Category: Twilight Fanfiction (Page 11 of 26)

Royce frowns at me, not understanding. “Why, Rose? We’re supposed to go to the gala tonight.”

I sigh, placing my hand on his arm in hope of placating him. “I’m sorry, sweetheart. Vera needs me. She’s in labor. I cannot abandon her now.”

His eyes search mine intently. I can tell he’s far from pleased. He’d purchased a beautiful gown just for the occasion, so he could show off his bride-to-be.

“Please, Royce. She’s my best friend.”

After a too long silence, he nods his consent, albeit reluctantly.

Kissing his cheek, I whisper, “Thank you.”

I wonder if he suspects.

Mother’s fussing with my hair, blathering on and on about how happy she is for me. How good life will be for me as Royce’s wife.

She coos about the ring Royce gave me when he asked me to marry him.

Fawns over all the things we’ll need to do in time for the wedding. Get the dress. The flowers. Who to invite, where to place them.

I let it all wash over me, not quite able to match her enthusiasm.

I know marrying Royce will make a good match.

It’ll make my parents very happy.

But what about me?

As things with Royce progress, I struggle to allow myself to simply enjoy what attention he gives me, pushing aside my feelings for Vera.

I become more aloof, stand-offish, and generally begin acting even more the spoiled child than I ever have before.

Vera is due any day now. Lloyd’s doting on her, even asking me for any guidance I can offer to make her feel better during these last few weeks.

I lash out more. I know people call me a snob – conceited. Selfish.

But I’m not.

In truth, I am heartbroken.

And I can tell no one.

Vera and I are sipping tea, talking about how things are with her, how attentive Lloyd is being. I’m happy for her, truly, I am.

It helps that I have Royce now.

Royce, who loves to take me to functions, to shower me with gifts and flowers.

He isn’t Vera, and he’ll never be able to take her place in my heart, but at least he wants me.

At least he can have me.

It feels good to know I’m wanted – cherished.

My blush at his latest extravagance of filling my bedroom with roses and violets tips Vera off.

A bouquet of roses arrives a few days later with a card from Royce. His words have me blushing again, although they are by no means improper. I know he’s asked Father for the privilege of courting me.

I also know that both Father and Mother were extremely pleased and eager for me to accept his advances, and that they gave their permission for the courtship heartily.

I read the card again.

Miss Hale, would you do me the honor of escorting me this Friday-

Pushing the card away roughly, I sigh. After I collect myself, I send my reply.

I’ve been to Father’s work before, but never has he paraded me around as he does today. The attention I receive from the people there is both flattering and flustering.

There’s one person, however, who catches my attention when he takes my hand, placing a kiss on the back of it as he greets me, his eyes alight with interest, appreciation and humor.

I can’t help but blush, which brings a mischievous smile to his lips.

“Truly a pleasure to meet you, Miss Hale,” he rumbles. “Royce King III, at your service.”

Father’s chest swells with pride as I curtsey.

Vera’s starting to show. She’s insisting on sharing this experience with me, and though it pains me, I’m also secretly thrilled. There are still some things that she’ll only share with me.

I’d planned on going to see her today, but Mother intercepted me, saying I needed to go to Father’s bank to bring his lunch.

The dress she forces me into has me puzzled, but I do as I’m told, though I make a minor detour to apologize to Vera. We agree to meet the following week, making plans for a shopping trip to get her some new dresses.

The effort it takes me to push past the hurt is almost too much, but I do it – for Vera. I can see in her eyes how much it pains her to see me suffer.

How much she still loves me, as I do her.

How excited she is about the prospect of becoming a mother.

That’s a dream we’ve always shared – children. And now she will have them.

With Lloyd.

Taking a deep breath, I force a smile on my face. “Congratulations, Vera.”

I rise to hug her. Her arms wrap around me as she sobs quietly.

It’s been weeks since I’ve seen her last. I’m trying to figure out what’s different about her, but I can’t place it.

She nervously places her teacup down, straightening her skirt. Her eyes continually flit between me and her hands, which are fiddling with her apron.

“Rose?” she whispers, finally looking at me fully, apprehensively.

I wait.

“I-I…I’m pregnant, Rosalie,” she breathes, her eyes shimmering with equal parts delight and sadness.

The stab of pain in my chest takes the air from my lungs as I try to come up with a suitable response.

“Rose… please… don’t be upset. Please?”