"...And they both lived happily ever after." I smiled.

"But that's not how real life works." Ami retorted shrugging her shoulders slightly.

Amilia, she is my best friend. One, with whom, I can share anything.

"It is true!" I exclaimed. "There is always a princess surrounded by problems like... various kind of problems... and then the prince shows up... and saves the day!" I raised my palms and shook it, smiling.

"Don't... don't start with all that now!" She bent forward and picked the glass of water from the table and spoke casually sipping.

I don't know why Ami always gets into denial every time I say something about the 'happily ever after'.

This year I am going to be 17 and it will be my first day of College tomorrow, that too, in the best college of the country. Oh! I and Ami both worked really hard to get there.

Even though it wasn't that big of a deal for me because of my background and all but, Ami actually worked hard to get the scholarship.

Not that I took any advantage of my background I just spoke about. Don't misunderstand.

"Miss, time to return." And there comes the call.

"Yes sure, just a few more minutes." I turned back to Ami. She was already looking at me with those sad eyes

All the other little kids had the same sad eyes.

My Sunday was already over. Why does this day of the week has to end so fast?

"Its okay. I know Elysian. Miss ... Elysian.." Ami and all the children were sad. My heart sinks whenever Ami calls me 'Miss'.

I sadly walked out and got into my car.

Oh I forgot to tell you one thing. I am not just any girl but the Young Miss Elysian, the only child of the Eliel family. My father is mayor of the country of Norwich. Of course, I am loved by my parents and the whole family but I sometimes feel like I'm ... caged!

Just like today, I come to Amilia's place every Sunday... Almost every Sunday... then we go to this orphan house in her neighbour to recite books to those sweet little children.

I want to spend time outside the house but my parents... Sigh! They think its dangerous! For people like us who are considered upper class, rich, or whatever, we need to keep ourselves in a tight security. Of course, only my father and mother thinks so.

According to me, everyone has to go out and see the beautiful world not stay home and restrict themselves!

"Alas!"

I believe, for people like us, the family always decides everything for the girls, even before we are born.

I was not even allowed to go to school rather I was taught at home! Reason? Safety from who knows what!

So now you could say the only time I am outside these four walls, is when I am with Ami.

You know? I'm the kind of girl to live in fantasy. The story I recited today to the children, was Rapunzel's, it is my favorite maybe because I partly relates to her.

I love it how she fought back with her stepmother for her freedom.

But Ami is always against me on this topic. Every person has their own perceptive to look at things so I should not question her, right?

Well anyway, tomorrow I will be going to the college and from tomorrow my life is going to change. I am finally going to be free!

Yayy!

Oh you can't imagine what I had to go through to make my parents agree to let me go and study in a college. A lot of persuading and then agreeing to some of their conditions. Life sure is tough!

"Miss, we're here." The butler called.

And the voice of my butler saying this sentence always brings me back to reality.

"Miss, today we are having Sir Dalfon Rhodes and his family. Madam asked me to bring you in by the back door so that first..." The butler reminded.

"Yeah yeah, I know, so that first I could get dressed properly like a lady." I have known this for days now. Dalfon Rhodes is coming and as said, everything for me has already been decided, even my marriage.

"I should sneak inside quickly and get dressed or mother will shout again." I thought to myself.

I went to my room, hoping mother won't see me but there she was, waiting to scold me in my very own room. Her back facing me looked so cold and distant.

"I have a bad feeling about this." I knew in my heart.

"Where have you been, Young lady?" She questioned without even turning back.

I wonder how does she always guess when I'm around her?

"Mother, I was rushing to come back here. After all, a lady should never be late at any event." I really hoped that mother won't scold me.

"Very well." she replied. "Get ready to meet sir Rhodes and his son. You can have some afternoon tea with Dalfon in the garden later." She just spoke and walked out.

I wasn't scolded, thank goodness!

Oh who's Dalfon Rhodes you may ask.

I have known him from the very beginning. He's a year older than me. We used to study and play together when we were younger. But as we grew up, I wasn't able to meet him much because he went out since he was a boy while I was kept inside.

Let me tell you a little secret. I developed a crush on him when I was 12.

Oh I'll get dressed while telling you the whole story.

So what happened was...

We were granted permission to go to a theme park and that too with no one except our butler following us that evening and I was very happy.

Later there was an attack and we got separated. We had no idea what the attackers were after.

One of them was coming towards the giant merry-go-round where I was hiding.

It was turning dark and I was alone and scared to my wits when I saw Dalfon's shadow.

He actually diverted the attacker's attention to himself and ran making him chase towards the opposite direction.

I did not see his expression but only got a glimpse of his back and that coat he was holding. I am sure it was him and... He bravely saved me!

Later the police came and took care of everything but I knew from that day, Dalfon was just like a prince charming. He was ready to risk his life to save me. How can I not like such a guy?

His father is a big businessman. Our families have a good reputation all over the city. We are considered as the highest among the socialites.