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

Chapter Twenty nine

Author’s Pov

The ballroom of the palace was elegantly decorated as noble men and women filled the room.  Some of Orlander’s distinguished people and other important people around the world were invited. The music band played soft music as the air was filled with joy and anticipation.  The cameramen continuously took pictures and videos as they are all trying to get the better story and angle for the live video airing all around Orlander. The king and queen are seated on their seats with wide smiles on their faces, ready to begin the engagement of the century.

 

“Good day ladies and gentlemen “ the speaker greeted and the whole crowd cheered. “It is time to begin Olander most anticipated event but first let’s welcome Orlander most loved man. His royal highness , Prince Christian!!” He announced and the whole crowd went wild as the dashing prince entered the ballroom looking like an Adonis. The cameras began to flash as he walked to sit beside his parents.

Christian’s Pov

As the speaker announced my name, I walked in , waved at the crowd and took my seat beside my parents. I smiled at them and they gave me their widest smile and I could see pride in my Dad’s eyes. He must not believe that I would finish the selection. Even I don’t believe that I would but there are too many people involved and I don’t want to let them down. I made promises and I am a man of my words. I don’t know if I am happy but let’s just say I feel content because everybody is happy and excited for this selection. The one person I wish would show more enthusiasm is Jessica.

She has not said anything against the selection but she doesn’t seem happy either.  When I imagined my engagement, I imagined her to be the most enthusiastic and happy person but I guess I was wrong and that doesn’t sit well with me. What is the point of making other people happy if the most important person in your life is not happy?

 

Come to think of it, Jess has never really liked any girl I have dated. She says they are not right for me and they don’t prove her wrong. I know she does that to protect me but I need her to like Evelyn.  I don’t know what I would do if my best friend and wife do not like each other. I also don’t want to choose because if anybody makes me, I would choose Jess over and over again without bating an eye. But then again, I promised Evelyn that I would stay by her side. I know Evelyn loves me and I don’t want to loose that love. I will explain to her and show her that Evelyn is harmless and she is not like the other girls i have been with.

 

“Now ladies and gentlemen “ the speaker said snapping me back from my thoughts.    “What is a selection without the selected. Please welcome in Orlander’s most beautiful girls!!” He announced and the girls filed in as the audience gasped at the sight of their beauty and elegance.

 

Evelyn is the last to enter the ballroom and to say she looks gorgeous is an understatement. My eyes were glued on her because she looked so beautiful yet so innocent and delicate. She has on a light blue ball gown that matches my tie,Thanks to Jess. The sight of her makes me want to take care of her and I promise to do that. She looked at me and quickly hid her face while blushing and I couldn’t help but smile.  

 

She is so perfect that she seems almost too perfect for me.  She deserves someone that loves very much and that thought makes me feel very guilty. No!! no matter how long it takes, I will learn to love her back and if not, I will never make her feel unloved, never.

“Ladies and gentlemen please welcome on stage His Majesty, King Henry!!” 
My Dad took to stage to make some announcements that went on for awhile. Afterwards , there were presentations from ballroom and tango dancing to singing and acrobats and finally it is time for the engagement.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, it is the moment we’ve all been waiting for.  It is time for the prince to selected the woman he will be engaged to and our incoming princess. According to tradition, whoever he proposes to will be the selected girl. They will have the first dance. After the first dance, Everybody can join the dance , congratulate the soon to be princess and merry all night”

After the speaker’s announcement, slow music started playing as everybody eyes were on me and the cameras won’t stop flashing. I stared at one girl as I stood up from my seat. Her head was hung low and I could tell that she was not sure. She was not certain if she would be selected. She kept fondling with her fingers out of anxiety and I want to quickly stop the torture she is giving to her delicate hands. I made my way to her front , bent down on one knee and stretched out the diamond ring my mum gave to me. It is a family ring and it is passed down from princess to princess.

 

“Evelyn Hunter , will you make me the happiest man and be my princess?” The audience gasped as they anticipated her reply. She finally looked up and stared into my eyes. Big balls of tears rolled out of her eyes as she nodded her head.

“Yes Christian, I will be your prin…” I didn’t let her finish as I took her lips in a kiss and the whole crowd went wild in applause and cheers. 
 

Meanwhile……

Jessica’s Pov

“Yes Christian, I will be your prin….” He did not let her finish as he took her lips in a kiss. I stared at the screen and fat tears rolled out of my eyes. Tears of pain and sorrow. I watched them as they took  their first dance from Christian television and my heart  bled.  It hurts me that after so many years of loving a person, this is what I get.  How am I supposed to live now, it hurts really bad. I want to tear my chest open and remove my heart because I can’t bear this pain.  Why did I dream so high? He was never meant for me yet I went on hoping. I am not even worth him and yet I thought I could have him . I cannot leave without him and yet I cannot watch him love someone else. What am I supposed to do now?

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