Felicity's P.O.V.
They held my hands tightly, and I told myself,
'He isn't really leaving me now, is he? Why am I so impulsive?'
"All right, darling, let's continue what we started," the first thug said.
"Gentlemen, you look like decent guys—just let me go," I pleaded.
"Yeah, good guys want to have fun. You get what I'm saying? And you're the fun I'm talking about," the second one sneered.
They grabbed my arms and started dragging me into the dark end of the street.
"Leave me alone!" I screamed, panicking. I had to call out to Chris, desperately hoping he hadn't really left.
"Chris! I need you!" I yelled.
Out of nowhere, he appeared—fists flying—taking both thugs by surprise. They didn't stand a chance. Chris pummeled them until they ran off, stumbling into the night.
Tears welled up in my eyes as I ran to him and hugged him, but he didn't hug me back. Instead, he shoved me off, his eyes blazing.
"What did I ever do to you? You almost got yourself hurt because of your arrogance and ego. Felicity, I didn't do anything wrong. I just fell in love with you," he snapped. "I've never loved anyone this much before—only you. I didn't plan it. It just happened. And I'm not going to stop now. It was unintentional, but it's real."
Then he turned and started to walk away.
I stood frozen, crying. When I came to my senses, I ran after him.
"Hey, I'm sorry, okay?" I called.
"What are you sorry for?" he asked coldly.
"For how I treated you. You opened up to me, showed you cared, and I blew it out of proportion. I'm so, so sorry."
"Stop apologizing. It's over," he said flatly.
"What's over?" I asked, my voice trembling.
"Everything. I won't bother you with my feelings anymore. I take it all back. I'm sorry for my behavior… and for the trouble I caused you tonight."
He still hadn't looked at me.
"Even our friendship? That's over too?" I asked, eyes stinging.
"You tell me. Do you want it to be over?" he finally turned to face me. "Do you think it's over?"
We walked silently until we reached my apartment.
"Go inside. Get some rest. Say goodnight to your mother for me, okay?" he said, not answering my question.
I murmured, "Goodnight," but he didn't respond or even look back.
Inside, I found Mom asleep on the couch. I guessed she'd waited up for me. I tucked a blanket over her and kissed her forehead before heading to bed, exhausted and emotionally drained.
The Next Morning.
When I woke, a pounding headache greeted me. But Mom had already cleaned the kitchen, done the laundry, and even made breakfast.
I walked into the kitchen, rubbing my temples.
"Oh Mom, my head is spinning," I groaned. "I have a splitting headache."
"So sorry, dear. Come here, let me massage you. Then I'll make some coffee—it'll help. After breakfast, you'll take some meds and rest, okay?"
"Thanks, Mom. What would I do without you?"
"Nothing, I suppose." We both laughed.
"Oh, before I forget—I have to go to school today," I said, sipping the coffee she handed me.
"On a Saturday?"
"Yeah, we have a project due."
She nodded but sighed. "I was hoping we'd have time to catch up. I haven't even met your friends properly. My first impression of one of them didn't go too well, and frankly, it says a lot about the people you hang out with."
"Mom, Chris isn't like that. He doesn't drink—it's a long story. Trust me, I'll tell you everything, just not right now. I have to go."
"Yeah, yeah. Run along. I'll just be here… alone… by myself… did I mention alone?"
"Oh Mother," I laughed, "don't be such a drama queen."
I took a hot shower, put on my pink floral dress, kissed her goodbye, and pedaled my bicycle down the morning street. The air was crisp, the dew fresh, and for a fleeting moment, it felt like the world belonged only to me.
**********
Christopher's P.O.V.
When I got home, I didn't even change—just collapsed into bed. The next morning, I was still feeling heavy-hearted—about Felicity, about last night, and about everything that had happened. Regret and frustration clawed at me. I didn't sleep well. My emotions were in complete disarray.
After taking a long, cold shower in hopes of clearing my head, I finally decided to do something I hadn't done in weeks—call my mother.
She picked up on the first ring.
"Hello, Mother," I said, bracing myself.
"My son!" she exclaimed. "You remembered you have a mother? I'm shocked. What a surprise—I was just thinking of you. How are you, darling?"
I chuckled lightly, even though I wasn't in the mood.
"I'm fine. Just wanted to check on you. I'm sorry. Things have been hectic lately. I miss you. How is Father? How are things at the palace?"
There was a pause on the line. I knew that pause. She was about to say something important.
"I miss you too, darling. And that's exactly why I've been trying to reach you. There's something we need to talk about. Well," she began with a peculiar cheerfulness, "your father and I have some news. We found someone—someone wonderful. Her name is Mia Harrison."
"Mia?" I repeated cautiously.
"Yes! The woman you're going to marry. You remember her, don't you? Your childhood sweetheart. Oh, you were inseparable as kids! Her parents are old allies of the Crown. The match is ideal for many reasons—royal duties, family values, everything aligns. She's a duchess in Scotland," she said.
I paused, the air tightening in my chest. I blinked.
"Come again?"
"Chris, this is not up for debate. You've known her your whole life—don't you remember Mia? Your sweetheart from the royal estate?"
My heart dropped. "Mother, that was over a decade ago. We were kids playing with sticks and sneaking into the garden."
"Yes, and now you'll be adults sharing a crown. Her family has kept their loyalty to the monarchy. She's grown into a stunning, accomplished young woman. The council, your father, and I believe this alliance is exactly what the monarchy needs."
"But I'm not in love with her anymore. It was just a childhood crush," I said slowly, trying to remain calm.
"And yet love can come after duty—just like it always has," she said.
"No, not for me," I replied firmly. "I'm in love with someone else."
Silence again. This time, heavier.
"Who is she?" she asked.
"I don't know if you know her, but she's kind, brave, fierce. She makes me feel alive. And I love her."
"She's a duchess or a princess?" she asked.
"No. She's just a normal girl. My girl," I replied.
The Queen sighed. "She's a commoner, Christopher. She has no title, no pedigree. She can never stand beside you as queen."
"You raised me to think for myself. To feel. So what changed?"
"I raised you to serve your people and protect your kingdom. And that means making sacrifices."
"I won't marry someone I don't love."
There was a long, frosty silence.
"We will continue this discussion in person. She's arriving in a few days. We've arranged a dinner for the official announcement. Christopher, she's perfect. You need to see Mia for yourself before you make this decision."
"What about my father—did he consent to me marrying Mia?" I asked.
"Yes. He's the one who brought up the whole idea of an alliance marriage," she said.
"I already made my decision," I said quietly. "But I'll come. Not because I agree, but because I respect you."
"Fine," she said. "Next tomorrow morning."
She hung up.
She didn't know about Felicity.
My heart was already taken.