The dilapidated fishing boat rocked gently against the wharf as Lucas tied the final knot.
The modest cottage on the village outskirts awaited him, as it had every evening since Maria passed. There was no laughing from children, no warm hug, just the silent companionship of his thoughts and images of the lady he adored but couldn’t replace.
He looked at Maria’s portrait on the mantel. “Should’ve listened when you wanted children,” he said quietly. “Always said we had time. Now look at me, talking to your picture like you might answer back.”
Suddenly, a faint but clear sound interrupted his thoughts. It sounded like a whimper or cry carried by the wintry wind.
His heart nearly stopped when he saw it: a woven basket on his porch, with blankets stirring inside.
“Dear God,” he muttered, taking the bundle in his arms. A baby boy, no more than a few months old, looked up at him with wide, interested eyes.
“Where did you come from, little one?” Lucas searched the vacant street, but whoever had left this valuable cargo had long gone, leaving only a note in the basket:
“Don’t look for me. Please take care of him. And love him like your own. Thanks & Goodbye.”
A tear streamed down Lucas’ cheek as he remembered Maria’s comments from years ago: “A child’s love is the purest thing in this world.”
“Matias,” he whispered gently, the name returning to him like a whisper from the past. It was Maria’s father’s name, a good, robust name for a son. “What do you think about that, little one? Would you like to be Matias?”
That night, Lucas constructed a makeshift crib out of an old wooden crate, filling it with nice blankets. He placed it next to his bed, unable to stomach the notion of leaving the infant alone in another room.
“I promise you,” he whispered, reaching down to touch the baby’s velvet cheek, “I’ll be the father you deserve.”
The infant slept soundly, one little hand still curled around Lucas’s finger, as if it knew he was home.
Seventeen years passed like leaves in the wind.
Matias looked up unexpectedly one morning while they were working in the garden. “Dad? Remember when you told me about finding me?”
Lucas’s hands remain still on the tomato plants. “Of course.”
“Were you… were you ever sorry? That someone left me here?”
Lucas drew his son closer, soil-covered hands and everything. “Matias, you weren’t left here. You were given to me. The greatest gift I’ve ever received.”
Suddenly, the screech of tires outside interrupted their peaceful conversation. Lucas looked out the window and saw a sleek red Mercedes approaching. A tall man wearing an expensive suit came from the car.
The knock seemed to reverberate throughout the house.
The man’s voice was educated and cautious. “I’m Elijah. We need to talk about the boy. I’m here to take him.”
“Who on earth are you? I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he muttered, his fingers pressing against the doorframe until his knuckles turned white.
“I think you do.” Elijah’s eyes fixed on a point over Lucas’s shoulder. “Hello, Matias.”
“You’re my nephew and I’ve been looking for you for 17 years.” Elijah’s voice softened. “May I come in? This isn’t a conversation for doorways.”
Elijah spoke of his sister — Matias’s mother — of her struggles, her disappearance, and her deathbed confession just weeks ago.
“She was young and scared,” Elijah explained, his perfectly manicured hands clasped in his lap. “Our father wouldn’t have understood. She ran away with you after her boyfriend, your dad, dumped her, hoping you could have a better life than she could provide at that time.”
“So she left me on a doorstep?” Matias’s voice cracked. “Like I was NOTHING?”
Elijah added, looking to Lucas, “he’s all we have left of her. And there’s so much waiting for him. The best schools, connections, opportunities. A life beyond…” he motioned to their humble surroundings.
“He’s right though, isn’t he?” Lucas’s voice broke. “You deserve more than fish nets and vegetable gardens. More than an old man’s company.”
“I want to go,” Matias said softly after a long silence.
Lucas turned, stung.
“Son—”
The goodbye was too fast after 17 years of love. Lucas helped pack a bag, his hands shaking as he folded Matias’ favorite blue sweater, which he had saved three months’ worth of fishing money for.
Lucas stood in the doorway, watching as the red Mercedes vanished, taking his heart with it. Matias’ face was tilted backward, watching him through the rear window, his hand pressed on the glass.
Days blended together. The silence was no longer peaceful, but oppressive. Lucas began talking to the chickens more, just to hear a voice — any voice — in the yard.
Then, one evening, a knock came on the door. He opened the door to find Matias standing there, with sagging shoulders and red eyes.
“They’re nice, Dad. They’re my blood. But you’re…” Matias’s voice broke. “You’re my FATHER! The only one I’ve ever needed. The only one I’ll ever need. I can’t be without you.”
