a.n. Here is a new chapter as I promised and the next chapter will also be up soon. and I would like to thank all of my reader who loved and enjoyed this story so far and also I just would like to mention one specific guest whose name is Neena. She informed me that her mother's life is very similar to Veronica. SO hats off to your mother. I believe she truly is a wonderful women. All my other readers love you all thank you very much. So enjoy the chapter.
Chapter 12
" Princess Lydia.."
"Princess Lydia.." this time the maid shake her shoulder a little only for the said princess to shrug her hands away while a sleepy groan passes her lips.
"Princess Lydia…"
"…Ummm…w-hat?" Lydia asked in her sleep. Even her eyes were not open.
" Lord Haruka wishes to see you in his office as soon as possible." The princess's eyes shot opened at the mention of her father in law. Even though Haruka treated Lydia as his own daughter, never giving her any reason to fear him; which she never even did but today it was a different case. She did something terrible for which even her ass licking husband will not even take her side that she knows very well. Well to be more precise she knows that her husband will be the one who will create the most problem.
After opening her eyes Lydia realises that Kaname is not on the bed with her. Not that she even expected. Her heart rate slowly started increasing, she was scared. Even though the doctor has asked her to not to stress on any matter or feel scared since her condition being delicate it might harm the child but of course at this moment Lydia couldn't help it because in a matter of moment she will come face to face with the moment of truth. And only GOD knows what awaits there.
"..I-I will be there shortly..ju-st just need some time to freshen up." Lydia stuttered which kind of amused the maids as they were not used to seeing the princess this way after all she never even hesitated to yell at her husband in front of them. Worse once she even poured a whole jug of water on Kaname's head in front of all the servants and family members since he did not agree with her at some matter. It was something that only Lydia could get away doing, others would die even if they try to imagine; after all no matter what she did she was still Kaname apple of the eye, she was not his love but his life. But today it looked different Lydia looked scared for some reason but ofcourse the maids had no place to question the princess so they left with curiosity in their mind.
Lydia quietly watched her husband signing stack of papers. She watched him from distance trying to figure out whether there was any sign of guilt on his face but to her disappointment she found nothing. It kind of amused her, all she could wonder how cold can he be? He is getting his beloved sister married to an ass of guy, Isaya Shouto's older son when clearly she is in love with someone else. Then again she chuckled a little as remembered that it's not in Kaname Kuran's nature to think what others feel. If it was then she wouldn't be here today. Now that she is here there is no way she will let him destroy his sister's life with his own hand.
"…Kaname.." the said person looked up from the paper to see his beautiful wife walking towards him.
"..Lydia.." Kaname smiled extending his in order for her to take. The moment she took his hand he swiftly pulled her onto his lap making her squeak a little. "did you sleep well love?"
"Yes husband..what about you?" Lydia asked trying to hold back her giggle as kaname started to nuzzle behind her ear and jaw; sensitive area that always tickles. "…Kaname..ple—please..stop..Kaname...Kana-me.."
"..Very well.." Kaname stopped his action and pressed a soft kiss on his wife's lips. In normal circumstances he wouldn't have but now things weren't at all normal. Lydia's fifteen months pregnant on top of that suffering from bulimia resulting in her drastic weight-loss something which is bad for both her and the baby. "…did you have your breakfast?" Kaname asked eyeing his wife sceptically. She replied nodding her head happily with a small smile plastered on her face. "…and did you also end up vomiting out what you had in your breakfast?" Kaname asked again this time in a bit of a sad tone only for Lydia to nod her head sadly. A frustrated sigh escaped Kaname's lips, his little wife was suffering and there was nothing that he could do. Honestly this tension was eating him up from the inside. Lydia's body was showing no sign of improvement.
"Drink.." he ordered Lydia holding up his wrist in front of her. Like an obedient child she followed. All Kaname could do was watch with sad eyes how hungry she was. He placed a couple of kisses on his wife's head and stroked her hair while she drank from his wrist greedily. All he was praying inside that at least she doesn't throw this up as well.
Lydia flashed him a small smile after finishing up her meal. There was a thin line of blood at the corner of her mouth that her husband cleaned it up with his tongue. "…Kaname..can I stay here with you for a while?"
Kaname pulls her even closer placing her head on his chest while he burries his face on her light brown hair and replies "…of course."
They stay like that for some time then Kaname resumes with his work while Lydia still stays on his lap with her head resting on his chest while she occasionally drew circles on his chest or played with the button of his shirt, even running her fingers through his long brown locks and if she was bored with all this she would just blow on his cool air on his chest or his chin.
Kaname didn't at all feel disturbed by his wife's action in fact it entertained him quite well while finishing of his paper work.
