Chapter 26

My chest was too heavy when I got back to the room where I was temporarily staying. The guilt and pain in my heart were mixed because of what Caroline had exposed to me.
I close my eyes tightly as tears fall in my eyes. I felt so bad for hating but I also felt angry at him for lying to me. Why didn't he tell me right away? Why didn't he kept this?
If he said right away. I wouldn't have hated him. I would not have been hurt and troubled at the thought of him leaving and abandoning me. We would not have suffered like this.
I sobbed at the extreme resentment I was feeling. I feel the same way I do. If I hadn"t already known Caroline. Maybe what other torture I did to Vane that he didn't deserve.
I stopped sobbing when I heard a faint knock. Before I could give my permission, the door opens revealing Vane. I immediately looked away. I know he saw the tears in my eyes so I didn't bother wiping it.
"Harper? Are you okay?" He asked worriedly
I felt him approach me. I bowed as he walked closer to me and stopped in front of me. He kneeled down and touched my cheeks, wiping the tears away.
"Am I hurting you popcorn?" My heart clenched in pain when I saw the hurt and sadness in his eyes
I quickly shook then wiped the tears that fell then caressed his face. My heart instantly reacted. It warms up as my hands touch his face.
"Why didn't you tell me Vane? W-why?" My voice cracked
He looks confused at first but stilled when he realized what I am talking about.
"H-How did you k-know?"
"Does it matter? What matters now is why you kept it away from me! Don't you know how hurt I am thinking that you left me. I thought I was alone. I tried to tell myself that I could That's why I hate you even more because you promise to protect and stay with me. I look forward to that night and when you stare at with those cold eyes. My whole world crumbles down. I guess, I become so dependent on you because the feeling was blissful. The feeling was so good that I forget who I am and how independent I am. So when you leave me. I'm broken. "
My tears started to fall from my eyes no matter what I stopped. I just felt his gentle hug with me. He kissed my temple.
"If you felt bad about it. Don't be Harper. Don't be. Because it's my promise I'm fullfilling. It's my love for you popcorn. I don't want to tell you because it's not important. What matters to me and make it up to you not to use those things to make you feel bad and forgive me. I have my mistake and I'm making things right to earn your forgiveness, "
"No. You don't have to Vane," I muttered and forced a smile
"Harper ..."
"You don't have too. Because you're forgiven,"
Her lips parted slightly when she heard what I said. From his knees, he stood up and hugged me. I yelped in surprised.
"Finally !! I thought you were going to make me suffer even more," he seemed to breathe easily
I barely laughed. He sat down next to me and leaned his head on my shoulder.
"I'd actually appreciated your singing the other day. The guards were looking at you weirdly," I laughed reminding him
He hugged my waist even tighter and squeezed my neck. I know he's embarassed so that's when I'll just recover from him making me cry. Did he think I would run him away there?
"Stop! I'm embarassed already!" He whined
I was just shaken and left to be enveloped in silence. My eyelid starts to get heavier due to drowsiness. Maybe because I was tired and crying earlier. I yawned and was about to be pulled away when he speak.
"Will you marry me Harper?"
My eyes widened and all the tiredness left my body. My lips parted as I looked at him. His face is still buried in my neck so I can't see him.
"W-what?"
"I said, will you marry me? I promised to be a good husband. I won't do that to you again. I promised, I'll give you everything that you want just marry me Harper,"
He was begging and he was serious as hell. But we just got along to get married right away. Also, he seems to be in a hurry.
"May I remind you that I'm still the Queen of Serfim. It's against the rules," I reminded her
There he looked up. He held my hands as he stare at me pleading.
"We can ... You know we can transfer it back to your father or sister. I just want to marry you right away,"
My forehead ceased. Something was wrong or something bad will possibly happen that's why he's rushing everything. He doesn't tell me anything anymore.
I stared at him earnestly, "Tell me why Vane and I don't want you to lie,"
"What do you mean?"
"I know something is going on so you want to hurry everything and I want to know that. If you want me as your wife, stop hiding something from me!" I said emphatically
He bowed then took a deep breath, "You're right. I shouldn't keep it a secret from my wife,"
I smiled at what he called me. It's so good to be called his wife and I wouldn't waste this chance but I have to be cleared to him. How can I be called his partner if he keeps me a secret?
