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The CEO and His Royal Queen
img img The CEO and His Royal Queen img Chapter 4 Painfully Familiar
4 Chapters
Chapter 9 I Trust You img
Chapter 10 Is This Really Necessary img
Chapter 11 A Different Person img
Chapter 12 Similar Yet So Contradictory img
Chapter 13 Change, Dear img
Chapter 14 It Belongs in the Trash img
Chapter 15 Burden to Bear img
Chapter 16 Lest I Go Insane img
Chapter 17 You're Lucky img
Chapter 18 Small Flame img
Chapter 19 Stay Here img
Chapter 20 Naming Ceremony img
Chapter 21 Stick Together img
Chapter 22 Reckless, Miss Tyne img
Chapter 23 Wall of Shame img
Chapter 24 Matchmaking Schemes img
Chapter 25 The Pleasure Is Mine img
Chapter 26 It's You Again img
Chapter 27 Perfect Beings img
Chapter 28 Your Royal Highness's Fool img
Chapter 29 A Ghost img
Chapter 30 Karma img
Chapter 31 Calls img
Chapter 32 Why Would I img
Chapter 33 Appetizing img
Chapter 34 Immense Responsibility img
Chapter 35 Crazy Stories img
Chapter 36 None of Your Business img
Chapter 37 Take A Break img
Chapter 38 Lightest of Whispers img
Chapter 39 Do Not Wander From My Side img
Chapter 40 The Bad Guy img
Chapter 41 At Your Service And Mercy img
Chapter 42 Inaccurate img
Chapter 43 A Pie img
Chapter 44 Custody img
Chapter 45 Several Lifetimes img
Chapter 46 Newly-Crowned img
Chapter 47 Naiveté img
Chapter 48 Last To Know img
Chapter 49 Not Enough img
Chapter 50 Exact Answer img
Chapter 51 Say Goodbye img
Chapter 52 Sow Discord img
Chapter 53 Truth as My Guide img
Chapter 54 Perfect Timing img
Chapter 55 For Her img
Chapter 56 Heart Attack img
Chapter 57 A Tyrant img
Chapter 58 Dangerous Grounds img
Chapter 59 Biggest Fool, Absolute Jerk img
Chapter 60 Farewell Gift img
Chapter 61 Birthday Present img
Chapter 62 Taken For Granted img
Chapter 63 Long Live The King img
Chapter 64 A Mountain Of Burden img
Chapter 65 I Don't Care Anymore img
Chapter 66 Extreme Circumstance img
Chapter 67 Undo The Damage img
Chapter 68 Commotion img
Chapter 69 Glass img
Chapter 70 Same State img
Chapter 71 Enjoy img
Chapter 72 Vulnerable img
Chapter 73 More People Shall Die img
Chapter 74 You And Your Conspirators img
Chapter 75 At Least img
Chapter 76 Natalie and Reese Tyne img
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Chapter 4 Painfully Familiar

21st century

Alexis was feverishly tapping her foot as she peeked out of the industrial kitchen's doors. It was the day of the gala dinner and she had yet to see the man from those weeks ago.

Despite her protests to go back in and meet him that day, the museum's security carried her out of the property. Even Leigh was reluctant to believe her.

Her older sister said, "You know how when we want to see a person so badly that their face just pops out everywhere? Maybe that's what you're experiencing."

But Alexis wasn't imagining it, she was sure of it. Some of his features may have changed but she was 100% sure that it was him.

"We've been together for a decade, I will never mistake my husband for anyone else. It doesn't matter how many hundred years passed." It was kind of ridiculous hearing that statement from a 24-year-old.

But people would find it more outlandish if she claimed to be Queen Deyanira III reincarnate. And that the guy who they just discovered to be Lane Heritage's CEO was none other than the past King Richard V.

"Hey, Boss!" A deep grunt shook her back to the present. A loud-mouthed man covered in tattoos spoke behind her, "You have to give us more to do, this was the fastest I've seen our cooks work. They're all scrambling to see those famous people out there."

Alexis laughed at her second-in-command, "Oh Julian. Not even you, the angry drill sergeant, couldn't stop them? That's a first. Just have them ensure our platings are flawless since you all know the people we're feeding tonight."