"…Yuki didn't show up for breakfast today." Lydia suddenly spoke out of no where.
"…is that so?" Kaname spoke sounding disinterested.
"…she didn't even have her dinner.."
"…hmmmm…" was the response Lydia got from her husband. This response alone started throwing her temper down the edge. She sat up straight on his lap.
"…Kaname…" Lydia took his face in her palms and forced him to face her. " please don't do this.."
" do what?" Kaname raised his eyebrow sounding like he has no clue what she was talking about.
"…Break this engagement. That guy is not good for Yuki, he will ruin her life. She will never be able to adjust to this marriage when she clearly is in love with someone else. And you know that very well." Lydia hissed.
" IF she makes the mistake of loving the wrong person then it's my job as her older brother to correct it." this time kaname hisses as well.
This time Lydia grabs him by the collars and yells "WHY DON'T YOU BLOODY FUCKING UNDERSTAND? THINK WITH YOUR HEAD NOT YOUR ASS. THAT ASSHOLE WILL RUIN YUKI'S LIFE. THAT BASTARD DOESN'T EVEN HAVE A CHARACTER. THAT'S THE REASON WHY HIS PREVIOUS WIFE LEFT HIM. HE EVEN HAS A FUCKING SIX YEAR OLD DAUGHTER. WHAT THE HELL KANAME!"
Kaname tightened his hold on his wife while the three flower vases in the room shattered into pieces "Listen to me Lydia. Act. Your. Age. Don't try to outsmart me. You know nothing neither do you understand. So it's best if you stay away from this matter." Kaname growled "Lydia…do not bring out the ugly side in me. You will not be able to take it."
"Kaname…you were born a monster, you will live as one and you will die like that too." Lydia spoke with disgust in her tone as she pushes him and gets off him and storms out off the room.
But who said she was giving up!
/
"Yuki…"
"Yuki…Yuki…Yuki…" groaned the sleeping princess. This time her sister in law shook her violently. "Awake up Yuki..Yuki…Yuki… damn it Yuki." The Kuran princess finally shot her eyes open and panicked seeing her sister-in law on top of her.
"..Lydia?" She almost screamed only for Lydia to press her palm on her mouth as hard as possible.
"SSShhhh." She silenced Yuki "Listen carefully I need your help." With that she carefully moved her palm off Yuki's mouth "Follow me."
Slowly both the princess tiptoed their ways down the moment Yuki's eyes landed on the passed out form of Seiran she screamed out as loud as possible but luckily Lydia was behind her so she acted fast on silencing her.
"What have you done Lydia?" Yuki asked once Lydia uncovered her mouth.
"Aki?" Lydia called a particular maid who came running in. "Yuki you and Aki will carry this body to your room and then we lock it inside your closet."
"Have you lost your mind Lydia? Do you have any idea what Onii-sama will do once he finds out?" Yuki asked panicked. After all the Kuran princess was quite clueless on what her sister in law was planning.
"You don't have to worry about your brother I will deal with him now you two carry that thing upstairs." Lydia spoke pointing at Seiran's body. "Listen carefully Yuki I have temporally taken care of your parents and Kaname. This is our only chance. I'm getting you out of here."
"Lydia.." Yuki gasped.
"..Don't worry everything will be okay. Now hurry up."
"Now what?" Yuki asked as they reached her room.
"Put her body inside your closet and you Aki please open up a suitcase."
Both Yuki and Aki watched with amused eyes as Lydia packed the suitcase. "no need to look at me like that if possible give me a hand in packing we don't have a lot of time."
Once the suitcase was ready Lydia instructed the maid to take it down while she and Yuki tiptoed their way into first Haruka-Juri's room where Yuki slowly placed a soft kiss on each of their temple and bid goodbye. Then they entered Kaname-Lydia's bedroom. Both the girls watched the sleeping form of kaname from a distance. Lydia was the first one to enter followed by yuki who walked straight towards the bed and knelt down before her brother sleeping figure. As she extended her hand to touch him Lydia pulled her up and dragged her away from the room.
"Let's go…"
Both the girls quietly got into the car. Lydia behind the steering wheels and Yuki beside her, they silently drove out of the Kuran manor. Lydia at times watched from the corner of her eyes Yuki wiping her tears. Lydia didn't really say anything, she could feel Yuki was going through several emotions
As they drove into the railway station Zero's figure became more visible. Right after opening the door Yuki rushed towards the silver haired hunter and Zero pulled her into a tight embrace. Lydia quietly watched them for some time before clearing her throat to interrupt them.
"Yo love birds..get your staff and get the hell out of here."
A deep sigh escaped Lydia's lips as she was standing in front of her father in law's office door. She hesitantly raised her hand to knock but then again retraced back. Again she raised her hand but the door was automatically opened to reveal the entire Kuran family in there. To Lydia it looked more like a family reunion.
