Here it is guys! The moment you all been waiting for. The wedding. Before you read this, I wish to thank you each and every one of you for reading this fic and leaving such amazing reviews that make me smile day by day. Here you will get to see a very manipulative Cora. This chapter was so fun to write, I literally stayed up 'till 2am writing this and just finished the last bit right now. Leave your feedback if you wish for another chapter. Enjoy! ;)
Regina came home after a while, expecting for her mother to know about Daniel by now. But to her surprise, Robin hadn't said anything to Cora about what he saw. The man was too furious to even care and talk to any member of the brunette's family.
Cora soon stepped into the entryway as she heard the door close along with Regina's footsteps echo in the room. The older woman had a smile on her face as she spotted Regina walking up to her. If the brunette wasn't so frightened at the moment, she would have noticed her mother's smile.
"Mother, we need to talk." was all the brunette said. She was ready to get straight to the point.
"I imagine we do, dear." and then, Regina stopped breathing as her mother's hands rested on her shoulders as her smile only grew wider before her.
"What are you two doing out here?" Henry asked as he stepped into the entryway.
"You know, Regina. I was doing some thinking, and you're father is right, dear. Robin Locksley is not the right man for you." said Cora.
"What?" was all that came out of Regina and Henry's mouths in unison. Surprised by the woman's sudden change of heart.
"Yes, I honestly think you can do better, dear. Although it seems you have already met someone and you've been hiding it from us."
Regina's body suddenly relaxed, thinking that her mother knew about Daniel and she was… okay with it? How was she okay with this news? She would ask, but all that mattered now was that she might finally get her blessing to marry the man she loves.
A sigh of relief escaped the brunette as she spoke, "You have no idea how happy I am to hear you say that. I have actually met someone."
Cora remembered Emma's words about her meeting Regina before, which brought another smile to the woman's face as she heard her daughter's words.
"Do tell, dear. Although, I'm sure I know who you're talking about. I met her this morning."
Regina suddenly grew confused as her brows furrowed. Did she say her? So this wasn't about Daniel after all.
"Her?" the brunette asked questioningly.
Henry was just as lost, "Who are we talking about here?"
"Why, Emma Swan, of course." the older woman stated as Regina's expression only grew more confused.
Of course, Regina would have known who her mother was talking about, had she asked the blonde woman she accidentally hugged at the beach that night what her name was. It was then, Cora's smile was becoming less and less as she realized Regina was just as lost as Henry was.
"Isn't that James Nolan's daughter?" Henry asked as Cora simply nodded.
"How could you possibly not know her, Regina? She told me you met before. She's young, she's good looking and she's interested, Regina." Cora stated.
This made the brunette scoff in disapproval, she knew where this was heading, "And rich, right? I've heard enough."
Cora grew furious as Regina began to walk away.
"Where are you going?!"
Regina walked back to her mother, practically seething, "I am not property, mother! You can't just offer me to anyone you please, much less a woman!"
"What is so terrible about getting to know Emma? She really likes you, Regina. She can be the solution to all our problems." said Cora.
"That's all you care about! Your problems! Have you ever thought that I love someone else?! I want to marry who I love, not someone I know absolutely nothing about!"
Regina finally snapped. It aggravated her that her mother kept doing this to her. First Robin, now this woman she knows nothing about.
"Who do you love?! And, since when marrying a woman is so horrible? I recall you liking a girl once-"
"That was years ago, it was kid stuff, mother! May I remind you what you did to me when you found out?"
Regina never had a girlfriend before, but she did like the girl. She was thirteen when her first kiss happened, which unfortunately Cora walked in on the day it happened. It was also the very first time Regina was ever hit and punished by her mother. As for her father, he never punished her.
"You can't do this to me, I am not a little girl anymore." Reigna spoke again.
"Then stop acting like one. Now, I invited Emma to the party tonight, because we are still having this party. And, you will be nice. I need you to look your absolute best. Do I make myself clear, Regina?"
The brunette sometimes wanted to scream. Cora was beyond impossible. She wish she could leave and never come back sometimes, even more so now that she was being forced to meet this woman. She wished Daniel would just say the word so they could leave and never look back. But, she knew her father needed her, and she couldn't go now even if she wanted to. The best thing to do was to get this party over and done with.
"As you wish, mother." was all the brunette said before leaving the house.
Cora then turned to look at her husband's questioning gaze, "Don't start, Henry."
"When are you going to give up on the idea of marrying her off as if she were an item? What's wrong with you, Cora?" asked Henry.
"I did no such thing. Emma is really interested in Regina, she wants to get to know her." Cora replied.
"How did you even talk to her?" asked the older man.
Henry didn't need to know about her agreement with Emma, he would only make her give the check back and she wasn't about to lose that money, so she lied, "Jefferson and I ran into her. She was in Chicago but she went back to that ranch her father used to own. She seems to prefer it over there, God knows why."
The man wasn't about to argue with her, he hated it. He never won. And if Emma really liked Regina and was truly interested, he would see that for himself tonight. Unlike Cora, he was never opposed to Regina dating a woman. He was always very supportive of her own choices. And the man wasn't stupid, he knew that the only reason Cora was fine with Emma courting Regina was because the woman now had all the money in the world to offer her.
Henry only had one small request towards all this, "Just don't pressure her tonight. And if Regina isn't interested, promise me you'll back off."
Cora simply smiled, "Of course, darling."
Of course the woman wasn't going to back off. She was sitting on a gold mine as long as Emma was a part of Regina's life, and she wasn't about to let that go.
Regina was able to meet up with Daniel however, before she had to be back home for the party. She needed to feel his embrace, before she would have to put on a fake smile for every guest that would surely be there tonight.
