Selected

Chapter 29

I barged into Madeline's room at 3 a.m. All of Jackson's words were too much for me to handle. But I first had to straighten up what was going on with Madeline and her so called lover.

I shook her rapidly awake. "Madeline!" I yelled whispered.

"Whaa-"

"Who is it? Who's the person you're willing to get whipped for? Who's the person who I thought was Jackson?"

She got up quickly and rubbed her eyes.

"Brooke..." She said with worry in her voice.

"I'm waiting."

"Close the door." I quickly obeyed. I had to know what was going on.

I sat next to her and she sighed, "his name is Luke. We were always close friends back in my Providence. When I was 16, that's when we got serious. We were happy. My parents loved him. Everyone thought we were a perfect match. But that's when I got called for The Selection. I refused to go. But Luke trusted me and doubted that I would fall for Jackson. And he was right. I guess I'm just here for the glitz and glammer. I now know how it feels like to be a princess.

"A couple weeks ago, Luke was drafted to be a soldier here in the palace. I was completely shocked. I saw him when I was on a date with Jackson. Ironic. We've been meeting in secret. I love him Brooke. I am so in love with him. And he loves me."

I held her hand, for comfort. "Oh Madeline. You only have 2 options. You have to end it or ask Jackson to go home. It can't go on like this. If you get caught... You only know what will happen."

"I was planning on telling Jackson tomorrow. There's something else I've been meeting to tell you..."

I nodded, completely oblivious to what she would say next.

"I'm pregnant. With Luke's baby. For 8 days now."

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I waited outside of Jackson's chambers. Waiting for Madeline to tell him. Waiting for Jackson not to throw the death penalty at her. So much waiting, and not enough patience in me.

The door opened and out emerged Madeline, who I presumed to be Luke, and Jackson. I guess the full truth came out.

Luke was tall and blonde. He had deep blue eyes that only seemed kind. And his smile was the definition of perfection. I can only imagine their future bundle of joy being nothing but perfection.

"We'll have to let you both go in secret. It can't go out to the press or else your homes will both be swarmed with press. Probably with the idea that the baby is mine. I'll announce that Madeline was let go and we're now down to the final 5." Jackson said.

"Thank you. For being so understanding. You'll make such a fair king one day." Madeline said with a curtsy. She have Jackson a sisterly kiss on the cheek.

"Thank you your Highness. We'll forever be grateful." Luke said with a bow.

Jackson smiled offered a friendly hand shake and Luke took it with surprise.

Madeline then turned to me, with tears in her eyes. "Thank you. For everything. You're my best friend and I couldn't have survived this selection without you. You're obviously invited to the wedding and baby shower. And I hope I'll get an invitation sometime soon?" She winked. Jackson and I both made eye contact and blushed.

She gave me a tight loving embrace and whispered, "win this. You deserve the crown and Jackson's love more than anyone."

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Madeline immediately left after that. Her maids had her bags packed and everything. The palace felt so lonely without her. I was in the Woman's Room and I couldn't help but look around and just miss Madeline. Other than me, there were 4 other girls. The competition really was coming to an end.

The four girls left were the best of the best. Jessica (who wasn't in the room) was your classical brunette and gorgeous woman who was rude but can behave herself around the prince. Anastasia was the quiet book nerd with beautiful red hair that sat in waves around her. Zora had dark chocolate skin with dazzling green eyes. She was confident and just memorizing. And last but not least was Hannah. She was sassy when needed but otherwise kind. She was very intelligent yet beautiful. If Jackson were to pick between these 4, my bet is on her.

I suddenly realized I had the urge to use the restroom, so I got up and left. I walked into the marble powder room and saw Jessica. Crying.

Okay no. Jessica doesn't cries. She isn't capable of it. She has a heart of stone and her only emotions were fake and rude.

"Jessica?"

She looked up and rolled her eyes. "Oh it's you."

I couldn't help but eye roll myself.

"Are you alright?" I asked sincerely.

She looked down and laughed. "Sometimes a girl just needs to cry to let it all out.

"You know I'm not all that bad. I'm cold for a reason." She pulled up the hem of her dress revealing a nasty scar on her thigh.

I gasped. "What happened?"

Jessica shrugged as if it wasn't a big deal. "You should see the ones on my back. It was this guy, Alex. I thought I loved him but he was just using me for my body and title. He was obviously abusive but my naive mind thought otherwise. I finally got away when it was the selection. But now that it's almost over... I'm terrified to go back. I can't go back..." She let out a huge sob. I embraced her. It was a somewhat awkward hug but it was better then nothing.

Huh. I guess the coldest person in the world, actually has a heart.

Ahh! It's getting intense (just wait until what I have in store for the close future 😝). Madeline is gone awee. And we got some pasts out from Madeline and Jessica huh. Super excited!

❤Ashley

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