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As the sun began its descent, I found myself wrapped in Theo’s arms, watching the waves wash in and then back out. It was a perfect moment. He kissed the side of my face. “We should head back,” he said. “You’ve got a busy day tomorrow. We can’t have you showing up with dark circles under your eyes.”
I let out a long sigh. “I wish I could stay just like this forever.”
Theo chuckled, his warm breath tickling my ear. “Me too, love. But unfortunately, life doesn’t work that way.”
I turned around to face him, taking in the way the setting sun cast a golden glow over his chiseled features. “Promise me something,” I said softly, placing a hand on his cheek.
“Anything,” he replied, his eyes never leaving mine.
“Promise me that no matter what happens, we’ll always find our way back to each other.”
Theo’s expression softened, and he took my hand in his, lacing our fingers together. “I promise,” he said, his voice low and hushed. “But what do you think is going to happen?”
“Duty. Responsibility. We’re in a lovely bubble here, but it won’t last forever.”
“We’ll make it last,” he said. “I know we both have responsibilities, but we’ll commit to making moments like this happen. We’re not going to let all the other stuff get in the way.”
“Good,” I said, smiling, and gave him a quick kiss.
Everyone else had already gone back to the estate. If I had it my way, I would have stayed on the beach all night. Just me and him and the crashing waves.
We held hands as we walked to his car. “One last kiss,” he whispered just before I got into the passenger seat.
I leaned in and felt his lips meet mine, a soft and lingering kiss that left my heart racing. As we pulled apart, I felt a sense of longing, a desire to stay with him forever.
Theo started the car and began driving back to the estate, the headlights illuminating the dark road ahead. I rested my head against the window, lost in thought.
It wasn’t just duty and responsibility that worried me. There were other obstacles that stood in our way, things that made me wonder if our love was truly meant to be. But I pushed those thoughts aside, focusing on the warmth of Theo’s hand in mine.
I went to bed that night both sad to be leaving and excited for my future. I lay down in bed and stared up at the ceiling. My phone rang, cutting through my thoughts. I fumbled for it on the bedside table and saw the caller ID displayed. It was my father.
Taking a deep breath, I answered, trying to mask the unease that always seemed to accompany our conversations lately. “Hello, Father.”
His voice, stern and businesslike, crackled through the line. “Emilie, I trust everything is going well.”
I nodded, though he couldn’t see me. “Yes, Father. Everything is going well.”
There was a brief pause, and I could feel the weight of his expectations hanging over me like a cloud. He was never one to beat around the bush, always cutting straight to the heart of the matter. He wasn’t calling to ask if I was enjoying my visit.
“Emilie, I need to remind you why this match is of the utmost importance,” he said. “Our country is in a dire financial situation, and we need the Ashford name and fortune to help dig us out of this hole. This is not just about your future. It’s about the future of our entire nation and our family’s legacy.”
His words sent a chill down my spine. He was so cold compared to Philip Ashford. “I understand, Father. I know it’s a big deal. You’ve made that abundantly clear.”
“You must understand that a match like this can be so much more than just a personal gain of success. It’s about duty, about sacrifice. For generations, our family members have sacrificed love for the greater good, and you’re expected to do the same, especially after your sister ruined everything by doing the opposite.”
The mention of Nora’s name stirred a mix of emotions within me. Nora had faced the consequences of her decision. Now, I was paying her price with my own future. He continued to lecture me about Nora’s failings and how it would be impossible for me to let him down.
“I understand, Father,” I said, my voice more resigned than I wanted it to be.
“Emilie, you are a Hansen,” he said with his voice softening. “Duty is in your blood, and you’ve always excelled at it. The future of our family and our nation depends on you. You’ve never been called on to do much for the crown, but now it’s time.”
He was right. “I know,” I said.
As the call ended, I was left feeling torn between the expectations that had been set for me and the love and happiness that shouldn’t be sacrificed on the altar of duty. I understood why Nora walked away. Now that I understood love, I could understand why she was willing to lose everything to be with the man she loved.
Love was a powerful force.
With a heavy heart, I closed my eyes and tried not to think about Theo. I needed to stop letting him dominate my thoughts.