Daniel held on to her as tightly as he could, he hated seeing her cry over her mother's doings. But he knew this would happen.
"I told you they would never accept us, Regina." he murmured.
Regina's chocolate eyes, suddenly found Daniel's, "We have to leave, Daniel. We can go now, my mother is so busy with this party planning for tonight, we can just go."
Daniel shook his head, "I need a little bit more time to gather up money. We couldn't leave now."
This wasn't what Regina wanted to hear. She was ready to leave with him now. Money be damned.
She quickly backed away from his embrace as she decided to tell him the truth about things, tears falling from her eyes, "My mother is already offering me to someone else." she murmured.
This caught his attention as his eyes nearly grew wide as saucers, "What? To who?"
Her hands quickly dried her tears, as she regained composure, "It doesn't matter."
And for the first time ever, Daniel began to feel jealous. He wasn't sure why, because he knew Regina would never betray him with anyone else.
"It does matter." he replied firmly.
The brunette turned back to face him instantly, " I have to get back. I just wanted to tell you what's been going on, so unless you want to lose me, I suggest we come up with something."
The brunette didn't give him a chance to say anything else as she turned away and left him there.
As night came around, the Mills manor was already filled with many of Cora's friends. Everything was coming out wonderfully, just as Cora planned. Drinks were being served, food was being passed out. Everything was really elegant. After all, the woman needed to keep up appearances.
Regina was forcing smiles with everyone she greeted. She really didn't want to be here. She hated pretending to like this, and she really wasn't looking forward to keeping this blonde woman company. Ok, Regina felt a bit bad about that. It wasn't the woman's fault that this was happening. Even if she had to deal with all of these guests for the night, she had to admit she looked pretty good in her black dress. Long thin fabric hung over her forearms nicely like a scarf.
It was then Regina caught a glimpse of a familiar blonde in a white elegant dress, her hair raised up in a bun with streaks of blonde falling to the sides of her face. It was then she realized that she was the same woman she stumbled upon at the beach. She was accompanied by a tall man. Regina couldn't help but wonder who he was to the blonde. Their arms were linked together, he could be her boyfriend maybe.
The brunette had to admit, the blonde cleaned up nicely. She was gorgeous and with the lighting around her, she could definitely see her better.
It was then, Emma's very own eyes caught glimpse of Regina as the blonde felt a pair of eyes watching her from across the room. Their eyes instantly connecting.
Graham had stepped aside to admire Kathryn playing the piano for everyone, as Cora then approached Emma whispering words into the blonde's ear. It was then, Regina also realized that she was the Emma Swan. The woman who was now interested in Regina and that her mother was surely kissing up to.
"She looks beautiful, doesn't she? She dressed up especially for you." Cora whispered to Emma.
This gave the blonde hope. Regina must be interested too, she thought to herself. Emma then turned to face Cora as if for confirmation that Regina did indeed dressed beautifully for her.
"Really?" asked Emma as her eyes sparkled as soon as she caught sight of the brunette.
"Of course, dear. She doesn't dress like this for just anyone. She hates these types of things; but once she knew you were coming she was absolutely delighted." the woman was lying through her teeth. She was good at it, of course Emma would have been able to tell, but she was too over taken by the brunette's beauty that all that mattered right now was that she too was possibly interested in her.
"Don't be shy, dear. I'm sure she'd love for you to say 'hi'". Cora lightly nudged Emma as the blonde then stepped forward, making her way towards Regina.
She was truly breathtaking in that dress. Emma wasn't quite sure how she was even able to walk at this very minute as her feet moved her across the room and crowd of people. And there they were. Those mesmerizing eyes Emma could get lost in for all eternity. Could you even black out while still being awake? Because she swore that while Regina's own eyes fell upon her own - she did in fact forgot where she was for a while.
As the brunette smiled, Emma swore her heart was about to jump right out of her chest. It was then she knew - this was love.
"Good evening." greeted Regina. She didn't have to look over Emma's shoulder towards her mother to know that the woman was watching them like a hawk, making sure Regina played nice.
Emma then flashed her own pearly white smile, "Hi." she murmured as she extended her hand before the brunette, "Emma Swan."
Regina quickly shook the blonde's hand, "Regina Mills."
Regina didn't quite understand it, but as she held Emma's hand she felt as if shock waves were moving up her arm, and straight into her heart. Upon meeting her at the beach, she seemed to be a nice person. Her eyes were kind even, just like they were now. Regina couldn't help but stare into those emerald eyes.
"What do you think, Henry?" Cora whispered to her husband as they watched from across the room.
"She's very beautiful."
"Regina seems quite taken with her, don't you think? And Emma can't hide her infatuation with her." said Cora in a almost hopeful tone.
Cora was right about one thing, in fact. Regina was quite enjoying Emma's company.
"How about we step outside for a moment? I'm afraid my mother's stare is starting to burn." the brunette joked, earning a light chuckle from Emma.
"I'd love to." said the blonde as she felt Regina's hand slip right into her own as the brunette leaded her away from the crowd and out into the patio of the house.
Cora couldn't possibly feel more satisfied.
The piano melody and chatter from the crowd became faint as they both were outside. Regina was able to finally breathe.
"This is better." the brunette told Emma, referring to the quiet atmosphere.
"Back in my hometown, it's always like this." Emma informed her.
"Oh? Where is that?" asked Regina.
"Storybrooke. Although, right now I'm living in my father's ranch a couple of hours away. But I'd think you'd like the town." said the blonde.
"It must seem silly to you." the brunette told her.
Emma now had a questioning look on her face, "What?"
"Being here, have to surround yourself with all these snobby people. Everyone being so nice to you, just because you now have all this money." the brunette rolled her eyes, "Including my mother."
