Chapter Forty-two

Emery

''Wake up! Rise and shine,'' I open my eyes in a hurry as soon as I hear my mother's voice, instantly making me feel the amount of headache that hasn't been bothering me for so long ever since college was over.

Her voice sounds like an alarm, serious though.

I furrow my eyebrows in annoyance before turning to look at my side, seeing that Emma is nowhere to be found—realising that we haven't been sleeping in the same bed ever since we made that agreement.

''It's ten in the morning, for god's sake, mother. Why are you waking me up so early in the morning?'' I ask, laying back on the bed as I snuggle closer with the pillows. My whole body feels drained and dehydrated so, she has got to let me sleep for at least another couple of hours.

''No, wake up. You have an event tonight with Emma so you two have to bloody be there. Excuse my language but Emery, wake up! I'm not even supposed to be here waking you up, you're twenty-six, oh lord,'' She starts to mumble and make a lot of noises in the room but I don't bother waking up because she'll leave me alone later.

To my surprise, I find myself soaking wet due to the amount of cold water being poured all over me. I sit up straight in a hurry, shouting in pain before seeing Evelyn looking at me with a smirk on her face, enjoying.

''For fuck's sake, oh my god,'' I try to breathe.

''It's not ten in the morning, it's three in the afternoon. So, wake your ass up or I'll pour some more,'' She says, pointing at the bucket that she's currently holding. My head shakes in disagreement, another pour of that cold water and I'll be dead. I'm pretty sure.

''When did you even walk in?!'' I ask in frustration, not feeling satisfied by her; she has always been the one to bully me and I'm more than lucky to not be under the same roof as her for the past eight years.

''I'm everywhere, Emery. Remember that,'' She says.

''Get up, get up. Apparently, I forgot to mention that you and Emma have an event to attend. No worries, just dress up your part and be at the event,'' Mother says, as she walks out from the walk-in closet, with a pair of tux. She's the one to prepare my clothing instead of the any of the maids because she said that she knows me better. Of course, she's my mother. She knows me.

''What kind of event?'' I ask, pushing myself up.

''Just some event,'' She replies, smiling.

''Wow, that's very helpful,'' I joke and Evelyn joins me as she chuckles, agreeing. Mother is very secretive about certain informations and it annoys me sometimes.

''Get up, now.'' Evelyn adds, rolling her eyes.

I, lazily step down from the bed before heading towards the bathroom; wanting to take a shower so that I'll be able to feel fresh and comfortable. Once I'm done doing what's necessary, I head out of the bathroom to find myself staring at Evelyn, holding a tuxedo up.

As I sigh deeply, she leaves me to dress up and get myself ready for the event. An event that I don't even know the occasion; probably, a charity event or just an event where I'll dine and leave. Typical.

I stare at myself in the mirror; seeing that it has been awhile since I've gotten myself this nice. The way my tuxedo just fits nicely onto my body and my hair neatly combed to the back; couple of strands showing off a simple and lay back look, making me smile.

All of a sudden, Evelyn and mother walk into the room, eyeing my outfit before smiling to themselves

All of a sudden, Evelyn and mother walk into the room, eyeing my outfit before smiling to themselves. I just keep on looking at myself as I try to make myself look better, neater. I stare a little bit longer at the wedding band on my finger, reminded of Emma.

''Looks like you're all set,'' Mother mutters.

''Now, will you tell me what this is all for?'' I frown.

''Just attend the event. Enjoy yourself and it'll be over before you know it—trust me,'' Evelyn replies, eyeing up at the clock, ''Oh! Look at the time,'' She adds.

Then, she quickly make her way out of the room, making me realise that she was all dressed up in her dark red dress; something that she would only wear if there's a special occasion, probably like tonight.

''Where's Emma?'' I ask, putting on my wrist watch.

''You'll be going with Andrea. Don't worry, you'll meet her there at the event—have fun, my dear,'' Mother smiles before kissing onto my cheek, leaving me wonder why she won't just let Emma go with me.

''Alright. Goodnight, mother.'' I smile at her, pecking onto the side of her cheek; leaving the room with the sight of her smile, the main happiness.

I walk down the stairs to find Andrea waiting for me, he is also wearing a tuxedo which matches mine. He looks up at me, pointing at his wrist watch, ''I swear Evelyn dresses up quicker than you,'' He says, chuckling.

