Fated To Love • GeminiFourth

12. The Unraveling of Secrets

As the days turned into a blur of formalities and obligations, Fourth found himself trapped in a whirlwind of marriage arrangements.

The palace buzzed with excitement over the upcoming union, servants scurrying to prepare for the grand ceremony that would bind him to the chosen prince. But for Fourth, each passing day felt like a descent into despair.

In the grand hall, adorned with vibrant silks and intricate floral arrangements, Fourth sat across from his father, the Emperor. The weight of tradition pressed down on him like a suffocating blanket.

“You must present yourself as a prince should,” the Emperor instructed, his voice authoritative. “You will honor our family and our kingdom by accepting this marriage.”

“Yes, Father,” Fourth replied, his voice hollow. Each word felt like a betrayal to his heart, which still longed for Gemini. He forced a smile, hiding the turmoil within, while thoughts of their stolen moments haunted him.

As preparations continued, whispers of the upcoming ceremony spread throughout the palace. Fourth was dressed in lavish garments that symbolized his status, yet he felt like a puppet, controlled by the very traditions that sought to keep him from his true love.

One evening, a storm of emotions surged within him. He knew he had to protect Gemini from the inevitable fallout of their secret love. So, he decided to do the unthinkable: he would push Gemini away. It was a plan born from desperation, a cruel tactic to sever the bond they shared.

The next day, as Fourth strolled through the palace gardens, he spotted Gemini in the distance, tending to the vibrant flowers. The sight tugged at his heart, but he steeled himself, approaching with an air of indifference.

“What are you doing here?” he snapped, his tone colder than the winter wind.

Gemini’s expression faltered, surprise and hurt flickering in his eyes. “I came to see you, Fourth. I miss you.”

“Miss me?” Fourth scoffed, forcing a laugh that echoed falsely in the air. “What a joke. You should know by now that I have a duty to my family and my kingdom. I don’t have time for distractions, especially from someone of your status.”

The words cut through Gemini like a blade. “Fourth, please… you don’t mean that,” he pleaded, his voice trembling.

“Why should I care about what you think?” Fourth shot back, anger boiling beneath the surface. “You’re nothing but a servant, and I’m a prince. We don’t belong together. Just accept it.”

Gemini’s eyes glistened with unshed tears, a heartbreaking sight that almost broke Fourth’s facade. “You’re wrong! We can find a way to be together,” he insisted, stepping closer.

“Enough!” Fourth yelled, his voice echoing through the garden. “Stop clinging to a fantasy! It’s over. You need to move on.”

Silence hung between them, heavy and suffocating. Fourth turned away, unable to bear the sight of the pain he had caused. He walked back toward the palace, every step feeling like a betrayal of his heart.

In the days that followed, Fourth maintained the facade. He avoided Gemini at all costs, treating him with cold indifference whenever they crossed paths. Each interaction was a reminder of what they had lost, and each harsh word left a wound deeper than any blade.

But deep down, the torment of his decision gnawed at him. He knew he was shattering the very essence of their love, but he believed it was for the best. He couldn’t allow Gemini to suffer the consequences of their relationship when the marriage arrangements loomed over him.

Meanwhile, the palace was alive with the preparations for the wedding, and Fourth felt like a ghost within its walls. He was trapped in a gilded cage, haunted by memories of Gemini—the way his laughter filled the air, the warmth of his touch, and the love they shared. Each time he passed the gardens where they had spent so many cherished moments, a piece of him shattered.

Then, the fateful day arrived when the Emperor summoned Fourth to discuss the final preparations for his wedding. As he sat across from his father, the weight of expectation pressing down on him, he could hardly focus. All he could think about was the choice he had made and the love he had forsaken.

“Tomorrow, we will announce your betrothal,” the Emperor stated, his eyes glinting with pride. “You will be a symbol of our strength, uniting two powerful families. This is your duty, Fourth.”

“Yes, Father,” Fourth replied mechanically, his heart heavy with regret. The words felt like chains binding him to a fate he could not escape.

That night, as Fourth lay in bed, he closed his eyes, but sleep evaded him. Memories of Gemini flooded his mind, each one more vivid than the last. The way their hands fit perfectly together, the soft whispers they shared beneath the stars, and the promises of a future that now seemed forever out of reach.

As the first light of dawn broke through his window, Fourth knew he had to confront Gemini one last time. He needed to ensure that Gemini would let go of their love, even if it meant breaking both of their hearts.

He found Gemini in the gardens, kneeling among the flowers, lost in thought. Fourth approached, his heart pounding as he fought to maintain his resolve.

“Gemini,” he called, the name feeling foreign on his lips.

Gemini looked up, hope flickering in his eyes before it faded at the sight of Fourth’s expression. “What do you want?”

“I came to tell you… it’s really over,” Fourth said, his voice steadier than he felt. “I can’t be with you anymore. You need to forget about me.”

“Fourth, please,” Gemini pleaded, his voice breaking. “You know this isn’t what we want. We love each other.”

“It doesn’t matter what we want!” Fourth shouted, the pain clawing at his insides. “I’m marrying another prince. You have to accept that and move on with your life.”

The despair in Gemini’s eyes was unbearable, but Fourth forced himself to stand firm. “You’re better off without me. You deserve a life free from the chaos of royalty.”

Gemini’s shoulders slumped, defeat washing over him. “If this is what you truly want…”

“It is,” Fourth replied, his heart shattering with every word. “Goodbye, Gemini.”

As he turned to leave, Fourth felt the weight of the world on his shoulders. He walked away, leaving behind the only person who ever made him feel whole.

In the days that followed, Fourth buried himself in his royal duties, the wedding arrangements consuming every waking moment. But even as he prepared to step into a future filled with duty and obligation, a part of him would always remain with Gemini—a love lost to the cruel hands of fate.

-------------------------------------ok in the next chapter will be end of this lifetime gais👽