Sorry for updating late guys, I have tons of paperwork, it makes me cry... LOL. It was hard, and I was having writer’s block due to the stacks of work.
Still, I love writing! I consider it my release, which is why here is the next chapter :D :D :D :D!!
Only One, Lives
TWENTY
Bluff
The ‘escape’ to Shanghai had not been an easy one. A lot of things have happened before she got to where she is now.
Sitting near her window whilst looking outside, the night time view of the bund looked beautiful and the lights of the tall skyscrapers reflected on the surface of the river.
After everything that had happened, she had no regrets taking Iseler’s work offer, jumping on that plane and escaping to Shanghai. But who knows when will Godfrey find her again, and ruin everything. For now, she will treasure these moments of freedom.
Dinner was served via room service, the staff places each plate on top of the small table and the aroma of the dishes made her mouth water.
She thanks the staff, giving them a generous tip before they left her room. Looking at her wristwatch, in a few hours time, the new year will be approaching soon, and there will be a grand fireworks display across the river, at the side of the Pearl tower. Pulling the curtains wider, the full view of the harbour came into view.
She places her chair in an angle where she can see the view whilst eating, but instead of starting her long-awaited meal, she pauses and stares at the view, contemplating. The past few years had been hard, Godfrey had ‘chased’ her non-stop. There were many things that had happened. It was a good thing that Iseler was there. He didn’t ask why or what happened, he just knew she was troubled and he was willing to help. When she told him not to mention anything to Leonard at all, he respected her choice and listened to her. Oh, how blessed she was with Iseler! She felt a tinge of regret upon remembering him. There were times that he hinted his fondness of her. But she did not respond, nor did she do anything about it. In her mind, it was for the best. She couldn’t bear tainting Iseler’s life.
Leonard... he, on the other hand, started to become suspicious of her, no longer trusting her. And she was very sure Godfrey played a part in Leonard’s suspicion.
The last time she talked to him, he was a bit aggressive, as if he was interrogating her, despite them not being an official couple yet. She didn’t know what for, but he got a little bit physical. Grabbing her wrist and shoulder so tightly that it bruised.
She pushes her finished plate aside and drinks her warm drink. After eating, she thought of going out despite the cold weather to watch the fireworks at the balcony bar of the hotel. It was six degrees outside, and she needed all the warmth she could get in this cold weather, despite it only being physical.
**********
=FLASHBACK=
Godfrey chuckled and appeared composed despite Annabelle’s threat. He knew she was bluffing because if that wasn’t the case, she would’ve pulled the trigger and killed him by now.
He sauntered forward and she backed away in response. Her body, trembled in fear, giving her away. When he reached for her wrist, she quickly pulled the trigger. However, the bullet flew to another direction and hit something else. In a mere second, Godfrey disarms her, followed by the gun’s bullets dropping on the floor.
“Oh, Annabelle...” he whispered, pulling her close whilst her body shuddered. His hand travelled to the crook of her neck as if he wanted to break them. Perhaps he does, and this would be the end of her. She closed her eyes and prepared herself for what was about to come. A tear escaping down her eye. However, much to her surprise. he just caressed her face and kissed her on the temple.
“You do that again, and I won’t be as merciful the next time...” he warned in a saccharine tone. He brushes his hand on the strands her hair and slides them to the back of her ears. “I suggest that you behave yourself...”
Despite the threat, Godfrey’s has no intention of ‘physically’ hurting her.
**********
Annabelle shuddered remembering the encounter with Godfrey after the flower show. She thought she was going to die. Up to this day, she couldn’t imagine how she had survived. She is aware that Godfrey does love her, in his own twisted sort of way. All those times she had spent and was held captive by him, he cared and showed her love that she never had. But she has never forgotten Betty, Emma, and Agatha. No, She couldn’t risk the possibility of being like them. No, It would break her heart if she loses Godfrey’s affections. She was not willing to risk becoming like the girl that came before Betty, and Betty when Emma came into the picture. She can’t bear becoming the Emma, who was either being hunted or being a captive. Nor can she bear having children with him, and becoming like Godfrey’s mother, Agatha, who lost her husband’s affection and used his children as pawns.
She heaved a sigh as she turned her attention to the crowd who began counting until the new year strikes.
“ 5! 4! 3! 2! 1!”
“HAPPY NEW YEAR!!” The crowd said in unison as a beautiful fireworks display lights up the midnight sky. Afterwards, all the guest, despite being strangers, clinked their glasses and made a toast.
“Happy New Year!” Annabelle greets the waiter as he hands her a drink. The waiter smiles before walking off to another direction to distribute the rest that was on his tray.
Looking around, she saw some of them happily making calls or sending messages to most probably the special people in their lives. She thought for a while and thought of the people she had wanted to greet. There was Philip, and then her cousin, Terrence, and of course, Iseler and his daughters. It didn’t matter that she didn’t have a lot of special people. So without any hesitation, she takes out her phone and makes an overseas call.
It was still 4:00 ++ pm in London, but it never meant that she couldn’t greet them. She doesn’t call Philip, knowing the less he knows, the safer he would be, but she first calls her cousin, Terrence instead. But after repeated rings. He hasn’t picked up. Knowing what a busy guy her cousin is, she decides to move to the next person which is Iseler.
After a few rings, Iseler picks up the call...
**********
It was 4:00 in the afternoon when Iseler felt his phone vibrate inside his suit’s pocket. Looking at the caller ID, she smiled upon seeing the letter ‘A’ indicated. Of course, he didn’t want anyone to know, (especially Leonard) that he knows where Annabelle is. Nor he is the one that helped her escaped. Escaped from who or what, he doesn’t know what. All he knew that she was begging for escape and he needed to help her.
Looking around his surroundings he answers the call casually, pretending that the call was from the office. He didn’t know if he was being paranoid or what, but despite currently being in a cocktail party with countless people, Leonard was just around the corner and he didn’t want the later finding out that Annabelle was calling him.
“Happy New Year! Iseler!” was a joyful greeting from the other side of the line.
Iseler smiles and replied “Happy New Year too! hold on for a second!” he takes and quick glance and sees Leonard talking to the Westwood heir, from a distance, both eyeing him suspiciously. “Excuse me for a minute, I need to answer this, just some office issues...” he says to them from across the room, before walking to an empty balcony and staring at the winter sky.
“Happy New Year, Annabelle!” he greets her once more.
“Thank you!” she says. “Where are you by the way? are the girls around?”
“No, they aren’t, I’m currently at a cocktail party,” he says quietly.
“Is he around?”
“Yes...” he whispers.
“No wonder... I called you at the wrong time I-”
“No, no, no, it’s fine Bella... I’m actually glad to hear from you! How are you? how are the fireworks over there?” he asks, using his term of endearment for her, ‘Bella’ which means ‘Beautiful’ in Latin, and which also happens to be the other half of her name.
“I’m well! better than before... I hope you are doing well too, Iseler... How are the girls?” she asks, eager to know how he and his daughter were doing. After all, she had left London months ago.
“They’re currently at home, you can give me a call two hours from now because I’ll be home by that time and then you can talk to the girls,” he says, leaning against the called wall.
