A Match Made in Hell

Sera’s POV

I couldn’t help but curse when I caught myself watching Cameron feed the squirrels in the backyard. What am I thinking? Why am I admiring him from afar like a creepy idiot? Frustrated with myself, I headed to the kitchen and rubbed my face with my hands. Grabbing a bottle of water from the fridge, I cursed myself again, I couldn't believe how flustered I was. My hands are even shaking, jeez! What has Cameron done to me?

“Are you ready?” I heard a voice from behind that startled me, causing the bottle in my hands to fall. The water drenched the fur carpet on the kitchen floor.  I glanced at Cameron before quickly trying to undo the damage I had done to his beautiful carpet, but he only kneeled on one knee and held my hands to pull me up.

“Let me, Aurel,” he said gently, kneeling to clean up the mess. I awkwardly watched as he handled the task with ease. In just 10 minutes, he had cleaned up the spill, leaving the carpet looking as good as new. I glanced at the place where the mess should be visible, but it wasn’t. It looked like nothing had happened to the place. Cameron then smiled at me as he held out his hand, gesturing to me to hold it.

I timidly smiled as I accepted Cameron's hand, and we started walking outside. The afternoon was as lovely as always, much like the day he first took me to that magnificent sea of flowers. Since then, we’d made it a routine to venture to the valleys every afternoon, sit in the shade of the apple tree we’d claimed as our own, and play with the butterflies that danced around us. Today, as usual, we brought food along for our outing.

I lay on the checkered blanket as I munched on my third container of strawberries. It’s amusing to think that I was never fond of strawberries before getting kidnapped. And yet here I am now, munching on them like a berry monster. I watched the sky shift from a soothing blue to a vibrant orange as the evening approached. I didn't want the moment to end.

But when I looked at Cameron, it seemed like we had the same thoughts. He is still preoccupied with the beauty of the sky. But when his gaze met mine, I felt my cheeks burn. Quickly, I looked away, hoping he hadn’t noticed my embarrassment. As Cameron got up and busied himself with something in our picnic basket, I was curious about what he was doing, but my shyness kept me from looking his way.

When slow music began to play, my curiosity got the better of me. I looked at him to see that he brought out a small music box. Its melody felt so calm and serene, I felt like I was floating with the clouds I was only gazing at earlier.

I smiled when he held out his hand. Glancing at it, I thought to myself. Why not have a little fun tonight? My smile widened as he pulled me up quickly causing me to bump into his chest. My cheeks burned once again. “Enjoying your muscular pillow, Aurel?” he teased, prompting me to playfully punch his chest.

“Airhead!” I said, in utter annoyance, but how could I stay mad when, for the first time since we met again, he laughed. The sound was like heaven's music to my ears.

He twirled me around slowly to the rhythm of the music, and for a moment, everything else seemed to fade away. The cool evening breeze brushed against my face as I danced in Cameron's arms. The world felt distant as if it existed only for the two of us.

I looked up at him, seeing the glimmer of amusement in his eyes. His laughter still lingered in the air, bringing warmth to the serene scene. My earlier nerves had completely faded, replaced by a sense of contentment and peace.

As the song continued to play, we danced gently, our movements in sync with the melody. It was as though time had paused, and we were in a bubble of joy and tranquility. For the first time in a long while, I felt truly happy, and I could see the same reflected in Cameron's gaze.

We continued to dance as the music box played, savoring the precious moments together.

But everything has an end, right? Even if it’s the happiest moments.

Cameron stepped back as we stepped in front of the airport, reaching for something behind him. I still couldn’t believe that our time was up. But am I really happy?

“Here are your bags and your passport,” Cameron said, their voice steady but filled with unspoken emotion. “Thank you for everything, Aurel. I had hoped we could’ve spent more time together, but I know I’m already asking for too much. I will keep my promise—this will be the last you’ll see of me.”

Their words hung in the air like a heavy fog, and I could see the pain in Cameron's eyes, a reflection of my own. The reality of the situation began to settle in, and I knew this was goodbye.

“I love you, Aurel, and I’m setting you free,” Cameron said, their voice breaking slightly on the last few words. “I want you to find happiness and live the life you deserve.”

