I’ve Always Loved You

"I like you, Charlotte," said Mark.

As soon as Charlotte heard that, her eyes widened. The man that she always opened up to actually felt that way towards her? All this time, Mark knew that she loved someone else, but why didn't he give up?

Mark smiled. "Remember the time I told you that I liked the princess? I actually lied because the one who I truly love is you."

Charlotte patted his shoulder. "Mark, you don't need to confess to me to make me feel better. I've gotten over it."

Mark sighed, "I'm doing this because I can't take it anymore!"

Charlotte was then left speechless.

"I lied to you because I wanted you to be jealous. I wanted you to look at me in a different way!"

Charlotte was then left astounded. She asked then asked him if he was serious.

"Do I look like I'm playing with your feelings?"

"Mark, I don't know what to say."

"I don't need your response now. I want you to stay."

"I've already resigned."

Mark responded, "Then we'll tell the king and queen that you changed your mind."

Charlotte shouted, "You're out of your mind."

"I've been in love with you for years."

"You said that you loved Princess Lucy."

Mark then told her that he never liked Princess Lucy. All this time, he only loved one woman, and that was Charlotte. He took down the marriage because he was waiting for Charlotte.

Charlotte sighed, "You knew I liked Josh, but you still had hope?"

"At that time when you told me, I was actually devastated, but come to think of it, it's better letting the person you love go if that's what makes her happy."

"Look, I really—"

Before she was able to finish, Mark covered her mouth and told her that he didn't want her answer now. Charlotte then chuckled and asked him if he was sure.

Mark asked, "What does that even mean?"

Charlotte cupped his face. "I want to tell you my answer now."

"If that's what you want, then I guess I'll have to be ready."

"Mark, I'm sorry but I don't feel the same way..."

"I understand," Mark said as he started walking away.

Charlotte then hugged him from the back and laughed. "You didn't let me finish, dummy!"

"Say what you have to say."

"I didn't like you before, but I like you now."

"You don't need to lie."

Charlotte then loosened her grip and brought her face closer to Mark.

"I'm not playing around with you," Charlotte responded.

"Not today, please."

Charlotte then looked at him, wrapped her arms around his neck, and pecked his lips.

"Is this enough to prove that I feel the same way?" Charlotte smiled.

Mark responded, "Pecking my lips doesn't prove anything."

"Do you think that I would waste my first kiss on you if I didn't like you?"

"That was your first...?"

"Yes, so if you still don't believe me, then I guess we shouldn't continue this frivolous conversation anymore."

"Wait!"

"What? You changed your mind?" Charlotte chuckled.

Mark smiled. "That was my first one too..."

Charlotte blushed. "You...?"

"I was saving it up for the woman I'll marry in the future."

"I'm really sorry, Mark. I didn't mean to—"

"I've been saving it up for you," Mark interrupted.

"You what...?"

"I said I've been waiting so long for you."

"Then thanks for waiting."

"Are you gonna stay?" Mark asked as he grabbed her waist.

"Do you think I am?" Charlotte chuckled.

"I will make you stay then," Mark said as he leaned forward, lifted her chin with the other hand and kissed her soft lips.

"I'm staying," Charlotte said.

"I know."

"I love-I love you, Mark."

Mark lifted her chin. "I'm hard to please, Charlotte."