Chapter 4

My eyes closed, as Kartik's kiss grew more passionate, more longing. I realized, that I was returning the same intensity, that I wasn't stopping him. I wasn't sure if I really wanted to. I missed him so much, and his kiss made me realize just how much.

Then, I thought of Simon and my responsibility towards him. I pushed Kartik away from me, breaking the kiss.

He was stunned, as the expression on his face made apparent.

"I can't. I'm sorry, Kartik." I sighed, as I turned to go up the steps. I made it half way, when he actually spoke.

"I don't understand."

I stopped. Of course he didn't. How could he? How could he possibly know how much we now can't ever be together?

I sighed and turned my head. "No, I didn't think you would." I continued up the stairs to the life I was expected to live. But something had changed that caused me to not to be happy about it.

When I crossed the threshold, I looked back to find that Kartik had left. Of course. Why would he stay? Heartbroken, I walked further down the hall. Simon met me before I reached the ballroom.

"Are you alright? I was just coming to get you."

I nodded. "I'm fine."

He eyed me suspiciously, but his expression soften when he saw my face. I was wondering if my expression betrayed what I was feeling.

"Did something happen, while you were outside?"

I tried to put on a convincing smile. "No, nothing. Really, Simon, I am fine."

Obviously, my acting skills have improved, for he just shrugged and answered, "Ok."

He extended his arm to me, which I took. He lead me away once more into the swarm of guests, but not before I took one final look at the door.

The night came to an end, and Simon escorted me out to the carriage, Ann and Felicity in tow. When we reached the carriage door, the coachman let Felicity and Ann in first. I stole a quick glance towards the area where I last saw Kartik. I saw something move within the trees. He had never left.

Simon kissed me on the cheek. Usually this would cause me to be dizzy, but all I could think was that Kartik was probably watching all of this.

"I will see you soon, the future Mrs. Middleton."

And heard that.

I nodded and put on another fake smile, similiar to the one I was wearing the rest of the evening, after I went back inside.

Simon accepted my smile and watched as the coachman helped me into the carriage. He shut the door, before resuming his perch.

"Good night, Gemma." The way he said my name with an admiring expression caused me to feel worse.

"Night." And with that, the carriage started to pull away, Simon waving after us.