I was slammed with several different questions having to do with mine and Harry’s relationship. I remembered what he had told me to say, but that didn’t seem relevant to what they were asking me.

“How did you two meet?”

“Where are you from?”

“Do you love him?”

Of course I could easily answer the last two “I’m from America,” I said, sporting a wide, glistening smile. “Of course I love Harry,” I beamed, seeming appalled as to why anyone would ask such a thing. Internally, I was screaming no loudly. I wanted to tell people that I wasn’t here on my own free will, but I knew that would be ignorant for me to do, so I acted happy and free-spirited.

I glanced at the clock on the wall. Since I had been here, all of two hours had passed, which meant that I had a measly two more until Harry was going to propose. My stomach flip-flopped uneasily, tightening uncomfortably.

The small orchestra in the corner started to play their instruments soothingly, filling the room with classical concertos and odes. Everyone gathered on the dance floor, as I stood frozen on the spot. Someone grabbed my wrist and tugged me forward, pulling me into the crowds of dancing people. It didn’t take me long to realize that the culprit was a slyly grinning Harry.

He pulled me close, entrapping my hand in his while his other rested low on my waist. His touch felt uncomfortable and foreign to me. I wanted to pull away, but I knew I couldn’t do that.

“You’re doing great,” Harry whispered. I could feel his hot breath fan over my neck, causing the little hairs to stand on end.

Suddenly, I felt overwhelmed with the situation. In a little less than two hours, I would have no life outside this palace. I couldn’t go anywhere or see anyone. Well, I could, but only if Harry were accompanying me.

“Harry,” I replied in a hushed tone. “Why are you doing this? You don’t even know me.”

His expression grew wry. “Don’t start, Ellie,” he warned, mouth drawing in a taut line. “Once we’re engaged, I’ll have plenty of time to get to know you.”

I dropped my head, sighing. There was no point in trying to put up any kind of fight. It was pointless. I pushed Harry’s chest and he backed away unwillingly. “I need to be excused,” I said before rushing to the other side of the ballroom. I opened the first door I saw. Drawing in a deep breath, I marveled at what was before me. Thousands upon thousands of books sat atop hundreds of shelves. It was my ultimate dream to be in a library this big.

The door opened behind me and my one-minute haven was interrupted.

“What was that?” Harry asked, tone firm and demanding.

I ignored him and stepped forward, glancing at every shelf with wide, admiring eyes. There was silence behind me, but I could feel Harry’s gaze boring into my back.

“You like books?” He asks, crossing his arms over his chest.

I nodded, blinking his way. “Of course.”

Just as I was about to pull a book down from its permanent resting place, the bell of the clock chimed. It sounded muffled due to the fact that we were no longer in the ballroom.

Harry’s expression widened and he added a cheeky smirk. “It’s time, baby,” he said, sticking his hand out for me to take.

Sighing one last time, I took it. His long bony fingers clamped around mine, pulling me into the bustle of people outside. Boy, time sure does fly by when you don’t want it to.

Harry released my hand and looked back at me. “Stay here until I call you up on stage.”

That said, he made his way to the stage in the front of the room, clambering up the shirt steps proudly. He tapped the microphone and cleared his throat, making sure everyone in the crowd gave him their full attention. I rolled my eyes.

“Thank you for coming out ladies and gentlemen,” he started, folding his hands behind his back. “I have a very special announcement to make so if you would please bare with me.”

Harry’s eyes fell on me and he smiled widely. “Ellie, could you please come join me?”

Everyone turned and I could feel their eyes on me. My legs moved on their own accord, taking me to the stage in front. The people cleared a path for me and I was soon reunited with Harry all too quickly for my liking.

“Ellie,” he repeated. He took my hands in his and held them for everyone to see. “You make me the happiest man in the world. You’re always here for me and you’re the light that fills my darkness. I love everything about you. I love your laugh and the way you blush. You’re so beautiful and you don’t even have to try. That’s why I’ve decided to make this night about us.”

He winked at me before pulling away from the microphone. In one quick movement, he pulled a black box out of his suit pocket and lowered to one knee. The crowd sounded with a surprise gasp. There were some hushed whispers from that I couldn’t make out.

“Ellie Marie Flynn, will you marry me?”

How did he know my full name? My eyes widened and my hand flew over my open mouth in an act to be surprised. I stared down at the ring planted firmly in the box. It was a huge diamond, glinting in the light. It was hands down the most beautiful, expensive ring I had ever seen.

Then, I started clapping my hands together, ending with a smile. “Yes, Harry!” I said a little bit too happily. “Of course I’ll marry you!”

The crowd erupted into whistles, shouts, and claps, making me blush. Harry stood and slid the ring on my finger. It fit perfectly, snug around the skin. I beamed down at the sight.

I knew what was coming next though. And I inwardly frowned.

Harry pulled my chin up with his finger. “I love you,” he whispered although everyone could still hear.

My smile grew wider. “And I love you.”

Harry inched closer and I could smell his fresh, minty breath. I closed my eyes when his lips grazed mine softly. The fact that he was kissing me, didn’t mean I had to kiss back. His lips moved on mine, begging for me to return something. I ignored his futile attempts.

He pulled away, eyes narrowed shortly, but they were replaced with a wide smile. We turned to face the crowd, backing away from the microphone. Harry took my hand in his and squeezed it tightly.

“You’ll regret that later,” he said through clenched teeth even though he was still smiling.

I gulped, swallowing thickly. His words were laced with the absolute truth. And there was no way I would be able to escape.

Notes

Sorry if there are any typos. Didn't proofread before posting. Anyway, I apologize for the super long wait! I've been totally slammed with school. It sucks!

Please leave a comment and let me know what you thought! Thanks for reading everyone!