Episode 51: The Best Part

It came as a shock to Emily when she arrived at the airport only to be greeted by a private jet. Her eyes bulged out of their sockets as she looked at David who had parked the vehicle in front of a marked lane on the runway. He further caused her suspicion to raise as he directed her to the aircraft after opening the door for her.

Surely, he had made a mistake, right?

"David, what's the meaning of this?" The woman asked as her eyes stayed glued onto the fancy plane. Her father had one which was similar looking. Black and white. The only difference was that it didn't have the logo of the initials R.E. written across the tail in bold.

R.E.? She thought in confusion.

That was until she caught sight of the man who has been missing all day.

He stepped down the descending stairs of the jet like a model would, his little smirk visible from where she stood. It made him appear even more unfairly handsome, especially with the well-fitted suit he was wearing.

Like a statue, she stood frozen before his gorgeous appearance. Even more so when he bade her a sweet kiss to the corner of her mouth as a greeting. "Have you been well?"

"I saw you yesterday."

He laughed. "Well, yes but it feels like it's been a while since then."

Emily looked at Nicholas whose eyes were sparkling mischievously as they soaked in every little detail on her face and body. She was growing uncomfortable and was about to tell him to knock it off but then he spoke and her knees almost gave way.

"You look absolutely ravishing. I think Peter deserves a raise for all his hard work but maybe I should give it to you instead for being born so beautifully."

Emily slapped him on the arm playfully for his flirty words.

Her face was on fire knowing that David stood not even five feet away from them and was most likely hearing everything being said.

"You flatter me," she aired breathlessly before turning to regard the jet, "However, I'm still so confused about why I had to dress up like this. Are we going somewhere important today?"

"Didn't you know?"

She looked at him confused. "Know what?"

He wore that panty-dropping smirk once again.

Leaning into her, Nicholas brushed his lips against her ear, knowing how sensitive she was there as he whispered. "Today's our honeymoon, baby."

It took everything in her not to faint right then and there.

From his velvety voice to the words which they delivered, everything was making her feel light-headed.

Emily pulled back and stared at him with her mouth open. "What?!"

"Close your mouth, darling. You'll catch flies."

She snapped it shut immediately.

Nicholas pinched her rosy cheeks for being so obedient and cute.

"I'll explain everything once we're abroad," he then turned to his assistant ordering, "David, please allow Christian to help you load the rest of Emily's luggage Nanny Kim gave to you from home."

"Christian?"

"Crush." He spoke with affirmation. "His real name is Christian."

"Even he's here?" She inquired surprised whilst gazing around for the super awkward and intimidating bodyguard of hers.

"Yes, he'll be required for the duration of our trip. Now, let's get going. We're going to be behind schedule if we wait any longer." He said and slipped his hand into hers as if it was the most natural thing in the world.

Emily's eyes flickered up to the jet once again as they walked closer and she almost facepalmed as she finally deciphered what the initials had meant.

Royal Entertainment.

Nicholas' company.

When she entered, the thought of the jet being so much like her father's returned full blast because even the interior shared a resemblance.

The cabin was lined with rich leather and custom wood veneer, offering plenty of space and cozy armchairs. It had around fifteen large windows to bring in plenty of natural light. While they went along the middle of the plane, she noticed its floors were covered with fine carpets and shining stonework. It appeared even more glamorous in the kitchen which was situated to the left as they passed.

"Let me introduce you to our pilot before I show you around the place," Nicholas announced promptly and stayed true to his words as she met the middle-aged man with one of the friendliest smile she has ever seen.

"Hello, it's nice to meet you. I'm Samuel Pickett, but you can just call me Sam. I'll be your main personnel for today."

"Nice to meet you too. I'm Emily."

"She's pretty," he boldly said while looking to Nicholas who only nodded knowingly, "Is it your first time flying, Emily?"

"No, it's not."

He obviously didn't know who she was.

