That Thing Called Fate

[thatthingcalledfate-phff]

Chapter 16

Lanterns and Diamonds

“I know, Harry. I understand. Dear God-“ Genevieve Williamson breathed out exasperated on her phone while on a call with Prince Harry. “-if you tell me one more time, I am not doing it.”

 “Just making sure.”

 “Bye.”

 And Ginny hung up making Prince Harry shake his head whilst he looked at his phone. He licked his bottom lip before placing his phone back in his coat and looking back at Prince William at Princess Catherine. “Well, Ginny is surely coming and doing it.” He said.

“Well, that’s good news.” Catherine said smiling happily, her hands clapping in front of her. “Now the only question is if she’ll keep quiet about this.”

 “I trust her.” Harry answered looking at Catherine. “I just hope her parents won’t blurt anything out to her.”

 They were stopped by a knock on the door and the three royals looked towards it to see Fred, one of William’s butlers, come in. “Mr. Goetz is here.” He said referring to the goldsmith William had contacted before going out of the room and letting the man in.

 “Your Royal Highnesses.” The man, possibly in his 60’s, said politely as he bowed his head.

 “Mr. Goetz, we thank you very much for coming.” William greeted with a huge smile as he came forward and shook hands with the goldsmith; Harry and Catherine followed the gesture like how most royal would. “I assume you have what I asked for?”

 Mr. Goetz, a bit star-struck by the three, nodded. “I can make a perfect ring. Anything you ask within the week.”

 All kinds of gems, pearls, and diamonds lay on top of the table for the royals to inspect. “I want something rare yet beautiful.” Harry spoke as he picked one fancy red diamond. “This. This is perfect.” He breathed staring at the diamond.

 “Ah. An Argyle diamond, 5 carrats.” Mr Goetz spoke walking towards the prince. “An expensive taste.”

 They stayed for a while more, deciding the best design for an engagement ring. Catherine sighed, “No, I think Isabella is a simple woman.. She’d want something.. classic.” She said looking at the sketch Mr. Goetz had just finished. Harry peeked on the drawing before taking a glance at Catherine who had a very determined look on her face. “The diamond is perfect as it is, we don’t need to alter its shape.”

 And Mr. Goetz started sketching another ring.

 “She’s taking this seriously, is she?” Harry whispered towards William.

 William leaned towards Harry before whispering, “She had been waiting too long a time for a sister in law.”

 “I think the band should be covered with diamonds as well.. Yes, that.” Catherine said from the background. “Harry, look!” she called the ginger who made his way towards them with a smile on his face.

 His smile quickly turned to a grin and he said, “This is perfect.”

 Isabella Clarke had just gotten home from yet another toxic shift on the hospital. Feeling exhausted, she dropped on her couch ready to doze off. As her eyes started to flutter close, she is suddenly pulled out of her state by the loud ringing of her phone. “Bullocks!” she shrieked falling off the couch with a groan.

 However, checking her phone, she saw Ginny’s name flash in it- she looked at her phone for a few seconds confused before finally answering with a very curious, “Hello?”

 “You sound like you have a lot of energy, little bitch.” Ginny laughed from the other line.

 Bella stifled a yawn before apologizing and saying, “It was a rough day at work.”

 “Oh good!” Ginny said as if it was a good thing. “You sound like you need me.”

 “I don’t think getting drunk right now is what I need, Gin.”

 “Ugh. Fine.” Ginny said and Bella can already see the ginger rolling her eyes. “Your mom, surprisingly, invited me for your dad’s sixtieth next week.”

 Bella laughed, seeing the surprise it might have given Ginny to have Bella’s mom actually invite her. “Please tell me you didn’t say anything that can change her mind.” She said knowing the love-hate relationship between Georgia and Ginny. “You say things that scar her.”

 “I’m quite sure she and your dad had done a lot of things that would scar me.”

 “Ginny, please.”

 “They’re a good-looking couple, you know.” Ginny defended and Bella just rolled her eyes. “Anyway, I don’t know if your mom sent invites to Abi and Henry.”

 And with that, Bella bit her lip and thinking about Abi. “How is she, by the way?” she asked.

 “No idea. Last thing I heard from her mom was that she’s currently in France.” Ginny answered. “She’ll come around.”

 “Hopefully.”

 “Anyway, I just called to inform you that I am coming to the party next weekend and to tell you to ask Georgia that I want tequila and vodka.”

 Bella laughed, “I know she won’t comply but I’ll tell her.”

 That week though, Isabella Clarke kept noticing changes. “Mom.” She said exasperatedly one morning as her mother unceremoniously woke her up and practically dragged her to the kitchen. “It’s too early.. and on my day off.” She moaned leaning her head on the marble top island in the middle of her kitchen.

 “I’m just trying to have my baby girl for some bonding.” Georgia Clarke said simply as she took eggs and veggies off of Bella’s fridge. “I noticed that you had been growing too quick.”

 “Mom.” Bella said pushing her head off the counter and looking at her mom. “You’re acting really weird.”

 “Coffee?” Georgia Clarke asked absolutely ignoring Bella’s comment. “I brewed a fresh one.”

 Slowly, Bella nodded but the look of curiosity never left her eyes. Throughout her entire life, Georgia Clarke had never had the time to cook and eat breakfast with Isabella Clarke. It’s either the maids or the nannies handled the doctor which is why Bella developed a sense of independence quite early. However, Bella accepted the breakfast gratefully, not wanting to upset her mother.

 “So, how’s Harry?” Georgia Clarke asked as the two women ate breakfast in front of each other and Bella shrugged. “Did he.. tell you anything?”

 “Uhh. No.” Bella answered looking at her mother curiously. “Is there something I needed to know?”

 However excited Georgia Clarke is for the engagement of the prince and her daughter, she knew that one wrong word to her daughter will ruin the surprise. “About your father’s party..” Georgia trailed off seeming unsure thus making Bella look at her intently. “I mean, is he coming or not?”

 “I think he’s coming..” Bella answered unsure, clearly suspecting something but dropped it- much to the relief of Georgia Clarke. “I haven’t talked to him properly for three days almost. I got a loaded week at work.”

 “So I heard. The November month does that.”

 As her father’s birthday drew closer, Bella felt more and more unsettled by her parent’s actions. And no matter how hard she tries to shrug it off, she could not avoid the thought that her parents are hiding something from her. And so, during her father’s birthday, she is quite relieved that Harry went along with her for she hadn’t talked to the prince properly for almost a week.

 “I swear, they’re acting really weird.” Bella said anxiously while Harry drove towards Georgia and Gerard’s house. “I think they’re fighting or splitting up.”

 Harry, being thankful that Bella is nowhere near suspecting what he’s about to do that night, furrowed his eyebrows pretending to be in thought. “I think they’re not.” He said trying to comfort the extremely anxious doctor. “I think your dad loves your mom too much.”

 Smiling, Bella nodded in agreement. “True.” She said sending a glance at Harry. “It’s just that they keep on hugging me and insisting on family dinners this week. It’s extremely weird.”

 “Maybe they’re just missing you.”

 “I see them everyday in the hospital.” Bella chuckled shaking her head. “There’s no way they’re missing me.”

 Stopping behind a long line of parked cars, Harry turned off the ignition and gave Bella a smile. “Well, I always miss you.” He said and he saw the light pink that flawlessly spread across Bella’s face. “I love you.” He breathed out still getting breathless with the small things.

 And she smiled, “I love you too.”

 The birthday party of Gerard Clarke is extremely private. There are only a few people around- most are prominent doctors that the family had worked and partnered with. Doctor Arthur West happily greeted Bella and Harry like old friends and was talking to them about the new innovations in the medical field. They were joined by Genevieve Williamson, much to the surprise of Isabella.

 “I think that’s amazing. The amount of people it can help and the practicality of it.” Bella responded about a heart pacer Doctor West is talking about.

 And Ginny butted in, “Is it affordable, though?”

 And they continued talking for the rest of the night, sometimes even debating about certain medical diagnosis and practice. However, as the night progressed and people slowly started going home, Harry felt more and more nervous. He can feel the small box in his coat getting heavier and heavier.

 “Just breathe, old chap.” Gerard whispered sensing the distress the prince is feeling as both watched Ginny and Bella laugh just a few steps before them. “I’m sure it’ll be great.” He smiled reassuringly at the prince who nodded back in return.

 “I wanted to do something.” Ginny suddenly said at Isabella before dragging the doctor out of the house and towards the pond- but not before giving the prince a meaningful smile.

 “Wait.” Bella laughed tripping on a rock but quickly catching herself as she followed Ginny. “What do you want to do?” she asked jokingly. “You’re not going to kiss me, are you?”

 Ginny scoffed, clearly amused. “No. Absolutely not.” She said giving out a small laugh as they stood on the dock just by the pond. “Oh, wait. We need the Brady bunch and I have to get something from my car.” She said and Bella just arched an eyebrow. “Just stay here. Don’t move.” The ginger continued before running off.

 Isabella watched as the ginger disappeared back inside the house before turning and staring at the pond before her. She smiled, remembering how she went skinny dipping with Prince Harry on their first dinner. Oh how things have changed. She thought realizing how much had changed and how much they had went through since then.

 Her thoughts was cut off by the sound of feet walking towards her and she looked around to see her parents, Ginny, and Harry walking towards her with what seemed to be unlit lanterns in their hands. “Lanterns?” she smiled as Harry got close to her and handed her a lantern.

“We make a wish, sweetheart.” Gerard said kissing the top of her daughter’s head before handing a lighter towards Harry. “I’ll assist the two women.” He sighed and a hint of sadness is in his voice before turning around but not before giving Harry an encouraging smile.

 “Here, let me.” Harry said softly taking the lantern from Bella and assisting her. “You go first.”

 Bella watched and help Harry light up her lantern before softly taking it from him with a smile. She looked at the lantern curiously and happily while she waited for Harry to light up his own lantern. “Ok.” She heard him breathe out and she glanced at him with a smile. “Now, we make a wish.” He said.

 Isabella Clarke closed her eyes and thought of her greatest wish before softly letting the lantern go with a sigh. She opened her eyes and watched as her lantern slowly rise up to the starry sky. She smiled. “What did you wish for?” she asked as she saw Harry’s lantern catch up with hers. But, Harry remained quiet and so she turned to see him already looking at her.

 He took her soft hands into his slightly calloused ones making the doctor smile. “I know we had gone through a lot.” He started looking straight into her eyes, the brown orbs drowning his blue ones. It felt right. “We’ve hurt each other, I had hurt you, I had made you cry-“

 “-Harry-“

 “-but one day I woke up wanting to be the best man who will protect you, love you, cherish you, and just celebrate every part of you. We may make more mistakes as we move on but I promise that I will hold your hand and I will never let you go.” He cut her off and he can see the tears welling in her eyes. “I cannot be apart from you anymore. I love you very much.”

 Slowly, he let go of her hand and kneeled on one knee on the wooden dock; taking from his coat a black velvet box. “My wish is a lifetime with you.” He said opening the box and Bella softly gasped and tears now freely flowed from her eyes.

 “Isabella Margaret Clarke, will you marry me?”

 And a huge smile on her face appeared as she nodded and answered, “Yes. Yes, I will.”

 They didn’t hear the applause from Ginny and Bella’s parents as the world suddenly seems to only just have them. Harry slipped the engagement ring gently on Bella’s finger before he stood and kissed her lovingly on the lips- his own tears of happiness mixing with hers.

 “I love you. I love you so much.” He whispered over and over hugging the doctor as close to him as possible. “I am so beyond happy!” he laughed before finally pulling her off the ground and twirling her around while she laughed.

 “Soon to be, Mrs. Mountbatten-Windsor.”

The RIng:

[thatthingcalledfate-phff]

Chapter 15

Demons Within

How can you prevent someone from loving you?

Isabella Clarke was left wide awake and staring at the ceiling as she lay down beside Harry. What did I do? She asked herself repeatedly trying to find an answer to her question. What did she do to make Henry Cavill fall in love with her.

 No.

 She’s not impressed by it nor is she flattered. Truthfully, it bothered her because she knew that somehow, she had lost a friend. For Isabella, Henry Cavill is important just like Abigail Simons and Genevieve Williamson.

“Who is it?” Harry called when someone knocked on their door and Bella shifted, pushing herself up on her elbows just in time to see Ginny poke her head at the door.

 “Can we talk? Girls, I mean.” She said looking at Bella who nodded.

 Isabella followed Ginny still deep in thought and they reached the bar inside the Williamson chateau. Bella saw Abi by the bar, drinking what looked like a glass of whiskey not really paying attention to the two women who had joined her in the bar. “So, how’s Harry?” Ginny asked walking behind the bar and pouring a shot for Isabella and herself.

