After dropping hints about witches earlier, I decided to leave my parents who were still discussing my engagement, and I went to my room to freshen up, but then, all of a sudden, the door swung open. I frowned upon seeing Vanessa stormed into the room and her face was flushed with anger. She was usually calm but something had infuriated her.
“Pardon, Miss Isabella, but what it the world were you doing earlier? I can’t believe you discussed about witches! It’s inappropriate!” she complained.

Taken back by her sudden outburst, I struggled to find the right words and said, “Can’t I talk about witches? They’re extinct now and there’s no law in the land prohibiting us from talking about them.”
Vanessa’s eyes narrowed, and her voice grew sharper. Then she told me, “Witches are not to be taken lightly, Miss. You’re playing with fire, and I won’t stand by and watch you get consumed by it.”
For a moment, I closed my eyes because I didn’t want to resort to violence when explaining things. Besides, there was a more urgent matter to be taken care of. I still have to talk with Luke about my impending marriage to a stranger.
“Don’t talk about witches anymore, Isabella. It’s dangerous,” she warned me then she crossed her arms. “You have no idea what you’re getting yourself into because witches aren’t some fictional characters from a storybook. They possess real power and their intentions can be dark and dangerous.”
“And why are you saying these things to me?” I asked.
“Because I care about you, and I don’t want to see you get hurt,” she replied and for a moment, I wanted to laugh out loud. Like, how could she think that way?

“Don’t worry. Luke is always here to protect me,” I said positively.
“Are you sure about that? I heard he is leaving for good,” she stated and a furrow appeared in my forehead.
“Who’s leaving?”
“Your bodyguard. I heard he asked your Dad to terminate the contract about his employment and he was willing to pay for the damages.”

As soon as I heard it, I sent Vanessa away and hurried up. I just took a very quick shower to freshen up, then after donning a comfortable dress, I went outside to talk to Luke, but one of the servants blocked my way.
“Is there something wrong?” I asked in annoyance.
“Let me do your hair, Miss Isabella,” she replied.
“And did you think it was enough reason to stop me? Stop blocking me,” I scolded her and the woman was aghast at my behavior.
When I got to the sitting room, Da furrowed his brows in confusion. “Where’s Luke?” I asked.
“I heard he is about to smoke a cigarette, Isabella. He must be in the garden now,” Dad added.
Luke had been always by my side, and I didn’t want him to leave. I needed more than his protection. Taking a deep breath, I walked towards the gazebo where he stood, his tall figure silhouetted against the fading light. His piercing blue eyes met mine, and I could see the concern etched on his face.
"Luke," I began, my voice trembling slightly. "We need to talk."
He nodded, his expression serious. "Of course, Isabella. What's on your mind?"
I took a moment to gather my thoughts, the words tumbling in my mind like leaves caught in a gust of wind. "It’s about the marriage. You know I don’t want to do it. I am confused right now!”
Luke's eyes widened slightly, but he remained silent, urging me to continue.
"I cannot go through with this marriage, Luke," I confessed my voice barely a whisper. "I... I have feelings for you. I have given myself to you, body and soul."
His eyes flickered with a mix of surprise and something else, something I couldn't quite decipher. "Isabella," he said softly, his voice tinged with sadness. "I... I don't love you."
The words hit me like a dagger to the heart. I had expected him to reciprocate my feelings, to confess his love for me. But instead, I was met with rejection, a painful truth that shattered the fragile hope within me. He had left once, but he returned. Therefore, I concluded that I was also important to him.
“But why? I thought you also loved me!”
Luke reached out, his hand hovering in the air as if he wanted to touch me, to comfort me. But he hesitated, his hand falling back to his side. "Isabella, please understand," he pleaded, his voice filled with regret. "I care for you deeply, but it is not the same as the love you deserve. You deserve so much more, and your Dad was right. Pembroke needed this marriage.”
“But I want you. I don’t want anyone else but you, Luke Skywalker!” Tears welled up in my eyes once again as I tried to put some sense into his head. "Luke, you have been my rock, my protector, and my confidant. I cannot thank you enough for everything you've done for me."
“I will still be here to protect you,” he said but I shook my head because Vanessa told me he asked Dad to terminate his employment.
“Liar. Vanessa heard you asked Dad to terminate your employment, Luke. So, how can you say that you will still be here to protect me?”
“As much as I wanted to stay, I can’t do it as well,” he stated, and I frowned.
“Why the hell not?”
“Because I am also engaged to marry someone else, Isabella. I just got a message from my uncle that the wedding will happen soon,” he answered, but none of his words registered easily in my head.
“What did you say? You are also engaged? With whom?” several questions came out of my mouth but when I stared into his eyes, I realized that his gazes were cold and indifferent.