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anjanettexcordonia · 3 years

Text

Truth

A/N: I have been MIA for about 6 months or so, so I have decided to start over with tags, so if you would like to be tagged just let me know or shoot me a message.

Word Count: 991

Tags: @txemrn @jessiembruno @neotericthemis @gkittylove99 @yourmajesty09 @tessa-liam @kingliam2019 @busywoman @lovingchoices14 @twinkleallnight @amandablink

“Scotland? I thought you were from some island country?”

“Cordonia. And I am. But I need to show you something in Scotland. Something very important to me. To both of us.”

“What is it?”

“I can’t really explain, you have to see for yourself hence…” Liam spread his arms above his head, indicating their surroundings high above the clouds.

“I see.” Riley’s thoughts were firing in her mind like a meteor shower in the sky.

One second she’s working in the bar, the next she’s jet setting halfway around the globe with absolutely no idea what was about to happen, how her life as she knew it would be changed forever.

——

Fifteen hours later and an extremely awkward flight Riley stood at the stone steps of Edinburgh Castle in Scotland. The rain drizzled down hitting the umbrella Liam held over her head in sputters. “What is the place?” Riley stood in awe and something else, apprehension, fear, longing? She couldn’t pin a single emotion on it.

“One of the great British structures….” Liam paused, Riley interrupted, “No, not that.. I feel… like I’ve been here before.” Riley’s voice dropped into a whisper.

Liam slid his hand into hers. In that moment he felt drawn to her more than he ever had before as their skin touched, her small smooth hand felt like it belonged in his.

He led her rather reluctantly inside the imposing structure and directly to the gallery room. Her eyes were wide taking in all the strange sights of the castle. She had seen castles before in picture books and documentaries but never in person. Liam motioned for Bastien to wait outside as he guided her into the room with large canvas paintings of former and present British monarchs.

And there she was. “Liam, is this a joke?” Riley stared at the 10 foot tall painting of…. Herself. “It’s not, Miss Brooks.” He murmured. He noticed that chill he felt any other time he stood in the presence of Iseabel was no longer there. “Why the fuck is there a giant painting of me here?”

Her sense of dread of the unknown rose in her. Anger was coursing through her veins. “Why would you bring me here?” She felt the sting of tears well up in her eyes. “What kind of game are you playing? Is this some stalker situation?” Riley roared at Liam.

He didn’t say a word. He forcefully grabbed her and placed it on the frame of the painting.

“Feel that?” He shouted. “Feel what? I feel nothing.” She tried to pull her hand from the painting but Liam had his hand on top of hers keeping her hand still. He moved it to the actual painting.

The hair on Riley’s arms stood, the electricity flowed through her veins. Suddenly it all went black.

Liam let go of Riley and took a few steps back. Both of her hands were now on the painting and she was still. He heard the breath leave her body.

“Liam.” A small unrecognizable voice emerged from Riley. She slowly turned to face him. The iris of her emerald eyes had disappeared leaving only glowing white orbs where her eyes should have been.

“Save us. And we shall save them all. The true Monarchs shall rise and unite the great country in battle.”

The stone walls seem to spring to life around Liam vibrating and breathing. Riley rose from her feet above him. “Take your true place my King. Sire the heir that will rule over the kingdoms.” Bastien after hearing the commotion outside, now stood by Liam. Both of them stood in amazement and fear.

“How?” He screamed. Tears streamed down his face. Riley collapsed to the floor. Her body shook and convulsed. Iseabel was gone.

“Riley, Riley.” Liam knelt beside her wiping his tear stained face. He scooped her in his arms and he ran as fast as his legs would allow.

Riley woke on the jet. She woke as if she had been in a coma. Her eyes struggled to adjust to the cabin lights, her limbs felt heavy and weak.

“Liam.” She choked out. Her throat felt as dry as the Saharan desert.

“I’m here.” Liam sat beside her avoiding any physical contact with her.

“I remember.” She whispered as he handed her a liquid to quench her thirst.

“What do you remember?”

“Everything. I saw what happened to her. To us.” He listened as she paused to sip from her straw as she sat up slowly. “I don’t know how or why… but I saw us. You and me. Different of course, not how we are now but in the past. I found you.”

“Found me?”

“I remember dying. Over and over. The pain, the fear, all of it.” Riley’s words shook. “Blackness and then there wasn’t. I saw us again and again fighting.”

“I remember you Liam. I remember… the feeling.”

Riley stood from the small bed on the jet. Riley’s mind was no longer racing with confusion, she knew in that moment what she had to do.

“I need to..” she moved closer to Liam. His fear had him immediately take a step back. She reached for his hand. Her touch calmed him. She pulled him closer to her and cupped both of his cheeks in her hands and pulled him towards her. The feel of him beneath her palms, the prickle of his unshaven chin, the softness of exposed skin drew her to him.

She lightly brushed her lips to his. Their eyes fluttered closed as he deepened the kiss. His arms enveloped her waist as their tongues met for the first time in a heated full body kiss.

As the kiss slowed, Liam fought to catch his breath. Her kiss consumed him, his soul his very presence. He dropped to one knee and bowed his head.

“I pledge my life, my allegiance, my heart and my body to you my Queen.”

#fanfiction #theroyalromance #trr #choices #liamxmc #fanfic #liam #ff #2021 #choicesfanfic

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choicessa · 4 years

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Shaken (M!Raleigh x MC)

Pairing: M!Raleigh x MC

Words: 4100 (~ 23 minutes)

Summary: Raleigh and MC broke up a few months ago and now they meet again at the party, Raleigh being engaged and MC being brokenhearted. How will they handle seeing each other again?

Warnings: A bit of swearing

He was with her.

Ruby took a sip of her drink, trying to ignore the shaking of her hand when she raised the glass to her mouth. She swallowed the liquid, welcoming the familiar feeling of warmth spreading throughout her body right now and she sighed, heavily, her eyes almost involuntarily moving and stopping at the couple, standing at the other side of the room and grinning widely.

Of course he was with her.

When she agreed to attend this party, Avery warned her that he may be there, that it is almost impossible to avoid seeing him there. So she knew the risk, she knew it since she accepted the invitation, she knew it when she was getting ready for the party and she knew it when she was leaving the limo and entering the mansion.

The only thing she wasn't prepared for, was the sight of him with her. Ruby clenched her hand around the glass, squeezing it as hard as she could, still being unable to turn away, to look anywhere else, but not on them. Yet she was hypnotized, her eyes following every gesture, every smile, every kiss they exchanged, greeting guests, smiling, their hands laced together.

Why was she even surprised? They were inseparable after all.

One month ago huge news appeared all around the media, shocking practically everyone and especially the people who knew him – Raleigh Carrera got engaged. To no one else but Becca Atwood. She was a model, a rising star of Pictagram and, apparently, the hottest body of the summer as some thirsty people called her. Her face was everywhere, her huge smile, probably being the result of hundreds of visits to orthodontists, was on almost every billboard in the city when the newest cosmetic brand asked her to be their face. Someone would call her perfect, long blonde hair, falling in perfect waves onto her shoulders, her big blue eyes, always accented with a thin line drawn at her upper eyelid with eyeliner, her full lips, perfectly shaped, always covered with red lipstick and she, tall, slim, with an almost impossibly small waist, self-confident, tempting, shining, being perfect.

At the beginning it all started just like always – she and Raleigh were spotted together, holding hands and soon all kind of media was filled with their photos, posing together, exchanging kisses, making out, dating, spending together every second of their lives. She was just another star they have found for him, another gossip they created, another girl threw right into his arms...

Not so long ago she was that kind of girl...

With an annoyed snort she emptied the glass, in one gulp swallowing the rest of her drink.

Now it wasn't a good time to remember that...

She shot a quick look at the waiter who approached her, offering the tray to her. Ruby thank him with a nod of her head and weak smile and put down her glass there. For a moment she looked after the waiter, mingling among the guests, tray perfectly balanced in his hand. And then she sighed, again, once again looking left, her earrings swaying lightly with the movement of her head.

They were still there...

The corners of her lips dropped when she moved her gaze across two figures standing not so far from her. She was wearing a tight red dress, with a deep cut, showing her perfectly shaped leg every time she barely moved, her hair as always curled into waves, falling onto her shoulders. Almost unconsciously Ruby reached out to her own hair, touching them and with sadness realizing how bland she must have looked, compared to someone like Becca. The girl laughed, throwing her head back, and soon she was leaning down, whispering something to Raleigh's ear, his lips raising in a smirk, almost like she was telling him the best joke ever.

He was wearing the same black tuxedo as always, the sight of him, dressed up like this, bringing a soft smile to her lips and once again awaking something inside her, that kind of emotion she thought that was long gone. But it was enough to see him, even if just from the distance, to burst out, all of the tames crashing down when she couldn't stop this familiar feeling of being drawn to him, this warmth pooling in her chest, when he was like a magnet, pulling her closer and closer. Yet no matter how much she wanted to move, to simply walk over to him, how much she wanted to throw her arms around him, and bring her lips to his in a kiss, she knew she couldn't.

She has lost the right to do this a long time ago.

The warmth in her chest was quickly replaced by the heavy burden, in her stomach, when she was flooded with sadness, with despair, now remembering just how much she had lost, how many memories, how many nights she spent on crying, putting all of her emotions into songs, dozens of songs that she has written late at nights, those songs she kept on humming in the shower, yet the songs that were never meant to be heard by any other ear.

After all, it was all for entertainment, why would she tell anyone just how real was her pain?

She knew she should simply look back, that she should turn around, grab another drink, go mingle with other guests, and pretend that he is not here. She should have fun, dancing and partying with her friends, she should drink as much as she could, not caring if she's drunk or not, she should do things she will regret later and live like there's no tomorrow. How long should she be drowning in her sorrow, in her pain, over a man that she knew will bring her nothing but heartbreak?

She looked up and at that moment heart stopped beating for a second in her chest.

Because he was looking right at her.

His dark eyes locked with hers, a look of surprise, like he would never suspect to see her here, like he was shocked that she was standing there, almost within the reach of his hand, just on the other side of the room. He blinked, once, twice and then his gaze started to move, slipping across her figure, lower and lower, before he returned to her face, the look he gave her, showing her every little emotion he was hiding, every little word he'd like to tell her and he couldn't.

And she couldn't stand it anymore.

Without a word, Ruby turned around and left the room, the door shutting close behind her back when she ran into the garden, further and further away, just as far as possible from this house, from this party, from him.

Why was she thinking she could do it? Was it her pride that blinded her, making her think that she could stand being in the same room with them, without a single emotion? Was she really so naive, thinking that agreeing to this will give her the closure? Was she that stupid, lying to herself that she could look at him without missing him as much as she did right now?

A single tear fell from her eye, falling across her cheek and Ruby wiped it away angrily, not caring if this careless gesture will ruin her makeup or not. She will never be as perfect as Becca, so what was the point of trying and pretending? Another tear and another angry gesture of getting rid of it, until finally she sighed heavily and sat down at the nearest swing. And as soon as she did, she took a deep, ragged breath, before letting it go, slowly, her eyes closing.