"Kuya Lu was on a mission and that was to find and protect the lost Princess. He wants me to watch over Filifia while he was away. But I'm still a prince. The throne must be passed to me so that I can do that and it will just happen. "That's if I get to marry someone. Please, popcorn, don't get me wrong okay? I really want to marry you because I loved you not because of the throne. It's just a coincidence that my brother needs me," he explained.
I nodded slowly, letting those informations sink in. I looked at him. I saw fear in those blue eyes and loved. I smiled fondly at her and touched both of her cheeks.
"I trust you Vane. I know you're not fooling me. But I want to know why King Lu have to do that? I mean, you have soldiers right?"
He smiled and kissed me tenderly on the forehead, "He has to do, what his heart wants to,"
***
Just like how Vane wanted, everything is in a rush but still he make sure it still perfect. From the wedding gown, cake, reception even the church. He took care of everything. I tried to help but he won't let me so all I could handle was the transfer of power to Papa under the leadership of Serfim.
The wedding will be held 3 days from now. So Vane's parents are already in the palace. Queen Samara and King Dwight. They were so happy when they learned about it our wedding. I also learned that they knew what had happened to Vane and me back then, to Jackason and Vivian.
So the news spread that he and Vivian were easily erased because of King Dwight who ordered the media to be removed.
"I'm thankful that you believed my son. I knew that he loves you." Queen Samara smiled softly at me, "Just then, I intended to tell you what was done but he stopped me. He doesn't want to excuse himself from hurting you by helping you. So even though I objected. I let him,"
"I should thank my twin. If she didn't tell me about it. I probably won't be able to forgive Vane until now. I'm sorry ... I'm also at fault. I don't even know why all of a sudden he changed that day. I let my anger and jealousy eat me then. " I sighed
Queen Samara hold my hand. I look at her. "Stop saying your sorry Harper and love my son. I know he'll do the same. Let go of the past and move on because nothing can change there. What you need to appreciate was the lesson not the pain from the past then move on. That'll be the best thing you can do for yourself and for my son, "
I nodded then smiled. "I'll be a good wife, mother and queen. I promised you that Queen Samara,"
"You don't need to promise, Harper. I know you will be. Plus, don't call me Queen. Call me Mom,"
"Mom," I smiled
Our story continued while Vane and his father were away because it was something important to talk about. I know about that with King Lu"s mission being confidential. But we stop when we heard shouting from the outside.
I quickly made my way out of the living room where we were talking but my foot was stuck when I saw Vivian.
"Vivian! Put the gun down!" Mauridad orders Mom
But instead of lowering the gun. He even pointed that out to me as a reason for my whole body to get cold. The guards arrived and surround her but she remain standing strong in her spot. The soldier's guns were already pointed at him but it just didn't seem to be on him.
"No! I won't let you marry Vane! He only belongs to me! I know he wants me but when you came he disappeared! You kidnapped him from me! You steal my happiness Harper!"
I can see the pain in her eyes. I want to help him but if Vane will be the replacement. No. I will be selfish. I will not give him my fiance!
"I didn't steal Vane away from you Vivian. Because he was never yours in the first place!" I emphatically explain to him
"No! He's mine! He's mine! I'm the only one he should marry! It's just me! Not you !!" Tears keep streaming down her face
His grip on the gun tightened. I was almost deaf from the strength of my heartbeat. I was about to step forward when someone held her hand down. The gunshot knocked me down.
A series of gunshots rang out around until Vane grabbed the gun.
"Damn you! What do you think you're doing !?" Vane asked angrily
But I couldn't hear anything anymore. I gently stroked my tyan and swallowed seeing the red liquid on my clothes.
"Oh my god! HARPER!"
That was the last thing I'd heard before I fell in the ground, unconcious.
Vane's body ran cold when he saw Harper fell in the floor, bleeding. Quickly at four o'clock he ran between the two of them and hugged the girl in his arms.
"I-I'm s-sorry .. I-I ... V-vane!" Vivian stuttered
Vane just glared murderously at her, "If something bad happen to my fiance. I swear. I will kill you!"