“Thank you, Iseler...” she smiles. “The fireworks were grand as you said... I wished I could see it with you and the girls” she adds, as she yearned to share the experience with him and his daughters.
“That’s good, I hope you will continue having a great time there. If you took a video of the fireworks, you send and share them with me...” he encourages.
“I did and I would... I’d probably send them to you when I get back to my hotel room...” she adds, knowing that it was faster sending things when in her room because the internet was faster there.
Suddenly, she hears two loud taps coming from Iseler’s side. Which also meant, someone was there around the corner listening.
“He’s there... isn’t he?” Annabelle guessed.
“Yes...” was his serious reply, whilst watching Leonard come out of the glass door and calling him.
“Don’t bring your work to the party!” Leonard chides Iseler playfully which Annabelle heard over the phone.
“Go ahead, Iseler... I will just talk to you later,” she says, a little disappointed that they didn’t get to talk long enough.
“Alright... later then,” he said, as he cuts the call and goes back inside the vicinity.
As Iseler enters goes back inside the room, he saw the Westwood heir, Godfrey, eyeing him suspiciously. Iseler didn’t know why, but he has this gut feeling that this man had something to do with Annabelle’s current situation. Not wanting to be suspicious to both Leonard and Godfrey, Iseler tries to lighten up the mood by saying something funny, making the people at the table laugh.
Godfrey chuckles and takes a sip of his drink. He didn’t know what he was doing here, or why did he even agree to come. All he knew that Gabriel ‘dragged’ him to this cocktail party and that he needed to ‘babysit’ him. All he wanted was to leave the place and go back to continue his search for Annabelle. The hunt excited him, because of that he was more enamoured with her than ever, but it also frustrated the hell out of him. All he wanted now is to get her back. But upon seeing Iseler, Annabelle’s boss, Godfrey figured out that the man might have the answers of her whereabouts. The cocktail party started to become more tolerable for Godfrey. He began to craft a plan in his head, that before this party ends, he will get all the answers he wanted. And he will have to subtly extract it from this man called, Iseler. No, he didn’t plan on hurting him. But there were other ways, and Leonard was the perfect pawn for that.
A/N: Again, sorry for the late update, I will be soft editing as I may have made some grammatical errors. I will soon fill in the holes about the time gap (which was Annabelle’s escape) in the next chapters.
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this is part of the long fan fiction im writing about Luke over on my wattpad
its daddy!luke and is set 2015-16 time, with a planned sequel.
unfinished, but nearly done and ive poured my heart and soul into it, id really appreciate it if you checked it out!
—
In His Wake
51 | when there's a jolt
ETTA ♛
"Merry Christmas," Luke's back tensed, his muscles growing taut across his skin and he jumped a little, consequently dropping what he was holding in his hands, it clattered down onto the kitchen counter.
He turned, slowly, a scowl on his face, "you scared the shit out of me, fucking hell," but the glare was soon replaced by a frown when Luke scanned her figure up and down, "Merry Christma-you're not wearing my shirt..." he observed, and it was true, Etta had changed the second she woke up because...well, she thought Luke had left and was a little bit angry, disappointed maybe, although she shouldn't have expected any different.
So she took his shirt off, and replaced it with one of her own. But there Luke stood, at half ten in the morning, only in his boxers and focusing deeply on making...
"Are you making pancakes?" Luke ignored this,
"You didn't answer my question."
"You didn't answer mine."
"I asked first."
"Yeah, but mine's more important, are those pancakes, Hemmings?"
"is that my shirt, Brown?"
With an exasperated sigh, she looked down at her feet, embarrassed by why she had changed but she didn't think he would've even noticed, let alone cared enough to question it, "no it's not, I changed."
"Why?" He asked as soon as she'd finished her last word, his jaw clenched and eyes guarded.
"I...it doesn't matter, I mean I was just-it smelled," Etta winced at her stammered, weak excuses, and she could've sworn Luke was amused, but he was doing a great job of fighting a smile.
"It smelled?" His brows raised, tongue poking out to lick at his lips.
"Y-Yeah," of you.
"That's funny," slowly, he approached Etta, squaring up to her and she turned, but he followed and before she could change her path, Luke had her trapped against her fridge, "because you definitely didn't complain last night."
"I-I didn't?" Of course not, dumbass, because it never fucking smelled.
"No, sweetheart, in fact I remember you smiling quite happily when I gave you it, ring a bell?"
"It might," she mumbled, looking down to avoid his piercing stare.
"Really? Well then maybe I'll just have to fuck you again, to jog your memory?" By that time, Luke's hand had crept up from her waist, trailed up the side of her arm, and was now brushing his fingers against her jaw, studying it carefully. Staring at the bruises.
"Um...wh-what?"
Luke smirked, brushing her hair off of her face, "kidding," he hummed, and then placed one hand on the fridge behind her. Using it, he pushed away, and turned back to what he was doing, "so, pancakes, yeah?"
Do that again and I won’t let you leave.
I mean, "yeah, pancakes."
"Good. They'll be done in ten, you could take a shower if you want? You don't need to hang around if you don't want to."
"Okay," she agreed lightly, wondering how Luke had known that she'd want to shower. Then again, considering they were too tired to last night, Etta was in definite need of one.
On her heels, Etta turned, and began to walk out of her kitchen, but Luke's voice stopped her in her tracks, "Etta," he spoke, not bothering to spin around to face her, instead, his head moved slightly to the side, as if he was looking out of the corner of his eyes, "when you're finished, be a good girl and put my shirt back on."
A/N: Hi peepz, sorry for the long delay. As what I said on my previous post; I was hospitalised and confined for a few days. I was able to write on the sliding table attached to the bed, however, I didn't have my laptop then. and there was a bit of scare last night, I didn't have the energy to finish typing when I came back home, I really am sorry for the delay.
Do take note of these new added characters.
Isabella Sumner- Vanessa Redgrave
Linus Ellington- James McAvoy
Dr. Marcus Michelson - Hugh Jackman
Warning: Unwanted Surprises, Revelations and Family Drama
Please don't forget to click the 'Like' button :)
Nine
"Lili?" a voice coming from the outside of my office door called my name, I looked up to find Henry, leaning against the doorframe.
"Yes Henry?" I let out an exasperated sigh, as I was taken out of my concentration.
"Put that down for a moment, didn't I tell you yesterday that we are going for a meeting? a lunch meeting." he said in a no-nonsense manner. He sounded like this meeting is important, as if our life depended on it.
A week ago, Henry started acting all-strange towards me. I do not know what was the cause of it. But it sure did me good! as he poked fun of me a little less. than before.
"I'll come back in five... get ready by then." he said whilst glancing at his watch.
I had been working in this firm for a few months now, and it took a lot of time for me to getting used to working in the office again. But I couldn't be any more happier as I could; pay my bills with ease, buy groceries with a bigger budget, buy other things that I not only 'need' but also 'want' and still have some savings left, every month.
Another perk was that despite being busy in the office, I could still see, and pick up the girls from school with a bit more ease and spend time with them longer. This is due to the fact that my current salary gave me the ability to own a not-so-bad second hand car. With that, I could pick them from school without having to worry about the rush-hour crowd in the tube, and I don't have to leave in a hurry for home and worry about missing the bus.