A light laugh escaped the blonde's lips, "Well, to be honest, I never imagined being in this situation, much less wearing a ridiculously expensive dress; that I'll probably only wear once. I honestly am more of a tight jeans kind of girl."
At Emma's words, Regina's eyes soon looked the blonde's body up and down, "Well, I'm sure you look twice as good in those."
Did I just say that? Regina thought, because yes, she had just flirted. It was even clearer as a shade of pink soon reached Emma's cheeks.
The blonde's eyes soon did their own round of looking over at the woman standing in front of her, "You look absolutely beautiful."
Regina couldn't help but smile at Emma's own flattering words. What the hell was going on with her? She was in love with Daniel, it wasn't like her to flirt like this. It was as if she was suddenly not in control of the words that came out of her mouth when talking to this woman.
"I'm really glad you came, Emma." were her next choice of words.
Emma's eyes instantly sparkled as her smile only grew, "You are?" she asked.
Regina nodded, "I've been enjoying your company."
"Then, would it be too much of me to ask if I can see you again?" the blonde asked.
Regina quirked a brow, "Why, Ms. Swan. We just met and already you are asking me on a date?" she teased, "What would your companion say?"
Emma couldn't help but laugh, "Graham is more like a brother to me. As for your other question, I'd love it if you'd allow me to take you around Storybrooke sometime. We could go just as friends." Emma assured her.
A grin spread across Regina's face, "That's very brave of you, Ms. Swan."
"I'm the most frightened I've been in a long time, actually." the blonde admitted as the butterflies in her stomach soon flapped all around.
Emma couldn't help feeling this way when with Regina. She was feeling as if she were a teen back in high school all over again, asking this beautiful girl to prom.
Regina couldn't help to sport an evil grin this time, as she teased the blonde again, "Do I frighten you?" it was obvious how much Emma did like her.
But before Regina knew it, it was her who froze into place as without warning, Emma took a few steps towards her, closing the very little space that was between them. Her emerald eyes soon going a shade of dark from what looked like desire.
Regina quietly gasped as her smirk soon disappeared. She wasn't sure what was happening right now, even more so as to why she was just standing there gawking at those green eyes.
"You make me feel more than that." Emma murmured, her voice an octave lower now.
This made Regina's knees grow weak. She didn't understand it, why in that very moment did she feel a shiver run down all the way in between her legs. Yes, Emma had captivated her in that moment, but then remembered she had Daniel. She couldn't love anyone else that wasn't him.
It had been weeks after the party in the Mills manor. Regina was having breakfast with her parents, eager to see Daniel for the day. Emma got busy with work unfortunately and they hadn't talked so much during those weeks that passed.
"You were out late last night, Regina. Emma called and you weren't here to take her call." said Cora, her tone obviously upset.
"I had plans." said Regina.
"You should call her back, dear. She's been asking about you, you can't be rude."
Regina went from having a good morning to growing annoyed at her mother's persistence, "Mother, you said be nice to her. I was. I did my part."
"The woman is pining over you, Regina. You don't want to give out the wrong impression." replied the older woman.
"For God sake, Cora, Regina is obviously not interested. You said you would back off." Henry soon spoke.
Cora's vein was about to burst, "What is wrong with you two?! Can't you see that Emma is trying really hard here to win your affection?" she asked Regina.
Silver hitting the wooden table soon echoed around the room as Regina tossed her silverware aside, "I don't love her, mother! I love someone else!"
"Well, that is going to stop right now, do you hear me?! Emma has a future she can offer you, your love for her will come in time." replied Cora.
"What the hell is so special about this woman?" Regina asked, her fist tightening.
Cora lost it as she immediately stood from the table, her fist slamming on to the table,"Emma is the only one doing anything for this family! Had it not been for her money, you wouldn't be eating breakfast right now."
"What money, what are you talking about?" asked Regina.
"Cora." Henry's voice raised.
"She should know, Henry. Maybe this way, you will learn to appreciate Emma just a little bit more." Cora continued, now aggravated with her daughter for being ungrateful, "It's thanks to Emma that your brother got out of his debts, that your father is able to work again, thanks to her coming to some type of deal with your father. And she did it all for you, dear. She paid big money for your affection. I expect you to give her a chance."
This time it was Regina's own vein that was ready to pop. She figured Emma for a kind hearted person, she really did enjoy her company that night at the party, but now… now she saw that she was just like everyone else. She didn't help her family out of her good graces, but to buy the brunette's affections. That was just sick.
Cora had had enough of this person Regina was seeing, she needed to work out some sort of plan to be rid of him for good. He would only get in the way of things that Cora had planned for Regina, and she couldn't well have that happening.
"What's up?" Jefferson asked his mother as he entered her bedroom.
"Do you still have connections with that friend of yours on the police force?" asked Cora.
"We hardly speak anymore, but, yeah. I can get in contact with him."
"Do it. I need him to find out who this person is, your sister is seeing. Once it's done, you tell him that I will pay him well, in exchange to make him disappear." said the older woman.
It was a very low move even for her, but she was sure of what she was asking for. Even Jefferson was in a bit of a shock.
"Are you suggesting to have him killed?" he asked still in shock.
Cora shrugged, "I frankly don't care what happens to him. Dead or not, I just need him out of your sisters life. I have big plans for Regina and nobody will come in between that."
"Are you really planning on having her marry Emma Swan? You know how Regina is once she sets her mind to something." Jefferson asked.
His question brought a smirk to play on Cora's lips, "I can handle your sister. Emma is stupidly in love with Regina, she will marry her once I make her believe that Regina feels the exact same way."
Hours later, Regina was supposed to meet up with Daniel, which he never showed. But this time it was thanks to Jefferson's friend who had successfully completed his task. That's point one for Cora.
