Once upon a time there was a fair-haired prairie maiden seeking respite from her routinized life of cleaning up after her privileged step-sisters (aka coworkers). Cinderella's drudgery (work) made her pine for something out of the ordinary (fun and adventure) to lift her spirits and restore her hope in romance. Being a (tech) savvy scullery servant she placed her detailed wish list with the local town crier (a dating website), hoping to attract a charming prince. Lo and behold, he answered.
A prince of noble standing, he was. An esteemed revenue collector (investment advisor) from a far away land (Massachusetts), his bi-coastal lifestyle brought him to my homeland (California) for one of those gatherings of the wizards (a Wall Street Investment Brokerage conference) where he also has an office in a neighboring village (city). His charming response to Cinderella's posting included a request to join him at the grand ball (a evening out at a trendy restaurant followed by a private Steve Miller concert the next night).
Being a wary Cinderella, she used her honed research skills to see if this princes intentions were true. Sure enough, from what she could gather from local gossip (the internet) this prince seemed sincere, with a reputation of integrity. She now felt confident that a tryst with Prince Investor would lighten her spirit and make her of sprightly step.
He was a crafty noble, mellifluous of tongue, keen of wit, who displayed impeccable manners. His savoir faire enabled her to feel comfortable enough to don her fine garments for their first night out at the royal meal. The night was magical. Co-mingling with the other honored guests at the feast made Cinderella feel gracious, poised, and polished. She felt entirely at ease, allowing the diamond beneath her imprisoned soul shine. Her engaging repartee entertained even the most reserved. Before the evening was through, Cinderella saw her dream of being exported out of the ordinary happen. What's more, the prince seemed to take great pleasure in having her accompany him.
When they departed for his castle, Cinderella knew what lay before her literally. The enchantment of the waxing moon, along with a sumptuous repast, incited amorous stirrings between them both. The Prince was enthralled with her blond locks, black boots, and bewitchingly brilliant mind. Cinderella was hypnotized by his confidence, civility, comprehension, and conversation. Together they were alliterately swept away by their ardor. A night of passion ensued. Cinderella liked this bold and commanding Prince-he was different.
The following night the Prince took Cinderella for a private concert by well known musicians (the Steve Miller band). Because he was revered for his financial acumen, he and Cinderella were escorted to a special area where they were waited on hand and foot by a cadre of servants. Cinderella found the experience of being waited on to be delightful. The whole evening was fun, exciting, and unique. Rarely had Cinderella been exposed to this level of finery.
The next day the Prince returned to his far away land. He promised to continue to correspond and wished to see her in March. Cinderella also went back to her scullery duties daydreaming of her time with the Prince in fairy tale land, excited about what the future may hold.
But alas, it was not to be. A friend of Cinderella's who lived in the same village as the Prince sent her word that the Prince has a Princess. Confused, Cinderella sent word to the Prince inquiring about this devastating news. After all, the Prince had assured her that the past Princess had forsaken him in another land long ago. Surprisingly, the Prince admitted to his manipulation of the facts, claimed he was no longer with the Princess, but apologized for his shameful lack of transparency. He ended his correspondence with, "You are an amazing person and deserve better."
Cinderella already knew that. What is hard is that Cinderella has discovered in this emerging age of fast communication, facts are easily spun, things are not always what they appear to be, and there is no way to know who or what the truth is. She also realized how trite saying, "I'm sorry" is and how easy it is to justify shredding another's trust, stomping on their heart, and screwing with their sense of reality. As disheartened as Cinderella was, she did not let this deter her. Not all fairy tales end up happily ever after.
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