I heaved a sigh, looking for the things that I need for this meeting and stuffing them right inside my old black birkin bag.
I was already half way down the hall, when I realised that I have forgotten my car keys.
"Wait! I forgot my keys!" I said, running back to my office and leaving an anxious Henry, waiting near the elevator lobby.
I found my keys on top of a brown tray that rested atop my blue drawer. I turned to my side to see the finished reports, and paperwork that I had done for Luke yesterday. I took it, before I even forget to pass it to him. Despite the deadline being a day from now, I make every effort to finish my work a day ahead. I didn't want my other colleagues to talk amongst each other and say that; I was hired, because I was a close family friend of their bosses. I want them to see that I was hired because I am qualified and competent enough to work for this firm.
I knocked on his doors lightly, before he replied, granting me access to come in.
I found him sitting on his office chair, with his reading glasses on, and was fully occupied on the documents he was reading. He was dressed in a crisp white, oxford shirt and a dark blue waistcoat. The day's heat had made him fold his sleeves, loose the jacket and pop the first two buttons of his shirt, revealing a well defined collarbone and a subtle hint of his well toned chest.
I sighed dreamily, seeing how handsome he looked.
"Lili?" he called my name, snapping me out of my trance.
"Oh... uhhhmmm.... I came here just to pass these to you, I finished them this morning." I said as I put the thick folder on top of his table.
"Thanks..." he said, opening the file and reading through it. "Would you kindly elaborate this for me?" he said, pointing to a clause in the document.
"Alright..." I leaned over to see which part of the document he was referring to. But when I was about to speak, he suddenly pressed his lips on mine, stealing a kiss from me.
I felt my cheeks grow warm, as he pulled away, grinning at me. Though This was not the first time it happened, (as Luke open stole kisses from me, whenever no one is looking or around the area.) It still makes me blush like a school girl, up to this day.
"Oh... you should see your face..." he teased, as he looked at me with his forest-green eyes. I could just get lost in them, if I look a little longer.
"Wh-what's wrong with it?" I asked, not yet quite recovered from the 'surprise' kiss.
"It's beautiful..." he whispered and smiled at me.
I bit my lip, to stop myself from smiling. I was flattered as hell, like a school girl being told by her crush that he likes her. I was fighting the urge to kiss him back, but my heart had betrayed me from doing so.
I pulled myself closer using my arms that circled his neck, and tip toed to reach his lips, returning the kiss he had given me. I felt him smile as we exchange soft kisses, but it was all cut short due to someone knocking on the door.
I quickly pulled away from him as he gave the person on the other side of the door, permission to enter his office.
"Luke, have you seen- oh! there you are!" the door opened to reveal Henry. He no longer finished his question upon seeing me on the side.
"Lili? let's go..." he said, motioning for us to leave.
Luke gave me a quick smile, before I closed his door.
*****
The drive to Canary Wharf took about half-an-hour, due to stop lights and lunch time crowds.
I parked my car near the restaurant, where the meeting is supposed to take place, and double checked my bag for my noted and recorder. Since it is a 'lunch' meeting, it would be rude to write down the minutes while eating.
I stride towards the entrance of the posh restaurant and was greeted by the maitre d'.
"Do you have any reservations?"
"Yes... under Henry Campbell..."
He then ushered me into the back of the restaurant, where the private dining areas are located. Once we reached the door, I turned around to thank him, before entering the dining room.
"Hi, good afternoon, I hope I am not late." I said, entering the room without looking. Silence. This can't be good.
"Lili..." a familiar voice called my name. I looked up to find the owner of it, to be none other than my grandmother; Isabella.
"W-Wh-Wha-What's happening here?" I stuttered, still dumbfounded with the people in front me.
"Wait, Lili, calm down..." Henry said, as he stood up, knowing that I will erupt in anger, any minute now.
"What is this?" I turned to Henry, asking for an explanation.
"Lili... calm down... just take a seat..."
"How did you know?!!" I said sharply, and my anger quickly escalating. "What is this got to do with you! why are you meddling with my family affairs? why are they here?!" I said, referring to My grandmother and brother; Linus.
"You! what are you doing here?!" I snarled at my brother. He was never there for me when I needed him, and now he just shows up like there is nothing wrong.
"We will explain everything later... if you would just calm down..." Linus reasoned out.
"Explain? there is nothing more to explain! do you know what I went through these past few years?!"
"I know that you are angry... but would you please give us a chance..."
I pulled a chair and sat down, waiting for him to give an 'explanation'
"My suspicions had been right all along." my grandmother said, shaking her head.
I looked at her, not knowing what she was talking about and then turned to Linus. "Tell me Linus, what lies had our mother been telling you these past few years? what other lies has Cassandra told you, that you had to come and find me and involve our grandmother in this?! did she say I was wasting my life away, taking drugs? committing petty crimes?! TELL ME!!"
Linus's brows furrowed and turned to my grandmother, giving each other a knowing look, before turning back towards me.
"Lili... you're not the only victim here..."
"What do you mean?"
"Lili, Cassandra is not our mother... she is father's second wife. Whatever lies that she's told you, it was never true... she had driven a wedge between us all these years."
I looked at him, confuse. "I don't understand..."
"Lili, Cassandra is not your mother, nor is she my daughter... She had manipulated you into believing that she is your mother this whole time." My grandmother finally spoke.
"B-b-but Linus..." I said turning to my brother.
"Did you ever wonder why, I took the first chance I could get, to get out of that manor and fly to Switzerland? it was all because of Cassandra. But I never thought she would take her hate out on you."
Things started to make sense to me now. It was no wonder why Cassandra never treated me like a daughter, she had never loved me in the first place. It was no wonder why it wasn't her who sent me to France to live with my grandparents. It was no wonder why my grandparents never talked about her. And it was no wonder why Cassandra snapped at me, overtime I mentioned my grandmother. Even going to the length of telling me to forget her. There are so many things that made sense now after this discovery.
Cassandra had verbally, and physically abused me from young. It stopped temporarily when my father sent me to France, at the age of six, to live with my grandparents. It was the happiest years of my life, but it was cut short when I turned thirteen. My father took me back to England for educational reasons. Despite me hoping to enter a boarding school to avoid Cassandra, my father put me into a Day School. Which made me dread going home, as by the time I get home, the hitting, beating, and verbal attacks begin. I still can recall up to this day, what she did to me when I was sixteen, after reaching home from my first year of University break.
=FLASHBACK=
Lili turned around to check the grandfather clock that stood in the living room. "Five-thirty... no... she won't be home yet" she reassured herself and quickly dried the dishes she used for tea-time. Her grip suddenly loosened and the plate slipped from her hands, and fell on the floor with a challenge crash. Making her jump out of her skin.
"Please don't let her find out about this..." she said inwardly, hoping that Cassandra won't find out about the broken plate, knowing that she would get a good beating for it. As she bent down to pick up the broken pieces, she jolted upon hearing front door open. Cassandra was home. Lili wanted to hide. However, before she could even finish picking up the broken pieces of the plate, Cassandra was already at the doorway, angry and ready to charge at her anytime.
"I-It was an accident!" she pleaded, whilst backing away.
Cassandra then hauled off and slapped her hard across the face. "Do you have any idea how expensive it was?!" she yelled, causing more tears to gather at the corner of her eyes.