Next up was for her to find a way to make Emma believe Regina was in love with her, so Emma would speed things up and propose. As luck would have it, and the woman seriously must have been wearing a horseshoe for luck because Emma was back in Chicago for just that day and was hoping to see Regina as she paid them a visit.
Cora flashed her most bright smile at the blonde as she greeted her at the front door, "Emma. Lovely to see you, dear."
Emma could practically see the way Cora was behaving was bullshit but decided to play along as she stepped inside the house, "I'm sorry to just stop by unannounced. I don't have a lot of time, I'm afraid." said the blonde.
"Not to worry. Although, I'm afraid Regina isn't here right now, you just missed her."
Emma's expression turned sad, "Oh. Well, that's a shame. I was hoping to see her before I had to head back home."
It was time for Cora to make her move, and she did.
"Would you mind coming with me to my husband's study for just a short moment? I'd really like to speak with you about my daughter."
Of course, anything that had to do with Regina interested Emma. How could she say no?
The blonde nodded as she walked behind Cora into Henry's office, closing the doors behind her as she turned to face the older woman ready to listen to what she had to say.
"How long until you come back to see Regina again, dear?" asked Cora.
"A week, maybe two. It all depends really."
Cora's brow raised, "Oh?"
Emma went straight to the point, "Well, I honestly don't think Regina is even interested in me, in the slightest. She hasn't returned my calls that I've made since we saw each other at the party."
Cora let out a chuckle, "Regina is just playing hard to get. I'm actually not supposed to say anything, she swore me to secrecy… but, she hasn't stopped talking about you since the party."
The woman could practically see hearts for eyes on Emma's face now.
"Let me ask you a bold question. How far would you be willing to go with my daughter?" Cora asked.
"All the way. Assuming that's what Regina wants." replied Emma.
Cora smirked, "Oh, believe me. She wants to."
Emma's brows furrowed, as happy as that answer made her it all seemed too fast, "Did she say that? Because we talked about a possibly date, but I didn't think she would be thinking about marriage so quickly."
Another chuckle escaped it's way out of Cora, "Emma, dear, I can assure you that if anyone knows Regina, it's me. I'm her mother. Regina, is very… special. She's has dreamed of this moment her whole life. What woman doesn't? And, ever since she met you that's all she's been talking about. She's just afraid that you may not want to take it that far. She's already had her heart broken one too many times, you understand."
Cora had given Emma the words she wanted to hear, she had taken the bait. She was so head over heels for Regina that she wasn't seeing what was right in front of her.
"Regina and I have no secrets from each other. As her mother, I can honestly say that Regina is madly in love with you."
Emma's smile soon appeared on her lips, "I had no idea she felt this way."
Cora pleaded, playing along, "But, please, I do ask that you don't say a word of this to her. She won't admit if you do. And may I suggest, that when you come back in a week or two… come back with an engagement ring. Regina will be thrilled."
Point two for Cora.
A week had gone by with Regina still expecting to hear from Daniel. Nothing. She was growing desperate to hear from him. She would be blowing up Kathryn's phone daily to see if maybe she had better luck and had received at least a letter or phone call from him. Kathryn wasn't so lucky either. Daniel continued to be a no show.
Regina nearly jumped out of her skin as she glanced over at Jefferson who had been standing by the door frame of her bedroom, "Jesus, Jefferson. How long have you been standing there?"
Jefferson just smiled, "Trouble in paradise?" he asked smuggly.
Regina quickly walked past him as she made her way down the stairs, "What do you care?" the brunette asked as Jefferson followed close behind.
"You're right, I don't. Honestly, Regina you should have listened. That guy is just fooling you."
Jefferson could be an asshole and sad thing is he wore it proudly.
Regina turned to face her brother as she reached the bottom of the stairs, "Daniel would never do that. He loves me."
Suddenly a knock was heard at the door, which Regina couldn't help but run to as she answered the door. It was in that moment where she wished she hadn't as a pregnant girl, about Regina's age was standing before her asking for no other than Daniel himself.
"How do you know Daniel?" Regina asked questioningly.
The woman chuckled as she motioned towards her stomach, "I think this speaks for itself. I'm his wife."
Regina couldn't bring herself to believe that she could possibly be Daniel's wife. In all the time Regina knew Daniel he never mentioned he had a wife. He couldn't just lie about something like this.
Could he?
The girl's brows quirked in confusion, "How do you know my husband?" she asked Regina.
"I'm his girlfriend." the brunette replied.
The woman scoffed, "That son of a bitch. This explains why I haven't seen him for months."
Regina's eyes grew wide, "Months?" that was meant to be a whisper, but the girl had heard her.
"That's right. Last I saw him, he told me he was coming down here for a job. He had found work cleaning stables and caring for the horses. The bastard didn't even send me any money."
Regina couldn't believe this was happening. Why would Daniel keep something like this from her? She would look into his eyes and see the love he had for her.
The brunette then grew upset as tears started streaming down her face, "You're making this up! I don't believe a word of what you are saying. I know Daniel, he wouldn't do something like this!"
"I hate to break it you, but that's exactly what I said and now look at me."
"What on earth is going on here?" Cora asked as she walked into the entryway, now eyeing the strange woman in her house, "Who are you?"
" Look, if you do see him, you tell the bastard that Karen came looking for him. He needs to start taking some damn responsibility."
She was gone out the door before Regina could say another word. The brunette had never felt so crushed in all her life as she did in this very moment. Cora immediately began to dry her daughter's tears as she looked her in the eye.
"That just goes to show you, Regina. Mother knows best. That boy never wanted anything serious with you. He was just after your money, while he had this poor girl pregnant and alone. That could have been you."
Regina was in no mood to talk, or even listen to her mother. She stormed upstairs as fast as she could go as her door was heard being slammed shut.
