His Reckless Heart

Chapter 6

Rebecca

Even though it had been days since Ethan made his proposal, his words kept echoing in my ears, and my response to it continually rang in my head.

I could have turned down his proposal, telling him I didn’t want to be with him, but looking at the smile on my dad’s face, I would have greatly disappointed him with his proposal.

My dad had spoken highly of Ethan at every single chance he got. Even though it always annoyed the hell out of me, I had to keep up with it. After accepting his proposal, I felt like I threw myself into eternal bondage with him. The marriage would only be shackled; I was never going to be free again.

Can we just go back to when I had nothing to worry about other than what I was going to eat? When no one cared about what I did and the decisions I made? As much as this new life of mine was comfortable, I could get any luxury thing I wanted.

It still had its disadvantages as every action and decision I make now was driven by either my father’s desire or the country’s interest.

This wasn’t the life I wanted.

Even though I wanted to boldly escape from the situation I was in, I never thought it would be like this. I even had to make the biggest decision of my life based on my dad’s desires.

He had always wanted me to be with Ethan, and I didn’t want to disappoint him by turning his proposal down. I wished he could see for himself what a jerk Ethan was.

It was as if my dad heard my thoughts as he walked in with a big smile on his face. “I am very proud of the decision you made,” he avowed, holding my hands. “No other man could have been more perfect for you than Ethan; you made the right decision,” he went on.

It was the best and right decision for him, but the worst I had ever made. It was a decision I regretted the moment I made it.

I smiled. “Thank you, dad. I am glad you’re okay with my decision.” I muttered.

“You know I will be okay with it,” he grinned. “I’ve always wanted you to be with Ethan; he is a great and responsible young man.” There he goes again, with the praises for a total jerk like Ethan.

I wished I could just tell him that Ethan was nothing close to a great and responsible person like he thought, but I couldn’t.

“You two will make a good couple. I can't wait to carry and run around with the beautiful kids you’ll make.”

That sounded so cringe to me. I was never going to get to that point with Ethan. Every other decision I make can be driven by my father’s feelings and desires, but not the man who’ll father my kids.

I smiled. “Dad.” That was all I could say.

“It is time to leave now.” My driver announced.

I was grateful for the perfect timing, as I knew my dad would keep going on and on with praises for Ethan, and that made me so uncomfortable.

“I’ll leave now, Dad,” I informed and bowed. “Do enjoy the rest of your day.”

“I will; you should enjoy yours too.”

I nodded at him and walked out with my bodyguard by my side. The big smile on my face faded off the moment I stepped out of the hall.

There was nothing beautiful and happy about the situation I was in. I just got entangled with a man I didn’t want, and I had no way out.

I wished I could get a break from everything; it was so overwhelming. I got into the car and zoomed off. My car was right in the middle of a convoy. It was really hard to adapt to being in the middle of a convoy, but my dad said it was for protection and no harm would ever come to me.

I always believed that, and it felt more safe and comfortable when I began to adapt to this world of luxury and wealth.

To calm my burdened mind, I informed the drivers that I would like to stop at the shopping mall to grab some things. Shopping has become one of my hobbies and things I do whenever I am worried about something.

It helps me calm down and shift my focus to something else. Most times, I would end up buying the same stuff I had before and give it out to the maids. It wasn’t what I was buying, but the act of buying it that calms me down.

Minutes of silent drive and me just scrolling through my tab to see the news about me and Ethan. There were lots of controversial topics being raised about our pictures taken, and lots of comments about how we looked good or not compatible. In some way, I agreed with the bad comments; we looked in no way good together, and we weren’t compatible in any way.

Checking the news and scandals about me has also become one of the routines I picked up since I got introduced to this world. I had to check each time so I could pick out any bad scandal and bring it down before it got exposed to the public. Those were part of the training I got.

We eventually got to the mall. The car door was opened for me, and Rob, my bodyguard asked. “Do you need me to dismiss everyone before you go in?”

I shook my head. “It is fine; I’ll just go in with you. I don’t want to be noticed.” I responded, and he nodded.

“I’ll lead the way,” Rob said and led me into the mall.

I headed for the clothes segment as I got in, but as I was about to walk in, the a loud crash of glass. By the time I turned, what I was welcomed by was the sound of a gunshot being fired into the air. My heart ceased to beat at that moment. What was going on?

“Please stay behind me, Your Highness,” Rob said and kept me behind him as he pulled out his gun. “The mall is under attack.” He announced.

My heart pounded as I saw the masked men; they were covered in black clothing from head to toe. My whole body trembled.

“Aren’t we supposed to run?” I asked, my whole body shaking; the loud sound of the gunshot kept blaring in my head.

“Just stay behind me, and do not move until I tell you to.” He instructed, and I complied.

This time, he was the one giving the instructions, not me.

I hid behind him, making sure to follow every step he took as we headed towards the door.

“When I tell you to run, please do so.” He said.

“Okay, I..” I stopped when the gunshot was fired into the air again. I almost wet my panties in fear.

He guarded me with one of his hands and held the gun with the other hand, focusing on the robbers.

We were almost at the door when he said. “Now, run!”

I didn’t wait for him to say another word before taking to my heels. But I had just taken a few steps when I heard another gunshot and the loud cry of pain.

I stopped and turned back; my heart leaped into my throat when I saw Rob going down, holding onto his stomach with blood dripping down.

“Rob!” I screamed.