"If you ever open your mouth in front of you dad, I swear! I will burn your tongue!"
Lili flinched with what Cassandra had said, and shocked her head instantly whilst she hiccuped.
=END OF FLASHBACK=
I remember when my father came home that day, Cassandra acted as if she was so worried, because I apparently 'fell off running ' and had a lot of bruises and cuts. Sadly, my father believed her.
Ever since I was five, Cassandra used to conceal my face after slapping and beating me hard, so that my father or anyone would never suspect it. It was only that day that she had forgotten to do so, and was almost caught with the abuse. I wished she was caught, but my father is too 'naive' to ever think of his wife, being able to hurt his Children. I still don't know how I exactly went through all these abuses, but I certainly did, until I was seventeen.
The abuse went on until the end of that year. I was seventeen and finally had enough of her abuse. But in the process of defending myself from her, I had beaten her up with a frying pan and stabbed her twice with a knife on the back and on her upper shoulder. Making me end up in court and a receive a sentence of one year and a half in juvenile prison. It could have been worse though, my lawyer tried hard to defend the angle of child abuse, which made the judge reconsider the length of my sentence. But there wasn't enough evidence to get me out of Juvenile Detention, as Cassandra was a damn good actress and liar. Worse was that, my father believed her.
This may sound weird, but I actually was so glad that I ended up in Juvy. I was glad to be away from Cassandra's abuse. Adding to that, I actually enjoyed my time there. I was counselled well and was thought and had practical training in life knowledge, such as; in sewing, cooking (not that I didn't know how, but I helped me improved further), some carpentry and masonry work, and some other 'home economics' related subjects. Despite it being a 'prison' for young offenders, it didn't feel like one, as it gave us; juveniles, hope that 'change is a choice' and it was never too late to change.
One more good thing was that, my counsellor strongly believe the angle of child abuse, but she couldn't do much as to only lessen that time of my sentence by reporting me for good behaviour. My counsellor and my probation officer even helped me get into Durham University. Something that I always thought to be impossible due to my criminal record. My counsellor, probation officer, and my lawyer, had written a lot of recommendation letters, stating that; They should not judge me and it would be a mistake to not giving me a chance.
Much to my Father's and Cassandra's surprise, I got re-accepted to Durham.
Even when the abused somehow stopped, Cassandra still found other ways, to continue ruining my life.
"Lili... are you alright?" I was so lost in my thoughts that I didn't realise the people inside the room, calling me out.
"Y-yes... it does makes sense now, after all those years. I guess I shouldn't feel guilty about stabbing her at all."
"Y-you were gone... we've looked all over for you these past few years, where were you" My brows furrowed with what he said. He was never there at all, when I needed help.
"Really? I was gone?! Do you know how many times I wrote to you, asking for your help? when you were having a good time at your boarding school in Switzerland? Not once did I get a reply!"
"I swear Lili! I did! I've sent a letter for every letter you've sent me! I even enclosed a plane ticket once. I sent it to you during one of your school breaks, so that you wouldn't have to deal with Cassandra everyday. So that I could at least protect you from her. But now I know why you didn't arrive at Zurich that day!. I'm sure she had intercepted all the letters that I've sent back to you. Do you know how long I waited at the airport, worrying about you? only to find out from the airline that you haven't boarded the plane! Do you know how many times I've tried calling home? To confront dad and Cassandra, only for Cassandra to cut the line, upon learning that it was me calling." Linus took a long sigh and continued "Do you know how angry and useless I felt because I couldn't do anything to protect you? Do you know how angry I was with the thought of Cassandra driving a wedge between the both of us? Knowing that you must've started hating me? It hurts..." He looked at me sincerely, and in that moment, I saw tears, stream down his eyes. I have wronged my brother for so long.
"L-Linus... I'm sorry... I really am!" I said, as I got up to embrace him.
My brother then hugged me back, tight, with all the sincerity he could muster.
After we've settled down, my brother had me seat down, and passed his handkerchief to me.
"B-b-but... how did you find me... I was out of the radar that long."
"It's a long story..." Linus said.
"I'm listening..."
"We found out the truth from Marcus, he came to me looking for you five years ago, at the Geneva Medical Convention. I found out from him that you've fled - "
"W-wa-wait... Marcus? you know Marcus?"
I stuttered, upon the mention of my previous lover's name. Marc was the man I used to love. I've met him after graduating from Durham. He was one of the few people to have ever loved me, truly. Despite me being twenty one and him; thirty-seven, we got along very well and fell in love along the way. But it all came into an end due to my father and Cassandra's sudden interference in the relationship, As it they cared. When the truth was, they were actually ruining my second chance in life. And because I was afraid of a confrontation from him and a possible rejection. I fled.
"Yes... Dr. Michaelson is a notable heart surgeon, everyone in my field knows him. And he came looking for you! He said that; He was worried about you and was asking me how you were. He even said that; he was heartbroken when you left him, and fled. He was very upset that you didn't even give him a chance to talk to you when he found out, and that you made a very wrong and early judgement. You see, he loved you a lot, and he believes you all along! he believes you were innocent."
I broke into more tears upon hearing Linus' revelation. I've lost all the few good things and people in life, because of one woman.
"Cassandra had done a good job, destroying our lives... I know for a fact that you were innocent, and was merely defending yourself when they sentenced you to Juvy. "
"Wait? she went to Juvy?!" I heard Henry whisper to my grandmother, and she just nodded to confirm it.
"Do you know all the lies that Cassandra had told us these past few years? she claims that you tried to murder her a couple of times, that you stole money to support your so-called 'drug-habit', and all that bullshit she said." Linus said angrily, whilst recalling the incident, when he had confronted Cassandra.
"W-wait.... sh-she s-said that?!"
"And dad, strongly believes her..." he said, clenching his teeth.
"Why... why is there so much hate for me? It's not as if I did something wrong to her in the beginning..."
"It's because you were like your mother." My grandmother said, finally breaking her silence. She then took out an old picture from her bag, and passed it to me.
The woman in the picture bore a very strong resemblance to both me, and my brother. Dark hair, blue eyes, full brows, you name it.
"It always made me question all those year we were together; why you never asked about your mother. Now I know the reason why..."
"W-What's her name?" I asked about the 'mother' I never knew.
"Roslyn Sumner..." my grandmother choked up, upon remembering her late daughter. It must be hard for her to take.
I wiped the tears that blurred my vision. When my vision had cleared, only then did I realise that there was another woman seated next to my grandmother.
"Uhmmm... sorry... this might be rude... but who are you?" I asked, trying my best, to not sound rude.
"Oh... Sorry! it's beeb a really long time! I myself, couldn't recognise you. It's me, Rory!"
My eyes widened in disbelief. I haven't seen my cousin; Rory, since my father had brought me back to England to continue my secondary education, whilst she left to study at Institut Le Rosey in Switzerland. When we were children, Rory was sent to France every school break to stay with me and our grandparents. However, up to this day, I still don't know how me and Rory are related. Because as a young girl, I was thought not to ask questions by Cassandra, or I'd be met with a hard slap in the mouth. However, despite not knowing how me and her are related, we were very close then, and were inseparable.