Jefferson, now leaning against the wall just kept his eyes on Cora, "You are a cold hearted person." he told her.
"It had to be done." was all the woman said.
Now with Daniel gone and this girl making Regina believe that she was his wife, Regina would soon forget about him and marry Emma.
Point three for Cora.
"Regina, you couldn't have known." Kathryn told her friend as she rubbed her back gently, being the good friend she was.
After another week went by, Regina had gone to seek shelter at Kathryn's for the day. She had no one else to turn to but her right now. Tears were still streaming down her face as she couldn't comprehend what she had discovered. Just as Cora planned, Regina believed every word of it.
"I don't understand why he couldn't just tell me. Instead he left like some coward." the brunette's voice was broken but angry all at once.
"Well men can be scum." Kathryn told her friend.
Regina shook her head as she dried her tears once again, her eyes were now red and feeling tired from all she had cried before, "I don't even want to worry about it anymore. I've cried too much already."
"It's understandable, Regina. But you know what? His loss." this made the brunette smile just a little, enjoying how her friend stuck up for her, "You know, I hear Emma Swan is back in the city."
A sigh was released from the brunette then, "I honestly don't want to see her. I don't want to see anyone. For all I know, she's another liar just like Daniel."
Regina had also informed Kathryn what her mother had told her about Emma giving her family money in exchange for her affection, even after Cora had promised to not to say a word.
"I honestly don't think it happened like your mother said. I mean, sure, she may have helped your family out of a little money situation. But, she seems really interested in you. Maybe it was to get on your good graces." said Kathryn.
The brunette scoffed, not knowing what to think of Emma after finding out about that little detail, "You know me, Kathryn. I'm not the type that needs to be charmed by money."
Kathryn gave Regina a nod, "I know. And okay, maybe that wasn't the right way to do things, but I say give her a chance. She may surprise you. Besides you can't deny that she is pretty hot. If she had her eye on me, I'd marry her in a second." Kathryn said this as she snapped her fingers, causing Regina to laugh for the first time in days.
Kathryn was able to get her mind off things for a while, but once Regina arrived home again, she found herself up in her bedroom crying her eyes out once again. She couldn't help it loving Daniel, even if he lied to her. She was angry at him too, and herself for that matter. She had given her heart to a man who turns out never loved her. That would make anyone feel stupid.
Her thoughts were interrupted as a knock was heard and Cora stepped into her bedroom, looking down at her daughter who was lying on her bed, "Why are you still in bed, Regina? I need you to get ready."
Regina kept her back to her mother, "For what?"
"Emma is here, I told her she could wait for you. Now, get as beautiful as you possibly can, and come downstairs. Don't keep her waiting, dear."
The brunette couldn't help to roll her eyes, "I'm really not in the mood to see her, mother."
Cora grew annoyed, "You have got to stop this moping around over someone who clearly didn't love you, dear. Look at you, you haven't been eating well, you're always crying. Emma has come a long way just to see you."
Regina then sat up, staring at her mother with glossy eyes, "I don't want to see her! I just want to be left alone. Please." she pleaded.
Cora shut the door so Regina's voice wouldn't carry downstairs, risking Emma to hear her, "Keep your voice down. You will get ready and come downstairs, and be nice. You have five minutes." the woman then left a broken Regina along in her room as she headed back downstairs.
Soon after, Cora, Henry and Emma were joined by a smiling Regina in the living room area. Little did Emma know that smile was only a facade. A mask of emotions that she most certainly did not feel at the moment. But, she couldn't be rude to Emma either; after all, it wasn't her fault what Daniel did to her. She doesn't even know the man.
Emma's eyes instantly brightened up as Regina walked into the room. She had fixed herself up with a hint of makeup, she wore a casual summer time dress, nothing fancy, along with a maroon thin scarf to complement it.
It was safe to say she took Emma's breath away everytime she came into a room.
Henry worried for his daughter, but he knew not to press on about her pain. And with Cora's watchful eye, it was best not to discuss it. He also saw the blonde's sincerity in her feelings towards her daughter, she was a good woman and he knew she would be well taken care of with Emma.
"I'm sorry to keep you waiting." Regina said to Emma with a smile on her face.
"We should probably let them talk." Henry said as Cora turned to look at her husband, "Alone." he finished.
"Right, of course." Cora voiced as she and Henry walked out of the room, leaving the two women alone.
Regina didn't even turn to look at her mother as she walked out of the room, she kept her eyes on Emma flashing her smile towards the blonde woman, "Why don't we sit?"
As they both rested on the couch, Emma finally spoke, "It's good to see you again. I hope you don't mind, but you look beautiful with each time I see you."
What a flatterer! Thought Regina as she couldn't help but actually smile this time. She could practically see heart in the blonde's eyes over her. It almost made Regina feel bad for her, given that she didn't feel the same way for Emma. But, she had to admit, she was a charmer.
"Thank you." the brunette replied eyeing the blonde's wardrobe, she kept it casual with tight jeans, her boots, a white shirt and her leather jacket. Her golden locks hanging beautifully to the sides.
Okay, she could see the appeal. Emma wasn't bad looking.
"Are you alright?" asked Emma as she saw the sadness in Regina's eyes.
Regina simply smiled as her head nodded, "I had some rough nights, but I'm fine."
The blonde smiled back, "I'm sorry I haven't gotten a chance to take you to my hometown like I promised. I had a lot of work to catch up on."
"It's fine. I know how busy it can get. I grew up around my father's work."
