Chapter 34

CHAPTER 34 LUKE My hands trembled. I watch as the people walk by, snow on their coats. It is freezing outside. I breathe in and look around, waiting. I'm starting to get nervous as the minutes pass by. I hope she will meet me, even if it is the last time. I wanted to reveal everything to her for she is the only woman I will ever love. I check my phone again and debated on calling her. She promise me, she would surely go here. When I depart for Canada, my grandfather and grandmother want me to send an official letter for my adoptive father to go to France. Nobody knows that he is my Uncle Laurent who was suppose to be dead. The king chose not to disclose the information. It will be considered a top secret limited only to me and my Grandparents. I ask Jace to accompany me with Kent seeing as Sebin is nowhere to be found. I left right before the sun sets yesterday. When I arrive today, my father was so ecstatic of seeing me rather than receiving the letter. He told me that it does not matter anymore whether he was royal or not. Though he accepted the invitation and promise me that he will come back to France. I blow on my hands and put them on my ear. I rub them together, tuck it in my pocket and sigh. My warm breath is sending fog around, it is quite entertaining. I check my watch and stood. It has been an hour, so where is she? I started to walk back to the parking lot when the snow started to fall. Kids were happily throwing snow ball at each other which I dodge to avoid getting hit. "Luke, " her voice is so soft as she mention my name. I turn to see her running towards me, almost out of breath. "Oh, Luke." She pulled me down and hug me tight. I return her hug with the same intensity she gave. "I thought you'll never come, " She pulls away, tears on her eyes. "Of course, I would. I'll never miss it for the world." She smiled at md, making me lean down and kiss her cheek. I pulled her hand on mine and tuck it inside my coat. "Where do you want to go? We have a lot to talk about." She looks at the kids before she turn towards me, "Why don't we see the fishes? I would love to go there." I lean down and nudge her nose with mine before pulling her towards the parking lot. * The drive was filled with silence. I turn on the radio and stare at her as she sat, her lips form into a pout. "What's up?" I ask as I look at her. She glares at me before saying, "Sky. Eyes on the road, please." I chuckled before focusing back on the road. After a while, she said, "Luke, are you and Fleur still together?" I smirked and took a glance at her. "Luke, please, eyes on the road!" She pinch my arm making me laugh. "No, Neola. I broke the engagement." I said as I train my eyes back on the road. "Fleur is in love with Sebin. I saw them kissing and I confronted them. She was just pressured into this as I do. She choose him over her family." She nods at my answer. A couple of moments pass before she says, "I know you are a bit weary and anxious. Oh, what to do? The king is possibly hunting for you now." She sigh and looks back on the snow covered roads. I reach for her hand and kiss them, my other hand on the steering wheel. "It doesn't matter. I have you." "Then what happens now?" I shrug at her question, my lips peppering kisses on her fingers. "How about the monarchy? Did the king got angry at you which is why you are here?" I smirk at her and shake my head, "Are you going to be oust out of your position?" This is making me laugh, oh boy… "Are you going to be thrown out of the castle, disowned and receive a punishment?" I laugh at her words, not being able to stop myself anymore. "Tell me, Luke." I laugh at her and continue driving, seeing the familiar building. "Tell me!" I turn the car and parked, "We are here." I look at her to see that she was actually glaring at me, her arms crossed. Oh, how cute. I pinch her cheeks making her smile at me. I went out of the car and open her door, my hands outstretch as I bowed, "My lady." I took her hand and she slapped my back laughing. "Stop being so courteous, Luke and start giving me answers." Her eyebrows furrowed as I hook her arms on mine. We proceed inside the aquarium rather quickly because of how cold it is outside. The manager quickly welcome us, I gave him my card and he smiled. Yesterday, I have ask him to prepare the aquarium and make it private for I know that Neola will want to go here. I'm glad I made early reservations. I notice Neola looking around. I pretend not to give her my attention as I also look at the empty halls. "Where has everybody gone to?" "Somewhere." I primly answered, still avoiding her gaze. She pinch my arm and I laugh at her silly efforts. We reach the wide tunnel. I carefully guided her through since the halls were unlit, giving off a mysterious atmosphere. She pulls her arm and stop walking. "Luke, what is it that you wanted to tell me that we have to talk in private?" I turn to her, searching her eyes. "Neola, I want you. I want to marry you. I wanted to spend my life with you. Please, " I watch as she ran her fingers on her engagement rind. She looks down on the floor and sigh, "Luke, what about the king? He doesn't like me." "It doesn't matter if he likes you or not. He is happy enough that I am going to marry and that is what he only wants. He couldn't do anything about it anymore, he have given me permission." I look up at the aquarium, taking her hand with me. "Let us marry tomorrow, my love. If not tomorrow…soon." I lean in to kiss her but she pulls away from me. She sigh, wringing her hands, "Luke, I have to tell you something." "What is it?" her face scrunch up as she furrow her brows, not looking at me. "I am going to Africa tomorrow. It is a voluntary work. I've wanted to join them years before but haven't got the chance to. The opportunity presented itself right after you left and seeing it, I quickly agree." She meets my eyes and held my hand, "I am so sorry, Luke. I didn't know." She reach out and caress my face, wiping away the tear that I didn't know have fallen. " Are you doing this to reject me once again?" My throat is tight I couldn't speak clear. "No, Luke, " She held my arms and lean on me, "I am not rejecting you. I love you so much I wouldn't do such a thing but the time is not right. We will meet again in the future, if fate permits