With one last lingering look, Cameron turned and walked away, leaving me standing there, holding my bags and passport. The weight of the moment pressed down on me, but I knew Cameron’s decision was made out of love. As he disappeared from my sight, I stood there, both free and broken.

I should leave now, but I couldn’t. I can’t let him go. The thought of never seeing him again terrified me. My grip on my bags and passport slowly loosened and the sound they made when they hit the floor barely registered in my mind. It wasn’t important; the only thing that mattered was the growing distance between Cameron and me.

Adrenaline surged through my veins and driven by determination, I ran to catch him. But I was too late. His car had already started, and he was driving away, leaving me behind. “Cameron!” I shouted, my voice catching on the cool evening air.

My feet pounded against the ground as I sprinted forward, reaching out desperately as if I could somehow cause the car to stop. My voice echoed around me, but it seemed to vanish into the distance, drowned out by the roar of the engine as he sped away.

The emotions drained me of my strength, my knees grow weak which made me sit on the ground as tears formed in my eyes. “I love you too, Atlas,” I murmured, my voice a fragile whisper carried away by the breeze. “Please, don’t leave me.”

I didn’t know how much time had passed, all I knew was that he was gone. “Aurel.” A familiar voice called. My eyes widened as I looked up to the person in front of me. Atlas?

I stood up and stumbled into his embrace, tears streaming down my face. The warmth of his touch, the strength of his arms around me—it was all I needed. I clung to him tightly, afraid to let go, afraid that this might all be a dream.

“Atlas,” I whispered, my voice barely audible against his chest, “I thought you were gone.”

“I couldn’t leave you,” Atlas said softly, his voice filled with resolve and emotion. “I knew you loved me, but I needed to hear it. I’m not going anywhere, not without you.” My heart swelled with relief and gratitude as I clung to him, breathing him in and feeling the rapid beating of his heart against mine. His presence grounded me, reminding me of my sudden dependence on him.

We held each other in the quiet of the evening, and in that moment, the world seemed to right itself again.

I smiled happily as I entered my home, my mother came rushing toward welcoming me with a bear hug. “Where have you been Seraphina? We were worried sick, you were gone for a month!” She exclaimed. I didn’t know how to tell her that I was kidnapped yet I fell in love with my abductor. I smiled meaningfully as I held her too. “It doesn’t matter mom, at least I’m safe right?” I said but was taken aback when she held me by my shoulders and looked me straight in the eye.

“What are you saying Sera, are you okay? Did they tell you not to tell anyone what happened? Tell me, and justice will be served, my love! You are my child and you deserve to be treated well!” She shouted, her voice raising a tone higher at every sentence. I know she’s overreacting but what should I even expect? My mother is of royal blood, she’s a princess for god’s sake, a princess stripped of her title when she married a commoner, my father. Though my father was a wealthy commoner, he was still a commoner!

“Mom, I’m fine I promise. I’m sorry I wasn’t able to call you for the past weeks. I’ve been a bit disoriented with everything that’s been happening. I couldn’t bear to tell you my worries when you’ve already shouldered the disaster my debut brought!” I said hoping she'll understand the made-up excuse I’ve made. Bullets of sweat started forming on my forehead when minutes passed and she still hadn’t talked a bit.

“Okay, I understand.” Those words were like sheer relief. It felt like a heavy burden was lifted from my chest. Finally, she stopped asking me those treacherous questions.

Although my mother had understood my sudden long disappearance, one man did not. My professor, Mr Bancroft, insisted that I fail in his class. “But sir, it was a family matter I had to address!” I reasoned out. I can't fail his class, I am running for top 1. “That does not change the fact that you did not comply with your responsibilities as a student, Ms Volkski. I’m sorry but I cannot let you pass.”

I closed my eyes and breathed deeply, surely there must be a way. “I’ll give you anything professor, heck I’ll even do anything. I cannot afford to fail.” I desperately said. All my life I had never failed. I have always gotten what I wanted and reached the goals I set for myself every day. Not one incident can make me break that.

