Secret in the Heart ||Descendants|| (♡Ben)

29

Kara watched in disbelief as Uma descended the stairs in a stunning light blue mermaid gown, layers of shimmering fabric cascading around her like gentle waves. The dress was adorned with various shells on her shoulders and a prominent gold shell hanging around her neck. Her hair was elegantly tied in a bun, complemented by brown fingerless gloves adorned with shells, and she held a matching light blue purse. This outfit seemed to embody Uma's very essence.

People murmured all around Kara, but she only had eyes for the couple. Ben approached Uma as she descended, and they met in the middle of the stairs. He extended his hand, which she took, and Kara exhaled deeply as they walked down together. They paused at the bottom, facing each other. Ben grasped Uma's left hand and leaned down to kiss it, a gesture that made the crowd gasp. Kara stood frozen, a sense of betrayal washing over her.

Was she really this blind? How could she have believed that Ben was still in love with her after everything she had said? She had decided to turn away, to protect him from the fallout of her mistakes, knowing deep down that he would eventually find someone else. But why did it hurt so much? Was it because it was Uma? Or was it the swiftness of it all? Uma giggled as Ben took her hand, and Kara felt a burning sensation creeping up inside her, an anger mixed with heartbreak.

As the couple approached, Ben let go of Uma's hand. "Sorry. It all happened so fast," he said, stepping closer to her. "Something happened to me when I was on the Isle with Uma." They exchanged smiles, their connection undeniable.

Kara looked down, struggling to process the turmoil inside her. "What are you saying?" she asked, her voice trembling as she met Ben's gaze. "I'm saying—" he began, but Uma interrupted with a bright smile. "It was love."

Kara felt a sharp pang at Uma's words. As she watched them, anger flared within her, burning just beneath the surface. "Did you go back for her?" she asked, the question escaping her lips before she could filter it. Slowly, she lifted her gaze, searching their faces.

"He didn't have to. I dove through the barrier before it closed, and I'm an excellent swimmer," Uma replied confidently, eliciting a chuckle from Ben. "You are," he agreed, leaning toward her.

"Thank you," Uma said, laughing as they shared a moment that felt like a dagger to Kara's heart. Tears threatened to spill, but she blinked them back fiercely. She had known this moment would come; she wouldn't allow herself to cry over it now. Yet, the feeling of brokenness lingered, mingling with the anger, creating a storm of emotions that left her reeling.

"Listen, Kara," Uma said, stepping toward her and grabbing her hands. The last thing Kara wanted was physical contact; she longed to retreat and be left alone. She tried to pull back, but Uma tightened her grip. "I just really want to thank you. For everything." Before Kara could react, Uma hugged her tightly. Something dark stirred within her, a visceral rejection of the embrace. "Thank you. Thank you so much," Uma continued, releasing Kara with a bright smile.

Ben stepped forward, his expression earnest. "Don't you see, Kara? You were right. You knew that we weren't meant to be together. That's why you never told me that you loved me." With those words, something inside Kara shattered. She let out a shaky breath, feeling a wave of despair wash over her. "Thank you," Ben added, his voice laced with sincerity.

As light music began to play, Ben took Uma's hand. She handed her purse to someone nearby, and he wrapped his arm around her back. Uma placed her hand on his shoulder, and their other hands intertwined as they started to waltz. "Come on, Kara," Evie urged, gently pulling her back a few steps. The crowd instinctively stepped back, giving the couple space to dance.

"Not too thrilled I risked my life for him," Carlos remarked from her left. Kara felt the light touch of his hand against hers, and he grasped her hand firmly, rubbing circles on the back with his thumb. This simple gesture anchored her, preventing her from spiraling into the dark void that loomed ahead. The sight of Ben and Uma together hurt deeply, even though she had braced herself for this moment. "We are with you, Kara," Lonnie said from behind, her voice a soft reassurance.