They Who Slaughtered Hope 🌈| 1-2 Updates a Month

Chapter 19

He was being preposterous. He convinced himself that he only cared because no one should be left alone to deal with Wade. That was all. Nothing more, he assured himself. In reality, it was none of his concern how he chose to deal with his father after Lennox's departure.

With a sense of purpose, Lennox began the meticulous task of sorting the funds. Each note was carefully counted and then placed into one of his pre-packed bags. Bags which were meticulously organised and prepared for a hasty departure and tucked away in the back of his closet.

There were cavities for cash as well as tubes filled with emergency euros, a precautionary measure in case the rest of the money was stolen. The bags had been there for some time, a silent testament to Lennox's long-held plan of escape. All he had been waiting for was the money for transportation and food. And now, finally, he had it.

Just as he was finishing up, the sound of his mother's voice echoed through the house. "Lennox, dear," she called out, her voice carrying a note of urgency that summoned him upstairs. "I require your assistance with these decorations. You can't just leave me here to fend for myself." Her words, though seemingly simple, carried an undertone of a deeper implication.

But Lennox chose to ignore it. His mind was too consumed with thoughts of his impending departure, too focused on the freedom that was now within his grasp. The unspoken plea went blatantly ignored, lost amidst the chaos of his plans and dreams.

He would leave the moment his obligations were complete.

The florist observed Emily's meticulous wrapping of every surface in the house with lush, gothic decor. Gold snakes with rubies for eyes appeared to be slithering out of the greenery; the only motifs of the family's corrupt, flamboyant motives among the dark pink and purple flowers. Black lace and candles adorned every table, telling of a time yet to arrive.

Wire crows cast a damper on the finery—their experience from last year's arrangement damning the other decorations to obscurity.

It only took one to ruin the roost. Lennox knew that their guests would notice instantly. Nevertheless, he opened the house's egress at the behest of the doorbell. His mother served flutes of champagne whilst Lennox merely sighed.

The day had barely begun.

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Fabrics and textures galore suffocated Lennox as he shoved his way through the crowd of socialites. To his surprise, among them was Mel, his father's mistress. Usually, she met them at the more important social functions. Never before had she come to one hosted by Emily.

A huge, impractical hat shrouded her face, but the white clouds of fabric that evaporated into a hue of midnight blue were all too obvious of an attention play. It was a jumpsuit with a sweetheart neckline, it would be a surprise if it didn't turn heads.

Mel lifted her head upwards, revealing an expert red lip as she studied Lennox. The beads and crystals attached to the perimeter of her hat shimmered and swayed, crashing together like chimes caught in the wind. "Lennox," she spoke softly. "How have you been, child?"

She wasn't much older than him, but she still saw Lennox as a child. Just like his father did.

"I'm fine, Melaea."

The woman sighed. "Still you insist on calling me that. You may hate me, but I'm doing the same thing everyone else is. Surviving." She hesitated before adding, "Wade was never much of a father to begin with, so you aren't losing a lot."

Chase was the only one who didn't like her. Personally, Lennox couldn't care less about her presence in their lives.

"You shouldn't be here, unless..."