It made her more relaxed than before.

"Then, that's good. That'll make this experience a lot more comfortable. Now that I think about it, I figure you're not a stranger to a private jet either based on how calm you're looking."

"My father has one of his own. My family used to take it often when we'd go on vacation."

Sam grinned.

"That's even better news. I'll be here in this good 'ole cockpit of mine for most of the journey so if you need to inquire about anything, here's where you'll find me."

"Thank you, Sam. Keep up the good work." Nicholas dismissed the two of them right afterwards.

"I'll show you around now."

Emily nodded as she followed his lead.

He went to many different places of the jet and showed her each part with much excitement. Like a kid showing off his favourite toy.

Apart from the kitchen, there was also a small office which was neatly arranged with a single chair and book compartment.

What stimulated Emily the most, however, was the master suite with a California king bed and a walk-in closet.

"You're kidding me!" She fawned over how comfortable the bed looked, especially its size in a place like this.

Before she knew it, her body found itself lying in the centre of it and she sighed at how all her muscles seemed to relax.

"Nicholas, quick. Hurry and help me take off this dress so I can see what this baby's made of."

He did the total opposite and pulled her up, making her pout as she came face to face with him. "Mahogany, a mattress and layers of sheet. There's nothing more to it."

Emily huffed as he led her somewhere else.

"And don't tell me to take off your dress in this kind of environment. Are you begging for me to have you on all fours for the rest of this flight?"

She caught her reflection, utterly gobsmacked as he ushered her into the next room.

"Here's the last part of our tour, the bathroom."

Emily looked at him as if he was insane for being so calm after what he had just said but shook it off, knowing fully well that neither of them was going to get anything out of it if she pursued the topic.

Her eyes scanned the enclosed space to see a master bath with a double-size shower and heated marble floors. It was unbelievable to say the least and she couldn't help but wonder how therapeutic it would be to use it.

"So...do you like it?" He asked meekly, referring to the entire jet.

"Like it? I'm in love with it!" She gushed as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.

"I'm glad. We would've taken it the last time we went to LA but it was under renovation, so there was no choice but to work with first class."

"First class was still...interesting from what I remember."

"Indeed, it was. You drooling on me still is the highlight of my many memories with you." He said with the straightest face.

She rolled her eyes before heading back to the cabin.

"Hey, don't be sulky now. It's all in a good husband's teasing, remember?"

"Piss off, Nick."

"Ooh, you're really angry since you even pulled out the Nick card." He continued to rub at her whilst trying his best not to laugh.

She whirled around suddenly, making his heart leap out of his chest.

"If you don't quit it, I'll take off these four inch heels and make you experience the variations of their use...all over your body."

His hand found itself caressing the side of her face, still looking highly amused. "Calm down, kitten. No need to get your paws out."

"Do you think I'm trying to be funny?"

"No, but you've succeeded in coming off as adorable."

She buffered for a minute. "Y-You..."

"Let's just go back to our seats yeah? Sam is going to be ready to go in any minute."

Emily only huffed in response.

Not too long after, they found themselves in their seats. David and Crush were also occupants but in the ones which were at a distance away from them.

Emily turned to Nicholas, surrendering to the curiosity which ate away at her all day. "Where exactly are you taking me?"

"I told you, on our honeymoon."

She shook her head. "I know but where exactly is that?"

Nicholas placed his hand under her chin as he pulled her forward. It didn't take much out of him because she was already leaning forward voluntarily.

He bit his lips as his eyes flickered down to hers. "Nowhere but the city of love."

Her pupils stilled. "You mean..."

"Oui, Paris."

•••

As the city came out of the darkness of night, they emerged into the beautiful scenery in silent admiration. Without much traffic, the black SUV which awaited them at the French international airport zoomed by in a blur yet the couple still could see the exquisite details of their destination. Paris. Where the streets glimmered with something of a grand enlightenment. Art, music and love being centre of the lifestyle of many. The city was so beautiful that it seemed to satisfy something that was always missing in America. Emily always felt that way. She still didn't know what it was about the place as yet even though it was her second time visiting here.

