Chapter 27 — Promising Wrong

Jasper and Ivan were still standing in the balcony, indulging themselves in a deep conversation. Jasper wasn't shocked at Ivan's confession. He was rather amused. He was proud of his brother. "Finally, you have decided on whom you really love!"

A small smile played on Ivan's lips as he repeated, "I love Diana." It sounded so perfect when he uttered those words aloud. As if it was meant to be—as if they were meant for each other. For Ivan, love meant Diana.

Jasper placed a hand on Ivan's shoulder. "So, what are you waiting for? Just confess your love to her already."

"But she is sleeping now," Ivan answered.

"Then wake her up," he retorted, making Ivan narrow his eyes at him. Jasper sighed. "Fine. It's very late now. I have to sleep. Also, please, talk to Rain tomorrow before you confess your love to Diana. Clear everything with Rain, then start a new life with Diana."

Ivan curtly nodded his head, knowing Jasper was right. He couldn't start a new life with Diana without closing his matters with Rain.

As it was midnight, Ivan decided to go back to his room. Once he got inside, he looked at Diana, who was sleeping peacefully on the couch. He hated seeing Diana sleep on the divan.

Every day, when Diana fell asleep, Ivan used to sleep on another couch like her. He didn't want to enjoy sleeping on the bed when his best friend—now the love of his life—was in discomfort. He used to wake up before Diana did and plopped on the bed. He was a heavy sleeper, but he had a habit of waking up at five in the morning before sleeping again. He used that habit to experience Diana's struggle.

Ivan kissed Diana's forehead and indulged himself into a deep slumber on another divan.

***

Diana's eyes jolted open at 4:45 am. She was thirsty. She got up and put on her slippers. As she let her eyes wander around, they fell upon the figure of another person lying on the couch next to her, Diana let out a gasp.

She never expected to find Ivan sleeping on the couch—it wasn't possible for a prince to adapt to a settee. Her heart melted at the sight of Ivan trying to adjust himself into such a small space.

Why is he sleeping on the couch today? she thought to herself. Her eyes grew wider in surprise when another question arose in her mind. Did he do that every day?

She didn't want to be emotional, but her heart started feeling heavy again. Diana had to leave Ivan, even after all the things they faced together. He loved her as well—Diana knew that. But Ivan's confession wasn't necessary. Promises were meant to be kept and they both swore an oath to Rain. If only Rain could understand, the couple wouldn't have to suffer much. Ivan and Diana would have been together.

Diana drank some water and fixed Ivan's blanket over him before falling asleep again. She had to leave him. There was no turning back.

***

It was a bright new day. Rain was excited because tomorrow was the wedding. Also, Diana would leave the following morning. Ivan is mine. Diana couldn't take him. The thought was making Rain happier than before. I will be the next Queen of England.

Rain texted her parents. They knew everything and supported her. Rain was their only daughter, so her words were final. She was checking the wedding dress. She threw the bridesmaid gown in the wardrobe. She was getting married to Ivan Candelstone, the prince. What else did she need in her life?

***

Meanwhile, Diana woke up again because Ivan's annoying alarm. She saw him dozing on the bed. She was convinced that Ivan switched sleeping between the couch and the bed every day.

"Ivan Candelstone!" she hollered, making Ivan jump off on the bed.

"Is the palace on fire?" he questioned as he rubbed his eyes.

A smile formed on Diana's lips. "Yes, wake up before the fire sucks all the oxygen away." She pulled the blanket from him and started folding it nicely. Today was her last day with Ivan, and she wanted to enjoy every moment with him.

Ivan got up and went to the washroom to freshen up. Diana served breakfast in two plates from the trolley. She was used to the royal life now. It would be difficult for her to go back to her normal life; she knew that very well.

While eating breakfast, Diana asked, "Do you have any plans for today?"

He answered, "No. Why?"

"How about we watch a series today?"

Ivan thought about the offer Diana gave for a while. Watching series all day meant sitting together and spending some time. It sounded nice to him. "Sure. Which series do you wanna watch?"

"Boss Baby."

Ivan chuckled at her reply, nodding as he finished his breakfast. Then he played the series on Netflix. Sitting next to Diana, he wrapped an arm around her shoulder, pulling her close to his chest. Diana didn't protest because she wanted to cherish the moment forever. After all, it would turn into a memory. On the other hand, Ivan knew he had to stop Diana from leaving and marry her forever, come what may.

It was already nighttime. The day soon passed by. Ivan was on his way to meet Rain. It was the perfect time to talk to her and clear everything up. Suzanne would remain busy with the wedding preparations along with Ruyeli. It was the perfect timing.

He knocked on the door. Rain saw him through the mirror as she was sitting in front of it. She said, "Come in."

"Rain, we need to talk," Ivan said after he entered her room. Rain turned to face him and gave a bright smile, which didn't impress Ivan. He only loved Diana's smile.

She was looking at the diamond bracelet Diana gave her. Ruyeli originally gave it to Diana, but she passed it on to Rain. Or more like, Rain took it from her hand after Ruyeli sauntered away. She answered Ivan, "What do we need to talk about? We can talk about everything after our wedding tomorrow. We will have plenty of time."

Ivan cleared his throat and told her, "It is important, Rain. We have to talk now and end it here."