 “He’s fine. I guess. Calm.” Bella answered unsure taking the shot lightly on her hand before downing it quickly. “Can I have one more?”

 Ginny scoffed smiling proudly, “You can have as many shots as you want.” She responded towards the doctor who rolled her eyes in return.

 “You don’t want her drunk like the last time.” Abi said haughtily making Bella took a glance at the dark skinned woman confused. “Just saying.” She continued looking at Isabella.

 Ginny gave her cousin a hard stare. Ever since they had heard Henry Cavill declaring love to the doctor, Abigail Simons seemed to change. Angry. And, Ginny tried to explain to Abi that Isabella Clarke, truthfully, is innocent on all accounts. But Abi, possibly blinded by jealousy or disappointment, could not comprehend how the doctor could possibly be innocent. “Abi.” The redhead finally said slowly yet warningly.

 Abigail shrugged and poured herself another shot, “I am just saying. You know, reminding her.”

 “I think she’s old enough not to be reminded when or when not to get drunk.” Ginny fired back noticing Bella confusedly look at both cousins. “She’s not a kid.”

 However, Abi scoffed, “Sure seems like it.” She said sarcastically making Bella’s eyebrows rise. “I mean, no offence, she may act like a damsel in distress once again.”

“What’s up with you?” Bella asked as her curiosity finally took a hold of her and she looked at Abi who rolled her eyes. “What are you talking about?”

 “Surely, Bella. You remember.” Abi responded making Bella’s confusion just become worse. “No superman can save you this time.”

 And Bella realized what Abigail is talking about. “Is this about Ginny’s party?”

 “Look, she’s just being petty right now.” Ginny said trying to diffuse the building tension between the two bestfriends. Obviously, she had been the one to bring the two on the same room but her intentions where good- she wanted the two to talk it out instead of Abi imagining things that never happened and blame Isabella Clarke. Oh how wrong I was. The redhead thought as Abi glared at Isabella Clarke.

 “You don’t sleep with a man who clearly has the hots for you then not expect for him to actually have feelings.” Abi said in a matter-of-fact tone making Bella look at her in shock. “Oh we know, Saint Isabella.”

 “Me and Henry?” Isabella asked slowly, as if trying to decipher a riddle. “Wait. Are you saying that-“

 Abi sighed rolling her eyes, “Yes. You and Henry slept together.”

 “We did not.” Isabella said truthfully yet absolutely astounded as to how Abigail Simons would conclude such a thing. “I slept beside him but I did not sleep with him.” She explained yet the bestfriend scoffed, clearly not believing her. “Seriously.”

 “Sure.”

 “Is she being serious right now?” Bella asked Ginny who only nodded as she took her own shot in one go. “I don’t sleep with men. You know that.”

 But Abi is still clearly not happy to be beside the doctor. “Stop pretending that you’re all this.” She fired gesturing towards the doctor. “Always the innocent one outside but inside-“

 “-Abigail!” Ginny screeched stopping Abigail Simons.

 “Why are you siding with her? You’re my cousin and all you ever do is praise her!” Abigail snapped at Ginny who, in return, looked about to pull the hair of Abigail Simons.

 “Blood does not work that way.” Ginny said, her voice lowering. A tigress ready to pounce. “And she’s your friend as well.”

 Abigail scoffed once again, her drunkenness overwhelming her, “Friends won’t let you have their sloppy seconds.”

 “He’s not-“ Isabella started getting irritated with Abigail Simons. “I’m not doing this with you. You’re drunk.” She said sighing and placing her glass back on top of the bar not wanting to drink anymore. “I’m going to bed.” She said standing up and sliding herself off the bar stool- willing her temper to get a grip.

 “Sure. Run off to your prince, you fucking slag.”

 And Isabella stopped mid step while Ginny gasped. Bella felt hurt and angry. And having consumed a bit of alcohol does not help as she turned and hissed, “Why don’t you look in the mirror and point at yourself?”

 And before everyone knew it, Abigail is walking towards Isabella Clarke thoroughly offended about Isabella Clarke technically calling her a slut. “Oh shit.” Ginny said quickly running towards the two and getting in between Bella and Abi. “Abi, stop it.”

 “She called me a slut!” Abi shrieked angrily. “She’s the one stealing off boyfriends!”

 “Henry is not your boyfriend!” Ginny defended while Bella only kept her lips in a thin line- not willing to say anything else.

 “Harry, you dolt!” Abi clarified yelling at her cousin.

 It was like ice cold water being poured on top of Isabella’s head. “You know I did not.” She said calmly. “I did not mean to.”

 “Sure you didn’t.” Abi spat sarcastically. “Which is why you could not let him go, right? He hurt you and your pathetic ass comes running back to him. You wanted him and you intended to steal him from a woman who deserved him!”

“I did not!” Bella yelled. “I told you everything! You know I did not do that!”

 “Just like how you say that you’re only friends with Henry!” Abi yelled back making a threatening step towards Isabella.

 “Shut the fuck up, Abigail!” Ginny shrieked pushing her cousin. “You’re drunk and fucking off your head!”

 Abigail fell on the floor, glaring at the redhead temporarily before suddenly standing and charging at Ginny with a shriek. “Stop it!” Bella yelled now trying to push both off of each other but Abi suddenly took a hold of her hair and pulled on it making Bella gasp. “Stop it, Abi! Let me go!”

 “What the hell is going on here!”  All three women stopped and looked towards the doorway where Prince Harry stood with his two PPO completely dumbfounded. Seeing Bella’s state, he quickly went over to the doctor and pulled her out of Abigail’s reach while the two PPO’s took either Abi or Ginny. “What’s going on?” he asked checking below Bella’s ear where a scratch is bleeding.

 “Your girlfriend is the problem!” Abi said trying to shrug off the PPO’s grip on her. “She slept with Henry!”

 Harry’s heart dropped to his stomach but he knew better and he looked at Bella who’s now staring daggers at Abi. “Is it true?” he asked not really believing what he just heard.

 “It’s not.” Bella answered honestly, looking up at him straight in the eyes. “I promise. I’ll explain everything to you.”

 “Sure. Manipulate him like how you manipulated him into leaving-“

 “-shut the fuck up, Abi!” Ginny yelled angrily. “You’re just a jealous bitch! No man in their right mind will leave another woman for you!” she continued and Abi’s mouth closed to a thin line, her eyes started to water. “You just have to be the center of attention! If you don’t get what you want, you fucking lash out!”

 “Oh wow. So you’re saying little miss perfect over here does not like being the center of attention?” Abi asked vilely and Bella just sighed, exhausted from everything already. “She knew I liked Henry!”

 And Bella gritted her teeth, “And you know I don’t! I never do!”

 “Bella.” Harry whispered lacing his hand to the doctor’s and squeezing it. “That’s enough. We should go back to the room.”

 That night, Bella explained to Harry what happened that night when she saw him at Kensington Palace and what happened between her and Henry Cavill- or what not happened. Thankfully, Harry trusts the doctor more than the drunken words of Abigail Simons. “I can’t believe this day.” Bella hissed as Harry carefully dabbed alcohol on the scratch below her ear. “I can’t believe Abi.”

 “She’s just drunk and disappointed about the whole Henry thing. I understand her.. I felt the same when I thought that you and Doctor Mike from Sentebale were together.” Harry said softly carefully dabbing the obviously deep cut making Isabella flinch away from him. “Sorry, love.”

 “You do know that Mike is gay, right?”

 And Harry laughed, “Well, I am aware of that for quite a while.” He said and Bella smiled, finding comfort at the sound of his laugh. “He misses you terribly so. He asked me to ask you to be on mission there again.” He continued now cutting a gauze and trying to fit it on her cut. “But seeing that..”

 Bella sighed, nodding in agreement. “I know. Conflict of interest. Me being your girlfriend.”

 “Precisely.” Harry mumbled taping the gauze properly.

 And future wife.

 The ride home was terribly awkward that morning. However, Bella felt guilt for fighting with Abi and being the cause of a rift between Abi and Ginny. Henry Cavill leaving earlier than them to avoid her did not help. She bit her bottom lip hard, trying to stop herself from talking to Abi and apologizing even though she knew that everything was not her fault.

 Thankfully, Harry laced his hands on hers and squeezed it. “Just give her time.” He whispered towards the doctor, noticing the distress. “She’ll come around.”

 But weeks after the wreckage of their weekend in the Alps, Bella and Abi never talked to one another.

 Prince Harry, on the other hand, was a nervous wreck as he made his way towards Gerard Clarke’s clinic. He had called in the early morning to ask for a meeting with Gerard and Georgia Clarke and now that he’s on his way, he’s a jittery mess.

 I can do this. He thought to himself before knocking on the door and being welcome by Georgia Clarke.

 “Oh, Harry, dear. Come in.” Georgia said ushering the prince inside, afraid that any of the nurses might notice the prince.

 Gerard Clarke stood from behind his desk, buttoning his suit. “Ah. To what do we owe the pleasure?” he asked giving Harry a handshake. “Please, do sit.”

 I got this. Harry encouraged himself as the two doctors looked at him inquiringly. “I know me and Isabella had been on a rough patch recently..” he started slowly and both doctors nodded, obviously knowing about it. And he sighed, he’s scared. He does not know how the two doctors will respond. Maybe opening the whole break up with them was not a good idea. He thought glumly.

 “Is she.. pregnant?” Georgia asked slowly and Harry can already see Gerard’s face turn purple.

 “No.. No.. She’s not.” Harry mumbled hastily, blushing bright red. “I just..”

 Gerard Clarke cleared his throat, clearly relieved with the answer from the prince. “Well?” he asked and Harry sighed.

 “I would like to ask for your daughter’s hand in marriage.”

 And Georgia Clarke squealed in delight while Gerard Clarke seemed to have choked in air.

[thatthingcalledfate-phff]

Chapter 14

Better Unsaid

Prince Harry likes competition. Growing up, he’s obviously the more competitive one between himself and his brother. However, he seemed to dislike competition when it came to Isabella Clarke.

 The snow in the French Alps made a slushing sound as the group walked towards the ski area. Prince Harry held his and Isabella’s skis seeing how the woman struggled walking in the snow. “This is why I don’t want to go here.” He heard the doctor grumble as she pulled her foot out of a deep hole it had gotten stuck in and the prince chuckled. “Don’t laugh.”

 “I’m not.” He defended giving her a grin. “Come on. I’m getting excited to teach you.” He continued making Isabella groan.

“Oh don’t be such a fucking pussy.” Genevieve Williamson snapped trudging past Isabella, her skis almost hitting the doctor. “Oops.”

 “Oh my-!” Isabella shrieked as she lost her balance and started falling forward but she’s quickly steadied by a hand on her arm. She turned and saw Henry Cavill giving her a smile. “Thank you, Superman.” She thanked smiling at the actor who didn’t say anything back but instead just turned to walk towards Abigail Simons who’s having the same problems as the doctor.

 The doctor frowned but continued her way towards Harry who had an unreadable expression on his face.

 “That was weird.” Isabella Clarke commented to Harry referring to Henry.

 Genevieve Williamson just scoffed. “Always naive.” But it was too low for her Isabella to hear. However, she noticed the stare Prince Harry gave her.

 Isabella Clarke had never liked the snow. Sure, she loved summer, spring, and fall; but, as cliché as it sounds, she hated the winter. Just like the fictional character who had the same name as her, she is never good with anything that makes her foot coordination suffer- and she hated that.

 “Ok.” She breathed out deeply, her feet are hips apart shakily while Harry held her waist firmly. “Ok.” She mumbled again.

 Prince Harry laughed, “For someone who’s all for adrenaline rushes, you sure do suck at this.” And she glared back at him in return making the prince give back an innocent smile. “So, should I let you go now?”

 Isabella Clarke gulped, “Tell me what I should do again.”

 “Oh babe.” Harry laughed louder this time before leaning in and kissing the top of his girlfriend’s head. “You only need to know how to stop. Just make a letter A with your skis; that should help.”

 And she nodded breathing in deeply before looking at the slope before her. No, they’re not that high. Actually, they’re not even at the half of the ski slope yet, for the doctor, it was too high for her liking. “Aren’t we too high up?”

 “I’ll be right at the bottom before you, sweetheart.” Harry assured and the doctor nodded, gulping. “Ok. Ready?”

 “Ready.”

 And softly, he released her waist, giving her a slight push. “Don’t shut your eyes!” he called laughing when he saw Isabella Clarke shut her eyes as she started sliding down the slope without his guidance. He pushed himself and he slid down the slope fast- passing by Isabella Clarke who’s frightfully staring at the snow before her. “I’ll see you at the bottom, love.” He called as he passed by her. “Keep your ski straight so you go faster!”

