One and Only (Corpse Bride fanfic; Victor x Emily)

chapter eighteen; part 2

unedited

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Emily's POV:

An hour goes by. Alice and Everett arrived minutes after I did. Alice's tummy has grew but you can barely tell she is with child. Alice told stories of her fornications while being expectant. Edith and I were amazed. They've did it all over at Everett's family home. Alice talked about her wedding and their plans. While my ladies were talking, my back bumped into someone's back. I turned around to apologize but it was Victor! We noticed everyone was getting into pairs and Victor raised his hand out for me to take.

"Care for a dance?" Victor asked, I smiled and grabbed his hand. With his other hand, he wrapped his hand around my waist and we began to waltz.

"Please do forgive me if I sound like a debaucher. I took noticed that you were no longer out on the town like you used too." Victor tells me. Oh.. He noticed... Was he thinking about me? Of course Emily! The last meeting with Victor, he saw your bleeding mouth! How bloody stupid can you be??

"I fell ill from the chilly night have gotten." I lied. Victor looked relieved. The music was playing in the background. I stared into his big dark brown eyes as we danced. Victor twirled me around before dipping me. I can feel his breath near my neck as we never lost eye contact with each other's. I felt my cheeks flush. He lets back to my feet and we continued with the waltz. To end our dance, I leaned against his side, in which he surprised me with a twirl. We stared into each other's eyes and for a moment, I felt my heart race fast as lust filled up my stomach. Victor leads me back to my feet and we did a bow to the audience before walking off the dance floor as everyone clapped. Victor was stopped by his relatives and it was my sign to leave but Victor caught my wrist before I could walk away.

"Wait! Emily, there's something I need to ask." Here we are standing in the middle of the parlor room with everyone. Is he confessing to me? That would be.. amazing though it would ruin his reputation. The door opened, moon shining through and the familiar silhouette appeared. I turned to see who had walked in and my mouth dropped. Lord Barkis. His eyes were filled with sadness once he took notice of Victor and I. He quickly ran out of the door. My feet drove after him. Barkis sat down on a bench where he cried.

"My lord?" I called out. He lifted his head up then stood up to his feet before grabbing my shoulders.

"How could you?! Can't you see my heart is breaking?!" He shouted as he shook me aggressively. I pushed him off of me.

"We are no longer courting, what are you talking about?" I asked him. Barkis's eyes began to fill with tears.

"I didn't say we were done!"

"We weren't?" I softly said then I gasped. What have I done?! I've caused such terrible crime. I danced with another suitor! I reached for Barkis but he took a step back.

"Please forgive me my lord!" I told him, pleading with my hands.

"I cannot.. But there's one thing I will accept."

"And what would that be? Please!" I told him, he wiped his tears and stared into my eyes, almost like he was staring down to my soul.

"Coitus." I felt my stomach drop. Coitus?

"You mean.. You'll only forgive me... If I give you my all?"

"Correct." He reached for my cheek to caressed it. I can't... We're not married. The only gift I can give to my husband is... My virtue. Barkis will have to marry me.. Right? He loves me dearly that he will marry me. Is this his way of proposing??

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Victor's POV:
As I watched Emily walk away from me. Just when I was about to chase after her, my butler called for my name. I stopped and turned towards him.

"You've received a letter from Miss. Victoria Everglot." He hands me a folded letter and the butler quickly walks away to tend to other things. I quickly shoved the letter into my pocket and went in search for Emily. I went outside but people pushed into me and blocked me from going outside. Once I was able to push my way out, I searched Emily in the garden where I see her and another suitor. He was caressing her face. What am I thinking? Emily has a lover and I... am betrothed to another. I hang my head down once I saw Emily's eyes lit up. As I walked back, the folded letter had made a crinkled noise as it fell out my pocket. I grabbed it out to read it.

"My dearest Victor,

We must meet late where no one is around. I will take you to a cabin in the forest away from everyone. I hope I will see you at the tall big old oak tree.

Sincere,
Victoria Everglots."

Now is not the time. I walked back to the parlor room where everyone is enjoying their time and spending with their loved ones... Oh how I wished to spend it with someone.. I envy those who had someone who loved them. I walked to my chamber, taking off my suit and into my sleepwear. I laid down in my bed for the rest of the night pondering my feelings. I was going to ask Emily... If Barkis had caused her injury. I must be foolish. If he did, she wouldn't be the type to go back to her lover who harmed her. Emily... Shows proud and self love, there wouldn't be such things.. Right? Just as I was about to close my eyes, there was a tap at my balcony door. The noise had startled me, I opened the drapes to see who it was. To my surprise, Victoria. Standing in the cold rainy weather. Her hair was a mess and she only had a quilt covering her. I quickly let her in, bringing her to the fire. She must be mad! Going out late in this weather, she could catch the sickness that everyone is getting.

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