---- Chapter 6 I nodded, unsure what to say at first. "T do. More than anything in the world. I've loved Theodore for a very long time. Marrying him makes me very happy." Benedict looked away, his voice heavy. "And what about me? Do you love me?" I said nothing. Sometimes silence alone was enough of an answer. Benedict smiled bitterly. "Tt's no wonder. I haven't treated you well. I teased you, bullied you, and never showed you respect. "T even let people in our circle give you vile nicknames like 'Child Bride,' The Nanny,' ' Surveillance System... "you've endured so much all these years." I shook my head, recalling memories of the past. " No, you just had a sharp tongue. ---- "When I was thirteen, I had my first period. We were both clueless. You thought I was dying from all the blood. "you were terrified as you carried me on your back to the infirmary, begging the doctor to save me. Your eyes were swollen from crying. "At sixteen, when I got harassed by some thugs after school, I was scared out of my mind. Without a word, you rushed in to fight for me even though we'd argued the day before and you said you hated me. "and that summer after the college entrance exam, when I decided to study abroad, you said you'd be happiest if you never saw me again. "But when it was time to say goodbye at the gate, you still came. I saw you crying one last time before I boarded the plane. "Benedict, back then, I didn't understand what love was. I only knew I wanted us to be together forever." Benedict looked up at me, tears falling freely. ---- "T''m sorry. I hated a life that was arranged for me. So when I found out even your arrival had been orchestrated by Grandpa, I started to resent you. Admitting I liked you felt like surrendering to his will. "My pride twisted my feelings into something unrecognizable." He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small box, then dropped to one knee. A familiar ring lay inside. Benedict laughed through his tears. "I lied. This ring is real. "Sansa, I just can't accept this. We've known each other for twelve years. I was the one who met you first. "T was the one who said, when we grew up, I'd come with a ring and marry you. How can you marry someone else? "Sansa, I've loved you for a long, long time."