Shakily, Isabella did as she was told and adjusted her feet and her speed visibly picked up. She gulped and quickly tried to slightly slant her ski once again but the speed she had gained from the action made it hard- impossible. “Jesus Christ.” She breathed out looking ahead in panic.

 A few kilometers from her at the bottom, she can see Harry standing, unaware of her dilemma. “Holy mother-“ she mumbled trying to slow herself down but couldn’t. “I can’t stop!” she yelled and Harry arched his eyebrows.

 “Do an A!”

“I can’t!” she called.

 “Ah. Fuck.” He breathed throwing his stick to the side and opening his legs and arms, bracing for impact as Isabella Clarke hurled towards him.

 “Get out of the way, Harry!” she frantically yelled seeing what he’s about to do and before she knew it, her breath was taken out of the lungs as her body collided with Harry’s.

 Both gave out a huge huff as they hit the ground, Harry hugging Bella while his back took most of the impact. He gave out a huge laugh, “Well, that went well.” He said and Isabell Clarke pulled her head up from his chest to look at him. “How are you?”

 “I’m never doing this again.” She stated seriously which made the prince laugh more.

 But Harry can see the allure at that moment. How, finally, he saw a weakness into the adrenaline hungry doctor. He tucked a stray hair of hers at the back of her ear before leaning up and kissing her deeply.

 “Oi! Lovebirds!” they heard a voice call and they both pulled away from each other. “We’re going to the top! You coming?” Ginny asked.

 In the end, Isabella Clarke was left alone at the bottom drinking a cup of hot chocolate.

 She sat on one of the cafes watching people discreetly and trying to avoid attention as much as possible. Obviously, she’s still not comfortable on being left alone in such a crowded place but she didn’t want to keep Harry from having fun.

 “Oh mommy! Look, isn’t she the pretty princess?” A blonde kid with an obvious American accent asked her mommy while pointing towards Isabella Clarke’s direction. “The one with the prince.”

 “Shh. Sweetie.” Thankfully, the mom had a lot of decency in her that she only smiled apologetically at Isabella Clarke. “No, that’s not her.” She lied to her kid before pulling her away from Bella.

 “Can I join you?” A voice soon asked and Bella looked up to see Henry Cavill standing before her with a cup of hot beverage in his hands as well. She smiled and nodded letting him sit at the chair before her. “Harry is currently with Ginny and Abi.” He explained. “The girls are trying to interrogate him.”

 Bella smiled, “Where?”

 “At the top, still.” He answered shrugging and Bella nodded.

 The air around them is thick and Isabella Clarke awkwardly shifted herself on her seat completely confused. She had always been comfortable around Henry Cavill that she had no problems embracing him as a friend in her life. But, lately, he had been avoiding her. For the past weeks, she hadn’t received any messages from him or even calls or he does not answer when she tries to connect with him. Then, since yesterday, he had obviously said not much to her.

 It bothered her.

 “So, you and him, huh?” he asked and Bella looked at him confused but he just remained staring at his cup. “Is he treating you right?”

 His tone made Isabella Clarke frown, “Yes.” She answered slowly furrowing her eyebrows. “We are working on it.”

 “Huh.” He said still not looking at her in the eye or even looking at her in general.

 Isabella Clarke sighed, “Henry, are you ok?” she asked softly leaning forward and Henry Cavill finally looked up at her, his expression she could not explain. But before Henry could answer, Harry suddenly appeared beside her.

 Henry avoided her for a whole day after that.

 “What’s bothering you?” Harry asked Bella as both prepared for dinner on their last night. Ginny wanted them to dress formally even though they’re only eating in the chateau. He stared at his girlfriend who had been looking outside their window for a while.

 She turned around with furrowed eyebrows, obviously thinking of something hard. “Have you noticed something weird with Henry?” she asked the ginger whose eyebrows rose up at the question. “He’s just different.. You know.. Distant.”

 And Harry shook his head, not really wanting to talk about the actor. “I haven’t known him long to know, love.” He responded simply and he slipped his feet on his leather shoes. But, his curiosity ate at him. “What do you mean different?”

 Isabella breathed out walking towards the prince and turning her unzipped back at him. He wordlessly zipped her dress up, making sure his fingers grazed her skin. “I don’t know. He just avoids me a lot.” She answered. “And he confused me earlier.”

 “How so?”

 But Bella knew to not say anything to Harry fearing that the prince will get angry at Henry Cavill. “It may just be me.” She whispered turning around to face the prince. “Maybe I’m just trying too hard to read into something that has no meaning.”

 Even though Harry wanted to know more, he nodded and gave the woman a kiss on the lips. She wrapped her hands around his neck and pulled him closer as their kiss deepened. “As much as I would just like to stay here and do that, we have to go downstairs before Ginny skins us both alive.”

 In the middle of dinner, Ginny suddenly stood. “I would like to offer a toast.” She started and Bella gave Henry a quick glance before giving Ginny her full attention. “To you guys, who made this weekend possible and absolutely worthwhile.”

 “Are you seriously being gooey with us right now?”

 “Shut it, Clarke.” Ginny snapped and Bella just shook her head while Abi giggled raising her glass towards Isabella. “You too, Abs.” she continued towards her cousin who gave her an innocent smile back. “Anyway, even though I regret this now, I would also like to offer a toast towards little bitch-“ she gave Bella a pointed look “-without whom I can never meet my childhood crush.”

 “Aye!” all of them chorused raising their glasses in the air.

 “I hope you and him get married soon.” Ginny suddenly blurted out towards Harry and Isabella.

 But, like a bomb, Henry Cavill suddenly stood up from his seat and stormed out of the dining room, leaving the group silent. “I’ll handle it.” Bella said patting Harry’s knees before standing up from her seat and running towards the way Henry disappeared at.

 “Henry!” she called reaching the bottom of the stairs where Henry is already halfway through. He stopped and turned towards her, she started clambering up the stairs, stopping a few steps from him. “What’s wrong? Are you ok?”

 “I’m fine.” He replied curtly before turning around and trying to climb up the stairs once again but he felt her hands touch his arm, making him stop. “Look.” He breathed out facing her once again. “It’s nothing.”

 But Bella can see through him. “No really.. You just exploded back there.”

 Henry Cavill breathed out. “It’s nothing, Bella.” He said firmly.

 “But-“

 “Look.” He finally said a hint of irritation in his voice. “I don’t like it.”

 And Isabella Clarke gets more and more confused at every passing second, “Don’t like what?”

 “You and him.” He answered, his hands gesturing towards where the dining room is- where Harry is. “He hurt you and you were so broken but here you are with him acting like nothing happened!”

 “We fixed it.”

 “You fixed it?” Henry Cavill scoffed but he can clearly see the confusion on Isabella’s eyes; the hurt at the very back of it. His heart thudded inside his chest- like a hummingbird. Her face made his heart race.

 “I love you.” He finally blurted out and the confusion on Isabella’s face changed into one of realization then it quickly turned into guilt. “I’ve been in love with you ever since my mom’s operation.”

 Bella breathed out the breath she had been holding, “Henry-“

 “-No.” Henry stopped her shaking his head making Isabella speechless. “Look. It’s fine.. Just..” he trailed off before turning around and leaving Isabella Clarke on the steps.

 Prince Harry stood on the corner, covered by the wall from Isabella Clarke and Henry Cavill. He sighed licking his bottom lip before glancing towards Ginny and Abi who both had their mouths wide open in shock. They heard a distant door close and Harry moved before the other two woman could move.

 Isabella Clarke jumped when she felt Harry’s hand intertwine with hers and squeeze it. “Something must be wrong with me.” She whispered turning towards Harry who gave her a sympathetic smile. “He’s in love with me and I didn’t know.”

 “It’s not your fault.” Harry comforted her, pulling her into a hug as he saw tears form in her eyes. “You didn’t know.”

 “Maybe I led him on or something.” She said muffled by his clothes, his scent slightly comforting her. “Maybe I did-“

 Harry sighed holding her at arms-length.“-Bella. It happens.” He said staring at the woman directly in the eyes- the blue ones contrasting differently with her brown ones. “You didn’t do anything wrong.”

 However, no matter how much Harry insisted on the non-existence of Bella’s fault, she still felt liable.

[thatthingcalledfate-phff]

I am so looking forward on the shit show!! Lol

:D

[thatthingcalledfate-phff]

Chapter 13

Welcome to the Alps

Meghan Markle had been an angel in disguise for both Harry and Bella.

 It didn’t take long after Meghan left Isabella Clarke’s clinic for Harry to receive a call from the doctor asking him to meet up at The Ivy for dinner that night. To say that the prince was ecstatic is an understatement as he panicked while on a call with William.

 “Calm down.” Prince William, Prince of Wales, reminded his brother who’s obviously going through his closet in a storm. “Just pick normal clothes. You know, for date nights.”

Harry sighed throwing a striped shirt he hadn’t worn for too long at the pile on his floor. “This is different.” He mumbled. “And her friend invited me to the Alps.”

 William sighed, positively giving up on calming his own brother. “And you’re going?”

 “Of course.” Harry answered pulling a grey sweatshirt from his closet and looking at it closely. “I have to go.”

 “Does Isabella know you’re going?”

 And Harry’s hand dropped to his side at the realization. Maybe Bella wants to talk to tell me that I shouldn’t come with them. He thought going quiet for a few seconds before being pulled out of his thought by William clearing his throat. “Maybe. I mean, her friend was specific on me going. Something about giving Bella a reason to actually go with them.” He answered before looking up at his closet once again. “I have nothing to wear.”

 “Seriously?” William’s voice sounded aghast. “You have nothing to wear?” He clarified only receiving a hum from his brother. “I can’t believe I’m doing this just for your date but I’m coming there to help out.”

 And, like he said, William had helped Harry picked out his outfit. “Don’t I look too casual?” the ginger asked obviously tense.

Prince William laughed and joked, “I think you should go have a wank before you meet her. You know, so you stop being a sissy.”

 Isabella Clarke sat on a corner table in The Ivy fiddling with her fingers as she waited for a certain ginger haired prince. She had come before her nerves can take her rationality over and stop her from coming. She’s scared. Honestly, she does not know what to say to the prince or how she can start everything. She looked up when someone sat in front of her and in that moment, she felt the familiar leap her heart does when she sees Harry.

 All she wants is to hold him.

 And they sat there, not talking. Just staring at each other; both hearts racing at the mere sight of each other. No matter what happens, as they realized at that moment, their feelings never changed. And she smiled making the prince smile as well. All is well. It felt like nothing happened. It felt like parts of their souls had come back.

 “I missed you.” She whispered and he could not take it.

 Prince Harry stood up from his seat and walked the few steps in between him and the doctor before cupping her face and leaning down to kiss her tenderly. It was fire. How her lips felt on his made his head spin. And he felt out of breath when he pulled away, resting his forehead on top of hers for seconds with eyes closed. “God.” He breathed out pulling away and looking at her intently. “I missed you too bad.”

 It was like nobody else existed but them that night.

 For weeks, the two are almost attached at the hips. Everything felt different the second time around- different in a better way. The saying love is sweeter the second time around always ran through Harry’s head as he stared off into space, luggage around him as he packed for their weekend in the French Alps with Bella’s friends. For weeks, he had felt so sure of one thing.

 He does not want to be away from Isabella Clarke anymore.

 “So, you asked for me?” Prince William suddenly appeared at his doorway, successfully snapping Harry out of his thoughts. “What for?”

 “I want to marry Bella.”

 And William blinked back at his brother. “I had seen it coming.” He responded nodding his head and stepping fully inside Harry’s room, closing the door behind him. “When do you plan on asking?”

 “Well, not this weekend.” Harry answered figuring out that a weekend with Isabella Clarke’s friends is not the proper way or time to do it. He wanted it to be private. Heartfelt. “I’m still figuring out the right time.” He continued in deep thought, a smile stretching on his face. He felt happy. Surreal. He’s not going to let go of the girl. “I want it to be special.”

 William nodded, “Well..” he breathed out smiling. “Congratulations.”

 “I still don’t have a ring.” Harry suddenly said. “I can’t exactly buy out unnoticed.. With the press following me around, I can’t buy one unnoticed.”

 And William had to laugh, “It’s good to hear that you’re more worried about the whole buying a ring ordeal rather than the part where you actually have to ask her.” He said making Harry smile and run his hand through his ginger locks. “I’ll take care of the whole ring ordeal. I’ll schedule for a goldsmith or something.”

 Isabella Clarke is far from ready for their trip in the French Alps as she needed to stay back in the hospital due to one of her patients giving birth. Not that she minded. Thankfully, she only needed to put her things inside her luggage when she gets home. She sighed and took a quick glance at her wristwatch. 8:54pm.

 “Here you go.” Meredith Grey said sliding over the forms Isabella Clarke had to sign. “I hope you enjoy the Alps, doc.”

