I Choose You by Kemi Adejumo (classic novels for teens txt) 📗

Chapter Twenty Four

Christian's Pov

We all got to the ballroom and I guess we were a little late because my Dad was already addressing the guests.  The hall looks really grand with all the decorations . Females with their beautiful gowns and male with their suits dispersed  around the hall.  I looked to the stage and saw my Mom and all the selected girls sitting on their rightful places on the  stage.  I saw an empty seat right beside my Dad's empty seat.

"See you around guys" I said to the group pointing at the seat and they nodded in understanding.  As I climbed the stage to take my seat,  I didn't fail to catch the glare my Dad threw my way.  I guess he was upset.  

"As the final event before the coronation,  I want everyone to have fun because one of these girls will soon be my daughter in law and the princess of Orlander. I hope everyone of you enjoy your time and make it a memorable one.  Eat, dance and merry" my Dad announced while smiling and the whole crowd cheered in excitement. Soon the musical band starting playing and everyone moved around to dance, eat and merry.  

My Dad walked up to me,  anger evident on his face.

"You are late " he said.

"I am sorry Dad,  it won't happen next time " I replied.

"That is the problem Christian.  There is no next time.  You only get one chance at picking a bride so you better take it seriously.  Nobody is joking here,  not me, not your mother and not those girls who gave up almost two months of their time to find a life partner even when they know that they might not be chosen.  So you better not fail all of us." my Dad warned and I nodded my head.

"I won't let you down sir" I replied 
" you better not " he said and walked up to my Mother.

 

I understand what my Dad is talking about,  I understand that I am not the only one sacrificing in this selection.  I know why it has to be done and I need to take it seriously. I have said it before  and I will say it again,  I intend on making everybody happy. My parents,  my friends,  the girl i intend to marry and the whole of Orlander.  I won't let anybody down.  

I looked over to where the selected girls were sitting.  Only Evelyn was still sitting there.  I stared at her and realized that she was already staring at me.  I won't lie,  she looks so beautiful,  delicate and innocent.  One look at her and I remembered the promise I made to always stay by her side. I don't know what happened to the love I had for her,  it is not just the same.

I know she still loves me,  I can see it in her eyes but I don't know if I still feel the same.  I don't know if it was the amount of years we spent apart or the fact that I moved on.  But one it is for sure,  I care about her.  Compared to all the selected girls,  Evelyn stands out because I see her love for me in her eyes.  She is the perfect one for me and I can't deny it.  I might not love her as much but I intend on fulfilling my promise.

I walked up to her and slightly bowed my head.

"May I have this dance my lady? " I said and she immediately took my hands smiling at me. 

"Yes you may my prince"

I took her to the dance floor , her hands on my shoulders and mine on her slim waist, we started dancing.  

"Did I tell you how beautiful you look tonight? " I whispered in her ears and I heard her giggle. 

"Did I tell you how handsome you look tonight? " she said making me chuckle.  We both stayed in silence enjoying the dance.

"I missed you... since that night " she suddenly mumbled. "I want to do it again" she said making me tigthen my hold on her waist.  

Are you sure darling" I groaned.

"Yes" she said and all of a sudden I started getting hot thinking about the amazing night of pleasure I had with her.

"okay darling " I said and started kissing her neck making her shiver in my hands.  

As I pulled away from her neck,  my eyes instantly caught sight of Luke.  His eyes were focused in one direction.  Tracing his sight,  my eyes landed on an already red sharpay.  She is also stealing glances at him while  blushing really hard.  Immediately, an idea came to mind. How about I take revenge on Luke.  He stole Jess , I will steal Sharpay.  OK maybe not steal sharpay,  but I will make him feel what i felt .  

I saw him take slow steps towards her and I want to rush towards her before him but remembered that I am still dancing with Evelyn.  

"You can come to my room tonight babe" I said to her.

"Really?" she asked with excitement and I smiled and nodded.

"But for now,  I will be right back,  I need to dance with the other girls"   I said and she nodded.

"You may go " she said with a smile. 

"Thanks babe" I gave a kiss on the cheek and scurried away.  

I looked up and Luke was already talking to Sharpay. I walked fast before he takes her away.  When I got there, he was already asking her to dance. 
"May I have this dance? " Luke said but I quickly cut him off.

"Sharpay" I called making them notice my presence.  Luke was glaring at me for cutting him off. 
"Sharpay,  may I have this dance? " I asked her but my eyes where on Luke. He kept glaring at me but I just smirked at him. How does it feel now?  

"Yes you may your highness " sharpay replied and took my hands.  Of cause,she cannot reject me. I took her to the dance floor and I purposely tightened  my hands on her waist.  I kept watching  Luke as he turned red from anger.  He looked as if he was going to strangle me.  Exactly the reaction I wanted.  I just smirked at him and continued dancing with his girl.  

"So you and my friend " I said to sharpay and she stiffened in my hands. 
"No..no your highness,  it..it is not what you..you  think" she stuttered trying to explain herself. 
"It is fine Sharpay,  I don't have a problem with it " I said cutting her off.  
"You will not be mad if I hang out with Luke?" she asked timidly. 

‍​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​​​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​​‌​‌‌‍