The next morning:
Liliana's POV:
(Flash):
"Liliana…"
My eyes narrow as a thick fog surrounds me. What is going on? "Where am I?"
"Liliana," A gentle voice of a woman calls out my name as I snap my head in her direction.
"Who are you?" Why does her voice sound so familiar? "Answer me, who are you? Why do I keep having this dream?"
Suddenly the fog clears and a monstrous door appears in front of me with chains binding it. Holy moly! What is with this door? "Whoever opens this door will obtain a great new power, but know that with such a reward comes great risk." A deep male voice echoes as I stand on a rocky ledge. A power? Great risk? "Have you the courage to unlock this door?"
"What risk are you talking about?" I gulp as the ledge shakes a bit making the tiny rocks fall. Don't look down. Don't look down.
"Everything you know will be as if it were a dream." A dream? Everything I know will be a dream?
"Everything I know will be a dream…" I mutter as the door disappears. "Hey, wait!" Darn it. Why does it have to be so cryptic?
"Liliana," A gentle feminine voice rings across the abyss as my eyes widen. She's back!
"Who are you?" I called out trying to steady myself on the ledge.
"You must find a way to restore his memory." His memories? Could she be talking about…!
"That is the only way…"
"Only way for what?" I ask as the ledge trembles even more. Uh-oh!
"That is the only way for…"
I wince as a flash of gold light makes me cover my eyes. The ledge breaks as my stomach flips. Oh no!
(Flash)
"Ahhhhh!" I sit up breathing heavily flailing my arms in each direction. What on earth was that?
The door to the restroom clicks as my fiancé comes into the room half-naked. "Are you okay? I heard a scream." He asks hastily looking at me with concern as I place my hand on my stomach. Why did I have that dream? Everything I know will be a dream? What does that mean?
He sits next to me with a concerned expression. "Does your stomach hurt?"
My eyes meet his as I cup his cheeks. Everything I know will be a dream?
(Flash):
"Everything you know will be as if it were a dream."
(Flash)
I throw my arms around his shoulders burying my head in his neck as he freezes. "Liliana?" If everything I know will be a dream… does that mean… no. Don't think that way. That's just a random dream. "Are you feeling alright? Want me to get a doctor?"
He removes my arms as I tighten my grip. "Don't go." My eyes shut tightly as he pats my back softly.
"Is something the matter?" My love asks after a few minutes of us hugging as I sniffle. That's just a random dream but why did it feel so real?
I bite the inside of my cheek. "This isn't a dream, right?"
"This is not a dream." He softly pulls back holding me by the shoulders. "Is that what you're worried about? That this is a dream?" Sort of.
I look down as a sigh escapes his lips. "Look at me," My eyes meet him as he smiles. "This is not a dream. You're bearing our child and we're getting married tomorrow." You're right. I cautiously touch my stomach as my lips curve upwards. It can't be all a dream.
"Thank you, my love." I tackle him into an embrace as he stiffens and pats my back.
"Don't mention it."
The door to the room opens as my daughter walks in with a curious expression. "Daddy, why are you not wearing a shirt?"
I stifle a laugh as my eyes scan his chest and abs. It's been a while since I saw him half-naked. "You're looking as seductive as ever, my love." I throw him a wink as his face grows beet red.
"I… I'll put on a shirt." He stutters as I giggle. Teasing him is the best!
"What does seductive mean?" She questions and plops herself on the bed next to me. Hm…
"You will know when you get older." My fiancé states as he buttons up his shirt running his fingers through his blue hair. "Oh yea, I have a meeting later today. Just to let you two know that's all."
"Alright,"
The being next to me raises an eyebrow. "Meeting for what?"
"Politics."
She nods as she places her little head on my stomach. Huh? "Melody, whatcha doing?"
"Shhhh, I'm trying to hear the baby." She whispers as my fiancé stifles a chuckle. Kids will be kids. My fingers card through her long locks as her brows furrow. "I can't hear anything." She could pass for my younger sister if she didn't have blue hair.
"That's because it's too early."
"Too early?" She blinks and looks at me. "Does the baby sleep too?"
"Mhm."
"Anyway," He clears his throat averting his gaze. "You might want to change your clothes." Oh yeah.
Brandon's POV:
"Come on," He throws my blanket off as I groan. "You can't stay in here forever."
"Give me one reason I should leave my bed?"
"There's food downstairs."
"Zach," A sigh es ape my lips as I clutch my head. "How am I going to face them? I kissed my friend!"
"It's going to be alright," He pats my back as I shoot him a glare.
"How do you expect things to be normal, Derek? I kissed her in front of her fiancé." I whine tossing the covers off the bed. "He will hate me for sure." I still can't believe that I did that. What was I thinking back then?
"You know what? He's right."
"Ow!"
"Zach, we're supposed to convince him to go out of his room not fall deeper into despair!"
"I'm just saying the truth."
Oh, this is going to end badly. If he doesn't kill me then I would be really surprised. "Just kill me!"
(Flash):
"Get this into your head, Brandon," He mutters dangerously as I gulp. "She's my fiancée. She belongs to me and only me." His grip tightens on my shirt with a dark chuckle that makes my spine tingle as sweat starts to form. "I don't care if you and she have a history together but she loves me, not you. I swear to god, if you dare lay a finger on her, I will pulverize you and destroy your essence making it so you will never be reborn ever again!"
(Flash)
My face pales as I remember yesterday. Uh-oh! "No." I bury myself in my blanket.
"Brandon-"
"Did you hear his words yesterday? He's going to kill me!"
"Come on, you're going downstairs."
"No."
"Yes."
"No."
"Yes."
"No, neither of you can't force me to!"
A couple of minutes later:
"If I die, I will come back to haunt you both for the rest of your lives!"
He pushes me gently back by the forehead. "Must you be so dramatic?"
"Dramatic?!" My eyes widen as he covers his ears. "You were there when he said those things right?"
"Yes, but don't worry, she's going to put in a good word for you and I bet he's forgotten all about it by now."
"Derek, oh my god," I slide a hand down my face. "If she defends me, that's even worse!"
"How?"
How dense can a person be? "Ok. I'm playing the role of her past lover. If she defends me, how do you think he will react."
His eyes widen. "Oh… but isn't that good though?"
"What?! Do you two want me to die or something?"
He chuckles swinging an arm around my shoulder. "Of course not but if it gets him to be more affectionate like before…" Oh… I guess that's a good thing but…
"My life is on the line here."
