Happily Ever After

Chapter 14

(Y/N) POV

Seconds turned into minutes. Minutes turned into hours. Hours turned into days. Days turned into weeks. Weeks turned into months. Months turned into years.

As every single moment passed by, I could feel my self sinking deeper and deeper into the rabbit hole. Each day, I fell deeper in love with Alois.

Everything started with a tiny spark of interest. The tiny spark turned into a small flame that lit a portion of my heart on fire. As time went on, that small flame slowly crept until it reached the farthest corners of my heart, sending it ablaze with love and passion for him and only him.

"You are all set, Miss (Y/N). You look very beautiful, milady." Nanny Isabelle and the maids had finished preparing me for the grand ball this evening.

"You look absolutely stunning, Miss (Y/N). The perfect outfit for the perfect birthday girl. The bell of the ball and the fairest of them all!" Mary, the maid, clapped her hands in delight.

"Oh look how you've grown through the years, Miss (Y/N). What a fine lady you've become!" Anna said.

"What's with that face, Miss (Y/N)? Is there something wrong?" Nanny Isabelle asked, concern written all over her face.

I deeply sighed and spoke, "The truth is, I am quite nervous about the ball this evening. Since I am turning sixteen and am almost of age, I will meet my suitors in search of a potential husband tonight."

"But Miss (Y/N), you've already met so many young lads in the past. You've even attended Sir Midford's fencing classes. All of the students were boys except for you and your friend, Miss Elizabeth. Not to mention, your best friends, Mister Alois and Mister Luka, are both boys themselves." Mary said.

"What is there to worry about?" Anna asked.

"Now, now ladies. I believe that this isn't helping Miss (Y/N) at all. Tell me, dear, is this because of Mister Alois?" Nanny Isabelle asked.

My ears perked up at the mention of his name. "It's true. It is because of him," I admitted. "Although I have dozens of suitors asking for my hand in marriage, there is only one man in the whole wide world whom I desire to marry – Alois Trancy."

"Yes, we are best friends. We practically grew up together, sharing wonderful moments. However, what if we're only best friends? Nothing more and nothing less. I fear that he might not reciprocate the feelings I have for him. I do not wish to marry another man other than him."

We suddenly heard a knock on the door, interrupting our conversation. "(Y/N), it's me, your mother. May I come in, dear?" Mother asked.

"Yes, Mother," I replied.
 
"(Y/N), please come down to the ballroom immediately. The celebration is about to start," Mother announced.

I exited the room with my mother, leaving behind Nanny Isabelle and the two maids to tidy up my room. Before I left, Nanny Isabelle gave me a reassuring smile which eased my worries a little.

~•~

The party had already begun an hour ago, but the Trancy family were nowhere to be found. I had already met most of my suitors and chatted with the guests. I was afraid that my worst fear was about to come true.

"Lizzy, I cannot see him. I'm worried that he might not show up at all!"

"Oh don't be silly, (Y/N). I know for a fact that Alois will show up no matter what. He is your best friend. He loves you so much that he won't miss your birthday for the world!"

"He loves me? I mean, of course he loves me. He loves me like a sister."

"Oh my, this is the reason why the two of you give me and Luka headaches!"

"How so?"

Lizzy sighed in disappointment. "I'm sorry to say this, but you and Alois are such oblivious idiots! It's been years... years, (Y/N). Everyone can see that both of you are madly in love with each other."

"I think if your pet spider, Mister Spots, could talk, he would definitely say 'Oh just kiss already!' whenever you two are alone in your room," Lizzy added.

"Really? You think so?"

"I know so! It's just the two of you who don't see it yourselves!"

"I hope you're right, Lizzy. However, I shall only believe it if Alois tells me his true feelings himself. I know that he will never lie to me. He himself said that he hates lies."

"Alright, suit yourself." Ciel suddenly caught Lizzie's eyes as he made his way through the crowd. "Ciel!" Lizzy happily called out to her future husband. "I apologise for leaving you so soon, but I would like to dance with Ciel now. Excuse me."

"Of course. Go get your man and have fun." I gave Lizzy a smile.

I decided to go outside to get some fresh air. The atmosphere inside the ballroom felt thick and suffocating. The cool gentle breeze and the starry night sky welcomed me as I stepped out into the garden.

'Alois, where are you?'

~•~

Hello my lovely readers! I hope that you all enjoyed this chapter. I have a question for all my fellow Disney lovers out there! Did you spot the Disney movie easter egg or reference?

Have a good day/evening! ❤