Chapter 2 – Forbidden messages

"Oh, Gemma. He was amazing, those green eyes – just staring endlessly at me" I said dreamingly staring into the night sky

"My lady, remember Dominic. You can not make another mistake like that"

"I know, that's why I told him no. I told it was because of my parents" My eyes started filling with tears

"Oh god I wish, I could tell him everything - that my parents has been dead for decades, that my heart beat for Dominic and died for him – all that. Oh why, should this happen to me Gemma?"

"I know Miss, you were just unfortunate, and no one deserves this life. Not even Dominic" Dominic, ha, he could die in hell for my sake.

"Don't get me wrong Miss, he does not deserve a good life either – but he is just a broken soul. No one is born evil, it is something they develop through their miserable excuse of a life."

Knock Knock

"How did I end up in this terrible situation and still be fortunate enough to end up having such a smart and wise maid" I mumbled to myself as Gemma walked to the door.

"A delivery for miss De Luca" A male voice said nervously

"May I ask who send it?" Oh dear Gemma, always so protective

"He asked me very specifically to be anonymous, so I will keep my word to him"

I head some rummaging, a silent "goodbye" and a door closing. Gemma walked into the living room again with a long white package and a card attached in her arms. She looked suspiciously on it and it to me and I led out a giggle.

"Always so protective" I said under my breath just loud enough for her to hear it as I opened the box and saw a single crimson rose. Just the same as the one I had been fiddling with yesterday at the ball. I put the box down on the chaise beside me and opened the envelope.

Dear Aurora

I know that you were not very fond of my proposal yesterday but I sincerely hope that you will change your mind. If that is the case, I will be picking you up at noon this Friday. Wear something practical and elegant. We are going outside.

I will be, hopefully, waiting

Jasper

"Oh, is that not just the most adorable thing anyone has done in a long time?" I said cheerfully looking at Gemma, still wearing her skeptical look.

"Oh Miss. The endless romantic you are! Are you sure it is a good idea? I mean you were smart to reject him yesterday."

"But he is so charming! And did you see him? Such a handsome face!"

"Aurora! I do not remember allowing you to receive roses from strangers! You have to be careful, I thought you learnt your lesson last time." My uncle bellowed, eyeing the thick crème-colored card suspiciously "Let me see"

I handed him the card and a small smile formed on his lips.

"I see, you did actually learn something, good thing to turn him down my dear"

"But Uncle, I want to see him! He was so charming" I said, imagining his strong hands holding mine.

"No, and that is my final word in this conversation." He said and started walking towards the door, "I have to run some errands. Gemma keep and eye on her, will you?"

"Of course master, I will keep her safe and sound right here without any charming men or roses." She said sharply eyeing me suspiciously. Turning around and walking towards the window I rolled my eyes at their overprotection. I was a grown-up woman; I have been through a lot, more than most 17-year olds. I have to get a message to him, I can't let the chance go of meeting him and get to know him.

The following day at exactly 12 o'clock I received yet another perfect crimson rose. Neatly wrapped in a white box, but no new card, no new clue as to where he wanted to take me. This went on the entire week, each time Gemma reluctantly gave me the rose without uncle finding out. Each time I would bring it to my room, looking at the perfect sculptured rose. Observing the slightly odd looking petals, looking so perfect as one but alone so individually beautiful. Almost like all the girls at the balls – standing there looking beautiful and perfect, waiting for a gentleman to bid her up to dance. But close up, they were all having flaws, the one with has a slightly crooked and the other having bruises under the skirt because of a violent father.

"Gemma!" I yelled down the stairs "I need some help"

"What can I help you with Miss?"

"I have to get my corsage a tad tighter and then I need you to deliver a letter for me"

Okay I am very sorry for the long wait! I've just been so busy and haven't had time to write anything! anyways I'm sorry that it's so short but I still hope you enjoy it!

please read&review

love Emma