"Hey Brandon," A feminine voice calls as I swerve around to meet her. She's wearing a pastel orange oversized sweater with a plaid orange mini skirt with a brown belt buckle at the side. Her sweater is tucked in loosely at the front. Couple that cute outfit with a pair of white pumps and an orange beret makes the outfit seamlessly put together. Wow…
"Lily…" I blink as my face heats up. "You look… cute-er, I mean, what's with the outfit?"
My friends glance at each other and quickly pull me to the side. "Dude, are you in the right mind?"
"Did you just say that she looks cute?" He gasps and stares at me. "Don't tell me that you like her?" I… I… ugh!
"I don't know." I groan as they shake their heads. I mean…
(Flash):
My eyes darken with a chuckle. "If your mind doesn't remember, then maybe your body will."
Her heart thumps rapidly as fear rose in her eyes. "Brandon-Mph!" My lips slam down on hers as her eyes widen.
(Flash)
That kiss… No no no no! What on earth am I thinking? Do I like her? But that kiss… I slide my hand down my face. No! She's about to get married to my friend.
"No… Brandon," He grips my shoulders. "You can't."
"She's about to get married to our friend and she's pregnant with his child."
"You two think I don't know that?" I let out a huff shaking my head. "Don't worry, I'll get this sorted out."
"You'd better."
"What are you three whispering about?" I jump as I turn around to meet her lovely purple eyes. Lovely purple eyes?! Oh my god! "Are you okay?"
"Come on, Derek, let's get something to eat."
"Yea, I'm peckish." He places a hand on my shoulder. I gulp as I nod as those two walk away leaving us alone.
I clear my throat with a cough. "Lily, what's up?" That's right. Keep it casual.
Her lips curve upwards with a giggle as she points to my cheek. "Your cheek is bruised." Her hand cautiously touches mine as my heart accelerates. "Does it still hurt?"
Why is my heart beating so fast? "N-No, it doesn't hurt."
My friend rolls her eyes with a small curvature of the lip. "Nonsense," Her hand drags me into my room as she materializes a first aid kit. "It must hurt a ton considering the amount of force he used." Oh lord. Her nimble fingers use a cotton ball to softly dab medication on my cheek. She's so close… no no no! I can't have these thoughts about her! Anyone but her.
"Are you alright?" Her eyes shine in concern. "You're sweating right now." Oh, shoot!
I force a chuckle as I fan myself. "It's hot."
She tilts her head to the side. "It's hot?"
"Mhm," I turn on the AC to the max as I let out a breath. "Oh, are you-"
"Nah, I'm fine." She laughs and lays herself on the bed. "I apologize for his actions yesterday."
"Ah," A sigh escape my lips as I lay next to her. "It's fine. It wasn't your fault." I glance at her as she stares at the ceiling with a carefree expression. What is up with my heart? "Liliana, about that kiss…"
She turns to me blinking. "Yes?"
"About that kiss, um…" She raises a brow as I steady my breath. "I'm… I'm sorry."
My friend leans closer with a smirk as my face grows hotter. Uh-oh… "L-Liliana?"
"Hm… your face is red… are you blushing?" I stiffen as she leans closer touching my nose with hers. So… close… her lips… ack! No no no no no!
"Me? Blushing?" I chuckle as I pat her head. "As if I would blush."
Star's POV:
All is silent as my friends and I glance at the two staring at each other. So much tension. "Psst, should we say something?" I whisper as my friends shake their heads.
"It's between those three. Just observe for now." True… but…
My eyes drift back to the cowering figure of my friend underneath his emotionless gaze. Sweat drips from his forehead as his face grows more pale by the second.
His fiancée forces out a laugh as she uses her chopsticks to put some food in their bowls. "Come on, eat up you two," She glances at the two on each side of her. Who came up with this seating arrangement anyway? She's stuck in the middle!
"Why did you put food in his bowl?" He asks as my friend gulps and shrinks in his seat.
"He's my friend…" She said after a moment as his eyes narrow. "And with the way you're staring at him…"
"Oh? Is there something wrong with the way I'm staring at him?" That cold gaze… jealous at its finest.
Her throat clears as she laughs again. "Anyway, let's eat, shall we?"
…
…
…
Awkward… Gee. I know that there's going to be tension but this is just wow. "Daddy," A small voice chimes in as she tugs his sleeve.
"Is something the matter?" He looks down at her as she nods.
"I'm hungry."
"Here," My friend pulls up a high chair. "You can-"
"No." She pouts tugging on his sleeve. "I wanna sit on your lap."
He blinks. "Why?"
"Because I want to."
"That's not a-"
"Of course you can sit on his lap," My friend chimes in as his eyes widen.
"You-" Her lips curve into an innocent smile.
"Yay!" His daughter crawls into his lap as he stiffens. Her eyes look up at him with a confused look. "Dada?" This is a great way to make him more open to physical contact.
A sigh escapes his lips. "Yes?"
"I wanna eat that!" Her index finger points at the steak. Can a two year old eat steak?
"Are you sure you want to eat it?"
She nods. "It looks yummy!" Yummy?
He shrugs and pull his plate closer cutting up the steak into little bite sized pieces to accommodate her mouth. That's one way to do it. "Say ah," A fork picks up a piece as she opens her mouth and chews it carefully with a grin.
"It's delicious!" A hand grabs a piece as my friend stops it.
"No, steak is not finger food." He summons a yellow plastic fork and hands it to her. "Use this if you want to grab it."
She stares at it from all angles with a curious expression. "What is this?"
My friend lets out a small smile. "It's a fork. You use it to grab food so it doesn't dirty your hands."
She tilts her head to the side and pokes the piece of steak gently as her mother giggle. "You're going to have to use more force, sweetie." A toddler learning to use utensils. There's something so cute about this!
The fork stabs the meat after a few tries as she successfully lifts it up from the plate in awe. "Mommy, Daddy, look!" She shows them the fork with a smile. "I did it!"
We stifle a laugh as her parents chuckles a bit. "Good job,"
"I knew that you can do it, sunshine." She kiss the top of her head as she beams.
"Mommy," She holds her fork to her mouth. "Eat."
My friend's lip curves upwards as she chews it. "It's quite good."
"I know right?" Her hand grips the fork stabbing another piece of meat and stares at her father. "Here."
He ruffles her hair as takes a piece of it in his mouth. "Ok, it's your turn now."
My lips curve upwards as he feeds her with a loving smile. All the tension disappeared. She's really something.
Maria's POV:
"Astral, seriously?!" I groan as his sister shakes her head. Oh my goodness.
"How hard is it to say those 3 words?" My friend asks as we sit across from him. He shrugs as we sigh. We have been at this for 10 minutes now.
