“There were many things I expected to see tonight but not you and Aubrey hugging. What happened?” Nolan laid on his side, brushing a strand away from my face. A little after midnight, when the Prom was over, Nolan came to my room and made himself comfortable on my bed.
“What do you think happened?” I asked smiling.
“A miracle.” He exclaimed and laid on his back. “I thought the usual showdown would have a Season 10 episode 5 but no, you two ruined it with a newfound friendship.”
“Wow,” I said dryly, “glad to know our fight was a source of entertainment for you.”
“Can you blame me?” He asked and I pushed him away.
“I want to sleep. Good night.” I laid on my stomach, punched my pillows and sunk into the soft texture.
“Not yet, you owe me a dance and a kiss.” He dragged out of bed, tapping his phone. A slow classic music began to play.
I groaned as he pulled me out of bed, “I was hoping you would forget.”
“Dance with me,” He placed my hands around his neck and held my waist. “This is nice.”
I scoffed but smiled. It is nice.
“You seemed upset earlier when you were with Aubrey. What's wrong?”
I shook my head looking down, “Nothing.”
“Anna, tell me.” He raised my chin up. Looking into his eyes, I thought of what Aubrey said.
Don't fall too far.
“Did you receive any letter from Winston University?”
“Yes, I did. Why? It's a lot closer to home and I can be with you all the time.”
“That's good.” I hugged him and sighed.
What if it is really all a lie, Nolan? The fact that you like me, did you lie about that? I think I'm starting to like you back and I don't want to stop. If you really did lie, please give me a reason to stop and leave with Henry. If you did not-
“What are you thinking about? I'm worried with all the frowning, it's making you look like Grandmother.” He rubbed my back as I chuckled. We stopped dancing and enjoyed the warmth in the close promixity.
“I really would look great as a Granny.”
“I don't know. Hopefully, you would be uglier.”
“What? Why?”
“I don't want hormonal teens crushing on you.”
I mentally face palmed myself. “I will be beautiful and there is nothing you can do about it.”
We pulled away from the embrace. “Now about that kiss.”
I place a small kiss on his cheek.
“Whoa, wait. That was not what I was expecting.” He pouted.
“A kiss is a kiss and besides, you did not specify. I'm going to bed.” I climbed into bed and pulled the covers close up to my chest.
He grumbled and sat on my bed glaring at me.
“It is really unusual for you to be up at this time.” I glanced at the clock which read ten minutes to one.
“I know, right? I got a free schedule tomor-. Hey, isn't that the envelope I saw you with at the Prom?” he pointed at the vanity table. I sat up straight when he got up to get it. “What is in it?”
I got of bed and tried to snatch it from him but he kept it out of reach. “Give it back, Nolan. It's nothing important.”
He tore it open and brought out its content. His teasing smile fell and a scowl I haven't seen in months came on. “How did you get this? Aubrey gave this to you, didn't she? This is the reason why you and her were hugging?”
I clam my mouth shut and closed my eyes.
Don't fall too far.
“Is it true?” I finally found my voice to ask. “Is it all a lie?”
“What are you talking about? You were not supposed to see these papers.”
“Did you lie when you said you liked me? Was it really a ruse to keep the gossips off your back and claim the throne? Are you using me?” I yelled.
He kept quiet and looked away. The longer it took for him not to answer, I realized I got my answer.
“Why?” It came out as a whisper.
“I'm sorry but-”
“Leave.” I pointed at the door.
“Just let me explain.”
“Explain what? That I'm being used? Leave.”
“Yes, it is true. Well at first, but I really didn't lie.”
“How am I supposed to believe you? Every single time, just when I think I know you, something comes up and then I don't. How do I trust you? I can't believe I'm such a fool. I turned away the one person who really cared about me. I turned Henry away because I was scared for you. For me.”
“I swear to you, I did not lie. Everything I ever did was from here.” He placed his hand over his chest.
I shook my head. “No, not anymore. You know what? Let's stick to the original plan. We stay married for two years and when you become King, we divorce. The end.”
“No.” He cupped my face in his hands, “Please don't do this. These papers should have never been, I should have burnt them. I should not have had them in the first place.” He pleaded.
I shook my head and pulled his hands away. “It's much easier this way.”
“For who? You? So you can get back together with him?” He yelled. Fury burned in his eyes and the icy gaze was back.
“No! For me. Easier for me because I'm done with the both of you. I'm getting my head out of the gutter and sticking to myself. I want you away from me. No more manipulation in the name of love. Please leave.”
“For the last time, I did not lie. I truly and deeply love you.”
“I don't want to be used anymore. If I have to stick with Henry like you said then no problem.”
“Fine. To hell with you and all of this!”, he yelled even as his eyes filled up, “Yes, it is all true. I'm using you to secure my position as Crown Prince. One mistake and everyone places Henry in that position instead. I never cared about you. I never loved you. I will divorce you in two years and stay with Aubrey. Happy now?” He crumpled the papers and threw them in the bin. He gave a look on last time before leaving.
My cheeks were stained with tears and I bit back sobs.
Don't fall too far.
Too bad, I think I'm a goner in that area. I care too much for Nolan even when I didn't realise it. I looked around the room unable to believe a few minutes ago we were laughing and dancing.
I'm so stupid.
So stupid.