Bound by Crown (Boundless #1)

Chapter 27

"Vlad..." it left my lips like a swoosh together with my heart.

I just stared at him unbelievably, still wondering if he is quite real or not but the electric tingle I felt in my fingertips that travel all throughout my body and the warmth of his hand on mine made me believe that this is real. All too real.

I'm ready to be introduced alone tonight, I already prepared myself to answer any questions regarding my solo arrival but here he is, going to go out with me in this party holding my hand to be introduced formally as an engaged couple.

He doesn't seem to be nervous or tense, it's like he is prepared for this night too.

I heard the emcee called out Vladimir's name followed by mine and that is our cue to go out but I am too stunned to react and move as what I have instructed to do a while ago.

My heart drummed faster on my chest as I catch a glimpse of what's outside where a lot of people are waiting to see us. I wasn't feeling like this a moment ago. I'm feeling a little empty but now, with Vladimir on my side, my heart came alive like a fire.

He started walking and stopped when I didn't follow, then he lightly tugged my hand, cutting me off from my thoughts. A look of concern passed through his eyes so I just lightly shook my head at him and started walking with him.

Hawak pa rin ang aking kamay, inalalayan niya ako na maglakad papunta sa harapan sa bandang gitna kung saan may parang spotlight na nakatutok.

The guests clapped their hands when we stood at the center. I saw Dad and Vladimir's parents joined in at the corner in front but only Tita Isabel has this obvious happy aura unlike the others who has straight face.

We were just standing while people stare at us from their tables and listening to the emcee who talks about us and our family. Hindi ko naman masyadong nasundan iyon dahil mas focus ako sa aking katabi ngayon.

I'm dying to know what happened to him after the day we've talk. He never contacted me in any way after and I've never even expect him to be here after dropping me off in the air like that again.

"Smile." His voice low only for me to hear.

I glanced at him but he wasn't smiling and he is just looking straight ahead so I pursed my lips because I couldn't smile for real and looked away from him.

I looked at the other tables and after a while, I saw Dad sitting beside Tito Arthur looking at me worriedly so I finally faked a smile to appease him somehow.

I will not be the one to ruin this evening for him. I will try to be civil with everyone and behave as much as I can. I know our parents are watching at nandito na rin naman kami. Wala na akong magagawa kung hindi tapusin ang gabing ito with or without Vladimir.

Hindi naman nagtagal na kami ay nakatayo at tinitignan ng lahat, we were finally asked to stay in our seats as dinner will be served in a while.

We are still in front of everyone seating side by side on our own little table and I noticed that all the guests are busy with their food so I took the chance to have a talk with Vladimir. I can't wait to hear his explanation for going MIA.

"How are you?" I asked politely. I don't want to be aggressive at first. I don't even think that I deserve an explanation because I am just no one for him and I want to have a chance to know.

Mariin siyang napapikit at nagbuntong-hininga saka kaswal na sumandal sa kanyang upuan pero hindi niya ako tinignan at nakatingin lang sa kanyang pagkain.

"I'm trying to be okay. I've been thinking a lot that I think my mind will blow off," He frustratingly said but his voice is low only for me to hear.