"Ok," His sister holds his hand staring directly into his eyes. "Say: I adore you."
"I adore you."
"Say: I cherish you."
"I cherish you."
"Say: I forgive you."
"I forgive you."
"Say: I sacrifice for you."
"I sacrifice for you."
"Say: I respect you."
"I respect you."
"Say: I support you."
"I support you."
"Say: I protect you."
"I protect you."
"Say: I'm committed to you."
"I'm committed to you."
"Now," I intertwine my fingers with his and move next to him. "I want you to relax your mind."
"How do you expect me to do that?" Hmm… that's a good question.
"Just relax and don't think too much about it." I hold both of his hands. "Ready?"
He takes a deep breath as my friends sit on the edge of their seats leaning forward. "This might be the moment!"
"Shhh!"
"Stop talking."
"Now, look at me, okay?" His eyes bore into mine. "Don't look at anywhere else but me."
"Okay." Our eyes stare at each other's for a good solid 2 minutes without blinking as I gulp. Now comes the most important part.
"Astral, I love you."
His eyes widen as I can see his eyes starting to shift. "Stop, just look at me. Don't wander your eyes anywhere else." He nods as I exhale. Let's try this again.
"Relax your mind. Look at me and relax. Try not to think." I repeated as he stares directly into my hazel eyes. "Ready?"
"Ready."
"Astral," I begin staring straight into his luminous gold and silver eyes. "I love you."
"Maria," He utters after a few minutes of silence staring into my hazel eyes as his eyes grow softer than before. Yes, keep going. "I… l-love… you." Finally!
"Can you try to say it without stammering?"
"I'll try."
"Astral, I love you."
"Maria, I love y-y-you…" So close!
"Sorry," He sighs rubbing his eyes. "My bad."
"Don't worry about it." I pat his back while sipping my water. "The fact that you can say those words is an improvement."
"Seriously, it's three simple words. How can you not say it?"
My friend elbows her. "Hey, stop it."
"It's the truth though."
I turn my eyes back towards the being sitting next to me. "Ignore them."
"I know," He pauses to collect his thoughts. "But why am I doing this again?"
I stifle a laugh. "To become more romantic of course."
"But why?"
A sigh escapes my lips as I shake my head. "Tell me, did you feel anything when you saw him kiss her yesterday?"
He stays silent looking down as I examined him critically. He was angry. No. He was furious. Saying that he will destroy his essence if he lays a hand on her. "Angry."
"Why were you angry?"
"He was forcing himself on her."
"Besides anger, did you feel anything else?" Maybe something along the lines of jealousy?
He shakes his head and meets my gaze. "No. I don't think so." Hmm… let's try it this way.
"Why were you angry again?"
"He was forcing himself on her when she said no."
"Ok… and why did you get angry?" I take a sip from my cup as he chews on his lips. "I mean, why does it matter to you?"
"Because… she's my fiancée." He answers slowly as I nod urging for him to continue.
"She's your fiancée. So what? She's still her own being. Surely she can do whatever she wants, am I correct?"
"Yes…"
"Why did you get angry? I get that she's your fiancé and I know that he was forcing himself in her but why does it matter? Why did you get so angry when you saw his lips on hers?"
"I… I don't know…" Does he not know or does he not know the emotion? "All I know is that when I think back at yesterday's events… I… my chest tightens." His chest constricts… hm… "It's like I… it's a mixture of anger and some kind of worry and sadness." Ohhhhh…
My lips curve upwards. "There's a term for that."
"There is?"
"Mhm. It's called jealousy."
He raises a brow. "Jealousy?"
"Yup. When you saw him kissing her, your first reaction was to punch him right?" He nods as I continue. "You wanted to get him as far away from her as possible."
"Yea, how did you know?"
"It's a common reaction," I reply as I hold his hands. "You might not know it but you love her."
He blinks and burst out laughing. "Love? Hahahahaha! There's… there is no way."
"Why not? Are you telling me, all this time that you've spent with her, you don't feel a single thing besides friendship?"
"Um… well, I wouldn't say that but," He picks up his cup and sips it avoiding my eyes. "I don't know whether it's love or respect." That topic again…
(Flash):
"It's quite hard to say but according to what we know about his personality," The queen started. "Most likely the affection he's showing towards her now is out of respect."
(Flash)
"Lucky, how do you not know?"
He shrugs. "I don't know." Is he stemming out of respect? Because if that's the case… then why did he get jealous? If that's the case then that's love but… on the other hand… ugh! This is so confusing!
I exhale deeply as I look at him. "Let's do this again, shall we?"
He groans. "Do we have to?"
"This is the last time, promise." I take hold of his hands as our eyes stare into each other. I need to focus. "Relax your mind and look at me and only me, got it?" My friend nods staring as his eyes soften into a gaze that I haven't seen in a long time. My breath hitches as my eyes widen. Could that be… that gaze…
"Astral, I love you."
Minutes feel like seconds as the only noise I hear is that of a wall clock. His mouth opens ever so slightly looking at me with a gentle smile. "Maria, I… love you too."
A tiny gasp can be heard as I swiftly turn my head towards the door. Huh? I swore that I heard a gasp.
My heart stops as my eyes widen. He said… "Y-You said…"
"Yes! Finally! That took forever!" His sister interrupts us giving a high-five to my friend with smiles on their faces.
"Congratulations, Astral."
His lips curve upwards a bit. "Thanks, Star."
"Now, you need to say it to her."
"No way."
"Why not?"
"I am not repeating that phrase. It's uncomfortable." Typical. Well, at least he can say that phrase.
Liliana's POV:
"Remember the time when we went to the park?"
He chuckles. "Oh yeah, you insisted on giving me a flower so you chased me around the park until we were out of breath."
"Thinking back," I let out a sigh. "I miss those days. We were so carefree back then."
"I agree, no worries, no nothing. We could play all we want and no one will judge."
"Well, I wouldn't say all we want because of our parents…"
"True," I notice the door half open as I raise a brow. Eh? "Shush." What's going on in there.
"Let's get closer." I cautiously move closer until I was up against the door with my friend beside me. Why are they all in her room?
"Astral, I love you." My friend said as I grip my friend's arm making him look down. She… is she confessing her love for him? Why is she…
"Are you alright?"
My jaw clenches as I lean closer towards the door. "I'm fine."
"Maria, I…" My fiancé starts to say as I gulp. Is he going to… no. Don't you dare- "love you too."
