Ways To Escape Death

Chapter 17: Nightmare

Sophia's POV

LAWRENCE commanded to have me publicly executed. Wala akong ibang marinig kundi ang malakas na sigaw ng mga tao na parusahan ako. Makikita sa mga mata nila ang mababang tingin nila sa 'kin. Habang tahimik kong pinapakinggan ang paligid, hindi ko maiwasang mapaluha habang nakatitig sa lalaking minamahal ko. Kahit hindi ko isigaw ang hinaing ko, mababasa naman sa ekspresyon ko ang pagmamakaawa.

The Royal Guards drag me in front of the Crown Prince. Pinaluhod nila ako sa harapan nito.

"You can say your last words, Elizabeth," Lawrence said while looking down at me.

"Why...I must suffer like this?" I mumbled without taking a glance at him.

"Are you seriously asking me that? You deserve to pay the price for all the crimes you committed."

A tear fell from my eyes. "My only sin is loving you more than myself."

Madali siyang lumapit sa kinaroroonan ni Beatrice para aluin ito at patahanin. He didn't even bother to respond to my words before leaving me here.

Pinagmasdan ko silang dalawa, hindi ako magawang tingnan ni Beatrice. Hindi ko marinig ang kanilang pinag-uusapan dahil sumasabay ang ingay sa paligid.

The guardsmen grabbed my arms to pull me towards the execution tool. They pushed me and put my neck on the wood.

FROM AFAR, I can see my father and brothers coldly watching my situation. I don't feel any pity coming from their eyes. What should I expect? They never once treated me like part of our family.

I look down to cry silently. In the end, I am still alone. Hindi ko maintindihan ang aking sarili, sanay na akong mag-isa pero bakit ngayon... Nakakaramdam ako ng tutol na mamatay ng walang kasama?

I didn't close my eyes, I want to witness everything till death greets me. Suddenly, I can't hear anything else but only the sound of the blade coming for my neck.

My head rolls on the ground, before the darkness welcomes me, I notice the glimpse of a man I never wanted to see. Killian is devilishly smiling in my direction like he is currently enjoying the show.

—

"LADY ELIZABETH!" Nagising ako nang marinig ang malakas na tinig ng boses sa aking tabi.

Naupo ako ng tuwid habang habol-habol ang hininga. Hindi ko napansin na nakatulog pala ako habang inaayusan nila ako.

Nag-aalalang sinuri ako ng make-up artist. "Kinabahan ako sa 'yo, bigla ka na lang umiiyak."

Napakapit ako ng mahigpit sa aking dibdib, sobrang bilis ng tibok ng puso ko. Nanginginig din ang buo kong katawan at nanlalamig ang parehong palad ko.

Padampi niyang pinunasan ang noo ko gamit ang panyo. "Pinagpapawisan ka."

"Sorry, nasira ko pa yata 'yong pinaghirapan mo," tukoy ko sa make-up na inayos niya sa mukha ko.

"Don't mind it, Lady Elizabeth. Here, have some water."

Tinanggap ko ang inalok niyang tubig. Pagkatapos kong uminom, nagpakawala ako ng mabigat na buntong hininga para mas makatulong sa madaling pagkalma ng nararamdaman ko.

"Did you had a nightmare?" alalang tanong ni Melrose. Nasa tabi ko siya, hawak ang puting gloves na aking susuotin.

I managed to nod my head in response. Umurong ang dila ko dahil sa sobrang pagkabigla. It was so vivid, as If I experienced it myself. The feeling is still in me. Naramdaman ko 'yong nararamdaman ni Elizabeth sa panaginip ko. Gusto kong iiyak ang matinding kalungkutan na bumaon sa puso ko dahil do'n.

That dream was the exact ending of Elizabeth's life in the story plot of Beatrice's Love.

Napahawak ako sa aking leeg, siniguro ko lang kung naka-intact pa ba sa katawan ko 'yong ulo ko.

"Lady Elizabeth, the guest will arrive at any moment," the head butler said.

Speaking of the devil, I should go and welcome him personally.

"Sige, susunod na lang ako," sagot kong pabalik sa kaniya. Yumuko ito bago kami iwan.

Nilingon ko ang aking sarili sa salamin para pasadahan ng tingin ang itsura ko. I am wearing a sky blue gown, and glass high-heeled stilettos. They braided my hair into waterfall style, they added some flowers and dutch braid for a pretty effect. She also put light makeup on me. I looked gentle and innocent princess.

I gave my artist a satisfied look. "You are excellent at doing your job, Madam."

She slightly bowed her head to respect my opinion. "It is great to have this opportunity, Lady Elizabeth. Thank you for choosing me."

Hinayaan ko si Melrose ang magsuot sa 'kin ng gloves. "Discuss your price to the head butler. Expect me to ask for your service again soon," I said without looking in her direction.

"I will, milady."

I nodded my head before turning my back and take my leave. Mabilis ang hakbang ko patungo sa direksyon ng entrance. Naabutan ko sina Duke White, Felixander, Francisco pati na rin ang magkambal. Tumabi ako kay Francisco, nasa gilid ko naman ang batang Elios. Lahat kami ay nakaabang sa harap ng pinto.

Ilang sandali pa, nahinto ang karwahe sa harapan namin saka lumabas mula rito ang bisita.

Lahat kami ay nagbigay paggalang maliban lang sa Duke. Kapag pantay ng kapangyarihan, hindi na obligado yumuko para magbigay respeto.

"Welcome to our household, Duke Adir," greetings by Duke White.

"My pleasure to be your guest, Duke White. I'll be in your care."

"It's a great honor to have you here. Elizabeth, could you assist the Duke Adir?"

"Yes, Father."

Lumapit ako kay Killian ng hindi sinasalubong ang tingin niya. Ako na ang nagbitbit ng coat nito. Winter season ngayon, kaya malamang na malamig sa labas. Naka-open naman ang heater ng mansion kaya confident kami na magiging maayos ang pag-stay niya rito.

Unang pumasok ang dalawang Duke, sumunod kami sa kanilang likuran. Sabay-sabay naming tinungo ang guest receiving area.

"Are they the ones you recently adopted, Duke?" tukoy ni Killian sa magkambal na kasama namin.

"Yes, they are already part of our family."

Na-process na ang adoption papers ng kambal. Nag-decide ang pamilya na ampunin sila hanggang sa dumating ang tamang edad ni Elios. Ipapamana rito ang noble title na binili ng Duke White para sa kanila.

Hindi pa man naka-public ang existence ng dalawa, hindi pa rin maiiwasan na kumalat ang balita. Marami ang nakamata sa 'min kaya hindi na ito bago. Mabuti na lamang ay wala pa sa mga noble ang nanggugulo sa Duke para makita sila.

Maya-maya pa'y lumapit ang head butler kay Duke White para ibulong ang isang mensahe.

"Elios and Elena, you may go to your classes," Duke White said.

"Yes, Father," they answered back in unison.

The conversation continued discussing political matters. Hindi ko na inabala ang sarili ko na makisali sa kanila, pinakinggan ko lang sila.

"I heard you were not feeling well, Lady White. I was planning on meeting you soon but your father declined my request because of your sudden emergency. I was really worried for you, milady."

Sandali akong natigilan saka siya pinagmasdan. The fox is smiling at me. The mood suddenly changes because of his approach, he is being straightforward. My family can sense the meaning of his statement.

I smirked. "I feel grateful for your concern, but as you can see I am already well."

"We're leaving you both alone, Duke Adir. Please take care of my daughter," Duke White coldly said with murderous intent.

"I am very good at that," he replied while blocking his aura without struggling.