Chapter 231 – Confession

The school allowed a press conference and a short interview for Caden and me. I am already used to this kind of event since my family was always in the spotlight, but for some reason, I was nervous.

I was in my residence to change and prepare, but it had been half an hour, and I still couldn’t find anything to wear. Caden was just outside my bedroom, waiting.

He came here with some servants who had already prepared everything for him while I was in my closet staring at a hundred dresses.

I sighed. Why do I feel like this? I think I am overthinking everything and can’t decide what to wear.

“Need help?”

I was startled when Caden suddenly came inside. I turned to look at him and was surprised that he was wearing his royal robe. I didn’t notice that I was staring at him.

He chuckled. “Did you miss me that much?”

“Y-You’re so conceited!” I exclaimed, then turned around to look at my clothes again.

He was just a few steps away from me, and I knew he was observing my every move. I couldn’t decide, even more, knowing that he was standing near me.

Then again, I was stunned when he suddenly grabbed one of my dresses. He was already behind me and I could feel the warmth of his breath brushing through my neck.

“Here.” He said.

She took a baby pink dress and handed it to me. I couldn’t turn to face him. My face was too flushed, and it was embarrassing if he would see my reaction.

“You like pink, right?” He asked.

I couldn’t say a word and just nodded. I was glad that he still knew what my favorite color was.

“How about you? Do you still like the color of the crystals?” I asked curiosity piqued.

He told me that he liked transparent colors when we were young. He said you could easily see a stain in them just like the people around us. We grew up in a family associated with wealthy people, the royals, and the underworld. And I always thought that was his reason when he said those words.

“Yes. I like the way it sparkles. It was like the color of your eyes.” He exclaimed.

I was surprised. I didn’t expect that he would say that.

“We have the same eye color. I like yours better.” I said.

He didn’t say a word, but I was surprised when he suddenly wrapped his arms around my waist, embracing me from behind.

“I really missed you. Now we could at least do this.” He whispered.

“What do you mean?” I asked, confused.

“My mom separated us for twelve years, so we can’t do adult stuff. But now, we’re eighteen, so we could do something like this.” He answered.

I bit my lips when I felt his lips were just an inch away from my neck. His breath was giving me a different sensation when he talked.

“L-Like what? I thought Aunt Peggy was against our engagement because she didn’t like me.” I said, more confused than ever.

He chuckled. Then he turned me around to face him, pushing me gently against the closet’s door.

“Do you really not know what I meant? Mother likes you very much, and the reason she wanted us to separate was that she’s afraid that I am like my father.”

“Uncle Jayden? What about him?” I asked again.

“I give up. You’ll find it out soon anyway.” He answered.

He stared at me as if memorizing every detail of my face. I suddenly got conscious of my looks. I didn’t know he would suddenly show up. I should have gone to a salon and at least gotten my hair cut if I knew.

“I-I’m sorry about my hair. I always get it cut, but I missed my appointment two days ago. Don’t worry; I’ll have it cut short.” I explained.”

“No. I like it. You’re breathtaking. It was like I had always imagined.” He said, looking at me intently.

“You always think of me?” I asked, surprised.

He nodded and smiled at me.

“Whenever I feel down or sad, I always think of you. Your smile kept me going. My life in the palace wasn’t that easy. I was the crown prince, but not everyone treated me like that. They didn’t know I was the hidden heir, so I couldn’t do anything about it. Elisa would always tell me to cheer up and that everything would be okay in the future. I just have to be patient and wait.” 

I frowned. Elisa? That was the girl I heard Aunt Nina mention during my party. The one who was always with Caden. I felt my heart was being pierced; it was painful.

“W-Who’s Elisa? Is she one of your girlfriends in Flousia?” I stammered.

I averted my eyes so he wouldn’t see how hurt I was. I could feel that tears were starting to fill my eyes. How could he say that name in front of me? I know that a crown prince or the king of Flousia could have more than one wife. They were allowed to have two to three mistresses.

Uncle Kyle, the current King of Flousia, chose not to have a mistress because he was head over heels in love with Aunt Emily. But Caden may be different. 

He tilted my head up to look at my face. He was surprised to see that there were tears in my eyes.

“Hey, you don’t really know Elisa?” He asked while wiping the tears on my cheeks.

I didn’t answer. I’m not going to ask if I knew who’s that girl was.

“It’s Katie. My cousin.” He said, amused.

“Uncle Kyle and Aunt Emily’s daughter?” I asked to confirm.

He nodded and was more amused that I didn’t know that Katie and Elisa were the same people.

“Elisa Katherine, that was her full name. She was called Elisa in Flousia, so I got used to it. I didn’t expect you would get jealous of my cousin.” He teased.

“I-I’m not. I was curious who that girl was. I heard Aunt Nina talking about her. She said she was always with you to keep you company.” I stammered again.

“I like it when you get jealous. But I don’t have any other girlfriends in Flousia. I’ve been in love with one girl ever since I was three.” Caden suddenly said.

I was surprised and couldn’t say a word. Did he just say he was in love? I blinked twice. His face was full of amusement towards me. I couldn’t figure out if he was telling the truth or just teasing me. But my heart started pounding like a drum.

“What did you say?” I managed to ask him.

He chuckled then grabbed me by the waist, pushing me further against the closet’s door.

“Did you really not know how I feel about you, Alira? Did you think it was just puppy love? What I felt for you was deeper than you could ever imagine. When I said I wanted to marry you, that was the truth. I may be three when we first met, but you already captured my heart. I love you, Alira. I would never love any other woman but you.” He confessed.

I bit my lips, and the tears from my eyes started flowing again. Why am I so emotional when it’s about him? I thought I was the only one who felt that connection between us. I thought my feelings were just a one-sided love. I was ready to give up and move on, but I’m glad I didn’t.

There were a lot of things that I didn’t know about him. We were separated by force and not by choice. Our parents suggested the engagement, but it was entirely mine and Caden’s decision to push through with the it.

“Hey, say something. You know I have practiced that confession for a long time. I wanted to send it to you via email, but I wanted to tell you my feelings personally. I know it’s late, if you’re not prepared to give me an answer, it’s fine. I don’t want to force you.”

I felt that he was nervous. I could see disappointment and sadness in his eyes. But I won’t let him wait any longer.

“I love you! That’s the reason I waited for you. I don’t care if it would take forever as long as I can be with you. I couldn’t imagine myself being with any other man; that’s why I rejected all of them. I was called a liar because I always tell them that  I already have someone else, but I don’t care. Waiting for you was the best decision I had made in my life. I love you Caden!”

We finally said those words to each other. At last, we were able to say what we felt for the past twelve years.

Caden didn’t say a word.. He leaned closer, pressing his lips gently to mine.