Compromised
Draft
Leah entered the ballroom, that was adorned with beautiful tapestry.
Her eyes searched the room for him and saw he was talking to a gorgeous brunette. She tried to control the surge of jealousy raising within her. She had to speak with him but she couldn't do it so soon, people would talk. She'd wait until he came to her for he would, although he seemed to be enjoying the woman's company.
Her best friend Kimberly arrived and headed her way.
Kimberly
"Leah you look beautiful."
Leah
"Thank you Kimberly."
Leah replied with a smile.
Leah
You Look stunning yourself."
Kimberly
Have you seen James?
James was Kimberly's crush who she hoped would notice her.
Leah looked around the room and spotted James. She smiled at her friend at pointed him out.
Leah
"He's over by the punch bowl."
Kimberly's face brightened.
Kimberly
"One minute. I'm going over to talk to him. "
She winked at Leah and headed in James's direction.
Leah looked back over at Ocean, and as if sensing her gaze, he turned his eyes in her direction and their eyes met. He smiled, excused himself, and made his way over to her.
Leah's heart skipped a beat as Ocean approached her. She felt a rush of butterflies in her stomach as he took her hand and kissed it.
She smiled back at him, her cheeks flushed with happiness.
She said softly, her voice barely above a whisper.
Leah
"You look splendid as always."
Ocean
"And you are even more beautiful."
His eyes sparkled, traveling over her face and figure hugging gown that molded to her shape.
Leah
"I need to talk to you."
His expression grew serious, seeing the anxious way she twisted her hands.
Leah
"Let's go to the balcony."
Her father's voice came from behind her.
Leah's Dad
"Aire is here, he has asked for your presence."
She swallowed, her heart sinking as she heard her father's voice. Aire was her fiancé, who her father had dethroned her to without even consulting her. She barely knew him and her father wanted her to spend as much time with him. Leah knew she had to go, but she really needed to talk to Ocean.
Leah
"Father. I would just like a word with Ocean please."
Her father frowned, and looked at her with a stern expression.
Leah's Dad
"I think it is best you come with me for Aire would like to make an announcement about your engagement tonight."
She felt when Ocean stiffened and his startled gaze returned to her.
Leah
"Please, one minute father. Tell Aire I'll be right there."
Her father gave her a disappointed look, and walked off.
When they were at the balcony, Ocean pulled her in a corner away from the others.
Ocean
"What did I just hear?"
Her heart was pounding in her chest at the hurt in his eyes.
Leah
"Ocean my father betrothed me to Aire. I only found out last night."
2
Ocean
"Didn't you tell him I was coming to offer for you?
Ocean
I would have done so already if I had not been away for over a month. You know I was coming back to do the same."
Leah looked away, feeling ashamed of herself. She had not told her father about Ocean's intentions, and she knew that it was her fault that they were in this situation.
she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Leah
"I-I, I told him after he told me about the engagement with Aire, but he said that it was a better alliance with Aire's family and ours, since our lands adjoined and they are in similar business ventures."
Ocean
"This cannot happen. We're in love with each other."
Leah felt her heart skip a beat as Ocean held her by the arms.
Leah
"I know. I'll find away to get out of it."
She said her voice trembling.
Ocean
"I'll come and have a word with your dad tomorrow and give a counter offer to his proposal."
Leah
"No. Let me see what I can do."
She whispered. She clasped his hands nervously.
Leah
"Ocean, something happened that cannot be reversed. I missed my monthly."
He paled, looking at her in shock, realizing what she was saying.
He looked at her with concern, knowing the implication of this wasn't going to be good.
Ocean
"If we marry.It would be okay."
Leah felt a surge of relief wash over her that he didn't reject her, and that he was willing to take responsibility.
She nodded looking towards the ballroom.
Leah
"I have to go. I'll find a way to get out of the engagement."
Her voiced determined, as she smoothed down her gown and made her way over to her father, who was conversing with Aire.
He looked handsome as always in a red velvet tail coat shirt and a pants to match that enhanced his long legs.
He was tall and dark haired and devastatingly handsome just as Ocean, who was fair headed.
If she was not in love with Ocean, she would have been happy to be engaged to him.
Aire's eyes went to her, and he smiled, placing her arm in the crock of his.
Leah felt a wave of discomfort. She didn't want to be so close to him, but she knew that she couldn't refuse his touch.
She looked at him with a polite smile, trying to keep her feelings hidden.
She had met him before at a Ball and had danced with him many times.
He had a witty personality, and she enjoyed talking to him. He had come calling to her house, as did others, and he had really stood out from the rest, but she never thought, she'd be engaged to him.
Aire
"You take my breath away in that dress."
3
She was wearing a gown in gold and olive green that complemented her complexion perfectly. It enhanced the fullness of her breast and made her waist look delicately small.
Aire
"Did you father tell you the news of out betrothal?"
Leah felt a wave of dread wash over her as he mentioned their betrothal
She tugged him to a corner.
Leah
"I am humbled you asked for my hand, but I am in love with another, and he was going to ask for me."
The happy look on his face vanished. Aire looked at her with disbelief, his eyes widening as he realized what she was saying.
He had thought that she would be happy about the engagement, but she had other arrangements.
He felt a surge of anger wash over him, but he tried to keep his composure.
Aire
"You're in love with someone else?"
Leah
"Yes I am and I'll like you to terminate the betrothal."
He dragged her off to the balcony with her father watching them worriedly.
Aire couldn't believe she was actually refusing him.
Aire swung her around to face him roughly.
Aire
"You're not thinking. I'm the best choice, you could have made."
Ocean
"You will not manhandle the woman I love sir."
Leah felt a wave of relief wash over her when Ocean stepped onto the balcony.
He shoved Aire back and pulled her to him, and she looked up at him with gratitude in her eyes. She felt safe in his arms and was grateful he had come to her rescue.
She nodded, looking at Ocean with eyes filled with love, then back to Aire.
Leah
"Will you take back your betrothal?"
He turned and walked off without answering.
Leah watched as Aire walked off, her heart pounding in her chest. She felt a wave of relief wash over her, but she also felt a bit guilty for breaking his heart.
Leah buried her face in his chest, feeling the warmth of his body against hers.
She said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Leah
"I'm just hoping that it's over."
Ocean
"Me too, but he's upset."
Leah
"I feel bad for hurting him."
Leah
"Ocean I have to go, or my father will come looking for me."
She kissed him quickly and returned to her father and Aire who was ignoring her.
Kimberly came over with James and they talked a bit, all the while her eyes kept straying to Ocean and then then to Aire.
Kimberly
"Leah, are you okay?"
Kimberly asked with concern.
Kimberly
"You seem upset."
Leah looked at her friend with a sad smile.
Leah
"I'm fine, I'm just a bit overwhelmed right now."
Kimberly
"Did something happen between you and Ocean? I know you two were planning to be betrothed. "
She heard her father clear his throat and watched as he took a champagne glass from a server and raised it to the air.
Leah felt her heart sink.
She said urgently and in horror listened as he announced her betrothal to the Duke of Glesur.
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