A/N: My dearest, loveliest readers; I deeply apologise for being so terribly late! I have no excuse in the world that could justify neglecting you for as long as I have! There have been so much going on lately, I simply haven't had the time. At the moment, I am fully caught up in another project, and I'm pushing for the final stretch. I will try—I truly shall!—to write as much as possible on this one. We are on the final stretch here, as well, with only four chapters to go.

I would like to thank all of you who have had the patience of sticking with this story and not abandoned it. You are the real Heroes. And, I would also like to thank those of you who have found this during the time I've been inactive, and those of you who have even favourited it.

And while I'm at it, I want to say THANK YOU SO MUCH to whoever suggested this story to be featured in the deviantART group Fable-Fans! I feel very honoured. So, thank you so much!

Now, enough ranting!

Enjoy!

The Sorceress and the Sharpshooter

Chapter Twenty-Four
The Resurrection of the Great Kingdom

A month had passed since their victory over the Darkness. Andrea had already moved the wedding several times, claiming she still grieved Walter so much, she simply couldn't even imagine getting married without him. That wasn't entirely true. Yes, she still grieved him deeply, but the real reason was, of course, Benjamin Finn. The reason had always been Benjamin Finn. Even when the Elliot proposed to her, she had Ben in mind. At that point, the thought of him was thrilling, dangerous, and now… well, she rather wished he'd been just out of her head forever. After the war, she found herself in his bed more than in her own, and some days, they didn't even seem to leave it. It was as if they tried to get as much of each other to last for a life time, the life time they wouldn't spend together.

The treasury was empty, but with Jasper back, things were starting to run smoothly again. The solidarity was still there, and the city of Bowerstone now ran entirely on favours. The little money that was earned was used to rebuild the city. The factory was turned into a school. The castle was used as a hostel for those who had lost their homes, with Tara in charge. Logan was appointed General, since Ben declined the title. He settled for Major, and Andrea had the stinging feeling he would soon resign from that as well.

The cities around Albion were recovering, as well. Andrea had made several trips around the country to visit them all, and to help as much as she could. She also found it very important for her to show support for those who'd lost home and family to the Darkness, and they were very grateful for the Queen's presence. There were many orphaned children, many widows and widowers, and Andrea was truly touched by the way they all seemed to help each other. It bode well for a prosperous future.

Elliot was impatient. He often complained about Andrea being in the city far too often, or being on journeys, and claiming he was tired of the Major's constant presence. Andrea replied that she was needed in the city, and the Major was needed by her side. But Elliot had, over all, seemed to embrace his position rather quickly, and already acted as if he was King. It bothered the Queen immensely. Though, she could not say it to him. He was, after all, about to be King. If it hadn't been for Ben, he would have been King already. Perhaps it was only right that he entered his role already?

A sculptor had taken it upon him to create a statue of Walter, and already a month after the war, it was ready to be placed in the Castle gardens. Now, this was considered to be the official funeral of Sir Walter Beck, and therefore, the whole town had gathered to honour him.

"I think old Walter would have liked it out here," Ben said cheerfully. "He was always a fan of looking… tall and, um, stony." Then he chuckled. "I can imagine what he would say if he was here now!"

"Shut up, Ben," Andrea smiled and chuckled.

He laughed. "Exactly!"

Page turned to Andrea and smiled. "Walter was right about you; you're a Hero in every sense of the word. The Hero Albion needed."

Andrea blushed. "What will you do now?" She glanced at Logan, and then back at Page.

"I belong down in the city," Page said. "The people there will always need help."

"And I… will join her," Logan said. Andrea wanted to cut in to make a protest, but Logan silenced her. "I will still do right by the title of General. I will just… not live in the castle. It's already settled." He then looked at Page with a fond smile. "Page and I will marry, and soon."

Even though Andrea had somehow expected it, the news was very good news, indeed, and she smiled. "Congratulations!"

"Well, Page!" Ben sneered, charmingly. "You choose Mr Dark over the devilishly handsome Ben Finn? I'm disappointed!"

"Oh, Ben," Page laughed, "I made that decision a long time ago."

"Oh well," Ben said. "Not my fault you're missing out."

Page and Ben kept arguing on friendly terms, and Andrea and Logan both shook their heads and decided to leave the rowing people to themselves. The two siblings, followed by Bernard, took a stroll around the garden, remembering the years before the Darkness had taken a step into their lives.