''That would be a lie,'' I breathe, smiling.

Then, I look down at my wrist watch to find that it's already six in the evening—making me realise that it took me about two hours to get ready. Taking a shower was not included in the amount of time I've spent.

''Come on. We don't want to be late,'' He says.

We walk side by side out of the palace, into the back of a limousine, with two other cars following us for a better security—it has always been like this. Sometimes, it's far worst, it'd be better if they just leave us alone.

I glance up at Andrea, seeing that he's busy typing on his phone, probably texting Evelyn. They have been going on about each other and I'm pretty sure, it's something serious—serious enough to marry her.

Sometimes, just sometimes, I wish that I was able to get to know Emma first before actually marrying her. We would be enjoying things differently and I would actually have the effort to marry her, make her my wife instead of having to marry her without effort.

She will and always be the love of my life. It's just that, I wish our situation was different—I'd still want to end up with her but I just want us to experience the kind of things that a couple should go through, stages.

The stages where we meet, show interest and try.

Might be too much to ask but I'm very thankful.

Then again, we might not even meet if it wasn't for the damn agreement—we would never cross paths. We might end up with different people but if we have always meant to be together, it'll be the same. We'd be destined and we'd been very in love; that, I promise.

Emma. Who would've known?

She has become the woman that I'll always love, cherish and protect; no matter what the situation. I love her.

''We're here,'' I am interrupted by Andrea's words, making me look at the tinted windows, seeing that we're indeed here. The amount of reporters filling the way, letting them take pictures as we walk down the red carpet; into the hall, where the event is held.

As soon as both of us step out of the car, cameras are flashing and almost blinding my sight; making me smile, something that's a must for us royals. We walk down the red carpet, only trying to get away from the cameras as fast as possible—disliking the attention.

When we step inside, we're greeted with elegance.

The lights are shining and brightening the whole hall, showing the amount of people, all dressed nicely and fitted to be in here

The lights are shining and brightening the whole hall, showing the amount of people, all dressed nicely and fitted to be in here. I, on the other hand, is too busy to be amazed by the beauty of the hall as I am truly bewitched by the beauty of my wife.

My eyes remain focused on her, seeing that she is currently smiling as she continues on the conversation. She doesn't seem to notice that I'm standing in the middle of the entrance, only looking at her. At the beauty that she holds, the perfection.

It takes me awhile to realise that I'm smiling.

For some reason, it feels like it's just the two of us. The other people here doesn't matter, no matter how long they keep on staring at me; probably wondering why I'm acting this way. Then, they can just look away.

God, she's beautiful. I thought to myself.

I can stare at her for as long as I stand, I swear.

Then, all of a sudden, her eyes meet mine. She seems surprised at first but her lips immediately curve up into a smile—which I reply back, due to the fact that I caught her eyeing down my body for a second.

I slowly walk down the stairs, eyes are still focused onto her, not bothered to look at anyone else; even if other women are staring at me and whispering words, they don't matter—my wife matters, most.

It feels surreal, everything. I've always known that she is beautiful but tonight, right now, she's passed that. For the first time, I'm seeing her to be this elegant.

The way that her dress reveals the appropriate amount of skin, showing off her collarbones and cleavage

The way that her dress reveals the appropriate amount of skin, showing off her collarbones and cleavage. I've completely, utterly, deeply fallen in love with her; not just by her beauty but by the way she stands tall, full of confidence. She's the only one glowing.

We're the centre of attention, people's talk.

Once I'm close enough, a couple of women who has been talking to her bow slightly in respect, but for some bloody reason, I can't seem to look away from Emma. The way that she continues to smile, the way that she knows she has fully caught my attention, god.

''You're very beautiful,'' I mutter, earning another smile from her as she looks at the crowd—as they all end up keeping quiet, only looking at us.

''You're very handsome, yourself,'' She replies.

I may look like a fool for staring at her this long and this much but that doesn't bother me right now. I'm the luckiest man alive, to have her as my wife. Truth be told, I think I'm more fortunate for her existence.

Just like that, the music begins to play, as a sign for us and others to dance—in which I respond by giving her my hand, ''Can I have this dance?'' I ask, slowly.

She nods, smiling before taking my hand.

