Falling in love

After introducing Celeste properly, Adelard, like a boy in love, grabbed her hand and confessed again. Everything was naive and pure. He said what he was thinking. It was simple because, to him, love was simple. And he didn't want to complicate things at all. And the moment Nicholas wanted to say something, Adelard already knew what he was going to say and so he added, "I love her and nothing will change that." Everyone in the house was speechless. The two maids were too frightened. Andre the cook was surprised. And most importantly, Nicholas was full of doubt and excitement. Well, Celeste continued to stand beside Adelard. Her eyes were downcast, her cheeks were red with shame. She was completely oblivious to that bruise, which was what drew everyone's attention.

"Adelard, we need to talk. Let the young mistress rest for now," Nicholas said politely, pointing to the couch.

"She is cold. Bring a blanket and glass of milk," Adelard said, releasing her hand.

No one said anything. But when they stepped aside, far enough for her to hear, Nicholas asked, "Who is she?"

"She's my fiancée."

"Yes. But where did you meet her? And are you sure that's what you want?"

Glowing with happiness, Adelard took Nicholas's hand and pressed it to his cheek as he had done as a child.

"Nicholas, you know me, don't you? Look at me, I'm happy. Don't you see?"

"I see. But I think you're rushing things too fast. You don't know her and she doesn't know you."

"How do you know? I've been in love with her for a long time now. Nicholas, I love her. She is my soul mate."

"But you can't know if she is your soul mate or not. For that, one needs more time. Adelard, I beg you, take your time. What if she is not who you think she is?"

"What do you mean?"

"This girl, it's like she's got all these strange qualities in her. I'm sorry, but I know more people than you do. And she doesn't seem to me what you think she is. She has too many secrets."

"So? Everyone has secrets. And I have them, and so do you."

"You don't have any secrets. And I don't either. But she has too many."

Adelard rolled his eyes like when he was a child, and dropped his head down. But then, glowing with happiness, he put both hands on Nicholas's shoulders and said, "You just don't know her. If you think she's bad just because of a bruise, you're wrong. Celeste has seen a lot in this life. Her parents died early. She was all alone. That's why you think she's different. But she's just different from all the other people. She's real. You say I don't know people. But you don't. You just can't imagine how long I searched for someone like her and didn't even realize it myself. She's everything I need. We're in love, and you have to believe that. And if you don't believe it, I don't care. Because I'm going to build a life for myself. I want a family. I want children running around in this house and happiness everywhere. Don't you wish all that for me?"

"But you never wanted kids before. You've never even had a girlfriend. And you never looked at women at all."

"I was just waiting for her. I was made for her. And now I have to go. She's waiting for me."

"Wait! When do you want to have this wedding?"

"Tomorrow! Maybe the day after tomorrow! As soon as possible!"

Leaving Nicholas alone, between the kitchen and the pantry, Adelard rushed over to Celeste, who was holding a hot glass of milk.

"Adelard, I don't think I need to stay here. I'm ashamed," she said, still feeling the judgmental stares of the two maids.

"What? Why are you ashamed?"

"It's very beautiful here. It's like I'm in a fairy tale. But I can't stay here. You know, I think we're too different," she said, rubbing her right eye with her finger. Her lips trembled with the desire to cry and her voice was very quiet. The defenseless girl trembled with shame, with fear. Her broken heart needed love and care. Her beauty was unappreciated. And Adelard knew all this. But he did not want to hear more words from her. To make her smile, he was willing to do anything. And that was the sincerest truth that ever existed on this earth. Suddenly, kneeling in front of her, he held out a velvet box, inside which was a ring. The gleam of the gem meant the brilliance of Adelard's love. And with trembling hands, Adelard said, "Please be my queen." Perhaps the glint of the ring changed the expression on this girl's face, for she smiled nervously and then covered her face with her hands. "Celeste look at me."

"Adelard, this is a dream, isn't it! I don't believe it."

Kissing her hand, Adelard put the ring on her finger and then froze. He did not want to move. As if posing for a portrait, his senses froze too. His heart was icy and only Celeste's embrace made him feel alive.

"You are my treasure. I love you so much," she whispered, embracing him not as a bride, but more as a friend who understood him better than anyone. There was wisdom in her embrace and something girls her age didn't have. She was more mature than anyone. And she had no hope that love existed. She just did what her heart told her to do.

"I want to spend the rest of my life with you."

"But you don't know me."

"I know you. I've always known you."

"Why do you love me?" Pressing his head against hers, Celeste slid her fingers through his lush hair. And she didn't care if anyone was looking at them.

"I love you for nothing. For what you are. I don't love you for your beauty or anything else. You're just a part of my life that I had to get to. And now I'm home. You are my home Celeste. You are my planet. And I'm just a wanderer." That was Adelard's answer, after which, he lifted her up. "And now, you will come with me."

"What?! Let me go!" Laughing with happiness, the two of them filled the whole house with something new. A new energy. And in that emotion was the most genuine sunshine. Throwing her on the bed, Adelard began to do everything he could to create that tenderness again. Kissing her gently, he took his time. He just studied every inch of her body and only when his gaze stopped on her eyes did he rest his head on her shoulder and close his eyes.

"Is this your room?"

"Yes. Do you like it?"

"I just don't have the right words."

"Now, it all belongs to you."

"Everything?"

"Yes." Now, Celeste was the simplest girl. She laughed and dreamed and rejoiced at this turn of events. Dropping her shoes off, she sat more comfortably on the bed, hugging Adelard and looking out the window, which was hidden behind elegant tulle. "You know, sometimes I felt like my whole life had no meaning. Sometimes, I felt like I kept dying. Over and over again. And that feeling wouldn't let me rest. Sometimes, I didn't even know myself. My life really didn't have any meaning. And now thinking about it makes me scared," Celeste said, remembering the distant days from her troubled childhood. The days when she was all alone. Unneeded by anyone. Not even herself. "My whole life was fear. I didn't know any other emotions. And so, I have no normal memories. I don't even have an identity. If you think hard about it, I'm a nobody. Adelard, you have fallen in love with an empty person."