"I'd love to give you a hug right now, but I feel really weak from crying... maybe I'll give it to you later" I said whilst hiccuping. Thankfully, she understood my situation, and stood up from her seat, to embrace me instead. She embraced me tight, full of sincerity. Trying to make up for the lost time we had.
"I'm sorry, I didn't know what happened to you all these years. I just found out from Linus a few months ago. I've sent you countless of letters Lili, lot's of them. I felt sad because I thought you had forgotten about me. I didn't know your step-mother was intercepting them." she said, whilst giving my hand a tight squeeze and looking me in the eyes, full of sincerity. There were sadness and pity in them.
"That's alright... and I'm sorry if I'm going to have to ask you another question... How are we related?"
She laughed lightly and said; "We're first cousins... My mother and your mother are twins."
"Oh... and..." I then turned to Henry, wondering how he knew my family. "How did you find out all these Henry? oh, by the way... whatever you heard today, please keep it in this room... and don't ever mention to Luke..." I said, pausing mid way.
"Yes, I understand, do not worry..." he gave me a reassuring smile.
"But you haven't answered my previous question. How did you find out everything?"
With that, everyone looked at each other, my brother and grandmother's lips, curled up into a knowing smile. Henry and Rory on the other hand were containing their laughter.
"Lili... remember when I arrived that day in France, and I told you that; I was happy that you were a girl, and was glad to be away from rowdy younger brother, even if it was just a short while."
"Yes..."
"He's that younger brother..." Rory said, and pointed to where was Henry seated.
"What?!!" I couldn't believe that the person who often poked fun at me in the office, is my first cousin that I never knew! How I wish it wasn't the case, but the uncanny resemblance; blue eyes, and dark hair was there.
"Don't look at me... I only found out a week ago. Linus and Grandma here, approached me to help look for you. I just never really expected that you were closer than I thought." he said, smiling at me.
A/N: I'll be doing some soft editing, as I might have missed out some grammatical errors.
The Poor Little Rich Girl (Luke Evans x OFC Fan Fiction) - Chapter 5
Five
Lilac
I myself was no stranger to heartbreak. So the moment I heard from Luke that he had just broken up with Alyssa, I felt guilty for raising my voice and scolding him. A person who just had his/her broken needs space and time alone. I offered to take the girls to their grandparents instead of Luke. Afterwards, maybe kill time at the nearby library or coffee house while I wait for the girls.
Luke’s parents are rather too kind, tending to over feed their guest. Something I experienced when I sent the children to their grandparents in the past. Mrs. Evans invited me in to have some tea, in the end, I ended up staying until dinner and by the time we left, and I felt so bloated that I needed Luke to help me in and out of the car. I’m not complaining about his family’s hospitality and warmth. It was just something new to me, as I never really had experienced kindness in a long time.
I grabbed my stuff that was sitting on the coffee table and headed out of my apartment.
When I reached downstairs, to my surprise, I found Luke, sitting at one of the couches in the small lobby.
“I thought you were supposed to rest at home. What are doing here?”
“If it’s alright with you, Uhhmm... I don’t really want my parents to find out what happened, nor do I want them to sense that there is something wrong with me. I’ll just quickly show up and go.”
“Oh, so... do you still need me to –“
“No... I meant yes, I meant no... Yes! Sorry” he said in a confused manner. His eyes were tired, despite trying to hide it using his specs. His hair, despite being short was disheveled, like he just woke up from sleep. The Luke I used to know wasn’t there, gone was the suave and sharp man. He was heartbroken and his eyes that always had a stern look on them was downcast.
“If it’s alright with you...” he continued, hesitant with his words. “I need some company... so if it’s alright with you... to spend time together? Not a date, I mean as friends...”
“Yes Luke...” I said.
I was more willing to accompany him through his heartache, knowing quite well that people, who go through such, need someone to be there for them to confide in. I knew this myself well as I had been through worst, with almost no one to confide to.
After we sent the girls to their grandparents, I decided to bring Luke to a nearby coffee house, so that we could have afternoon coffee.
To tell you the truth, I was curious as to why he and Alyssa broke up. I wanted to know the reason that broke the camel’s back, but I felt hesitant. I was Afraid that I might offend him.
Sipping my chai latte quietly, I was suddenly jolted out of my own thoughts when he suddenly spoke , breaking the silence between us.
“So you go out here often?”
“Yes, after sending the girl to their grandparents, I stay and wait here.”
“Makes me feel like an irresponsible father, I haven’t spend some time with them lately.” He chuckled.
“Oh! No! No! No! That’s not what I meant Luke!” I told him upon realizing that what I said made him look like an irresponsible father.
“I was kidding...” he smiled back at me reassuringly. “But sometimes, I do feel like I’m one... I feel guilty; it seems that I have been spending my free time mostly with Alyssa back then, instead of my daughters.
“You’re wrong with that. If there’s a dad of the year award, it would go to you!”
“You’re only saying that because I’m your boss.” He chuckled.
If there is anything that Luke is completely wrong about, it would be the way he views himself as a lacking father. I saw the devotion he has for his daughters, which is why I disagree.
“Who is your favorite daughter?”
“I have no favorites, I love them equally!”
“What if the other one excels more than the other?”
“I will still love them the same. Children excel in different areas, I will continue to encourage them both, especially on what they are good at.”
“How about...” I thought for a moment. “When they break a plate, a teacup or an expensive vase, how do you or would you reprimand them?”
“Tell them firmly not do it again and be careful next time, maybe once in a while send them to the naughty corner if they haven’t learned their lesson well. I don’t believe in corporal punishment. Material things can be replaced, why would you want to destroy your child’s self-esteem because of something so trivial?”
“Then you’re the father of the year!” I said, trying to sound like a presenter in the BAFTA’s but failing miserably, which made him laugh hard.
*****
Luke
I do not know or why, but it felt like Lili was talking about herself when she asked me those questions.
I have known her for quite a long time, but she had never once mentioned about her life nor her family, maybe except for her grandparents.
“How about you?”
“About me? What about me?”
“I see neither suitors nor admirers... what’s the matter? High standards?”
“No!” she laughed. “I just have been focusing on other things” she hesitated to say more and I no longer pursued the matter.
“Oh yes... you’ve mentioned to me before that you were raised by your grandparents?” I said changing the topic.
“Yes...”
“Where were you’re parents, if it’s not wrong to ask?”
“Oh, my parents were busy people and didn’t have time to take care of me. So I was sent to my Grandparents in France when I was 6. The time I spent with them was the best years of my life. My parents took me back at 14.” She said poignantly, and looked away.
“Send you and took you back? Why?” I asked curiously, hoping that she would give me an answer. Why would some send their child away and then take them back when she seems to be finally happy?
She hesitated for a moment, and I knew that there was something amiss from her reaction. However, she mentioned it anyway.
“Well... as I have said, they were busy people and didn’t have time for me. They brought be back to England so I could study in the school they wanted. Plus, they didn’t like the path my grandmother had for me.”
“Path? What path? Was it bad?”
“No! not at all, it wasn’t bad. In fact, I wanted it.”
“Well, what is it?”
“A chef! Every school break, grandmother will either bring me to the bistro they run and lets me help out in the kitchen. Sometimes, she would enroll me to a culinary workshop for kids if there are still slots left.”