"Got it. And this is also a first for you, Boss. You're not usually one to dress to the nines when we're catering," Julian answered, nodding at her outfit.

Alexis looked down at her simple, black dress with a beaded illusion yoke that made it look like the gems that clung from her neck down to her cleavage were the ones holding her dress up. Her wavy hair was down as always and her sister's 4-inch strap heels twined her feet.

She sighed, "I know, I feel like it's been forever since I wore something like this."

Her hands slid down to her sides in an attempt to wipe her sweaty hands. "Can I ask you something? Hypothetically, if we knew each other from years ago and this is the first time we meet again. Would you prefer that I'm wearing this or my chef's uniform?"

"Ooh, you know someone from out there? Is it why you're looking like a celebrity?" Julian's eyes lit up in amusement. Never had he seen his boss be this shy.

"No, Leigh and I were told to dress up as we're invited as guests too. But sort of, I think I'm about to meet someone I've been looking for." Alexis stared at the floor, her nerves were kicking in and she was conflicted whether to stay or run from there.

Julian noticed and asked, "Well, what was your last interaction with that person like?"

She leaned on the doors and her eyes wandered around as if she was in a different place. "It was good actually, perfect even, the last time we saw each other. But something terrible happened to him after that because of me."

Julian was quiet for a moment, watching Alexis drift into a distant memory. He softly replied, "Hmm, sorry, Boss. That's above my pay grade. But if it's any consolation, if you two meet again tonight, I bet he'll be stunned by how much the years apart made you more beautiful."

"Thanks, Julian." Alexis smiled sadly, hoping for just the slightest recognition from the museum's owner.

"But you'll call me over to beat the ever-living shit out of him if that guy's being a dick to you, right? At the end of this event, I'll make sure he's stunned either way." Julian rolled the sleeves of his pristine uniform, gearing for an imaginary fight.

Alexis placed a hand on his shoulder to calm him down. "I know you have my back, Jules. But between him and me, I'm the one who deserves to get punched."

Their warm moment was cut when the doors swung open with Leigh strutting with a tablet in hand and the same dress code, a formal evening gown. "Alright, the opening remarks are done. It's time for the gala's main event. Everything's going smoothly, the servers are serving, the cooks are cooking, and... Alexis is hiding."

Leigh turned to her sister cowering behind the larger man. She pointed her stylus at Alexis and squinted her eyes. "You, let's go. They reserved seats for us and it would be rude not to take it."

Alexis pouted at her sister's bossy attitude but obliged and walked out with her into the spacious ballroom. She gasped at the view now that she was closer.

Grandeur, it was the only way to describe it. Round tables were set all around with silver cutleries and floral centerpieces. Museum artifacts and paintings gave the whole place color and vibrance. And most of all, the people in their elegant suits and stylish dresses made it all the more intimidating.

But also too painfully familiar.

Her fists began to turn white as they got to their seats at the furthest table. "L-Leigh, I don't f-feel good." Air was knocked out of Alexis's lungs. Her head felt like it was about to explode.

"Okay, Allie. Breathe, just breathe. Why don't we go outside, hm?" Leigh whispered.

But just as the two were about to retreat, the museum manager spoke through the microphone. "And now the moment we're all here for, the unveiling ceremony. To grace us with the discovery of these important historical pieces, let us welcome Lane's Heritage CEO, Sir Ellis Lane."

Their bodies froze as the man was called to the center stage. He walked with finesse that anyone near him would be infected with that same confidence.

"You're right," Leigh breathed out. There was no doubt about it now. "... It's His Majesty."

Ellis got to the platform as a large box draped in cloth was being wheeled behind him. He cracked a smile and greeted, "Welcome, and thank you all for lending us your time to celebrate another Crown Jewel Museum achievement."

His eyes roamed around and when they found Alexis's, his dark brown eyes simply glanced over to the next as if she wasn't there.

"My King," Alexis didn't know she was holding her breath until then. Now that it's been confirmed, it became more surreal and felt like they were back at the palace again.

With his captivating voice, he continued, "Lane Heritage had always placed great importance on history. Whether they showed the greatest or worst parts of our ancestors, we believe in the power of knowing. And with that knowledge, we can shape our current world into something we and our past would be proud of."