There was Haruka Kuran sitting on his office chair behind his table. Juri his wife stood right behind him. Rido Kuran and Asoto Ichijo the head of the senate also the legal adviser for the Kuran family sat across Haruka. Then there was Shizuka Hio Kuran wife of Rido Kuran leaning on the wall. All of them had their eyes fixed on Lydia.
"Lydia…my love… come here." This time the smooth male voice sent shiver down her spine. It belonged to none other than her husband Kaname Kuran, who was sitting on the chaise with one of his leg stretched on the coffee table. "...Lydia? Sit with me." Kaname patted on the empty space beside him. His voice was so dangerously calm that it scared the hell out of the younger vampire.
Gulping nervously Lydia made her way and sat beside her husband making sure there was enough distance between them.
"How are you Lydia?" Kaname asked
"Just get to the damn point." Juri screamed from her spot only for Kaname to raise his hand and stop her.
"Lydia…Yuki is missing.." Kaname took a lock of Lydia's wavy brown hair and tugged it behind her ear "are you aware of it."
"NO." Was her one word reply.
"You know that you can tell me anything... right Lydia. You do remember that don't you?" This time Kaname took her chin on his hand "So please tell me where is Yuki?" This time his tone was a little softer.
"How would I know?" Lydia nervously mutters under her breath.
"Seiran was found inside her closet tied up with anti-vampire handcuffs." Lydia just remained quiet "Lydia this is no joke." She still remained quiet. "…Lydia.." Kaname sighed frustrated since his wife was refusing to cooperate with him.
All the eyes were one Lydia who was just staring at her lap.
"Bring her in." Lydia shot her head up hearing Kaname voice and a gasp escaped her lips as she saw the maid Aki walking into the room.
"Do you know anything about last night?" Kaname asked eyeing the maid carefully.
"Not really Lord kaname."
"Are you telling the truth?" there was a cruel smirk on the crowned prince's face. The maid just looked at him nervously "I suggest you turn around Aki." The maid did as instructed but the moment she turned around she was face to face with her only 5 year son who had a gun pointed at his head.
"So I hope you are telling me the truth Aki…orelse I wouldn't be blamed for your son's death." Kaname spoke in a mocking tone.
"Prncess Lydia only asked me to put the suitcase in the car and asked me to help princess Yuki carry miss Seiran's unconscious body to lock it up inside the closet. That is all I know Lord Kaname and please let my son go." The maid got on her knees "He is innocent please spare his life." she begged clasping both her hand.
"I'm sorry but your answer was not that helpful." Lydia shifted uncomfortably on her place a bad feeling was building up inside her gut. "I want to know where Yuki is."
"I'm telling you the truth. I don't know. Please let him go." The maid started to cry out loudly. Lydia's eyes landed on the innocent five year old who really didn't have much clue on what was going.
"Lydia…I am asking you for the last time and this if you refuse to cooperate with me then I will be left with no other choice." Kaname spoke eyeing her from the corner of his eyes.
"You bastard.." Lydia hissed getting up from her place and rushed to her father in-law. "Please stop him Haruka Pa. I'm begging you." Huraka just stared at her "please Haruka Pa I'm begging you…I thought you supported co-existence then why not prove it too the worlds now by getting your daughter married to a hunter..." this time Lydia goes on her knees "Don't be like my Papa. Please try to understand Yuki loves Zero. Only he can make her happy." Lydia was on the verge of tears.
"Lydia we are short of time. Your melodrama can be saved for later on." Lydia turned to see her husband pouring himself a glass of drink."Let's give you a timeline...this drink finishes and I will order to shoot. First that boy and second that maid. This is all the time you get so make up your mind my dear..." with that kaname took the glass to his lips and started drinking while Lydia just gasped. She looked back at her father in law with pleading eyes, then her gaze moved to the little boy and his crying mother and then kaname to see that his drink was close to finish. She couldn't understand why he was being so cruel. Now she was to choose between her friend and lives of two innocent.
Soon as Kaname put the glass down and turn towards the men
"Wait…"Lydia yells "It was me, my plan to help her escape." That's how Lydia confessed in front of everyone how she carried out everything just for the sake of Yuki's happiness also save her from getting married to a pervert. But unfortunate apart from one the rest saw it as an act of sin.
"Release the boy and go bring Yuki back along with that level-e's ashes." Kaname snarled at the men standing in front.
"No is going anywhere." Spoke a commanding voice stopping everyone in the process. All heads turned to focus it's attention on Haruka Kuran the king.
"Excuse me?" Kaname almost slammed his hands on his table. He never expected his father to interfere like this.
