The One Ring | J.J

❀ Part 8

Chilly morning came as I was sprawled on the bed; staring blankly at the ceiling above. Tomorrow is the day we will go back to our manor and my boring life will resume. My hand went to the icy crystal pendant on my neck and gazed at the azure stones shining brightly. Nostalgia washed over me of a certain guy wearing a one ring. Sure time flies so fast when I saw the flower crown hanged at the back of the door withered already.

"Ellie, will you come down here for a moment?" My father called.

"In a minute!" I got up from the bed as I dusted my white dress and went downstairs meeting my father's eyes filled with joy.

"What's the matter?" I asked, furrowing my eyebrows.

"I have great news for your birthday tomorrow!" He said excitingly with a Cheshire cat like smile. He continued, "We'll have a grandest celebration on your 18th birthday!"

Obviously, I'm not surprised since I always get grand celebration every birthday. To tell the truth, I don't quite like having grand celebrations since I have to dance and greet the noble guests also, joining a group of girls gossiping nonsensical things with the usual conversation about boys and their feelings for them which was very absurd for me that time. Perhaps, I understand now and things have changed ever since I met him.

"But that's not all, tomorrow I will also announce your fiancée and soon to be your husband." My eyes widen in shock and felt a stinging pain in my chest.

"What?! Are you serious?" I exclaimed in anger.

"I have to because my business partner and I had a deal to arrange his son and you to marriage due to unseen circumstances." What kind of outrageous deal is that and what unseen circumstances? If it's about money well, I don't care even if we end up living with the rats and rugs as long as I have the freedom to choose my partner.

"No way will I marry someone I haven't met or know yet!" I clamored.

"Please do understand this is for our sake!"

I curled my fist in rage as my vision became blurry and watery. "No this is for your sake! You can't force me to marry someone because I don't give love to a stranger!"

"Stranger? What about the one whom you keep seeing?" Taken aback to his suspicion, he narrowed his eyes; seemingly scrutinizing my reaction.

"H-how did you know?" My voice trembled in shock.

"I didn't know but someone told me and by your reaction, it's true you're seeing a complete stranger since you don't know any person who lives in this town except your grandmother." My father justified.

"He's different and not a stranger anymore. He's a friend of mine!" I defended with full of conviction.

"Friend or more than that? I bet you even fancied him," He raised one of his eyebrows while I was left utterly speechless and appalled knowing the fact that all what he said is true.

He shook his head and added, "No matter what you say you will still marry his son and that's final!"

For the last time, I glared at him and dashed away out of the house. Tears started to stream on my cheeks and didn't even take to look back despite my father's call at me. I ran so fast heading to the place I knew with precious memories and where my heart really belongs. To the one whom I yearned to see with his mysterious and aloof personality yet, sweet and attractive boy living in the tower and wearing a one ring.

When I made it to the tower and easily entered inside, my feet dragged me upstairs to the library hoping he could be there. Unfortunately, he wasn't so I thought he could be inside his room so again, I rushed to the top of the tower. There, a big door at the right corner of the corridor which could be his room and without a second thought; I knocked hardly. The moment the door opened, I quickly buried my face to his chest and hugged him tightly.