He Chose Her Lies Over My Love

The next morning arrived in silence where the servants were all aware of what happened yesterday and did not know how to approach me at all.

In an eerie silence I sat at the breakfast table, flipping through a magazine and eating my breakfast.

“The Arrows empire has said that they will not wait anymore, in three hours they will send someone to fetch you.”

Just like that a folder passed to me by my father who sat in front without a word for half an hour, his own food left untouched.

[TRANSFER OF ASSETS

SHARES: Athena Valcruz - 30% Valcruz shares

COMPENSATION: $50 million

PROPERTY: Seventeen estates.]

“I-I didn’t knew that you were going to marry Killian Arrows. Your grandmother suddenly made the transfer official and informed everyone just today.” he said softly. “I-I don’t hate you Athena, if you be a little more obedient-”

“I will not be here anymore to stop you from bringing your mistress home so go on and bring Jessica’s mother here with you and give her my mother’s place.”

Mason Valcruz flinched, the death of my mother was a sore subject and everyone acted as if she never even existed.

“With this we are no longer father and daughter Mr Valcruz. I am cutting off all our relations so live well with your mistress and daughter.”

My tone sliced through the atmosphere making him open his mouth before if was clenched shut.

His shoulders stiffened, but he didn’t argue.

At the threshold of my room, Xander stood like a shadow refusing to leave, that slap would have made him rage for I dared to lay a hand on the heir to the Thorne empire but my words from yesterday made him feel as if he had crossed a limit…for that he took the slap without any complaints.

Xander’s eyes narrowed slightly as he scanned the boxes, the folded clothes and the empty perfume trays. His voice came low, frustrated when he saw picture albums thrown into the thrash along with silly journals that I used to write about my life.

“Athena you could have at least told me you were leaving. Now I have to wrap everything up in a rush.”

I didn’t respond.

“You always do this.” he muttered, frustration brewing. “No warning. No schedule. Just disappearing like the world is ending. What’s going on, Athena?”

I folded my last scarf and placed it gently into the trunk before facing him fully.

“I am leaving for a vacation.” I said, tone void of emotion. “You don’t have to follow me anymore.”

His brow furrowed, voice rising with disbelief.

“What are you talking about?” He knew I had a troubled medical history, having panic attacks and a fragile body so how could I be left alone without any supervision?

“We had a contract Athena, its my duty to follow you 24/7 and protect you from any sort of harm-”

“And yet you have failed. I don’t trust you to protect me anymore so the least you can do is follow my orders.”

At that moment I handed him a small velvet box wrapped in navy ribbon.

“Bring this gift to Jessica from me.” Xander opened the box and his body froze as if I had slapped him hard.

In it was the key of the jewelry chest the heiress of Valcruz family was given at childhood as a recognition of her status.

“This chest? I remember you crying when Miss Jessica wanted to even see it, claiming that you will die but never hand it over…… and now you are giving it away?”

“I was foolish to think such things holds any value, since Jessica likes it so much, she might as well have it.”

Xander looked at my bare face and stark black dress that covered every inch of my skin, no jewelry and nothing like the fiery dresses I used to wear.

I almost looked….unrecognizable.

For a second…just a second his mask cracked and his heart felt uncomfortable like a bad premonition.

His eyes trailed over me like he was seeing a ghost or maybe watching someone slip through his fingers while still standing in front of him.

“You can send me the location where I have to join you..” he said stiffly. “I will give this to Jessica first… and then come to you.”

He stood there searching my face for an answer that wasn’t coming. In silence I dismissed him.

“Go.” And he did.

An hour passed and I was standing infront of the cemetery, a private jet humming with quiet readiness behind me.

My mother’s photo reflecting on the stone as I laid down beautiful blooming red roses…a color she loved.

“Mom, I am getting married to the man called devil and yet it feels half not bad.” I spoke gently, tears streaming down my face.

“I used to believe love looked like Xander but it was an illusion that I have discarded completely. From now on I will be happy no matter what.”

Five missed calls from my grandmother Victoria Valcruz reflected on my phone, seven from my biological father and more than hundred messages from my younger brothers who chose Jessica as their ‘favorite sister’ for I was just ‘too strict’.

[Xander: When are you leaving?]

[Xander: When is your flight Athena?]

{Xander: Send me the address.]

I smiled before taking out the sim card from my phone and tossing it aside, cutting all contacts with the so called family.

The pilot tipped his hat. “Miss Valcruz, we are ready for takeoff.”

I stepped into the aircraft without hesitation.

Farewell.

I no longer need you follow me Xander.

For I was leaving for ever.