An Illicit Romance

Revelations

Revelations

Rose’s POV

Lily and I hadn’t talked in weeks. It wasn’t as if we were too busy. It was like she was avoiding me and I couldn’t see why.

“Are you okay?” I asked her.

“Yes, fine.” She said quickly and walked away. I grabbed hold of her arm.

“What’s going on with you? You haven’t spoken to me in weeks-“

“Is there something you’re not telling me, Rose?” she asked

I paused, wondering whether or not I should tell her. Noticing my silence, she scoffed. “I thought so.” She walked away.

I wanted to tell her. I didn’t want to keep anything hidden from her. But if I told her, she would only lecture me about what a bad idea it is and how dangerous it is. I knew that already. She wouldn’t tell anyone. Maybe telling her wouldn’t make a difference?

Daniel’s POV

For the past few days, the only company I had was Melanie. Her annoying giggles seemed to be the only sound I heard.

“Daniel, the priest has arrived.” Annabelle whispered to me. “Behave, Daniel.”

“Don’t I always?” I smiled. Annabelle laughed quietly. Melanie practically ran towards us and hugged me.

“Daniel! The priest is here! Won’t it be fun discussing our wedding?” She giggled happily. I looked at Annabelle. She looked back at me apologetically.

“Oh, I see you two are excited for the big day?” The priest came up behind us.

“Yes we are!” Melanie exclaimed.

“I’ve heard of the living arrangements and I don’t think-“

“Don’t be alarmed. It’s only for Daniel and I to get to know each other better.”

“Very well,” he looked at me. “Daniel, I’ve discussed the proceeding with your parents and they’ve agreed for the ceremony to take place in the next two months-“

“Two months? When was this discussed?” Melanie shrugged “innocently” as if she didn’t know what I was talking about.

“Didn’t you know?” the priest asked me.

“I wasn’t told anything.”

He looked as confused as me. “I thought you-“

“Let’s not spend so much time on one subject!” Melanie quickly changed the subject. “Like you said, two months isn’t a lot of time so there are lots to do!” she kept talking with the priest while I walked away with Annabelle.

“Daniel, promise me you won’t do anything crazy.” Annabelle warned me.

“Two months? I never even agreed to marry her.”

“If it doesn’t work out then you won’t have to marry her.”

“It’s not just that, Annabelle. I-“I paused. I was about to tell her. “Nothing.”

“What is it?” she asked

“Nothing I just need to be alone for a while.” What I needed to do was see Rose.

Rose’s POV

Daniel had asked me to meet him in his room but he was late. It was a challenge trying to get in here without arising any suspicions.  I had managed to sneak away without Lily finding me but it was hopeless.

“Rose, what are you doing here?” she came through the door.

“Did you follow me?”

“That’s not the point. We’re not allowed in Daniel’s r- Wait a minute. Are you and him-“

“Ssshh!” her voice was loud enough for everyone to hear. “Keep your voice down!”

“So it is true? I knew it.”

“How did you know-“

“I saw you two weeks ago. I thought maybe you were just talking, just like you always are. I can’t believe you lied to me.” She turned away from me. I felt guilty but I knew I would only make things worse.

“I wanted to tell you but I was scared you’d…disapprove.”

She turned around to face me. “Of course I wouldn’t! You’re my best friend. I mean, I think you’re obviously thinking straight but, I’m happy for you.”

I wasn’t expecting that. She hugged me tightly and I felt a tear roll down my cheek.

“Okay, don’t get all soppy on me.” She laughed. I laughed with her but glanced at the clock. Daniel was late.

“Are you meeting him here?” she asked.

“I’m supposed to be-“

The door slowly opened. “Rose, I know I’m late but-“Daniel paused when he saw Lily. He struggled to find words to explain the current situation.

“It’s okay, she knows.” I said to him.

Daniel looked at me. “Oh. Can I talk to Rose alone please?” he said to Lily. She nodded and left, mouthing “Be careful” before she went.

Daniel paced around the room, thinking, before finally turning to me. “Rose, I thought we weren’t going to tell anyone.”

“I didn’t tell her. She saw us before. Don’t worry she won’t tell anyone.”

He sighed and ran his hand through his dark brown hair. “Are you sure?”

“Positive.”

 “Good. Because I wouldn’t want anything to come between us.” he took my hands in his and kissed my cheek. I smiled and pulled him closer, forgetting the fact that he was late to our meeting.

“Actually I’m glad she knows.” He broke from our embrace.

“You are?”

“Maybe it would be a good idea if we did tell people.”

“Are you sure? What about your marriage-“

“I’m not worrying about that. I want people to know,” he paused. “I love you.”

My heart skipped a beat. I wasn’t sure I heard right. “I love you, too.” I replied to him. His blue eyes sparkled as he smiled. He kissed me softly, pulling me closer. It felt good to finally know that he felt the same way. He held me for what seemed like hours but I didn’t want to let go.

“Daniel?” a voice said. We both turned around, startled. It was Annabelle.