it. We have parted and found each other, I am sure we will meet again." She pulls my coat and I lean down to kiss her. It was sweet and gentle. It was like the soft breeze of spring and melting chocolate in my mouth. It was honest and pure. I can feel her lean closer so pull her in, hugging her close. * "Should I call you Uncle or Father?" my adoptive father laugh at my question, with real tears falling from his eyes. Neola smiled at him before she takes my hand and I kiss her fingers once again. "Oh, Luke. Just call me father, you have always been my son." Uncle Laurent looks at me, his eyes full of hidden emotions. I know he miss my father and every time he sees me, he can see him. "How can you look so alike? Pity you got my eyes, " He shakes his head and stood, "Let me get some food." He scurry back into the kitchen and I sigh. He probably is crying again for I reminded him of the past. Neola leans on my shoulder and breathe in, I put an arm around her as we watch the wood crackle under the heat of the fire. "Luke, " Neola looks at me, her eyes shining, "It is making me sad that I will leave. Should I not go?" her question hangs like a cloud around us. I lean in, kiss her forehead and hug her tight. "Neola, it is your choice. I wouldn't intervene. I wouldn't beg you to stay. I am happy when you are happy, remember that. It is what you always wanted to do and I have no right to stop you." She was silent as she process my words. Uncle return with plates of cheese and wine. He put it on the table and produce two special cups, "Let's hold the ceremony of your marriage here then, if you are going away, " I look back at my uncle not believing him. "Honest and secretive. I will marry you both, no need to thank me, " He opens the wine before he pours it on the cup and look at us. "Say your vows then make a toast. You both have my blessing." I took the cup as Neola did. I look at her as she holds the cup with both of her hands, "Ladies first, " she roll her eyes on my comment and held the cup towards me, "Lucas James Hansel, to you I offer you my never ending love. I promise to cherish you forever and be with you through thick and thin. I love you, " She gave the cup to me and I smiled saying, "Is that all? How short is that." She slaps my shoulder and I kiss her in return. I lick my lips and held the cup towards her, "Neola Loisa West, to you I gave my heart, my body and my soul. I swore my love for you, to cherish you from this life to the next for I believe my love has no end, " I caress her cheek to continue, " I promise to be with you when you are sad and be the shoulder you will lean upon. I will be with you through sickness and health. I will be with you even after death and promise to recognize you in our next life. I love you, always and forever, my queen, " I lean towards her as she receives the cup from me. I did not wait for my uncle to say it, I kiss her right then and there. It was silly, she laugh as my lips touches hers. She lean closer and put her hands on my neck, pulling me in. She opens her mouth and I plunge my tongue. I can feel my body heating up as we proceed. Uncle Laurent suddenly clap his hands which made the two of us break apart. I shook my head as Neola tries to hide her face. It was sealed. We are officially married. We both offer the wine, toast and ate the cheese before we kiss once again. Uncle clapped his hands as we sat there, over the moon as we enjoy the moments of being together. * I caress her cheeks and fix her coat, "Do you really have to leave?" my voice breaks as I look at her. She just smiled at me and lean in towards my touch, "You told me so, if I am happy then you are happy. I ask you for how many times yesterday if I should go or not and you told me that it was okay. So, I will go." She wrapped her arms on my waist while I pull her closer. "In a year then, " "In a year, " She looks up and I lean down to kiss her. "I will be quite sad." I muttered as I guide her towards the entrance. "Me too." She fold her lips and gave me a tight lip smile. "Take care, my love. Don't forget to contact me, okay? I love you." I lean down to kiss her once again before finally letting her go. She went up the ramp and then she was gone. The ship announce the last call. I stood there, freezing, waiting for it to go before I go back to France with my uncle. The wind freeze the tears on my face and before I knew it, the ship was already departing. I got inside the limousine and look at my uncle who was snoring. He is lucky, he don't have to worry about things like this. I look down on my phone, waiting for her call but she didn't. We headed towards the airport. Jace and Kent took care of our luggage while we board in. My uncle and I chose to fly before lunch and hope to see the sunset in France. It was a long and an uneventful trip. I still haven't got any messages or calls from Neola. Geez, is she that excited to forget me that quick? Does she have a brain the size of a pea? It was like her memory is that of a fish. It's frustrating. Glaring down on my phone, I switch it off and put it inside my pocket. * I didn't know I have fallen asleep. We finally landed in France. The sun is about to set and my Uncle is happily leaning on the window, trying to catch a glimpse of the afternoon sea. The flight attendants guided us down the plane. I hold my uncle's hand as he carefully padded down the plane, complaining about how stuffy his seat is making his feet hurt. I just scratch the back of my neck and choose to not listen of his ramblings. When we went down the plane, I was surprise when Jace rush towards me, his face ghostly white. "What happened to you? Is that an effect of jet lag?" Jace did not answer me. Instead, he showed his phone. Confuse, I took it from him and read the article. ** A total of eight people were still missing. Along with this is the ex fiancée of the Prince from the French royalty and also the younger sister of the known billionaire, Gabriel West. Her name wasn't confirm by the royalty and the following information is still not disclose to protect her royal identity. Further reports will be made later this evening. Have a good day, everyone. Au revoir! ** And so my world crashes. I kneel down on the airport floor and sat, crying. Where are you Neola? 계속 Dundundunduuuun, so what's up?