It was Nicholas' first.

He watched the artificial lights shine across the profile of the woman's face next to him and he felt accomplished with the way her eyes were stuck out the window in amazement and disbelief.

"This is...this is amazing! I don't think that even encompasses what I'm feeling right now."

He reached for her hand and brushed his thumb against the base lightly. "Don't get too overwhelmed as yet. The night is still young and you're still looking beautiful in that dress of yours."

Emily took a glance at her reflection in the mirror and smiled, pleased by his compliments.

"Surprisingly, I'm not as jetlagged as I thought I'd be from a seven hour flight. Maybe it's the excitement from being here that's causing all this adrenaline to overrule my body."

Nicholas' gaze softened at her genuine happiness as she grinned.

"Good. We're going to reach the hotel where we'll be staying for the next week soon."

"We're staying here for a week?" Emily almost squeaked. "Can your company handle you being gone for that long?"

He brushed his hand affectionately against her cheek for thinking about his business' welfare as such a top priority.

"I think they'll be able to manage," he smirked, "What's the point of being the boss if you can't do whatever you want?"

She cocked her head at him then tsked. "Tyrant."

His eyebrows shot up. "I'm offended."

"Good." She stuck her tongue out at him.

"Come here," he growled playfully before taking her by the arms and holding her close only to unleash the punishment of tickles.

The woman squealed out in surprise at his attacks and he had to cover her mouth as he caught sight of Christian looking back at them in the rearview mirror. The bodyguard shifted his gaze uncomfortably as his eyes met his boss'.

Emily flushed as she caught the awkward exchange.

"It'd be in your best interest to be quiet. You don't want them thinking I'm doing something we shouldn't be in their company now do you?"

She got the message and immediately relaxed against his body.

It was already embarassing that she had drawn enough attention to both men in the front seats. It was a good thing David was too focused on driving to bat an eyelash. Or maybe he had gotten so understanding of the dynamics of their relationship that nothing fazed him at this point.

Nicholas gave her one last look before removing his hand from her mouth.

She gave him a look which said something alone the lines of it's all your fault before turning away to gawk at the view once more.

Not too long after, the car pulled up to a large building which Emily hadn't recognized until Nicholas was already outside and opening the door for her to exit. Her head snapped to the side quickly to look at him. The confusion heightened at his unperturbed expression.

"Nicholas, what are we doing here? I thought you said we'd be going to the hotel?"

"And we will. That is, after I've given you your surprise."

That piqued her interest and she couldn't help the anticipation in her bones as she took his outstretched hand and followed him inside.

It was The Théâtre National de Chaillot.

The venue was extravagant with a grand foyer welcoming them as a worker came quickly to offer assistance. It appeared he was already expecting them as he whispered something to Nicholas, making sure Emily didn't catch it before he gestured to the main theatre which had recently been modernized. The red seats were vacant, so was the entire place, she realized. However, the production lights were still on. Nicholas continued to pull her past the many rows and to the very front where he gently told her to take a seat.

"Don't move." He ordered quickly before disappearing behind the curtains.

Her eyes surveyed the flamboyant surrounding and failed to notice that Nicholas had re-appeared only to prop a bag of popcorn into her lap.

She giggled as his figure hurriedly dashed behind the drawn red curtains once more.

There was still the genuine perplexity of the situation, nevertheless she decided to just enjoy it as her hand went for the treat he had offered her.

Maybe he had taken her here to watch a show...

The woman's mind drew at straws, trying to figure out his intentions before the curtains began to raise suddenly.

Emily folded her legs across each other in a naturally elegant manner as she paid attention to what was going on.

