Chapter 4

"You sound almost delusional, you speak as though it's so easy to fight against society." I said, placing a damper on his enthusiasm, right before it could reach me.

"And what's more, when you hear my dream..."

"I'll love it, because you're the one dreaming it." He rudely interrupted, speaking with tenderness so genuine, it made me wonder if I truly knew this man.

I planted the candle on the floor, then rested my chin on my palm, hopelessly staring at him, he was fine to look upon. "I can't tell if you're being sincere with me." I voiced out my thoughts, "but anyway, have at it." Speaking about my ambition seemed like a taboo to me.

"I want to save lives, by becoming a doctor! Not just any lives, I want to treat the sick and the wounded soldiers on the battle field. Even if it means risking my safety to do it, I want to save a life." I stared at him as though my life depended on it, waiting to see his reaction to my words.

Ace had made it clear a woman had limits, My parents did the same, the only person who ever supported my dream...

"What's so impossible about that? I was of the impression you were going to ask to have tea on the moon." He teased, lightening up the mood.

I found myself smiling at his humour, "you don't think it's audacious for a woman to..." I stopped, unable to speak clearly.

"You have a fire lit inside you, and you're the only person allowed to turn it off. As for the opinion of others they can just go to hell, or better, I can send them there." He went on to say, smiling deviously at the last part.

"So I ask you again, what is it you intend to do from here?" His stare hardened this time, hinting how serious he was about my decision.

I flung my head back and inhaled the suffocating scent of his cigarette mixed with candle wax. Just some time ago, I was on the verge of dying, but he came to my aid and rescued me.

Now he wants me to live...

"First off, are you going to take responsibility? Responsibility for giving me a reason to live?" I asked him with all seriousness in my voice.

He parted his lips in shock, but immediately warmed up to it, and cocked a sly grin at me. "Wholeheartedly." He replied.

"Then I've made my decision." I announced in a concise tone, certain it was the right one to make.

*********

By the time I had arrived at the mansion, the time had nearly struck twelve and the anticipation for Ace's big announcement grew stronger.

So strong, that my presence was barely missed by anyone, set aside my family.

Right from the entrance, my mother approached me and led me to a corner of the room, where my father stood, soaked in worry.

"Why are your clothes in such a state Agatha?! Just where did you run off to?" She verbally attacked me, making an attempt to hide the dirt that had stained my dress.

Papa kept on sipping from his glass of liquor to ease the tension he was feeling. He usually had stomach ulcer attacks stemming from prolonged stress.

If he didn't rely on alcohol to drown his worries, he often collapsed and would remain bedridden for three days at the very least.

The other guests who remained had started to cast their gaze on my wet gown, and exchanged whispers amongst each other.

"I believe I'm not talking to myself Agatha." My mama pressed, grabbing me firmly by the elbow, not caring if she hurt me in the slightest.

"Don't make a scene Miranda, there are eyes everywhere." Papa cautioned, his gaze fixed on all the guests who openly casted their glance towards us.

*Clink*

"Friends and Guests, I thank you for making out the time to grace this dinner party with your presence. So here is a toast, to a room full of noble people such as yourselves." Ace announced at the top of the main stairs, holding a glass of wine to the air.

Mama took two glasses from a waiter who walked by and handed one to me. "You should make yourself scarce, you resemble filth from the stables. It would bring shame on his family if you were to meet him." Mother told me, demolishing whatever was left out of our relationship.

"Remember, that your life is in that man's hands, you cannot afford to let this alliance fall." She sternly reminded me, speaking from the corners of her fake smile.

Papa had left to speak with some prominent business men, with hopes of borrowing some money to pay off some outstanding debts.

"Now then, unto the important announcement I'd like to convey to you all this evening. But, before I can proceed, allow me to call on Lady..."

"Pardon! But may I pitch in a word before you proceed?" I cried from the back of the crowd, raising my glass above my head to alert the crowd of my presence.

Mother pulled hard on my side, "what is it you think you are doing Agatha Bellemere?" She asked with worried eyes, looking each way.

"Isn't that his fiance?"

"What is she doing so far away from him?"

"My word! She's drenched and stained with mud!"

All around me, I could hear faint whispers all saying one thing or the other. Mama's death glare did not help matters in the slightest, she looked as though she might have a heart attack.

"Mother, allow me this." I rashly told her, pulling away from her tight grip, without any fear whatsoever.

I made my way through the crowd, taking off my heel with ease, glad that my feet could touch the cold tiles beneath them. My actions stunned the expectant spectators, Valeria in particular.

She stood in her pink flowery dress in front, wearing a proud smile as Ace was about to call her out to defile my name.

"As his fiancee, I must have some sway over the ceremony, do I not?" I asked, directing my gaze at my supposed father and mother in law.

Not wanting to be made out as bad in laws, they forced a smile on their lips, "of course dear." My soon to be mother in law said, addressing me as dear.

Something I believed she was incapable of doing.

I climbed up the stairs, my fierce gaze never leaving Ace's for a second, till I reached the top of the stairs and stood beside him.

"What is it you think you are doing Agatha?" He forcefully asked, discreetly pinching my back to silence me, even in public.

"Something which I have been meaning to do." I hastily replied, using all my might to pull his hand away from my body, revealing his deed to his esteemed guests.

I stood proud and tall in front of the guests, looking at each and every expectant face in front of me.

Next, I raised my glass over my head to make a toast, the guests followed suite and raised their glasses.

Perplexed, Ace had no choice but to do the same, as he nervously eyed me, uncertain on what the outcome of my unspoken words would be.

"Here's a toast, to my future ambition of becoming a doctor under the military." I first of all said in a clear voice, making sure my words reached every corner of the room.

"What was that?"

"Is she Serious? A doctor?"

"Forget that, she wants to join the military!"

"Are the Crossfires going to allow that under their roof?"

The murmurs got even louder, as the people spreading them felt no ounce of shame whatsoever. I could see the disheartened looks on my mother and father in law's faces.

"Agatha...I thought we had agreed that my wife will never become a doctor. Retract your word and I'll let you off with a sound warning." Ace swiftly mumbled into my ears, I could sense the desperation to save face in his tone.

At this point, he would do anything to overcome this.

"And as for my second announcement, I'd like to make a toast to liberty. Liberty from debt, liberty from oppression and finally, library from this sham of an alliance!" I spat out with venom in my words, enjoying myself to the fullest!.