Andre carefully brought the car to a stop by the sides of the road. He put off the ignition and took his phone, that was when he saw his father had called him twice and he turned to stare at Camella.
“I missed my father's call” he mumbled and saw the pop up messages on his phone. He ignored them all and checked the trending news on social media.
He was dazed to see such horrible comments about himself and his pictures littered everywhere on the internet. First, it was those romantic memories with Jasmine and then the wedding scene.
Next was those taken a few minutes ago. He was quiet, calm but exuding a chilling aura. He glanced at his phone for a while until Camella gently placed her hand on his biceps.
“Nothing they said is true about you, Andre. You're the most wonderful soul I've met. Don't dwell on the nonsense these people are saying. What do they know about you to pass judgement on you like that?
I'll have my men track down the source of this scandal and I promise you, that I won't spare whoever is behind you. I'll also have this post brought down immediately.
I didn't mean that my presence in your life was going to bring you such scandal. I'm sorry about this, my love. I don't want you to think that being with me was a mistake. These people cannot come between us…” Camella was coaxing him.
“What are you saying Cam? I am worried about you and you're thinking about me? I don't know why anyone would want to ruin your reputation because of me. But I guess whoever was responsible for this, was trying to get at me and thereby robbing mud on you” he assumed.
He called his dad back and the instruction was “Come over to the hotel immediately” Prince Clifford ordered. Andre sighed softly and said “Alright” and hung up.
“Let's return to the hotel” he said without another word, started the ignition and zoomed in the direction to the hotel. Camella was making countless calls asking her bodyguards to track down the imbecile who dared to spread rumours about her.
“I am Camella Wood and I am a very vengeful woman. I won't spare anyone involved in this” he swore furiously under her breath. Not about her, but her boyfriend. She will take action on Andre's behalf and make such a person experience a fate worse than death.
Fred Maxwell was calling Camella that she shouldn't bother coming back to the company for a while as Journalists had filled the entire compound. The security guards are doing their best but he'd contacted the police about it already.
Camella agreed and sighed softly. These people are paid to do what they're doing. She didn't see any form of anxiety on Andre's face. He remained calm and composed as he drove back to the hotel.
As he drove in, some bodyguards drove in after him and others came and held the door for me. “Welcome your Highness” they bowed slightly.
“Thank you” Andre replied and held Camella's hand walking her through the door and elevator. His mother Mrs Alice Torello called him and Andre said he's safe and so is Camella. She shouldn't worry.
Andre had Camella take a rest in one of the rooms while he goes to see his parents. Camella gladly accepted the offer. She needed to be alone and found out some information about the scandal outbreak.
By the time Andre got to the Presidential suite, where his parents were, Princess Charlotte was waiting with her arms open and Andre went over and hugged her.
“You've been through a lot my son. But no more” She paused, her voice shaky “Your father and I are here now, you are a prince and not some lowlife gold digger that the public were made to believe…” she said in a sad voice.
When they saw the outbreak of the scandal, they immediately had his love life investigated and what they found out was a slap on the royal family. A son, a born prince of the great Ashanti Kingdom being ridiculed like this?
“Thank you mother. None of those words or accusations moves me. It doesn't matter what the public say, all I want to do is find out who sponsored that scandal” Andre deadpanned.
“That is being taken care of. Before nightfall, we should be able to get the answers. But what is more important, is having a word with you as your parents and bringing your grandfather's words to you as well” Prince Clifford disclosed and signaled to Andre to sit down.
He took a seat and sat with his legs crossed over each other. He was still dressed like an athlete and Prince Clifford cleared his throat to indicate he was about to say something important.
“Once again, we apologise for all you've been through. Your rough childhood and messed up love life. If you had remained in your real identity, no woman would treat you the way that woman Jasmine Logan did.
Now that we found you and you know your real identity, the most important thing to be done is being ceremoniously welcome to your home and that's why your mom and I have a request to make.
You'll come with us back to the Ashanti Kingdom. You need to be introduced to the royal family and the ceremony takes place before the activities will resume at the royal courts and the King Bashmal Kamal, your grandfather will return to the affairs of the state…” Prince Clifford paused and glanced at his son.
Andre's expression was bland, unreadable.
“I am also aware that you are practicing for the forthcoming basketball tournament. I'm sorry but you may no longer be able to participate in the training….” Prince Clifford explained,
Andre shook his head, “No father, I can't pull out of the training now. I also have a job here and I am a partner with Wood's Electroworld. I can't abandon my work and training right now.
Why don't you go, I'll come over after a while. This new identity of mine comes suddenly and I need to put things in order before…” he was saying when he was interrupted.
“No Andre, none of your reasons for refusal is more important than the piled up activities of the royal court. All activities are suspended until you are found. And at this point, I think you should come along…”
An hour later, Andre returned to Camella and saw her waiting for him with a glass of coffee before her. She sprang up on her feet “Jack Johnson has a hand in the scandal but someone else is helping him…” she informed him hurriedly.
Andre shrugged and wore a smile as he walked over, circled his hands around her waist and pulled her to himself. Camella was surprised at his actions but she let him hold her firmly against himself.
“Andre…” she called and quickly swallowed hard. What happened, why was he acting so romantically with her all of a sudden?
Rather than answer her, he bent over and placed his temple against her. They remained that way until Andre whispered “You're very beautiful Camella” he complimented her.
“Huh” she sounded with surprise. She's more than surprised, perhaps confused. Of course she'd always been a beautiful woman.
Why was he just seeing it?