“This time, I’m not leaving you… no matter what.”
He seized Lucas’ hand and clutched it fiercely, as if to compensate for the weeks they’d been away. They realized they were all each other needed.
WHY IS WILLIAM & KATE’S CLOSE FRIEND, ROSE HANBURY, AT THE CENTER OF DISCUSSION, AND WHO IS SHE?
Rumors regarding Prince William’s alleged affair have proliferated online, with many speculating about Rose Hanbury’s involvement. Once considered a mere family friend, she is now the subject of suspicion as a potential homewrecker.
Amid Kate Middleton’s absence from public view due to her recovery from abdominal surgery, speculations about Prince William’s fidelity have surfaced. As these rumors circulate globally, royal enthusiasts are scrutinizing the persona of the purported mistress.
Known among aristocrats as Lady Rose Hanbury, she holds the title of Marchioness of Cholmondeley. Her longstanding ties to the British Royal Family stem from her affluent family’s esteemed position in British high society. Married to David Cholmondeley, the 7th Marquess of Cholmondeley, the couple resides together and raises three children at their estate.
The friendship between Prince William’s and Rose Hanbury’s families has endured for years. However, recent scrutiny arose after the release of a photo featuring Prince William purportedly riding in a car with his wife, Kate Middleton. Despite this, royal enthusiasts cast doubt on the identity of the woman beside Prince William.
The woman’s head is turned away from the cameras in the photo, a behavior unlike that of Princess Catherine, who typically faces the cameras boldly. Moreover, she appears to be gazing at a brick wall, a detail that fans have contested.
Comments from users reflected skepticism about the woman’s identity, with some suggesting that the woman could be Rose Hanbury, Prince William’s alleged mistress, rather than Kate Middleton. Others questioned the authenticity of the photo, speculating that it might be a photoshopped composite of Kate Middleton from another image.
Although the agency that captured the photo, Goff Photos, affirmed its authenticity, stating that the images were cropped and lightened but not doctored, speculation about the alleged affair persisted. Even Stephen Colbert addressed the situation in a comedy sketch on national American television, highlighting the ongoing rumors.
For those unfamiliar with the Royal Family, Rose Hanbury may appear as a newcomer to the royal stage. However, she has been intertwined with the lives of Prince William and Kate for quite some time.
Their families’ close relationship was evident in their attendance at a gala dinner in June 2016 to support East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices. Despite the apparent camaraderie captured in photos, certain images from the event sparked controversy among fans, fueling speculation about underlying tensions.
Their continued association was observed in 2020 when Rose Hanbury and her husband were invited to celebrate Kate’s 38th birthday at Anmer Hall in Norfolk, indicating the ongoing presence of their families in each other’s lives.
Rose Hanbury and her family are known to be close friends of the Prince and Princess of Wales, residing just three miles from Anmer Hall, the royal couple’s residence. Lady Rose Cholmondeley, along with her husband and children, lives at Houghton Hall in Norfolk, while the Prince and Princess of Wales reside at Anmer Hall.
The couple welcomed twin sons, Alexander Hugh George Cholmondeley and Lord Oliver Timothy George Cholmondeley, in October 2009. Later, in 2016, they had a daughter named Lady Iris Marina Aline Cholmondeley.
Currently, swirling rumors suggest Prince William may have had an affair, with Rose Hanbury at the center of speculation. Despite the rumors, Rose Hanbury continues to focus on her roles as a wife, mother, and prominent figure in aristocratic circles.
As speculation persists, any appearances by Rose Hanbury at royal events garner further attention. Prince William’s recent public appearances without his wedding ring have fueled the rumors.
In a notable incident on March 12, 2024, Prince William was photographed alongside his stepmother, Queen Camilla, at a royal event. However, observers quickly noticed that Prince William was not wearing his wedding ring. This observation sparked discussions and concerns among royal enthusiasts on social media platforms.
Similarly, in a recent family photo shared on the Prince and Princess of Wales’ Instagram account, Princess Catherine was seen without her wedding ring. This absence prompted speculation and questions from followers about the state of the royal couple’s marriage.
Despite these observations, Prince William and Princess Catherine have made public appearances together, including being photographed in a car. These sightings have reignited speculation and scrutiny about their relationship status.
Fans of the royal family have closely analyzed every detail of their public outings, drawing comparisons to past royal dramas and expressing concern about the state of their marriage. The ongoing speculation reflects the enduring fascination with the British Royal Family and its members’ personal lives.
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