 Bella smiled and uncapped her pen. “Thank you, Meredith.” She said signing the form and she looked up curiously when the nurse station’s phone suddenly rang.

 “Yes, she’s here.” Meredith Grey answered sending a glance towards the doctor who mouthed ‘who is it?’ at the nurse. “Ok. I’ll tell her.” The nurse said before hanging up the phone. “A woman is in a car accident. The woman is critical and pregnant. We’ll need you at the OR.”

 Prince Harry looked up at his clock to see that it’s already 11 in the evening. He furrowed his eyebrows before taking his phone off his night stand to see if Isabella Clarke had messaged him. None. Frowning, he sat up on his bed before dialing Bella’s number.

 “Hey! Please leave a message!”

 “Hey, babe.” Harry said licking his bottom lip. “Are you home already? Can you call me? I’m getting worried.”

 And he stayed awake waiting for her to call.

 Isabella Clarke walked back in the operating room in a daze. Her ears are ringing, her hands are cold, and her mouth dry. She gave out a shaky breath as she washed her hands- the warm water suddenly feeling a lot colder. She had just broke the news to the family. The mother is dead. She could not save her. The mother of the newly born healthy baby and it broke her to pieces.

 Given that death is normal in her profession, Isabella Clarke hoped that no deaths cross her.

 For a while, she stood inside the changing room just staring off into space before a knock on the door pulled her out of her thoughts. “Yes?” she called out, her voice cracking. “I’ll be out in a minute.”

 However, when she came back to her office, she felt tears started to fall from her eyes and a sob escaped her lips. A patient just died in her hands. She could not do anything. And even though she knew she had done everything in her power, it still affected her terribly. She remembers how her mother had dealt with her first death, and it was stronger than how Bella is dealing with it. She sniffed and grabbed her phone that’s laying on top of her table.

 A few rings and he answered, “Hey.” She sniffed.

 Harry can hear the tears and he frowned. “Hey. Are you ok? Is everything ok?” he asked thoroughly concerned and he heard her suddenly sob. “Bella? Where are you?”

 It didn’t take long before Harry came inside Isabella Clarke’s office and envelope her into a hug. “It’s ok.” He mumbled kissing the top of her head. “You did everything you could.” He continued rubbing her arms.

 “I could not save her.” She whispered shaking her head. “I did everything I could and I could not save her.”

 “I know.” Harry comforted and he kept her in his arms until he felt her calm down. “If you want, we can skip the whole Alps-“

 Bella chuckled, finally getting a hold of herself. “No. Ginny will kill us.” She whispered pulling herself away from the prince and looking up at him. Their eyes connecting. “I love you, you know.” She whispered.

 Harry smiled, his thumb wiping away a tear left on her face. “I love you too.” He whispered back before leaning down and giving her a kiss on the lips. “I love you a lot.” He whispered again. He wanted to ask her at this time. He wanted to ask her to marry him. It felt so right to be with her.

 And her ring-less hand intertwining with his, made his heart jolt.

 Thankfully, they were on time for their flight to Geneva, Switzerland. “Ah. You didn’t run!” Ginny hollered as Bella and Harry walked towards her hand in hand. “Nice to meet you, princey.” She continued nodding towards Harry who smiled and offered his hand for a handshake. “Oh fuck off. You’re like her.” Ginny quickly dismissed the handshake and went over to give Harry a hug.

 Prince Harry gave Isabella Clarke a quick glance just to see her shaking her head at her friend’s antics. When Ginny pulled away, she gave Bella a look. “You know, little bitch, you actually helped into fulfilling one of my childhood wishes.” The redhead said.

 “Oh mate. I’m having serious Harry Potter deja vu right now. Ron Weasley and Ginny Weasley.”

 The three turned and saw Abigail Simons walking towards them with Henry Cavill in tow. “Fuck off, Zabini.” Ginny said venomously making Harry and Bella laugh.

 “They’re Harry Potter fans.” Bella whispered towards Harry.

 And, for the first time, Harry is face to face with the man who apparently had been there for Isabella Clarke during their break. Harry, tuning out the conversation between the three women, watched as Henry Cavill watched Isabella Clarke with a smile. However, Isabella Clarke does not notice and tugged on Harry’s hands to pull him to the boarding gate because Ginny suddenly pulled the doctor.

 They sat on one row. Isabella Clarke sat by the window; beside her is Harry then on the center are Abi, Henry, and Ginny. “Are they ok?” she asked Harry referring to his two PPO’s sitting behind her three friends. “They look like they don’t have enough leg room.”

 “They’re fine.” Harry answered kissing Bella’s hand making her smile.

 But on the back of his mind, during the entire flight, he could not shake off the image of Henry Cavill smiling at Isabella Clarke. He does not want to look like some insecure boyfriend- hell, he does not want to act like one. And besides, he’s not sure if his sudden jealousy towards the actor is rational.

 After a few hours, they arrived in Geneva, Switzerland and as they stood waiting for their bags, Henry Cavill went over towards Harry and Bella. “Hey.” He greeted the doctor who looked up at him smiling.

 “Oh Henry!” she smiled. “I haven’t had time to introduce you two a while ago.” Bella continued stepping beside Harry. “Harry, this is Henry. Henry, meet Harry.”

 And the two men shook hands.

 Ginny watched the scene, her eyebrows arching. Bloody naive, Clarke. She thought. Ginny can see the tension shoot off the men’s eyes as they shook hands and Prince Harry suddenly wrapping a possessive arm around Isabella Clarke’s waist- and Henry Cavill’s eyes briefly looking at said arms. I smell trouble. She thought bounding towards the three. “So, who’s ready to get drunk?”

 When they got to the Williamson Chateau, Ginny is already formulating plans on how to keep the prince and the actor away from each other. Even though the two had been civil towards each other, Ginny knew that one or the other might break during the weekend. As he led Henry Cavill to the bedroom in between hers and Abi’s, she sent a glance towards the actor before saying, “You fooled me a few weeks ago.”

 Henry gave her a smile, “I apologize.”

 But the redhead narrowed her eyes at him, “You love her.” She stated making Henry look at her feigning a confused look. “Oh don’t act stupid with me.” But the actor did not say anything to prove her suspicions making her roll her eyes again before going out of his room without saying anything else.

 And that day, even though Isabella Clarke remained on her and Harry’s room for most parts sleeping, the tension is extremely palpable in the chateau. Both men, even though not saying a word towards each other as much as possible, knew to stay away from each other as much as possible.

 It just worries Genevieve Williamson too much that she drank half of what she usually does while she hoped that nothing bad will happen during their two days in the Alps.

 And as she watched Henry Cavill look at Isabella Clarke and Prince Harry kiss during a game of Truth or Dare that night, Genevieve Williamson knew that there’s going to be a shit show before their trip ends.

[thatthingcalledfate-phff]

I say break up!! Lol

I can hear the mob. Lol. :D

[thatthingcalledfate-phff]

Chapter 12

Points of Exes

It’s the feeling of having ice cold water poured on top of your head.

 And he ran. He ran as fast as he could to catch her.

 But Prince Harry had to stop, panting as he watched the car that held Isabella Clarke drive out of sight. He gave out a shaky breath. “You don’t understand.” He cried dropping on his knees, his hands gripping his head as he broke down- not caring if his friends are now watching him break.

It had been three weeks, four days, twenty hours, and twenty eight minutes since he had last talked to Isabella Clarke and to say that he’s doing fine is absolutely bullshit. His friends knew and, since a moment ago, Meghan knew as well.

 “You did what?!” Meghan Markle screeched as the party died down and Harry told her what happened between him and Isabella Clarke. “Please, tell me he’s joking.” She asked looking towards Joss Stone and Cressida Bonas.

 Being a more outspoken person, Joss replied, “Reason why we wanted you here. To knock some sense into him.”

 And Harry, being smashed with alcohol, couldn’t dodge the slap at the back of his head from Meghan. “You better fix this. I was not left at the altar just so you can fuck up again!” she scolded the prince who just took the bottle of whiskey in front of him and started pouring another drink for himself. Meghan quickly took hold of the bottle to stop him. “Are you going to drink yourself to death?”

 “He’s always drunk.” Skippy piped in and Harry glared at him.

 “Why do I feel like I’m in some sort of intervention?” the prince asked looking around at his friends. “Like that show- Hoarders.”

 Arthur scoffed, “This is a show called ‘Get the girl back’, fuckwit.”

 “Hey!” Harry protested.

 Truthfully, Prince Harry’s and Meghan Markle’s humanitarian mission in a homeless shelter yesterday was arranged by Joss Stone with the main purpose of fixing the friendship that used to exist between the prince and the actress so that Meghan can knock some sense into Harry. But, of course, the press had twisted everything into something else and Harry’s friends were left to just invite Meghan Markle to dinner in Harry’s apartments- to avoid press of having another issue to write about.

 Thankfully, Meghan took to the reconciliation quite well for she had also already moved on.

 “Have you even tried to talk to her? Apologize?” Meghan asked looking seriously towards Harry who’s obviously trying to hide his feelings. “Stop being so stubborn.”

 “No.”

 “He lost his balls.” Charlie quipped and he quickly ducked from the piece of chip Harry had thrown over at him. “He’s scared that Bella will reject him.”

 Meghan nodded, “She’ll do that first, of course.”

 “That’s what we kept on telling him.” Cressida Bonas finally spoke. “He could not expect a sudden fairytale out of this.”

 “Nothing is fairytale when it involves him.” The actress quickly said and Cressida nodded in agreement- both having been involved with the prince.

 Harry sighed, “I am still here.” He said before pouring himself another shot without any hindrance.

 And, he’s ignored.

 “Look, Harry, you better get yourself straight.” Meghan finally said looking seriously towards Harry.

 “I know.” Harry sighed. “I fucked up.”

 “Big time.” Arthur added making Harry glance at him. “We all know you did.”

 And Harry knew that in himself too. Truthfully, for the past weeks, he had thought of possible actions that could remedy his relationship with Isabella. However, he always came to a blank. He does not know how to win her over. He had thought of everything she had went through, the look on her face when she knew what he had done- the pain, the betrayal, the disappointment. But what he could not forget are her tears.

 He’s terrified that she’ll push him away or even punch him on the face if he comes near her.

 Their conversation was cut off when Troy Hammond knocked on the door. “Miss Isabella Clarke is outside.” He said and Harry’s ear perked up and so did his friends’. “She’s outside with a Mr. Cavill.”

 “Mate, maybe she’s coming to you to fix it!” Skippy said happily as Harry stood up, the sudden movement making the drunk prince slightly tumble- Meghan quickly grabbed his arm to steady him.

 “I need to see her.” Meghan said following a swaying Harry out the dining room.

 But, quite obviously, everything went to shit and now, Harry is kneeling on the ground being pulled up by his mates.

 Meghan watched the prince break down as she followed the group back inside the apartments. Concerned filled her being. Even though Harry had hurt her quite terribly before, she didn’t wish any harm towards him for the prince had never maltreated her- minus the part where he fell in love with another woman. But she could see the magnitude of the love the prince has for Isabella Clarke- he could not function without the woman and, as she saw, the woman cannot be rational without the prince.

 The other one is too hurt while the other is too scared.

 And she knew how to help.

 Isabella Clarke rode a cab back to her place. After leaving Henry Cavill a note, she figured that she should not disturb him further and hailed a cab instead. Not having enough sleep and her eyes puffy, she’s aware that she looked like a wreck- she feels like one. But still, she figured to go to work after freshening up at her house. She cannot stay vacant- even for an hour or she’s going to break once again.

 By noon, she’s at her office sifting through her files once again while a warm cup of black coffee rested on top of her table. She realized that she only needed to do rounds that day- and her rounds does not start until 3 in the afternoon. So, she was left obsessing about cases that she already knew the solution for- rereading and recalculating every possible option. But a commotion outside her office caught her attention and she looked up just in time to see Ginny barging inside her door and closing it on Kath’s face.

 “Ginny.” Bella breathed surprised at the sudden appearance of the redhead. “What are you doing here?”

 And Ginny raised her hand to show Bella her phone, “To return this to you.” She answered simply before swiftly tossing the piece of technology towards the doctor who struggled on catching it. Ginny rolled her eyes but sat down on a chair in front of Isabella. “So, I figured, it was not one of princey’s guards who picked you up last night.”

 Bella nodded, “Obviously.”

 “Damn it.” Ginny sighed. “Princey had a panic attack when he called this morning and I answered.”

 Terribly confused as to why her phone ended up on Ginny’s hands, Isabella Clarke sent the redhead a confused look. “Harry called?”

 “Uhh. Do you have any other prince charming in a white horse other than the actual prince and superman without the cape?” Ginny asked and Bella can feel the curiosity in his question- she wants an actual answer. “What’s going on, Clarke?”

