"Didn't you realise your feelings for him before I left so what happened now? Did you both get into a fight?" Audrey asked worriedly.
"And here I thought you both were gonna be a couple when I returned…,"
"Yes, I indeed believed I loved him but Amelia's words made me think otherwise?" Joanna said with her head lowered.
Audrey turned and grabbed Joanna's shoulders. She made the unhappy lady look her in the eye.
"What did she say?" She demanded. "Also, don't you know better that you are not supposed to believe the words of a jealous rival?".
"She might be my rival but I must admit that there was some truth in her words," She admitted.
Seeing that her words didn't help made Audrey's grip on her shoulders loosen.
She watched as Joanna sauntered to the glass window in front of them.
"Is what I am feeling for him love, dependence or obsession?" Joanna quizzed as she stared into space.
"I don't know anymore so will you please help me, Drey?" She asked and turned to look at Audrey.
Audrey was astonished to see that her eyes were misty.
"This hasn't reached for you to cry so what are you doing…,"
"I am lost at what to do. I was sure I loved him but why am I feeling this way now?" Joanna questioned. The tears she was holding back fell freely.
Watching her best friend's tears fall caused a sharp pain to run across her chest.
[She was fine when I left so how come she is such a mess now?]
Audrey was confused. Nonetheless, she walked closer and embraced Joanna tightly.
"I am sure not everyone who is in a relationship was a hundred per cent sure of his/her feelings in the beginning. I am certain a lot of them must have felt confused and lost just like you so calm down hmm," Audrey whispered and kept on rubbing Joanna's back.
Audrey kept coaxing Joanna until her emotions got stabilised.
"Last night when Mum and I were talking, she told me something and I think this might help you…," Joanna's abrupt movement made Audrey pause what she wanted to say.
She gazed at the lady trying to wipe her tears.
"What did she say?" Joanna asked while looking into Audrey's eyes.
"She said I should ask myself this question if I find myself in a state of confusion after falling in love…,"
"What question?" Joanna cut in. Audrey wasn't surprised to see that she was more interested in the questions instead of the topic that led to this conversation.
"Ask yourself, what would my life be without him in it?" Audrey relayed her mother's exact words.
"I am sure if you can answer this question you would be able to know whether what you are feeling for him is love, dependence or obsession," Audrey said.
She was so happy she listened when her mother was talking.
How would she have helped her best friend if she had acted defiantly because she believes love is not her cup of tea?
"I…,"
"You are not supposed to be rash with your response. Mum said you need to search your heart for the answer because that is the only way you will find the accurate answer," Audrey said.
"I will take a tour around. Use that time to think about what I said. Who knows you might get the answer before I am done touring the place," Audrey advised.
She gave a slight squeeze to Joanna's right shoulder and walked away.
Joanna moved to the couch and sat down. She began thinking about what Audrey said.
Her mind went back to the past.
Just like Audrey, he has always been there for her when she needed someone by her side.
He might not have always stood up for her in public but he did that whenever he is around her anytime she is bullied.
Joanna subconsciously beamed when she recalled how he trashed a group of boys who bullied her in secret.
If not for the fact that she overheard the boys talking after taking to their heels when they set eyes on her, she wouldn't have known what he did for her.
This was the same thing he did with Logan and his friends.
The Kayden she knows has always been this way since they were little. He will do so much for her in secret and yet will never take credit.
No doubt she didn't always like his company. There was a time she hated him coming close to her.
Yes, they will never dare to bully her in front of him but they will wait until he is gone and then they will deal with her mercilessly.
He might have not been the best mate but he tried his best for her.
Everyone has their shortcomings and he did too.
[If anyone thinks it's easy to be a King then they should try becoming one especially one controlled by the senile ministers and they will know that being a King wasn't a piece of cake]
Joanna was in deep thought as she sat on the couch with her eyes closed.
He might not have been with her every hour of the day like Audrey but his visit every night was enough to make up for his absence during the day.
Breaking the palace rule every night to be with her became a norm.
He didn't hesitate to leave his throne and the glory that comes with his title and name just to be with her. What more could she ask for in a man?
He has unknowingly become a part of her life that she can't do without.
She was in deep thought and didn't know how long had passed.
Even when Audrey returned to the sitting room she didn't feel her presence.
Audrey tiptoed to where Joanna sat. She stood gazing at her friend's peaceful expression.
...
A/N:
MERRY CHRISTMAS, LOVELY READERS ????????????. SEASON GREETINGS ????????????
May the joy of celebration not depart from your home.
So here comes the surprise gift I was talking about. Here are four chapters to keep you happy on this special day.
I have given you my share of the gift so please don't forget mine LOL. I will be waiting for your gifts.
I love you ❤❤❤