Emma bit her lip as her eyes stared at Regina's own. It was then she got the courage to speak as she took Regina's hands into her own, "Regina…" she cleared her throat, "I…"
Emma froze looking into Regina's eyes. She was about to take a huge step here, she wasn't sure how Regina would take it. I mean, they hadn't exactly ever dated, nor have they talked much to get to know each other better. But from what Cora had told her, Emma was sure Regina loved her. Things might seem so fast - they were. But, Emma's place right now was back at the ranch where she was needed. She didn't want to lose her chances with Regina because she wouldn't be coming back to Chicago after a long while.
Besides, judging from Cora's words as well, Regina wanted this just as much as Emma did. So the blonde thought.
Regina furrowed her brows, "What is it, Emma?"
Emma exhaled sharply, "I won't be back for a while, so I'm afraid I won't get to see you. And I really want to get to know you." green eyes soon connected with brown, "I know this is going to sound crazy, but well it's no secret that you captivated me ever since I saw you. I couldn't get you out of my head ever since that night at the beach."
Regina couldn't help but feel sad about that night. Daniel was supposed to show up but he didn't. She grew furious but brushed it off as her focus was back on Emma.
"You took my heart with you that night. That night, I discovered what love felt like. I know you don't know me that well, but, I want to change that. I'm not one to move fast, but… well…" Emma soon dropped to one knee in front of a very shocked brunette with wide eyes, as she presented her with a diamond ring. This was the first thing Emma had spent big money on.
"I would really love it if you'd come with me. So, I ask you: Regina Mills. Would you do me the extraordinary honor of marrying me?"
Regina was expecting anything but this. She could see the love in Emma's eyes, it made it hard for her to say no. Emma was nice, and she was sure she could make her happy, but there was one problem. Regina didn't love her. She loved Daniel, who only used her and hurt her and left her when she needed him the most.
The brunette grew angry at him then, if he didn't care for her then why not marry Emma? Why not move on? Why not give herself the chance with someone who came back with an engagement ring because she really wants to be with her? Unlike Daniel who only ran away.
She needed to move on and forget all about him. He didn't deserve her. Maybe her mother was right, maybe love would come in it's own time.
You're supposed to be marrying Daniel. Her brain told her, which Regina only shook her head to and smiled down at Emma as she quickly nodded, giving a blonde her answer, "Yes." she murmured.
Emma's smile only grew, her eyes became brighter. She was the most happy she's been in years. Regina's answer made all of Emma's suffering she was ever subjected to by James disappear in an instant.
"Yes?" echoed Emma in a question, unable to believe that she had accepted.
"Yes." said Regina once again as Emma quickly took her in her embrace in a tight hug. Regina could have been fuming at Daniel's departure, but in that moment as the proposal was being sealed between the two of them, the brunette couldn't help but feel sad once again as Daniel came to her mind.
The blonde quickly looked into Regina's own brown eyes as took her hands in her own, placing a kiss on each of the brunette's knuckles, "We can get married whenever you wish."
"As soon as possible. I want to get married as soon as possible." was the answer the brunette gave as her anger for Daniel only grew inside her.
Today was the day. The day Emma had been hoping for and the day that Regina was now dreading. It took some planning, but between Cora and and Kathryn's planning, they had decided to have a small ceremony in the Mills manor. Of course Cora went ahead and invited more people than Regina or Emma wanted.
Everything was set. A few flower decorations, the guests were all there, even Kathryn and Graham had become fast friends during the ceremony as Emma and Regina exchanged their vows and said their 'I do's.' Both brides looking radiant. Regina sporting a long white dress, as Emma kept it more casual this time with a combination of perfectly pressed dressed pants in black and a white dress, long sleeve buttoned up shirt.
Emma was all smiles throughout the whole event. Regina had that facade up again. She could be rather convincing that she was just as happy. She hated herself for not being able to feel at least a bit happy that this wonderful, kind woman wanted to make her feel happy. Nothing more.
But, after their wedding dance happened, Regina promised herself she would try. She had already said yes, they were married now. She considered herself lucky that she was marrying Emma and not Robin. Or some other rich man whom her mother had set her up with.
Definitely, Emma was ten thousand times better.
As both brides sat at the table that had been reserved just for them, Kathryn soon came up to her brunette friend as she whispered into her ear so she could be heard over the loud music, "Regina, could you come with me a moment, please?"
Regina looked over at her friend, "Are you alright?" she asked as the woman's face was as pale as a sheet of paper.
"It's important. Please." Kathryn pleaded this time.
The burnette nodded and looked over Emma, "We'll be right back."
"Is she alright?" asked Emma.
Regina nodded to her now wife as she provided her with a reassuring smile, "Everything's fine. We won't be long."
Kathryn quickly took Regina's hand into her own, wanting to drag her into the privacy of the house as she made her way inside with Regina stumbling over her own two feet.
"Kathryn, what the hell is wrong with you? You look like you've seen a ghost." said Regina.
"That's because I have." said Kathryn.
Regina shook her head, "You're not making any sense."
"Regina. It's Daniel. He was here, he saw you get married to Emma."
Regina went pail, her eyes bugged out of her head, her heart started palpitating in her chest about a hundred beats per minute. If she could speak she would ask a million questions, but she couldn't.
It was then Kathryn handed Regina a handwritten letter, "He said to give you this, that it explains everything."
Not even a minute passed before Regina took it into her hands, ripping through the envelope as if it were a Christmas present. As she unfolded the paper with none other than Daniel's handwriting on it, she read it to herself.
Regina,
Whatever it was anyone told you about me, is all a lie. I know what you must think of me, but, please… give me a chance to explain everything. Come to the beach. I'll be waiting there for you. If you do not show up, I won't care about who I have to confront, I will go looking for you. Please. You know me. You are my world. The love of my life, and I would not lose you under any circumstances.
Tears started coming down Regina's eyes as she looked back at her best friend, still in shock by everything.
What if it's true and it was all a lie? She was already married to Emma, how would she explain this now?
