Ch 172: Can't Do This

Almost like thinking alike, Maria and I changed into baby doll above the knee-high dresses. Only hers was Pink and mine was blue. With Clara, we got Samantha and Samuel from the second-floor nursery. Then we met the guys in the Grand Hall to leave.

Samantha and I got into the back seat of Cory's car and Nick sat in the passenger seat. Once everyone was set Cory and a lot of his men and Primaries pulled out leaving.

Eventually, we arrived at this huge shopping mall and started walking to it as a group. Maria and I walked in the center between the girls holding hands sorta quietly skipping along while the men were cycled around us on full alert.

"Why are we shopping?" I sorta whispered to Maria when walking inside.

"We are here for you to try on wedding gowns." Overhearing me from behind us, Cory responded. "Only this time, I want you to try them on. Everyone is here to support you. Our family will be here shortly and Maria is here. Even if you don't pick something today. I want you to get ideas on what you might like. In the meantime, I'll be at the bar across from the bridal store. I will be keeping my eyes open. So I'd reframe yourself from getting any ideas to run away."

I stopped dead tripping Cory over me. But he held a good footing and stopped himself from nearly plummeting us onto the hardened floor. Otherwise, he would've landed us both down if he didn't catch his balance.

"I can't do this," I freaked shuddering. "I'm not ready to do this!"

Maria touch my back trying to comfort me. I didn't even realize Cory's three sisters, brothers, and their bodyguards were already here until they approached us.

"Are we ready to go?" Kimberly asked excitingly. The rest of the family will be here shortly."

Feeling sheer pale, I looked at her and shook my head no. "I am not doing this!" I affirmed, "I can't do this!"

Without thinking, I tried to bolt but Cory snatched my wrist firmly yet gently. Like he was mentally prepared I'd act like this. Not that I even had a chance to flee because Cory's men were everywhere. Nevertheless, I still fought his grasp but he pulled me into his body.

"Give me a second," Cory told his sisters.

They nodded and walked near the bridal store. His brothers and their bodyguards stayed off to the side. Cory's friends went off to the side too.

As Cory walked me over to these nearby benches circling a waterfall fountain in the center. He sat us down but I refused to look at him. Honestly, I wanted to cry but I held it in.

"Sally look at me," Cory softly talked knowing she was breaking down.

It may have taken a minute but I steered my attention to him once I knew I wouldn't cry.

"It's going to be okay," he continued sweetly. "You're so freaked out about this when you don't need to be."

"That's because I don't want to marry you and you're making me." I sorta snipped.

"Yes I am," said Cory. "I told you how I feel about you and I can't deny it. I can't let you go because I'll regret it."

"Don't you regret forcing me into doing something that I don't want to do?" I asked trying not to hiss.

"No, because I know by the end you're going to be okay. All I want you to do is try on some dresses and find something you might like to wear." Cory gently clarified.

"I'm mentally breaking down I don't know how to handle this," I admitted truthfully.

Cory said softly as he touched my jaw side to hold it. "That's why we are all here. I'm here, our family's here, Maria's here, and the guys are here. We are here to support you to get you through this little bump. If you need to talk with me like I said. I'll be right at the bar across from the bridal store."

I pushed his hand off my face, I couldn't speak. From a deeper realization to comprehend I wasn't getting out of this Royal wedding. I took a deep breath as Cory was patient with me. For comfort, he rubbed his thumb across my knuckles. Again he was showing me that hidden tender side of himself that I don't always see. It was quite surprising for me to see that he remained calm. Since he can typically get pretty moody when it comes to this wedding.

Just maybe if I do give him a chance, I could bring out this fondness he seems to have hidden beneath him. Maybe Cory isn't a ruthless Primary King like I keep thinking. Perhaps he won't hurt me like my old masters.

"Are you ready to give this a try?" Cory scarcely asked in a whispering voice.

I couldn't even answer this question snagging me from my debating thoughts. Was I ready to take this leap into this unknowing fate to marry a Primary King? Once I stood up this would be the only wedding I would be shopping for. Being Immortal Cory will be my forever husband.

Maria and everybody else has said I can't get out of this Royal wedding. Countless times, I had been told this. Maria even said I should enjoy this time shopping for my wedding.

I took a huge sigh at this thought. "I'll try." I barely whispered.

Yet, somehow Cory heard me and pulled my hand up to his mouth to place a tender kiss on it.

He stood us both up from the bench and snuggled me into his arms. His lips press merely an inch away from my ear. Where he gives me another affectionate kiss.

"That's all I am asking." He then whispered like an angel into my ear.

He released me from his arms and held my hand walking me to his sisters, Maria, Clara, and Samantha standing outside the bridal store. Maria pats my back as I walked inside the store without a fight. However, I didn't turn around to look at Cory again. There was a part of me that is angered to know he was making me do this without choice.