'And how did Jack's trail's go?' Iori asked taking in a bite of her niçose salad as it arrived at their table.

'He's been annulled finally,' Kimiko replied with a smile. 'Until he finds his own place to live, he's staying with us- much to my grandfather's dismay but to tell you the truth, Madeline could use the extra help in her boutique.'

'And what about Ashley?' Iori persisted. 'Don't you think she should've been annulled too?'

'No', Kimiko snorted in disgust. 'She deserves all the humiliation the press is giving her.'

It had been a month since the ball and after the annulment had finalised, Kimiko had hoped for a little peace and quiet to help bring her life on track. Unfortunately for her, the press were going crazy to find out more and more about the daughter of the wealthy Texan who'd been missing for years. And things didn't get better when Ashley too tried to file for an annulment.

She'd claimed allegations of physical, emotional and sexual abuse from both Wuya and Jack. Kimiko had to be brought back into court to submit the truth. However, Kimiko felt no more sympathy towards Jack than Ashley as she knew, given the chance, Jack would've done the same thing to her as she did to him. For two lovers she thought, their love for each other doesn't seem to compare for their own selfish needs. She didn't want to be like that.

'They're re-investigating my father's death soon,' Kimiko said trying to bring in some positivity, 'I'm so sure Wuya's behind it, I just hope they hurry up about it.'

'Well I hope it all goes out well for you,' Iori replied smiling yet bored.

'So do I,' Kimiko smiled back indignantly as she raised her glass of water to her lips. 'So do I.'

It had been a month after the ball and already the king and queen were making wedding plans for their eldest son, Raimundo.

Raimundo, however, was far from pleased. The ball like many other 'wild nights' was just a blur to him, which he only recollected on drinking too much and potential wives. Marriage wasn't on the cards for him, not yet.

Sighing, he flipped through the pages of beautiful and exotic five star resorts. They were all too flamboyant for him – no character whatsoever but not that much of the wedding appealed to him anyway.

'I like this one' Dyris pointed out in front of him, nudging him for her attentions.

Sure, she was attractive and charming, but in all truths, she was no different to any other girl he met – all lapping the life of luxury but with no real sense of adventure.

'Sure, whatever' he muttered before leaving his seat.

'And where do you think you're going?' his mother demanded. 'We have your wedding to plan and we need your contribution.'

'Fresh air he replied coolly, 'And I think you're doing a fine job without me.'

And with that he headed towards the doorway, trailing his natural charm along with him. Many, not all, had found it hard to object to him and his mother was no exception to this.

'Renaldo', she pleaded weakly, 'do something'.

Sighing with weariness of his wife, the king just rolled his eyes, whilst Dyris remained uninterested in Raimundo's departure and continued reading throtake time to update ugh brochures.

'Just let the boy do what he wants.' He then shot his eyes toward Raimundo. 'Be back by six at the latest. We have an engagement dinner tonight and we need you there as a –'

'model leader for our country,' Raimundo recited once again. 'Yeah I know dad. Besides, I heard Chasey's bringing his new girlfriend,' he chuckled quietly to himself. 'I never thought I'd see the day when Chase would be willing to leave himself open to a girl.'

'Well at least Mr Young has his priorities right,' his mother replied flatly causing his smile to vanish and soon after, so did he.'

'He's never going to take this seriously if you keep imposing it on him, Maria.'

'I just don't understand it,' she said wearily, 'We weren't half as troublesome when we got married.'

'Times have changed,' the king stated. 'Things aren't as simple as they used to be.'

A/N: My sincerest apologies to everyone who have been waiting for an update for Xinderella and even more apologetic for the disappointing brevity of the update as well. Thank you to everyone who has beared with me to finally update, it means a lot to me. My exams are finally over so I promise the updates won't take so long, but after this fic there will be no more coming from me. Again, thank you, your reviews have helped encourage me to continue writing :)