Maria, I love you too… did that just come out of his mouth? Under normal circumstances, I wouldn't even bat an eyelash that he said those words to her but… he has amnesia. He doesn't remember and most importantly… he's saying those words to her of all people.
A gasp escapes from my friend's mouth as I quickly pull him away from the door and down the hallway. That phrase…
"Liliana?"
My hand clutches my head with a hiss. "I'm lightheaded." He clutches my arm to stabilize me.
"Careful, let's go to my room."
In his room:
He gently lays me down on the bed and fetches me a glass of water. "Here, drink this." I look at the glass with a sigh.
(Flash):
"Maria, I love you too."
(Flash)
"Don't think too much about it." He sits next to me on the bed with a sigh. "Maybe he means it in a platonic sense." Perhaps but…
"Maybe but the way he said it so seriously… and his tone…" I clutch my head as a dizzy spell courses through my being. Ow! "I don't know."
"Ok ok," My friend rubs my temples as the ache slowly goes away. "Is this helping?" Surprisingly yes.
"Mhm. Thanks, Brandon."
He lets out a chuckle. "Don't mention it." That fact that he can say those words to her… I- "Hey, stop thinking about that."
"How did you know?"
"Because I'm your friend." He holds my hands staring at me. "Tomorrow is your wedding. Don't let anything bother you or make you change your mind."
"But he said that he-"
"That phrase doesn't have to be interpreted in a romantic sense. It could be platonic or familial. I guess that it's platonic since he's saying it to Maria of all people."
"Maybe under normal circumstances but now, he's… he's reverting to his business-like self. Yet, he's saying that to her. Don't you think that something's up?"
"When you put it like that… yes," My friend nods a bit. "But, Liliana, he loves you-"
"He loved me." I corrected with a huff crossing my arms looking in the other direction. "Past tense, Brandon."
"No, not past tense. He loves you."
My eyebrow perks up. "Why would you assume that?"
"I just know it and as for Maria, trust me, she doesn't see him that way."
"Are you a worm in their stomach or something?" A laugh escapes our mouths as he rolls his eyes.
"Perhaps I am."
"Right…" My smile fades as I stare at the wall. I…
(Flash):
"I still can't remember anything. The doctor said there is a very slim chance that I can recover them." He stated as I close my eyes. "Marriage is not a game. I don't want you to get stuck in a loveless marriage."
(Flash)
"A loveless marriage…" I mutter as his eyes widen. He… doesn't love me. Not anymore. "If he doesn't love me anymore, then why bother getting married in the first place?"
A gasp can be heard as my parents and his parents storm into the room with shocked expressions. "Liliana, do you know what you're saying?"
My lips curve upwards. "Mother,"
"Don't 'Mother' me." She points her index finger at me with a stern gaze. "Did those words come from your mouth?"
"I…" A sigh escapes my lips. "It's useless to force him into a marriage with a woman that he doesn't love." My heart is being pulverized over here. Ow! I gulp choking down tears from surfacing. "Why don't we call off this marriage? It would be better for the both of us."
The older adults glance at each other in shock. "You… this… I… Huh?!" My mother sputters in shock as my father blinks blankly.
"No." He said sternly. "There is absolutely no way that we will cancel the marriage."
"Why?"
My mother sits down beside me holding my hand with a gentle smile. "You don't want this. Look, I've been through this before. This is just wedding nerves."
"Perhaps but I've done some thinking over the last few days. Would it be beneficial to him to force him into a loveless marriage?"
"Oh my god, all you think about is him." She groans. "What about you? What about your desires?"
"I…"
"Liliana," My father said as I glance at him. "Think about yourself first. What do you want? Do you want this marriage to happen or not?"
"Of course, I do but-"
"Then it's settled then." My fiancé's father interrupts with a clap. "The marriage will be tomorrow. There will be no change in schedule."
"But Your Majesty-"
The queen smiles at me. "You're so selfless, you know that? Always thinking of others before yourself but during a time like this, you should put yourself first." She states. "My son has changed significantly since he met you. From a cold, logical, unfeeling person to a kind, and warm individual filled with hope." He's still logical. A hand pats my shoulder. "Liliana, without you, none of this can occur. You're his catalyst, his other half. You two balance each other. His rational business-like personality compliments your kind and impulsive nature."
"Hey, I'm not that impulsive." Everyone stifles a laugh as she shakes her head.
"My point is, you can decide whatever. If you feel like you want to call this marriage off then ok, we will respect your decision but," Her hands clasp mine with a twinkle of desperation. Desperation? Why is she looking at me like that? "Know that without you, we will never get to see this loving side to him. We will never be able to see his genuine smile." No way…
My eyes widen. "Surely that's not true."
The king shakes his head. "What she's saying is the truth. My son has always been… strange as a child. He doesn't smile that often and prefers to be alone whenever is possible. Unfortunately, around the age of five, his sister 'died' in front of him making him shun his emotions to protect himself." He sighs rubbing his eyes a bit. "We thought that he wasn't going to laugh or smile again considering this went on for the entire year. Enna and I did everything in our power for him to understand that it was not his fault and it's okay to show his emotions but eventually, the iron wall surrounding his heart blocked us out as well."
His wife turns to him with a nod. "Around the age of six, he met you. I don't know the details of what happened but you managed to be the first one to get a reaction from him after a year."
(Flash):
"So you can smile after all!"
(Flash)
"A smile."
She nods. "That's right, you managed to make him smile for the first time in a year. Not a fake one like the one he puts on for show, a genuine one." I managed to… do that? I never knew that he… Her hand's grip mine even tighter. "I don't want you to feel forced into this marriage. On the contrary, I'm grateful to you."
The king clears his throat. "It's up to you, Liliana. Choose carefully and remember, what do you want? That's all we're going to say."
Estrella's POV:
"Melody!"
"Melody, where are you?"
"Please tell me that you two found her?" I look at him in desperation as they shake their heads. Oh no…
"I'm dead. I am so dead!" I pace around the halls breathing heavily. "How can I lose a toddler? Not only that…" My eyes widen. "I thought you two were watching her?"
"Well, we were but who knows where she wandered off to."
"You two are the worst babysitters ever!" I shout as I clutch my head with a sigh.
"That hurts you know? We were trying to watch her but she's hyperactive."
"Ok, ok, I'm sorry for saying that but we need to find her before Astral and Liliana finds out." If those two find out then it's game over for us!
"She still must be inside the palace somewhere." He said as his eyes widen. "Waltari!"
The butler approaches us with a bow. "Lady Estrella, Lord Derek, Lord Zachary, what may I do for you three?"