"I said no one is going after them." With that the vampire king stood up and walks towards Lydia cups her face and kisses on her head showing his respect "Thank you so much Lydia for opening my eyes. I shall bring Yuki back and she shall get married here in the Kuran mansion right before my eyes to the man she loves." His words leave everyone speechless but Lydia who asked innocently "May I plan the wedding?"
"Ofcourse my dear who else would do it but you." Haruka speaks ruffling her hair.
"You're making a big mistake." Hissed Kaname through gritted teeth.
"Perhaps…but for my daughter's sake I'm ready to overlook anything." As he passes Kaname he stops to warn him "And one more thing Kaname…" Haruka get closer to his son and hisses "I make the decision for my daughter not you." With that he walks out of the room with Lydia following him; who half way stopped and returned to her husband and put up her middle finger and mutters
"Take that asshole." And turns around walks out proudly, leaving behind a dumbfounded and furious Kaname along with the others.
/
The day of the wedding...
"Onii-sama please.." Yuki sobbed hugging her brother who was just looking outside the window staring at nothing in particular.
"Please talk to me Kaname…this day will remain incomplete without you." Yuki begged tighten her hold on her brother. "…Please Kaname.."
All these time her brother remained silent. There was not a single emotion on his face not even his sister's crying face had any effect on him. The bride's crying face wasn't good enough to melt his heart. Yuki wasn't giving up either she kept on begging him till she heard a sharp gasp. Both the Kuran sibling turned to see it was it Lydia.
"Now you're here to convenience me to attend the wedding?" Kaname asked in a more or less cocky voice.
"…Apparently not." Lydia spoke crossing her arms across her chest. "You're uninvited."
"Excuse me!" the Kuran sibling spoke in union.
"You heard me. You have not been invited." Lydia spoke smirking proudly. "I'm here to take Yuki. After all it's time for the bride to make her grand entry."
When Lydia turns around it almost makes the pokerfaced Kaname gasp at how backless her dress was. He could clearly tell that she was not wearing her bra either but before he could say anything she was already out of his room with Yuki.
Lydia watched with amused eyes how everything turned out perfect. Yuki and Zero got married and also accepted by her parents though Kaname was against it but who care about that. Although most of the time Lydia tried to appear strong and show the world she didn't need Kaname but deep down inside she wanted him bad really bad. Even at a time like this when everyone was enjoying with their loved ones Lydia was just standing in one corner alone and lonely. Unknowing a drop of tear slid down her face and safely landed on a large palm that was placed right under her face.
"Already missing me." Spoke the husky male voice making Lydia snap her eyes open. She kind off gasped as she saw Kaname standing right beside her.
"I thought you weren't coming." Lydia spoke through gritted teeth.
"I thought I was uninvited." Kaname spoke mimicking his wife tone which made her smile and her smile automatically made him smile.
"What your motive Kuran? Why are you really here?" Lydia asked trying to hide her joy and happiness.
Kaname just smirks while unbuttoning his tuxedo followed by taking it off him and wrapped it around his wife's shoulder covering her bare back; in order to stop other men from mind fucking her.
"What was that for?" Lydia asked shyly even though she understood really well the reason behind his action.
"I thought you were cold." Both smiles at each other.
/*/*/*
The soothing music of the violin calmed Veronica's mind a bit. She was in Len's arms while he was playing the violin. Ave Maria, Veronica's most favorite. She quietly watched Len play from his arms. Yes they patched up after the fight last week and all thanx to Yuki-Zero if they wouldn't have intervened then probably this thing would have ended. For this unending support Veronica was grateful to Yuki-Zero from the core of her heart. But that didn't change how she was disgusted with her own-self after that incident with her older sister's husband. It's still unclear to Veronica that how could she be so stupid.
The main thing that was bothering her the most was hiding it from Len. Playing hide and seek was not a part of Veronica's nature but at this point Veronica had no choice she didn't want to break Len's heart and on top of that Yuki strictly forbade her not to utter about that incident with Len. Even she was nice enough to offer her a memory wipe but that doesn't change the fact that it didn't happen.
Seven year old little Veronica watched and waved her hand from the Balconie at the black Rolce Royce that just drove out of the humongous gate of Mori mansion.
"Bye Momma…Bye Lilya…" Veronica shouted at the top of her lungs.
"Veronica Baby please slow down you will wake up the whole neighbourhood." Spoke her Nanny Bea who was just standing behind her holding a mug filled with milk. "Veronica Baby time for another sip." She was asking Veronica to drink her blood mixed milk but the little girl was least bothered about it. She turned to her baby sitter swaying her straight long hair was tied up in two tight pony tails.
"Bea?" She asked curiously "When will Mamma and Lilya come back? Why didn't they take me?"