"What are you going to do?" Kathryn asked, feeling nervous for her friend.
"I need you to cover for me." Regina replied as Kathryn quickly shook her head.
"No."
"Kathryn, please. Just for a couple of minutes, I can go and come right back. Emma doesn't have to know." Regina was pleading by now. If she could get down on her knees she would.
"This is crazy, Regina. You're risking too much." Kathryn told her.
The blonde then fell silent as Regina's hands grabbed a hold of her arms, "Kathryn, I need to see him. Please. I have to hear this from him."
The brunette's eyes were practically filling up with tears again, Kathryn hated seeing her friend this way. She needed to help her.
"I'll give you an hour." Kathryn replied as Regina smiled feeling hopeful, pulling her into a hug.
"Thank you. You're the best."
Kathryn had a bad feeling about this whole thing. She should have said no, but she had never seen Regina so desperate over something. So she covered for her, heading back outside, no doubt to keep Emma company and come up with an excuse as to why Regina wasn't coming out.
Little did either of them know that Graham had been inside the house the whole time and to Regina's misfortune, he had heard everything that went on in that room. He soon headed out to follow Regina. He had to see this for himself. He hated the thought that Emma was just being played here.
Regina was running through the beach as fast as her feet could take her. Her hair and dress both flapping in the wind, as she held her heels in her hands. She came to complete stop as she soon spotted Daniel. There he was, right in front of her.
The man quickly dropped to his knees as he saw her in that wedding dress, only confirming to him that she had indeed gotten married to God knows who. He caught a glimpse of Regina when he was at the house, but he didn't have a chance to see Emma's face, but he knew she had married a woman.
Tears quickly fell from his gaze as he just shook his head at the brunette in front of him, "Why? Why did you do it, Regina?"
Regina grew angry in that moment, remembering all she had cried for him, "You're seriously asking me that question? You left me!"
Daniel kept shaking his head, "No. he murmured.
"You left me, Daniel! Not a word of where you were going, not a single phone call."
This angered him. He hated the way Regina was looking at him, he hated the feeling of losing her trust. He soon stood up and rushed over to her, "No! No, I would never do that to you. Ever."
Tears began falling from Regina's own eyes, "Did you tell that to your wife too?"
A confusing look was now expressed in Daniel's face, "What are you talking about? I don't have a wife."
"Karen." Regina replied.
Daniel's look was even more lost, "Karen?" he echoed the name.
Regina's aggravation grew, "Your wife, Daniel!"
Daniel soon exploded, feeling more confused than ever, "Regina! I swear, on my love for you, I don't have a wife! I don't know anybody named Karen! It was all a lie! I was pulled over by a police officer, the day I last saw you. I was tied up, and kept in an old wearhouse. He was planning to kill me."
Regina's face went pale, "What?" she whispered.
"I was lucky to get away. With the only motivation to see you again. And, do you want to know who was responsible for it all? Your mother." said Daniel.
This time it was Regina's brows that furrowed, "My mother?"
"It is true, Regina! I wouldn't be surprised if that woman you married was behind it all too." he accused.
Regina quickly shook her head, "You're lying. Emma would never do a thing like that."
"That cop told me so himself, he showed me a check with a big amount that had her name written all over it. Has she been helping your family financially?"
Regina soon understood it all. She knew that Emma had been helping her family, and if all this turned out to be a lie and her mother kept pushing her to marry Emma. And Emma who quickly proposed. Of course. It all made perfect sense. But how can someone who seemed so sweet be this cruel?
"She has." the brunette whispered, looking back into Daniel's eyes.
"That bastard kept the check with him before I could take it. He was shooting at me when I got away. I had to come see you and tell you what was going on." his hands quickly cupped her face as he looked deeply into those eyes he had missed so much, "Regina… Please, tell me that you haven't stopped loving me. Tell me that you still want to be with me and we'll leave right now. This very moment. Tell me that you believe every word I'm saying."
If Regina had anymore doubts about what her mother and obviously Emma had done here, she didn't anymore. All Regina needed was to look into Daniel's eyes to know he wasn't lying about any of this.
Cora was never happy about her being with Daniel and she became too desperate for her to marry Emma in such a hurry. They were obviously trying to separate them.
Regina didn't think twice as she hugged him tight to her own body then and there, "Of course, I believe you. I love you. You're everything to me."
Daniel's eyes closed as he took in the brunette's scent as he hugged her just as tightly. He looked back into her eyes, "Let's leave right now. I'm not wasting anymore time."
Regina nodded with a smile on her face, "Let me just get changed."
"No, let's just go. It's dangerous for you to go back, who knows what they'll do if they find out."
"No, Kathryn is covering for me. It'll be alright. You just wait here. Give me about an hour. If in an hour I'm not back, no matter what, you can come for me." said Regina.
Daniel smiled once again as he nodded, "Okay. But hurry back. I won't move from here."
Regina nodded as she was pulled back and locked into a quick kiss before she ran back to the house for some of her things.
Regina ran past some guest in the house as fast as she could go. She needed to pack and quick. She no longer cared to leave everything (Emma included) for her own happiness with Daniel. The remaining guests were in the living room area, along with Emma and Cora who had not spotted Regina either.
Emma was being kept busy talking with other people, still blooming from happiness as Graham quickly walked near her, "Emma, I have to talk to you for a moment."
Emma excused herself with whom she was conversing with as she stepped aside with Graham into the entryway, near the staircase. She could see a serious look to the man's face, "What's wrong?"
"I'm not quite sure how to say this." Graham said as he looked into her green eyes. How could you tell your best friend that the woman she just married was planning to leave her? This was much harder than he thought.
"Is Regina alright?" the blonde soon worried for her wife.
