A Complicated Arrangement

Chapter 15

Isabelle's POV

I was grateful that my father accompanied me in my carriage. It would surely keep him away.

I can't believe that he actually came to my house to make sure that I come to him. It seems that it is going to be tough to shake him off. I thought that he would have happily oblige to my demands, according to Elly's letters, he seemed content with her these past few days.

These past days I have locked myself away at home just to avoid him. Just to buy Elly some time. Oh my dear Elly, I would do anything for her. Anything, without hesitation. Yet, this was the hardest task that I could have ever done. I felt so alone. I felt horrid to deliberately hurt the man. I kept on telling myself that the pain I felt was out of pity and out of the guilt I felt hurting him, but the pain never stopped. I don't know why.

We had arrived at his estate a few hours ago, well more like his parents' estate because apparently prince charming had his own land. The wedding would take place here. It was a grand welcome when I arrived. I hardly noticed the place or the people so happily stealing glances at me and shouting their welcome.

Now I am in the guest chambers beong attended by what seemed to be a dozen maidservants. Since the wedding is only a day away, Mrs. King ordered them to see to my comfort and beauty treatment for the day, preparing me for tomorrow.

The entire family ensured that he did not meet me. I was glad, I couldn't face him after what I did. He must hate me.

"My Lady" my thoughts was interrupted by a knock on the door. "A letter for you".

"Thank you." I accepted the letter and noticed that she remained where she stands. "Is there something else you wanted to say? Or give me?"

She blushed in embarassment and bowed her head. "My sincere apologies my Lady. I was told to wait for your response to the letter". She talked a bit strangely, her voice seemed almost forced. Maybe the servants here are under such strict rules that they are forced to be stoic and unnatural.

I nodded.

Once opened, I knew who it was from. So he sent someone this time to make sure I respond? Ha. Very clever.

My Dearest Isabelle,

I know that you may not want this but I want you. I would not pressure you to submit to me, I only want you to be happy.

If it pleases you, I am willing to be your friend Bella, something that we have not had the pleasure of having. I want to know everything about you, I want to learn how to make you smile and laugh and burst into giggles. I want us to develop an unbreakable bond that can only bring us closer.

Bella, let us make this work. Will you atleast accept my friendship?

Lionel.

I almost teared up reading the note forgetting that I was not alone. I may be wrong but I think I knew why he asks for friendship. It is because of the rejection I gave him that lead to this. He wants to befriend me so that one day I will fall as deep as he is right now. I paced the room and shook my head. I cannot allow this to happen.

"I cannot accept him, I will never betray Elly" I thought aloud.

"Who said that you will betray me?"

I turned abruptly facing the servant. I gasped when she dropped her hooded cloak. "E-Elly!" I broke into tears, I did not think that she would have come. I thought that she would be too hurt to witness her lover's wedding.

She embraced me and patted my back. "Elly, I didn't think that you would have come. Oh Elly, I am so sorry I could not stop this, this-"

"Hush my dear. I am the one who should be begging for your forgiveness. I had to come, I need to be here for my best friend's wedding."

My face paled upon hearing her words. What did she just say? I stepped back and stared at her. I couldnt contain myself for what she had just said.

"I see that you are confused. Let me explain Bella. I was selfish, I was probably the worst friend I could ever be to you. I was blinded by my infatuation with him Bella to not see how much I was hurting you. I did not love him, I wanted him, but you loved him Bella and it was wrong of me to take that away from you."

I shook my head frantically. "That is not true! I I I do not love him! I want you to be with him. Don't lie to me, you have always loved him Elly. You don't have to do this, don't sacrifice your love for me" I pleaded.

"Sacrifice my love? It is you who are doing that right now. You have always protected me Bella, you could not bear to see me cry or hurt. You always made sure that I was happy and got everything that I wanted." She chuckled lightly, "I think you have spoilt me."

"Bella," she continued, "all of this time, whilst I was being selfish, I did not know how you truly felt for him. You want to know why I am in these rags Bella? I wanted you to believe that I was merely a servant so that yiu would easily show your emotions. I wanted to be sure if I was causing you any pain and I am. I saw you cry Bella, when you read his letter. Your face was full of agony and confusion, you yearn for him. It was then I realize that you truly love him and we both know he loves you too."

Tears forced their way out of my eyes while she spoke.

"Bella, please forgive me, I was not a friend when you needed me. I am not worthy of your friendship. Yes I wanted him, I wished for him to be mine just so that we can be together and eventually fall in love, but I did not love him. You are my sister Bella amd I want you happy. Go to him. I love you Bella."

I ran in her arms and cried my heart out upon my new realization. I loved him all this time and I did not even know. Is that even possible. But yes, I felt crushed the day Elly returned at the tea party. All this time I was fighting my feelings for him, denying what my heart felt.

"I love you too Elly." I smiled as she dried my tears.

"Ok ok, enough of these tears. You need to rest. It is almost midnight. I can't have the bride sleeping away at her own wedding. Get in bed young lady."

We laughed as she tucked me in. Idk how but I eventually did fall asleep with Elly at my side.