Chapter 05: Regrets and Sorrow

Chapter 05: Regrets and Sorrow

Reagan's POV

As I sat on the long bench at the back of the church, everything around me felt surreal, like a distant dream. This majestic place, the flickering candles, the soft murmur of the guests. My mind was filled with thoughts of Selina. I clenched my jaw, looking down.

Selina. Her face, her smile, and the way she used to look at me with such trust and love. My heart ached with the weight of regret, love, and sadness. I had hurt her in ways I never intended—all because I thought it was the only way to protect her and our unborn child.

I remembered the last time I saw her, the pain and confusion in her eyes. I had been cold and distant, saying things I didn’t mean, all to push her away. "I didn't mean to hurt her," I muttered under my breath, clenching my fists. "I'm doing all of this to protect her and our child." But the words felt hollow now, a cruel justification for my actions.

"So, did you really agree to let them throw away and destroy my things?" Her voice echoed in the room, filled with anger and sadness. I knew she was in pain, disappointed with my actions.

But I had no choice but to let the enemy think I was on their side, to make them leave her alone. I didn't want them to hurt her or, worse, do more than that. I gritted my teeth and looked away.

"She's right. I'll move you to the western wing. Your maid will show you the way." I made the most drastic decision of my life. I was afraid to see her reaction, but I still looked up. Pain flashed on her face as if she couldn't believe my words. I'm sorry, Selina. I only did this for your sake.

She stared at me with disappointment in her eyes. My heart ached. I was holding myself back from rushing toward her and embracing her. I wanted to apologize and beg for her forgiveness, but I couldn't. I'm such a coward for hurting a precious, kind, and loving woman like her.

Her tears kept falling down her cheeks. Three words from her, and my world almost crashed into pieces.

"You're cruel, Reagan." Yes, I'm cruel. But you have no idea what I have endured.

I looked towards the front of the church, where Giselle stood. Her back was facing me as she talked to a bridesmaid. It's funny to think that I'm the king, but I don't hold my own decision. I may marry her now, but my heart still belongs to Selina.

I closed my eyes and leaned back in the chair. I can't remember the last time I visited her. I didn't have the courage to even look at her. I was ashamed of my actions. I promised protection, but I failed to deliver. This is the last thing I can do to keep her safe.

"Did I go too far?" I murmured, feeling the coldness of the air. Every step I had taken was out of a misguided sense of duty and protection. I wanted to keep Selina safe from danger, but in doing so, I had shattered her heart—and my own.

Our memories flooded my thoughts. Our laughter, the dreams we shared, our undying love. Now, those memories were tainted with the pain I had caused. I wanted to tell her the truth, to explain why I had to marry Giselle, but I feared it was too late. Would she ever understand? Could she ever forgive me?

The organ began to play, signaling the start of the ceremony. My heart felt heavy as lead as I stood and made my way to the altar. Each step was a struggle, each breath a reminder of the love I had lost.

I stood next to Giselle, forcing a smile. I didn't want to be here. I badly wanted to run away and look for her. "Selina," I thought, closing my eyes for a brief moment. "I love you. I'm so sorry. I did it all to protect you and our child. Can you ever forgive me?" The words echoed in my mind as the ceremony began—a silent plea to the woman who still held my heart, even as I pledged myself to another.

Everything was excruciatingly painful.

"Ladies and gentlemen, we are gathered here in this grand setting to witness the union of King Reagan and his bride, Giselle. Today marks the beginning of a new chapter in their storied lives, one that promises to be filled with love, honor, and shared purpose. As they pledge themselves to one another, let us join in celebrating this historic moment and offer our heartfelt blessings for their future together."

Giselle was smiling widely as she looked at me. I was unsure of what to do. As the priest continued speaking, I questioned my decision. I still had time to stop this wedding and choose my own happiness, but I couldn't decide.

"Do you, Giselle, take Reagan to be your lawfully wedded husband?" the priest asked. Giselle's smile widened as she looked straight into my eyes.

"I do." Her words reminded me of reality. I'm really marrying her now—the woman I don't even love. To hell with tradition, to hell with the promises made by our ancestors.

"Now, Your Majesty, do you take Giselle to be your wedded wife?" the priest asked me. I pressed my lips together. I wanted this to be over, but I didn't want to speak.

Giselle's smile gradually faded when she realized I had no intention of answering the priest. She narrowed her eyes at me, mouthing that I needed to respond.

"Your Majesty?" the priest called with concern. The crowd started to murmur, making Giselle uncomfortable. "Don't embarrass me, please," she sounded almost pleading.

I took a deep breath and was about to say, "I do," but suddenly, the church doors burst open. Hope filled my heart. I thought Selina had arrived to stop the wedding, but to my dismay, it was Teresa who entered.

She was breathing hard, holding a baby. Wait, a child? Whose child is that? "Your Majesty, I'm sorry to interrupt the wedding, but... Selina has given birth!"

My eyes widened. I couldn't believe that out of all the times she could have gone into labor, it had to be now. Is this some sign that this wedding shouldn't happen?

Selina needed me now. I was about to leave Giselle's side, but she grabbed my arm. Her eyes were pleading with me not to leave her. I shook my arm, removing her hand.

"You can't abandon me here, Reagan. Our wedding is ongoing. Can't we finish this before you leave?" I stared at her coldly. Why would I? My child is more important than this wedding.

"This wedding is over," I said coldly and approached Teresa. Chaos erupted. I carefully took my son from her arms and asked Teresa where Selina was.

"She's with Jiya—"

"Fire! There's a fire!" I immediately looked outside. Five knights rushed toward us, all breathing heavily. Fire?

"There's a fire in the room near the garden!" Teresa looked at me with concern.

"Oh God! I locked the door before I left. Selina and Jiya are inside," Teresa said. Her voice was barely audible. I felt weak hearing this. I immediately ran toward the room.

The guards and knights followed me, trying to stop me from going inside.

"Your Majesty! Your son is with you; you can't go there!"

How could I stay here and let her die? Selina, you can't leave me and our child alone. You can't do this to me.

I'm not allowing you to leave me like this!