"And over there," Logan said and pointed towards a shrubbery, "is where you always used to hide when you had stolen food from the kitchen."

"I know," Andrea smiled. "I had my private cupboard there, a little box filled with biscuits and apples. Oh, I remember."

"Do you remember when you got this fellow, then?" Logan bent down to pet Bernard, who happily nudged him with his head so that he almost fell on his bottom.

"How can I forget?" Andrea chuckled. "I had begged for a dog, for years! I still don't know how you put up with it."

"Me neither."

"You could have just gotten me a dog earlier."

"Well," Logan sneered, "I'm not going to lie and say that Bernard has been a dream dog."

Andrea gasped in acted offence. "How dare you talk like that about my Bernie?! He's been the perfect dog."

"Especially when it comes to stealing one of my shoes," Logan smiled. "And always the left ones, for some curious reason…"

"He's well trained."

Logan laughed. "That has to be the reason."

They were both silent for a moment, until they arrived at the look-out point in the garden, towering over the whole of Bowerstone.

"I saw her," Andrea said quietly.

Logan looked at her, puzzled. "You saw who?"

"Mother."

"How?"

Andrea smiled faintly. "When I was in Deepwood, the wizard Darius took me to a place, on the edge between what we know, and the unknown. He said that beyond us, beyond the edge where we were standing, lay the oldest part of Albion. He said it was even older that the Old Kingdom, that it was as ancient then as it is now. According to legend, not even the Spire could destroy that place, thus holds mysteries we wouldn't be able to understand. He said that no living soul has ever ventured into the dark, deep forest of our ancestors, and if they have, they've never been heard from again. He said there would always be a part of us that we would never discover. But I got to discover mine." She looked at Logan. "I met mother. And you were there, and so were so many others. I… I think I recognised some of them, but I can't put my finger on who they were, and some, I had never seen before."

"What did she say?" It was only a whisper, but it was intense with emotion.

"She said, 'we are the ones of the Hero Bloodline, and we are one'." She took Logan's hand in hers and looked into his eyes. "She said, that when the time needs it, a Hero will emerge from our bloodline."

Logan nodded, defeated. "I was too polluted by the Darkness, the time needed you to be the Hero."

"Mother said it wasn't your destiny to become a Hero," Andrea whispered, tears forming in her eyes, "but that we are the same. You share as much blood with her as I do, and we share each other's blood. We are one, Logan." Then she chuckled. "Who knows, the next Hero in line might be named Page II."

Logan laughed. "Perhaps."

"Are you going to be happy?"

Logan nodded. "I believe so. Imagine, that after looking for something for so many years without finding it, I've basically had it in my back yard! I just haven't looked that way." He chuckled. "Who would have thought I would find my match in someone like Page, a commoner? And I've never been happier."

"I'm glad."

"How about you? Are you going to be happy?" The tone in his voice was rather curiously serious, as if he was trying to tell her something through that question.

She sighed. "I'll be fine."

"Fine? That's not enough, Andrea. Are you going to be happy?"

"I'm alive, my Kingdom is still standing and I'm feeling stronger than ever," she said. "I'll be fine, don't you worry."

"What about Ben, then?"

"What about him?" She clenched her jaw. She suspected Logan already knew about her affair with Ben, but her heart still raced when the thought of him judging her rushed into her mind.

"Will he leave?"

"Why, do you want him to?" she snapped.

"To be honest," Logan said, "it's the other way round. I've gotten used to having him around, and quite frankly, he's an excellent Major. I'm surprised—and a bit alarmed—by the fact he turned down the title of General."

Andrea sighed. "Then you might want to ask him. Why would I know?"

"Well, you are the Queen," he pointed out, "and he's a very loyal subject. A very loyal subject, as I understand." He looked at her, and Andrea swallowed hard and blushed. He knew.

"So, you've become such good friends you tell each other everything now?" She didn't mean to sound so harsh, but if she didn't put that exterior on, she was afraid her brother might hear her unhappiness.

"I wouldn't say that, no," Logan said. "But he didn't have to tell me; I caught him sneak out your window months ago. Had I known then what he was to do for this Kingdom, for you, I would have urged him to ask for your hand, right there right then, Andrea."

"No, you wouldn't," Andrea sighed. "It's because of Page you have found this new respect for commoners like her and Ben. Hadn't it been for Page, you would still have thought it best for people like us to marry Nobles."