 “Just a bump on the road.”

 Ginny scoffed, “Two bumps?”

 “Just one.” Bella answered quickly shaking her head. “Henry is just a friend.. I wasn’t even the one who called him last night.”

 The redhead stared at the raven haired woman before her contemplating for a few seconds, debating whether or not she’s telling the truth. But, of course, she also knew that Isabella Clarke is not one to say bullshit and actually get away with it. And so, she sighed and nodded. “Well then. I took liberty into inviting princey into the Alps.”

 “Your chateau in the Alps?”

 “Well, duh.” Ginny said rolling her eyes at the doctor. “Seriously, Clarke. For someone rumored to be smart, you sure do not fit it.” She joked and Bella shook her head incredulously. “Abi invited Henry.”

 Bella sighed, “Who said that I’m going?”

 “I did. I swear to God if you pull another shit on me like last time, you’ll regret it.” Ginny said seriously, venom lacing her voice as she remembered how Isabella Clarke suddenly chose to go to Canada on the day they’re supposed to be leaving for the French Alps a few years back.

 But her memory was cut short when a knock on the door came through and both looked at it to see Kath peeking her head. “Someone’s here to talk to you.” She said and Bella furrowed her eyebrows thinking that it might be Abi. “A Miss Markle.”

 Ginny suddenly clicked her tongue and stood before saying, “Well, this is my cue to leave.”

 And she had left the room before Bella can protest.

 Meghan Markle almost bumped into the redheaded woman that’s coming out of Isabella Clarke’s office and she gave out a feeble apology- which had gone to waste as the woman had already gone out of the room. She shook her head and came in the office of Isabella Clarke. “Hi.” She said and the doctor stood up obviously nervous. “I’m not here to cause a scene or anything.” She quickly said to diffuse the tension. “I just want to talk to you.”

 Many would think that being in front of someone you supposedly, albeit accidentally, stole a groom from is going to be all hair pulling and yelling. But many can also be wrong.

 Bella carefully placed a cup of steaming coffee in front of Meghan Markle, her mind going crazy thinking of possible reasons why Meghan Markle would like to talk to her. Maybe she’s going to ask you to stay away from Harry now. Bella thought as she sat on her own chair behind her table. Or she’s going to say that they’re together again.

 “I’m dating someone.” Meghan suddenly said making Bella look up at her. “Not Harry.” She added smiling slightly. “So, really, what you saw last night was nothing.”

 And the doctor can only nod. Obviously, Bella is not one for confrontations and she’s also not privileged to go all guns blazing and ask Meghan why she’s with Harry in the first place- she would of had that privilege if Harry hadn’t left Meghan for her.

 Truthfully, that ate her up still. Harry left Meghan in the altar for her and here is Meghan trying to fix the relationship that possibly ruined her. Bella felt bad- very guilty. For more than a year since the royal wedding, Bella hadn’t had the chance to apologize to Meghan Markle. “Look-“ she suddenly breathed out and Meghan quickly raised her hand to stop her.

 “It’s been more than a year.” Meghan said. “I’ve moved on. People have too.”

 “I’m sorry.” Bella still whispered looking at Meghan straight in the eyes. “I didn’t mean to-“

 Meghan sighed, “-Look. There’s no point of digging up the past.” She said making Bella close her mouth and nod. “All I want is for you and Harry to be ok again.”

 “But-“

 “-I know.” Meghan nodded knowing what the doctor is about to say. “I know about everything.” She continued before taking a sip of the coffee. “Look at it this way, I was not left wallowing in embarrassment for nothing.”

 “I need-“

 “-him.” Meghan continued for the doctor who looked at her with eyebrows now knitted together. “Look. I might have not known you long but I do know when someone looks like a mess. And he’s a fucking mess too. You should have seen him last night he-“ she sighed “-he’s just not dealing with this well and so are you.”

 “It was a mistake. One he greatly regrets.” Meghan said when the doctor remained quiet. “If he could turn back time and redo it, believe me, he’d rather cut his dick off.” She said seriously but it made her and the doctor crack a smile. “Just try. Please.”

 And Bella nodded figuring that maybe her break from Harry is enough making Meghan Markle smile.

[thatthingcalledfate-phff]

I really love where this is going. -your fan, F

Aww. Thank you, F! ❤️ really appreciate it. ❤️

[thatthingcalledfate-phff]

He fucked up, he deserves Bella breaking up with him, imo. Good chapter!

Thank you! ❤️

[thatthingcalledfate-phff]

Chapter 11

Destruction and Comfort

It’s always amazing how time flies. How seconds can turn into minutes, minutes can turn into hours, hours into days, days into weeks- we can go on and on and on. But one thing is for sure, pain lingers longer than happiness.

Isabella Clarke stared at her diploma hanging in her office; her pen tapping on her table. It had been weeks since she last talked to Harry and she misses him. Although she’s thankful that Harry is giving her space, she’s still torn. She’s hurt, she’s angry, and she feels betrayed. She wanted to forgive Harry, she really do but her whole being rejects the thought of being near him.

 The doctor sighed and placed her pen on top of her table.

 “Doctor Clarke?”

 “Yes, Kath?” Bella asked closing her files and quickly placing it to the side before grabbing a new one not bothering to look up. “Do we have an emergency?”

 “Uhh. No.” Kath answered and Bella finally looked up at her. “Abigail Simons is here.” The assistant said and Bella nodded.

 Not even a minute passed and Abigail barged into Bella’s office looking like a woman on a mission. “Have you read the papers?” she asked and Bella shook her head making Abi roll her eyes before placing The Sun on top of Bella’s table.

 Bella only glanced at the front page picture and asked, “Yeah. And?”

 “Harry and Meghan? Meghan being here in London?” Abi asked incredulously and Bella shrugged. “Seriously, Clarke. What’s up?”

 “Nothing.” Bella lied still not telling anyone else that she and Harry had broken up. “It was bound to happen. They’re both humanitarians.” She mumbled feeling ill at the mere thought of Harry and Meghan together.

 “And you’re not one for bullshits.” Abi retorted making Bella glare up at her. “Isabella, my dear Isabella. Did you two break up?”

 Bella sighed, “If you call it that.”

 Abi stared at her friend for a few seconds before sighing as well, “Are you ok?” she asked and Bella shrugged. “Seriously, Isabella.”

 “I am serious.”

 “We both know shrugging is not an answer.”

 “Yes, it is.”

 “No.”

 “Yes.”

 “Fuck off.” Abi snapped irritated making Bella smile. “I am glad you see the amusement in this. You’re such a difficult human being.” She continued receiving no answer from Bella. “You’re lucky I’m older than you.”

 “How is that even luck?” Bella asked inquiringly yet reluctantly as she can already sense the incoming unwarranted suggestion Abi has. “I can’t do anything reckless right now, Abi. Harry and I are trying to keep the whole break a secret.”

 Abi rolled her eyes. Typical, Isabella. She thought before smiling at the doctor before her. “It’s a private party. Hosted by Ginny.”

 “Genevieve Williamson?”

 “Do you know any other Ginny?” Abi asked arching an eyebrow and Bella shook her head. “She has this party tonight and you’re going.”

 Scoffing, Bella thought of how her mother never really liked Genevieve Williamson. “Mom doesn’t like Ginny.” She said and Abi nodded, knowing it fully.

 Ginny brings out the worst in Isabella Clarke; she’s loud, she’s reckless, she’s careless, and she doesn’t have a care in the world. For Ginny, the world is her oyster and Isabella Clarke is one of her projects. Ginny thinks that Isabella Clarke is one of those goody goody friends Abigail Simons, her cousin, has and she believes that she’s doing everyone a favor by getting Isabella off her hinges- in ways Georgia Clarke is not fond of.

 But still, that night, Bella stood in front of her mirror dressed in the mini black dressed she had used one too many times. Her mother, who’s still unaware of her plans for the night, watching her curiously from behind. “You use that dress too much.” Georgia Clarke commented making Bella nod in agreement. “Where are you and Abi going?”

 Even though she’s at the right age, Isabella doesn’t mind being asked her whereabouts like a teenager as long as her parents do not prevent her on doing things she wants to do. “A party.” She replied unsure if it’s a right thing to tell her mother that Ginny is involved.

 Before Georgia Clarke can respond, the doorbell rang. “Well, I have the files I asked for.” Georgia said raising the folder in her hand and Bella nodded. “I’ll get the door for you.”

 “Nah. I’m ready anyway.” Bella said following her mother out her bedroom and down the stairs to her front door.

 “Ah. Greetings, Georgia!” Ginny Williamson, the fiery redhead, greeted Bella’s shocked mother as she passed by Georgia while Abi greeted Georgia in a more respectful way. “What are you wearing?” the redhead asked giving Bella’s outfit a disgusted look. “You’re not wearing that. Good thing I am your fairy Godmother, little bitch.”

 Bella can see her mother give her an exasperated look as Ginny took an outfit off her bag before throwing it towards Isabella. “What’s this?” Bella asked looking at the bra Ginny threw at her. “Should I wear this under a shirt?”

 Abi laughed while Ginny gave Bella a scowl. “Seriously, little bitch?”

 In the corner of her eye, Bella saw her mother walk towards her kitchen obviously not leaving anytime soon and so Bella went up towards her bedroom to change clothes closely followed by the two cousins. “Is this even clothes?” Bella asked as she looked at herself in the mirror and tried adjusting her top that’s showing too much cleavage. “My boobs are going to show if I even-“

 “They won’t.” Ginny remarked picking up a picture of Bella and Harry that’s laying on top of Bella’s nightstand. “Is Harry’s dick huge?”

 And Bella choked on her own spit.

 Bella made sure that she’s properly covered with her coat before she went down to leave and she made sure to sit at the back of Ginny’s car instead of the front. She is strapping herself when her mother appeared and knocked softly on the window. “Be careful, alright?” she said looking pointedly at Bella who gave her a comforting look in return.

 “Oh don’t worry, Georgia.” Ginny cut off as Bella opened her mouth to say something. “I’ll make sure she’s smiling in her mugshot.”

 When they arrived at the party, Abi quickly disappeared towards a crowd Bella does not know while Ginny took liberty into dragging the doctor to the bar. “Yo, Jose.” Ginny called the bartender who went over and smiled hugely at Ginny. “I want her drunk by the end of the night, got it?”

 And without asking, Jose lay out four shots of tequila in front of Ginny and Bella.

 “Don’t worry. All phones are confiscated at the entrance.” Ginny said with a funny face as she swallowed one shot expertly. “I had to make sure our little bitch having fun is not released to the press.”

 Shocked at the sensitiveness of the redhead, Bella looked at Ginny with wide eyes. “They didn’t take my phone.”

 And Ginny laughed at the doctor like she’s some idiot. “Of course, you fucking idiot. You’re obviously not going to leak anything. I suppose you’re safe with- well- you.” She said before sliding a shot towards Bella. “Come on. It’s not going to drink itself.”

 Henry Cavill had just gotten home in his flat in South Kensington when his phone started ringing. Placing his backpack on his couch, he checked his phone to see the name Doctor Isabella Clarke flashing on his screen. He furrowed his eyebrows. It’s two in the morning. He thought before answering. “Hello?”

 “Hello?!”

 He can hear the loud music on Bella’s background, the people cheering, the people laughing, talking and the very unfamiliar voice using Bella’s phone. “Who’s this?” he asked confused.

 “Isn’t this Henry? “ The woman asked and Henry thoroughly considered hanging up afraid that someone had taken Bella’s phone and is scooping up gossip. “Isabella’s princey boyfriend?”

 “Uhhh- n-“

 “You bloody need to pick up your girlfriend.” The voice cut him off and Henry furrowed his eyebrows while the woman laughed and said, “Bloody hell, Clarke.”

 “Where is she?” Henry asked deciding to play along and the woman gave him an address not far from his.

 When he arrived at the address, the guard at the front gave him a confused look but let him in. He looked around trying to find the familiar face of Isabella Clarke among the drunken ones surrounding him and as he swam through the crowd, he bumped into the very familiar Abigail Simons who has a boy in her arms. “Henry!” she giggled drunkenly and Henry quickly gripped her arm to steady her. “You were invited?”

 “Where’s Bella?” he asked not answering Abi’s question.

 Abi, being drunk, forgot her question and pointed towards the bar where Isabella Clarke is dancing with a blonde woman on top of a table. He quickly walked towards the bar and stood beside it- the man he pushed away yelling but not fighting back. “Isabella!” he yelled over the noise and commotion but Bella didn’t hear him. “Bella!” he tried again.

 It is obvious that Isabella Clarke is drunk out of her wits and so he sighed and caught one of her hand before pulling her down and straight into his arms- a hoard of men protesting at the sudden interruption. “What are you thinking?” he hissed as Bella giggled on his arms.

