Chapter 29: The nostalgic Vanilla.

"I'll always be here to help you." These words come out of me automatically.

Both Prince Elijah and Mr. Robert look at me. They give a knowing smile followed by a slight nod.

"I know."

I hear Prince Elijah say to himself and smile but noticing me staring, he acts as if he didn't just do that. However, I take no notice of that as the sweet aroma of our meals enter my nose. Food was about to come and in excitement my stomach decided to make a huge rumbling sound. All three of us fell into laughter, creating a much lighter and livelier atmosphere around us.

Soon delicious looking dishes after dishes were placed on our table but when my dish finally arrived it looked rather too different from theirs. Both Prince Elijah's and Mr. Roberts dishes looked freshly cooked, hot, delicious looking chickens but my meal was as cold as ice. I was only able to take one bite before my appetite disappeared¹, it looked fancy but the taste was the opposite. I didn't understand some of the rich people's taste, the meal consisted of three falafel balls but the dressings they used were not to my liking. Maybe I just have different taste buds from others. I wondered as I looked over the two men, happily enjoying their meal.

"Is the dish to your liking?" Prince Elijah asked.

I nodded as convincingly as possible but I knew my face had already given myself away.

"I'm glad...Here try this."

He took two large pieces of chicken from his plate and placed it in mine without warning.

"That's alright, I'm full already…" I tried refusing but he didn't listen nor did my hungry self. What now laid on my plate was very tempting.

"Thank you." I gave up resisting and ate it up, which I didn't regret because the taste was very appetising.

We were soon finished with our meal, just as quickly our table was left clean spotless by the waitresses.

Another waitress brought us three small plates of dessert. It was beautifully decorated Vanilla cake and it tasted just as flavourful. The kind I had tasted once, many years ago.

"Wow, this really does have a taste of nostalgia." I sigh after taking a spoonful.

"You have guessed it correctly Miss Hayley." Mr. Robert spoke.

"Huh?" I turn to him in confusion, tilting my head slightly.

"This cake is named 'The nostalgic vanilla' and the name was personally chosen by Prince Elijah. Since the time it was introduced, it has soared in popularity. However, this is our little secret." He continued, giving a side eye glance over at Prince Elijah who was silently eating his cake.

"It seems you're a bit of a sentiment too." I teased which prompted him to look up.

"Well, it's been a long time now but there is a girl who is in love with vanilla cakes. For someday when she might come across this cake and remember the past we shared." He said, his expression full of love and admiration. It seems he genuinely loves whoever she is.

'Oh so he has a lover' I thought. I gave him my soft smile in return.

"I really do hope that day will come sooner." I tell him.

He stared at me for a moment longer and smiled.

"I've met her again already, I'm just waiting for her to realize." He softly said. Although I was happy for him, somewhere deep inside of me I felt a slight pang, which was pretty stupid really.

It was getting dark outside, only the light decorating the city. The soft raindrops was pouring down onto the roads, it made a melodious tapping sound as the raindrops hit the large glass walls of the restaurant. The mix of the sound of rain and the slow music created a harmonious environment inside as the three of us sat on the large table closest to the glass walls. I felt content enjoying the company along with the delicious slice of vanilla cake "The nostalgic vanilla".

Soon, the clock hit 9pm and we were all ready to head home. We headed towards the car park, Mr. Robert ran first leaving me and Prince Elijah to follow behind him. Just as the restaurant door slid open the cool breeze hit us, sending chills down my body and I instantly regretted wearing a short dress. Prince Elijah seemed to notice me shaking a little from the cold and swiftly took off his coat. He lightly placed it on my shoulders, covering my body and warmth spread throughout. I felt as if I was being hugged by him while his heat transferred into me, it gave me a fuzzy feeling inside. I didn't bother rejecting it as I really did needed the warmth.

"Thank you, Prince Elijah." I whispered through my chattering teeth.

"Don't mention it." He replied.

We left the safety of the restaurant roof and were now on the street outside. The heavy raindrops fell on us, numbing all my exposed skin. I quickly took off his coat and gave it back to him because he must be feeling the same way I do but instead, he placed it on top of our head. He bent down lower to my height and we both ran towards his parked car. Halfway down, was Mr. Robert hurriedly running towards us holding an umbrella in his hand. However, seeing us under the same cover he went back inside the car and waited in the drivers seat.

Both Prince Elijah and I settled down on the back seat of the car and started drying ourselves.

"Mr. Robert, why did you go back inside with the umbrella?!" I complained, once I was as dry as my hands could possibly make me. I observed him from the front mirror, he kept his eyes down, refusing to look at me.

"I..uh..remembered I had some important work to do in the car.." He explained, unconvincingly of course. I didn't dwell any further and left the matter untouched as I focused on Prince Elijah.

He was situated beside me, detached from our discussion but was rather enjoying it. I didn't want to ruin his mood but my curiosity got the better of me.

"Prince Elijah?" I called him and he turned to face me.

"If you don't mind, why were you so mad at Prince Kole?"