Logan sighed. "Perhaps. But things change, Andrea." Then he placed a hand on her shoulder. "Ben has always said that he would let you do the right thing and marry Elliot. That was the right thing—then. I believe that has changed."

"Ben doesn't want to be King," Andrea mumbled. "He made that clear."

Logan shifted. "Well… what if he doesn't have to be King?"

Andrea raised her brows. "By what do you mean, brother?"

A smug smile spread across Logan's lips, a smile Andrea had long forgotten, but hated all the same. "You're the Queen, Andrea. You make up the laws now."

She furrowed her brows. "You say I should change the law about marriages?"

"I say that you should change the law about your marriage. You can rule by yourself, because you won't be entirely alone. You have us. Now, if Ben doesn't want to be King, well, don't make him King. Just your husband."

Andrea shook her head, but could not conceal a smile. "I'm trying to wrap this around my head. Logan, are you, the most traditional person I know, telling me to change the laws so that I could marry an old pirate?"

Logan chuckled. "No, I'm telling you to change the laws so that you can be happy."

Her smile died. "I've already accepted the fact I will never have him. And I'm engaged to Elliot. No matter what, I still love Elliot with all my heart. He will make a good and just King."

"He will ruin you," Logan said and shrugged. "The boy's too soft to be King."

"He's my best friend," she insisted. "I can't break his heart like that."

Logan nodded. "I understand. I just want you to be able to live with yourself if you let Ben go."

"Well, I don't know if I can live with myself if I hurt Elliot," she sighed.

.:*Ö*:.

The more he attached himself to the Queen's side, the more intensely he started to feel the pain of leaving her. But it had to be done. He wouldn't be able to live that close to her once she was married to another man—or, well, boy. But Ben loved her, with every fibre of his being, he loved her. He wished he would live to see the day little Bens and Andreas were running around, playing hide and seek, stealing food, teasing Jasper… but that would never happen. That would never be. When hearing about the engagement of Logan and Page, something broke inside of him. If Logan had still been King, Ben had married Andrea long ago. He would have kidnapped her if it had come to that, if he'd only had her as his. But the tables were turned. Andrea was Queen, and Ben did not want to be King. He couldn't be King. He would be the worst King in the history of Albion. He would even be worse than Logan. He couldn't keep track of money, of duties, of rules and regulations… he would run the kingdom to its grave. He would be such a poor excuse of a King, it would be ridiculous for him to even try. Andrea would be embarrassed. He couldn't have that. No, it was best if he just… disappeared from the picture all and all when Andrea had married Elliot. But that wasn't until she was married.

He was waiting for her, as the sun set, in his quarters in Old Town, and he was impatient. She was late. But as he noticed a hooded figure walking up to his front door, and the soft knock against the wood, he threw the door open.

"I'm sorry," she breathed. "I was delayed in the castle."

Ben didn't reply, but pulled her inside and closed the door shut, and then pulled her to him and kissed her hungrily. He didn't even give her a chance to catch her breath before he pinned her against the wall, his lips tracing her jaw line vigorously.

"Ben," she chuckled. "Ben, wait! Ben!"

But he didn't. No, instead, he pressed himself closer. He couldn't get enough of the woman, and soon enough he would be parted from her for all eternity. So no, he would not stop now.

"Ben," she repeated, a bit more seriously now. "Ben!"

Groaning, he pulled away and looked at her. "Oh, come on, Princess!"

She rolled her eyes. "We need to talk, Ben."

"That doesn't bode well."

She gave him a quick smile as she went to sit down in his bed.

Now, that he liked. He sat down next to her and pulled her close, and she straddled his lap. Even better, was his thought. "So, what do you want to talk about?" She bit her lip as she fiddled with his collar. There was something about the light that hit her face that made her look so young, yet so troubled. And she was young and troubled. It was just, that in this light, it was so evident, it almost made him anxious. It almost made him wonder what he was doing with such a young girl on his lap. But he quickly shook the thought away.

She cleared her throat. "You should know why I was late." She didn't look him in the eye.

"Go on," he urged her.

She sighed. "It was Elliot. He… he wanted to…" She took a deep breath. "He was ready to make love."

Pulling his brows together tightly, Ben felt the raging jealousy spread through him. To share this flesh, this woman, with him?! He had to struggle not to growl or to grip her or hold her too tightly and hurt her. "Well… did you?"

