Few years back

The chirping of the birds making their way back to their nest filled my ears. The wooden platform beside the river creaked under my pressure. The evening breeze gently hitting my face. I turned to look back at the house. The windows informing me about the large presence of people.

We were still staying at Nana's place. Or should I say Giselle's place. Giselle as in my mother. The less time I spend here, the better. Every nook of this house reminds me of her and her death. The time I spent here growing up. The Josh(her father) that I once knew. The Edward who never looked at me the same way as before. The Giselle whom I'd never see. The Emma whose presence is still felt by me like a shadow.

Just like that- with all those thoughts weighing me down, I made my way to the library. Arched wall surrounding me wearing beige color. The frosted glass tainted with memories of her. In the center of all the drama sat the throne.

She used to sit here every evening. The sunset light hitting her face. Highlighting her amber hair. She used to sit on the wooden chair, reading her favorite books. Agatha Christie, her favorite author and also mine. She told me the crimes committed in the book is not much different from my father's. I was unable to process her word at such young age. Growing up I understood what a monster he is. All those moments burned in my brain for as far as memory serves me. The only place that ever actually provided her power and relief.

Power corrupts- she told me. But above all it gives you satisfaction and pleasure. I was raised to be the heir of the Windsor. But grew up to take the surname of my mother. Hwang. I would possess power but unlike Josh I was raised to use it in a righteous way. In a way that helped people. The helpless.

My mom also told me love is a stupid thing. If anything, it only hurts. There is no such thing called love in marriage. If anything, it is only respect. But if you find the right man, life may assume a different shape. After that, I promised to never put anyone above myself.

But then Edward happened. I don't love him. I just want him for some unknown reason. I want to be happy.

Slowly I found myself standing in front of the crime series. As I approached a book a faint noise caught my attention. I turned around only to see my mother's ghost announcing its presence. It was everything but real. I knew it. But I was unable to shake that feeling.

The feeling that visited me every night after the clocks have announced its past midnight. At the dead of the night, it would come to me in the form of guilt. Guilt that I couldn't save her from the monster my father was. Wearing her ever happy smile, it beckoned me. But then I blinked and she faded into the background as always. Now replaced by a more masculine figure whom I still couldn't process. But something was familiar. The smile. He wore the same smile as her.

I blinked again only to see Edward. He always leaves me wondering how pure he is. How can I ever protect him from my family? Their wrath? "What is that you are thinking?" he asked pulling me out of my oblivion. "Nothing special." I replied taking in my surroundings.

"Okey. So, tell me about the not-so-special part." Edward flashed his contagious smile." Stop it." I ordered. "Stop what?" he demanded never losing his smile. "Nothing." I said giving up. "What brings you here?" I exhaled.

"Nothing. I was just utterly fascinated by the beauty of this place." He replied bowing down. Few strands of his hair got caught in his eyes in the process. When he met my eyes again an exasperated look making its way to his face as he pushed back the strands.

"You tell me, what are you doing here?" Edward quired. "What can a person possibly do in a library?" I asked leaning against one of the shelves and crossing my arms over my chest. "You know what I was thinking?" Edward asked. "Well, you see I do not possess the ability to read other's mind. So would you do me honor, tell me what is that?" I said calmly.

"Touche. You see we are married but we are not exactly married." He told. "Pardon me, I am failing to understand your meaning behind those words."

"Come on, do not be so silly. We haven't kissed yet!" he exclaimed.