"I...", I stuttered, gulping as her big eyes stared at me.
There was a slight smile on her face as she waited for me to finally voice my question, yet her brows furrowed closer together.
"What is it, Harry? You're making me nervous here.", she laughed lightly.
"Well... you know I told you..about...", I began, nervously running my fingers through my hair.
Nibbling the inside of my cheek, I wondered what would happen if I told her. I knew she would be happy for me and also incredibly proud. And I also knew she wouldn't let the anger or sadness upon hearing my words show; she'd try and hide them, yet would fail greatly.
"Harry, is something wrong?", Sophia asked, the smile now vanishing from her face as her hand reached to my cheek, cupping it lightly.
"It's just that...", I mumbled, glancing into her glistening eyes.
Sighing, I then voiced my next words, "I just love you so much, you know?" Her brows rose in surprise at my statement and I could've kicked the shit out of myself for chickening out again.
"Oh Harry...", she giggled, heaving a sigh of relief.
"No seriously, I love you so much it sometimes even hurts."
She looked at me in silence for a moment; eyes glistening and cheeks and smile relaxed.
"Just don't go leaving me any time soon." ,she grinned, placing her hand on my knee, before leaning in and placing her lips on my cheek.
I felt sick. Physically sick; unable to do anything but shut my eyes and swallow the tight lump that had formed in my throat. I inhaled her scent; eyes still closed as her lips found my own. I could feel them trembling as she kissed me, and at that moment in time, I don't think I'd ever felt more guilty.
"You're shaking, are you cold?" she whispered, pressing her forehead to mine.
I shook my head lightly, taking a deep breath before I finally opened my eyes.
"I'm fine", I choked out, quickly pressing my lips to hers once more to avoid the excruciating guilt that was resting right in the very pit of my stomach. She smiled. "Let's go inside."
Her eyes gleamed as we entered the appropriately decorated hotel entrance.
It looked incredible- like something out of a novel. The staircase was bigger than any I'd seen; dark red carpet and mahogany woodwork leading up to an endless upper landing of old paintings of people that I assumed were once Ladies and Lords of the manor.
"Woah, this place is sick.", I breathed in awe, helping Sophia as she tried to walk up the stairs, holding the hem of her floor length dress in one hand, gripping onto my arm with the other.
"A lift would've been a good idea though.", she muttered sarcastically, making me chuckle.
"Almost made it.", I encouraged her during the last few steps.
Puffing out a breath as we made it to the top, she shook her hair. It looked like a wave of water in the sea, flowing down her back effortlessly.
The sound of music and people chattering already echoed through the walls as we made our way to the main hall.
"This is it, then.", Sophia said, taking in a deep breath as she brushed her hands over the delicate fabric of her dress.
"Are we sure we want to be here? We could go and grab some burgers instead.", she suggested, anxiety obvious in her voice. Unconsciously fixing my tie as well, I grabbed her hand and squeezed it tightly.