"Stop it with the formalities," My friend said. "Have you seen a little girl around the age of 2?"
"A young girl around the age of two…!" His eyes widen with a gasp. "Lord Derek, don't tell me that you lost Princess Melody!" Uh-oh…
"We…"
"I have to notify His Highness." Our eyes widen as we pull him back.
"Waltari, please, if you do that we will end up dead!"
"She's probably inside the palace somewhere."
"Don't tell them. I don't want to die!"
He turns to us as we let him go. "This palace is huge," He throws his arms up. "How are we going to find a young girl in this?" I don't know.
"I beg you, please don't tell them," My friend states as he holds his hand. "They will kill us!"
"You're exaggerating. The Prince and Lady Liliana are not violent beings. They will understand."
My hand pulls him back. "Did you forget what happened yesterday with Brandon?"
His face pales as he gulps. "Oh god, you're right!"
"That's why you have to-"
"Waltari," A voice rings out across the halls as he approaches us. Please don't be who I think it is.
"Y-Your Royal Highnesses, Lady Liliana, Your Majesties, Count Luca, Countess Carissa," He bows with sweat dripping from his forehead. All of the powerful figures are here in one hallway. You have got to be kidding me!
"You may rise,"
"Thank you, Your Majesties."
My friend tilts her head with a confused expression. "Estrella, Derek, Zach, why are you three sweating so much?" We're doomed.
"W-Who us?" He forces a laugh. "Sweating? No way!"
"Right…" Her fiancé eyes us with a critical look. "Zach, what are you not telling me?"
We gulp and glance at each other as they all cross their arms looking at us. "You tell them."
"Are you crazy? You tell him!"
"Do you want me to die this young?"
"We're the same age. Now, you tell him."
The king sighs. "Waltari, what's going on?"
"Y-You're Majesty," He glances towards my friends and kneels. "Your Highness, Lady Liliana, it's my fault."
Her eyes narrow. "What do you mean?"
"P-Princess Melody-"
A gasp escapes her lips. "Tell me. Is something the matter with my daughter? Where is she?"
Her fiancé takes her hand as she looks at him. "Let him finish." He turns to him. "Now, where is she?"
"Y-Your Highness, P-Princess Melody is missing."
"What?!" She snaps her gaze towards us with a glare. "You three, weren't you three supposed to keep a watchful eye out for her?"
"We were," I respond hiding behind my two guy friends. A pregnant woman getting angry is not a good thing for me. "But she ran off somewhere."
"And you didn't even bother to notify us?! Why you-"
"Guards," He hollers as the head guard kneels in front of him.
"What is your command, Your Highness?"
"Search every corner of this palace for my two-year-old daughter." He summons up a portrait of her as the guard rushes off with his men. "And don't come back if you fail to find her."
"Yes, Your Highness."
"How could you three-"
"Liliana, that's enough." She pivots towards him with an expression of disbelief. "Getting worked up isn't going to help with this situation."
"Our child is missing yet you're calm." She crosses her arms with a pout. "I don't even know what you're thinking anymore."
"Zachary, are you positive that she's in the palace?" He turns to him as my friend nods.
"I'm positive, the gatekeepers aren't going to let a child wander out all alone."
"Let's…" My friend trails off as he freezes with his eyes widen. Why did he freeze? My eyes drift towards his fiancée as she clutches her chest breathing raggedly.
"Honey, are you alright?" Her mother grips her arm as she gulps.
"I'm fine." She glances at him with tears in her eyes. "Astral,"
"I feel it as well. She's calling us." He takes her hand and flies towards to royal garden.
What the?
"Wait for us!"
Liliana's POV:
Please be okay. Please be okay. Please be okay! A stab in my chest makes my body recoil breathing heavily. Ow! My fiancé tightens his grip on my hand. "Don't worry, our daughter will be fine."
"Hopefully."
"Dada!" Our eyes widen as my heart stops. No… She's on the ground with a sword near her carotid artery. A guy in a black uniform approaches her. This is…
My fist clenches. "Who are you?" The man turns his head towards us as my daughter whimpers in fear.
"Mommy," My heart shatters as her eyes fill with tears shivering.
"Ah, Prince Astral, we meet again." His eyes lock on the man next to me.
"What do you want with my daughter?" My beloved asks as his muscles tense pushing me behind him a bit.
"Come now, I know that you have amnesia but to forget about the being who attacked you that day is just wow." His shrill laugh causes my spine to tingle as the rest of my friends and family show up.
"Woah… what is going on?"
My love growls glaring at him. "Let her go."
"Daddy!" She reaches her tiny arms towards him as he puts his sword closer to her neck.
"Don't!" I shout with my arms in front of my body. "Let's talk about this. What do you want?"
The king whispers something in a maid's ear as she runs off in the opposite direction.
He smirks. "Now you're talking my language."
"What do you want? I can give you anything you desire as long as you free her."
"Anything I desire?" A smirk crawls on his lips as he meets my gaze. That look… My body involuntarily shivers at his murderous glare as a hand pushes me back even further.
"Well, Prince Astral, I want someone."
Someone? "And who is this someone you speak of?"
He twirls his finger around as it settles on a being. "I want you, handsome."
"What?!" Everyone cries out in shock looking back and forth between them. W-What the?
The man next to me blinks with a confuzzled expression. "What do you mean you want me?"
"Are my intentions not clear enough for you, my sweet?" He coos as my love's eyes widen. His face drains of all color as he steps back.
"Um…" He leans close to my ear. "Is he saying that he likes me romantically?"
I nod not uttering a sound as his eyes widen. "Really?!"
"You better believe it," His expression morphs into a love-struck gaze. "The first time I saw you, I knew that you were the one." Is it strange that I want to regurgitate? My fiancé recoils even more clearing his throat.
"Um… first of all, what's your name?"
He smiles brightly. "I'm Eros!"
"Alright, Eros." His eyes drift towards our daughter. "Would you be so kind to release her?"
His smile disappears and in its place is a scowl. "All you care about is your daughter. I bet after I release her, you'll throw me in the dungeon. No way am I doing that."
What to do. What to do. "But, there's one way that I can release her."
"What's the way?" I ask as he narrows his eyes glaring at me.
"I wasn't talking to you, Lady Liliana." My beloved raises a brow as the guy smiles sweetly at him. "You have to marry me." Is he crazy?!
"Are you nuts?" I exclaim in disbelief as I grip my fiancé's hand tighter. "He's-"
"Marriage is out of the equation."
"Hmph, too bad then. Looks like you don't want your daughter to be free."