That was all Graham needed to speak, "She's more than alright." he soon handed the blonde his cellphone, which had a picture he had taken of Regina and Daniel together on that beach. He wasn't able to capture Daniel's face as his back was turned, but you could clearly see Regina's eyes were closed. No doubt, they were kissing.
And just like magic, Emma's happiness and full on smile had vanished. She caught a lump in her throat as her eyes looked down at the picture of her wife kissing some guy.
Graham spoke as Emma remained in shock, "It seems your wife, loves someone else. I heard the whole thing. She's planning on leaving with him in about an hour, Emma. She's been playing you this whole time. He's name is Daniel."
Emma's eyes looked up into Graham's. She had become severely pissed. Her eyes had taken that dark green color to them again, her lips tightened in a thin line, her chest heaving with every breath she then took.
"Where is she?" the blonde asked through clenched teeth.
"She went upstairs, she must be packing."
A loud crashing sound echoed in the room as Graham's phone suddenly hit the marbled floor, shattering into a million pieces from where Emma had thrown it as she ran up the stairs. Not caring who heard or saw.
Regina had her luggage laid out on the bed, placing some of her clothes into it as quickly as she could, when a sudden door slam made her jump up as her eyes grew wide from seeing no other than Emma standing there.
"Emma. I was just packing for us to leave." said Regina, unaware the the blonde knew about her plan with Daniel.
"Don't lie to me." Emma said through her teeth.
Regina gasped as in the blink of an eye, Emma grabbed a hold of Regina, yanking her closer, as angry eyes stared right into hers, "You aren't packing to leave with me. You're packing to leave with him; with Daniel. Admit it!"
Fuck.
What just happened? How did she even know? How will she get out of this now? A million questions were rushing through Regina's head in that moment, as she couldn't figure out a single one. One thing's for sure. She was scared. For the first time ever, even more than when her mother used to frighten her. She had never seen Emma this way, nor did she know she could ever get this angry.
The woman was always so kind, so gentle. Sure she looked like she could be direct when need be, but she wouldn't hurt a fly. This wasn't that Emma.
"Emma, I swear-" was all Regina could bring herself to say, but got cut off by Emma's own words.
"No, don't fucking swear! You tell me the truth right now!"
Emma's grip became tighter. She had every right to be angry. The one person Emma falls in love with, the one person she wants to give her heart to, and had trusted was now betraying her too. Just like everyone in her life. Except for Graham.
Regina tried to be as reasonable as possible, "Emma, please. Just calm down."
"Tell me!" Emma yelled, in an angry but pleading tone. Even when hurt, the blonde was still pleading.
Regina had had enough of lying about Daniel. And even if Emma had a right to feel angry, she wasn't about to be treated like this.
"Yes! All of it is true! I don't love you, I can't love you when my heart belongs to Daniel!" Regina shouted as she shook Emma's arms off of her.
As soon as she saw tears run down Emma's beautiful green eyes, she regretted saying that to her, but then she thought about what had happened to Daniel. How he almost died, thanks to her gold digging mother and now Emma. Now it was Regina who grew angry at her.
"I made a mistake in marrying you! If I should be marrying anyone here, it's him! He's the victim in all these lies. Lies that you along with my mother created!" the brunette shouted, "He told me everything. How, you payed my mother money just to marry me. My mother admitted to that one. How, you two set up a plan to have him killed, that's why he had disappeared, it wasn't because he left me. Daniel would never do that. He doesn't have to buy me to get me to love him, unlike you, who makes a deal with the devil himself just to get a bit of love. A love that I will never be able to feel for a monster like you."
Had Regina actually stopped herself from saying all those hurtful words to Emma, she would have noticed the lost look in the blonde's eyes as she really had no idea what she was talking about. She never even met Daniel, she never even imagined that he existed in Regina's life. And if she had, she certainly wouldn't of planned to have him killed. Emma could be hard headed, but she would never dream of doing something so cold hearted like getting rid of another human being.
Of course, all that was too late now. Everything that Regina just admitted to her was enough for Emma to realize the type of person she had come to marry. She thought she knew Regina, but turns out she didn't. In Emma's eyes now, Regina was possibly much worse than Cora Mills herself.
Emma grew angrier as she grabbed a hold of Regina once more, her eyes piercing Regina's once again, "A monster?" a chuckle soon escaped Emma's pale lips, "You haven't seen anything yet, Regina."
Of course, Emma would never hurt Regina. Not physically. Even after she just ripped the blonde's heart out and crushed it with her bare hands; Emma loved her. And that's what made her angrier at herself. Emma had been used by this family and she wasn't about to let Regina go.
"Now, weather you like it or not, we are married, and I'll be damned if I let you go with him and leave me, when I bought you fair and square." said Emma.
Regina struggled to get away from her, but it only resulted in Emma holding on tighter to her. It was rather impressive how strong this woman was.
Regina looked right into her eyes and didn't see love anymore, but pure anger.
"Like it or not. You are mine. And, I can do whatever the fuck I want with you. Now, get ready. We are leaving to Storybrooke in this very moment, and do not even think about leaving with him or I swear to God… you'll see what I'm capable of." Emma's hands released the brunette from her grasp as Regina just stared at her in utter shock, "I'll be waiting for you at the bottom of the stairs." was the last thing Emma said as she closed up Regina's suitcase, taking it along with her as she left the room.
Regina couldn't do anything else but cry her eyes out.
Both women had been tangled up in a web of lies about each other that now this was no longer going to be something she would be looking forward to. Emma was hurt. Regina was hurt. And now she would never see Daniel ever again. Emma would make sure of that.
Did you guys enjoy angry Emma? This was hurtful to write! But, so fun. If you guys want chapter 4, I promise you are in for a real treat...