Chapter 41--Perfect

*Ryan*

She is perfect.

I do not know the right words to say to make her realize this. That I want her. That I love her, broken pieces and all. I see the fear and uncertainty in her eyes and I know words will not be enough to show her what I feel.

So I kiss her again, and it feel like the first time. It never gets old. I can never get enough of this. Her.

And as our lips part, a whirlwind of emotions floods through me, leaving me breathless and disoriented. It’s as if time has suspended itself, allowing me to fully absorb the weight and significance of that simple act. My heart pounds in my chest, a thunderous rhythm that echoes in my ears. Waves of warmth and desire still course through my veins, electrifying every nerve ending in my body. It’s a heavy sensation, intoxicating and overwhelming, leaving me craving more of her touch, more of her presence.

Amber’s face is etched with a mixture of confusion and uncertainty, but I can see a small smile, tugging at the corner of her lips.

Or am I just imagining things?

Her gaze drops to the ground and she purses her lips together. I lick my upper lip, as I can still feel her lips on mine, the tingling sensation, still coursing around my lips. My hands find their way into my pockets as I speak up.

“Do...do you want to go back to the party? Or should we go back to the hotel?”

Amber's eyes meets with mine, accompanied by a little shrug from her shoulders. “What do you want to do?” she asks, her voice as low as whisper.

I run my hands through my hair and let out a long sigh. “Frankly, I have had enough of this so called party and would like to be far away from here as possible.”

Amber giggles, and the sound of her voice resonating through the walls, fills me with a sense of peace. “I’d rather be away from here too.”

“Then, shall we?”

Amber nods and we began to make our way to the entrance. We begin to descend the wide, marble staircase, each step echoing through the walls of the mansion. We slowly make our way back into the living room, and once again, we are surrounded by life.

The party, still in full swing despite the hours that have passed, seems distant and irrelevant to me now. The music that once filled the air with exuberance now sounds like a distant murmur, fading into the background of my thoughts. I spot familiar faces, friends and acquaintances who I should greet and engage with, but my sole focus is on escaping this place, with Amber.

My gaze drifts across the room, and my heart sinks as I catch sight of my mother and father, fully indulging in the party. Their faces are filled with smiles as they engage their friends in conversation about what I assume are politics and business. I immediately tear my eyes away from them, not wanting to draw attention to myself, and most especially, to Amber.

“Ryan!” her my mother’s voice ring through the air, cutting through the murmurs and fading music. I pause, my heart sinking as I know I can’t avoid her. Reluctantly, I turn towards her, taking Amber’s hand in mine and firmly clasping it.

My mother approaches with an air of elegance, her steps graceful yet purposeful. I can see the questions forming in her eyes, the curiosity mingled with a hint of concern. She stands before us, a beacon of refinement amidst the chaos of the party.

“Where are you going, dear?” she asks, her voice filled with genuine warmth and affection. “The party is just getting started.”

I take a deep breath, summoning the strength to meet her gaze. “We’re tired, Mother,” I reply, my voice steady but tinged with a hint of defiance. “Amber and I have decided to call it a night and head back to the hotel.”

My mother’s eyes widen ever so slightly, a flicker of surprise crossing her face. She opens her mouth to speak, but I press on, determined to make my intentions clear.

“We need some rest,” I continue, my voice firm. “It’s been a long evening, and we both could use some time alone.”

“Well, that is fine, you can stay here for the night with your, uh, fiancee,” she retorts, her eyes giving a quick glance to Amber.

“What?”

“I said you can stay here for the night, and for how ever long you will be here.”

I feel a knot forming in my stomach as I forcefully digest my mother’s words.

“I appreciate the offer, but Amber and I would feel more comfortable in the hotel room.”

My mother’s eyebrows furrow and she clicks her tongue. “Nonsense!” she exclaims. “I cannot have my son waste money on a hotel room, when his home is right here.”

“But—“

“No excuses, Ryan,” she cuts me short. “You will stay here, and that is final.”

I let out a long sigh, and shoot Amber an apologetic look. I see that she is not so pleased about this new turn of events either.

Before I can say another word, my mother is signalling for a maid to come over. A maid hurries over to where we stand, and my mother begins to dish out instructions. “Prepare two separate rooms for my son and this lady right here,” my mother instructs the maid in a tone that brooks no argument. “Make sure they are comfortable and well taken care of.”

I feel a surge of frustration rising within me, the words forming on the tip of my tongue before I can stop myself. “Mother, I believe that Amber and I will share a r—”

But she cuts me off again, her voice firm and unwavering. “Ryan, you are not wedded, and it is not proper for an unmarried couple to share a room. My decision is final.”

My mother turns to the maid and addresses her, with a regal air, her voice carrying the weight of authority. “Please escort this lady to her room and ensure her comfort, Isabella.”

The maid, Isabella, bows her head in acknowledgment and turns her gaze towards Amber. “This way, miss,” she says softly, gesturing for her to follow.

Reluctantly, I loosen my grip on Amber’s hand, the warmth of her touch slipping away. It feels like a physical ache, a tangible void arising within me. Amber gives my hand a gentle squeeze, and her eyes meet mine. For a fleeting moment, a small smile plays upon her lips.

With a heavy sigh, I release her hand, my fingers reluctantly slipping from her grasp.

Amber shoots me one last longing look before turning her attention to Isabella. Together, they walk away, their figures gradually receding into the distance as they disappear around the corner. I watch, my heart heavy, as the space between us grows wider with each passing step.

As Amber disappears from my line of sight, I stand rooted to the spot, watching until she is out of sight. The air feels heavy with unspoken words, the ache of her absence already apparent.

Before I can fully retreat into the confines of my thoughts, my mother’s voice interrupts the silence that envelops me. She turns back towards me, her expression a mix of understanding. “Ryan, I know you’re tired, but you must come and greet the guests,” she says gently, her tone infused with a mother’s insistence. “It's important to make an appearance and show respect."

Reluctantly, I nod, knowing that I cannot escape this. With each step I take towards the crowd, I find myself craving nothing but Amber’s presence.