Chapter 3

While there was still time for the engagement ceremony, which Cora decided to leave until evening time. As for Robin and Marian, they were staying in separate guest rooms upstairs close to Regina's room.

There was a knock onto Robin's door, as opened the door he saw it Marian on the other side. He let her in and closed the door behind after he made sure no one was around his room.

"It looks like you have taken quite liking to Regina for a first meeting and things are progressing quickly then we thought" said Marian all amused with everything that has happened.

Marian sat on the bed making herself comfortable and looks up at Robin who had a worried expression on his face. "What's wrong darling?" asked Marian as she got up to stand in front of Robin.

"Nothing in particular just thinking if what we are doing is acceptable!" sighed Robin.

"You do realize that we need this to happen in order for us to get what we want!" exclaimed Marian in a frustrated voice. She knew Robin still had hard time doing something like this but she couldn't get him to understand that they didn't have any other options.

" I have merely given you this option for correcting your mistakes, and don't you dare let me down this time Robin. We need this marriage to happen in order for us to pay our debts that we owe to your brother so, we can live our peaceful life again like before everything happened." explained Marian while looking at him.

"I know, I know! But couldn't there be any other way, this family believes that I am the second partner to my parent's company", Robin spoke while looking back at her.

"Which you are Robin. There is not doubt about it, and after this whole situation we will prove this to your brother that you also deserve a place in the company that your parents built and for that we have to do this and I know its not something to be proud of but we have so little time to have all the money we need to pay off", Marian rationalized.

"But Marian, what about Regina? What are we going to do about her? She seems like a such a nice person, we can't hurt her like this" asked Robin.

"It doesn't matter we are going to do what I planned to do, Robin. Oh and please be prepared for the evening occasion and keep charming our mayors little princess, Regina." said Marian in an irritated voice.

Without listening to his reply Marian walked out of the room leaving Robin all to himself to get ready for what was about to happen in few hours.

It was almost evening time, so Cora decided to gather everyone. All of the town people were gather in their mansion and it seems to fit everyone since it was little amount of people that showed. Some were afraid or quite likely didn't like Cora much so they didn't show up. Cora tried to gain everyone's attention that was present.

"Hello everyone, thank you for showing for this wonderful occasion and as most of you know today my youngest daughter, Regina, will be getting engaged to Mr. Robin Nolan" she finished saying while looking at everyone with a smile on her face.

Everyone clapped there hands some even cheered but most of it looked so fake and unreal that it confused Ruben and Marian but they let it slide. The family members didn't real change into anything specific, everyone was into wearing the same outfits from this morning.

Now it was time for the engagement that Robin and Regina were waiting for all day. As they were standing next to each other, they looked into each other's eyes. Robin noticed how the worry in Regina's eyes he managed to notice before was gone and replaced with hopeful eyes and it made everything more badly for him. He slowly put the ring onto Regina's ring finger and heard everyone clap. Then he slowly moved up his hand to Regina so she could put the ring on his ring finger, which she did while smiling up at him. And that's when everyone along with the family members cheered for them. From the corner of his eyes he saw Marian smile her devilish smile to him and he couldn't help but feel guilty for what he had begun.

After the engagement ceremony everyone was in the dining area: eating. That's when Robin spotted Marian talking with Zelena and Gold. He walked up to her and excused her from Zelena and Gold, while dragging her up his room by her arm. As they went inside his room Marian snatched free her arm from his grip and yelled "What's wrong with you, Robin?"

"I am sorry!" he apologized and Marian nodded to say it was okay. "I am still not okay with all of this and it's taking a toll on me."

"I know how you feel darling but don't you let these emotions control you when its clear that you absolutely need to marry Regina," emphasized Marian.

This triggered something in Robin and he understood there really isn't any other way, "I know and I will", he spoke with determination while looking into Marian's eyes.

The celebration was going smoothly. But Regina couldn't find her fiancé anywhere as she roomed her eyes around. That's when she heard a voice behind her speak.

"Looking for Robin, dear" she turned around noticed it was her mother. Cora walked up to her daughter and led her into a corner from anyone eavesdropping in their conversation.

"Mother, I was just trying see where Robin went after the ring ceremony" Regina said with fear that she might have upset her mother.

"Regina Dear, I have been observing you all day and I have noticed you have taken a liking to him. Which is great and I hope it stays that way because I do not wish to see this getting ruined from your carelessness," demanded Cora. Then she pointed towards the living room " Robin and Marian just went to his room a while ago and you may go check up on them and bring them back to the party" Cora finished as she left Regina to do what she asked.

Regina did what she was told and was now standing in front of Robin's door. She could hear talking from inside and was debating if she should knock or not but later decided to knock. After few knocks the door opened and Marian greeted Regina. As she stepped inside the room while Marian closed the door, she noticed Robin standing up from the bed and walking up to her.

"Regina, what brings you to my room? Is something wrong?" he asked with worry, which didn't go unnoticed by Marian or Regina.

"Nothing is wrong, I was just merely looking for you to see if you were enjoying yourself in the party but couldn't find you there so heard that you were in your room with your sister in law" told Regina.

Robin stepped back a few feet and looked at Marian who had a angry expression on her face that's when Robin spoke "Marian, could you please give us a minute?"

Marian hesitated at first and turned to leave the room but not before glaring daggers at Regina. As the shutting of the door was heard Regina looked at Robin who was looking back at her, which caused Regina to turn away and blush.

Robin seeing this spoke again, "I am sorry I left you out there alone. I'll make sure to not let it happen again." He walked up to Regina and she noticed his presence was to close to her and that's when his strong arms engulfed her into a hug, which she reciprocated back. Robin feeling her arms around him smirked to himself, knowing fully well that there won't be any problems in their plans.