The noises coming from the party were barely noticeable here, the only sounds she could hear were crickets and the soothing noise of trees and bushes being moved by the gusts of warm wind. She was finally away from all of this... She took another deep breath, much calmer now, and let the air out, listening to the sounds of the night, getting lost in them, letting the serenity of this place, of this night wash over her, letting all of the thoughts to go away. The swing was rocking slowly with every move of her feet, when she was gently pushing it, front and back, the wood creaking just so slightly under the movements and gentle wind messing her hair.

At least now she knew that she wasn't ready, at least now she knew that no matter what Avery was telling her, she still needed more time to heal, more time to forget, more time to learn how to live with the broken heart... Or somehow learn how to heal it.

„Hi, Ruby.”

For a moment heart stopped in her chest, when she heard the voice right behind her back, the voice that she would recognize everywhere, the voice that still haunted her in her dreams, the voice that she could still remember whispering her name, softly, sweetly, with adoration, when not so long ago they were laying together in bed, hands intertwined, the voice...

His voice.

She swallowed hard and turned around, slowly, oh, so slowly, until finally, she dared to raise her eyes and look at the man standing in front of her.

Shit.

She really hoped that she will be safe here, in the garden, far from other guests, when the party was in a full swing inside Ozone's home. And most importantly she was hoping that he won't find her here and she wouldn't have to deal with any kind of confrontation. Especially after running away like a fool, in front of him...

Karma was a bitch, wasn't it?

And why did he have to look so fucking good?

Although she had seen him in this suit dozens of times before, he was still capable of taking her breath away, especially when he was standing so close.

Too close.

„Raleigh.” She said finally, surprised just how casual her voice was.

Maybe all those hours she had practiced with Fiona, learning how to be someone she was not, truly helped her to hide her real thoughts? Helped her pretend that she was always fine? Even when she wasn't.

„I wasn't sure if you will be here tonight...”

„Well, it's Ozone, of course, I couldn't miss it in a world." Ruby managed to smile.

„Yeah, that's true.” Raleigh nodded, looking down at the drink he was holding in his hand.

Tequila, probably, Ruby thought to herself.

They were standing there for a moment, this uncomfortable silence between them, even though not so long ago every moment they have spent together were filled with hushed voices, excited whispers, sweet words, when they couldn't stop talking. And now?

Another thing that has changed and will never go back to what was before...

"May I sit down?" Raleigh pointed to the swing and Ruby shrugged, looking back from him.

She knew she should have said 'no', that she should cut him off, maybe even stand up and run away yet again. But her whole body wanted nothing more than to tell him 'yes', to have right there, next to her, his warm body being so close, within the reach of her hand... This time he made the decision for her and after a moment of hesitation he approached her, sitting on the swing, right next to her.

And then there was this silence again.

This embarrassing silence she couldn't stand at all.

„Well, I think I should congratulate you?” Ruby cleared her throat.

„Congratulate me?”

„On your engagement of course.” She said, before biting her tongue.

Shit.

Raleigh's face fell and his shoulders slumped when he looked right into her eyes. And at that moment she could read everything from them. Regrets, pure hurt, and even more regrets when his eyes found hers.

Idiot.

She was such an idiot.

„Raleigh... I'm sorry... I...”

„Naah, that's okay. I guess I kinda deserved it, huh?” He scoffed, taking a sip of his tequila.

„No... You don't deserve any of this... I know it wasn't your choice, so I could shove those congratulations up my...”

„Yeah, yeah, I get the picture." Raleigh snorted and for a small moment the tension was gone, he was smirking and she was relaxing when this one terrible joke seemed to crush the first layer of the wall they have put up this evening. "It's fucked up, you know?"

"What?"

"This." He made a gesture with his hand, almost like he was trying to embrace the whole garden. "Me, at this party, with my fiancee on my shoulder, pretending I am the happiest man on Earth." He scoffed, shaking his head.

"It is all arranged?" She asked, even though she knew the real answer.

Well, she hoped she knew the real answer.

But she'd rather hear it from him, she'd rather get the confirmation that it was all done against what he wanted, that it was all done simply for the public, that it was all just a huge lie and he was a victim.

"Of course it is." Raleigh sighed heavily. "They just called me one day and told me they arranged this cruise, rented a boat and I am supposed to propose..."

„You couldn't say no?”

„And what do you think?" Raleigh snorted. „They tell you to date, your date; they tell you to get engaged, you get engage; they tell you to break up and you..." He hung his voice suddenly, before shooting her a glance. He really had to go that way, huh? „...you break up...” He finished finally, taking a sip of his drink.

„Don't you think it's too much? How far should we allow them to go? To control our lives like that?”

„You know damn well how this works, Ruby.” He snorted again. „You want fame, you want recognition, you want a good press. So you do what they say. You have to allow them or you're out.”

„I still think it's not fair.”

„Nope. Nope, it's not.” Raleigh took the last sip of his tequila and sighed. "Nothing is fair in this life..."

Ruby said nothing and the silence fell between them once again.

„Do you ever think about it?" Raleigh asked suddenly, straightening, the swing swaying slightly under the force of his sudden movement.

„About what?”

„How our lives could look like if they weren't dictated by the others? If we could choose where to go, who to date?" He looked down at the empty glass in his hands. „Do you ever wonder..." He hung his voice, suddenly refusing to finish his thought.

Because what was the point?

He knew damn well that his dreams were never meant to happen, that his hopes were nothing more but hopes of a naive man, the one he apparently still was. They had no future together, it all ended when their PRs decided they're outdated, that no one cares about them dating so they have to break up. Their relationship was over, just like that, just because someone said so and thinking how it could have been was nothing more than a pure torment.

So why bring it up?

„Yes?” Ruby's voice brought him back to reality and he looked at her.

Her dark eyes were shining in the dark garden, a reflection of a moonlight twinkling like stars when she was looking at him, eyes wide opened, with such vulnerability, silently asking him to finish his thought, to give her a reason to torment as well.

„What if... What if... We could become real?”

Echo of his voice disappeared between the bushes surrounding them and suddenly there was nothing but silence.

Ruby blinked, once, twice, her eyes averting from his face and looking somewhere over his shoulder, almost like she had found the most interesting thing there.

And her thoughts became restless.

How many times she has been through this one 'what if', how many hours she has spent fantasizing about them being together, not because someone told them, but because they wanted to, on their own terms; how many sleepless nights when she was letting tears fall from her eyes and sink into the pillow under her head when she was crying after the man she had lost, a man that was never meant to be hers. At least not in the way she'd want him to be. How many dreams of his arms around her, how many fantasies of his kisses, his smile, his warmth, his body right next to hers...

And the harsh realization that it was never meant to be.

They were never meant to be.

„Yes...” She whispered finally, yet still refusing to look at him. „More often than I'd like to admit...”

She could hear him take a ragged breath and then the clink of the glass hitting the ground when she simply dropped it from his hand, not caring if it can shatter of not.

And only when he whispered her name she dared to look at him.

„Ruby..." His voice trembled when he spoke her name again, his hands reaching out to her, clasping her palms between his, with that strange, unspoken desperation. „I want you to know that... What we had... It was real for me." He confessed, looking down at their hands, fingers lacing together, almost like they were taught to do this and only this. „They could have initiated it, but... I have never felt like this with anyone ever before and I probably never will again..." He looked up at her and knit his eyebrows at the sight of teardrops appearing in her eyes and threatening to spill. „There isn't a day when I wouldn't regret that we never had a real chance..." He drew in a ragged breath, reaching out to her, his trembling hand placing on her cheek. „And there isn't a day when I am not thinking about you..." With a sad smile he brushed away the first tear from her cheek.

She knew it was wrong, she knew that if someone would spot them here, no matter who, another star, singer, actor, a random paparazzi – their reputations would be destroyed. And she had enough drama in her life for the last few months, a new scandal wouldn't look good in her resume. But...

He did feel so good.

Her body once again was acting against her rational brain, when she leaned into his touch, her eyelids fluttering when she closed her eyes, covering his hand with her own, pressing it stronger to her skin, the warmth so familiar, so good...

„If only we could...” She started to speak, but her voice cracked and gave up, refusing to emit a single sound more.

Raleigh leaned even closer, pulling her near to his body until their foreheads finally touched. She could feel his warm breath on her mouth, the air he let out with his every breath softly touched her skin, drying the tears streaming down her face. She shouldn't be crying, she hated herself for that, especially that she was mourning the loss of something she never truly had in the first place. Yet tears were falling, one after another, marking her dress, marking the sleeves of his suit, the familiar saltiness on her lips when she licked her mouth, suddenly so dry.

He was so close.

She could see this almost invisible scar at the side of his face, the one loose hair strand that fell onto his forehead, the way his dark eyes scanned her face, unable to look back when he seemed mesmerized by her, drawn to her by this invisible force. She blinked and Raleigh noticed one lonely teardrop now glued to her dark lashes and he wanted nothing more than to kiss this place, get rid of this tear, to make her happy again, to see her lips lifting in the most beautiful smile he had ever seen. But he wasn't the one to do this anymore, was he? He lost his right to do that when he had lost her... A sigh escaped his lips when he looked down to her mouth, his thumb now agonizingly slowly stroking her lower lip, her warm breath tingling his skin. Would it be so bad to taste her, one last time? Would it be so terrible to give her the proper goodbye, the one she had always deserved? Would it be so selfish to kiss her, just this once? Her mouth parted slowly under his touch, a small sigh escaping them and with it an almost inaudible noise when she whispered his name, like a prayer, like a request, like a favor, asking him to do what they both were craving for.

And then he closed the gap between them and his lips found hers.

He kissed her slowly, tenderly, with no rush at all, when he was savoring the taste of her lips first time in months, trying to prolong this moment as much as he could, when he wanted to memorize every little detail of her. The way her lips moved against his, answering to his kisses, the way her hands wrapped around his neck, fingers tangling between his strands; the way she tasted, the sweetness of her vanilla lipstick now on his mouth when he kissed her again and again and again.

They knew they had to be careful, risking someone spotting them, yet at the same time it seemed like the whole world around them disappeared, shrinking to nothing but this serene part of the garden and the swing they were sitting on. Raleigh arms wrapped around her waist, finding a comfortable place on her back when he pulled her body closer to his, their chests colliding and a soft gasp escaping Ruby's lips at the sudden impact. But he silenced her with yet another kiss, more desperate, more hungry this time when his tongue slipped between her lips, asking for permission, the one she happily gave him. Her nails scraped the base of his neck causing him to murmur with delight, until it turned into a moan, full of pleasure when she gently tugged at his hair. He dragged her even closer, his hand moving down, across her back, lower and lower, finding the cut at the side of her dress and slipping under it, his warm palm almost burning the skin on her thigh where it rested, squeezing her gently, yet hard enough to make her sigh. Ruby wasn't sure for how long they stayed like this, kissing, touching, wrapped into each other embrace, none of them wanting to be the first one to stop this.

Until finally they had to, their lips parting, their bodies moving away, yet their eyes still locked onto each other.

„Well...” Ruby cleared her throat. „It's definitely a better break up than last time...”