Vivian backed away when she saw the ferocity on her face. He gestured his soldiers to guard her before rushing Harper to their nearest hospital.
Vane feels awkward as he waits for his girlfriend outside the OR. He was silently praying to God to save Harper. He could not afford to lose the maiden.
Don't leave me Harper, I'm begging you popcorn
She looked up when she felt someone caressing her back. He saw his mother smiling reassuringly at him.
"I'm scared Mom. She's gonna be okay right?" He asked hopelessly
The mother nodded and hugged him tenderly, "Harper will be okay Vane. She's strong. She'll be fine too."
Howsoever. She took a deep breath at what her mother said. He let his mother's comfort invelops her that he did not know that he fell asleep due to fatigue.
He just woke up to hear a noise around. He opens his eyes and the panicked mother is the first to expose him. He quickly stood up and attended to it.
"Mom ?! What's happening? Is Harper okay?" He is also nervous
Tears were streaming down Samara's face as she looked at him. He felt so frustrated and fear was eating him.
"Mom ?! What happen to Harper ?! She's okay right?"
The mother was shaking with her heart broken. He was shaken and ran to the OR to see the girl. He can't lose Harper. No. He can't.
"No! Harper no! Please! Don't leave me! Harper!"
"TERRENCE VANE!"
He woke up from a bad dream when someone shouted. She looked at her mother who was looking at her. Then he remember something. Harper!
"What happen to Harper? Is she okay? Please tell me she is." He almost begged his mother
"She's stable now son. She has been moved to a private room," her father replied
He took a deep breath then said goodbye to his parents to go to his girlfriend's room. There he found Harper lying unconsciously.
He sat down next to it and touched the cold palm. He thought it had left him. His dream was so real that he can still feel the fear of losing her inside.
"Thank you. Thank you for not leaving me. I don't know what will happen to me when you leave me. I love you so much popcorn, so much that I'm willing to die just to save you."
"I know baby. I know."
Her eyes widened when she saw that her boyfriend was awake. He immediately asked if his condition was okay and called the doctor.
"I'm fine. I'll live don't worry." Harper assured
Weakly he hugged the girl's arm and put his hand on her face. Even if it's fixed. She is still scared. He seemed traumatized because it was his dream.
"Vane? Are you okay?"
He shook his head. No. He's not. He was scared. There are many scenes that enter his mind that he can't stop.
"Baby ..."
He was stunned by what it called. He look up at her with those wide eyes. Did he heard it right?
"What did you call me?"
Harper smile. She plant a soft kiss in his cheek. "Baby .."
"Not lettuce?"
Harper chuckled before shaking her head, "No. It's a baby now."
He also laughed and hugged the girl but was still careful. He kissed her lips before pulling away. He took the girl's hand and kissed her.
"Why are you kissing my hand? Does that make me tired?" The girl jokes with him
Vane chuckled, "Nope. It's a sign of respect because you're my queen. I repect you because I love you popcorn. I was so scared earlier. I thought you were leaving me,"
"Don't even think about it. The important thing is that I'm alive. I won't let you marry someone else,"
Excited he kissed her and hugged her again. Damn. He can get enough of her. She was like a drug, so addicting. A virus that ruined his whole system but it's okay.
Because he loves her so damn much and everything that involves her is worth it.
***
Because of the incident that happened. Their marriage was adjusted so that she could rest. In those two weeks he stayed in bed. She proved that she really couldn't afford to lose the young man to her.
She realizes how much she loves Vane and decides to marry him. And now is their wedding day. Nervous and excited at the same time.
Harper can't believe that this day will come. It seems like back then she didn't really believe in love and had no interest in marriage but look at her now. She's marrying the most handsome, adorable and flirty fiance of her and she can't wait to see him in the church.
Her wedding gown was an off-shoulder gown revealing her toned shoulders and collarbone. There were diamonds embedded in the lower part of the gown. There's a tiara in her head complimenting her braid. Overall, she looks so beautiful and radiant.
"I wish you a happy life Harper. You deserve it," Caroline hugged her
They were in the car on their way to the church where the wedding would take place. He was nervous that he didn't know as they approached the destination.
