Jealousy is the Best Way For Someone Else to be Satisfied

"Has anyone ever told you you were born to wear a tuxedo?" Emma asked her boyfriend, who was clad in a black tuxedo over a white tux shirt he matched with a black tie and custom cufflinks.

James smirked.

"Hmm, only you do. But you should tell me that more often," he said arrogantly.

"That I shall," Emma said, before breaking into a small fit of giggles that James deemed cute.

James looked at Emma, his mind filled with compliments for the gorgeous goddess he was luckily able to call his girlfriend.

"Well, you should know that you look absolutely ravishing tonight. You're the most gorgeous woman out of everyone in this ballroom. No doubts with that," James said nonchalantly before stealing a quick kiss on the lips.

"Now where'd you get that courage from? Where's my boyfriend that I know and love, and where did you hide him," Emma said jokingly.

"I've always been this courageous and dashing. And for the second part, I'm right here, and I'm not leaving your side anytime soon. No matter what comes in our way," he said seriously.

Even if James was serious, Emma couldn't help but tear up. She wasn't usually this emotional and vulnerable, except for the times she was with her boyfriend.

"James, thank you," Emma blurted out all of a sudden.

James looked at his girlfriend, wondering why she had suddenly said it.

"And why are you thanking me?" He asked, as he placed his hand on Emma's hip and clasped Emma's hand, just like he did the very first time they danced together.

Emma looked up, questioning how it was possible he didn't know why.

"James, know that I'm being honest when I say that I would've never made it through ZALE without you," Emma said as both she and James swayed together to the rhythm.

"If not for you, I wouldn't be here right now," she said next.

Before she could continue, James spoke up.

"My love," he said, calling Emma one of the many nicknames he usually called her.

"If not for you, I would've been in a dark place right now, and I would've remained a self-entitled jerk if you hadn't changed me into a better person and taught me how to love. You shouldn't be thanking me when it is you that I am and should be the most grateful for," he said, smiling.

Emma smiled as she heard those words, right before she remembered another fond memory.

She flashed a dazzling smile, before remembering one of the most spoken events that took place in ZALE.

Emma and James' final waltz there.

They had ruled the dance floor, getting the highest scores available, and also being the talk of the whole school for the following days and weeks that were to come.

It would have been a lie to say that Emma wasn't satisfied when seeing the jealous looks and glares she received from the army of jealous girls that wanted James for themselves, now that he no longer acted like a jerk. For most, James was their ticket to being the next Queen of Amaris, or being a royal in general, but it seemed like there was no more hope, as his heart had already been stolen by the one girl he vowed to love forever, Emma Grey. And how he treated her, there was no chance he'd ever be able to let someone else in his heart if it wasn't Emma herself.

Emma chuckled.

"Remember the last time we danced at ZALE for that project Monsieur Gabriel assigned us to do?" She asked.

James smirked, remembering the amazing moment.

"Do I remember the second best day of my life, other than when you said yes to my proposal and finally became my girlfriend? Yes, I do," he replied.

"It's quite weird to me that our fondest memories are at Zenovia's Academy of Learning Etiquette, out of all places. To think, if we never went there, we'd have never met each other," Emma reasoned.

James looked at his girlfriend, admiration and affection clear in his eyes.

"And I would've never met the love of my life," he said, before twirling Emma around.

It was a while before the two stopped dancing, so as did everyone else who followed suit.

Lily, who was spotted dancing nearby with a blushing Connor was ecstatic. Connor had asked her to dance, so when it was over, she was quite unhappy about it.

They had quite the fun time dancing and waltzing together, but not as much fun as Lily and Connor getting to know each other better.

Back to Emma and James, who were hounded by the many guests that had questions for them, wondering how the Prince of Amaris could fall for a Countess of Zenovia and snag a woman as beautiful and intelligent as her. News about ZALE's female valedictorian had broken out, and Emma now had a splendid reputation.

While most of the ladies and royals that were looking for someone to court were dejected to find out that the hot prince was taken and had a girlfriend, they couldn't lie when they said that the couple indeed looked cute together and seemed like they were made for each other.

When it was time for James to meet Emma's mother Chloe, Emma was shocked and surprised to find out he was already prepared.

"James, about my mother, she-

James interrupted her.

"Yes, don't worry. I've already prepared," he replied.

Emma furrowed her brows.

"You have? How?" She asked.

"I asked Lily to give me a few pointers for what to say around your mother since I didn't want to bother you before the ball started," he explained.

Emma broke out into a huge grin.

"You're amazing. You know that?" She asked as she hugged her boyfriend and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek.

James blushed at the kiss, before mumbling something inaudible.

Emma giggled, before she said, "Now, I think it's time you meet my mother."