Painful scars

Jess hands were sweaty as her nerves returned once again, only this time in full force and not because she feared that she might lose her job but because she just kissed her boss. The boldness of a few moments ago dissipating into thin air leaving her vulnerable to her emotions like a cascading wave.

As she expectantly looked at Brock hoping to perhaps read his mind, a mission she did not succeed at because his face was void of expression.

“I like you…” this statement was meant with silence which made Brock question his decision in the first place but he held his peace and waited for his words to sink in. Jess just kept looking at him. She suspected that he might have feelings for her but hearing it directly from him still sent shock waves down her spine.

Her face lit up with an amazing smile as a blush crept up slowly on her face. She looked at Jess and summoned up the courage to reply him I like you too but there was no reaction from Brock. It was then that Jess realized that she had said it in her mind.

“Ughhrrr…..” she yelled at herself internally. Her silence might make Brock think that perhaps she did not feel the same he did about her which was not true.

She certainly felt goose bumps from all their interactions and when he kissed her the first time she felt like she was in heaven. Even now it his presence that has kept her sane in these challenging times. She thought.

Just as Brock was about to pull his hands away, Jess quickly grabbed his hands and held him tighter

“I also feel the same way about you. Although all this is still very new to me as I’ve never been in a relationship before. I’m willing to embark on this journey with you and see where the road leads us” Jess said finally able to find her voice and say what she really felt.

Brock couldn’t hide his excitement as he embraced her and whispered sweet nothing into her ears.

Brock, was relived at the revelation that his feelings were not one sided. But, on the other hand he was still nervous. Rose and his family were still in the picture although he had made it clear that he was not interested in a political marriage without love.

He feared that the opposition he might face will be much worse not only from his mother but the entire kingdom when they find out he’s in love with a girl with no strong political background. But, he was prepared to fight for what he truly believed in and for the love he had for Jess.

I just hope in the future you’ll understand why I hid the truth about my true identity from you. There’s still a lot of battle ahead that I have to overcome in order to make you my bride and queen. Till that time please forgive me for my deceit.

“You’ve made me so happy today. I’m the happiest man alive today and I promise to make your happiness my priority” Brock said as he held her by the chin and looked into her mesmerizing eyes that made him float into eternal bliss.

If anyone would have told him that one day he would be able to have a chance at love and finally be happy with the woman of his dream he would not have believed it.

My love, you don’t know how happy you’ve made me today. You’ve not only saved me from drowning on that faithful day but you also inspired my hope to continue living and fighting to overcome my inner demons.

I knew you were the one for me even from a distance and I was right as the stars are perfectly aligned in bringing us together as one. Although there are still many things and obstacles that I’ve yet to surmount. I’ll make sure to clear the path and ensure that nothing stands in the way of our happiness not even Rose Belmoth.

Brock’s thought was broken when Jess called out his name. “What are you thinking?” Jess asked when she noticed that he was in deep thought even as they hugged.

Brock smiled as he broke the hug and took one of Jess hands in his big palm

“I’m thinking of how incredibly lucky I’m to receive your love. You are my personal gift from God because you were perfectly crafted for me” Brock said with a huge smile on his face.

Jess shrugged, feeling a warm glow rise up into her face and somehow, she knew her cheeks were pink. Who knew Brock had a romantic side to him beyond his stiff scary expressionless persona she thought.

Brock, when I saw you for the first time, my heart stopped for a moment. I felt that I had a connection with you which I found strange because I’ve felt this way about anyone else before. I thought I was deluding myself in coveting a man above my status but who knew this day would come. Jess smiled as she reminisced about that day.

“I can say the same. I’m also a lucky woman” she chuckled as they both held hands while walking back towards the house.

“Hold on for a second” Brock said as he dashed into a nearby bush disappearing out of Jess’ sight.

What is going on? What is he looking for over there in the bush? Oh my God I think he is pressed. He should have just said so. He could have used our guest bathroom. Who knew Brock could be shy as well.

She laughed out loud at her imagination but her mouth was left hanging wide open when she saw Brock emerged from the bush holding something in his hands.

“I couldn’t find any Roses in the bush…. I thought this might do for now… just to commemorate this special day. But I promise I’ll get you a big bouquet of flowers as a way of apologizing for my lack of foresight” He said holding a bunch of grass in his hands.

“Hahahaahah, and here I was thinking all sort of weird things” Jess said as she bent down holding her belly as her stomach hurt from laughing so hard.

“I’m glad I can make you laugh even for a moment. So I consider it a successful mission even though I failed to get you real flowers” Brock said as he gave her the bunch of grass which smelled like earth.

“Thank you my love” Jess managed to say when she was able to regain her composure from laughing. She froze for a second when she realized what she called him.

Oh my God, the pet name just rolled off my tongue as if I’ve been saying it to him for years.

“I love the name. Can you say it one more time… please” Brock pleaded while raising his middle finger to illustrate his request.

“My love” Jess said it as a deeper shade of pink enveloped both her cheeks.

“Hahaaha! Can today get any more blissful? Brock asked feeling overwhelmed with all that has happened in a short span of time.

This is the right time to bring up the issue of her house rent so that I can be in a better position to handle the situation without causing a stir. I never expected Rose to go this low but she leaves me with no choice but to retaliate with equal force. I’ve to take Daniels advice and go back to the palace for the celebration bash being prepared for me. It’s the only way to have access to those records without raising suspicion.

“Are you having trouble with your landlord?” Brock asked hoping Jess won’t shy away from telling him what troubles her even though he already knows what betide them because of him.