"Thanks twinie. I can't believe I'll get married actually." He laughed
"I thought the same before. You're so stubborn and a man-hater." Caroline laughed
He was just shaken. "I'm just slight man-hater Aurora."
Caroline shrugged her shoulders, "Alrighttt."
Harper took a deep breath as their car stopped in front of the church. From inside, she could see the people waiting for her to come out. There are media out there that take pictures of them.
"Are you ready?" Her sister asked
She smiled and nodded her head. He went out first and approached the parents who would take him to the altar. Harper took a deep breath for the last time before stepping out of the car.
The smiling faces of his parents were what he saw. The camera's started to flash that it's almost blinding but her focus was on her fiance standing next to aisle with a soft smile in his face.
Her eyes began to water with the mixed emotions she was feeling but she forced herself to calm down. She doesn't want to ruin her make up when it comes to the front.
"You look so beautiful popcorn," Vane whispered the moment her parents give her to him
He gave her a tender kiss on the forehead and then held her hand. They were in front of the aisle now.
"I'm always beautiful," she joked
"I know right." It was the second time he had laughed
The wedding happened so fast. He couldn't even stop crying when Vane said his vows. When the priest said that he can kiss her already. It was even faster at four o'clock he kissed her on the lips.
She was so happy that finally, one of her dream come true and that was to marry the person she will love for the rest of her life and will do the same to her.
"I love you baby ... so much," she whispered in her husband's ear
Vane kissed her passionately then pressed their foreheads together. He smiled charmingly making her heart skipped a beat.
"I love you too Mrs. Emmerson. My Queen."

Vane yawned before wrapping his arm around his wife's waist. He squeezed against it then kissed it there. He was so happy as hell ever since he married her.
He was so in love to her that he can't function anymore without her.
He kissed her sensibly then stood up and went naked to the bathroom to take a bath. He make love to his wife last night and it's so blissful and fulfilling that sleep very late. He will let his wife rest first.
After bathing. He got dressed and went downstairs to order their personal chief to cook when he saw his brother on the sofa.
"Kuya Lu? What are you — What the hell?" He was amazed to see what it looked like
Luhence was wearing a black ripped jeans, white shirt with denim jacket and white rubbershoes. It has a gray cup so I can't see the young man's face very well but overall, he looks like a freaking commoner.
"What's with your outfit? Are you tired of the black suit?" He couldn't believe his question to his brother
Luhence looks like a bad boy in his outfit, add three more rings to his silver ear. Gone was the black suit addict Luhence Emmerson.
"What's important is that I'm still handsome and cool idiot." It stood up and put on the backpack. "I'm going somewhere. Like what I'd said to you, handle my kingdom while I'm away."
It walked out of the palace so he followed. Not everything is clear to him.
"Where are you going? And why do you still need to dress as a civilian?"
Luhence opened his car's door in the back then rudely threw his backpack there.
"Just watch over my kingdom ... While I watch over my woman. Is that enough?"
Vane was just shaken when the brother got into the car and pulled it away. He followed it with his gaze until it disappeared.
"Goodluck then brother."
*** END ***
Special Chapter
I rush to the bathroom and puke my brains out. I'd been like this for days now. Dizzy I leaned against the door. I calmed myself first before I took a shower.
I wear a blue empire dress and let my red hair fall into my shoulder. When I saw that I looked fine, I just left the room.
The guards bow down upon seeing me. I just nodded at them before descending down the stairs. Vane is not in the dining area and living room. That means he's in the office. These past few days he become very busy and understand him.
He's now the leader of the country and as his wife. I should always be understanding, patient and faithful to him. As former leader of Serfim. I know how hard it is for him every day just to fulfill his duty.
And I won"t be a headache to my husband. I am his Queen. I should be his other half not his other problem.
"Good morning ... Did you have breakfast?" I asked smiling at him
He looked up from what he was doing. A smile flashed on his lips when he saw me. He gestured for me to come and I did. I sit in his lap and buried my face in his neck.
There's so many things I'd learn as a wife and one of that is your husband's perfume was the best scent ever. It helps me calm down and it ease the loneliness I sometimes felt when he's not around.
