ELLE'S POV
I stepped into the restaurant with a storm of emotions churning inside me. A knee-length black floral dress wrapped my figure, my long hair flowing freely down my back.
"Good evening, Miss. May I help you?" a waiter greeted politely.
"Yes. A private room reservation under the name Eric Fritzhart."
"Of course, this way, Miss. Mr. Fritzhart is already waiting."
He guided me to the elevator. My heart pounded harder with every passing floor until the doors slid open—and my jaw nearly dropped.
A candlelight dinner?!
The room was decorated with scattered red rose petals, tiny candles arranged on the floor spelling the word LOVE. The air was thick with the scent of flowers, accompanied by the soft strains of instrumental music. My breath caught when I recognized the song—A Thousand Years. The very song we used to sing together.
Why are you doing this, Rick…
Eric stood waiting, striking in a sleek black suit.
"Hey, Elle. You look gorgeous," he said, pulling out a chair for me.
"Thank you," I replied stiffly.
"You're welcome." He smiled and sat across from me.
A waiter poured wine into our glasses. Eric lifted his. "Cheers."
I hesitated, then raised mine. "Cheers." The glasses chimed softly.
I glanced around the room, then back at him. "You still remember this song, don't you?" I asked, my voice trembling.
"Of course. It's our song. How could I ever forget?" Eric gave a faint smile. "Come on, let's eat first."
We dined in silence, only the music filling the space between us. After a while, Eric suddenly reached across the table and took my hand.
"Elle…" His voice was low. "I'm sorry—for what happened three years ago." His eyes brimmed with regret.
I quickly pulled my hand back. "I've already forgotten it, Rick."
"But I haven't." His gaze didn't waver. "I left after graduation because… I was betrothed to Princess Alicia Yoke. I was forced to cut all ties with you. I'm sorry, Elle. Sorry for never giving you an explanation."
I froze, his words striking me like a blow.
"Then why are you back now? Wasn't breaking my heart once enough? What is all this for? This romantic setup—what for?" My voice rose, all the questions I'd buried for years spilling out at last.
I pushed my chair back and stood. The tears I had fought so hard to hold spilled freely, running hot down my cheeks.
Eric rose and wrapped his arms around me from behind. That embrace… it was so familiar, so painfully comforting.
"Elle, forgive me," he whispered against my ear. "I never meant to hurt you. I came back because I still love you. Truly. I want to fix everything. I want to be with you again."
I trembled in his arms. Each word cut deeper. "I can't, Rick. I still love you, but you're engaged. I won't be the one to destroy someone else's happiness. Thanks for dinner. Goodbye."
I tried to break free.
"Elle!" Eric called out. "I broke off the engagement—on the very day of the ceremony!"
I froze for a heartbeat, then bolted for the elevator.
Christian was already waiting outside. I tried to hold myself together, but my body felt weak. My steps faltered, and I stumbled.
"Are you all right, Miss?" Christian caught me swiftly.
"I… I'm fine." I tried to stand, but pain shot through my ankle.
"Ow!" I cried.
"Forgive me, Miss. Your ankle is sprained. Allow me."
Before I could protest, Christian lifted me effortlessly into his arms, bridal-style. My heart thudded wildly. His face was so close, his gaze steady and strong.
Why is my heart racing like this…
When the elevator doors opened to the lobby, every eye turned to us. Two other guards were already waiting, but I was too busy fighting the chaos inside me to notice.
AUTHOR'S POV
Back at the palace, Elle retreated straight to her room and locked the door tight. She pulled out an old photo album, its pages filled with pictures of her and Eric.
Tears spilled once more. Wounds that had nearly healed were torn open again.
Elle reached for her journal, her hand trembling as she wrote:
In this silent room, I scream.Screaming through my tears.Remembering how you left me.Gone without a word.
And then you return.Like a blade across old wounds.Taking my hand,Trying to hold it again.
You bring comfort… and pain.Joy to see you back.Sadness to recall you once left.
Do you know how broken I was?How much it hurt?This wound still lingers.Slowly trying to heal.
Ink stained the final page. Exhausted, Elle fell asleep at her desk, pen still clutched tightly in her hand.