Her warmth soothes the coldness of my fingers as we walk towards the middle of the hall before placing my hand at the back of her waist as she places one hand on my shoulder, leaving me staring directly into her eyes. It's quite a surprise that I'm the one mesmerised.

I find ourselves dancing with the music as others begin to join, yet it doesn't bother me. As I twirl her around, she is brought closer towards me—making me glance down at her lips before looking back up at her eyes.

''Does this count as a second date?'' I ask, my voice low and almost inaudible, only loud enough for her to hear. My mind, my body, my soul is fully committed to her without a single interruption.

''I suppose,'' She replies, smiling.

''Where do we stand now?'' I question, wanting to know her answer due to the fact that I can't hold it any longer. I want to be able to kiss her all the time, hold her in my arms and just be in each other's embrace, not far away from one another because it's paining me.

To my surprise, I find her leaning in but due to our heights, it's quite a trouble for her so I lean in too, leaving our lips to meet in a slow, passionate kiss.

Her hands are around my neck, pulling me closer and deepening the kiss; leaving me kissing her back. It has been awhile since we've shared a kiss so passionate, so full of meaning and mixed with lust.

I, on the other hand, pulls her by the waist; wanting to make sure that she's all mine. Let those eyes that stare at her know that she belongs to me and I belong to her. No one else can praise the beauty she holds, other than me because that's my job; to appreciate her.

What kind of event is this? I don't even know.

She breaks the kiss, making me clench onto my jaw before sighing deeply; realising that I was too caught away in the kiss that I've completely forgotten where we are—in public, where people are staring.

My eyes open to meet hers, seeing that she's busy eyeing my face as she caresses the side of my face; letting me stay still, only feeling her touch. Her warmth.

''How can you be so beautiful?'' I whisper, smiling as she chuckles, shaking her head in disagreement. Yet, she just holds onto my hand, letting me wonder myself.

''Well, look at you. You're beautiful,'' She winks.

''There's no objection for me but you, you've completely mesmerised me, love. You've won my heart and my soul for the years to come until my last breath,'' I mutter, looking into her eyes as I said those words; wanting to show how I mean every single word. Sincerely.

''I'm still the same New Yorker that you were arranged to marry, the same one you proposed at the airport and the same one you fell for, I'm still yours. Till death do us apart,'' She replies, her words sinking deep into my heart—knowing that it's her way of confessing.

''Will you promise to always love me?'' I ask.

''I promise to always love you. No matter what,''

Then, she adds, ''What about you? Will you devote your life, yourself and your love to me?'' She smiles.

''I'm hopelessly devoted to you,'' I smile back.

''Believe me. You're the only one I see, the only one I want to be with for the rest of my life. I can't and won't imagine myself with anyone else except for you; you are the woman that I've fallen deeply in love and it's very impossible for me to step back. Trust me, sweetheart. No matter what we go through, I'm yours,'' I add.

Emma chuckles, her cheeks are reddening and yet, I find her adorable. The way she tries to cover up her cheeks as she continues to nervously laugh, she's just herself.

It's insane how I've managed to fall so deeply in love with someone when it was only months that I kept on saying I won't be in a serious relationship with anyone, look at me now, almost going crazy for my other half.

To our surprise, we are interrupted by the prime minister, causing me to slowly let go of Emma and turn to look at him—in which he starts to greet us. Emma, excuses herself as she leaves me to talk.

Even as I talk with other people, I can't help but keep on looking back at her; as she was talking, laughing and even smiling at other people here. She's making me go completely crazy that it's starting to hurt.

I can barely focus on anything else.

''I can assure you that I am,'' I reply as I take a sip of my drink, only eyeing the crowd—as other women are busy glancing at my direction in which I pay no attention.

Evelyn is currently talking with Emma, they are busy laughing and just enjoying their night; not bothered to look or think of anything else, they are just there.

''I want to tell you something and I want you to know that I'm very serious about it,'' He continues to speak, making me turn to look at him; waiting for him to go on because hell yes, he sounds serious, ''I'm in love with Evelyn and I want to marry her. I've been courting her for the past months and I'm sure of my feelings,''

My eyes widen, slightly; but, I keep calm.

''So soon? You two have just met,'' I frown, ''I mean, yes, that was months ago but are you sure? Are you very sure that you'd be able to love her? She's my sister and I want to make sure that you love her truly,'' I reply.