"Not yet. I have to finish this first," he kissed my hair. "Did you eat? You shouldn't go hungry."
I looked up and leaned my chin on his shoulder. I kissed his jaw and he groaned earning a chuckle from me
"I want you to eat together," I whispered
His grip tightened on my waist. "It's morning popcorn. Don't seduce me please,"
Laughing, I arranged to sit on his lap, "I'm not. I just want to eat with you too ... I have to tell you something later,"
He frowned, "What is it?" He asked curiously
I smile mysteriously, "You'll know later. Let's eat first. I'm starving,"
I stood up and pulled him by the arm. He looked at me in surprise. I know. He can also see the difference in my behavior but my dear husband was still oblivious.
He did nothing but drift me to the kitchen. I ordered our personal chefs to cook us bacons, hotdogs, eggs and of course, coffee for my husband and chocolate drink for me.
"Wait!" I stopped them for as long as I could remember
They stopped and waited patiently for me to say something.
"I hate scramble eggs. Please, I want a sunny side and don't make it salty." I added
They looked at me weirdly but nodded and went inside the kitchen afterwards. Back in the chair, next to Vane who was looking at me in astonishment.
"Did you eat last night or do we have a visitor? That's too much food popcorn," Vane
I raised my brows at him. "The eggs and hotdogs were just for me. The bacon was yours,"
Vane looked at me bewildered, "What? I don't have eggs and hotdogs? Just bacon?"
"Well. I can share you some," I smile
I ate well when the food arrived. I really enjoyed the egg with a toasted side so I ate it all and didn't even give it to Vane. He looks okay with it but he's still looking weirdly at me.
"Popcorn?" Untag nya
I'm still eating. Hotdog was the next thing I ate. I feel insatiable. I just can't help it. I'm craving for these foods.
"Yes?" I glance at him
"You said you're telling me something. What is it?" He asked curiously
I swallowed first and drank some water. I turned to him then smiled broadly.
"Well. I'll tell you if you answered my question first,"
He frowned, "Okay? What's that?"
I knew he was surprised. That's why I want him to be even more surprised because later. He will also know why I am like this.
"What name will you choose for a boy?" I asked
He was even more surprised by what I said. "Why are you asking me—"
"Just answer it!"
"Alright. I chose Colt. Why did you ask? You're acting weird," Vane
I smiled widely, "Nathane Colt. Better."
"Who is Nathane?" Her face wrinkled
"He's our baby."
"What—"
"He's your baby. I'm pregnant!"
His jaw dropped at what he heard. Her eyes rolled as she looked around at my face and at me. I laughed at him.
"You're gonna be a father Vane,"
I was startled when he suddenly shouted and jumped. Even servants and guards jumped in panic.
I was just shaken when he hugged me tightly and repeatedly kissed me on the lips. I kissed him back and pull away.
"Now I know why you're weird," he exclaimed
I narrowed my eyes at him. "I'm not weird Vane."
He just laughed at me and then pulled me closer to him. I wrapped my arms around him and smelled his scent once again. He kissed head softly.
"Thank you popcorn. So much. You complete. Thank you for showing me how beautiful it is to settle down. To love someone and to be loved. Without you, I wouldn't be this happy. I love you so much Harper and I promise "I won't hurt you again like what I did before," he said passionately
I looked up and kissed him on the lips. "You're not perfect Vane and I love you for that. Marrying me is enough for me to trust and love you. I trust you won't hurt me."
He smile. "And what if I didn't hurt you on purpose? Would you leave me?"
I shake my head and his smile widens but it fades because of what I said next.
"I won't leave you. I'll just put you to sleep outside,"
He laughed nervously, "Right. I won't hurt my popcorn,"
"You should,"
He hugged me tightly again. I leaned my face against his chest. I smile when I heard how his heart beats so fast.
Those beats, it's for me. I am the only who can make his heart crazy. Just me.
"I love you," I whispered
"I love you too popcorn and to our little corn in there,"
"Yeah. Our prince. Prince Nathane Colt Emmerson. He's going to be a great king someday,"
Yeah. Our son will be as great as his father.
I believe in that
—END—