"If you are a good girl then next time they will take you to London with them. Now hurry up and finish your milk. It's almost your bed time." With that Bea successfully managed to put the mug on Veronica's lips but that didn't last long as the sudden noise of gate opening again got her distracted. Veronica turned around and squealed with joy as she noticed a black limo entering.
"Bea look they're back." But soon the cars door opened her joy tuned upside down. She looked carefully and noticed it was a dark haired man in his early twenties and a girl her older sister's age. Veronica noticed her father coming out and greeting them and the trio finally entered inside. Therefore without wasting anytime Veronica ran down with Bea following her still holding her mug of milk.
"Papa.." Veronica called her father while rushing down the stairs with Bea right behind her.
"Veron..come greet our guest." Her father said motioning her to come forward. "Vernon this is Kaname and Yuki Kuran. They happen to be my childhood friend Haruka-Juri's children. And Yuki, Kaname this is my little Veronica." Havier Mori introduced both the parties. Veronica watched Yuki with curious eyes for a while then when it moved to Kaname her first question was "This man is a child?" This innocent question brought smile to everyone's face.
"Veronica did you know that Kaname is a prince. He will soon become the king of our vampire race." Veronica's father explained.
"Then can I marry him Papa?" Veronica asked innocently making everyone chuckle.
"What do you say Onii-sama?" Yuki asked jokingly. Kaname just picks Veronica up and place a soft kiss on her cheek and responds
"It'll be my honour to be your husband Princess."
/
Alomost 10 months later….
"Yuki…Yuki…Yuki.." eight year old Veronica pocked the teen that was on the phone talking to her secret boyfriend. "Yuki.." this time she started to pull the said person's night gown.
"Veronica…SSSSSSHHHHH." Yuki put her finger on her lips and spoke " go to sleep or I'll call the cookie monster." Yuki's ignorance made little Veronica upset. She huffed and got off the bed and ran out of her room but ofcourse Yuki was in no mood to care now that Veronica was gone she could continue with her dirty talking. No matter how hard Yuki tried that little devil wouldn't even close her eyes.
Little Veronica entered the last room which was three rooms after Yuki's. It was basically Lydia-Kaname's room. Veronica slowly opened the large door and tiptoed her way inside. The room was quite dark with only one of the bed side lamps on. Veronica could clearly see Lydia's sleeping from. The sight of her sister got her super excited and she did what any eight year old would do, she ran towards the bed to jump on her sleeping sister but before she could climb on the bed a pair of strong arms picked her up and turned her. It was none other than
"Kaname.." Veronica squeaked with joy but immediately he put his finger on her lips and silenced.
"SSsshhh! We don't want to wake Lilya up now do we Princess?" Veronica enthusiastically nodded. "Let's go watch the sunrise."
"Yay! " Veronica again screamed only for kaname to widen his eyes at her in order to scare her.
/
"….Princess…what did I do to deserve such a treatment." Kaname's voice came out lazily as he asked the twelve year old Veronica who was massaging his scalp while he was lounging on the couch.
"I believe you had a long flight so I'm just here to help." Veronica replied a she continued her massage on his shoulder blades.
"My ass." Retorted lydia who was just lying down on the bed going through magazines. Even Kaname himself knew that his little princess had a hidden agenda behind her special treatment.
"Should I put more pressure on the shoulder? Does it hurt?" Veronica inquired.
"Go back to scalp."
"Sure.." Veronica continued with her effort for quite a while before speaking again. The next tim she opened her mouth she made sure the words came out of her mouth in a more softer tone.
"..Kaname.."
"Yes darling!"
"I can share everything with you right?" Veronica asked putting more pressure on the fingertips making sure Kaname was enjoying the scalp massage even more. "Right?" Veronica pushed him more to get a response that would favour her.
"How can I ever deny such a beautiful girl?" Kaname's words brought a smile to Veronica's face.
"SO I can ask you for any favour right?"
"Correct."
"You will do it for me right?" Veronica confirmed. Kaname simply grabbed both her wrist and brought it close to his lips and placed kisses on the back of her hand.
" Just ask."
"I can't wait for it." Lydia mumbles under her breath.
Veronica was quit for a while and took and deep breathe and finally opened her mouth
"My class teacher wants to speak to Papa over the phone. I failed in math once again." Veronica vomited the words that she was building up inside her. Everything went quiet for the next two seconds till Lydia's laughter broke the silence.
"You failed in maths? …Again?" Kaname asked in an amused tone. Veronica just beamed a smile at his direction which clearly portrayed that she wasn't at all sorry about it.
"….Veronica."
"..Yes Kaname…" Veronica spoke flashing him another innocent smile.