Raleigh snorted with laughter and his longing gaze moved across her face once again, almost like he was trying to memorize every little detail of it.

„I truly care for you, Ruby.” He confessed. „I want you to know that.”

„I know.” She smiled sadly, cocking her head to the side. „And I care for you, Raleigh.”

„Even though I am a flirt, rebel, and a heartbreaker?" He raised his eyebrow, a familiar smirk appearing on his face and Ruby felt her self smiling as well.

„Yes.” She assured, reaching out to him, tenderly brushing away a few strands of his hair from his forehead. „So this is goodbye, huh?”

„Well, we'll see each other at parties like that, so...”

„You know what I mean...”

„Yeah... I know...” They sat there, in silence, the swing swaying gently under their movements, their hands still locked together, fingers laced, when in this silence, this stolen moment, they were saying their silent goodbyes, none of them wanting to the first one to break this apart.

Until finally Raleigh sighed and stood up, pressing one last kiss to her lips, a sad smile lifting corners of his mouth.

„See you around?” He asked, taking a step back, but still unable to let go of her hand, the grip of it around her palm only increasing.

„Yeah. See you around.” Ruby nodded, finding last remnants of strength to smile.

If her grimace could have been called a smile...

Raleigh took another step back and another, the hold of his hand around her weakening with every step he was taking.

Their fingers started to separate, unable to stand the distance so big, the warmth of his hand disappearing from hers.

One last longing look of their eyes, one last sad smiles on their faces, the last brush of fingertips against each other.

And then he was turning around, disappearing behind the nearest tree, the sound of his steps slowly disappearing in the distance.

And just like that...

He was gone.

#raleigh x mc #raleigh carrera #raleigh carrera x mc #platinum #choicessawrites #choicessafanfic #well guess who has been replaying platinum #and guess who decided angst is a really good idea #welp #sorry not sorry #choicesfanfic #playchoices fanfiction #choices fanfiction

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thequeenofpixels · 4 years

Text

The truth in the burn (AU)

Book: Perfect Match

Who: M!Hayden X F!MC (Gessica Park)

Summary: What if the group discover that Hayden was part of a scientific experiment, and he’s human and he is struggling to process all that? - The following scene happens when the group breaks into Eros facilities and Hayden is shot.

Author’s note: I had this idea when the book was still releasing new chapters, I was hoping for something like that instead of following with the robot thing, but I only could write now. Be aware English is not my mother language. The characters belong to PB. I used a few lines from chapter 10/11.

Word count: 3296

Warnings: A little angst, a little fluffy.

P.S 1= Thank you @boowoomuu for helping me with the review!

P.S 2= This is a tribute to my dear friend @a-teardrop-blog ♥

_____________

Gessica and Nadia busted thought the doors of the rear exit, and out into the alley behind the building. Hayden ran to meet her, wrapping his arms protectively around her.

“I was worried about you, what’s going on? Where’s Sloane? She picked me up and told me to wait out here for her.”

“She ran off! No time to explain! We have to go!” Nadia shouted.

Then they looked over to Damien, he was holding the door closed as the two guards banged against it from the other side.

“Don’t know how long I can hold them! Running would be good!” He yelled.

With one final heave, the door swang open, throwing Damien back! The guards rushed out, tasers down! “Take ’em all!”

The guard took aim at Gessica and Hayden dived in front of her. “Gessica! NO!”

When the taser hit him, he fell on the ground unconscious with an expression of pain in his face.

Gessica ran to help him with tears in her eyes. “Hayden! What have you done?” Where the taser hit him, cloth and skin have burned.

Suddenly, a screech of tires sounds from the entrance of the alley, as a van came barreling toward the group. The guards jumped out of the way as the van skidded to a halt between the attackers and the group of friends. On the driver’s seat was Sloane. Nadia opened the van doors as Gessica and Damien hauled Hayden inside. One guard shouted out into his radio as the van speedeed away.

Sloane drove at top speed, but an Eros security vehicle kept pace a few hundred yards behind.

While Sloane tried to dodge the persecutors from Eros, Hayden cried out in pain in the back of the van.

“I’m freaking out back here, Hayden got shot!”

Sloane tried to calm Gessica down. “He’ll be okay! I’ll look into him, and I’ll help him, once we’re off the road!”

“Why they don’t loose us?” Damien asked angrily.

“Damn it! The van signal!”

“You didn’t think about getting a car they couldn’t follow?”

“I disabled Hayden’s tracking chip and the GPS on my phone, but I-”

Approaching the car, the guard moved and reached inside the van to grab one in the group. Gessica slammed the door on the guard’s arm and he jerked back in pain, and as she shouted and locked the door, she saw him fall back into Eros’s SUV, clutching his arm. “Is everyone okay?”

“NOTHING ABOUT THIS IS OKAY!” Nadia yelled.

Sloane ducked her head under the dashboard and the van slowly drifted into the next lane. She pulled a mess of wires free from beneath the console, rolled down her window and chucked it out onto the highway. “Take that!”

“What did you just do?” Nadia asked.

“I just fried Ero’s control module. Consider us officially off the grid. I know a safe place, we’re heading there.”

After a brief discussion about trust with Damien, Sloane drove like crazy off of the city until she slowed down the van to a normal pace and took a deep breath. “I’m sure you have questions…”

“First thing first, chip? What do you mean?” Gessica asked staring at Sloane from the mirror.

“I’ll explain better later, but there’s a chip in his brain, Eros use them as a part of a neural experimental project, and to track them.”

“Who’s them?” Nadia asked this time.

“The matches. Like Steve and Hayden.”

“Care to elaborate?” Damien asked in an interrogation tone.

“I’ll explain all the details later!”

“Wait a minute, if he has a chip on his brain, were you guys from Eros controlling him all this time? So, our relationship was a lie?”

Sloane’s eyes popped on her face. “No! I mean, it’s true that Hayden isn’t what or who you thought he was. But the relationship wasn’t fake. He didn’t lie to you.”

“I’m not following…”

“Oh God, he doesn’t know. Hayden has no idea about the chip and who he truly is!” Nadia said in shock.

“She’s right. Hayden’s chip is programmed to block his old memories, from his previous life. As far as he knows, he went to Eros and took the quiz, just like you did.” Sloane confessed. “Hayden believes you’re his perfect match, too. He had no idea any of this was happening.” She said looking into Gessica’s eyes.

Damien angrily interrupted. “It seems to be a lot of that going around.”

Gessica looked at Hayden still unconscious in her arms and ran a hand through his hair, wondering what Hayden had been through before she knew him, if Eros had hurt him.

“Look, I’ll answer any questions you have, but right now we have to take care of this burn on his skin.” Sloane said and drove until she parks the car on the side of the street but before they got out of the car, Gessica saw a familiar face in front of the supposed Sloane’s safe house.

“Get us out of here!” Nadia shouted.

Slowly Sloane drove the car back the way she came, everyone holding their breath. A while later Damien spoke. “Eros has information on all of us, if there was any connection between you and that place, of course, they would have guessed you were going to hide there, or all of our homes too!”

Sloane’s face fell down.

“Let’s head to my office for now. I keep it under a different name specifically for this reason. And in the meantime, Sloane can explain more about all of this.”

Everyone on the van agreed.

Within minutes they got to Damien’s office and Nadia ran to the bathroom while Sloane and Damien helped Gessica put Hayden comfortably on a sofa.

“Let me take care of this wound. Damien, do you have any first aid kit here?” Sloane asked.

Damien grabbed the kit and handed it to her. She started to clean the burn with saline, put burn ointment and placed gauze and dressing on the wound on Hayden’s rib, while Gessica ran her hands through Hayden’s hair.

“Is he going to be ok?”

“I hope so.” Sloane answered, putting a bandage on Hayden’s wound.

“So, I think it’s time Sloane.” Damien interrupted the silence in the room.

Sloane took a deep breath, but before she could talk, Hayden woke up and hissed in pain. He put a hand on his head and stifled a scream.

Gessica put a hand on his shoulder and kneeled beside him. “I’m here, we’re all here.”

He looked into her eyes, squeezed her hand and tried to smile, but it could be seen in his eyes. He was still in pain. He looked around and asked. “Where are we? How did we get here?”

Gessica tried to explain to him all that happened and continued. “We’re in Damien’s office.”

“Is everyone okay? Did we make it out?”

“We’re fine. Everyone’s fine. You were the one we were worried about.”

“You took a bad hit by one of Eros’s tasers, and it knocked you out. Do you remember that?” Sloane added.

“I remember getting shot… and then it’s just a blur.” He looked at his body, where he got burned, but now it was a bandage on it.

“Sloane took care of your wound, but she owes us some explanations.”

Sloane’s face fell. “It’s only fair. Ok, Hayden, the headache you’re feeling now it’s because the chip on your brain was fried.”

“What? What chip? What are you talking about?”

“Jeez… Where do I start? You… you are part of a neural experiment…”

“What?” Hayden asked in shock.

“Please, before anything I’m so sorry for everything that happened to you. I was chosen to keep track of your development after the chip being implanted into your brain. But I haven’t been at Eros long enough to know what goes on in the upper ranks.”

“I don’t understand…”

“You were in a coma for almost four years and the doctors said you probably would not wake up anymore, Eros was watching you closely to see if anyone would ever try to find you, to contact you since no relatives were found..."

Hayden screamed in pain with his hands in his head.

“Oh my God, Damien do you have any painkillers here?” Gessica asked desperately.

Damien looked in the bathroom and got back with the pill. Gessica grabbed a cup of water and gave it to Hayden, who swallowed the pill.

After a few deep breaths, his face with sadness looked pleadingly. “Why… why was I in a coma?”

“I don’t know the details, but for your hospital record, you were admitted after a car accident, you stayed in a coma and your wife died.” She answered, her voice full of guilt.

“Wife?” Hayden and Gessica asked at the same time.

“As I said, she died. Eros didn’t find any relatives on either side. That’s the main reason Eros chose you to be a part of the experiment. They always choose someone who is alone in the world, who doesn’t have anyone to go after you.”

“I don’t understand, but why? Why me? Without my consent…”

“I’m sorry Hayden, I just know the project seeks to erase the memory from your previous life, before the chip, before Eros, they say the human brain is a mystery, and they want to give a new chance in life for some people.”

“Wait a minute; my name… isn’t Hayden, right?” Sloane opened her mouth, but before she could answer, he interrupted her. “You know what? No, I don’t want to know. Not yet.”

He held Gessica’s hand and looked into her eyes. “I’m sorry to put you in all this.”

She squeezed his hand back. “It’s not your fault Hayden, none of this is. We are both victims of Eros here.”

Damien, who was listening in the room’s corner, interrupted. “Why a dating service?”

“Eros needed to test whether if the chip had blocked their old memories, feelings for someone else. So they thought a dating service is the simplest way to meet strangers and arrange to spend several hours with them.”

“These bastards!” Damien said angrily.

“So… Hayden had some memory issues lately…” Gessica said.

Hayden interrupted her. “Like the day I brought you the same drink twice…”

Gessica completed. “Or the day at the opera when you told me, you were feeling like you are someone else.”

