The Royal Contract

Each night she had dreamt of him saying how much he loved her, only for her dream to end in a nightmare with him suddenly disappearing. Then, waking up to the sad reality that she was alone. He had left her for another woman.

But this time, could she have a different ending?

A fool.

Her mind shouted, holding her back, telling her not to believe a liar.

“I don’t know if I can trust you.” It was the first thing that came out of her mouth as fear gripped her tightly, reminding her of the pain she had gone through these past months.

Losing Lance was different since he never led her to believe that he cared for her more than as a friend. Her situation with him was easier to accept. She was hurt but not in the same way she felt by Evan’s betrayal.

.....

Evan nearly destroyed her faith in finding true love. With Eida’s experience and hers with Evan, she almost had given up on happiness. Luckily, Angela and Luisa had restored her faith that there was a grand plan for her. She only had to wait.

“I know it is hard to put your trust in me again, but I will prove it to you.” Evan kept her hands close to his heart, not letting her go. “I will do everything and anything until you forgive and accept me back into your life.”

He knew it would take time and all his effort to convince Amelia that he had changed. Saying how he felt would not be enough. As they said, actions spoke louder than words. So, he would show her.

How? He had no idea, but he would figure it out, even if take him his entire lifetime. He would do it in many ways than one.

“I don’t know...” Amelia hesitated, torn between her feelings for him and her fear that he might hurt her again if she allowed him back into her life.

How long before he realized again that being with her was not for him? Would he stick around when the going got tough? Did he fully understand the meaning of commitment?

She could think of many questions to ask him, solidifying her doubt about his intentions. But he might have an answer for all of them, but the reality would still be the same. He might think he wanted this now but changed his mind later.

“I love you, Amelia,” Evan repeated. “I am not just saying that to get into your pants again. This time, I mean it.” That was how he felt.

He pulled her hand away from his heart and placed them on his lips. “I will worship you, adore you, love you and only you till the day I die.” He continued, convinced that he would do and say anything to get her back.

What did he know about wooing a woman? Nothing. He had never tried to get a woman’s affection before. But he would say even the cheesiest line in the book if it meant winning her over.

“I don’t...” She never finished her sentence as he interrupted her.

“Wait!” He told her abruptly. “Please, give me a few minutes.” He pleaded with her. When she nodded, he finally let go of her hands and got out of the car. “I’ll be back. I promise.” Then, he closed the door and ran.

She watched him move away from her vehicle until he was out of sight. She had no idea what he had planned, but she patiently waited, tapping her fingers on the steering wheel.

In the meantime, she thought of all the things he said. Her heart had readily forgiven him. But her mind still said to think thoroughly before taking him back.

Finally, she saw him coming back to the car, carrying a small paper bag in his hand.

“I am sorry it took me longer than I anticipated. The line at the counter was slow.” Evan reasoned as he climbed on the passenger seat and turned to her. “All they had was this, but I will make it up to you next time.”

He unloaded the contents of the brown bag. It was a single stem rose and a chocolate bar. As he had promised himself earlier, he would do everything, even if he had to court her.

He handed her the plastic flower and sweet candy bar, scratching the back of his neck as sweat gathered on his skin. He had never been this nervous before, but when it came to her, he felt like he was about to have a heart attack.

“You did not need to buy me this.” She could not help but smile at the effort. She placed the gifts on her lap and stared at him.

Damn! He was good. She would give him that.

“I have to. This time, I want to do this right.” He would have kneeled before her, but the small car lacked enough space. “Please, will you go out with me for dinner tonight?” Looking at her with those soulful eyes.

He hoped he was not moving too fast, not wanting to scare her away, but he had to try. Once again, he took her hands and held them in his. Luckily, she did not pull away.

“I appreciate what you are doing, but...” She thought carefully of what she wanted to say to him. “I think I can forgive you, but for me to trust you again...” She looked down at their entwined hands, wishing it was that simple. “It might take time.”

She wished she could readily shut her mind from the images of that girl in his arms or how he could easily discard her and throw her together with the trash. But she was not built that way.

“I only ask for a chance. Nothing more.” Evan begged her because he was not giving up on her. Not this time. It might take forever, but he was willing to wait.

“Ok. We can have dinner, but that is it.” She made it clear to him. She was taking this slow.

She was willing to risk her heart again to this man despite the warning bells ringing in her head. But the heart wanted what it wanted.

Foolish heart.