The Vampire's Reluctant Bride

The Vampire's Reluctant Bride: chapter-16

Chapter-16

Amelia twisted the satin ribbons adorning her dress absently, staring with unseeing eyes at the faces of her mother and friends gathered around her.

 The occasion?

Her bridal shower.

The guest list?

All her friends and family.

Looking at their happy expressions, Amelia found herself wondering if she was crazy- any of her friends would be happy to switch places, given half a chance. It had been an identical situation back at the palace when Lucius had graciously gifted a brand new wardrobe. Although they had not said anything, the attendants who had brought the dresses had all looked at her as if she had lost her mind, given the fact that she was protesting his generosity.

She knew that everyone considered her fortunate to have found a novio (groom) as nice as Lucius. And she was beginning to understand why...he seldom spoke, but his actions needed no words- no wonder he was the darling of the people- vampires and humans alike. Even Andre submitted to his wishes.

She had initially worried that her release might stir trouble between the two brothers. Happily, she found herself proven wrong. When she met Andre later, it was as if the past had never happened. He was as accepting of her as his future sister-in-law as could be hoped. Truth be told, Andre was difficult to understand- even for the best psychologists, then who was she to figure out what made him tick? However, what she now understood was that he would go to almost any lengths to secure the happiness of his family. In fact, she now suspected that his initial threat of keeping her as his chucheria, was also a ploy to soften her towards Lucius. If that was the case, Andre had succeeded beyond his wildest dreams- she had preferred his brother to Andre from the first introduction. Unfortunately, certain incidents which had occurred later had proven that that had not been enough.

 In public, they pretended to be the perfect couple, only she knew the private reality. Lucius had never given her a chance to clarify why she had not been wearing her engagement ring, insisting that he didn’t want to hear any explanations. And the incident hung between them like an insurmountable wall.

Amelia smiled and nodded, giving appropriate responses to all the good wishes as the bridal shower continued; although her mind was preoccupied with other things.

 She admitted to herself that even if she was agreeing to the pre-arranged match, she had still had a chance of a relatively happy life with Lucius... had she not blown her chance with the ring fiasco. Ever since, Lucius had been withdrawn- he was the perfect novio when around people, but retreated into his shell the moment they were alone. Only once, when it had started raining as they made their way to the cottage, had he picked her up and carried her- his face breaking into one of those gentle smiles she adored.

When she had pointed out that there was nobody around and that he did not have to carry her, he had simply replied, “I know I don’t have to, Mia. But, I want to.”

However, it appeared later that it was a one-time thing. He had gone back to being politely formal to her the second they set foot inside the cottage.

She sighed. Thinking of everything that had happened since she had stepped into that Alfa Romeo that summer morning long ago, a picture was beginning to emerge in her head. But, she could no longer feel him there- listening to her thoughts. She felt a momentary pang of sadness, knowing that he had given up on her at last; but then stiffened her spine. She was not going down without a fight.

Lucius?

She thought, hoping he could hear her.

Yes, Cariño?

She felt a shiver run down her spine at the return of that voice- her friend.

Before we get married, I thought you should know something...

He didn’t reply, but the sudden anxiety coursing through her told her that he was listening.

She smiled.

I love you.