"You're grounded." Veronica's smile turned to a deep frown.
A small drop of tear rolled down Veronica's eyes, Len still wasn't aware of it since his mind was focused on the piece he was playing. Veronica tightened her arms around him while drowning herself more into his body. Her head felt heavy, her heart ached as she remembered those old times. Never in her nightmare even Veronica thought that this kind of day will come when her sister will no longer be there and leave behind kids and a lost Kaname who currently is being operated by her father. Most importantly her friendship with kaname…the best way to put it is this she simply tore it just the way one tears a paper.
Veronica felt helpless; the world around her was falling apart. At this point she doesn't even know the difference between right and wrong. Even time was knocking at the door…exactly 29 more hours to go then she will take Lydia's place as Kaname's wife.
Len on the other hand was not very much worried about the whole situation because he trusted Yuki and Zero and since they guaranteed him that this wedding will not happen he believe from deep down that this wedding will not happen of course he didn't know the inside story, something Veronica was dying to confess.
A soft kiss on the temple made Veronica jump in shock as she wasn't even aware that Len was done playing the violin and was watching her.
"I can't wait for you to become one of the greatest musician in the world." Veronica said conversationally.
"It will never happen."
"Why not?" Veronica arched her eyebrows elegantly?
"Expert says that the greatest music is made when a person is depressed, happy and most importantly betrayed by the most precious one they desire." Veronica listened to him carefully " but look at me I'm overflowing with happiness." Len caressed her face softly making Veronica look down guilty.
"…Please Len"
"You are the best thing that has ever happened to me Veronica." With that Len stood up took out a box from his packet and again got on his knees. Making Veronica shifted uncomfortably on the place eyeing him suspiciously. " that is why Veronica…promise to.." he opened the red velvety box and revealed a beautiful gold ring "Marry me."
"Len.." Veronica almost gasps. She never expected it, she was beyond shocked.
"Relax we are not getting married now. I'm not like your father. Moreover if he can plan to get his young daughter married then why can't I propose my young girlfriend?" With that he presses a soft kiss on her lips. Soon it turns into quite a passionate one.
/*/*/*
Veronica glanced at the promise ring on her ring finger before opening the door to her bed room. As she entered her room her eyes landed on an unusual figure someone she rarely sees her mother Mariah Mori standing on the balcony.
" Vernon…" She open her arms " my baby.." Veronica didn't know why she was in tears in sight of her mother.
"Momma…" She ran to her mother's arms sobbing.
"What's wrong my baby?" Her Japanese accent was quite terrible but still she tried to adjust herself. Veronica pulled away from her mother's embrace and showed her mother the promise ring.
"Len promised to marry me in two years." Her mother had no expression on her face for a while she just stared at her daughter's face trying to see her happiness. "I'm so happy momma." Her mother just watched as she spoke "There is nothing more than him I want." This time her mother turned around and looked.
"Vernon…take a look at this." Veronica's gazed followed her mother and it led her to Kaname who was sitting in one corner bench of their huge garden. There was no emotion on his face, in-fact his eyes were red with bags under them. It was a different kind of red not the one that vampire have during bloodlust. It was red due to too much intake of alcohol. His children were with him too sleeping in their crib. Since it was late after-noon that's why they were allowed outside.
"Just look at him." A tear slid down from Veronica's mother's eyes "a part of him died with my Lydia."
"Momma.." Veronica gasped a little she hated seeing her mother cry.
"In about a day you will be his wife." Veronca's heart tightened with this statement but didn't say anything to interrupt her mother "I'm aware that Yuki and her husband is planning something dangerous. If they get caught consequences will be serious…but I will turn a blind eye. Do you want to know why?" Veronica gives her mother questioning look "When Lydia was forced to marry kaname Kuran against her will there was nothing I could do but watch before my own eyes her life ending. "But Kaname was in love and that love has brought Lydia back. now when everything was supposed to be perfect Lydia did what always said will do 'leave Kaname.' She truly did it." Mariah Mori turned to softly caress her younger daughter's face "Lydia always dreamed of falling in love and get married to that person and live happily ever after. But your father never gave her that chance. At only fifteen she was married to Kaname against her wish but when she saw that boy in your life; she could see herself in that scenario. She always wanted you to marry the one you love and that is why I will fulfill my daughter's unfinished dream."
"Momma…I don't understand why is papa forcing me into this. I can never be happy by breaking Lydia's house."
"You're not a house breaker my dear. You are a house maker. Truth be told you can hold this family from breaking apart. However nothing matters to me than your happiness. You are all I have with Lydi…" the sentence got cut off as faint sound of crying child's crying. Both Veronica and her mother turned to see that one of the twins woke up and with one crying the second one automatically woke up. With every second their sound got louder and louder but their father was absolutely unfazed by it. He didn't even look.
