Cross My Heart And Hope To Die

Chapter 12 - Cut

Emily’s POV

Was he about to tell me that he loved me? I knew he did but it hurt that he didn’t say it back right away. It was our last minutes alive for god’s sake. Why was he thinking so much about this as if it was the most important decision of his life. My thoughts were rudely interrupted by a voice I had learned to hate.

 “It is that time of the night to announce the second one of the bachelor’s choice. We just heard William give his choice.” Yes William chose Lucy. She was really beautiful. Good choice. “And now it is time for my son to give me his choice.” Luke’s arms tightened around him. Yes this would surely be our end. I didn’t know who his son was I was sure it wasn’t Philip. 

 Edelan’s Son has not shown up in the whole week. I’m pretty sure he is one of the other rich ignorants whom throw away their money as if there is no consequence in the world. I looked up at Luke being so glad that at least I had found him throughout all this. Or he found me. He had been my lifeline and now I would gladly die for him. He looked preoccupied, scared even. What was wrong with him. I squeezed his hand. 

I have to say the curiosity was killing me of who this person would be. Would he be handsome? Maybe I already knew him. I hope not. “Well my dear son. Why don’t you give us your answer.” No one was moving. Where was this person? Was he not here. I could feel Edelan staring my way. What did I do now? 

“Lucius Come here. I will not ask you again.” He commanded looking my way again. What did he want? Maybe his son was just not here. I would’t blame him. I would run away too if they were making me marry someone I didn’t love. 

Suddenly Luke let me go. I looked up at him and he had the weirdest face expression. It was like pain and regret. “I’m so sorry Emily.” He said kissing my hand and the leaving. Where was he going? What was happening? He was walking towards the middle, towards Edelan? Maybe to tell him where Lucius had gone? Then why would he say sorry to me? For leaving me alone? Maybe he just doesn’t love me. He is saying sorry because he doesn’t feel the same way. I pang of pain went through my body. Yes maybe. 

I was so distracted that I didn’t see when Lucius apparently walked up the stage when I heard all the gasps and surprised faces. Oh Okay. Luke probably went looking for Lucius. I suddenly wanted to see who this mystery person was? Would he be hot? Not hotter than my Luke. Never. As I walked towards the front I caught a glimpse of Lucy and her face was fixed in horror and then she looked at me like she wanted to pounce at me and kill me maybe? Save me? From what? I don’t know. Oh my... What was happening?

As I made my way through the crowd I could only see two people in the center. Luke and Edelan. Where was Lucius? What was wrong with Luke? He looks so pained, so guilty. 

Edelyn cleared his throat and started. “Ladies and Gentlemen.” He placed his arm around Luke’s shoulders, “It is time for my son,” he patted Luke’s back, “To make his choice.” He said pointing his hand towards all of the offering who were left. 

I don’t know if it was because I didn’t want to believe it or because I was just too stunned but it took a whole thirty seconds for all of it to sink in. No. No. No. He could not be Lucius. There should be another explanation. Anther one of his jokes. He told me himself he wasn’t part of the family. No. I wanted to cry. To run and hide and never see him ever again. He is such a liar. Lucius, my Luke. It was obvious now. Every thing made sense. His behavior since the first day, the way Philip handed me away so easily the first time we danced, the way no one ever said anything when I was with Luke as more than my helper. I felt played with, lied to, betrayed. I couldn’t believe this. 

“Lucius my boy.” Edelan started again. “Who will it be?” Since I realized what was happening I couldn’t look at Luke in the eyes. I was so embarrassed, so hurt. I had to face him now. If he is the man he says he is. What will he say to this. I looked at him in the eyes. Blue apologetic eyes stared back at me. I could feel my heart breaking. A hole in my chest forming. I couldn’t face this. I loved him, how could he do this to me? I hated him! I hated him with all my being. I couldn’t stand being here any longer. I had to leave. I would not let him mock me any longer.