“Oh! No wonder you cook so well!!”
“Thanks!”
“How come you didn’t pursue it?”
“I rather not talk about it.” She said sadly.
“That’s alright... shall we go elsewhere?”
“Elsewhere? Any place in mind?”
“It’s two o’ clock in the afternoon; we have until 7:00 to decide on that. What do you usually do on weekends if you don’t have to take care of the girls?”
“Nothing much really... sleep... eat... read?”
“Oh come one! Seriously? I don’t think you’re that boring!”
“Promise me you won’t laugh and find me silly!”
“Yes, I won’t... what is it?” I asked eagerly.
“I go to Kent...”
“And?”
“Go to Folkestone, have a picnic there myself and watch the sun set.”
“That is rather romantic, except for the part that you just go there by yourself.”
“I have no one to go there with.”
“Well, you can go with me today, so how do we get there?”
“It’s 55 minutes by train and we can’t do it today, we don’t have anything packed to eat.”
“Who says we can’t buy?” I smiled at her wide-eyed expression, she never probably expect that I’d want to go with her to Kent.
*****
Lilac
I though Luke wasn’t serious about going for a picnic. Until I found myself inside a gourmet store buying sandwiches and whatnot.
“Lili?” I turned around to find him carrying two beverages.
“Which one do you prefer? Peach raspberry cocktail? O r ginger beer?”
“Neither... we don’t have a picnic basket nor a cooler... how are going to keep this warm and cool at the same time?”
He smiled at me and grabbed a ‘Cheshire’ Picnic at Ascot picnic basket’ that was on the side.
“What? No!! That’s a ‘Picnic at Ascot’ basket, do you see the price??” I said pointing out the price tag attached to it.
“If it will keep the food good, then I’m getting it. Besides, I can afford it...”
“Rich people can always have what they want...” I said to myself and shook my head. I felt rather jealous of him, in fact, not only him, but the people who surround me that are well to do. While Luke, Henry, and my friends in university are living a good life, with their dream jobs and high salary, I was here suffering, trying to make ends meet because I was disowned by my parents for a petty reason.
“Lilac?” Luke called me out of my reverie.
“Coming...” I said as I caught up with him to the counter.
After we bought what we need at the Deli, we hurriedly got into the car and sped down the road. The following hours passed by uneventfully and quietly, until we reached Folkestone Beach half an hour later.
“So, this is what you do on the weekends” he said as he got down of the car, stretched his limbs, and admired the view before him.
“Yes... lovely isn’t it?” I said as I took out the picnic basket from behind the trunk. “I sit down and stare at it the whole afternoon, until sunset.
Luke took off his loafers and started walking barefooted to the spot he wanted to set up our little picnic.
“So you go here every weekend?” he asked as I trailed behind him.
“Not really, not during peak season, I don’t like crowds.” I then laid the picnic mat on the dry sand, followed by the basket. “I know that people don’t go to the beach when it rained, cloudy or during winter, which is why this beach is deserted now. People often prefer blue skies and the sun, but there is something I can’t pin point why...” I paused as I sought to find the right words to describe my thoughts to him.
“There is something... rather... beautiful, or rather romantic, poignant and melancholic about the beach at this time.”
*****
Narrator
He looked at her for a moment before bringing back his attention to the sky. “I know what you mean...” and looked across the horizon.
“Gourmet wrap for you?” She shoved a nicely wrapped sandwich towards him, jolting him out of his reverie. He smiled and took from her.
“We can walk along the shoreline while we eat.”
“That’s a good idea.”
“Oh, yes, by the way... Thank you.”
“For what? The sandwich wrap? Don’t mention it.”
He chuckled and said “No! I meant for today...”
“Oh... Anything for a friend in need!”
“Well, I’ve made my decision...” he stopped walking to face the horizon before him. A mix of blue, red, pink, yellow, orange that painted the sky gave a sense of tranquility for the both of them.
“Decision?” she said inquisitively.
“I love her, it still hurts...” he paused for a moment to think whether or not he should tell her the full details of the break-up. Upon deciding, he then spoke; “It hurts after everything you have done for a person, she takes you for granted and then tells you she sees no future with you... and that you’re not part of her plans.” He looked away sadly.
“I see...” she said softly recalling some of the heartbreaks she had.
They stood there in comfortable silence as the waves washed their feet and the cool breeze blew against their skin.
Luke turned to his side to find Lili’s eyes closed, the wind whipping her hair back. Despite the unruly hair and tired countenance, he found her rather; lovely. He couldn’t pinpoint what it was, whether it was the sunlight bouncing on her thick brown hair, or how the wind blew it. Maybe, it’s the comfortable and familiar aura that he feels when around her. Perhaps it might be something else, something much deeper. However, whatever it was exactly, it made him see her in a different way. Unbeknownst to him; he was slowly falling for her.
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The Poor Little Rich Girl (Luke Evans x OFC Fan Fiction) - Chapter 4
A/N: Sorry for a very long delay. I was having a rough time at work that I didn't have time to do my writing.
FOUR
Luke
“It’s over”
Those were the words that wanted to make me run, runaway and never stop.
I couldn’t believe it came from the woman I love.
“Luke, please...” Alyssa said as she followed me from behind.
I climbed into my car and started the engine. As soon as I settled myself in, Alyssa caught up and was trying to open the door of the passenger seat. However, she had failed to, as the doors automatically locked by itself when the engine started. I drove away from the venue, no knowing where I would take myself to. What I just really wanted was to be left alone and be far from anyone as possible. Neither did I want to head home; I don’t want my daughters to see me like this.
*****
Narrator
Alyssa had broken his heart, spirit and trust. Once broken, the scars that were left behind could never hidden. Yes, it may not be the first time his heart was broken. However, this one was just too different, it was betrayal.
He pulled his car over to a nearby parking lot and alighted, heading to Clapham Common, the nearest park.
He sank into the hooded sweatshirt that he was wearing under his blazer and pulled on his earphones from his pocket. Silent tears streamed down his face as he walked on the wet pavement.
*****
Lilac
With a sigh, I put the book I was reading aside and checked my wristwatch for the umpteen time.
It was 3:20 am, and Luke still wasn’t home. This made me worry. Although I was aware that he had gone out with his girlfriend; Alyssa to some banquet, he should be home by now, because if not, my thoughts of something wrong might have happened to him, etcetera... scares me. Often, he would inform me beforehand if he would not be able to go back home the same night or if he would be really late. However, this time around, there was neither call nor message that I’ve received from him.
“Lili?”
“I looked to my side to find little Tabitha, clutching her stuff toy while rubbing her eyes out. “Where’s Daddy?”
“He’s not yet home... go back to sleep, I’m sure he’d arrive soon.” I reassured her, however it wasn’t enough for her to go back to her room and sleep.
“Lili? Can I stay with you and wait?” She asked as she climbed unto my lap and rested her head on my chest.
“Yes, I would if it’s up to me... but your father will worry if she sees you sleeping here...”
“No he won’t, I’m sure he won’t” she said whilst yawning and adjusting herself.
“Why?”
“Because it’s you Lili...” she simply stated with sincerity.
