King of Wrath inspired, this post is for anyone who is about to betray the only woman you’ve ever loved because her Dad has blackmailed you into marrying her. Very specific. I agree. Any kind of betrayal will do, with, I suppose, any kind of blackmail.
It would help if you were a billionaire – with a B – and had an indisputable taste for art (minus one particular painting named Magda which no-one can understand why you bought). A grumpy personality that only softens in the presence of your Vivian. She would have been a complete shock to your system that has not only disturbed your routine, your home, but also your ability to think about anything or anyone else. She will have also captured the heart of your household staff who now prefer her presence immeasurably to your own, despite having known them most of your life.
A trip to Paris would be ideal before ruining her family, their business and ultimately her. It would allow you some final memories before she inevitably cuts you out of her life for good and leaves you a broken shell of a man. Sound good? Excellent.
King of Wrath
Our inspiration for this post, if you haven’t read it already, is King of Wrath by Ana Huang. Out of all of her books, this might possibly be my favourite so far. Although I’m sure I feel that way after reading every one of her books for the first time.
Our main male character in this instance is Dante Russo – CEO of the Russo Group. Closed off, withdrawn, a terrible communicator (grunts a lot). He was blackmailed into marrying Vivian Lau by her father Francis Lau, who had life threatening photos of Dante’s brother canoodling with a Mafia Princess.
Whilst working with our beloved Twisted Lies Christian Harper (swoon) to destroy all evidence, Dante lives with and develops feelings for the uninformed Vivian.
King of Wrath in Paris
After taking her to Paris – our destination of choice for this post – Dante struggles to let her go. Once Christian destroys all evidence of his brother’s antics, he reverts to his moody and withdrawn self. Eventually, Dante faces off with Francis; and Vivian, eavesdropping, learns the truth of her Father’s illegal activities.
So how do you sweep the love of your life off their feet? It might be best to not do so when you plan to imminently destroy their family. But timing is never easy. However, one must remember that even Kings can lose their head in France.
Thanks to Ana Huang’s, extensive description of their time in Paris, I’ve been able to create an itinerary worthy of Dante Russo’s high standards.
Day One:
Arrive in the City of Love. Walk hand in hand as you stroll aimlessly along the cobbled streets and enjoy the lights illuminating Paris’ most famous architecture.
Day Two:
Wake up slow, there’s no need to rush when you’re a billionaire. If today’s a Tuesday, you’ll likely have organized a private viewing of the Louvre (closed to the public on Tuesdays). For an eye-watering $34,000, you and three guests can explore the most famous museum in the world crowd-free. For us mere mortals, we’ll have to wait for another day (and in line) to dutifully pay our €15 and battle the crowds as we attempt to glimpse the Mona Lisa in its tiny glory.
After a calmer Louvre experience, head to Shakespeare and Company, the world famous bookstore. What’s more romantic than to find each other the most perfect book to read? You can even pick up a copy of King of Wrath as a nod to the inspiration for this post and our favourite author.
Day Three:
Take a leaf out of Vivian’s book and head to Rue Saint-Honoré to indulge in some retail therapy. That Black Amex needs to be put to work. If you have a private jet then there really is no need to worry about additional baggage fees is there? For those who don’t have $20,000 to drop on a handbag, window shopping might be the better way to go. Save your pennies for Bar Hemingway. Enjoy a cocktail whilst unearthing the subtle nods to the author around the bar.
After enjoying how the 1% live, walk past Notre Dame as you head to Action Christine, an art house cinema. They play films from all decades. Those on at the time of writing include, Black Dahlia, the Breakfast Club and The Shining. If, like Dante and Vivian, you plan to kiss and cuddle like teenagers in the back row, perhaps it doesn’t matter too much what you plan to watch.
Day Four:
By this point, your beloved will be absolutely smitten. Romantic walks along the Seine, delicate pastries that absolutely indulge our French fantasies, extravagance that really is only acceptable in somewhere like Paris. So, one final day to really ensure your Vivian knows how committed you are before utterly shattering her reality, not just with you but also her family as well.
You could, like Dante, rent out the entire restaurant of the Eiffel Tower. Our main man really doesn’t like to share his moments with anyone other than Vivian. Or, you could, like a normal person, make a reservation at one of three options.
You have Madame Brasserie on floor one. Le Jules Verne – a nod to the French science fiction novelist, on floor two. A Champagne Bar on floor three. Obviously, prices aren’t cheap (would you really believe they would be?) but from photos, it really does appear to be eating art.
Hopefully, you won’t receive the dreaded news that will end your relationship during dinner. Hopefully, you won’t then decide to (rather than inform your Vivian about what’s happened), go back to the hotel, spend the night making love so she is utterly and totally convinced that you’re made for each other. And hopefully you won’t return to New York only to ignore and avoid her for a week. Then she ultimately finds out about her Father’s blackmail and that you (after trying to antagonise him further) spit back that you never cared for her at all – clearly a total lie.
Sometimes more money really is more problems.
Our itinerary is here:
For a Paris itinerary that hits all the sights – without the billionaire price tag – see my 5 days Paris itinerary.
For more Book Inspired itineraries – click here.