Hayden’s face was crestfallen. “In a way… this makes sense. I kept feeling like there was something… wrong somehow.”

Sloane's eyes popped. “Why didn’t you tell me? These glitches mean something’s gone wrong, it could be permanent neural damage now.”

“How… how could this happen to me?” Hayden asked, defeated.

Sloane didn’t know what to answer. She put a hand on Hayden’s shoulder. “Hayden, I think I should leave you and Gessica to talk alone, but just so you know, I’m not just your guardian, I’m your friend. You grew on me, no matter what I’m here for you.”

Hayden smiled, but a smile that couldn’t reach his eyes. “Thank you, Sloane.”

She left the room, and Gessica asked, gesturing to the couch. “Can I?”

He nodded and sat with his elbows on his knees, his hands on his head. He was totally confused about the whole situation.

Gessica broke the silence. “Look, I can leave you alone if you want.”

He quickly stopped her. “No, please. Stay with me. I don’t wanna impose or anything, but I don’t wanna be alone now.”

She smiled. “Then, I’ll stay.”

He turned on the couch, staying face to face with Gessica. He cupped her face with a hand. “I’m sorry for not being who you think. However, in the middle of this whole mess, the only thing I can promise it’s my feelings for you are real.”

Gessica cupped his face too and stared into his eyes. “Hayden, you don’t have to promise anything right now, I can’t imagine what you’re going through. You owe me nothing.”

He smiled. “I know, but it is what I feel. And it means a lot that you’re still here with me, that you still see me as… me.”

-x-

A few weeks later, after traveling to hide in another city, Gessica was sitting on a couch in Nadia’s room. They were reviewing all the information they could find in this short time.

“Well, we couldn’t find Steve, yet. But now, we know who he was in the past.”

Nadia was almost going crazy. His social media was deleted, and she didn’t know where else to look for any information that could lead to his whereabouts. Gessica was looking at Nadia worried, she had never seen her cousin so broken like that.

“Nadia? Is everything okay? You’ve been looking at this screen for a long time… Did you find something new?”

Nadia sighed and looked at Gessica with sadness in her eyes. “No. Nothing, yet. You know… Sometimes I woke up in the middle of the night wondering how he is, if he remembers anything at all about us.”

Gessica stood up from the couch and sat beside Nadia rubbing her arms. “We will find him! I promise you, Nadia! Eros can’t hide Steve forever, and if Hayden could be set free from their mind control, so can Steve.”

“Hey girls!” Hayden knocked on the room’s door.

Gessica whispered at Nadia’s ear. “I’ll go talk to him outside, ok? In the meantime, go eat something! That’s an order!”

“Fine, mommy!” Nadia answered annoyed.

Gessica opened the door. “Hey, Hayden!”

He smiled shyly. “Can… Can we talk?”

“Sure.” She led him to the kitchen. “Do you want anything to eat?”

“Actually… I was thinking about going for a walk… Breath fresh air…”

“Say no more.” She smiled, and they got out of the house.

There was a backyard outside with some trees where they walked for a while in silence. However, Gessica could see that Hayden didn’t invite her to just walk in the night, but at the same time, she wanted to give him the opportunity to do things in his way. And it didn’t take long for him to slow his pace.

“Do you want to sit?”

She nodded, and they sat on a bench.

“So…” Hayden broke the silence. “I don’t know how to begin…”

“Take your time Hayden, it’s written all over your face that you want to say something. Whatever it is, I just want to make sure you’re ok.”

He smiled, sincerely, for the first time in a while. “Gê…” He took one of her hands in his own and held it, looking into her eyes. “I want to thank you, you’ve been through with me these last few weeks. I don’t know how you managed to take care of me and give me space at the same time.” He looked down at their hands and squeezed it. “I’ve had a hard time to process the whole thing, the chip, my identity, all that Sloane could find about my past, my lost family-”

Gessica caressed his hand, trying not to demonstrate how sad she was for him. “Hey, I can’t imagine what you are going through, what you’re feeling, but all I wanted this whole time is for you to know that I’m here for you. That’s… what friends are for…” She said the last phrase with a different kind of sadness.

“I’m sorry for always bothering you. And thank you for always listening to me. You’re the only one I feel I can talk, even if sometimes I shouldn’t.”

“Why are you saying this?”

“Every time I try to talk about it with Sloane, she looks at me with so much… guilt. And I hate making her feel that way.”

They were still holding each other’s hands. “About my identity… I’ve been thinking…”

“Do you know what your name before Eros was?”

“Not yet… I’ve been having a few flashes of memory since the day the chip was burned, but nothing concrete yet. Sloane found in my medical history, but I didn’t want to know, yet. What do you think?”

“Well… I think Hayden suits you but in the end, this is something for you to decide, but just so you know whatever your decision on how to be called is, I’ll approve.”

He smiled. “Yes… and you know what? I define who I am, or who Hayden is, not Eros.”

Gessica smiled too. “Exactly.”

After a few seconds just looking at each other, when was getting awkward, Hayden opened his mouth but say nothing.

“What?” She asked with no clue of what he was thinking.

“There’s something else I want to talk to you about.”

“Go ahead, I’m all ears.”

He let go of her hands, rubbed the back of his neck and blushed hard. “Well… you gave me space and time when I most needed it and I really appreciate it. I know there are still a lot of things to solve, a battle against Eros ahead. And I know that I asked for this time… but I really liked our time together… So, I’ll understand if you feel like we’re no longer right for each other. It is a lot to process… and I understand if it’s too much for you…” He smiles nervously. “But I’d really like to give us a chance again.”

“Hayden-”

He interrupted her. “But I’ll completely understand if you want to remain as only friends, all I wish is your happiness even it means simply being your friend.”

She smiled brightly. “Hayden…” She cupped his face. “I want to be with you… and only you.”

There was a spark in his eyes, but still incredulous. “Really?”

“No matter what! Hayden, I miss you so much! We’ve been together in this house, but we were apart, and this was killing me. But I didn’t want to pressure you.”

“Pinch me! I want to feel this is real, that I’m not dreaming.”

She laughed. “Silly! You’re not dreaming I can prove it to you and not with a pinch.”

His lips curved in understanding.

She put a hand on his neck and kissed him, slowly, sweetly. When they got apart, she rested her forehead against his, smiling. “Hayden, I don’t care how we met; you could be an alien or even a robot… I’m crazy about you.”

Hearing this, he stood up from the bench and lifted her, wrapped his arms around her body spinning her around and yelled. “I’m the luckiest man on earth!”

They laughed happily.

She was getting dizzy. “Come on, you can put me down already, and don’t yell! We’re still hiding!”

Putting her down on the ground, he cupped her face in his hands, smiling. “I’m sorry if I just blew our cover, but I couldn’t help.”

“It’s ok. It’s us against the world now, together.” She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed Hayden again. “Are we all good now?”

“Very.” He kissed her this time. The kiss full of devotion at first, but soon the lust increased. “I know it’s still early, but I’m in the room beside yours, and my door is always open for you. If you want to visit me before going to bed…”

She smiled mischievously. “Depend on what we’re gonna do… are we going to watch TV until we fall asleep?”

Hayden chuckled and pushed her body against his. “If that’s what you want.” He kissed the tip of her nose.

She played the game and answered with sadness in her eyes. “Is it what you want?”

He smiled. “I think you know the answer to that.”

She laughed. “We both know… Ok, I’ll be there.” She hugged him, and he hugged her back. Both of them feeling hopeful about their future together, no matter what.

_______________

Tagging: @choicesbyjade @ choices-drake-zig @scalpeljockeybrycelahela @promissyou @nanieuniverse @brooks-walker-dynasty @vickypoochoices @bardiniwalker @marijo37

I think might like: @angstymarshmallow @blackcatkita @endless-vall @kinkykingliam @suikared @missameliep

#Fanfic #ChoicesFanfic #M!HaydenYoung #HaydenXMC #AU #PM #PerfectMatch #PerfectMatchFanfic #PerfectMatchAU

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blackcatkita · 6 years

Text

The Consequence of Secrets- Chapter 20

The Panic Begins

Liam x MC (Jennifer)

This was a tough one to write, and it may be difficult for some to read, hence the warnings below. I apologize for cutting it where I did, please don’t hate me! Tags are at the end, if you would like to be added, moved or REmoved from the lists, just let me know! I doubt anyone is going to “enjoy” this chapter, but if it moves you or gets you in the feels, please like, comment or reblog. I appreciate every single note! Word Count- 2752 . For all other works, please see my MASTERLIST.

WARNING- This chapter contains graphic descriptions of sickness and possible pregnancy loss.

Disclaimer- I do not own these characters, that honor belongs to Pixelberry Studios. I’m just playing with them. Mood board made by the very generous @darley1101

Jennifer kneels on the floor of their en suite bathroom, leaning over the toilet panting, trying to catch her breath after violently spewing bile and stomach acid into the bowl. Tears spill from her red, swollen eyes and roll down her cheeks, joining the beads of sweat that glisten on her upper lip as the sour stench of the vomit fills her nose. Her stomach clenches again as thick, sticky saliva floods her mouth and she lurches forward, heaving, though there’s nothing left in her stomach to throw up.

Whimpering into the porcelain basin, she spits, waiting to see if the nausea will return as the searing pain in her abdomen increases to an almost unbearable level. It feels as though someone’s plunging a dagger into her belly and an icy panic creeps across the back of her neck, spreading over her face and up into her scalp. Constipation didn’t hurt like this, nothing hurt like this. Something is very, very, wrong.

Too exhausted, weak, and in pain to stand, she turns away from the toilet and crawls forward, only making it a few feet to the rug in front of the vanity when the pain intensifies again, becoming a hot blinding pain wrapping itself around her midsection. Crying out in agony, she collapses onto her side, clutching her swollen belly in her arms as her body instinctively curls into the fetal position. I’m only twenty three weeks, this can’t be happening… Please God don’t let this be happening…

Wracking sobs shake her body and tears fall from the corners of her eyes, wetting the plush white cotton beneath her as she thinks back on the last few days. It had been so easy to write off how she was feeling as ‘normal’, the initial exhaustion had been the easiest to ignore. Between the sanctuary fundraiser and organizing the picnic, she had been stretched thin, working long hours, not eating enough… How could she have been so stupid to go to Lythikos so close to an event? She should have been home, relaxing with her husband, not pushing herself even further.

It was obvious Liam noticed something was off at the picnic, but she brushed it off as him being overprotective. He knew her better than anyone and she should have listened to him… should have paid attention to how she was feeling, but she really thought she was fine. Of course, she was tired… so what if she wasn’t hungry? Those things were normal during pregnancy, weren’t they?

It wasn’t until the day after Liam left for Switzerland that she started to feel nauseous and even then, she hadn’t been concerned. Although her morning sickness had gone away when she entered her second trimester, it wasn’t unheard of for her to have an occasional bout of sour stomach. It didn’t happen often, but when it did, she could always take care of it with an antacid, ginger ale, or some saltine crackers… not this time. This time none of her home remedies helped in the slightest and it got steadily worse until last night at dinner, when the nausea got so bad that she had to run from the room before she puked all over the table.