I smiled upon learning that these children trust me. However, this made me worry more. Luke was still not home and the thoughts of what could’ve happened to him kept running in my head. Is he safe? Where is he? Is he alright?
I shook of the negative thoughts in my head and reached for the phone that was on top of the coffee table. I dialed his number for the umpteen time as he had failed to answer my previous calls.
“Sorry the number you have dialed is not available, please try again later.”
I sighed while looking at Tabitha. “Do you want me to sleep beside you while you wait for your dad?”
She nodded in a sleepy manner. I then carried her and brought her back upstairs to her room.
“Lili?” Paige was awakened upon hearing our footsteps on her doorway.
“Paige? What are you doing up this hour? It’s late...”
“I can’t sleep, can I sleep beside you?”
“Of course!” I said as I led the both of them to Tabitha’s bedroom.
Suddenly, the sound of thunder blasted outside and echoed throughout the house, making Paige and Tabitha hug me tighter. The sound of hard rain followed after, and I knew then from that moment that I won’t be able to go home, that Luke might not arrive tonight and I cannot leave these two girls by themselves.
*****
Luke
It was 4:00 am on a Saturday morning and rain was falling in buckets from the dark sky. I opened the door and the pattering sound of the rain went a little softer for a moment before I closed the door.
I then checked my watch and realized that I sat on a cold bench at Clapham Common for more than three hours until the rain poured heavily.
I then realized that my daughters must’ve been worried and had waited for me. I hurriedly headed upstairs to check on them. However, when I reached Paige’s room, it was empty. I then felt worried. How could Lili just leave them to themselves?! I expected her to put my daughters to bed at 8:30, clearly she hasn’t done it.
As I headed straight the corridor looking for my daughters and where they could’ve loitered around, I then saw Tabitha’s door half opened. I sighed in relief upon realizing that they must’ve slept on the same room because they were afraid of thunder. Lili must’ve left them when they were asleep.
I slowly opened the door, careful not to make a sound wake them up. To my surprise, instead of two, I found three of them lying on the bed; Lili, Paige, and Tabitha.
Paige and Tabitha were asleep, whilst embracing Lili, who held a bed time story book. I felt guilty upon realizing that I have assumed worst of Lili earlier on.
I smiled and sighed in relief. The image before me felt somewhat nostalgic that it remind me of many things, my own mother, a whimsical painting of a mother reading a bedtime story to her children and everyone fell asleep, except the cat! And last, my late wife, Genevieve.
*****
Lilac
“Lili?”
I drifted in and out of sleep, the bed beneath me, soft and comfortable, supporting my body that felt too weary to get up.
“Lili, wake up!” a small soft voice called, accompanied with a gentle nudge.
I opened my eyes to find two little girls looking at me, which made me, get up the bed instantly. It then hit me that it’s late in the morning. “Good morning girls, what time is it?”
“10:00 am” they answered in unison.
“Oh!!” I bolted out of bed and checked the grandfather clock that was on the hallway. It was indeed 10:00 am, and I thought it was still my day off.
“Have you eaten? Are you hungry? Don’t worry, I’ll make breakfast soon!” I told them while I multi-tasked. The girls were supposed to be fed and dressed for family day by now. Speaking of family, I felt worried upon realizing that their father hasn’t yet returned home.
I tore two dresses from their closets and sent them to the bathroom to take a bath, getting them ready for their family day.
“You two take a bath, I’ll be right back to make breakfast” I told the girl before I left the bathroom.
“Can I have waffled?” Paige said to me before she entered her bathroom door.
“Yes... why not?”
“Yaay!”
I hurriedly went downstairs and reached for the phone, to call Henry.
“Hi Henry, sorry to disturb you... do you happen to know where Luke is? He hasn’t returned home since last night, I’m getting worried...”
“No... I remember seeing him driving home last night from the party, he really hasn’t returned yet nor called?”
“No...”
“Alright, I’ll try to get hold of him... I’ll call you in a while...”
I looked around panic stricken. Luke had not been answering calls since last night, neither his best friend; Henry knew where he is. Third, I didn’t see him loitering around the house this morning.
I crossed my finger as the idea of checking the garage came to mind. Hopefully, his car is there, an indication that he has returned, and then I can finally breathe easy.
True enough, his Aston Martin was there. I sighed in relief; however, it was soon replaced with anger.
Does he realize that he is no longer a bachelor who can go home anytime he wants? Does he realize that his two daughters were waiting for him the whole night? I was mad, what he did was surely irresponsible.
“Lilac?” A familiar voice from behind called me, I turned around to find the man who I wanted to throw my anger at; Luke, who just came back from a run.
*****
Luke
“Lilac...” I greeted her upon entering through the garage door.
She turned to face me. Anger, was written all over her face. “Where were you last night?” she said in a confrontational tone.
“Out. Why?” I said curtly.
“Why? You’re asking me why? I’m asking you?!” she said. Her tone of voice was turning more unpleasant.
I walked past her, changing the topic, in hopes that she doesn’t pursue the matter further. What happened last night was something I don’t want to discuss.
“It’s your day-off, don’t worry, you’ll be paid for working today.”
“Luke! It’s not about the pay check!” she raised her voice.
“Then what is it about?” I retorted, but instead of drawing back, her angry blue eyes met mine.
“You went home at what time? 4 or so? And you walk in as if it is a normal thing for a family man like you to do! You didn’t even bother telling us where have you been or that you’ll be back really late! Or should I say ‘early’, do you know how worried your daughters were since last night?”
“First of all, this is my home and I’m a grown man, I can do what I want. Second, you’re not my wife for me to inform you of my whereabouts or what I’m doing! Understand?”
She heaved a sigh, and failed to control the tears that fell from her eyes. Only then did I realize that I should’ve not said that to her and what I did was wrong and irresponsible. I was angry at someone, but I was taking it out on the wrong person.
Lili turned around, trying to hide her tears as she walked out of the kitchen.
“Lili... wait...” I called as I caught up with her. Getting hold of her shoulder, I then turned her around to face me. “Lili, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean what I said.”
“No... you’re right... who was I to ask you...” she said inwardly, looking down.
“Lili, I’m really sorry... yes, you may not be my wife, but you’re considered family!” I told her sincerely.
Yes, she may not be related to us by blood, but she deserved to be considered as family for all the things that she had done. She had been with us since the girls were so little; it was the time when we had just lost Genevieve, their mother.
Since then, she has filled in the role of a mother to my two girls, and caretaker of the household. She had taken care of Paige and Tabitha, as if they were her own. Despite the stress they had given her at times, and the low wage she was given in the beginning, she still had been very patient with them.
Lili looked up to me, her eyes met mine. Those blue orbs was something I always found striking.
“I’m sorry; I didn’t mean things I’ve said...” I repeated.
She looked at me and said; “We were worried, we didn’t know what could’ve happened to you... we couldn’t even reach you over the phone.”
I looked down and realized for this misunderstanding to end, I need to tell the truth. “Me and Alyssa... we broke up last night.”
Her eyes widened in shock.
“I’m sorry if I hadn’t called, I just wanted to be left alone that time. I didn’t want anyone to see me like this.”
“Luke... I’m sorry... I didn’t know what you were going through.”
“It’s fine, life must still go on...”
