White Pearl

Marissa stood there in shock, she couldn't believe what her father was saying. He'd promised her he would give her more notice, and he hadn't. The fact that her heart belonged else where - scared her. How was she supposed to even tell Yixing? She didn't say anything to her father, her hands trembled as he sent her away, her body wracking with sobs as she made her way to her sitting room.

I sat drumming my fingers looking out the window. My mother gad hinted at my getting married sooner rather than later. And I didn't want to. I wasn't in love, and a small part of me still wanted to fall in love. If it ever existed. But the thought of becoming someones wife against my will was my worst nightmare. I looked up suddenly as Marissa came through, crying hysterically.

"He's done it," she whispered as she sobbed, sliding to the floor of the room unable to stand any longer. Her entire body was shaking with anger, and sadness. She couldn't believe this was happening - how could he do this to her on such short notice? "I have to leave," she whispered to her, she and Yixing had spoken about them leaving this area going to another country to live out their lives.

I shook my head. "To who? You have to tell Yixing. Is there a way out of it?" I asked quietly, knowing there was no real way to escape it. "Where would you go?" I asked.

"We could leave the country then we can figure it out from there," she said to her softly, "He said we could, he said ti was possibly. They're marrying me to Xi Luhan, I can't let them.. I love Yixing I can't marry that man," she said to her, her eyes watering. "Come with me," she whispered to her,"Please, you're my best friend,"

I sighed a little. "Marissa. We would lose everything. Everything. We wouldn't even be able to use our titles," i said seriously.

"I don't care, I don't need it, I need freedom," she said to her softly, her voice shaking. "I'm going to sneak out to see him tonight, we'll work everything out from day to time, we'll pack minimal stuff," she told her lightly, "Our least dressiest clothes, something we'd never go into public in and dress down then leave, " she told her.

I sighed a little, I wouldn't see my family ever again. Was I really okay with that? I wouldn't see my family regardless depending on who I married. "Fine. I wouldn't let you go away. At least you have someone you love. I'll be alone regardless."

"You don't know that, you might meet someone," she told her softly as she wiped her eyes a little as she looked at her, her eyes softening a little.

I shook my head. "The chances of that are slim and you know it. I'll be an old maid. Better than being a depressed wife, I suppose." I murmured, putting my habds to my face.

She stood up,"I'm going to pack my lightest clothing then I'm going out to see him, I'll be back then we're leaving," she told her softly.

I nodded a little, getting up to get my things. "Maybe we should pack some of our nicer dresses. We could sell them for some money since we will have none. I'm going to saddle up my horse," I said softly.

She sighed a little,"Okay," she said to her, "I'll be back soon," she said to her softly as she walked to her room.

I nodded, going to pack my things. I couldn't believe what I was about to do. I was giving up everything. But at least I would be free. At the very least, I had my freedom.

Marissa's things were packed, all her light dresses were in the bag and she took it to the barn and hid it in the hay were it was safe. Then she snuck off the property to visit Yixing in their usual spot.

Yixing sat up against the tree, a smile growing when Marissa came into view. He stood and bowed deeply, the way he was supposed to greet her when they were in public. "Hello, Lady Marissa," he smiled at her.

She smiled at him then sighed,"We have to go tonight," she said to him softly as she looked behind her, "I've been betrothed," she murmured softly,"I have my bag packed, once night falls we can leave this place,"

He nodded a little, rubbing his face. "Alright. Meet me here and we can go. I'll pack my things we can go to my farm in the country. We'll leave after dark, I'll pack up my horse and wagon." He said, pulling her close.

She wrapped her arms around him,"Jazmin is coming with us, I'll meet you here and we can start our life together like I promised," she whispered to him as she stroked his face. "I love you,"