home with an egomaniacal prince.
35:16Come, let's go to bed, baby.
35:19Max pretended to be upset.
35:21I'm not a baby.
35:23He stretched out his tiny arms, carrying me to bed.
35:28Amelia crouched down and Max hugged her neck so she could lift him.
35:31She held him tightly in her arms.
35:37Once Max was back in bed, Amelia whispered,
35:41By the way, what are you doing up?
35:45I thought you'd be sound asleep by now.
35:48Max sighed and turned to face the wall, avoiding his mother's gaze.
35:52I heard a car outside my window and saw Dad was home.
35:59I thought maybe he'd come say goodnight, so I stayed awake.
36:03Amelia nodded.
36:05He had a long flight.
36:08I think he was tired and went to bed, baby.
36:10But I bet he can't wait to see you for breakfast tomorrow.
36:16She rubbed her son's back, wishing she could make everything okay for him.
36:21Still facing the wall, he spoke softly.
36:24Do you think Dad changed his mind about wanting me?
36:29Those words shattered Amelia's heart.
36:33She hated seeing Max feel unwanted by his father, especially since they had only recently discovered each other.
36:40Despite wanting to avoid Javier after the zipper fiasco, she knew she would soon have to confront him about this.
36:48Amelia wrapped herself around Max.
36:50My little moon, it's impossible not to want you.
36:56Do you know why?
36:57Because you taste like cotton candy.
37:00She playfully nibbled his ear, making him giggle.
37:04They fell asleep and cuddled together.
37:08Then later in the night, Amelia was awakened when she sensed another presence in the room.
37:14She cracked open her eyes and saw Javier standing quietly in Max's doorway.
37:19In silence, she watched him crouch down to kiss Max's forehead and pull his blanket up to his little chin.
37:27The affectionate gesture surprised Amelia and brought warmth to her heart.
37:36The next morning, Amelia and Max followed their usual morning routine.
37:42They spent ten minutes lazing in bed without speaking a word,
37:46then shared their plans and expectations for the day before they jumped out of bed and happily made their way to the dining room.
37:54There, they found Javier already seated at the table, reading the newspaper.
37:59He looked so serious and regal.
38:01Javier looked up, and when Amelia met his gaze, she felt all the embarrassment from the previous night wash over her again.
38:12But when she saw Max frozen in place, as if questioning whether he could run up to his father or not,
38:19she knew she had to be brave and break the ice first.
38:22Top of the morning, Prince Javier, she greeted him cheerily.
38:29Javier furrowed his brow.
38:32Caught off guard by Amelia's jolly tone.
38:35Shouldn't she be hiding after last night's zipper mishap?
38:39Not a morning person, he responded with a cold grunt.
38:43Hello.
38:45Amelia kept up her spirited act as she served fruit for herself and Max.
38:50The boy had grown quiet, his mood dampened by his father's lackluster greeting.
38:57Dad, he finally said, making Javier look up from his newspaper.
39:02What's that long paper you're reading?
39:06Javier frowned slightly.
39:09This.
39:10You've never seen a newspaper.
39:13Max shook his head.
39:15Javier motioned for Max to come closer.
39:17As a fan of CNN, you'll appreciate this.
39:21It's a printed compilation of yesterday's news.
39:24Look, here's the politics section, here's sports, and even the weather forecast for Miami.
39:32Max studied it curiously.
39:35But you're rich.
39:37Why don't you buy a tablet like normal people to read the news online?
39:41Javier chuckled, and Amelia couldn't help but laugh along before gently scolding her son.
39:49Max!
39:51Javier, however, seemed amused.
39:54It's alright.
39:56This is a habit I learned from my father.
39:59And maybe one day, you'll pick it up as well.
40:02It brings me good memories.
40:04When I travel, I use a tablet too.
40:07Like normal people.
40:08The three of them laughed, and Max took the opportunity to move closer to his father.
40:15Staring bashfully at his feet, he spoke softly.
40:19Your trip was long.
40:22I thought you weren't going to come back because you didn't want me anymore.
40:27This time, Amelia stayed quiet, giving Javier the chance to step up to his role.
40:32The prince placed his hand on Max's small shoulders.
40:35You're my son.
40:38I will always want you, Max.
40:41And I will always come back for you.
40:44Amelia was mesmerized by Javier's sweet response.
40:48But she could tell that Max needed more reassurance.
40:51So she chimed in.