 “Hey! Hey you!” someone yelled and Henry looked back to see a redhead walk towards them with a coat in her hands. “You’re not princey.” She said furrowing her eyebrows and stopping in front of Henry. “Fuck.”

 “I’ll get her to him.” Henry said and the redhead nodded, obviously not recognizing who Henry is.

 “Give her to your boss.” She said and Henry realized that she thinks that he’s one of Prince Harry’s guards. “And tell him that I like his taste in guards.”

 Henry, anxious and terribly scared of being seen with a very drunk Isabella Clarke, thanked the heavens as he closed his passenger door unseen. “Oh you’re so much trouble.” He grumbled getting in at the drivers seat and pulling on Bella’s seatbelt and locking it. “I don’t even know where you live.” He said but he stopped, his breath slowing when he realized how close his face is to the doctor’s. He gulped as he licked his bottom lip, his heart thudding inside his chest.

 “Don’t be silly. She’s a package you deliver to the rightful owner.” He mumbled to himself but he remained a few seconds longer staring at her face.

 Henry Cavill then searched for Isabella’s phone on her coat in hopes of giving Prince Harry a call but soon realized that Bella’s phone is nowhere to be found. He groaned and decided to just go the hell with it and drove towards Kensington Palace. He stopped by the guard who obviously recognize him by the look of his astonished face.

 “Good evening, sir. Do you have any schedule?” the guard asked not noticing Bella on the passenger seat.

 “Uhh. I had been asked to bring her to him.” Henry simply said and the guard looked further into the car.

 The guard, realizing who’s on the passenger seat, stepped back before walking back to his post and ringing Troy Hammond, Prince Harry’s assistant. “Someone’s here for His Royal Highness.”

 Troy Hammond is sitting just outside Prince Harry’s dining room where the prince and a few of his friends are having dinner- or drinks. He sighed as his work phone rang and Peter Bleu’s name flashed on the screen. “Yes, Peter?”

 “Someone’s here for His Royal Highness.” Peter Bleu, the guard on duty, said and Troy furrowed his eyebrows. “Henry Cavill with Miss Isabella Clarke.”

 “Oh.” Troy said in realization before his eyes travelled towards the door of the dining hall. Surely, Prince Harry knows about this. He thought before saying, “Sure. Let them in.”

 Henry Cavill drummed his hands on the steering wheel, glancing a few times towards Isabella Clarke’s direction, before the guard finally went back to him. “You’re free to go in. Turn left on the first corner and straight ahead.” The guard said and Henry nodded mumbling a thanks.

 As Henry arrived at what seems to be Harry’s apartments, he furrowed his eyebrows in confusion. “That’s odd.” He mumbled as he realized that there’s actually an on-going party at Prince Harry’s apartments due to the numerous cars parked. He stopped the car by the front of Harry’s door before lightly shaking Bella awake. “Bella.”

 Isabella Clarke groaned as she felt herself get slightly sober- the alcohol she had consumed just an hour ago already taking its effect in her head. “Hey. Wake up.” She heard a familiar man’s voice said and she peeked her eyes and saw Henry looking back at her with furrowed eyebrows. “You ok?”

 Feeling thoroughly confused, Bella tried to sit up properly with her hand to her head as she looked around their environment outside through the window. “Where are we?” she slurred, her voice rough, not realizing where she is before looking at Henry Cavill once again. “This is not my house.”

 “I’m aware.” He responded nodding. “This is your boyfriend’s house.”

 Realizing where she is, Bella’s eyes widened and her head whipped towards her window once again- the sudden movement making her feel much sicker than she was a few moments ago. “I feel sick.” She groaned clutching her head. “We can’t be here.”

Henry furrowed his eyebrows, taken aback, “Why not?”

 “Just.. We should go.”

 But just as Henry shifted his gear to drive, he saw the front door open and Prince Harry practically stumble out the door, clearly inebriated as well but the woman that appeared behind him and wrap her arms around him made Henry’s and Bella’s breath hitch.

 There, coming out of his front door, is Prince Harry with Meghan Markle.

 “You’ve got to be fucking kidding.” Henry mumbled after he regained his composure and closed his gaping mouth.

 “Just drive. Please.”

 As Henry started driving, Bella’s eyes connected with Harry’s. She looked away, not wanting him to see her tears anymore.

 Henry quickly drove out of Kensington Palace; the air inside his car is thick and he doesn’t know what to say. Here is Isabella Clarke, drunk out of her wits, while her supposed boyfriend partied it up with his ex- the one he ran a wedding from. His mouth is in a thin line. One wrong word and Isabella might probably break and so he continued to drive around quietly.

 “Can you please stop a moment?” Bella asked gulping. “Please. I’m going to be sick.”

 And he did. As soon as he had parallel parked on a street just behind Westminster, Bella jumped out of his car and threw up on the bin just by the lawn. After she’s finished, Henry watched as she sat on the grass and started sobbing. She couldn’t talk. She couldn’t put into words how she felt nor could she even form a coherent thought.

 Henry watched as she broke down. Even though he doesn’t know the truth between Bella and the prince, he felt like Bella is in a much deeper pain. He went over to the doctor and helped her back into the car before anyone else can see her before driving off. “Where do you want to go? Do you want to go home?” he asked the doctor who only shook her head back at him.

 “I can’t be at home. I can’t take it. Everywhere just..” she trailed off. Every place reminds her of Harry and it breaks her more. “Just take me to yours.”

 He glanced at her briefly before nodding. No. He’s not going to take advantage of her situation. He couldn’t do it- he respects her too much. Truthfully, Henry could not understand how he felt towards the doctor. It was a mere crush or attraction as he would classify it usually but ever since the Centennial Ball, the doctor had been on his mind more often and it didn’t bother him. He liked her. Her poise and elegance through every shit thrown at her is something that made her more appealing to the actor.

 And he respects her more than anyone he knew outside his family.

 “You can sleep here.. I’ll be in the living room.” He said after Bella had gone out of his shower dressed in his shirt and pajamas. She lay on his bed just staring at the ceiling. “If you need anything-“

 “-can you stay here?” she asked cutting him off. “I don’t want to be alone.”

 And he obliged. He couldn’t say no to her. He lay down beside her, a foot apart from each other in his king sized bed. Suddenly, he felt her shift closer to him, her arms snaking around his waist and so he let her rest her head on his shoulders. It was seconds before he felt her shaking- her small frame shook violently before her sobs came out.

 “It’s ok..” he whispered pulling her closer and she reacted by gripping his shirt. “I am right here.”

[thatthingcalledfate-phff]

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[thatthingcalledfate-phff]

Chapter 10

State of Calamity

It is a feeling of being trapped, all the while being terrified.

 All Harry wanted to do was go to Isabella Clarke as soon as he landed back in London; but, seeing that Catherine, Princess of Wales, had taken his keys to Isabella’s house, he’s forced to go to Clarence House where the Cambridges now reside. He bit his bottom lip anxiously, his heart beating rapidly inside his chest as his hands started getting filled with cold sweat while William and Kate stared him down.

“Why did you do it?” William asked and Harry looked up at him. “Did you two do anything else apart from the beach?”

 “What? No!” The ginger quickly responded but he couldn’t look at William nor Catherine as his heart thudded inside his chest. No. “I can’t do that to her.”

 But William can sense the trouble in his brother. The guilt and uncertainty in his eyes and so he took a glance at his wife, who’s staring daggers at his brother, before saying, “Catherine, can I have a moment with Harry?”

 Still feeling disappointed with Harry, Kate nodded before leaving the brothers.

 Harry watched as Catherine left the room, nervously drumming his fingers on his lap. “What do you want, Will?” he asked as soon as the door closed.

 “Tell me.” William said simply, leaning back and eyeing Harry seriously. “Did you two do anything else?”

 The two stared at each other for a few seconds before Harry looked away and shook his head. “No.” he said quickly licking his suddenly dry bottom lip. “We did not.”

 “Harry.” William said sensing the lie.

 Harry sighed. He couldn’t admit it. He didn’t want to admit it. He didn’t want to admit the mistake. “I..” he breathed in deeply. “I was too drunk.” He whispered under his breath, each word stabbing him.

 In the silent room, William heard his brother’s whisper and his mouth fell open. He wanted to yell at his brother- to shout at him and curse him but he couldn’t. He feared that Kate would hear and would cause a scene with Harry- especially because her visit at Isabella Clarke’s made her terribly disappointed with the ginger. “You do know Catherine was there a while ago?” he asked and Harry nodded. “She’s not going to take this well, Harry.”

 Harry’s breath hitched, No. I can’t. “I can’t tell her, William. She cannot know.”

 The Prince of Wales shook his head at his brother. “It’s a massive mistake, Harry.”

 “It is! Which is why she cannot know!”

 “That’s not a reason!” William said, his voice rising. “She deserves to know.” He said lowering his voice. “She doesn’t deserve being fooled like this.”

 But Harry couldn’t. Harry wanted to cry and scream and the guilt is eating him up whole. But with all of his emotions, the fear of losing Isabella Clarke is the worst. And so, he looked at his brother before shaking his head. No. I can’t do it. He thought.

 William sighed, “You do know what she’s going through, right?”

 “I know.”

 “Then why?”

 “It was an accident!”

 “You ditched her and slept with your ex!” William finally roared. “That’s not an accident!”

 Both became quiet after William’s outburst. Harry knew what William wanted him to do and he knew what the truth can cost him. What William wanted is the right thing to do. I fucked up. He thought as his hands curled into a ball. “She will leave me.” He said completely broken at the reality. “I will lose her.”

 “Let the cards fall where they should.”

 Harry knew where his cards are going to fall. He hurt her. He hurt Isabella Clarke and he did it in the worst way possible. “How can I tell her?” he asked William.

 “Man up.”

 “She will never forgive me.”

 And the guilt and fear ate him alive as he drove towards Isabella Clarke’s house just after midnight. He’s angry at himself for making a mistake, for not being responsible and aware, for being selfish enough to not think of her. When he stopped just behind Bella’s car, he breathed in deeply trying to stop his tears. I’m going to lose her. He thought as he leaned his forehead on the steering wheel. I can’t do it. I can’t tell her.

 “I can’t.” he whispered banging his head repeatedly on the steering wheel.

 After a while, he finally got the courage to alight his car and slowly made his way inside her house. Harry slowly passed through her living room, ascended the stairs, and threaded her hallway until he stood by her bedroom door staring at her sleeping frame. And as if she sensed him, she started stirring underneath her covers until she finally sat up and is staring at Harry with furrowed eyebrows and squinted eyes. “Harry?” she called unsure if she’s dreaming or not.

 Bella’s eyes focused on Harry’s figure by her door and the look on his face registered in her brain; the upset look on his face: the fear, the doubt, and the guilt obvious in his red rimmed eyes. “Are you ok?” she asked crawling over to the edge of her bed and sitting there curiously. Maybe Kate told him. But he remained standing by her door, not moving an inch, just staring at her. “Did something happen? What’s wrong?” she asked, the disappointment from his absence in the annual ball disappearing in an instant.

 “Harry?”

Harry finally snapped out of it before walking towards her and sitting just beside her, staring into a spot on her wall. How can you say it? How will you say it? He thought. It was the right thing to do. It is only right that he tell her. “I’m sorry, Bella.” He whispered and he choked on her name as tears threated to fall.

 Bella, seeing his distraught features, felt guilty for overreacting and for being too emotional with Catherine Middleton. “If this is about the ball-“

 But Harry shook his head; stopping her from talking further. He couldn’t look at her but he knew that she‘s looking at him. He felt it; her warm look turning into a cold stare. She knew. He didn’t need to say it. She knew. He felt her push herself off the bed and stand- her hands going to her head and gripping on her hair- trying to see if she really is awake or not. Reality set in. It’s not a dream, it’s a nightmare. One that they both cannot wake up from.

 Then she looked at him, her eyes cold yet brimmed with tears. “Get out.” She said calmly.

 “Bella, please-“

 “Get out!” she yelled and sobs erupted when her voice cracked. She fell sitting on the floor holding onto herself, trying to keep her pieces together.

 He wanted to touch her. He wanted to hug her. He wanted to pull her to him. But every attempt he did, made her flinch away from him. “I- It was an accident. I-I was too drunk.” He said sitting by the wall facing her. She didn’t look at him. “Please, Bella. I’m sorry. Please. Don’t leave me. I love you.”

 “No. You don’t hurt the people you love, Harry.” She whispered shaking her head as she stared on a spot on the floor. “What did I do to deserve this? Did I do anything wrong? Is this karma for stealing you away?” then she laughed. “How ironic.”

 “No.” Harry quickly shook his head. “It was not you.”