"Mommy, Daddy," Tears well up in her bright eyes as my heart shatters even more. Darn it!
A hand grips mine tightly. "Listen to me," The man next to me whispers. "His main objective is me. I'm not going to drag innocent lives into this, especially not our daughter's."
My eyes widen as I snap my head towards him. "But what will you-"
"Lily," The queen interrupts. "Don't worry, we already notified the guards. They have this place surrounded so if he dares make a move, he'll die in an instant."
So that was what the king was whispering to the maid earlier… "There has to be a better way."
My fiancé's eyes drifts down then turn back to the guy holding the sword. "Marriage might not be possible but spare her and in exchange, my life will be in your hands."
"What?"
"Son, are you crazy?"
"You're insane!"
"What are you thinking, Lucky? You're the-"
"What other choice do I have?" He turns to his sister. "My daughter, your niece's life, is in danger right now."
"But-"
"Astral, this is too reckless!" He whispers with a head shake. "Who knows what he will do to you."
"Derek, do you expect me to stand here and watch my daughter suffer?"
"You literally just met her yesterday and she's not even your child!" He whisper as my eyes narrow. "Don't tell me that you're getting sentimental-"
"Regardless of my relation with her, I just can't endanger a being's life like this, not to mention a child's."
"But-"
"I was the one who took her to the palace and got her into this mess in the first place." My fiancé's fist clenches. "I'm responsible for her well-being and safety."
"Tic tok Your Highness," He taps his watch impatiently. "The more you stall this out,"
"Don't!"
The sword grazes her delicate skin as she whimpers. "The worst it will be for your precious little daughter."
Argh! My fists clench. "What is with you? Why are you aiming for us?"
He chuckles. "Why?" Radioactive green eyes pierce my body as a murderous aura covers the garden. "I want the royal family to fall."
"Eliphas," His eyes locks onto the king's. "I will make you pay for what you did to my family that day. I will make your family suffer just like you did with mine."
What? I blink turning to the king as everyone directs their gazes in him.
"Dad, what is he talking about?"
"I… don't…" His red and green eyes widen in realization as a gasp escape his lips. "You,"
"Are you…"
He chuckles eerily throwing his head back. "You remember Psyche, don't you?"
Psyche? My eyes drift back and forth between them as I furrow my brows. What are they talking about?
"I… you…" He stutters as the guy in front of me removes his head covering. Green hair. How interesting.
"Recognize me now?"
The king's face pales with disbelief as he grips his wife's arm. "You… I thought you… how?"
A chuckle escapes his lips. "You thought that I was dead?" He glares at him. "Let's just say, you didn't get what you wished for."
"Honey, what is he talking about?"
He ignores her as his eyes softens. "Eros… your mother-"
"Silence!" A hand points at us. "Do not speak of my mother. Don't you dare spoil her name with your filthy mouth."
"I don't get it." My beloved chimes in clearing his throat. "What is your relationship with my father?"
"Don't you know? Your father killed my mother."
Our eyes widen. "What?"
"Dad, is that true?"
"Of course not!" The king utters in shock. "How could I do such a thing to my friend?"
He snorts. "Friend? Some friend you are. I saw you kill her with my own eyes yet you dare say otherwise?"
"Things were not what it seemed." He states calmly. "You were only 10 at that time so-"
"I was 10 but I still remember my mother screaming in pain from your room!" A murderous aura fills the air once more as a hand pushes me back further. "Tell me, if you didn't kill her, who did? There were only two of you in that room."
Green and red eyes look down with his fist clench. "Eros… I can only say that I didn't kill her."
"Lies." He cackles as his green eyes drift to the man next to me.
"Astral," My daughter whimpers as tears drip onto the ground. "What's your decision?"
"If you hate my father so much, why do you like me?"
"Because, you're different than the rest of them." A smile graces his lips. "Honestly, I still can't believe you're his offspring."
My fiancé stays quiet for a minute as he hangs his head. Eh?
I tug his arm. "Baby?"
An eerie, dark chuckle fills the air as I glance for the source of the ominous vibe. What the?
"Eros," My beloved looks up throwing a smirk at him. "You were right about one thing. I am different than my father."
Ok… My brows raise a bit as I blink. Is it me or is he acting funny? "Honey?"
Gold and black eyes glance at me for a bit then back at the man in front of us. Wait… I blink a few times. Gold and black?
I rub my eyes as gold and silver eyes stare at me with a confused expression. "Are you alright?" Now it's gold and silver? I could've sworn it was gold and black a few seconds ago…
"I'm fine." Perhaps I'm just tired. I did sleep pretty late last night after all.
"Let's talk, shall we?" My beloved smiles at him as he gulps.
"Talk?"
"Yup," He winks as his face turns to an unhealthy shade of red. Talk…? "Just the two of us in a room."
He regains his composure and clears his throat. "Let me guess, you want me to release her in exchange for our conversation, right?"
"Correct."
A chuckle escapes his lips. "Do you think I'm a fool or something?"
"I promise, in exchange for my daughter, if you let her go, we will talk in private. One on one with no interference of any kind whatsoever."
"Why should I trust you?"
My beloved smirks. "Because you like me." How can he utter those words? Ugh… I wanna barf. "Don't you want to talk in private with me, Eros?" He tilts his head as everyone's jaws drop. Holy moly…
"I…" He stares at him as his blush grows. "I expect it to be just the two of us and the room must be soundproof." S-Soundproof?
"You-"
"Deal."
My eyes widen. "Astral-"
"Son, you're not serious, are you?"
"It's the only thing that I can do to guarantee her safety."
"But-"
"Astrana, I'll be fine."
I grip his arm as he smiles at me. "I'll be fine. It's just talking."
"But he likes you."
"So what? I don't feel the same way towards him."
"What if-"
"Liliana," His hands grip my shoulders staring into my eyes. "Nothing will happen." Hopefully, that's the case.
Astrana's POV:
I pace in front of the room as all of my friends' sigh. It's been 10 minutes since they went in. "What is taking them so long? Isn't it just talking?"
"Hey, I still cannot believe that he has the sex appeal to attract people of the same gender." My friend said as I shiver. Oh lord, not that I have problems with homosexuality, it's just… to imagine my older brother and that guy… it seems wrong!
"Aunt Astrana," A tug on my hand makes me meet her beautiful eyes. "Why are you worried?"
I kneel to her level brushing a strand of hair from her face. "Because my brother is talking to the bad man."
"Daddy is talking to the bad man?"
"Yes,"
"But why are you worried? Isn't he just talking?" That's not the part that I'm worried about.
"Because he doesn't actually want to talk to him."