Two dancers were revealed to be in an embrace at the corner of the stage. Classical music flooded the entirety of the theatre and on cue, the performers' characters came to life. Emily's mouth slowly parted as she saw a very reminiscent scene of the musical act they were showcasing.

It was Pride and Prejudice.

The slight tap of a microphone came from the background and the music died down to accommodate what was going to be said.

Emily found her heart racing at the smooth sound of Nicholas' voice which followed.

"I bet you're sitting there with the most dumbstruck look on your face, Em." He began with a good-natured chuckle and he was right. She was staring at the stage with her eyes bulging out in pure, unfiltered shock.

She tried to look for him but he was nowhere to be found. Only a pain-stricken Darcy was seen professing his love to Elizabeth but as predicted, she turned away from him.

"I'd love to see that expression of yours but it'll have to wait until later," Nicholas continued, still out of sight but never out of mind. He always made sure of that. "You see, I contacted your mother a few days ago asking where your most cherished spot is because we hadn't discussed something like that before. She told me it was right here. At the Théâtre National de Chaillot where you landed your first big acting gig. It's also the place where you had spent the remainder of your visiting days watching the Pride and Prejudice musical over and over again. A true Jane Austen fan indeed."

The woman chuckled lightly at his commentary. She recalled the time they had a little banter over her favourite authors, Austen in particular.

Emily's eyes were stuck onto the dancing characters, but her heart was focused on his voice as he drew for a breath.

"I wanted to bring you somewhere special in light of an occasion which reflects the same spirits." He said firmly as if it had been a lifetime belief of his.

What does he mean? She thought with furrowed eyebrows.

The music halted abruptly and Darcy and Elizabeth, who had reunited without Emily realizing, gracefully left the stage after taking a bow.

The white screen of a projector lit up on the contrasting dark board of the stage and at this point the woman had set aside the popcorn and was at the edge of her seat.

Hand flying to her mouth in mortification, a video clipping of Emily from a few years ago started playing. Her face was so young and her rookie anticipation clear as day in those brown orbs. She remembered the essence of the interview before the old her even got a word out.

"What would you consider to be a romantic proposal? The one from this movie you've starred in has gotten great reviews for being one of the most unique ones to ever been done. Have you got any personal favourites from a film?" The female interviewer inquired as she inched forward to put the microphone towards the young actress.

Emily stared into the camera with her cheeks reddening as a few thoughts came to mind.

"I think what makes a proposal romantic is how much thought is put into it matching the couple's identity. How it reflects the bond they share on a whole. It should also be done taking the female's preferences into account. Some may like a big extravagant proposal while others would love the simple wake-me-up-from-my-dreams-to-propose kind of event."

"Are you referring to that scene from the recent Rachel McAdams movie...what was it called again?"

"Yes, About Time."

"That's it, thank you. Is that one of your personal favourites?" The interviewer asked.

"Well, yes. It's a memorable one for sure. There's also the iconic translation scene from Love Actually, the street proposal from When Harry Met Sally and my all time favourite is from Pride and Prejudice when Darcy asks Elizabeth to "end his agony" by accepting his hand in marriage." Emily replied with stars in her eyes and hands clasped as she recalled their heartfelt confessions.

"That sounds lovely." The interviewer remarked with a low chuckle and as she opened her mouth for the follow-up question but the video paused.

From the side of the stage, another person made an appearance. However, this time it was no performer.

It was Nicholas.

He had the microphone in his hands as he locked her eyes with his. Holding them like magnets, having no willpower to let go.

"I know you have these fantasies of a perfect proposal and I'm not sure if learning about them is going to be enough but I'll still try," he took a shaky breath before sparing her the most heartbreaking smile, "I'll try because I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I want to be the main character of this movie called your life. And I want you to be the best part of mine. With the well anticipated happily ever after, of course. For us to love, cherish and grow old together. Because I love you that much, Emily Pinault. More than words can explain."

Without even realizing it, Emily's eyes had filled with tears and they fell accordingly with how moved she felt with each second