The Healer

Chapter 45: Fated

He rolled his eyes. "Your patients are taken care of. We have handmaidens at home, Liliana. They can take care of Levi. And besides, Levi would want a certain handmaiden to care for him so let's not disturb that." 

My hand flew to my mouth. "Levi has a girlfriend?" I asked, whispering. I didn't notice at all! 

"Not a girlfriend but he's been asking a lot about that certain handmaiden. I'm not sure if that's just temporary or he really is interested in her. There's no telling, knowing that twins' reputation with women." He took another turn and we're in the city streets now. I stifled a smile as I think about it. 

"What are you smiling at?" 

I chuckled. "Levi and that handmaiden--it's just like me and you. You were someone so, so far from me. But then I realized just recently, we deserve each other. And I am very glad to have met you, Exene." 

His eyes twinkled under the lights as he looked at me. 

 He then stopped at a place I've never been to before. I looked at the set of stairs that leads to someplace high that might overlook the whole city. 

I chuckled and crossed my arms as he helped me get out of the car. "Is this a date?" 

"Maybe?" he grinned and held my hand. We climbed the steps together. I was thankful I wore comfortable shoes tonight. The only thing that provided light was the lamp-posts on both sides of the steps and the light of the moon. I climbed the stairs, excited to see the sight that might greet me. 

And when we finally reached the top and I couldn't help but open my mouth in awe as I beheld the deciduous trees, clad in fairy lights. But what made my jaw drop was the city view below. And then I could see the manor from up here. And when I looked at the right side of the city, where the port is, I couldn't help but gasp at the moon being reflected at the waters, lighting the boats and ships on the dock. It looked so magical...so romantic. 

"This is beautiful," 

"It is," he said and I caught him looking at me. He held my waist and pulled me close. "Let's get married now," 

I chuckled. "Right now?" 

"Right now." He said seriously and I blinked many times when I saw him take something out of his pocket. Wait, he's serious?

"Let's get married now, " 

And then out of nowhere, a wedding officiant showed up. He bowed slightly to our direction. I looked at Exene, unable to believe what is happening.

"Are you sure---" 

"Never been so sure of something all my life, Liliana." 

"But what about--"

"We can get married again so don't worry about others now." 

"Exene," I was left speechless. I couldn't utter a single word. I am happy. Beyond happy. I couldn't think of anything to express it. My eyes welled.

"Will you marry me?" 

My hand flew to my mouth as I nodded repeatedly. "You don't even need to ask that question," I said as I wiped the tear that escaped my eyes. "Yes, I will marry you." He smile turned into a grin and hugged me tightly. 

"Thank you," he whispered in my ear.

The officiant stood in front of us while we only looked at each other. There was nothing else that mattered that night. We said our vows and wore the rings. 

"Exene and Liliana, you have given your consent and made your marriage vows to each other. You have declared your marriage by the joining of hands and the receiving of rings. I, therefore, proclaim you husband and wife." 

Exene grabbed my waist and pulled me close. "You're my wife for real this time," 

"I am," I chuckled. 

"I love you," he said before he leaned and kissed my lips with the moon as the witness. 

"I love you," I answered as I pulled him for another kiss. I felt him smile before he kissed me back.

Who would have thought a mere healer from Sandovia would arrive at Oregon and meet the Duke? It wasn't that pleasant for me to arrive at where I am now--it wasn't pleasant for the both of us and the people around us. But just like Exene said, we can't turn back time and change the past. All we can do now is to focus on what's in front of you. 

And what's in front of me now is the most beautiful thing that's ever happened to me. And I am certain he feels the same way too as I looked at his eyes, glistening with tears. I reached for his face and brushed the tear away. 

"You're the most beautiful thing that happened to me," he said. 

I smiled. "I know," 

He leaned for my lips again as we slow danced under the moon while I listen to him saying I love you over and over again. 

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Thank you for staying with the Duke and the Healer, everyone! I hope you enjoyed and loved them as much as I did. 

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