Veronica was about to run but her mother grabbed her by the arm.
"No…wait let's see where it goes."
"Momma..Lemme go.."
"No.." her mother growled "they should get used to it...don't spoil them."
"Momma.." tried to pull her arm away but of course it was off no use.
The crying got louder, the children were scared as they woke up in a strange place and there was no familiar presence around them. Their father was physically nearby but mentally he was God's know where. Soon a maid came running who picked up the children and started cooing in order for them to calm down.
There was only one expression on kaname's face; he was irritated from all the crying. At one point of time he couldn't take it any longer. He simply walked away from there. His brain told him if there mother was irresponsible enough to leave them like this then who is he? Why should he care if Lydia herself never cared? If Lydia can be selfish so can he.
"This is their fate Veronica." Veronica's heart tightened at her mother's words. She placed a hand on her chest and clenched the fabric over there as tight as possible. "Their well-being will depend on their father's mood." These words were arrow to Veronica. Her mother loosened the grip on Veronica's arm. "It's always the children who suffers….I broke a happy marriage that's why today…God broke my daughter's home making her children destined to suffer." Tears started to roll down Mariah's eyes. She finally let go of Veronica and walked away from there but stopped as she reached the door.
"Veronica… just know this much that a girl can betray her lover, a wife can betray her husband…but a mother… can never betray her children." With that she walks out of Veronica's room leaving Veronica to her thought.
Veronica's gaze lands on the huge picture of her sister and herself hanging on the wall. She was only six that time. She looked carefully at the way her sister was holding her just like a mother holds her own child. From there her gaze moves down to her once again on the promise ring that man gave her and finally she turns around this time her gaze lands on the children who were desperately crying for their mother. A drop of tear slides down Veronica's eyes.
/*/*/*
"I know this seems bad but there is no other option but this." Yuki spoke packing suitcase. "Trust me I know what you are feeling. In fact I felt the exact same way but Lydia was there to console me she was the one who said 'live your life, don't let other's destroy it' and look at me today I'm happily married to Zero and everything around me is fine." Veronica just quietly watched Yuki. She appreciated Yuki's concern but there was something else too.
"It doesn't feel right." Veronica finally spoke.
"Vernon.." Yuki went towards her as she closed the suitcase. " Just because Lydia is not here today doesn't mean your big sister is dead." Yuki knelt down before Veronica who was sitting on the couch "Veronica relax Ugen-Myra will be fine. There are so many of us for them but Len he has no one but you. Veronica you are his everything, his inspiration, his life, his joy." Veronica knew Yuki was right "And he is everything to you. You two are meant for each other."
"I know." Veronica replies. Yuki's phone vibrates, they both notices it was text from Zero.
"He is ready." Yuki informs " Veronica this is the right time. Everyone here is asleep. No one will have a clue." Veronica nodded understanding what Yuki was referring to.
"I'll meet you down stairs." With that Veronica walks out of her room.
Veronica's eyes landed on both her angels as she opened the door to the children's nursery. They were fast asleep. She could hear their soft snores as she approaches near them. Veronica softly caressed their head and watched as they peacefully slept. A smile made it's way on her lips a sad smile.
A mother can never betray her children
Momma's words repeated in her head again and again. She felt lost. Right now she was standing in the most crucial part of her life. She didn't know she couldn't have both. She needs one and destroys the other one and at that moment Veronica remembered one of Lydia's teaching.
"Vernon…you need to make a decision. We are running out of time." Lydia spoke in an annoyed tone to the seven year old Veronica who was taking forever to make decision on which flavor of ice cream she wanted. Finally not being able to make up her mind Veronica defended herself innocently "Papa says that his I never need to make a choice if I like all he will get me all."
"Vernon…papa has a hell lot of money I don't. So just pick one." Lydia hissed
"I can't why don't you pick for me." Veronica hissed back showing her entire set of teeth.
"Please get cookies and cream for this brat and an iced-coffee for me." Lydia told waiter at the ice-cream parlor. As the waiter left the table with their orders Lydia focused her attention back to her little sister who seemed a bit upset.
"Vernon…" No response from Veronica
"Vernon…" Still no response from the little girl. This time Lydia took Veronica by her chin and spoke " Listen to me Vernon life will always be not so innocent and I will not always be there with you, to make all you decision."
"What will happen then?" asked little Veronica worried.
"Simple you will have to make your own choice."
"Make my own choice? How do I do that?" Veronica asked trying to figure out the solution for the problem.
"Simple! That time both your brain and heart will give you the option and you pick one of them." Said Lydia with a smile.
