Tears, the silent messengers of unspoken words and unbearable heartache, flowed freely from Elena's eyes. The weight of recent events had crushed her spirit, leaving her utterly devastated. Witnessing her own father's callous disregard and humiliation had shattered her to the core. As she retreated to the corner of the living room, her tears remained unseen by the prying eyes of her family. The agony within her chest was overwhelming, as if her heart were on the verge of bursting from the sheer anguish and sorrow it held. Little did she know, a distant observer, their eyes filled with profound empathy, silently watched the brokenness and despair that consumed her.
Every single word her father shouted at her, every single word she threw back, he absorbed with an intensity that amazed him. It baffled him how his thoughts and dreams clung to him no matter where he wandered. That fateful encounter in the rain, when he had rescued her from danger, had etched her delicate features into his mind like an indelible mark. In his dreams, she would beckon to him in the strangest and most inexplicable ways, as if she desperately needed him. Now, as he stood transfixed by the rear window, a glimpse of a woman's enigmatic nature began to unfold before him, revealing fragments of understanding.
When a woman sheds tears, it is never over something trivial. It signifies a culmination of suppressed rage, a tidal wave of emotion she has carried inside for far too many days. In this instance, he could sense her longing for a companion who would wrap her in a warm embrace, reassuring her that her tears were more valuable than any precious gem and that she radiated beauty even in the midst of chaos. At that moment, he understood her longing for someone who could penetrate her soul with an overwhelming sense of love.
Just as Kelan prepared to move forward, the back door swung open with a suddenness that caught him off guard. His gaze was instantly fixed on a man of polished appearance, his hair immaculately slicked back. Without wasting a moment, the man gave him a stern look and gestured for him to leave. Kelan obediently bowed his head in understanding and briskly left the premises. His frustration was evident in the exasperated sigh that escaped his lips as he quickly made his way to the liquor stand on the veranda.
"Ah, I finally found you! Bring me another glass of champagne!" A disgruntled guest muttered. Kelan quickly sprang into action, hastily serving drinks to the guests outside. Meanwhile, inside the house, a storm was brewing between the siblings. Axel stood stoically, waiting for his sister's tears to subside. His piercing gaze revealed a void of understanding and compassion for his sister's plight.
"I must admit, I never expected such deep sorrow from you after a flawless defeat!" Axel snickered, his words dripping with mockery. Elena was taken aback by his sudden appearance. She had always refused to give him the pleasure of witnessing her tears, but now, with her heart weighed down by such immense pain, it felt insurmountable to keep them at bay.
"Why haven't you ever received Father's approval? Take a moment to reflect on this. Could it be because you're not living up to his expectations as a daughter, or perhaps due to a lack of self-awareness?" His smile oozed with satisfaction as he uttered these words. Elena took a deep breath, composing herself, and gently brushed away her tears with the back of her hand. She gazed at her brother's patronizing demeanor, feeling a mix of frustration and disappointment.
"I'm glad the uncertainty and waiting is over for us! We finally know Father's wishes regarding his misogynistic legacy." Elena spat back with steady eyes. Axel chuckled in pure mockery at her words.
"No matter how you try to manipulate the narrative, deep down we both understand the truth - there's no denying my superiority!" He declared, a gleam of satisfaction dancing in his eyes as he witnessed his sister's distress.
"Stop deceiving yourself! Deep down, you're fully aware that it's far from the truth! Sure, you may have come out on top this time, but don't think for a second that the battle is won!" Elena scolded, her stance shifting into defensive mode. Axel couldn't help but burst into laughter, observing his sister's fiery demeanor.
"You know... I have to admit, you were right all along," Axel confessed, taking a step closer. Elena furrowed her brow, her mind racing with a whirlwind of thoughts, desperately trying to decipher his true intentions.
"I must admit, it was quite unsettling to witness you sneaking off to those motels in the dead of night! Seeing my own sister engaging in a scandalous affair with none other than Carton Callaway himself was the last thing I expected from you!" Elena stood there, paralyzed, as her brother's words echoed in her ears. Her inner turmoil grew louder, suffocating her with a sense of powerlessness.
"My sister, the diligent worker. I never expected my devoted sister to go against her own promises. It's ironic how she would expose all my secrets to our father," Axel's voice dripped with anger. Elena was stunned, unable to comprehend that it was Axel who had betrayed her by revealing her involvement with Carlton.
"And so, the truth finally escapes your lips!" Her unwavering gaze remained fixed on his countenance.
"Take this as retribution for the countless moments of agony you've subjected me to! It's about time you practice what you preach, dear elder sister!" Axel's words reverberated through the air, witnessing a solitary teardrop cascading from her eye.
"And the funny thing is that I invited him to the party where you met him! Such a good guy, he accepted my invitation even though he knew that our families shouldn't interfere at all. But what a lucky guy I am to have seen my dear and devoted sister fall into the arms of one of my friends!" This was the turning point in her ability to endure whatever came her way. Her legs gave out when she heard her brother admit that this had been his plan all along. And that Carlton was indeed his friend.
"I can't stand you anymore! I absolutely despise you, Axel!" Elena's voice echoed through the room, filled with a mixture of anger and fear. Tears streamed down her face, leaving trails of moisture on her flushed cheeks.