 “Then why?” she asked completely broken as she finally looked up at him. “I did everything! I- I put up everything! All I ever asked is you never hurt me again like this..” her rant ended in a whisper. She couldn’t understand. She couldn’t wrap her head around it. “And now what? You have just proven them right. I can see the headline when they finally know that we had broken up-“

 “-we’re not.” Harry quickly cut her off. “Please. No-“

 “-that’s not for you to decide!” she cried. “I lost myself coping with everything while you go off unscathed! I defended you from my parents! I ignored every mean remarks about me- the derogatory headlines- and there you were.. with your ex.”

 “Please..” Harry whispered; his tears finally falling. “Please. I promise. I’ll do anything.” He said crawling towards Bella and quickly pulling her into a hug even though she struggled. “Please. We can work this out. I’ll do anything. Everything.”

 “This is enough, Harry.”

 “Please. I promise, everything will change.” He whispered tightening his hug around her. “Please. Just- please let’s just work this out. I love you. I love you.”

 “I need time.” Bella whispered shaking her head. She couldn’t do it to herself- no, she cannot betray herself and let love trap her. “I need space. I need to think. We don’t need to tell the press that we’re on a break or anything but- but I just need to fix myself.”

 And he cried, burying his face into her hair. He knew it would happen. He knew he would lose her the moment he opened his eyes and realized what he had done. “I never wanted to hurt you.” He whispered, his voice muffled by her hair. “I cannot lose you.”

 But he drove home before the sun rose completely broken. I lost her. He thought wiping the tear that fell on his cheeks. What if she never comes back?

 “Sir.”

 “I need to rest, Troy.” He told his assistant who’s already up and about inside Harry’s apartment. “I don’t want to be disturbed. Tell everyone who calls to leave me alone.”

 Bella promised. We’ll try to fix things when she’s ready. She promised.

[thatthingcalledfate-phff]

Chapter 9

Revolution

Harry didn’t know what to say to Isabella Clarke.

 A few hours after the Centennial Party of Mary Mediatrix Hospital, Harry found himself sitting in the couch of the VIP waiting room in an airport in South Africa- a newspaper with his and Chelsy Davy’s picture at the front. His hands clenched and he sighed before checking his phone- no messages nor missed calls from Isabella Clarke.

 Surely, she had already seen it you fucking sob. His mind insulted and the prince can only place his phone back on top of the table. Who told you that meeting an ex when you had ditched the recent one as smart?

“I haven’t seen Chelsy in years.” He mumbled trying to reason out his actions. “I thought it was reasonable.”

 But he now realized that it was not reasonable. He ditched an important event for the Clarkes to meet up with an ex. He ditched his girlfriend for an ex. Which part of the earth is that reasonable? And with the tabloids practically rubbing salt on top of Bella’s wound, Harry is quite sure Bella is upset with him. Before Harry can stand from his seat, his phone started ringing and he saw Catherine’s name flashing on the screen.

 “What the bloody hell were you thinking?!” The now Princess of Wales screeched before Harry can even say a hello. ”Seriously? Ditch her and then meet with Chelsy? What in the bloody-“

 But Catherine’s rant was cut off and a bit of commotion can be heard on Catherine’s side before William’s voice came through, “Are you out of your fucking mind, Harry?” he asked and Harry flinched.

 “I thought it was reasonable.”

 “Reasonable?!” Kate screeched from the other line and Harry realized that he had been put on speaker. But Kate didn’t talk for a few seconds before Harry heard a sigh. “That’s not right, Harry. Isabella’s dealing with a lot. She had been dragged through mud for almost a year and kept quiet about it, never saying anything. She’s dealing with the paps hounding her and people telling her how she doesn’t deserve you and here you go proving everyone who dragged her correct.”

 “I realize that now.”

“As you should.” William answered agreeing with Kate. “Harry, I don’t know..” he sighed. “This might be too much for her, you know?”

Harry’s heart started pounding inside his chest; the thought of Bella actually leaving him after this mistake of his hurting him. “I’ll explain it to her. She’ll understand.”

 “Let me tell you something, Harry.” Kate suddenly spoke and Harry can hear the babbling of the baby princess Olivia faintly. “There’s no going back from that one.”

 Isabella, although suffering from a massive hangover, went to the hospital the next day even though she’s not supposed to work. She sat on her table and started sifting through her patient’s records just to distract herself from thinking too much about Harry- or feeling hurt. To say, she doesn’t remember the last parts of the centennial ball last night- she’s also sure that her father had to carry her out of the limo to the inside of her house.

 She doesn’t like it. She doesn’t like how she feels about her relationship with Harry- or she’s just suffering from a bad case of hangover. Bella sighed lightly throwing the folder on her hand onto the table before leaning back and looking outside. It’s a wonderful day in London, the sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and people outside doesn’t have an umbrella on their hands. It made the doctor smile. She’s not this. She used to be fearless. Free. She used to walk along the roads of London loving life- feeling the sun. She used to go to breakfast, grab lunch, or even go on dinners without having to worry of cameras being shoved on her face.

 Being with Harry took that part of her away. Being with him took away her freedom and she’s ok with that; she dealt with it. For almost a year, she kept her mouth shut. She was patient, she was understanding- she had become a wallflower.

 “This has got to change.” She mumbled to herself with a new sense of determination as she pushed herself out of her chair, grabbed her bag, and walked out her office- all the while dialing Abi’s phone number.

 “Why are you even awake?” Abigail Simons answered groggily as Bella stepped inside her car and swiftly closed the door. “Why are you waking me up?”

 Bella chuckled, “Would you like to grab some lunch and do some shopping?”

 “Lunch? Shopping? You?” Abi confirmed and Bella can hear the rustle of her duvet from the other line. “Ok. You got my attention. Why do you want to go have lunch? You said that you’re avoiding the press. Is it about the article still? Have you not talked to him yet?”

 As Abi asked the flow of questions, Bella tried to find the proper answer to everything. Why? Why is she doing this? Why is she baiting herself once again to the press? But as Abi’s end started silencing, Bella finally found the best answer to give her friend.

 “Let’s give them hell.”

 “Who are you and what have you done to Isabella?”

 But Abi met up with Bella in a restaurant named Ceru in South Kensington looking like she is about to walk in a runway. Thankfully, Bella knew how her friend dresses and chose to at least try out something new- meaning, she’s not dressed in her usual sundress or dress pants. “Oh look at you!” Abi gushed as she walked towards Bella who’s sat at the table tapping her fingers idly. “Are you possessed or something?”

 Bella’s insecurity reared its head and she leaned forward to her friend with furrowed eyebrows. “Do I look bad?”

 “Look bad?” Abi scoffed. “You look God damn modern and exciting. It’s a major improvement.” She continued gesturing towards Bella’s outfit. “Whatever it is you’re going through, it did you fucking good.”

 They had lunch just like how they did when they wear still in medical school but now, Bella doesn’t look like some hippie beside her friend. It was apparent that someone had tipped her whereabouts to the press because as they got out of the restaurant, the paps swarmed around them like bees. This time around, she didn’t put her head down- she walked like she owned the place. She’s confident with herself and she’s not going to lose that over her jealousy and disappointment towards Harry and his ex.

 As they shopped around Camden Markets; buying off clothes and organic foods from the street market, Bella’s phone started ringing and she looked at the screen to see an unknown number flashing on it. “I’ll just take this.” She told Abi thinking that a patient must be having an emergency. “Isabella speaking, who’s this?”

 “Ah, you must not remember.”

 Bella furrowed her eyebrows as she heard the voice of an oddly familiar man from the other end of the line. “Henry? Henry Cavill?” she asked and the man from the phone chuckled. “How did you get-?”

 “Before you think that I am a crazy stalker as Abi describes, you gave me your number last night willingly.. While I battled to get both you and Abi in the limo.” He cut Bella off. “I just wanted to ask how you are.”

 With the creases on her forehead deepening while she raked her brain to remember that scene, she took a glance at Abi before saying. “We battled you?”

 “Like normal drunken women.” Henry confirmed.

 “Did I say or do anything embarrassing?”

 “You just cried about the whole being ditched for an ex.” Henry answered straightforwardly and Bella groaned. “While Abi tried to French kiss me.” He continued making Bella scoff. “Don’t worry. All forgotten and never to be told to anyone.”

 Sighing, Bella said, “Thank you. And I’m fine. I am currently with Abi doing shopping.”

 “You two are not drinking again are you?”

 “No. I just recovered from the hangover.” Bella said quickly as if another touch of alcohol to her lips will kill her. “You’re welcome to join us, if you want. As a sort of apology to the trouble we caused you last night.”

 Henry gave out a chuckle, “I’m afraid I cannot take you up on that offer. We’ll have to reschedule it. I’m currently on my way to the airport.” He answered. “Have to go back to L.A.”

 “Oh.” Bella said and she felt Abi tap her on the shoulder. “Have a safe flight then.”

 “See you soon, Doctor Clarke.”

 “Who’s that?” Abi asked as Bella started running through the ignored messages from Harry, William, and Kate on her phone. “Is it a patient?”

 “No.” Bella sighed placing her phone in her bag; not yet ready to face her problems. “Apparently, you tried to French kiss Henry Cavill while I bawled my eyes out.” She continued to answer Abi’s curious look towards her.

 “Did I succeed?” Abi asked curiously and Bella laughed.

 But as she drove home, the happiness that she felt while with Abi started dissipating into loneliness and hurt. She’s angry, she’s jealous, and she’s insecure. She’s angry not just because Harry ditched her to meet up with Chelsy Davy; she’s angry because she feels like she doesn’t deserve being embarrassed like that. Her face is, once again, all over the tabloids. Taunting her. Breaking her little by little that she’s now having a hard time keeping herself together.

 She doesn’t have anyone to voice out her feelings to. Albeit, she had probably told Henry Cavill a lot when she was drunk but when she is sober, she has no other choice but to keep everything in especially since Harry doesn’t seem to realize what she’s going through.

 It didn’t shock her to see a black Range Rover parked inside her gates. “I shouldn’t have given him a spare key.” She mumbled to herself before parking on her usual spot and getting out of the car.

 When she entered her home though, she stopped dead on her tracks to saw Catherine standing inside her living room. “Ta-da!” the former duchess said awkwardly as she saw Bella’s reaction. “I am terribly sorry for my intrusion but I just really need to talk to you.” She said walking over to Bella who’s debating whether she should or shouldn’t curtsy. “Woman to woman.”

 Bella’s mind is going crazy though as she prepared tea for her and Catherine; a woman to woman talk about her own relationship is not something Bella is used to. She’s more used into being the one giving out advices towards Abi, not the other way around.

 “I got your key from Harry’s apartments.” Catherine explained as Bella softly placed a china filled with tea in front of her. “I snooped and rummaged through his drawers because he once mentioned about your keys. I didn’t break in to your home or anything.”

 Bella smiled towards Catherine. No woman in their right mind can think ill of this royal. Surely, she has her quirks but Bella can see good in Catherine Middleton. “It’s ok. You don’t look like the usual pap.”

 By this, the princess can only give the doctor a sympathetic smile. She knows how it feels to be hounded and hunted like Isabella Clarke. Truthfully, Kate knew that Bella must be feeling much worse than former did; reason being because it is obvious that the doctor is being hounded more. “Look, I know what Harry did is absolutely wrong and I understand if you’re really upset with him.”

 Biting her bottom lip and her eyes staring at her cup intensely, Bella could only nod at Kate. She doesn’t know how to respond or if she should say how she felt to the royal before her. “It’s ok.”

 “We both know that it’s not.” Kate said in a matter-of-fact tone that made Bella look up at her. “If this relationship works out, Isabella, I will be the only person who can understand you more that anyone in the family.” She said and Bella nodded realizing that Kate is right given both their circumstances. “I need to know how you feel so I can help you.”

 How do I feel? Bella asked herself as she let her hands wrap around her hot mug. “I feel.. hurt.” She finally blurted out. It won’t hurt if I tell her. “I think I lost myself with everything that’s going on.” She continued giving Kate a small glance to which the latter returned with a comforting smile. “I tried my best to satisfy everyone; I avoided doing things to prevent people from thinking ill of me, I lived for a year in constant fear that I will get caught by the paps doing something so mundane yet it’s twisted into something bad.”

 Kate watched Bella intently; she can see the tension on the woman. She looks so broken. She thought as she watched Bella quickly wipe a tear that’s trailing down her cheeks. “Did you talk to Harry about this?”

 “No.” Bella answered shaking her head with a soft laugh. “We haven’t even talked properly lately. He’s busy and I understand. I guess that’s my job- to always understand. Even him ditching me.” She continued and a hiccup came out of her throat as unwilling tears suddenly started flowing once again. “I’m sorry. I’m too emotional.”