Her head snapped in Ivan's direction. "End it here? End what here? Are you here to end this? End us? End whatever we have?" When he didn't answer, Rain got up and cupped his cheeks. She muttered, "Ivan, whatever it is, we can talk tomorrow after we get married. We can talk calmly and—"

"Rain, I am sorry. I cannot do this anymore. This between us is wrong. It was always wrong," he let out.

Rain pulled her hands away. She glanced at him in disbelief. "You are lying."

He shook his head. "No, I am not lying. I mean it. I should've done it before, but I never had the courage. I am sorry, but I cannot marry you."

Ivan was honest with his words. He wanted to explain everything to Rain before he confessed his feelings to Diana. However, it was difficult for Rain to accept it. She felt her entire world collapse within a few seconds.

"You are lying, Ivan." Rain chuckled humorlessly. "You are totally lying. You are getting cold feet before the wedding. It's okay, I understand. We will talk about it tomorrow, Ivan, okay? Have a nice sleep, go." She tried to push Ivan out of the room, but he wouldn't budge from his position.

"Rain, you are not understanding. I thought a lot about it, and I don't love you. I love Di—"

"Fucking stop!" Rain placed her hands on her ears, not wanting to hear the harsh truth. "This is not true. This is not fucking true! You love me, Ivan. Only me!"

She vigorously shook her head, tears pouring out of her eyes. Ivan felt bad, seeing her state. He knew that he was the reason for her bad condition. However, it was better to tell her now than on the aisle tomorrow.

He mumbled with a sorrowful look, "Rain, I am sorry, but this is the truth. I hope you will understand. Take your time and think about it."

As Ivan was about to walk out of the room, Rain took the flower vase and broke it into pieces.

Ivan stopped and turned to see Rain. She grabbed a broken piece and held it to her wrist. "If you leave this room today, the next thing that will leave this room is my dead body."

His eyes widened in shock. "Rain, what are you doing? Are you crazy?" He tried to walk towards her, but she firmly placed the piece of the broken vase on her wrist. Blood oozed from her wrist.

"Stop there, Ivan Candelstone," she spat out. "You won't step out of this room today. You will only leave tomorrow, before our wedding, and only to get ready. You promised to marry me, and you will keep your promise."

Ivan closed his eyes and exhaled a deep breath. "Rain, ple—"

"I don't give a shit about who you love! You promised to marry me. Keep your word." She pressed the shard deeper on her wrist and winced in pain.

He shouldn't see someone trying to hurt themselves on purpose. He was a prince, for God's sake!

Left with no other options, Ivan spoke, "Fine! Just drop that piece, please."

"Promise me, you won't leave the room today," Rain said softly, gazing at him with teary eyes. She was acting like a crazy maniac. She wouldn't have done these things if Ivan didn't say that he loved Diana.

As soon as Ivan nodded, Rain ran towards him, throwing the sharp glass down and pulled him into a hug. He didn't hug her back. Ivan was worried about Diana leaving him. He was supposed to confess his love for Diana and stop her from leaving after talking to Rain. But Rain made him promise to not leave the room tonight.

Diana won't leave without meeting me, Ivan thought. Of course, she won't! When I see her in the morning, the first thing I will do is say, 'I love you'.

He couldn't leave Rain alone tonight because she might really hurt herself again. He couldn't let such types of accidents occur in the palace. Once the night ended, he would let his mother handle Rain. But before that, he wanted to inform Jasper about everything and to keep an eye on Diana so that she didn't leave. So, after they broke from the hug, Ivan took out his phone to call Jasper.

Rain grabbed the phone from his hand and threw it on the ground. "I need your time. Heal my wounds, Ivan."

He exhaled a deep breath, controlling himself as he walked towards the cabinet to pull out a first-aid kit. In his entire life, Ivan never felt that hopeless. He couldn't believe he thought that he loved a woman like Rain. His mother was right.

On the other hand, Diana finished packing her luggage. She told her mother to be at the gate of the mansion with a cab at four in the morning.

"Are you sure, Diana?" Jasper asked her as he handed her the tickets. "Ivan loves you and you love him. Why are you leaving?"

Diana let out, "We promised Rain. We cannot back off. Love cannot heal everything, Jasper. I have to leave."

"Can't you wait until Ivan comes? Where is he by the way?" he inquired.

She replied, "He left the room after dinner and hasn’t come back yet. I think Rain is keeping him busy, which is a good thing."

Jasper arched an eyebrow. "How can that be a good thing?"

"I promised Rain that I would leave without meeting Ivan. So, if he doesn't come back at night, it will be easier for me." She added, "Don't worry. I wrote a letter to him."

Diana took out a note from the notebook and placed it on the tea-table. Jasper watched her unhappily. If Rain is holding back Ivan, can't he just leave her room? Does he need help? If he needs help, he will text me, he thought.

Jasper didn't want Diana to go. He knew that his brother would be miserable if she left. So, he spoke, "Please, don't go, Diana."

Diana gazed at him and gave a smile. "Please, don't try to stop me, Jasper. It's futile."

He sighed. "Why aren't you taking the car I arranged?"

"I don't want to bother you anymore. You have helped me a lot. Thank you for everything," she said calmly.

"You are welcome," he muttered.

Diana was about to keep her luggage to one corner but let out a gasp when she saw a familiar figure standing on the door. That familiar figure asked, "Where do you think you're going?"