“I do not need your wealth Ms. Volkski if that’s what you’re pertaining to. As you can observe I am a very prideful man. I will not let you bribe me.” He said rather disappointed that I had even gone to such an extent.

“Then I’ll do anything you ask me, tell me what I have to do.” I said on the verge of giving up. “For the nth time Ms. Vilkski there is nothing-” He suddenly stopped in his little lecture when another professor barged in the room. He signaled me to wait as he briefly talked to the new visitor. After a few minutes, he came back with a rather worrisome aura.

“The College of Law representative for Ms Oxford has come down with a fever. She’s apparently pregnant and cannot compete in the said event. I will do you a favor, Miss volkski. I have volunteered you to be the representative of our department, and if you win you will receive a high grade from my class.” He said as if promising a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I wanted to tell him no, to refuse such an offer but do I really have a choice?

“When will I compete?” I asked timidly.

“Brilliant! That means you accept my proposal. You will be competing next week. You have to be present at every rehearsal and prepare your outfit for every segment. According to my colleague, there will be sports attire, a long gown, uhm a swimwear segment, and of course a different attire for the coronation.” I winced as I heard all of the preparations that had to be done.

“Alright, I will start preparing right away. If you will excuse me.” I said as I stood up from my seat ready to exit the premises. But before I could reach the knob on the door I heard him call me once again.

“Uh, I forgot to mention. You will be paired with Jarvis Windsor.” The shock was evident on my face when I heard that name. Well isn’t it funny? Being paired with my dear cousin twice removed whom I despise? Great, just great!

As if the situation couldn't get any more complicated, the mention of Jarvis Windsor sent a shiver down my spine. Jarvis, with his smug demeanor and knack for causing trouble, was the last person I wanted to be partnered with for such an important event.

I forced a polite smile, masking my inner annoyance at the turn of events. "Ah, Jarvis," I managed to say, trying to sound composed. "Well, I suppose we'll make it work."

The professor nodded, seemingly oblivious to the tension between me and my cousin. "Excellent! I expect great things from both of you. Now, off you go, and make sure to prepare diligently."

With that, I made my way out of his office, my mind already racing with the countless tasks ahead. Not only did I have to contend with the pressure of representing the College of Law, but now I also had to navigate through working alongside Jarvis.

As I made my way home, I couldn't shake the feeling that this was going to be one rocky road to victory.

But as I entered our cozy abode I suddenly felt uncomfortable. And as I slid into the living room there I found the cause of my shivering demeanor. Jarvis, what is he doing here?

“Seraphina, my favorite cousin!” He exclaimed the moment our eyes met. I felt the bitterness in my mouth as I stopped myself from saying something nasty to him in front of my mother who adored Jarvis.

Suppressing the urge to roll my eyes, I mustered a polite smile in return. "Jarvis, what a surprise," I managed to say through clenched teeth, the strain evident in my voice.

His eyes narrowed, a storm brewing behind them as he struggled to maintain his facade of superiority. "You think you're clever, don't you?" he spat, his voice dripping with venom. "But you can't hide the fact that you're nothing but a mere pawn in this game of inheritance."

I refused to let his words penetrate my armor. Instead, I raised an eyebrow, feigning nonchalance. "If that's what helps you sleep at night, Jarvis," I replied coolly. "But it seems to me that your concern for my affairs is rather misplaced. After all, shouldn't you be focusing on salvaging what's left of your family's once-great fortune?"

“You little wench! I bet you forced Great Aunt Matilda to give you a piece of her fortune before she died!” He said gritting his teeth. I laughed at him to annoy him more.

“Force her? That is such a heavy accusation and rather funny especially coming from a prince of debts and liabilities.” I whispered in his ear, my voice laced with sarcasm.

His grip on his composure slipped further, his face turning an unhealthy shade of red. I could practically feel the heat radiating off him as he struggled to regain his composure. But I stood my ground, refusing to be intimidated by his empty threats.

With a final contemptuous glance, he stormed off down the hallway, leaving me alone with the echoes of his anger. I watched him go with a sense of satisfaction, knowing that I had once again emerged victorious in our verbal sparring match.

I might not have the title, but I am and will always be a princess by blood.

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