 Harry, you prick. “It’s normal. I know how it feels like.” Kate comforted now standing up from her seat and walking towards Bella. “It’s always difficult with them.” Kate continued as she hugged Bella. “Believe me, I’ve cried bucket loads of tears with William.”

 “Does it ever get better?”

 Does it, Kate? “There will be a time when everything just falls into place.” She answered. “William and I; we have had a lot of times when we needed a break from each other so we can let things fall where they should.”

 Bella chuckled as she wiped the remaining tears off her face, “If it’s meant to be, it will be.”

 “He told me that quite a few times.” Kate giggled. “William, I mean.”

 As Bella watched Kate drive away after their talk, she realized how much she had been holding in. Even if her mouth will say that she understands or that she accepts it, her mind cannot. It’s not because she doesn’t love Harry or that she’s giving up but it’s because she feels so alone in her and Harry’s situation that her mind starts hurting her own heart. And as she said; if it’s meant to be, it will be.

 I think we need a break.

  (AN: I know, I know. I don't have much of Harry/Bella scenes for the last chapters. It's just that I cannot create a story that has a scene between the two all the time in That Thing Called Fate. TTCF is a story of how Bella copes with being involved with a royal and it's hardships. So, yes, this story is not always going to be rainbows and butterflies but I promise that fate will do its trick in the end. Anyway, thank you for reading!)

[thatthingcalledfate-phff]

Uh, I totally agree with that anon . Write that story . Por favor

I'll see if I can. ❤️

[thatthingcalledfate-phff]

I have this idea but it's about Harry dating the United States president chief of staff but they get so many black lash on their relationship because she works for the president

Hmm. That sounds good too! However, I have no idea about how the US Chief of Staff works (duties and restrictions and such). If you would enlighten me, please. 🤗

[thatthingcalledfate-phff]

When are you updating

I deeply apologize for the late response.. And the late update. I had gone through a major change personally the past few weeks and I had to wrap my head around it. Also, my kiddo had been sick the past week and had been hospitalized due to pneumonia along with allergy to paracetamol. ❤️

[thatthingcalledfate-phff]

Chapter 8

Stigmatized

Many would think that love can make you stronger- but how can that be that case when love is the reason you’re suffering in the first place?

“Well, at least you have defenders in the internet.” Abigail Simons said as she sat across Bella inside the latter’s office. “Really, Bella. There are people defending you. Not everyone thinks that you’re a-“

 “-slut, whore, witch, bitch?” Bella countered in return earning a smile from Abigail.

 “Repeat the last word again.”

 Bella narrowed her eyes at her friend, “Abi.”

“I have never heard you say any profanity out loud, Mother Isabella. Come on.” Abigail pouted and Bella only stared back at her emotionless. She sighed, “Fine. But, you do know that I don’t believe everything they had wrote about you, right? And so does millions of other people who are open minded and doesn’t have the fairytale mindset.”

 Isabella nodded, “I know. Thank you.” She said honestly. She glanced at her window where rain drizzled on the other side mercilessly. “How was Brazil?”

 “Oh, Bella. There are tanned hot men everywhere.”

 “Your kind of place.”

 Abigail narrowed her eyes at her friend, “I’m going to ignore the tone of that statement.” She said and Bella just smiled back at her. “And so, it’s like the best place. It’s bright, it’s colorful, there’s a party every night.”

 And she continued telling Bella about the men of Brazil. However, even if it would appear that the doctor is listening, Bella’s mind is elsewhere. It would seem that she’s a bad friend but she’s never interested with men- the tanned, well-built, and well- equipped ones. Her mind went to Harry who’s currently in Toronto for a tour. They hadn’t talked for almost a week because- well, he’s too busy and she couldn’t reach him. She understands though, she knew what his job is and what it means for him and his family- she’s not going to stress him much further.

 “So, who are you taking to the Centennial Party?” Abi asked Bella making Bella look at her confused. “Come on. I received the invitation from your parents. And I’ve got to say, they sure have good taste. I mean, The Ritz?”

 “Ah. Harry said he’s coming.. A sort of first public appearance with me.” Bella answered slowly and unsurely. “But, I haven’t checked with him again.”

 “Why would you check with him again? He already agreed.” Abi said cocking her head to the side and looking at the doctor inquiringly. “Are you two fighting?”

 How can we fight when we’re not even talking. Bella thought sadly but smiled at the woman before her, “No. He’s just busy with a tour right now.” She said before biting her bottom lip. “So, we can’t really talk much.”

 But Abigail Simons can see right through her friend. “You know, he’s fucking lucky for having you.” She said not planning on pushing Bella’s buttons. “If I were you, I wouldn’t be so understanding.”

 “He’s under a lot of pressure and scrutiny.”

 “And so are you.” The friend reminded. “You can’t even go out to grab lunch with me.”

 Bella sighed, “I have to do my rounds. I have to check on Henry Cavill’s mother.”

 Abi groaned rolling her eyes, “Well, tonight then. How about we have a few drinks?” she asked drumming her fingers on top of Bella’s table. “You can bring Henry Cavill- I mean, I would appreciate it if you bring him. Man candy in my arm sounds about good tonight.”

 Bella can only laugh, “We’re not close.”

 “You can try and ask?”

 Bella left Abi in her office as she went out to do her rounds. Abigail Simons insisted on waiting for the doctor so Bella won’t have the chance to back out of their ‘dinner and drinks’.  “Good afternoon, Mrs. Cavill.”

 “My dear, how many times do I have to ask you to call me Marianne?”  Marianne Cavill asked in a slightly exasperated and she watched the doctor smile at her apologetically. “I’m good. I am ready to go home. The white walls are driving me nuts.”

 Bella chuckled, “I apologize.”

 Marianne remained quiet as Isabella Clarke checked her healing wound. For a while, she observed the woman. Undoubtedly, she’s a looker. Most would say that- even her son says that. But, there’s more to Isabella Clarke. As Marianne had gathered, or had gotten from Georgia Clarke, Bella is normal- average; positively not a fan of crowds and attention which shocked her mother for being involved with a prince- of all people. But that’s love. Weird and manipulating yet what we live for.

 After her rounds, Bella came back to her office to see Abi sitting on her chair and flipping through her files. She shook her head, “You know you cannot read my patient’s files.”

 “I was trying to see if your assistant had listed Henry’s number anywhere.”

 “He’s in LA.”

 Abi frowned, “So, no man candy? I mean seriously, I highly doubt you can French kiss, Isabella.”

 “You’re sick.” Bella commented as she neatly lay her stethoscope on the table. “He’ll be in the Centennial Party.”

 But when the Centennial Party of the hospital came, Bella found herself dateless- because Harry found himself stuck in South Africa. As much as she tried to understand, she feels so disappointed about the whole situation. It was like being told that your prom date couldn’t come to prom- on the day of your prom. She sighed and bit her bottom lip as she stared at herself in the full length mirror her mother had made sure to sneak in her house.

 “You look gorgeous, love. Such a shame Harry couldn’t come.” Georgia Clarke said walking over to her daughter. “He would the way you look tonight.”

 Bella could only give a tight smile back, still not willing to speak about Harry’s absence. “When are we going?”

 Georgia can notice the disappointment radiating off her daughter but she also noticed Isabella’s efforts into keeping it under wraps. So, she smiled and answered, “Just waiting for your dad.”

 The ball is taking place in The Ritz Hotel in downtown London. Obviously, it would be packed with people; from congress and socialites to doctors and their families. Everyone is dressed in long gowns and tuxedos as Bella can see as they pull up by the front entrance of the hotel in a limo.

 “Bella, why is Prince Harry not here?”

“Is your relationship with the Prince in the rocks?”

“Did you break up with him?”

“Did he break up with you?”

“Are you not important enough that he could not attend?”

 And Gerard Clarke quickly ushered his daughter inside the hotel and away from the hoard of paparazzi outside. “This is about the party and the institution; not the bloody prince.” He grumbled under his breath and Bella just gave him an apologetic smile while inside; she feels hurt about the questions asked.

 The Clarkes are announced as they entered the ballroom of The Ritz and Bella followed her parents to the stage where she stood beside her mother while her father gave out his speech. As Gerard started with the history of the hospital, Bella tuned it out and started thinking of what will be on the headlines the next day. Of course, there are going to be speculations- as usual. She started thinking that maybe it would have been better if Harry actually did come.

 “Hey! I thought you’re going with..” Abi trailed off when she saw the look on Bella’s face. “Bailed, huh?”

 “He’s stuck in a mission to South Africa.” Bella explained grabbing a glass of champagne from a passing waiter. “I’m going to get drunk tonight.”

 “Ooooh. I love that idea.” Abi followed suit by grabbing two glasses of champagne from a passing waiter.

 When the Fund Raising for the children with AIDS in Malawi started, Bella found herself sitting with her parents and Abi trying to pretend that she’s enjoying the whole party when she’s not. She catch people staring or whispering and some actually asking her about the prince- it took her a lot of effort to keep her tongue straight after three glasses of champagne.

 “Ah. Marianne, Henry.”

 Bella is only taken out of her thoughts when her mom spoke and Abi elbowed her on the side. She looked up and saw Marianne Cavill giving a friendly kiss to her mother’s cheeks and then her eyes travelled to Henry who’s obviously looking at her with a smile. “We’re terribly sorry for being late. My son had just gotten back from Los Angeles.” Marianne apologized and Bella watched her father stand up to shake Henry’s hand.

 “Oh wow, he is hot.” Abi whispered obviously already fantasizing about Henry Cavill. “Yum.”

 Bella can only nudge Abi roughly.

 And then her parents asked for two extra seats in their table and Bella found herself sitting right in front of Henry Cavill and Abi practically hitting her knee every few seconds. “Abi.” She grumbled under her breath as she almost tipped her drink over when Abi knocked on her knees too hard.

 “Why does he keep on looking at you?” Abi hissed back and Bella, who’s oblivious to everything around her, looked up from her phone and furrowed her eyebrows at Abi. “Henry, little bitch.”

 Bella then looked towards Henry who then smiled at her making Bella blush and smile a little back as well. After the fund raising, the dance floor is opened and drinks started flowing but Bella found herself standing on one corner of the room, leaning on the wall absolutely devastated, her phone in her hand that’s lay9ing limply on her side.

 “You know, you should stop sulking and smile more.”

 “Jesus Christ! Henry.” She said, her hand going to her chest in shock. “Since when had you been standing there?”

 Henry Cavill smiled before shrugging, “For about a minute.” He answered and he watched Bella shake her head as she looked into the dance floor once again- her eyes focused on her friend, Abigail Simon, who’s holding up two empty shot glasses on her hands as she swayed to the music with people. “They sure do let loose.” He commented but this time, Bella kept her eyes on the dancefloor while she nodded in agreement. “Would you like to dance?”

 “As much as I want to, I can’t.” Bella answered sending Henry a glance.

 “Boyfriend going to get angry?”

 Bella gave out an ironic laugh. He haven’t even messaged me the whole day. She thought before answering, “More like I’ve been stigmatized enough and the possibility of pictures with me dancing around with a different man will make it worse.”

 “Oh you’re way down the rabbit hole to have worse.” Henry answered making Bella smile and look at him. “Come on.”

 “Fine.”

 Isabella, having never been close to any other man apart from her father and Harry, danced awkwardly in front of Henry. Henry, in return, laughed at the awkward doctor. “Seriously, you’re too stiff.” He chuckled making Bella narrow her eyes at him.

 “It’s the dress!” she reasoned out in a complete lie and Henry shook his head like he can see through her bullshit. “Stop laughing.”

 Henry laughed again, “No, really.”

 And, as if on cue, a slow song started playing and Bella rolled her eyes before starting to turn to go off the dance floor but Henry suddenly gripped her hand and asked, “Where are you going?”

 “To sulk in a corner.” Bella answered bitterly and Henry arched an eyebrow at her. “It’s a slow song. A couple song.”

 “So?”

 Bella looked at him dumbfounded. “We’re not a couple.”

 Shaking his head, Henry could only laugh at Isabella Clarke but allowed her to walk off. He followed her and watched her grab another champagne from the waited and walked over to one of the tables at the corner before slumping down on it. “Seriously, what’s wrong?” he asked sitting at the chair beside Bella and the doctor cocked her head to look at him. “I’ve never seen you this.. down.”

 “Just things.”

 “Relationship?” he pressed and Bella just pressed her lips together. “You can trust me. I know about the whole media shit.” He said sincerely and Bella just sighed before taking out her phone and unlocking it before sliding it towards Henry.

 “Oh.” Henry said with his eyes widening and both his eyebrows rising as well. “Well, that’s shitty of him.”

 And there on Bella’s screen is a picture of Harry on a beach with a blonde wearing bikini beside him with a caption that says:

 Prince Harry out with a Blondie!

Leaves Isabella Clarke dateless for family ball.

Bella’s Gown: