The Royal Contract

Did she believe him?

Her heart did.

Truthfully, Amelia wanted this to be real.

She slightly pinched her skin, feeling the pain, relieved to know she was wide awake. It was not a dream. He came back and did not run away as she initially thought. He was here and was not just her imagination.

“Would you like to join me for breakfast?” Evan asked as he arranged the table before the window with the beautiful view of the city outside.

He almost punched himself in the face when he walked into the room, seeing her all dressed up and ready to leave. The reaction on her face upon seeing him had told him that she was not expecting him to return.

.....

He did not plan to go out that early morning and leave her alone. But watching her delicate face, her closed eyes, feeling her steady breathing against his face, all he could think about was how much he wanted to kiss and ravage her again and again.

He had to leave before he woke her up, believing she needed rest. He had to walk his sexual frustration for a few minutes because a shower would not do the trick. But he did leave a message on her phone.

“Do you like cream on your coffee or sugar?” He asked as she joined him at the table, still slightly hesitant. She was not afraid or livid, but she was still wary.

He could not blame her for all the stupid things he had done. Now, he almost lost her again. He suddenly wished he had listened to his friends about how to treat a woman right.

He guessed he still had a lot to learn. Like how she took her coffee in the morning? Or what flowers could put a smile on her lips? From this point on, he promised to do better. He just hoped she would give him a chance to get to know her for the rest of their lives.

“Just black,” Amelia responded as she settled across from him on the small round table.

They initially ate in silence, just looking outside the window, sensing what the other was thinking and feeling. After a few comments about the weather, the conversation shifted from one topic that led to another.

Then, she suddenly stopped when she mentioned something about the party that triggered a memory. “It was Tony who sent me those pictures. He made me believe that you were cheating on me.”

She guessed he deserved to know who tried to ruin his name. Tony could be vindictive when he did not get what he wanted. So far, Tony had continued to express that he was not giving up on her.

“You know he is a scumbag. Why did you believe him over me?” Evan could not help but feel his anger burn inside him upon hearing that man’s name.

“Don’t answer that.” He clenched his fist on his side, ready to beat the hell out of that man.

However, he could not pin all the blame on her suitor. He started the fire. Tony only fueled the flame. It was still his fault that Amelia had easily believed his lies.

“I am sorry for hurting you.” Evan took her hand from across the table, enveloping them in his warm hands. “I know saying sorry is not enough, but if you would give me a chance, I want to prove to you that I have changed.”

He could still see the conflict in her eyes as she stared at him. He believed that a part of her wanted to forgive him, to give him that chance. He doubted she would have come with him last night if she did not feel anything for him.

He could only hope that somehow he could convince her that he was still worth the risk. That despite his past actions, he was capable of doing things right this time.

But whatever she thought of him now, he would spend the rest of his life proving himself to her. He loved her and would do anything to win her back. This time, he was not giving up.

“I want to, but...” She could not explain what she felt. She wished it was that simple, but something still held her back. She looked at their entwined hands, hoping she could take away her doubt, but sadly, it was still nagging at her to take this slow.

“I understand. A chance is all I ask.” As much as he wished to proclaim to the world that she was his, it would seem that it would not be today. “I am willing to wait until you are ready.”

“I think I should go.” She pulled her hands away from him. “I have a lovely night.” She smiled at him before standing up from her seat. “But I would love to see you again.”

“Ok. Let me take you home.” He offered, but she declined. She stood at his side and leaned over, giving him a quick kiss on the lips before she grabbed her bag and walked away from him.

He would have insisted, but he did not want to push his luck because it might backfire. He watched the woman he loved exit the room, leaving him to stare at the door as it closed, satisfied with his small victory.

“I am not giving up on you, Amelia.” He whispered in the air as he shifted his eyes to the table before him. “I will never stop.” He promised.

He took the barely touched coffee that he prepared for Amelia. He took a teaspoon and scooped a shining metallic object from the bottom of the cup. With the towel, he wiped it clean and stared at it.

It might not be today.

But the time would come, and nothing could stop him.

Not even fate.