40:54Max, you can trust your dad.
40:57I'm sure he'll never lie to you.
41:01Right, Javier?
41:02Javier realized the implication of that question.
41:07It was no time for empty promises.
41:10He turned to Max and nodded solemnly.
41:13Never.
41:16Cheered up again, Max returned to his seat, and Amelia handed him his favorite breakfast, a slice of cinnamon toast.
41:23He took a bite and let out an adorable hum of delight.
41:29Mmm, mommy, this is the best one you've ever made.
41:33You should make one for dad, too.
41:35Daddy, you'll have to try mom's cinnamon toast.
41:39Realizing his reading time was over, Javier put down his newspaper.
41:44Is that so?
41:46Amelia felt awkward, but decided to play along.
41:49She prepared a slice of toast with butter, sugar, and cinnamon, then offered it to Javier.
41:55But when she went to hand it over, Javier glanced at the butler, who then nervously intercepted the toast.
42:02Hmm, sorry, Miss Rivera.
42:05But Prince Javier cannot eat that.
42:08He has misophobia.
42:10Amelia was taken aback, while Max's curiosity peaked.
42:14What's that, Dad?
42:16Do you have an allergy?
42:18Mr. Grant began to explain.
42:21Sir, Max, misophobia is a...
42:24Javier interrupted.
42:26That's okay, Mr. Grant.
42:28Max, you know how some people are afraid of heights, others of snakes.
42:35Well, I have a problem with germs.
42:36Amelia did not expect to learn that this seemingly untouchable man had such a big vulnerability.
42:45She wondered,
42:47Hmm, next time he pisses me off, should I get revenge by poking my fingers in all of his food?
42:54She chuckled at the thought.
42:56Just then, the butler slipped on a pair of gloves and proceeded to prepare a slice of toast.
43:01I watched how Miss Rivera made it, or prepare a similar one for the prince.
43:09Javier stood abruptly.
43:11That won't be necessary.
43:13I have a busy day ahead.
43:16And with that, Javier left.
43:20Amelia worried about how Max would take his father's abrupt departure.
43:24But when she turned to him, he was happily devouring his extra piece of cinnamon toast.
43:31Amelia's office was buzzing with activity.
43:37The High Commissioner of Foreign Affairs was scheduled to meet with Mexico's Prime Minister,
43:41and everyone was on edge.
43:44Though Amelia was still an intern, she couldn't afford to make any mistakes.
43:48When the procession of sleek cars arrived,
43:51Amelia straightened her posture and exchanged an excited glance with her best friend, Faith.
43:56The vehicle stopped, and the Prime Minister stepped out, accompanied by his entourage.
44:01From a distance, Amelia noticed a familiar face among them.
44:07Her breath caught, and her pulse quickened.
44:10It had been years since she'd seen him.
44:12But as he approached, his tall, muscular frame and striking features erased any doubt in her mind.
44:20Charles Dawson.
44:21That was the young man she had loved and left behind to spare him the burden of raising a child that wasn't his.
44:30Charles looked even more distinguished and handsome than she remembered.
44:34When their eyes met for a fleeting moment, his expression darkened, loaded with emotion,
44:39before she quickly looked away.
44:42Faith nudged her.
44:44Girl, that was totally your ex.
44:47When I heard the news, I didn't think you'd still be this hot.
44:51Damn!
44:54Still stunned, Amelia turned to her friend.
44:57What news?
44:59You haven't heard?
45:01Faith said, her tone teasing.
45:04Charles just moved back from the East Coast.
45:07You two are gonna see a lot of each other from now on.
45:13Oh, I still can't believe your dreamy ex is here.
45:20Now that you know he's back in town, what do you plan to do with that information?
45:23Faith's words didn't seem to penetrate Amelia's distant expression.
45:28She had been zoning out during lunch and was now poking at her key lime pie,
45:33staring blankly into the distance.
45:35Faith wiggled her finger in front of Amelia.
45:38Hello, Earth to Amelia.
45:42Amelia shook her head, forcing her attention back to her friend.
45:46Uh, sorry, what?
45:48Faith leaned in.
45:50Girl, what's up with you?
45:53You've been a total space cadet today.
45:55Oh my god, are you seeing someone?
45:58That's why your head's been so in the clouds.
46:00Spell, who is he?
46:03Amelia smiled, rolling her eyes.
46:06There is no he.