Then the pain began.

It started as a dull ache, just above her belly button, that soon spread across the top of her midsection. With the pain came an increase in vomiting and she knew then it was time to see the doctor. Though she felt bad for waking him, she called Liam to tell him what was going on and it was all she could do to convince him that she didn’t need to go to the hospital. He finally relented but thought she should at least call the doctor right away. However, it was late and after her marathon vomiting session and a bowel movement, she really had felt a little better and promised to call in the morning when she woke up.

Only a few hours later, before the sun even broke the horizon she was jolted awake by sharp pain in her abdomen, cramping in her pelvic area and a new wave of vomiting. Concerned and frightened, she called their general practitioner Dr Novak and despite the early hour, he arrived within twenty minutes. After a thorough exam, he diagnosed her as being severely constipated and that was the reason for the cramping and nausea. It made no sense, she had been going fine, so when he prescribed laxatives, she didn’t take them. She couldn’t explain it, but something told her not to, and aside from that, she wasn’t going to take more medication than necessary, not when she had their baby’s well being to think of… a baby she’s now terrified they may never meet.

As she cries in pain on the bathroom floor, she knows she should have gone to the hospital in the first place, when Liam asked her to. How could she let it get this bad? What kind of mother does that? What kind of mother ignores sign after sign that something was wrong? It all happened so fast… Oh god, Liam… he’s going to be devasted if anything happens to either of them, he doesn’t even know how bad it is, nobody does.

From the bedroom, she hears the soft melody of her ringtone, breaking her of her thoughts. If she can get to her phone, she can call for help, and she knows exactly where it is. Sitting on Liam’s nightstand where she set it after hanging up with him mere hours ago. It isn’t far, maybe thirty feet… she can do this… she has to do this… for herself, her husband, and their baby.

Recalling her training as her phone rings a second time, she closes her eyes, breathes in through her nose for four seconds, then out through her mouth for four seconds, repeating the exercise until her pain lessens, her tears stop falling and her muscles relax. She grits her teeth and tries to prop herself up on her left elbow, wailing as the debilitating pain consumes her again. She feels the blood drain from her face as her arm gives out, making her fall back to the floor with her heart racing and sweat dripping down her back.

The pain is constant, what was once a dagger has become a sword through her belly, and every movement twists that sword to unbearable levels of agony. We’re going to die here… laying on the bathroom floor, she thinks, clutching her baby tight while fresh tears roll down her face and she tries to catch her breath. “I’m sorry little one. I’m so sorry…” She whimpers as the phone rings again. “I hope that’s Daddy calling... Daddy will send help.” And he would, if he couldn’t get ahold of her, he would. He wanted to come home last night, after she started cramping. The only reason he didn’t was because she insisted that it wasn’t that bad, and he should stay and finish the meetings. The summit was important, too important to leave because she had a stomachache. If only she had known how serious it was then, she wouldn’t be alone now.

Minutes seem like hours as she waits with bated breath, listening intently for the sound of the apartment door opening, but all she hears is her own sniffling and the ominous clicking of the second hand on the large wall clock to her left. It feels like an eternity since her phone last rang, maybe it wasn’t Liam calling after all and no one was coming.

Desperation settles in her chest, like a tight fist squeezing her heart and she shuts her eyes, silently praying to anyone who will listen. God… I need your help. I know I don’t talk to you nearly as much as I should, and I have no right to ask you for a favor… but please, please save my baby. If not for me, for Liam. He is such a good man and he’s already been through so much… please don’t make him endure this too. I don’t care what happens to me as long as they are okay. Please God, I’ll do anything I have to… I’m willing to fight, but I don’t have the strength to get up and I can’t do this on my own… I’m begging you, send someone to find me before it’s too late…

From downstairs, Maxwell’s baritone voice calls her name and she startles, drawing in a sharp breath as her eyes fly open. Thank you, God… she sighs in relief. “Up…” Her voice is nothing but a hoarse croak when she tries to shout, wincing as the force causes her pain to flare. Steeling herself against it, she clears her throat and takes a deep breath before bellowing, “Upstairs! Bathroom!”

Maxwell’s thunderous footsteps pound against the wooden stairs, resonating through the apartment as he rushes to reach her. In any other instance, she would scold him for making too much noise but at this moment, it’s the most beautiful sound she’s ever heard. Through a haze of grateful tears, she watches as Maxwell reaches the open doorway of the bathroom and stops short, his mouth falling open in shock at the sight of her on the floor.

“Let me through Lord Beaumont.” Startled by the deep voice behind him, Maxwell flinches, blinking twice with a quick shake of his head before stepping to the side to allow Bastien to enter the bathroom.

“Thank God you found me…” Jennifer lets out a sound, somewhere between a sob and a chuckle as Bastien kneels beside her, his forehead creased with concern. “How did you know to come?”

“His Majesty called me when he couldn’t get ahold of you.” Bastien glances over his shoulder at Maxwell, hovering in the doorway with tears in his eyes. “Maxwell, call King Liam and let him know we’ve found her and that she’s being taken to the hospital.” Nodding, Maxwell swallows hard before reaching into his pocket and pulling out his phone, his hand visibly shaking as he calls Liam’s number while Bastien turns back to Jennifer. He reaches out and places the back of his hand against her forehead, checking to see if she has a fever before pressing two fingers against her carotid artery while looking at his watch on his left wrist.

As Bastien checks her pulse, Jennifer listens as Maxwell speaks in a quiet but panicked voice to Liam. “We found her curled up on the bathroom floor… it smells like puke… she’s all sweaty, and she’s like, grey… It’s… it’s bad Liam… Yeah, Bastien is checking her now… Uh huh, ok, hold on…”

“Your heartrate is elevated.” Bastien tells her, interrupting her eavesdropping and releasing the pressure on her neck as his eyes study her face.

“Umm… Jen?” Maxwell approaches tentatively, holding out his phone, and she sees his bottom lip quiver before he quickly tucks it between his teeth. “Liam wants to talk to you.”

“Thank you, Maxwell.” She says softly, taking the phone and bringing it to her ear. “Liam?”

“My God…” Liam sighs in relief. “it’s so good to hear your voice my love. When I couldn’t get ahold of you… and with what Maxwell said, I feared the worst… Jennifer, what’s happened? Tell me what’s wrong.”

Her hearts stutters in her chest and she feels like she’s falling, spinning down into a black abyss as she begins to weep. How could she tell him she may be losing their child? That despite all the signs that something was wrong, she ignored them all… that she ignored him. She hadn’t thought her heart could break anymore than it already was but hearing the worry in his voice and knowing what she had to tell him, her heart was shattering. “I don’t know what’s wrong Liam, but I’m in so much pain…” Choking out a sob, tears stream down her face as she squeezes her eyes shut.

“Are you…” Liam pauses before clearing his throat and she knows he’s trying to control his emotions. “Are you bleeding?” He asks, his voice breaking just enough that no one but she would notice.

“No, but the pain is unbearable… I’m really scared Liam, I need you to come home… please come home.”

“I’m already on my way Baby.” Liam assures her, slightly out of breath. “I know you’re scared but I need you to be strong okay? Bastien and Maxwell are going to get you to the hospital and I will meet you there in about two hours. I’m getting on the jet now.”

“Okay.” She whimpers, sniffling.

“I love you, Jennifer. I’ll be there soon, I promise.”

“I love you too… please hurry.” Sniffling again, she passes the phone back to Maxwell.

“Do you think you can sit up Your Majesty?” Bastien asks.

“Yes, I think so…” Jennifer replies. “but you might have to do most of the work.”

“I can do that.” Bastien smiles softly before gently removing her arm from clutching her abdomen as he places her right palm flat on the floor in front of her chest, making her wince as the release in pressure causes her pain to flare. Grasping her left hand in his much larger one, he snakes his other arm under her shoulders. “Alright Queen Jennifer, on the count of three I’m going to lift you up while you push with your right hand. Ready?” With her face set in determination, she takes several deep breaths and nods. “One, two, three…”

Holding Bastien’s hand in a vice like grip, Jennifer pushes against the floor with all the strength she can muster, crying out against the pain blazing through her core as his powerful arms lift her into a sitting position. Her breath comes short and fast and she leans back against the vanity with her eyes closed. “That… sucked.”

Bastien stands to get a bottle of water from the vanity, twisting it open before handing it to Jennifer. Reaching up, he presses his thumb against the tiny microphone affixed to his lapel. “Phillip, call an ambulance for Queen Jennifer, right away. Confirm receipt.”

“Bastien.” From the floor, Jennifer tugs on Bastien’s pant leg and waits for him to look down before continuing. “I want you and Maxwell to take me to the hospital. I don’t want the press to know about this and… I don’t think we can wait for an ambulance to get here.”

“Your Majesty…” Bastien crouches down with a heavy sadness in his eyes. “With my leg, I can’t carry you safely down the stairs.”

Jennifer’s eyes fall on Maxwell, waiting by the door with his shoulders slumped and his head hanging forward. “Maxwell, do you think you can carry me out of here?”

His head snaps up and he wipes the tears from his cheeks before meeting her gaze. “I can do it.” Sniffling, he steps towards her with determination. “How are we doing this?”

“Cancel the ambulance order. Bring a wheelchair to the Royal Chambers and have vehicle four brought to the front of the palace.” Bastien orders into his microphone, waiting for confirmation before turning his attention back to Jennifer. “Alright, first we will help you to your feet, then Lord Beaumont will pick you up and follow me down the stairs to the wheelchair and the waiting vehicle. I will alert the hospital on the way.” Bastien hooks his arm under Jennifer’s armpit and gestures for Maxwell to do the same on the other side. “On three again… one, two, three.” The two men pull her to her feet and she bites down, barely stopping herself from crying out again.

“So far so good…” Jennifer breaths out through her still clenched teeth as she drapes her arm over Maxwell’s shoulders, her legs wobbling beneath her.

“Let me know when you’re ready Jen.” Maxwell whispers, his voice laced with worry. Meeting his gaze, she nods her permission and he bends down, looping one arm across her back and the other behind her knees. He lifts her into his arms and hot searing pain floods her abdomen, even worse than before and she screams in anguish, digging her nails into his shoulder. “Oh my god!” Maxwell exclaims with tears in his eyes. “I’m sorry! I’m so sorry!”

Sweat and tears run down her face as she clenches her eyes shut, breathing heavily against the pain. “It’s okay Maxwell…” she pants. “Not your fault. But we need to go. Now.”