“Do you need a moment alone? I can send the girls to their grandparents instead. I can even bring them back for you after.”
“Yes, that would be good, thank you... but if it’s only alright with you, if not, I can pick them up myself.”
“Yes, of course”
“I’ll be back in less than an hour. I made some waffles, just help yourselves.” She said as she yawned, grabbed her bag, and gave me a tired smile before leaving.
The Poor Little Rich Girl (Luke Evans xOFC Fan fiction) - Chapter 3
THREE
Lilac
“It’s been a month since that petty incident, and you are still avoiding me?” a familiar voice from behind made me jolt in surprise. I turned to see who was behind me to find Luke, standing against the doorway.
“Luke! How many times have I told you-” I paused mid sentence upon seeing the expression on his face change.
It has been three months ago since that incident at the Italian restaurant where the receptionist thought that I was Luke’s wife and I somehow gave an indirect answer to her by giving Paige’s name. It was definitely awkward for me and very awkward for Luke, as he is my employer and is in a serious relationship.
“Well! You were glaring at me!” I exclaimed as I turned to face him.
“No, I did not!” he insists.
I gave him an exasperated look and said “Luke… I didn’t hear her question well, or whatever she said… I’m sorry if I made it awkward for you.”
“I’m sorry too; I know that it must’ve been awkward for you as well. I should’ve said something.” He smiled his voice full of sincerity. “So we’re good?”
“Yes… we are thank you for making me realize how petty it was” I told him jokingly.
We both exchanged slight yet warm smiles before he left the kitchen to send the girls to school. I hate to admit, but that felt warm in the heart. Not once did I ever felt sincerity from another person. Not even from my own family.
*****
Being disowned has its own perks too. I discovered the joys of being alone. There is no one to tell me what to do, no one to hurt me. Just silence. Silence and peace that go well together, they make me calm and secure. It was a permanent escape from stress, hate, and pain that my mother gave me. I chuckled with the thought. My ‘mother’, Cassandra was undeserving of the title.
My mother Cassandra was a fantastic actress. Putting on her big fake plastic smile and gush out her pride as long as there are witnesses, but the moment those witnesses are gone, she’s right back down to tearing me down once again. It’s sad that all my childhood experiences that were supposed to be happy and pleasant were depressing instead.
She favored my older brother more than I, and makes no effort to hide it. She is verbally and physically abusive, and most of the time, ignores me and yells at me.
Often, she gives my brother everything and anything she wants..
I’ve always had my own dreams and ambitions, but it hurts me the most that she had to put me down every time I had to make it known to her. Words such as; ‘you can’t do it’ or ‘you’re just too stupid to’ are often said by her to discourage me’. Yet, when it comes to my brother, she goes out of her way to sign him up for whatever is it that he desired.
*****
Narrator’s POV
FLASHBACK
“Get down here right now!” said a bitter scream from the floor below.
“I’m coming!” Her reply was calm, but full of fear, and her mother could sense it. She always could.
Lilac Ellington was a twenty year old sophomore at Durham University of Durham City in North East England. To outsiders, she lived a good, well-privileged life, belonging to a very wealthy family who was admired by the community. However, only those who closely knew the family were aware of the pain and deceit that polluted the Ellington household.
Lilac immediately got dressed, swung her bag pack unto her shoulders, and swiftly ran downstairs. At the bottom, she was met by the intense glare of her mother and she knew from previous experience that this was not the look she wanted to see specially this early in the morning. Her eyes were bulging out of her once pretty face, staring down at Lilac.
Lilac greeted her mother with an inward tone of ‘Good morning’ and hurriedly ran to the kitchen to have a quick breakfast. Her quickness was part of the fact that she wants to get out of the house and escape her mother as quickly as possible.
She quickly grabbed an apple and bolted out of the backdoor of the kitchen. Dashing as fast as she could, to reach the main road and get away from the big manor house where she lives. A place where love was supposed to be present instead of hurt and pain.
She then fell on her knees, out-of-breath from running. Knowing that she was free from the abuse for now, she stood up and slowed down her pace along the main road. However, the thought of; how many more days before University classes resume so she can go back to Durham, and leave the house so she could stay away from her mother, stressed her out.
Almost every day, since she got back from Durham after the semester had finished. Her mother, Cassandra would often take her anger out on her, physically and emotionally.
She then hissed when she felt a painful burning sensation on her arm. Folding up her sleeve, she sat by the road side for a short while to take out an ointment to apply on her bruised arm. A bruise which her mother was responsible for.
Cassandra’s fingernails were long and sharp, and like a hawk, always seemed ready to dig into Lilac’s arms, which she did on a regular basis.
“This isn’t fair!!” she thought. “She does not treat Linus this way! I do not understand what I did wrong to her? No one even knows what I go through, not even my own father and brother. I just wanted her to love me, like she loves my brother.” She pondered as she failed to hold back the tears that flowed out from her striking blue eyes.
*****
“Lilac?” A familiar voice from behind me got me out of my reverie.
“Oh! Henry! Sorry…”
“You’re dreaming again aren’t you? Is it about me?” Henry teased.
“No! Of course not! No food for you!” I told him feigning anger and closed the thermos lunchbox that contained their lunch.
“Nooo!!” he said, over dramatically.
“Hi Lilac, what’s lunch for today?” Luke went inside the pantry unnoticed as me and Henry continued our banter.
“Bruschetta chicken bake!” I told both of them as I stopped bantering with Henry, and prepared lunch on the small dining table.
Henry opened the big thermos lunch box and smelled the aroma that came out from the open lid.
“That smells good Luke!” he pointed out and happily sat down on the chair in front of the table.
“Hungry aren’t we?” Luke teased as he took a seat beside him. He then brought back his attention to Henry. “There was a call for you earlier on. I don’t understand what the use of a phone is when you don’t even answer most calls.”
“…”
Luke held up his hand. “Wait, isn’t tonight Katie? And you were telling me earlier on that you had a date this morning?” he sipped his glass of water whilst eyeing on Henry.
Henry groaned, which made both Luke and me laugh. “Isn’t it strange that we all know Henry’s weekly boff calendar?” I asked.
Luke looked over at Henry, eyes smiling. “You’re thinking of cancelling plans with Katie aren’t you? Think you’re going to pay for that one?”
“Perhaps…” Henry admitted.
Katie was one of the “few” women Henry had dated back then, although I found it strange and want nothing to do with his issues. Henry would often talk about girls whom he has dated or slept with during lunch. I on the other hand, have no choice but to hear him complain to Luke. Most of the time, I felt sorry for these women, and the situation they had put themselves in, when they involve themselves with Henry.
“Anyways, enough about me… how about you, are you bringing Alyssa to the soiree?” Henry inquired, diverting the topic away from him.
“No… she’s flying to Paris on that particular week…” he said, sounding a little dejected.
I turned around to find Luke with a downcast expression on his face upon the mention of Alyssa’s name.
“Thank Gawd!! Because that woman is so fuzzy! She complains about everything and takes forever to choose a meal she wants!”
“She isn’t that bad Henry…” Luke reprimanded him gently.
I stood there and pondered for a moment. Luke seemed to be hiding something. I don’t know what and why? But I’m sure it had something to do with Alyssa.
