I love you
because the
entire universe
conspired to
help find you.
—Paulo Coelho—
***
I stared at the silver watch on my wrist and smiled. Phoenix had given an expensive gift and it was beautiful. She must have entered my room when I was inside the bathroom and slipped the gift on top of the bedside table. She's kind enough to offer a gift and it's such an embarrassnt on my part that I couldn't give her sothing in return.
My gaze shifted to the empty stairs and waited for Phoenix to erge. I've been waiting for approximately thirty minutes and I'm getting anxious.
Nervously, I paced back and forth. Hands thrust inside the pocket of the black slacks I wore. The sa exact events this afternoon keep playing inside my thoughts.
I wonder if Phoenix was still mad at . I should have co to her room earlier that day and explained everything but I just couldn't. Trust is not an issue between us. I do trust her but I just don't want to add up to her worries.
It will surely make her extrely worried if she knew I was the son of Lady Ravenwood. Phoenix was well aware of the indifference I had with my mother and it will bother her to no end if she finds out.
This night is special to both of us…. So damn special that I don't want to ruin it. Phoenix may have forgotten it but I don't. Tonight is our sixth wedding anniversary. I need to make it as morable as possible.
Soft footsteps sounded on the staircase. My heart skipped a beat and I snapped my head to where the sound was coming from. Disappointnt hit when it was Madam Stella descending from the flight of the stairs.
Upon reaching the bottom she gave a reassuring smile. "Beatrix would co down soon. Elisa was just doing finishing touches to her hair."
I nodded, wishing Phoenix would be here soon. I'm excited to see her again. I also want to make sure she's not mad at .
"You love her, don't you?" Madam Stella said softly. When I shifted my gaze to her, she was looking at intently as if she was able to read my thoughts.
"I do," I replied, looking away. I don't want her to have a glimpse of the sadness in my eyes. "I love her more than she will ever know. I love her more than I will ever show." I added, the words sliced my heart to shreds knowing I couldn't have her forever.
"Marry her again, show her how much you love her for the rest of your lives." She replied as if it was the easiest thing to do.
I shook my head. "I'm no longer the man I used to. I won't be able to provide her needs. I will just make her life more miserable. A poor man like doesn't deserve soone like her."
"Beatrix is not asking for a perfect man Ace. Can't you see she only has her eyes on you?" Madam Stella looked at sternly, trying to make see her reasons.
'I wonder if Phoenix will ever look the sa way at once she recovers her mory. She will be reminded of how I'd been an asshole. I dreaded for that day to co. If ever that ti cos I would rather choose a quick death than live the rest of my life hated by Phoenix.
"Alexander Crawford will beat the shit out of if he discovers I was still in love with his only daughter. The man hated . He will surely crush like a bug if he finds the truth. The worse he will do is take Beatrix and Faith Vienne away from . I don't know how that strange man's brain works. He does sothing unpredictable most of the ti."
"I never knew you could be this coward, Ace. Loving soone ans you need to take risks. And that includes risking your neck to fight for the one you love. If you're not willing to make so sacrifices then accept it, you're not worth it."
Silence lapsed between us. I wanted to respond but I was lost for words. Madam Stella was right, if I don't want to lose the woman I love then I must fight to keep her with .
The soft whisper of movent from the staircase caught my attention. When I lifted my eyes, I caught a glimpse of the goddess descending from the stairs in her enigmatic scarlet gown that made her skin appear as if it were glowing.
I heard myself take a quick intake of breath when her eyes t mine. She has the prettiest eyes I have ever seen. I found myself falling madly in love with her all over again. Then she smiled at , it was warm and bright, it made my worries and fears fade in an instant.
Soft curls cascade beautifully to her slender shoulders and it frad her stunning face. She looked like Aprhrodité, the goddess of love and beauty descending from Mount Olympus.
I was nailed to my place as if I turned into a statue. I blinked my eyes several tis, spellbound by her ethereal beauty. I wasn't able to say anything. I continued to stare at her even after she reached the bottom of the stairs and stopped right in front of .
"Ace?"
Her fingers flew to my neck to adjust my necktie. She was so great… so beautiful...I don't even know why she chose when she deserves soone better.
"You looked handso tonight," Phoenix remarked, her flawless cheeks burning. She looked at from head to toe with a smile on her lips. Caught off guard hearing her praise for the first ti, I took another quick intake of breath.
It was supposed to be my line but I forgot to say it out loud after facing her. It took a mont to recover my voice and when I did, I cleared my throat. "Thank you. I wasn't expecting it from you. And you… you looked stunning." The blush on her cheeks deepened.
"T-thank you." She said, embarrassed.
Sohow, knowing that Phoenix wasn't mad at made feel ten tis better.
"Shall we go?" Phoenix hooked her arms around . I gave Madam Stella a nod before I led Phoenix to the door
***
Ravenwood Mansion stood proud and tall under the peaceful night sky. Bright lights spilled from the glass windows. Expensive cars were lined up in the parking area. Guests wearing their best attires were moving towards the door where the ball is held.
Phoenix's hands tightened around my arms as she surveyed the crowd. I could tell she was slightly nervous. Her shoulders were obviously stiff. "Calm down," I whispered close to her ears.
Her anxious eyes landed on mine.
"I couldn't help it, Ace. We don't know anyone here." She mumbled. Her eyes looking around
I pulled to a stop and captured her cold fingers into my own. "We must enjoy tonight, Phoenix. Just think that we are having a date. For once, forget that everyone existed. I am here with you so you don't need to fear anything. Do you trust , Phoenix?" I asked without tearing my eyes off her.
"I do trust you, Ace." It took her a while to respond but I was thankful to hear her response.
I let go a huge sigh of relief when her stiff shoulders eased a bit. I rubbed my hands into her palms until they were warm. "I promise to take good care of you tonight, Phoenix."
"Thank you very much, Ace." She replied and gave the sweetest smile she could muster. It took an incredible amount of self-control not to kiss her on the lips.
Finally, the butler pulled the door open. Recognition sparkled in his eyes when we walked past him. Perhaps he rembered who I am.
The elegant lights from elegant chandeliers greeted my vision first. Visitors wearing their best ball gowns were scattered in the room.
The room fell into a deep hush when we walked down the red carpet in the center of the room. Heads turned in our direction. When I looked at Phoenix, she seed not to notice the attention we are attracting.
She walked beside like a tall, regal queen. Each step she makes, her high slit gown parts open, exposing shapely flawless white legs any woman would kill to possess.
She looked so beautiful that no woman in the room could be compared to her. She has fire in her soul and stars in her eyes. Whoever looks at her could clearly see not only her beauty from the outside but the inside as well.
Phoenix moves with the grace of a queen. The scarlet ball gown Madam Stella made exclusively for her was attracting too much attention since she looks so damn good in it. The fierce color complents the color of her smooth, alabaster skin.
My trail of thoughts were cut short when my eyes shifted to the woman standing not far from us, wearing a lavender gown. My jaw clenched when her eyes t mine.
***
To my wonderful readers,
I apologize for lack of updates this past two days. To compensate for it, I shall update two chapters for the next two days.
Thank you for being patient.
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