Perma Tag- @kinkykingliam @umccall71 @writtenbycandy @darley1101 @theroyalweisme @starstruckzonkoperatorbat @srta-give-me-my-jax-rl @katurrade @mfackenthal @debramcg1106 @trr-fangirl @alicars @eileendannie @3pawandme @tanyaschoices @flyawayblue56 @josieschoices @alwaysthebestchoice @meeraaverywalker @penguininapinktuxedo @mrsnazario1223 @endlessly-searching-for-you @sstee1 @speedyoperarascalparty @barbaravalentino @bella-ca @heatherfilliez @mitalijoshi @chiarace @never-ending-choices @drakelover78 @scarlettedragon @hdcathcart @annekebbphotography @flowerpowell @hhiggs @hopefulmoonobject @queenodysseia @gardeningourmet @purpleenigma7 @lodberg @perfectprofessorherokid @simplyaiden-blog

Series Tag- @liam-rhys @bobasheebaby @topsyturvy-dream @cordoniaqueensworld @hellospunkiebrewster @choicesfanatic86 @jayjay879 @kaitycole @drakesfiance @cocomaxley @viktoriapetit @mrs-simmy @ayo-minty-jess @jared2612 @crookedslimecreatorpasta @craftytacotrashdream @victoriamikhala @lizk77

#jennifer x liam #liam x mc #mc x liam #choicestrr #trrfanfic #choicesfanfic #king liam #maxwell beaumont #bastien lykel #angst #cordonia #the royal romance #liam x jennifer

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choicesff · 4 years

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Hate Fuck: A Perfect Match Fiction (1/5)

Synopsis: When Damien comes back after a month of being locked inside Eros, he’s not the same. He’s angry, tortured, and most of all, resentful of MC and her relationship with Dames, and he turns to therapy for help. Hate Fuck is a five-part series that explores the psychological aftermath, and whether Damien and MC can ever get back what they once had. NSFW language and smut warning for Part 5, which culminates in the titular hate fuck, and to a lesser extent, previews and build-up in the other chapters. 18+ only. Gender-locked for a female MC.

* * *

“Say my name.”

She was pushed face-down against the bed, one hand pinned behind her, the other grasping desperately at the sheets, seemingly searching both for an anchor and the fucking moral compass she had lost. You are a feminist, she reminded herself. You do not belong to anyone. Sex with you should be intimate, and loving, and gentle, and—

His left hand, once pressed against the front of her neck, inched its way up to her chin and pulled her head backward to meet his clouded gaze. Heatedly, impossibly, he pushed even deeper inside her, and she let out a guttural moan in response—unclear what he was doing to her body or how. He took the opportunity to push a finger into her open mouth, and she surprised herself by closing her eyes and biting down to suck it hungrily, before he icily pulled out of her. Stricken, and suddenly empty, she popped her dark eyes back open to look into his again.

“Say. My. Fucking. Name.” At the last word, he entered her all at once, searingly, inch-by-aching-inch without a shiver of a break. “Damien!” she gasp-screamed, eyes rolling back as he stretched her wide open. She’d never felt so filled, so dominated in her entire life, and – and –

Fuck. He was controlling her, and despite herself, she fucking loved it.

“Yes,” he groaned, and tore down the top of her strapless dress to tug, relentlessly, at a nipple. She cried out at the pleasure-pain of it, and it was music to his ears. “And who do you belong to?”

She bit down hard on her bottom lip and felt his rhythm, in, out, deeper, deeper, bringing her closer to the edge with each plunge. No one, she wanted to yell in defiance, but her body betrayed her as she arched, pushed her ass backward to meet his hips, to perfectly match his glorious rhythm. No one, but then again—

“Who do you belong to, Noemi?” This time, it was said through gritted teeth, and she could tell there was an edge in his voice. But still, she ignored it, instead leaning back and moaning, intoxicated by the warmth of him inside her, the orgasm building in her core, one of his hands now painting circles around her right nipple, the other wrapped around her left thigh and thumbing at her clit, so, so, fucking close if he’d just let her—

Quicker than she knew what was happening, he grunted, pulled out, and flipped her, pushing her further up the bed so that he was squarely on top of her, now facing her. His beautiful brown eyes met her own and stared, his face a mess of emotions, as if he wanted to love her and tear her inside out at the same time. The look made her gulp. He reached down to touch her sensitive nub again, but roughly, with far too much pressure, and she yelped and lurched back. He smiled wickedly; that hadn’t been an accident. Yet when he spoke, his voice was soft.

“Noemi. I won’t ask you again.”

They lay there, glaring, for what must have been ten seconds, locked in a battle of wills as he played her body like a fiddle. But fuck, he wasn’t going to give up, and it was all so very hot, and she wanted to come so badly, and he had just licked two fingers and plunged them into her at just the right curve, and if he pulled them out one more time she was going to scream, and—

His face suddenly shifted to reveal the ghost of her gentle, vulnerable, best friend — a man who was insecure, hurting, and so head over heels he was dizzy. “Emi,” the ghost-of-a-man whispered hoarsely, reaching out to cup her chin, imploring with his eyes. “Please.”

She swallowed, her stubborness melting away as she stared at the only man she’d ever loved. The only man she ever would.

“You, Damien,” she admitted in a whisper, her eyes never leaving his.

“Yeah?” He stared longingly, captured in the moment, hearing her but unsure—needing to be convinced that this, unlike all those fucking face-wearing phantoms they’d sent him, this was real. This wasn’t too good to be true.

“Yeah. I’m yours, Damien. I… I belong to you”—and she brought her lips up to his earlobe—“…sir.”

His eyes immediately darkened, and possessed, he brought his mouth crashing down onto hers as he quickly replaced his fingers with his dick. She moaned loudly into his mouth, and they built a rhythm, their bodies communicating all the pain, anger, love, that they’d held in for so long.

As he fucked her and the dull ache below started swimming to the surface, she felt herself sinking into the powerlessness of the moment, drowning in him and loving every second. “Yours, sir,” she muttered against his mouth as her body began to tingle. “I’m… all… yours…”

THREE WEEKS EARLIER

[This series takes place after the opening scene of Book 2, Chapter 4 -- when the crew breaks into Eros headquarters to save Damien, and leaves Dames behind.]

They fell back into the bed of the truck, trying but unable to draw their eyes away from the horror playing out before them: Dames, overtaken by tens, dozens, seemingly hundreds of Eros soldiers, their frenzy in destroying him fueled by Cecile's otherworldly scream as the others escaped through the truck parked in the loading dock. In the truck, her breathing was audible, ragged, as sobs shook her body and tears washed lines of dirt down her cheeks. She felt someone pull her into a tight hug, kiss the crown of her head, touch her hair, make vaguely comforting noises, but still, she couldn't turn away -- long after someone had roughly tugged the truck door closed, after she and the others had found their way to seated positions, after the breathing, the heartbeat of the person cradling her head had slowed in sleep.

Hayden. Now that the fog was finally lifting, she could tell it was him by the scent that she'd memorized months ago. Back when she thought she loved him. Back before she knew that he was programmed to think he loved her, too.

Regular breathing, underscored only by the hum of the engine beneath, told her that she was alone, that her companions—other than Nadia and Steve up front—were asleep. Yet she felt eyes on her. Slowly, painfully, she finally peeled her face away from the shadow of Eros headquarters to meet the eyes that burned her cheek.

Damien. It was dark, but there was no mistaking him. He was staring at her, yes, but even more... studying her. His brows were furrowed; his mouth was set. Something in him was closed off behind a wall that she hadn't seen since, years ago, she and Nadia had conspired to make him one of their own. And there was something in his look that she couldn't place. Pain – at being tortured? Relief – at being saved? No, none of those – or not only those alone. It was something angrier, deeper, more animalistic… something like –

Right as she was about to place it, he sneered and turned to his side to sleep. The motion was so fluid and rapid that she unconsciously let out a surprised "Damien!". But he ignored it and didn't stir.

Oh god. He knew.

And of course he did. The evening's events came rushing back to her like a wave: Dames stepping toward her with murderous purpose; she and Damien pleading with him to resist; Dames waking up, wounded, as if from a dream, and insisting on staying behind to give them a head start; her taking Dames’s face into her hands, feeling the wetness on his cheeks, pressing her lips against his, its, in a desperate last goodbye. Even if Damien knew nothing else – nothing of the museum, of their whispered confessions, of their night in Paris – he had seen their farewell. That was enough. And so he knew.

Just like that, Noemi could place the look she'd seen before he shut her out.

Disgust.

She knew he’d never look at her the same way again.

Tagging: @choiceswreckedme @monosodiumglutamateme @debramcg1106 @boneandfur @indiacater @umccall71 @confessionsofabrokegirl @butindeed @bobasheebaby @enmchoices @hopefulmoonobject @debramcg1106 @mrsnazario1223 @theroyalweisme @crookedslimecreatorpasta @kawairinrin @drakelover78 @drakewalkerwhipped @trr-fangirl @ladynonsense @darley1101 @mfackenthal

#choices stories you play #pixelberry #choices #fanfiction #choicesfanfiction #choicesfanfic #choices fanfic #choices pixelberry #choices perfect match #perfect match #choices damien #pm damien #damien nazario x mc #damien nazario #damien nazario perfect match #damien x mc #pm damien x mc #choices damien x mc #choices damien hatefck fanfic

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brightpinkpeppercorn · 4 years

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You can actually still find all fanfics written by Julie on choicesfanfic site ! I was upset when she deactivated and everything disappeared but then I found her fanfics in archive and it’s so cool. She writes so good it’s sad she left

Aaah! Thank you for this excellent advice, Nonny!

I’m so happy her fanfic is still on the site. I loved her RoD fic so much and would reread it a lot.

Here is a link to all the RoD Fanfic on the Choices Fanfic Archive

#choices fanfic #ride or die #colt x mc #logan x mc

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tanelle83 · 6 years

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When you get so far down the rabbit hole of Choices fan fiction on Tumblr you stop playing the game itself

#choicesfanfic #choices trr #perfectmatch

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choicesgodfanatic · 7 months

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So unbelievably sexy.

#choicesfanfic #choices #choices queen b #Zoey Wade

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princess-geek · 8 months

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Unspoken Desires (Desire and Decorum Modern AU) - Surprise Chapter: Vincent Foredale, Earl of Edgewater (on Wattpad) https://www.wattpad.com/1385519313-unspoken-desires-desire-and-decorum-modern-au?utm_source=web&utm_medium=tumblr&utm_content=share_reading&wp_uname=Lilibeth_95&wp_originator=72a4741JDdalewQI2OdVvQ9hvY%2B8ciaNn17jIdkldKu4okiyJNKp60ONyk0caiK28Shs0RfRDYMebKr8dTRmGCje7Z7hlgcssTiPm1L3OjZ%2BPbpgnemLKaAK6zcQjueZ (Fanfic Serie based on the Pixelberry visual novel "Desire and Decorum") All her life, Beatrice Howard was told that her father had died before she was born. At the age of ten, a tragedy opens the door to truth and to a new life, full of joy, but with some thorns along the way. In this modern AU, Beatrice grows up surrounded by the characters we all love. With them, she will learn that love can take many forms and that there is no obstacle that it cannot overcome...The most important lesson, however, is that we cannot escape our desires...nor run away from what fate has chosen for us.

#choicesfanfic #choicesstoriesyouplay #desireandecorum #ernestsinclaire #ernestsinclairexmc #mrsinclaire #fanfic #books #wattpad #amreading

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anjanettexcordonia · 3 years

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The Rising

A/n: No word count, I wrote this on paper than into my tumblr drafts. It’s an experiment to see the reaction to this. It’s not something you typically see. No triggers or anything of that nature. Hope you enjoy.

Prologue

“Not all who are lost are forgotten.”

