Heaven And Hell novel Chapter 74

He still looked extremely handsome despite his bruise and the red mark on the same cheek. Did I do that to him? I only remembered slapping him...I sighed inwardly, turning my gaze to the boy beside him.

"Richard Wesley?" Emerson boomed, looking totally bewildered. "But -- but -- I -- you -- bloody hell!"

Emerson told Viv and I that she hadn't seen Richard Wesley in five years (he wasn't keen on trying social media, it seemed). She always made fun of him for being a weakling and a total geek. But now...well. This was a surprise for her. The Richard she mentioned to us was said to have a pox-marked face, ugly, yellow, crooked teeth, and a scrawny form.

Standing in front of us was not a boy who had a scrawny form. Richard Wesley, on the brink of nineteen, had a face that screamed mega hotness with a gorgeous face and perfect skin.

He was pale in a good way, and his eyes were a glowing hazel. He had short, light brown hair that was combed rakishly in a swept-back manner. He was wearing a black tuxedo with a white rose on the front pocket like his other fellow grooms, and his hands were gloved in white.

I noticed that only Michael wasn't wearing gloves. He immediately placed his hands in his pockets and held my gaze.

Though Richard Wesley and Frederick were looking dashing, Michael looked rakish, his bruise adding sexiness to his look -- but he didn't look happy. He wasn't even smiling. He just held my gaze all the way, his eyes pleading.

With great effort, I turned my back away from him, facing the giant double doors leading to the ballroom.

Inside the room, Humphrey tapped the cane he was given, three times, calling silence. Everyone ceased talking, and only a low buzz remained.

It was time.

Frederick took Viv's hand and placed it on his arm, then they went forward. They doors opened and they stepped inside, leading to the Venetian ballroom.

"Lord Frederick Kneap, Earl of Huntingdon, and Miss Vivian Lennox!" Humphrey said in a loud, booming voice that no one would miss hearing.

The couple smiled at each other with their hearts in their eyes, then they walked, greeted happily by the guests.

Emerson and Richard were next. I could tell that Emerson regretted what she'd done to Richard and what she'd said about him through the years. He seemed to have forgiven her and even kissed her hand when she touched his arm.

"Lord Richard Wesley, Baron Cransell, and Lady Emerson Cutting!"

And on they went.

I buckled in my place, not looking at Michael. I masked my face. It was difficult when the boy I love was so close to me.

"You look beautiful," he whispered sweetly. I gulped, trying my best not to look into his eyes.

He took a deep breath and shook his head. "May I?"

He offered his arm for me to hold and, pretending, I sniffed but placed my hand on his arm. I thought he wanted to say more, because it looked like he had a lot to tell me, but he saw my expression and pursed his lips as did mine own.

The doors opened and we were announced.

"I know that you completely loathe me. I know that you think I made a mess but I truly didn't. I could elaborate further but it would all make the situation worse, wouldn't it?" I swallowed. "The fact is that I love you and I would never do anything to hurt you. I didn't cheat on you, please believe that."

He twirled me and brought me back into his strong arms.

"But," he whispered achingly, "if you truly don't believe me, then I'm sorry for everything yesterday. I didn't...I wanted to come to you and tell you everything, but when I looked into your eyes, I knew you didn't want to speak to me. Like now."

And yet I did. I wanted him to talk to me.I loved him so much and I hatde seeing him like this now.

"And you think I'd forgive you that easily?" I tried to sound very stoic, but it ended up shaky and unsure. I stared into his steady gaze. God, this was so hard. "Think again, Cutting."

The dance ended and I stepped back on wobbly legs. I walked away, Michael following behind me.

"I didn't mean to kiss her," he said from behind. "Keller, please believe me."

I turned around to face him, feeling that pain in my chest when remembering the kiss.

"You've got it all wrong, Keller..."

"Why should I believe you?" I said. I probably wasn't acting anymore. This was something real. "I'm hurt, Michael. Why should I believe you, when I know that you're such a playboy? I'm sure I'm not the only girl who got her heart broken because of you."