He looks at me for a few seconds, probably thinking of something before turning to look at Evelyn; the woman that he claims to be in love, my sister. The woman that has been busy travelling the world, meeting different people and having a lot of experiences.

''Were you so sure when you married Emma?'' He asks, ''You weren't in love with her and things were different but look at you two now, crazy for one another. About Evelyn and I, it's different—I love her and I want to be able to love her, for as long as I live. I want to prove to you that I'm good enough for her,'' He says, letting me think and turn to look at Evelyn, seeing that she has been happy lately, more happy, actually.

''Then, prove it. Marry her,'' I mutter.

Andrea's eyes widen in surprise before patting onto my shoulder, smiling widely as he continues to look at her. Then, all of a sudden, he has already make his way towards her—taking her hand as soon as he's close.

He goes on one knee, surprising everyone.

I find myself smiling as soon as she starts tearing up, nodding her head and accepting his proposal, letting him put the ring on her finger—earning an applause from everyone else, including myself.

She smiles widely at him as she wipes away her tears.

As he, keeps on kissing onto her cheek.

Somehow, I am reminded of myself with Emma when I proposed to her—it was the worst proposal ever yet I have no single regret. It was an honest one, it was just something even though it had no meaning. I smile as I am suddenly recalling back the memories:

''Do you choose me?'' I ask.

''I don't know,'' She replies, confused.

To her surprise, I start to go on one knee, earning almost everyone's attention. I keep on looking at her face and trying to think of ways to propose when I know nothing about her, absolute nothing.

''I don't really have a ring with me but, uh, either way I'm still kneeling. You can walk away and leave or you can accept me and we'll get this over with. So, Emma, I barely know anything about you because we met yesterday and it's really unrealistic for me to be proposing to a woman that I barely know but when I first laid eyes on you, I saw a very beautiful woman—not the prettiest but you are very beautiful. I don't know what else I'm supposed to say and this is probably the most horrible proposal but Emma Faye Parker, will you or will you not marry me?'' I say, staring deeply into her eyes with hope that she might be accepting my proposal.

''Well, I feel sorry for you to die alone so yes, Emery France Van Allan, I will marry you,'' She replies.

God, that was bloody horrible. It was the worst.

''What were you thinking?'' She asks, causing me to turn and look at my wife; seeing that she's smiling up at me. Both of her hands are on her side before grabbing onto my arm—making me chuckle.

''It was just something,'' I mutter, loud enough.

She points at the hors d'oeuvres, asking me if I want any but I just shake my head and gesture for her to take some if she wants; in which she denies.

Hours have passed and we're already back at the palace, making me sigh deeply before entering my office; I have left my phone in here since yesterday, leaving me a little but anxious, I thought I've lost it.

As I look at my desk, I find my phone there.

All of a sudden, I look up to find Emma entering the room, leaving me furrowing my eyebrows in confusion as she looks down at my hand, seeing what I'm holding.

''You're not going to bed?'' I ask, raising an eyebrow.

She stands in front of me, ''Not tonight,''

My mind stays confused until I realise what she meant, leaving me staring at her face. Her dress has revealed a little bit more than before, her cleavage which causes me to realise that it's heating me up, slightly.

Both of our eyes are deeply staring into one another.

Then, she lifts her hands up to untie my bowtie.

I am left smiling at her action, only letting her drop the bowtie onto the ground; eyeing at my face

I am left smiling at her action, only letting her drop the bowtie onto the ground; eyeing at my face. Once I find her hand slowly going down my abs, I quickly wrap my arms around her waist before picking her up and placing her on the desk—face inches apart.

Just like that, I begin to lean in; kissing her deeply.

Both of my hands are on her thighs, slowly opening her leg so that I can stand in between without breaking the kiss before placing my hands on the sides of his waist. She leans forward to deepen the kiss, slowly.

I tilt my head to the side, trying to make it easier for us to share this lustful, passionate kiss. My whole body starts to warm up as I slowly unzip the back of her dress; letting the dress loosening around her body.

After pulling onto the pins in her hair, they begin to fall down her shoulders, making me pull her closer by the waist—missing the way we used to kiss and love. We were freely loving one another and it has been awhile.

I want to cherish each moment, every time.