A bead of sweat trickled down his spine under his pristine white dress shirt as he read the words on the bronze plaque that haunted his dreams. The words that he had read over and over every time his father insisted they visit the castle in this far off land.

“I figured you would be here.” The voice forced Liam from the past back into the present. “Must you always come see her?” The younger feminine version of himself, his sister, with her endless snark and self entitlement sneered at him. “We’ll, I… I guess so.” He breathed and closed his eyes. “It’s just…” “Never mind, it’s time.” He followed his sister through the castle to the gallery of the summit.

Time passed slowly as the monotone voices of the European leaders spoke of trade agreements and the like. The dinner with world leaders passed in a blur to him. He danced with his mother and sister, their words were barely audible to him. There was a static in his brain and a magnetism he felt to the words that filled his every waking and dream filled moment since he had arrived.

“Not all who are lost are forgotten.”

“She would have changed the world as we currently know it.” The voice from the dark gallery ripped him from his thoughts as he stood in front of the painting. “She was ancestor, you know, not direct but a great aunt I suppose.”

“I’m sorry sir, I didn’t realize anyone else would be here at this hour.” In truth, he didn’t believe anyone came here to visit her anymore. He bowed to the Duke.

“No bother, I visit every now and again, to remember the past to ensure our future, my boy.” The Duke waved off his bow. “You should remember that when you lead your own country.”

“I will, sir..”

Liam stood next to the Duke. The Duke was a great deal taller than the young prince still in his adolescence. “She gives me hope for my country and our independence from the crown. It’s something she was fighting for, when she disappeared.”

“Disappeared?”

“There’s not much known about her disappearance, but there is quite about her short life we do know.” The Duke watched the piqued interest of the boy heighten. “Legend more than fact, I must add.” The Duke cleared his throat as if he were preparing to address Parliament. “Iseabel Gordon’s Malcolm Stuart of the House of Stuart was born right here in this very castle in the year of our Lord 1566.” The prince looked around at the castle walls as if he could hear the cries of a newborn baby echoing the hallways of the massive structure. “Her birth was secretive as her mother was Mary, Queen of Scots. Her twin Brother was meant to sit on the throne of the great kingdoms, England and Scotland. But that’s a different history lesson.” The Duke chuckled. The prince was engulfed in the story of the princess. It was as if she were staring directly down at him from her oil confines.

“W-what happened to her?” The prince asked, with a slight twinge of fear to his tone.

“We’ll she was 15, when she vanished. Close to your age I presume.” That familiar bead of sweat formed at the base of the princes neck as he listened. He couldn’t shake the piercing green eyes of the lost princess as he stood. “Some say, she was killed in an uprising, some say she captured by Queen Elizabeth’s army and held captive after the execution of her mother. But others…” the Duke trailed off as he watched the young boy fall deeper into the romance of the story. “Some say she disappeared into the fairy stones for protection. You see there are legends if she was to ever be found.”

“What legends?” The prince couldn’t contain his curiosity anymore.

The Duke chucked, “another time, my boy, it’s late. Your father would have my head for filling your head with stories of my history.”

The Duke followed the sullen prince to his chamber, feeling accomplished.

“It may be time.” The Duke whispered as he entered to his guest, The King of Cordonia’s guest chamber.

#fanfiction #fanfic #liam #2021 #choicesfanfic #history #fiction #ff

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choicesfancat-blog · 7 years

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Endless Spring

"Hey Taylor," Jake smiled as I walked through the cafe. "How's your new job?" I asked, snatching a milkshake from his hands. "Taylor! Heh, this is what I love about you. The job is alright I guess, but there's not much to do." I smiled at him. It wasn't a sexy smile, it was a playful I love you smile, an I believe in you smile. "Thanks for the milkshake, Jake! See you after your shift!" I beamed, kissing him on the cheek. "See you!" As I walked home, the towering buildings glowed brighter every time I visited them. In slow motion, I saw a woman with dark hair and brown skin hugging her daughter... It was bliss. On my left side was two tall boys playing football... It was fun. I got home and called Jake. "Hey Jakie!" "Hey Taylor, I'm coming back soon." "What time?" I asked "Right....NOW!!" He jumped into our apartment and hugged me unexpectantly, landing right on top of me. We were face to face, our lips inches apart, his long hair laying on my cheeks. I grabbed his jacket, locking his lips on mine. I remember how well he kissed on la Huerta, and he'd gotten better. "Well, hello mister!" I laughed, shrugging him off of me. "Hello to you too, miss Taylor!" "What did you do at work today?" He started to look uncomfortable, he kicked his foot on the carpet and stared away from me. "Hello??" I cupped his face and made him face me. "I'm fine. It's not what happened at work, it's what happened outside of work." I stared into his eyes deeply. He took a strand of my long black hair and tucked it behind my ear. "Jake..." He grabbed something from his pocket, a kind of idol. "I found this. Taylor, I think there are more than 12 catalysts..." TO BE CONTINUED...

#choices #choicesfanfic #pixelberry

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thequeenofpixels · 6 years

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If things were different...(Epilogue)

Book/Who: TRR / Drake X MC (Riley Brooks)

Summary: Few years later after Drake and Riley’s wedding and Hana being in the hospital, how is everyone going?

Author’s note: Some characters belong to PB I’m just borrowing them, but the new ones (Shophie, Leon, Lana, Rose) are mine. Be aware English is not my mother language, so if you find a mistake feel free to show me.

Word count: 3169

P.S 1= In this chapter a special thanks to: all my friends who encouraged me to continue this fic, to @a-teardrop-blog for helping me with the grammar and review, and much more for your patience with me. Thank you so much girl. ❤ And to @rileybeaumont a fervent MaxStan and @alanakusumastan a LiamStan but nevertheless continued reading until here supporting me ♥ !

P.S 2= You can find the previous parts here .

Tag List: @butindeed @simplyaiden-blog @topsyturvy-dream @andy-loves-corgis @bobasheebaby @nanieuniverse @teamdraketrr @zazigah @smartlillian @camzsweetheart @kamybelen-blog @writtenbycandy @decisso @drakelover78 @cocomaxley @katherinelangfordz @kaitycole

_____X_____

Seven years have passed and now Drake and Riley were about to celebrate their wool wedding anniversary, but before heading to their trip they made a stop at the Beaumont State for their nephew's birthday party.

The couple was at their hotel room, getting ready for the party when Drake approached Riley from behind to help her close the zipper of her dress. She tossed her hair aside, giving him space, and he looked at her through the mirror.

“So… are you ready, Riley?”

She looked back at him and smiled. “I think so… So many things have changed since we’ve been here.”

He smiled and rubbed her arms. “Don’t tell me…”

She looked one more time on the mirror, giving the final touches on her hair and to the dress on her body before turning to Drake.

“So?”

He was leaning on the sofa, admiring her. “Beautiful as always!”

She approached him, wrapped an arm in his neck and gave him a quick kiss.

“Drake Walker, have I ever told you how flattering you’ve become?”

He tightened his fingers around her waist.

“I’m just telling you the truth.”

She looked him up and down and bit her bottom lip. “You don’t look bad yourself.” Her hands traveled on his chest. “But, we’re going to be late. Let’s go!” She quickly grabbed his hands and pulled him to the door.

A little while later they arrived at the Beaumont State but were caught by surprise when they saw a different and smaller house. When Savannah showed up to greet them, she hugged them both. “Oh, God, I’m so happy you guys came!”

Drake hugged his sister back but couldn’t hide the shock.

“Drake-”

He interrupted her. “Oh, God, what happened, sis? I didn’t notice the different address on the invitation.”

Before Savannah could answer, Bertrand showed up with little Sophie in his arms.

“Oh my God! How big you are!” Riley exclaimed and Sophie blushed.

“They grow so fast! It’s almost crazy!”

They laughed.

“How about walking, little one?” Bertrand put a hand on his back. “Papa is not young anymore.”

He put his daughter on her feet and grabbed her hand while shaking Riley and Drake's hands.

“Please, come in, the party is just starting.”

They all went to the back of the house, where other children were playing, and next to two of them were Liam and Hana. When Liam saw Drake, he opened a large smile and came to greet his friend with a hug. “Oh, brother, I didn’t know you would really come!”

Drake hugged his friend back. “How could I miss my nephew's birthday? Besides, it’s on the way to our trip.”

Liam looked at Riley. “Oh, I see.” He shook her hand. “How are you?”

Riley smiled, shaking his hand back. “I’m great.”

“That’s wonderful to hear.”

“Yeah… I can see you’re doing good too after all.”

“Oh, don’t remind me about any of that, I can no longer be king, but I can say I was never so happy before. I can almost say that now I have all I've ever wanted.”

His eyes lingered on Hana and their two kids playing and eating.

Suddenly, Savannah showed up and lead Riley to another room. “Excuse us guys.”

Riley, unable to understand why she did that, asked: “Oh, what happened, Vannah?”

“Nothing big, I just wanted to save you.”

“Save me? From what? I’m not following.” She frowned.

“From the awkwardness there.”

Riley laughed. “That? Don’t worry, Vannah! It’s ok, we may not be friends, but Drake and Liam are and, after all these years, there’s no point in holding grudges.”

“Are you serious?”

“Come on, Vannah, look at me and your brother. Do you really think I’m not the happiest woman in this world?”

Savannah nodded and looked at her happy brother.

“Seriously, Vannah, you don’t have to worry about me, or even about them. Maybe just with your kids and the party.”

The two women shared a laugh and Savannah left to open the door for the newly arrived guests.

Meanwhile, Drake and Liam were chatting in the backyard.

“You know, I still don’t believe your father didn’t give up, even in the end.”

“Really. It is still unbelievable, he died from lung cancer, he saw how fragile and short life is and even that way he wouldn't stop trying to separate Hana and I, only because she wasn’t able to keep a baby in her uterus for nine months. He drove everyone crazy when he heard we hired a surrogate mother, but damn it! It was still our child, just growing on someone else's belly!”

“Right? I hope he can see his mistake, wherever he is.”

“So do I.”

“But… Don’t you miss being king at all?”

“Sometimes… you know? I was raised for that life, I learned almost everything I could since I was a child to rule Cordonia and fight for it, and have this being taken away from my hands wasn’t easy. I couldn’t sleep for months, worried about Cordonia and it’s future and the possibility of Hana’s father no longer accepting us together.”

“Rough times, I can’t imagine what you’ve been through.”

“Yeah, and not to mention I wanted to make Hana a queen. My queen. And I couldn’t.” Liam had a somber face.

“Liam, I’m sure Hana doesn’t care about that.”

“I know, but I wished I could do that. But let’s forget about this because now I think all things are going well, I have Mr. Lee's support and Hana and I have two amazing children today. Look at their faces!”

They looked at Hana and the kids.

“You know, Liam, looking again she even seems younger.”

Liam smiled, admiring his family.

“I think I can say you even seem lighter…” Drake said, wondering.

“Maybe is the weight of the crown that’s no longer on my shoulders.”

They both laughed.

“But you are different too Drake, you seem less grumpy now if you know what I mean.”

Drake smiled blissfully. “Happiness does that to us.”