She shook her head and looked at him. "No. Of course not. But he was frustrated. And hurt. He knows something is going on. I can see it in his eyes; the hurt, the disappointment… I think he knows."

"So?" The words came out like a deadly drawl, and he seductively caressed her bottom and thighs. "Let the boy know. I bet he wouldn't leave anyway; the boy's too eager to become King, he'd rather have an unfaithful wife and be King than marry a faithful commoner and be no one."

"Don't be cruel, Ben," she muttered. She then sighed heavily. "I am perfectly serious. I'm afraid that he knows. What then? I don't want to hurt him!"

Feeling how the anger still raged within him, mingled with his strong desire for her, he set his face hard and stared at her. "Honestly, Andrea, I don't give a bloody Hobbe's ass about him being hurt."

She slowly caressed his clothed chest, but her touch burned right through, and he wanted nothing but to just have her. "If… if I was to break it off, with Elliot, I mean, would you then reconsider leaving?"

"You wouldn't break it off with Elliot." He pulled her closer, burying his face between her neck and her shoulder. He ached for her. He didn't know how much more talking he could stand.

"But if I did?" She pulled away and looked at him, and he was getting restless.

He groaned. "Please, love, don't start! We agreed on this, didn't we?"

"Ben, listen to me!" Andrea pleaded. "I spoke with Logan, and he suggested I'd change the rules! I am the Queen, after all!"

He furrowed his brows. "You spoke to your brother about us?"

She shrugged. "I didn't have to; he already knew."

"Well, yes, but… you can't speak of us with him!" He knew Logan knew about their affair, and Logan also knew about Ben's intentions, that he didn't wish to marry the Queen. That he didn't wish to become King.

"Well, he'd rather see you as King, than Elliot!" Andrea huffed. "It doesn't matter, Ben. He told me, that I could change the laws. You don't have to become King if we marry. For Avo's sake, we don't have to marry! This is a new age! We're free from tyranny and darkness! It's time for some changes!"

He shook his head. "No, Andrea. I told you it wouldn't work."

Furiously—obstinately like a child—she stepped down from his lap, took a few steps backwards and stood staring at him with her arms crossed. "Don't you love me?"

Ben shook his head. "You know I do."

"Then why won't you accept this!?" Her voice was filled with pleading, and he had to admit, that it was rather—no, very—arousing to hear her desire him so much.

Rising from the bed, he walked to her with a soft smirk, pulled her to him again. "Let's not quarrel, my dearest, loveliest Andrea. I love you, with all my heart, and I would die before I give you up. But even though we will be apart, I will never love anyone like I love you."

She looked up at him, her eyes gleaming. "So, why do we have to be apart?"

"That's just the way it is," he breathed before he placed his lips on hers. There would be no more talking, he had decided. No more discussing, no more arguing. There would only be their naked bodies, their lust and their greed for one another.

.:*Ö*:.

Dawn was approaching, and Andrea woke up just as the first sunlight seeped in through the window. Ben was sleeping heavily by her side, one hand cupping one of her breasts boldly. With a sigh, she removed it, causing him to stir in his sleep. She sat up and observed the Major. He looked, so serene, so careless. She smiled. It was hard to believe that this man, sleeping like a baby entangled in linen sheets, was a ruthless soldier, a former pirate and a ferocious lover. She chuckled to herself when she thought of how her life had been two years ago, when she was still at the castle. If Benjamin Finn had caught her eyes back then, she would have found him disgusting and improper, but oh so fascinating all the same. And she still felt like this lovesick teenager while looking at him. She was well into her eighteenth year, and she had only a couple of months left until her nineteenth birthday, and after that, only a year left of being a teenager. After that, she wouldn't be a little child any longer. She would be twenty, and grown up. She would probably be married—to the wrong man.

Sighing deeply, she rose from the bed and started to dress herself. She felt a stirring in the bed, and a short moment after, Ben sat up, yawning, and rubbed his eyes.

"Good morning, my love," he said, his voice hoarse.

"Good morning," she smiled as she struggled with her corset. "Would you?" She turned her back to him, and she heard him sigh as he stood up, and she felt him tug at the lace. He pulled hard, laced it tightly, and there was just something about the way he did it that made her knees weak. When he was done, she felt his hands slither around her waist, and he pulled her to him and buried his face in her hair.