A drop of tears slid down Alexis's cheeks. She remembered a conversation their young selves had when they were at the royal library together.

"Ugh, why must I learn of events long past? They already happened, we have no need to unearth them," the young prince whined as Deyanira picked the books for him to read.

"Because, Your Highness, the past is often the wisest tutor. I hold faith in the power of knowing it," She dropped the heavy set on his lap and grinned. "You've expressed your wish to be a better ruler. How would you do it without the counsel of the kings and queens of old?"

Prince Richard let out a deep exhale but began inspecting each publication. "Very well, I shall bear that in mind."

Alexis sniffled with a smile, "He does remember us. I have to meet him."

Her sister dazedly nodded. Leigh's jaw was still slacked at the surprise and answered unknowingly, "You have to, Your Majesty."

Ellis extended his hand towards the mystery behind him. "What we have here tonight is not one of our country's best moments. In fact, a very controversial period in our timeline. We have recently discovered what was thought to be lost to the world."

Several staff members emerged from backstage and one by one, took a piece of the cloth in hand.

"So many movies and even documentaries were made regarding this specific individual. But one thing is for sure, she is considered to be a villain in this country's story."

The two women's breaths hitched. Leigh squeezed her sister's hands which were starting to feel cold like she was holding a corpse. "He's not talking about.... Is he?"

Ellis's tone had heated emotion now and each word more conviction, "Her supporters have tried to counter the truth but were unsuccessful. Now, we could finally and truly see one of the most hated women of our history."

The people in the ballroom buzzed with excitement, having already formed an idea of who Ellis was talking about.

Leigh looked at Alexis and attempted to pull her out of there. "Come on, Allie. Let's leave." But Alexis was unmoved, her weeping eyes glued to the man speaking.

"Let me present the former Queen Deyanira III."

The large fabric was pulled and in front of everyone, several art pieces like vases and small canvasses with portraits on them appeared. All of them were inside a wide glass box. In the middle of it all was a large painting of a woman staring back at them.

A loud applause rang in the gala with people expressing their delight.

"I can't believe this!" Leigh stomped as she stood, staring daggers at Ellis.

Again, the CEO looked around the expansive room and stopped at Alexis. No one else but her recognized the hostile air he gave off.

"The name Deyanira was mostly known in the past to mean strong will that can cause great change. But it also means manslayer. As you may be familiar, this woman chose to be both in the worst of ways. Deyanira pretended to work with her husband, King Richard V, in giving their subjects more control over what happened to the country. They were the starting point of how we got our democracy among many others."

There was almost a hint of sadness with how Ellis talked.

"But, it was all pretend. She only did this to assert more power for her family and give herself more authority. Her real goal was tyranny. That in the end, she chooses to murder her husband after failing to control him. Thus throwing the efforts to progress the kingdom." A low rumble of boos and disappointment echoed.

Alexis felt numb, only a faint tingling in her fingertips. Seeing her face plastered for all to ridicule and laugh at was nothing, she's experienced worse. But seeing the man she swore to love do this was excruciating.

The CEO chuckled darkly at their reaction, "I know, imagine the wonders that could have been accomplished. But her husband at least got the justice he deserved when shortly after his death, Deyanira was beheaded for her crimes. After which, every item that had her face and even name was burned or hidden because of the shame people at that time suffered because of her."

The entire time, Ellis's focus was on her and her only. "So with a bit of chagrin but also pride, please help me welcome back the dishonored Deyanira Alexis Valen," with more emphasis on the middle name.

The rest went by in a blur but the whole time, Alexis could only stare at her portrait. She was finally shaken out of her stupor when Leigh angrily said, "They wouldn't let me get close to him! We have to talk sense into King Ri- Mr. Lane! Come on, Allie."

Her vision moved from the stage to the table near it where Ellis and high-ranking officials were dining. It almost looked identical to when King Richard was surrounded by his generals.

One moment of a gut-wrenching, exchanged glance and Alexis knew. "No, nothing you or I will say could ever get through to him. He was telling the truth anyway, I killed my husband and I got the punishment I deserved... And more."

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