Axel, seemingly unfazed by her outburst, replied in a mocking tone, "Oh, how lovely! Have a nice day, my dear!" With these words, he callously abandoned his distressed sister, leaving her alone in the house.
Elena's body trembled under the weight of her grief, and her attempts to suppress her emotions proved futile. The dam of her anguish burst and the flood of tears poured down her face with uncontrollable intensity. Each sob shook her to the core, adding to the overwhelming pain that consumed her. Her voice choked with grief, each gasp a desperate attempt to find solace amidst her inconsolable weeping.
She was trapped in the chaos of her own mind, tormented by relentless thoughts that refused to go away. But then a stranger unexpectedly appeared, opening the door to her world. As her gaze met his, she couldn't help but notice the tenderness in his eyes, a gentle warmth that drew her in. It was him, the man who had saved her life once before.
Overwhelmed with emotion, tears streamed down her face like a waterfall, each drop carrying the weight of unspoken pain and longing. Her resolve trembled as she desperately begged, "Please...take me away from here...take me away!" At that moment, Kelan's eyes widened, taken aback by the unexpected scene unfolding before him. Without hesitation, she rushed into him, seeking solace and rescue from the tempestuous place she found herself.
Taking a deep breath, Kelan gently held her trembling arms, his own eyes reflecting her desperate plea for help.
"Take my car keys and get me out of here....I feel like I'm dying!" She continued to cry as she looked steadily into his confused eyes. Then the inevitable happened, Kelan immediately slipped his hand behind her back and helped her out of the house to her car parked outside the garage.
Rising from the depths like a resilient sea creature, she ascended to consciousness, piercing the veil of nothingness into a realm consumed by an unprecedented darkness. The darkness engulfed her, dazzling her senses and leaving her disoriented as to her whereabouts or what had roused her from slumber. She lay motionless in her bed, absorbing the unfamiliar air, her heightened awareness attuned to the symphony of silence punctuated by the determined chorus of chirping crickets. Struggling to decipher her surroundings, she gingerly rose from the comfort of her mattress and carefully scanned the room.
The rhythmic pounding of her own heartbeat rang in her ears, the only audible companion to the persistent chirping outside. She approached the door with trepidation, pulling it open with deliberate care, as if her actions would arouse suspicion in her enigmatic surroundings. The creaking hinges betrayed the presence of an unseen figure, piquing her curiosity. But to her astonishment, the room remained unexpectedly empty, shrouded in a mystery that begged to be unraveled.
Nestled amidst the tranquil woods stood a quaint two-room cottage, illuminated by the soft flicker of oil lamps that cast a mesmerizing golden glow, adding to its enchanting aura. Inside, the cottage exuded an inviting warmth, courtesy of a modest fireplace that radiated its comforting embrace throughout the compact space. One wall was adorned with a rustic bookcase containing a treasured collection of books, while the opposite side featured a petite kitchen, complete with an intriguingly peculiar stove. The heart of the cabin was dominated by a plush couch covered in fluffy white blankets, inviting weary souls to sink into its cozy depths. Elena's eyes sparkled with a deep mix of curiosity and innocence, captivated by the humble charm that surrounded the cabin.
Suddenly, the door swung open with a swift motion, revealing the figure she had longed to see for what seemed like an eternity. As their eyes met, his face transformed into a delightful surprise that mirrored her own awakening.
Elena's voice trembled with disbelief as she uttered, "You?!" Her eyes widened in shock as Kelan flashed a mischievous smile, relishing in her profound confusion. With deliberate slowness, he shut the door behind him, his arms laden with several sacks of paper.
A faint chuckle escaped Kelan's lips, breaking the tense silence. "Ah, it seems you've finally awoken from your deep slumber!" he remarked softly, his voice laced with genuine concern. Navigating his way to the kitchen, he gently placed the paper bags on the counter, his attention fixated on the task at hand.
A glimmer of mischief danced in his eyes as he continued, "I hope you're hungry because I was thinking of making you something to eat! I thought since you fainted from the drinks you had earlier, you might be starving." Kelan's focus remained on unpacking the provisions from the bags, his movements precise and deliberate.
-Ggwwwrrr-
Elena immediately clutched her stomach in embarrassment, the rumbling in her stomach betraying what he had just said. Kelan chuckled at the scene, his adorable eyes catching glimpses of her flushed face.
"Mhh...how about you eat this yogurt while I start cooking your dinner?" Kelan suggested as he held a small container of yogurt in his hand. Elena smiled back and quickly took the yogurt from his grasp.
"Thanks!...I...I'm sorry but who are you?" Elena asked as she stood there, looking him steadily in the eyes. Kelan's undeniable attention was on her, his smile growing wider as he stared into her jet-black eyes.
"My name is Kelan Benedict Cruze, nice to meet you!" He said, extending his right arm in front of him. Elena's soft features were slightly relieved as she finally met the man in front of her. She slowly moved her hand forward and took his in a gentle gesture. Her eyes remained fixed on the man who had twice saved her from dire situations.
"Elena Lila McLain," she said smiling at his brightened expression. Energy is such a powerful thing, you can feel when it's on, when it's off, when it's shifting & when it's just not there. And she could definitely feel her body transforming into something more than usual. An indescribable energy or feeling that brought a sense of peace and belonging in the strangest of ways.
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