"I love you, Andrea."

"I love you too, Ben." She turned, and their lips met. She put her hands around his neck, caressing it tenderly. There was just something about mornings with Ben that was special. They never quarrelled in the mornings, and they were never angry, never sad. They were always so tender, so loving to one another. Every morning they had spent together, had been magical. They could just stand there, embracing each other, until their knees would give in, but there was never the time. They kissed goodbye as Andrea had to leave to hurry to the castle, and said that they would talk later that day. They had some things to go through concerning the city and the constructions and whatnot, and as she left, she felt the same emptiness she always felt when leaving him.

The city had just woken up, and even though the reminders of the bloody battle still shadowed the city, the people kept their smiles on, doing what they could to rebuild their lives. She was politely greeted as she walked through the streets, and a lot of people found it comforting to have the Queen—the Hero—walking the streets so often. She did what she could to help the people on her way back to the castle, everything from carrying things to helping to set things up. Once she reached the castle—much later than anticipated—she met Tara in the courtyard. She was busy directing the staff, and she gave Andrea a smile and a bow as she passed by, and Andrea smiled back and nodded. Well inside, she was greeted by Jasper.

"Oh, my dear, you look dreadful," he said. "I'll draw you a bath."

Andrea nodded. "Thank you, Jasper." Another one that greeted her vigorously, was Bernard. The dog came sprinting towards her, his black and white fur swaying in the wind, and his bark echoing between the stone walls. "Hello boy!" She smiled as she hunched down to embrace the dog, as he licked her in the face, his feet stomping eagerly on the floor, his tail wiggling furiously. "Oh, who's a good boy? Who's a good boy?!"

"You should take better care of your pet," she heard her brother drawl from the down stairs drawing room. Andrea chuckled as she entered it. He was sitting in one of the sofas, reading a book. "While you were on your lustful adventures—" she gasped and hushed him angrily "—that dog kept chewing on my shoes."

Andrea strode up to him. "Don't you dare do that, Logan!"

He looked up, his brows furrowed. "Do what? Acknowledge that you were out all night, probably with—"

"Shush!" she squeaked angrily and stiffened.

His lips curled into a smirk. "Don't worry, dear, your husband-to-be isn't here at the moment. He's in the throne room, practicing his speech."

Andrea raised a brow. "What speech?"

"His coronation speech," Logan drawled and returned to the book. "Really, Andrea, I know you don't find him that interesting, but a little interest in what the boy's doing wouldn't hurt, would it?"

She sighed heavily and slumped down next to him. "Avo, I'm going to be the worst wife ever."

"To him, yes," Logan chuckled. "You'd be wretched. He wouldn't stand a chance against your stubbornness and your constant complaining."

"I beg your pardon?" She glared at her brother, but he was still smirking.

He looked up. "Oh, don't take is so personally, dearest sister. You know exactly of what I'm talking."

She made a face and crossed her arms. "Haven't you got some wedding plans to attend to, yourself?"

"Actually," he said as he closed the book, "I have. Page and I are going to look over the ceremony. She wished there to be something of her Samarkand roots there, as well. I have read through these books all morning, but I cannot find anything concerning wedding ceremonies… mother didn't have that much about it, apparently."

She huffed. "Your devotion sickens me."

He smiled. "Now, come, come, my dear, don't be like that. Page has asked for your assistance regarding the wedding dress. She'd be heartbroken if you didn't help her."

She sighed. "Oh, of course I will."

"Is the journey to Brightwall set yet?" Logan asked.

Andrea sighed again. "No. Well, yes, it's just… I don't know how to tell Elliot that Ben's coming with me. He's been looking forwards of going there himself, but in all honesty, I don't want him to come."

Logan shrugged. "This isn't personal. Elliot isn't King yet. Ben, however, has an established title as Major. He's trusted by the people, and has good connections in Brightwall. It only makes sense that he should go with you."

"Yes, well, if only Elliot could see it that way," she muttered. "He's already jealous as it is."

"You must give the boy some credit for being as accepting as he is," Logan said. "If the tables were turned, and it was Ben you were to marry, and Elliot you were sneaking off to, you'd find that Ben would be much less willing to accept your behaviour."

"If it only was that way, brother," Andrea sighed.

"Yes, well, you won't change your mind, so it's your own fault, really," Logan shrugged.

Andrea huffed. "I won't change my mind? It's him that refuses to change his!"

