𝐇𝐢𝐬 𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐭 - 𝐓𝐞𝐰𝐤𝐞𝐬𝐛𝐮𝐫𝐲 𝐱 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫

𝐱𝐱.

𝐀𝐜𝐭 𝐈𝐈𝐈

Words are strange, don't you think? They can be humorous, absurd, offensive, beautiful, ugly, or messy. Words can be beautiful and joyful and bring out the best in others. But they can also be damaging and hurtful and bring out the worst in people. In families. In lovers. And in society.

Over the course of two weeks, I never thought that I could hate a word so much that the word itself almost brings me pain. It is such a simple word that is synonymous with celebration.

But it is not a celebration, for me at least.

It was a simple fifteen-lettered word. I heard it almost everywhere I went now. I heard it from my family at first but now I hear it from strangers.

"Congratulations Miss Alderidge."

For what?

Making the biggest mistake of my life?

I now have to wake up every day knowing the choice I made. Choosing my family's reputation and honor over the brunette I had grown fond of.

I now had to wake up, yearning for the one I truly wanted. But I know that could never be the case. I knew what the actions could lead up to. But it doesn't hurt any less.

I needed to explain myself to Tewkesbury. He has the right to know firsthand from me. I doubt he hasn't heard the news. He's been ignoring me but it's not like I have tried reaching out.

I'm not allowed. I've already caused enough damage to my family name and Tewkesbury. Owen wants me to come over. I have an idea as to why he might want me to go over, but I didn't want to talk about it.

But I still am choosing to go nonetheless. Enola was going to accompany me, I didn't want to go alone. She's been with me by my side ever since that day.

That day when Mateo was in front of me. Asking for my hand in marriage. I remember crying in front of him. But not for the reason he believed.

"You have to talk about it," Enola spoke up, making me snap out of my thoughts. I knew what she was insinuating. I hadn't talked about Tewkesbury and I didn't want to. It would only bring me pain.

"There is nothing to talk about," I cleared my throat, reaching for my engagement ring. I fiddled with it for a while, debating if I should put it on or not. It was a gold ring with three gems. There was a gem in the center with two small gems accompanying it on either side. There were also roses shaped into the ring.

It was beautiful. But that's not what I wanted it to represent. I wanted it to represent the love of my life. But Mateo isn't the love of my life. And he never will be.

But every rose has its thorns. I didn't deserve Mateo or Tewkesbury. Both were willing to give their love to me. But instead, I only ended up hurting the one I cared for.

"[Y/N], if you keep ignoring your feelings-" Enola started. But I didn't want to listen.

"There's nothing I can do. I made my choice. There isn't anything that's going to change the outcome." I said standing up from my vanity and placing the ring down. I decided it was best not to wear it.

I may not wear that engagement ring, but I will never take off the necklace that Tewkesbury gave to me. I felt that if I took off my necklace I was leaving him.

~~~

"[Y/N]," My aunt Ophelia opened her arms to greet me. I happily hugged her. "It has been a while since I have seen you. I heard about your engagement from your mother. He is very lucky," She smiled, pulling out of the hug.