Furiously in Love

Encounter

Elena POV

Suddenly, I heard a loud and clear voice, cutting through the noise and the music.

"Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention, please?" it was the Duke, He had a commanding presence, attracting everyone's eyes and ears.

He continued to speak, with a cheerful and enthusiastic tone.

"Thank you for joining me and my family on this wonderful occasion. We are delighted to have you here, as our honoured guests and friends. We hope you are enjoying the party, the food, and the music. But we have a special surprise for you, a surprise that will make this night even more memorable and joyful. A surprise that will make history and change the world. A surprise that will make me and my son very happy."

He paused and looked at me, with a warm and affectionate smile. He gestured for me to join him on the podium, with a gentle and inviting motion.

He said, with a soft and tender voice.

"Elena, darling. Please, come here. I have something to tell you. Something to give you. Something to ask you."

I didn't want to leave my spot, I looked around for my mom spotting her at a corner smiling at me like we discussed this all along, but I knew I can't embarrass them like this and it's this is a royal engagement, matters like this will be dealt with in private.

I had to go to the podium. I had to accept the ring. I had to say yes.

I took a deep breath and walked to the podium, feeling everyone's eyes on me. I felt like a lamb going to the slaughter. I felt like a puppet on a string. I felt like a prisoner in a cage.

I reached the podium and stood next to the Duke, who put his hand out for me. He held up the ring, which was a huge and sparkling diamond, making me feel dazzled and blinded.

"Son can you come up here also" He said as William strode over to the podium looking calm and relaxed like he also knew about this engagement, after William was on the podium he spoke to the crowd, with a loud and proud voice.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I have the honour and the pleasure to announce to you the engagement of my son, Mr. William Sussex, to Miss Elena Clark, the daughter of Mr James and Mrs. Emily Clark. They are a perfect match, a perfect couple, a perfect pair. They are both lawyers, who share a passion for justice and human rights. They both share a passion for travel and adventure. They are both smart and successful, who share a passion for life and love. They are both happy, and they make me happy. And I hope they make you happy too." After he spoke he gave his son the ring and also gave me a ring.

Turning to me, William paused and looked at me,he said, with a gentle and persuasive voice.

"Elena, darling. Will you do me the honour and the pleasure of becoming my wife? Will you do yourself the honour and the pleasure of becoming a Duchess? Will you marry me"

He looked at me, waiting for my answer, which felt impossible and painful. He looked at me, with a smile, which felt fake and cruel.

And I said, with a whisper, which felt like a lie.

"Yes."

The crowd erupted in applause and cheers, congratulating me and William. The Duke hugged me and left us

Not knowing how to break the awkward air around us I spoke " Did you know about this engagement or were you unaware about it also"

looking at me with the look of distain he spoke curtly " does it matter we are to be wed and me not knowing doesn't change anything, now if you excuse me I would like to discuss some important matters with my associates"

" umm... ok Wow this guy is a Jerk it doesn't surprise me at all" I said looking at the big stone on my finger glistening as I twist my finger

feeling a sense of scopaesthesia, I turned towards the direction to find a blonde lady with a silver dinner gown starring daggers at me, ok these people are not weird at all not thinking much of it I decided to go get a drink, after all that has happened this evening I need some liquid boost.

I quickly scanned the place and saw that they had a bar and decided to go over there

" one ice on the rocks please" I said scrolling on my phone

"She will have the Vieux Carré"

looking up to see who decided for me, I saw it was a dark haired guy with a smirk on his lips

" You needed something that will calm your nerves given what happened just now, Hi am Matthew Fox" He said extending his hands

" Am Elena and thanks I can decide for myself drinks that will calm me down thanks"

"wow feisty, I already know your name.. well am the cousin to the marquess your fiance which makes you the future marchioness or possibly future Duchess"

" So then my future has already been decided then no need for the chit chat, if you will excuse me" I said as I took my drink and walked off

catching on to me he said " sorry I know I sounded like a doughe bag but you know how it is with royal etiquette most importantly royal weddings, look am sorry can we start all over again " He looked sincere, it is better to make friends around here than enemies

"ok then fresh start" I said smirking a little

" wise choice the more allies you have the more of you surviving this place" He said striding off.

Taking a sip off my drink "well cheers to finding out what is in store for me here in England, a toast "