"Well, no matter, you're dwelling on a problem that isn't really a problem," Logan drawled as he took his leave.

"It is a problem!" she called after him, but he gave no response. Sinking deeper into the sofa, like a little child, she muttered.

Suddenly, Elliot popped into the room. "Oh, there you are! I thought I heard your voice. What is a problem?"

Andrea shook her head. "Nothing, dear."

"Oh…" He seemed a bit nervous, fiddling with his fingers. "Well, Andrea, there's something I'd like to talk to you about."

Andrea straightened. "Yes?"

He sat down next to her and took her hands in his. "I know that you're still mourning, and I respect that. It is also because of it, I suggest that you and I get married once we're in Brightwall. What do you think?"

Andrea sat gawking at him. She had not expected that. "Well…" She tried to figure out what to say, but Elliot anticipated her.

"I know it's not a grand wedding that is suspected from a royal couple, but you yourself said you'd rather want a small wedding than a grand one!"

Andrea frowned. "Elliot," she began, and then sighed, "I know you've been looking forwards to this trip for a long time, but… the Major will come with me."

His face changed, and he pulled away, rising from the sofa. "But of course," he snapped. "Why wouldn't he? You've spent every waking hour with that man since the end of the war, so why not go on a lovely trip with him, as well?"

"Elliot," she sighed, "this isn't personal! Ben is Major! The people trust him, and his presence there would mean a lot to the people of Brightwall! And, he's spent some part of his youth there, and that isn't forgotten!"

Elliot huffed. "So, you're telling me that this is solely for the purpose of the citizens of Brightwall to be pleased?" He started to pace the room. "Forgive me for doubting that; you have spent so much time with that man, people are starting to ask me the most ridiculous things! 'Is the Queen getting cold feet?' and 'Don't you think the Major would look grand in a King's suit?'! You have to understand my suspicions, Andrea. They are quite fair. The people of this city know that instead of spending time with your husband-to-be, the future King of this land no less, you'd rather spend time with a… a… a scoundrel like him!"

"Elliot!" Andrea barked and stood up. "Major Finn is not a scoundrel! He is the Major of this Kingdom. As for now, he has more authority than you. You aren't King just yet."

Elliot straightened, trying to compensate his lack of height and stature, with a confident posture. "As for now, yes. But I expect that to change soon. Or are you going to move it again?"

She sighed, knowing she'd have to either break it off or go through with it—whatever she chose, she had to do it sooner than later. Finally, she nodded. "When Ben and I return, you shall name the day."

"Then I name the day after your return," Elliot said.

Andrea nodded, defeated. "So be it."

Elliot, somewhat confused, nodded and turned to leave the room. But just as he was to leave, he turned. "Andrea," he said softly, "I am sorry for what happened yesterday. I—I shouldn't have said and done what I did. I was just feeling threatened, as if I no longer possessed your heart. It was merely an act of desperation and devastation, and I do apologise, most sincerely. It was wrong of me to demand that of you, to demand your—your… flesh, like that." His cheeks turned scarlet as he looked down on his boots.

While not looking, Andrea rolled her eyes. "You are excused. You of all people should know I cannot be forced to do anything."

"Yes, well, it was still very wrong of me," he persisted. "I hope you will find it in your heart not to think of me as… disgusting."

She sighed and walked up to him, cupped his face in her hands, and smiled. "I will never find you disgusting."

He leaned in and kissed her softly, and she kissed him back, though not as desirably as him. She could feel there was a frustration in him, that he wanted to get out. He wanted her. He wanted to have her, and the thought itself… now, that was somewhat disgusting to her. Elliot was a wonderful person; handsome, fair, gentle… but he was nothing compared to Ben. When they broke away from each other, they both had their eyes closed, and he leaned his forehead against hers.

"I love you, Andrea."

"I love you too, Be—Elliot!" She flung her eyes open and took a step back. He looked at her, bewildered. "I love you too, Elliot," she repeated, swallowing hard.

He cracked up in a smile. "You are so sweet when you do that."

"Do what?" Her voice was weak. She had been so close. So close of completely destroying things.

He leaned in to kiss the top of her head. "When you are being modest." With another smile, he left the room, and Andrea was left panicking.

She had just realised that she did not love Elliot. The words didn't feel right. It was only one man, and one man alone, those words would ever feel right towards, and it certainly was not Elliot.