Love is Beautiful (She's so Ugly)

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Nineteen

"So, did you have fun?" Jacob asked Elise.

"Yes! Just like the good old days. I missed you, Jacob."

Her words made him falter. "I... I have a girlfriend now."

Elise lowered her gaze, feigning hurt. Jacob felt guilt creep in.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to intrude. I regret ever falling into Leo's trap. It was always you I loved."

Jacob's chest tightened. "Then why? Why did you still leave?"

"I didn't!" Elise insisted. "I was forced. Leo's sister owns this school—she pulled strings to transfer me out." It was a half-lie, but Elise knew Jacob's soft heart. She knew he would crumble for her again and again.

Tears welled in her eyes. Sniffling, she leaned closer. Jacob sighed, helpless, and wrapped his arms around her.

"I miss you too," he whispered.

Elise drew back just enough to press her lips to his. Jacob kissed her back, long and desperate, like the past he thought he'd buried.

When they parted, he smiled faintly. In that moment, his choice was made.

"Let's go somewhere," Elise said with a playful grin. She laced her fingers through his, tugging him toward the exit.

—

Leo was on his way to the theatre when he caught sight of them—Jacob and Elise, hand in hand, running off. He bit his tongue, ready to ignore it, until he noticed Merida nearby, gathering her things.

Panic shot through him. If she stood up, she'd see them. He darted forward and blocked her view.

"Merida," he called gently. She lifted her head, and his heart sank. Tears already rimmed her eyes. Had she seen?

"What's wrong? Why are you crying?" Leo asked, brushing her cheeks with his thumb.

"I-I'm scared," she stammered, her voice breaking. "So many people are going to watch. My heart is pounding and I—"

"Shh," Leo hushed her, steady. "Breathe. Just imagine they're all... egg rolls. It's only one scene, the final scene. I'll be in the front row. If anything goes wrong, I'll take you away."

She inhaled, exhaled, then nodded.

"But... why are you here?" Leo pressed.

"I was looking for J-Jacob. He said he'd be here..."

Leo clenched his fists, jaw tight. That bastard can't even keep one promise.

"He'll show up when he wants. For now, let's go," Leo said firmly, guiding her toward the backstage. Before leaving her, he gave her a thumbs-up.

As promised, he sat front and center. If he was only a temporary knight, then so be it.

Brandon slid into the seat beside him. "Candice succeeded," he murmured just as the play began.

Leo whipped his head toward him. "What do you mean? I saw her earlier, she—" And then it hit him. The tears. She had seen them.

"I heard Candice. She said Merida saw them kiss... that's why she ran," Brandon admitted with a heavy sigh.

Leo's blood boiled. If he could, he would storm out and beat Jacob senseless. But he had promised Merida. He had to stay.

"So you're satisfied now? After hurting her?" Leo growled.

Brandon stared straight ahead. "Not satisfied she's hurt. Satisfied she saw the truth. Someone had to be fair to her."

Leo grit his teeth, barely holding back.

—

The play unfolded, and finally, the finale began. Merida stepped onto the stage in a flowing dress, her hair woven into a braided bun. She wore a sad smile that the spotlight only sharpened.

Sitting at the piano, she let her fingers glide across the keys. Music filled the room—aching, raw, full of cries only a few could hear. Each note dripped with the weight of her heart.

Her silent tears fell unseen, masked by the melody.

When the last note lingered in the air, Merida closed her eyes. It was an ending, not only to the play, but to something inside her.

The audience erupted in applause. She opened her eyes and found Leo's wide, beaming smile. Brandon clapped too, more subdued. That was enough. She didn't look for anyone else.

The spotlight blinded her one last time, and then the curtains fell.

Backstage, laughter and praise surrounded her. Compliments poured in. For the first time, Merida felt beautiful—not because of anyone else, but because of what she had created.

A different kind of beautiful.