Protecting Her

Chapter 4

EMILY POV:

“Emily, you’ll be getting married to the Duke of Portmeirion, the one and only Victor Hemsworth”. 

Victor Hemsworth

All eyes turned towards me, looking at me curiously waiting for an answer or possibly an another argument. But I knew better and I was so sure that they won’t take no for an answer. I fought hard at the tears I felt threatening to fall. No… I won’t cry, I can’t let’em see my weak point. Besides, it’s not like I can announce to the world that I’m in love with my bodyguard, my protector from more than ten years. Yes, if he would’ve loved me back then it would’ve been different. And I know he doesn’t. He doesn’t even look at me in the first place, loving me was not an option for him. f**k, sometimes I feel like he hates me, but that doesn’t makes sense, does it? If he would’ve hated me then he wouldn’t have accepted being my bodyguard in the first place. God, I’m confused. 

I miss you, Uncle Alex. Only if you would’ve been here today. 

“Is that the reason you all were so nervous before talking to me?” I said. “Listen Milli please tryna underst…” Uncle Sebastian started to say but I cut him off mid-sentence and said, “Doesn’t that calls for a celebration or something?”. “I mean I’m getting married, it calls for a celebration right?” I said in the most fake enthusiasm I can muster. My heart was breaking into pieces every time I looked at him. I so wanted him to say something, anything but as always his face had a neutral expression. 

“Are you trying to say that you’re ready for this wedding?” Uncle asked. Everyone in the room was so stunned that they were not able to say anything, not that I mind obviously. “Yes” I replied. I guess everyone was waiting for me to start an argument, huh. Surprise, surprise.

“You don’t have any problem right? I mean you don’t even know him” He asked again. I chuckled and said, “No uncle, I don’t have any problem with this wedding at all. I mean some day or the other everyone gets married. It’s too early for me to get married I know that but I can do anything for the sake of me people, they are my priority, even if it means getting married to a duke I barely know. I just wanted to tell you that whatever you’re planning for my birthday, please cancel that. I don’t want to socialise on that day. You can prepone or postpone whatever you’re planning I really don’t mind. But I can’t celebrate that day, out of all people you must know that very well”. He thought for a second and said, “Consider it done” then came to my side,  pulled me in a bear hug and said, “I can’t believe my princess has grown into such a nice young lady who’s ready to sacrifice her own happiness for the sake of everyone. Your father must be so proud of you today,and everyday”. A huge grin was plastered on his face as he pulled back and congratulated me. Gradually, everyone came out from their trance and congratulated me. As I was about to walk out of the door, a voice came from behind me, his voice, “Congratulations, Ma’am. You deserve the best”. I gave him a firm nod and turned around to leave. He came running and held the door for me, as usual, and I walked out of the door as gracefully as I can with my hammering chest and shaking legs. My insides churned at the thought of getting married to someone whom I don’t even know for God’s sake, but I can’t do anything about it. In order to keep my people safe I’ll have to sacrifice my own happiness.

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After my little pep talk in front of the mirror I wiped my tears and tried to form the best fake smile I could. Why should I cry for someone who’ll never be mine? Plus, this wedding is inevitable. This can only be cancelled if the Duke wants, my opinion simply doesn’t matters. So it’s better to smile right? At least everyone will not be worried for me if they will think that I’m happy. Uncle Sebastian did a lot for this empire, and I don’t want him to feel guilty about anything. And there is also a possibility that someday I’ll be able to find love in my future husband, right? I mean that ‘love after marriage’ thing still exists. I’ve seen my parents hopelessly in love with each other even though theirs was also an arranged marriage. One can hope for the best at least. With that thought in my mind I changed my clothes into comfy PJs and went to sleep. P.S.- Sleep is the best escape anyone can have. Hehe. 

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