46:08Faith, the day I start seeing someone, I promise you'll be the first to know.
46:14An elbow nudged Amelia as her best friend scooted in closer to her.
46:19Ames, who do you think you're talking to?
46:21You may not be seeing someone, but I know that adorable little head of yours is overthinking
46:27about something.
46:28And my guess is that it starts with a C and rhymes with Arles.
46:35Faith knew how close Charles and Amelia were back in the day.
46:41He was her best friend, and they were literal high school sweethearts.
46:44Amelia must be feeling something after seeing him for the first time in half a decade.
46:49Do you still have feelings for Charles?
46:53Amelia dismissively waved her hand.
46:55He's this big hotshot now.
47:00He killed it at that internship with the UN, and you saw how good-looking he is in that suit.
47:07If he's not already taken, I'm sure there's a line of girls waiting to snatch him up.
47:13Her best friend narrowed her eyes at her.
47:15Okay, but that didn't answer my question.
47:20Amelia let out a heavy sigh.
47:23Even if I did still have feelings for him, it's not like my situation hasn't changed.
47:29He deserves a bubbly, trophy wife who doesn't come with a five-year-old and baggage.
47:35Just then, Faith flicked Amelia's forehead.
47:40Hey, my godson is the cutest five-year-old in the world, and any man would be lucky to be his stepdad.
47:49Gripping her fork, Faith suddenly stabbed her lasagna.
47:52But what I wouldn't give to find Max's real dad and beat him to a pulp for ditching you and ruining your perfect relationship with Charles.
48:02Faith clenched her fists.
48:03I'd certainly love to see that, replied Amelia.
48:09It had been eating her alive that she wasn't able to tell Faith that she had reunited with Max's mystery daddy and was currently living with him.
48:17She couldn't wait to see the look on Faith's face the day she learned the man she was plotting to murder was actually a dashing Mediterranean prince.
48:25Speaking of the devil, Faith suddenly grabbed Amelia's hand and said the last two words she expected to hear out of her friend's mouth.
48:34Ah, Javier Cauldron!
48:37Squealed Faith.
48:39Amelia froze.
48:41What?
48:42How do you- I mean, why did you say that?
48:45Who is that?
48:46Girl, Faith replied.
48:49You don't know that Spain has a super hot young prince?
48:53Amelia's pulse started to race.
48:56How did they end up on this topic?
48:58Did Faith know something she wasn't saying?
49:01Sorry, why are we talking about the Spanish monarchy?
49:06Amelia asked, cautiously terrified that Faith had figured out her secret.
49:10The prince just relocated to Miami to serve as an ambassador.
49:16Faith stole a bite of pie, savoring it dramatically.
49:20After swallowing, she finally answered,
49:23Mm, and Mr. Cauldron is going to be the guest of honor at our gala tonight.
49:29Can you believe we're about to meet a real-life prince?
49:34Good.
49:35So her best friend hadn't figured out her secret.
49:38Amelia dropped her shoulders in relief.
49:40Oh, I guess I don't care much about monarchies.
49:47Faith was practically bouncing in her seat.
49:50But Prince Javier isn't just any royal.
49:54Have you seen his speeches on TV?
49:56The man is gorgeous, which means he'll be even hotter in person.
50:02Amelia mumbled.
50:04He's more arrogant in person, too.
50:07She seethed, thinking about the cold, shameless devil that had recently upended her life.
50:13Luckily, Faith interrupted her spiraling thoughts.
50:16What are you wearing to the gala?
50:20Amelia shrugged.
50:21Since it's a work event for us and we're not actual guests, I figured I'd just stick to my work slacks and a blazer.
50:30Faith slammed her hands down on the table in disbelief.
50:35Slacks.
50:36Did you not just hear what I've been saying?
50:38Hot foreign royals are expected to be in attendance.
50:42And more importantly, so is Charles.
50:46Hmm.
50:47Maybe Faith had a point there.
50:49Although Amelia was just meant to work the event as an intern and had planned to fade into the background otherwise,
50:54the thought of running into Charles at the gala made her stomach flutter.
50:59Faith continued her passionate plea.
51:02It is essential that you dress to impress tonight.
51:05And I have the perfect outfit that will look amazing on you.
51:10Faith was not lying when she promised the dress would look amazing on Amelia.
51:16To listen to the full audio series, install the Pocket FM app now.
51:21Pocket FM. Download the app now.
51:24We'll see you next time.
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