Remembering...

Jason's POV

I was driving through the night. My hands were gripping tightly the steering wheel, so tight that you could see my knuckles white. Different lights flashed in front of me as I took a swerve on the road. The rain was crashing loudly against the car's windows. The wipers were wagging furiously, trying to clear the view as I punched the wheel with my right hand. "Goddammit!" She was nowhere in sight. "Where the hell are you?"

I was angry at her. I'd given up everything for her.

Then again, I was also furious with myself. My stomach plummeted to the floor.

What the fuck had I done?

I hadn't told her. I couldn't.

How could I be so selfish?

Marianne deserved better than me. She deserved someone that would love her completely. That knew there was no other option but to have her with everything she entitled.

Desperation crept upon me. Would she have chosen me?

Fuck. Don't even go there.

At the pit of my stomach I knew the answer. She wouldn't.

She was stronger than she thought she was.

And I was just a dick by trying to make her choose.

My eyes trained on the truck ahead of me. Desperate to keep looking for her, I sped up and just as I was passing right next to the vehicle, I saw the tires gliding away. My breath caught in my chest as I gripped the steering wheel with all the strength I could muster.

This it. Maybe it's for the best...

***

I jumped out of bed panting hard. My skin felt sticky as I'd been jerking around. A trail of sweat fell down my spine.

Fuck.

"Baby?" Marianne's fragile body stirred beside me.

My heart thumped loudly inside my chest. "I had a bad dream...I just need some air."

Her hazel eyes opened completely. She looked at me concerned. "Are you okay?"

I forced a smile out of me. "Yes. Please go back to sleep." She frowned and it made her look even more beautiful in the dimmed light of the room. She wanted to say something more but I sat beside her, caressing her cheek, admiring the most beautiful person I'd ever met. "I just need some water, that's all."

Unconvinced, she let me kiss her forehead before pulling the sheet up to her neck, trying to make her feel more comfortable and get back to sleep. "I'll be right back."

She nodded and closed her eyes. I stood up running a hand through my hair. "I love you," she mumbled before I left the room.

My whole body tensed as I heard her. My eyes swept over her once more. With a heavy heart I swallowed hard, before whispering to myself, "I love you, too."

So fucking much.

I grabbed a bottle of water from the room's mini bar and walked outside to the small terrace that overlooked the ocean.

Turquoise water greeted me as I uncapped the bottle and took a large sip, thankful for the coldness of the water as I swallowed it. Feeling the light cold breeze all around me, I sighed. My hand reached out for one of the chairs; I positioned it to be able to observe the ocean front before slumping on it. My mind was swirling with many thoughts.

I remembered.

Everything.

I supposed it had to do with the fact that I fell off the horse yesterday...

Absentmindedly, I touched the soft spot where I'd gotten stiches. I'd stupidly turned it into a joke for Marianne. I clenched my jaw. I was so nervous, though. I just didn't know what to say so she wouldn't notice the little box I'd been carrying on my pocket for the last month, waiting for the perfect moment to give it to her. Of course, I didn't have any more time to waste since everything had been ready.

My lips tugged up as I remembered her walking down the sandy aisle we'd made out of sea shells and flowers. She looked even more stunning as ever. And I'd been dying to propose for a few years now. I didn't want to push her into anything, especially into marriage. She was too young still when the accident happened. We both needed to grow up.

However, just as I remembered everything, doubts crept upon me.

I had wanted to change her. I wanted her to give up her title for me. I was such a selfish prick.

She needed to know the truth. The reason behind my cold demeanor before the accident. Even though I wasn't that person anymore, she needed to know that I remembered it all.

Honestly? I was scared. I loved her to no end. I would give up everything for her. Even my life. I wanted to make her happy...and I was willing to do whatever to achieve that.

What if she was disappointed in me?

That Jason died the moment you crashed.

Did it? Was I not the same person?

I lost myself watching the waves crash against the rocks.

She is my everything. And she's the most noble person I've ever met. She'll understand.

Taking a deep breath, I stood up when the sun rose to the sky. Marianne slept deeply. I smiled at her crunched state. Needing coffee, I got it ready before jumping on the shower.

When I walked out with a towel wrapped on my hips, my sweet wife was drinking coffee from the steamy mug on her left hand. Her engagement ring sparkled with the sun light.

"Hi beautiful," I smiled at her as her hazel eyes locked on mine.

"I demand you call me Mrs. Lee from now on," her smile was wide and her eyes shone with happiness. My stomach clenched as my smile faltered. Her smile disappeared altogether and concern flashed through her face.

She left the mug on the table, "Jason, are you okay?"

I looked down, swallowing hard. "I had a nightmare yesterday." Her brows creased. She left the mug on the table and walk to me. My lips were pursed as I sat on the bed. "I remembered."

She let out a deep breath. "Everything?"

I nodded, "yeah."

"And?" Her right hand reached for mine as she took a seat next to me. The sheer curtains from the terrace swayed at the sea breeze.

I swallowed hard, "I'm a dick." She chuckled nervously as I inwardly grimaced. "I was angry at you but I was mad at myself." Her eyes searched mine as she listened intently at every word I was saying. "I wanted you to give up the crown. Just as I'd given up being on the Navy."

She took a deep breath, her eyes moving towards the open doors on the terrace. My stomach churned uneasily as the silence that followed felt thick. She gazed at the sea, furrowing her brows, before turning to me. I couldn't but stare at her in awe. Marianne was not the same girl I'd met a few years ago. That was it. She was now a beautiful, blooming woman. And I knew that I would love her until the end of my days. She was my everything.

My hand cupped her cheek. "Title or not title, I love you." A small smile played on my face, "besides, you're stuck with me."

Her whole stance relaxed. Her hazel eyes roamed all over my face before saying, "We're stuck together now." She raised her hand showing me the engagement ring. "You promised to be loyal and faithful to me and you're not allowed to return me. There was no guarantee here." She teased me, before her grin faltered. "However, I'd understand if you want to go back to the Navy."

I shook my head. "And leave Ryan all the fun? No. I want this." I leaned my forehead on hers. "I want you. I've always wanted you."

Her soft arms encased me, making me feel warm and giddy. Not that I would ever let her know she makes me feel like that. "Jason?" she whispered by my ear, "I'm glad you crashed."

I snorted at that and held her tighter to me. "Me too."

"I wouldn't have given up my title, you know."

"I do."

She pulled apart. "But I won't ever give up on you, either."

Warmness washed over me as I stared into the stunning eyes of my lovely wife. "I love you Mrs. Lee."

Her eyes shone as her lips tugged up in a breathtaking smile. "I love you too. Even if you're a dick most of the time."

I cracked up at that. "Hey!" I grabbed her by the waist and turned her around, so I ended up hovering over her. My hands reached to her sides and she started to squirm and laugh like crazy as I tickled her. "I'm a great catch!"

"Stop, Jason!" she said in between laughs as I kept on tickling her.

My laugh ceased as I looked at her. She was, without a doubt, the most beautiful woman I'd ever seen.

My friend, my lover...my wife.

Breathlessly, she grabbed me by the neck and pulled me to her. "You were a great catch. But you're off the market, pal. You're all mine." Her eyes were intense and confident.

"And you're all mine, Princess." Her smile brightened before I leaned in and kissed her like there was no tomorrow.

I was glad to have crashed that night, too. Because it changed everything.

Now, I was married to the love of my life. I intended to make her the happiest ever.

Thank you for reading Princess In Love!!! :)

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