She raises a brow. "Huh?"
"Yes, Your Majesties," A guard runs off.
"Melody," Her arms spread as she jumps into my friend's arms with a giggle. "Are you okay? That must've been a scary experience."
"Mommy, I missed you." She nuzzles her head into her neck as a smile appears.
"Mom, Dad," I approach them with a confused look. "Where have you been?"
"Oh, we've been sorting things out. Finalizing things for the wedding tomorrow." Oh yeah, the wedding is tomorrow.
"Oh and Dad, who's Psyche?" I ask as his eyes widen.
"I'll tell you later."
Hmm… he's hiding something.
"Liliana, how are you feeling?" My friend asks as he stands next to her.
"Nervous." Her eyes drift towards the door with a sigh. "How long has it been?"
"Around 15 minutes."
"What do you think they're doing in there?"
"This wouldn't have happened if you three kept a close eye on her."
"We're sorry,"
"Kids, stop arguing." The General states as he sighs. "We just have to wait for him to come out." Looks like it.
"Grandma," Her hand touch my mom's hand as her eyes widen. "Don't worry."
My mom's lips curve into a smile. "Do I look that old?"
"Nonsense, my love," He rubs her shoulder. "You don't look a day over 20."
"You flatterer."
He chuckles as the door opens. Finally! "You heartbreaker!" Tears stream down his face as my brother sighs.
"I told you many times, I don't like you."
"Why won't you accept my feelings?"
"I don't like you. Also, you're lucky that I didn't throw you in the dungeon for threatening my daughter."
A hand grips his as my brother stiffens. "Let go."
"Why won't you like me?"
"I already told you," He frees his hand. "You're not my type."
He growls and snaps his gaze towards my friend. "It's because of her, right?"
My brother sighs as he twists his arm making him kneel. "Ow! That hurts!"
"Don't even think about it."
"Hah, looks like she's important to you huh? If I can't have you, no one can!" What is he…! A shuriken flies towards my friend as a gasp escapes her lips. Oh no!
"Liliana!"
Liliana's POV:
"Mommy," Uh-oh! I shut my eyes bracing for the weapon as a pair of arms envelopes me. My heart thumps rapidly as I tighten my grip around my daughter.
"Liliana!"
…
…
…
Why don't I feel any pain? "Dada!" Eh?! My eyes snap open as my fiancé hugs me tightly shielding me from the shuriken. He…
"Are you okay?"
"Guards, throw this guy in the dungeon!"
"Yes, Your Majesties."
"W-Why did you do that?" I touch his cheek as he collapses onto me. "Astral!" My hands shake him awake.
He laughs weakly. "No need to panic. I'm fine." Like I will believe that.
"You're not fine."
"Son," A gasp escapes her lips as she covers her mouth. On his upper arm is a big gash oozing with blood. Oh god!
"Come on," His parents help lead him into his room.
"I'm fine. All of you are overreacting."
I place my daughter on the ground and summon up an aid kit. "Take off your shirt."
"What?!" He hugs himself as I sit next to him in the bed.
"You heard me. Take off your shirt."
"Why?
My eyes narrow. "Why must you be so stubborn? It's either you take it off or I'll do it for you."
"As I said, I'm fine." He looks at his arm with a hiss. "It's a scratch. No need to worry,"
"You call that gash a scratch?!" His sister exclaims as my friends hold her back.
"Take it off."
"No."
"Take it off."
"No."
"It's not like I haven't seen you shirtless before so take it off or I swear, I will rip that shirt off your body."
"Psst, she's serious," My friend whispers. "If I were you, I would listen."
"Fine." His hands unbutton the buttons. "So demanding."
I open the kit and disinfect the wound as he stiffens with a hiss. "Must you be so reckless?"
"Excuse me?"
"How could you block that shuriken for me? Do you know how dangerous that could've been?" I meet his eyes as he stares at me blinking. "Why must you be so impulsive and make me worry about you all the time?"
"Ow!"
"This is what you get for making me worry," I mutter as he flinches.
"This is what I get for blocking that shuriken from hitting you?" My love hisses with a wince. "Can you be more gentle?"
"Oh, you want me to be gentle huh?" My lips curve upwards. "Well then,"
"What's with that-Ow!" I tighten my grip on his arm as he tries to wiggle it free. "What is with you?"
"Perhaps that will teach you not to be so impulsive."
"You're blaming me?" My love exclaims with another hiss. "If I didn't jump in, you would've been hit."
"Yes, but that doesn't mean I want you to get injured because of me."
He scoffs. "Oh, it wasn't because of you."
I raise a brow. "Then who was it for?"
"It was for Melody," My love said after a moment as my friends shake their heads. "As her father, I have to protect her from harm."
"You're my dada." She points at him and hugs him as his lips curve upwards. "Daddy!"
"It's okay. You're safe now." His hand pats her back gently as she looks at me.
"Ow!"
"Mommy, don't hurt daddy."
"Sweetheart," I flash a smile at her patting her cheek. "I'm not hurting him. How could I ever hurt the one I love?"
"But he's in pain." She points out as I stifle a laugh. So adorable!
"That's because he made me worry so now, I'm punishing him."
"Ow! Hey, ow!"
"Stop complaining," I place a bandage over it. "There, done."
He lets out a breath. "Seriously, what was I thinking in picking such a violent fiancée?" The man on the bed mutters as I give him an eye roll.
"Anyway, I have a meeting to attend-"
"Oh no, you don't!" I pull him back down on the bed gripping his arm. "You're not going anywhere."
His eyes widen. "But I have to-"
"No."
"Why?"
Isn't it obvious? "You're injured."
"So? It's not-"
"Son, I think you should take it easy for now."
His eyes widen and look towards his mother. "But I feel fine and-"
"She's right," His father said. "We can reschedule it for another time."
"But I feel fine!" My beloved exclaims as he puts on his shirt. "The wound is skin deep."
"Even so, your wedding is tomorrow and we don't want any more disturbances happening." His sister explains and pushes him down onto the bed. "Just sit here and relax."
Astral's POV:
"Dada lay on the bed with me!" My daughter plops herself on the bed as she pays the spot next to her. Might as well lay on it for the time being. I lay on the bed as the softness of it makes my eyes droop. Oh, how I missed the bed. It's so soft compared to the couch.
"Judging by your expression, I'm assuming the bed is comfortable?" The restroom door unlocks and she walks out in a crop top and shorts sitting on the bed beside me.
"Yup. I forgot how soft it was." This is so much better than the couch.
"Sleeping on the couch isn't good for your back." She states with a sigh. "Why don't you lay on the bed?"
My eyes close for a second. "I would but I can't let you sleep on the couch. After all, you're bearing our child."
A giggle escapes her lips as a finger pokes my cheek. My eyes open to meet hers. "Well, why don't we both sleep on the bed?"
…
Did she just say… "No."
Her lips curved downwards into a pout. "You refused my offer so quickly. Doesn't your back hurt from sleeping on the couch?" Duh.
"Yes, but we're not laying on the same bed."
"Why not?" My fiancée turns to me with our noses touching. "I don't bite if that's what you are concerned about." She winks as I quickly turn away.
"It will get complicated if we share a bed," I said after a moment of silence as she pokes my head.
"Complicated? I'm your fiancée, not a stranger or anything." She rolls her eyes. "Besides, we slept together numerous times already." I slide my hand down my face to cover up my red face. Oh my god. Has she no shame in uttering those words?
"Daddy, sleep with me." My eyes drift down to my daughter laying next to me with a smile holding my hand. "I want you to sleep with me."
"No."
"Why not?"
"I like to sleep alone."
"But the couch is uncomfortable." It's better than sharing a bed with someone and having my personal space violated. "Dada," She whines pouting a bit. "I want you to sleep me and mommy."
"No."
"But why? The couch is bad for your back."
"There isn't enough room," I said after a moment as my fiancée stares at me with a deadpan expression. "What?"
"In case you haven't noticed, this bed is gigantic," There goes my excuse. "Just for tonight, honey." Her eyes drift to our daughter who is sporting a pleading expression. "She wants you to sleep with her."
My eyes drift from my fiancée to my daughter. Oh, come on! How can I refuse when they have such cute expressions on their faces? "Just for tonight?"
She nods. "One night. I swear, I won't do anything." I'm going to regret this but…
"Ok-"
"Yay! Mommy, Daddy is sleeping with us!"
"Indeed he is." She giggles carding through her hair.
"Let me lay down some rules first."
"What are you so scared of? I told you, I don't bite."
"It's to ensure our boundaries from getting crossed."
A sigh escapes her lips. "You know, usually the girl would lay down some rules when sharing a bed with a guy." She mutters. "Not the other way around."
I clear my throat. "Ahem, Melody, do you want to lay in the middle?"
"Mhm!" If that's the case, no need for a divider then.
"Our daughter will be the person keeping us apart so if you," I gesture to my fiancée with a smile, "Cross into my side of the bed, there will be consequences."
A giggle escapes her lips. "And what will the consequences be, my darling?" I don't know.
"I will get back to you on that but, keep to your side of the bed, okay?"
"Whatever you say." With a clap of her hands, the lights turn off as I stare at the ceiling. I feel like I'm forgetting something...
"Dada," She whimpers in fear clutching my shirt as I pat her back gently. "It's scary." Oh, yea.
"Don't worry," I turn on the light on the table illuminating the room with a soft and magical orange hue. "Is this better?" She nods as I stroke her hair gently.
(Flash):
"Dada!" Her eyes snap open as I wrap my arms around her tightly shielding her from the shuriken. Ow! I glance at my arm with a hiss as her purple eyes open slowly.
"Are you okay?"
(Flash)
Why did I do that? That was reckless of me but why did I shield her from it? My eyes drift to my fiancée resting peacefully on her side as a strand of hair falls on her face.
(Flash):
"Must you be so reckless?"
"Excuse me?"
"How could you block that shuriken for me? Do you know how dangerous that could've been? Why must you be so impulsive and make me worry about you all the time?"
"Ow!"
"This is what you get for making me worry."
"This is what I get for blocking that shuriken from hitting you? Can you be more gentle?"
"Oh, you want me to be gentle huh? Well then,"
"What's with that-Ow! What is with you?"
"Perhaps that will teach you not to be so impulsive."
(Flash)
She's… intriguing. My lips curve upwards as my finger gently tuck her hair behind her ear. Perhaps this marriage wouldn't be so bad. As I was about to retract my hand, she latches onto it tightly as I stiffen. Come on, let go. "Liliana," I wiggle my hand as she tightens it. "Let go of my hand."
"Mmmm." She mutters sleepily holding my hand closer. "My chicken wing." Chicken wing? Does she view my hand as a chicken wing? I hold in my laughter as best as I can failing to notice my daughter stirring in her sleep.
"Dada?" I pat her back as she yawns rubbing her eyes. "What are you doing?"
"Your mother is holding onto my hand." I try to get it free but she grips it tighter.
"Don't leave me, chicken wing!"
"My hand is not a chicken wing," I exclaim as we tug it back and forth. "Let go."
My daughter giggles as she pushes me next to my fiancée as I blink. Eh? "What are you doing?"
"Daddy, I made it so you're closer to Mommy." She said innocently with a giggle. This sly little girl!
I look at the woman holding onto my hand with a sigh. "At least it's only a hand."
"Go to sleep, my daughter." I pat her back with my other hand as she pecks my cheek.
"Goodnight, Daddy!"
"Night," I ruffle her hair with a smile. So long for not getting attached.
My eyes widen as a hand suddenly pulls me towards my fiancée as she wraps her arms and legs around my body. I stiffen as my face is millimeters from her chest. D-Don't you dare move, Astral. If I move, then… I gulp as my face heats up with my heart increases rapidly. W-Why is it so hot? Was it always this warm?
"H-Hey, l-let go of me," I whisper shutting my eyes trying not to stare. Don't look. Don't stare. Don't you dare open your eyes!
"You're not leaving me." Her arms pull me even closer as my breathing grows uneven. I got to find a way to escape! If this keeps up… I cautiously open my eyes to find myself face to face with her chest. Oh no. I bite my tongue hard as I try and steady my heart rate.
Good thoughts. Good thoughts. Good thoughts only. Let's see… how to get out of this position? I wiggle a bit as she whines pulling me closer. I freeze not even breathing at this point. Ok… a bad move! Every time I move, she pulls me closer. What am I supposed to do now? A yawn escapes my lips as I blink with my eyes drooping. It's getting late and I have to be at the wedding tomorrow.
"Liliana, let go of me," I whisper again to avoid waking up my daughter as she licks her lips.
"Chicken wing, you're delicious." There she goes with the chicken wing again. Seriously, what is she dreaming?
A sigh escapes my lips. "This is all your doing so when you wake up, you better not accuse me of taking advantage of you in your sleep, got it?" I mutter to her as light breathing fills my ears. I better not end up on the floor first thing in the morning or I'm going to be furious.