“Totally agree!”

They toasted and drank their soda.

After all the guests have arrived, Savannah and Bertrand called everybody to sing happy birthday and cut the cake. After all the best wishes to the kids and cake eating, Riley was chatting with Maxwell.

“So, you guys are doing so great in NY, huh?”

“Yeah, now Drake has his own law firm, I have my own publishing company and we have two dogs. You know… I can’t imagine my life different now. However, let's stop talking about me, I heard you are a dancer now, huh?”

Max opens his mouth in shock. “How do you know that?”

“Max, I have internet, we are on the twenty-first century!”

He laughed.

“Yeah, you’re right. But I can’t waste my dance skills. I’m not Agent Breakdancing for no reason, right?”

Riley laughed and hugged him tightly.

“I missed you so much, Max!”

He hugged her back.

She released him and asked: “Max… Didn't Bertrand try to stop you not even once?”

“Well… you know him. He said: 'You can’t do that, you are going to throw the Beaumont name in the mud' more times than I can count, but in the end, we needed the money.” He looked down.

“Max, if you don’t want to talk about that, it’s ok.”

“No, it’s not that. It’s just… It was a rough time for him and if we were broke before… after Liam lost his throne and when the new king made changes on the court, our house was unsustainable. We had to move, we sold the house and with the money, we paid our dues and bought this new home, smaller as you can see.”

Riley put a hand on her mouth, in shock. “Oh, God! But the new king kicked all of you from the court?”

“No, but we no longer had the same influence as we had before.”

“I’m so sorry to hear that Max, I can’t even imagine how hard all this was for all of you.”

“Nah, you know this is harder on him than on me.”

Riley tried to smile in comfort. “I know.”

Max touched Riley’s arm. “But everything is going to be better, I’m planning on opening my own school dance!”

“Wow! Look at you!”

Maxwell opened his mouth.

“Oh! I realized there's someone I wanna introduce to you!”

“Who?”

“Come here.”

Max pulled Riley with him and approached a young lady in the other room.

“Lady Rose.”

The woman turned and looked at Max, grinning widely, and when she saw Riley she blushed.

“Lady Rose, this is Riley, my best friend in this world.”

“Oh! It's you, the famous Riley!”

“I don’t know about famous, but… that’s me.”

Rose extended her hand and Riley shook it.

“Nice to meet you, Rose.”

“I’m glad to finally meet you, Max always talks about his American friend that once lived in Cordonia.”

“Always? How long would that be?”

Max laughed.

“Riley, actually Rose and I are engaged.”

“What? And you didn’t tell me about this sooner?” Riley punched Max’s arm.

“Ouch! I’m sorry, but I didn’t want to tell you this on the phone!”

Rose laughed.

“So, tell me, how did you meet?”

“Well… the new king called for a meeting and I was there with Bertrand when Lady Rose Victoria came with her family.”

“I’m from a minor house in Cordonia, and in that meeting, Max looked at me…”

“I couldn’t take my eyes off of her! I swear!”

“I was very intimidated at first, but when he came to talk to me, he introduced himself and apologized for staring so much.”

“Look at this! Maxwell was caught by love at first sight.” Riley teased him.

Rose blushed again, but Max wrapped one hand around her waist and kissed her forehead.

“Indeed.”

"Bertrand was demanding for me to stop courting her... He thought her parents would not accept me because we're broken and I'm a dancer."

“But my father always said if I were to marry one day, it would be for love and not for money or position, like people used to do at court.”

“Wow, I don’t even know your father but I like him already.”

“Don’t tell me! Now I’m saving money to buy our own house, her dad already gave us the wedding party.”

Riley looked at Max with a questioning face.

“Don't worry! We'll make sure you’re invited when we choose the date!”

“Good, and if you don’t, you know…”

Someone bumped into Riley’s back before she could finish the sentence.

“God, I’m so sorry!”

When Riley and the other person turned and looked at each other, there was Hana trying to clean her dress, and when she realized she had bumped into Riley, she was paralyzed.

“It’s ok.” Riley tried to calm Hana down.

“I’m sorry, one of the kids was running and pushed me over you. Please…”

“Hana, It’s really ok. Don’t worry.”

“Hey, I have to go… over there…” Maxwell took Rose’s hand in his and left, leaving Hana and Riley alone.

The two women shared a look.

“I… I’m going… I don’t want to bother you…”

“Hana…”

“Y… Yes…?”

“Look, since I’m here, let me say something. Years ago, I did read your letter, ok? And I’m glad you are still alive.”

Hana opened her mouth in shock.

“Are… are you serious?”

“Yes, I am. Look we aren’t friends anymore, but I never wished your death, I heard about the times you were in the hospital because of some pregnancy that almost killed you, and today I saw you so happy with your kids…”

Hana looked down and smiled.

“Yes... I was miserable when the doctor said I was sterile, and when I got pregnant it was like a miracle, but no longer after I discovered my uterus would not support a pregnancy, and that’s why I always lost the babies…”

Hana told Riley how she had her children and Constantine dethroned Liam.

“This does not surprise me at all… But who is the king now?”

“A Liam's distant cousin. You know… royal blood and blah blah blah…”

“Yeah, I get it. Maybe it was for the best, who knows, huh?”

“Right? It’s what I try to tell Liam. Anyway, I’m sorry for taking your time.”

“It’s ok, I was the one who started the talking.”

“Before I leave… Riley, can I ask you something…?”

“Go ahead.”

“You and Drake… how are things going?”

Riley looked at Drake talking to his sister on the other side of the house and smiled, sparkles in her eyes.

“I… I couldn’t be happier.”

Hana grinned.

“I’m so glad to hear that!”

“So…”

“I… wish you the best, Riley. I meant that back then and I still do.”

“Thank you, Hana. I wish you the same.”

They nodded in agreement and parted in separate ways. Riley approached Drake and kissed him on the cheek from behind. He recognized her sweet and floral scent and responded by wrapping her shoulder and pulling her against his body.

“Hey, babe.”

She leaned her head on his chest and smiled.

“I’ll give you some space.” Savannah left them together.

“Something happened?”

“Oh, no. Nothing. I just wanted to feel you.”

“Oh!” He smiled fondly. “Anytime you want, you know I’m always here for you, right?”

He gave her a peck on the tip of her nose.

“I know.” She tilts her head and looks at him. “Me too. Ok?”

He tightened his grip on her. “I know.”

After staying like this for a while, Drake whispered.

“Babe, I… It’s better we get going, we have to wake up early tomorrow.”

“Well, let’s say goodbye then.”

He intertwined his fingers with Riley's and they walked to greet Max.

“Max, we’re leaving.”

“Oh! So soon?” He made a sad face.

“Yeah… But you already know what you owe me, right?

They laughed.

“Don’t worry, Riley, I’ll make sure you both are invited!” Rose shook Riley and Drake’s hands.

“It was a pleasure, Lady Rose, I wish you two the best.” Drake smiled.

“Just make my older brother happy, and don’t forget to be happy too, ok?”

Riley hugged both of them and they left to talk to Liam.

“Liam, we’re leaving.”

“So soon?”

Riley laughed.

“Oh, sorry.” Liam said, embarrassed.

“It’s ok, Liam, it’s just that Max said the same thing to us.”

He laughs.

“So he agrees with me” He extended a hand to Riley. “You look great by the way.”

She responded to his greeting. “Thank you. You guys too, Liam.”

Hana approached, holding Liam’s arm, and he said. “Hon, they’re leaving.”

“Oh, It was good to see you today!”

Riley smiled and waved while Drake hugged Liam.

Hana shouted to her son. “Hey, don’t do that to your sister!” She looked at the couple. “Excuse me, guys.”

“Go, go. We get it.”

Liam smiled. “If you guys excuse me too, I’ll go help her, Leon is impossible these days and Lana is not getting behind.”

Drake and Riley smiled back and when they were going to look for Savannah, she surprised them.

“Are you planning on leaving without saying goodbye?”

“Of course not, sis! We’re just saving the best for last.”

“Are you learning to be funny now, Drake?”

“Just come here.” Drake hugged his sister tightly.

Savannah hugged him back and when she released him, she looked at the couple and held their hands.

“Before you two go, let me ask you something.”

“Bring it on.”

“I saw you two leaned over there looking at the kids running… But when do you plan to have one?”

Drake and Riley looked at each other and tried to give a straight answer, without being rude.

“Look, sis, I know you are going to insist on this and just so you know, we decided to not have kids.”

“What do you mean by that? I want my own nephews too!” Savannah said with a dour face.

“Look, sis… really, Riley and I talked about this years ago, and this is a taken decision. We won’t change our minds.”

“I can’t believe that!”

“Uncle Drake!” Bartie and Sophie ran into Drake’s legs.

He taps the kids' hairs.

“Just don’t get your uncle naked on your party, ok?”

They all laughed and Riley bent down to hug the children and say goodbye, so they ran away letting the adults talk.

Bertrand approached. “So is it time, huh?”

“Yeah, we’ll get our plane tomorrow morning.”

They said their proper goodbyes and returned to their hotel room.

On the way, Riley was leaned on Drake’s shoulder and he wrapped his arm around her. “You know, it was good to see all of them after all this time, Liam seemed so happy, like I never saw him before.”

“Hana told me what happened, at least they found a way to be happy in the end. Too bad Constantine couldn’t enjoy and be a part of that.”

Drake nodded in agreement.

Not long after they arrived at their hotel room, Drake closed the door behind them and Riley started to undress, but he quickly held her hand.

“Don’t…”

Riley turned and looked at him. “What? I’m going to take a shower.”

“It’s not that. Just let… let me help you out of this dress.”

She smiled playfully, aware of his intentions.

_____X_____

A while later, after a lovely time together in the shower, they were cuddling on the bed and he kissed her forehead.

“So, are you excited to start our trip tomorrow?”

“As ready as ever. With you by my side, every year I have a reason to celebrate.”

Drake smiled and looked thoughtfully at the lights of the city through the balcony’s door.

Riley put her finger on his chin, turning his head in her direction, making him look at her.

“What are you thinking, Drake Walker?”

“I don’t know… But seeing Liam sad about his throne made me think that if he had married you he would still be king.”

“What is that now?”

“Think about it.”

“No, I can’t think about it, simply because I see all of this in another way.”

“How?”

“Seeing Hana and Liam together and with their kids today, I realized something I couldn’t see before. That this isn’t the kind of life I ever wanted, and if things were different then they are now, I would be miserable… and I think it would not be just me.”

Drake smiled and kissed her passionately and adoring.

“You know, Brooks? You’re completely right.”

She kissed him back and smiled.

“I know I am. Never forget how much I love you.”

She kissed him one more time and lied on his chest.

He pulled her fiercely against his body and kissed her.

“Happy wool wedding anniversary.”

They fell asleep, resting to catch their plane and head to their trip where they would celebrate their love, as they’ve been doing every year since they got married.

The end.

#Fanfic #Ifthingsweredifferent #ChoicesFanfic #Riley #RileyBrooks #DrakeWalker #TRR #TRRAU #DrakeXMC #DrakeXRiley #Liam #HanaLee

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