"Then which one should I take? Brain or heart?" Veronica was really confused. That was natural at that young age it of course made no sense to her.
Lydia just kisses Veronica on the temple and replies "I always listen to my heart which is over here." Lydia completes her sentence by placing her palm on Veronica's chest where her tiny heart was beating.
"Listen to my heart…" Veronica mumbles as she places her hand over her heart. A different smile made it's way on Veronica's lips again while there were tears running down her eyes. Veronica simple bent down and placed a kiss on each of their head and quickly ran out the room.
Veronica could see Yuki and Zero standing outside the house and a car behind them. Veronica rushed towards them.
"Zero will take you tow the bus terminal. Len will is always there waiting for you two and from there we will tell you what to do." Spoke Yuki. "And relax by the time everyone figures out there will be nothing left to be done apart from calling the wedding off." Veronica simple remains quiet.
"Now just hop inside." Speaks Zero opening the door for Veronica.
"I don't know how to thank you both." Veronica speaks hugging Yuki.
"Just get inside. We don't have much time. If anyone figure out all three of us are going to end up dead." Says Yuki. Veronica enters the car on the front passenger seat and Zero goes round and places himself on the driver's seat.
As Zero starts the car Yuki bend down a little and gives a black box to Veronica but before Veronica could ask what's inside Zero replies
"Lydia gave it to me when I was starting my own life with Zero. She said that it belonged to her mother as in both of your step mother of course." Veronica opens the box looks at the pendent connected to the chain
"Thank you Yuki."
In response Yuki simply kisses her temple just the way Lydia used to
"Wish you a very happy life with Len. Take care and never forget us." Both the girls had tears in their eyes.
"…I will.." Veronica replies holding back a sob with that the car slowly started to moved and Yuki watched as the car drove out of the Mori mansion. A part of her heart felt happy for Veronica's new beginning and a part of her guilty for finishing the little bit of happiness that was left for those children.
/*/*/*
"Veronica can't be sleeping for this long. It's her wedding today for God's sake." Spoke Juri with a lot of anticipation who was making her way to her yet to be new daughter in law's room only to be interrupted by her own daughter who was desperately trying to stop her.
"Mother please listen to me."
"Listen to what?" Juri hissed "we are getting late and Kaname is almost there."
"But Veronica is not there." Yuki blurted out. Juri just felt like as if she got struck by thunder, she couldn't believe her own ears "I helped her escape."
"What?" Juri hissed "repeat what you just said." She commanded, the only emotion right now her eyes held was disgust towards her own daughter.
"It was for Veronica's betterment, which none of you were thinking about." Yuki shouts and the next thing she feels a hand hitting her face so hard, felt as if it was slamming her face. Yuki was about to hit the ground but her body was caught by Havier Mori Veronica's father.
"What's the matter?" He asked
"The matter is this traitor over here," Juri pointed her finger towards Yuki "has helped Veronica escape."
Havier Mori eyes Yuki differently but doesn't say anything. It was awfully quiet for few seconds. Both Juri and Havier Mori had their eyes fixated on Yuki and for Yuki the situation seemed crazier while she was confused wondering what fate has in store for her, was it death or some other kind of cruel punishment.
"How could you do this to your own brother, the brother who loves you more than life itself? How did you for once think about betraying your own flesh and blood?" Yuki was just quiet and besides there was nothing she could do apart from listening but finally she decided to open her mouth.
"My brother is strong he will find a way for his children and we all are here. Everyone together will take care of them."
"Shut Up!" Juri shouted "Don't you dare call him brother with that filthy mouth of yours."
"Mother please….calm down." Havier Mori in the meantime was just busy on his phone and walked to a different place soon as the phone rang.
"Calm down? How can I calm down when my son will be at alter soon and here I get to know that his bride ran away. He will become a laughing stock in the society." Juri almost had frustrated tears in her eyes. She still couldn't believe her own daughter would be back stabbing them like this.
"Mother please try to understand there are thousands of girl waiting to marry Kaname, they will happily accept the children too. It's not the end of the world."
Juri opened her mouth to speak again but Havier Mori beat her to it.
"Ladies no need to panic situation is under control. I have informed my men they will bring back Veronica along with that brat's ashes. So relax Juri the wedding is still on." Juri ran into her old friend's arms only for him to return the embrace as he spoke "Veronica is going nowhere."
At that very moment all of them heard.
"Sorry to interrupt."
The voice froze both Juri and Yuki. Both mother and daughter turned to see the door of Veronica's room open and there she stood, the bride wearing a white robe with her haired tied in ponytail it was yet to be done but her makeup was complete. "I just need little more time to get ready."
Her father walked to her direction first and placed a kiss on her temple. "Take as much time as you desire." He then turns on his heels and speaks "…you made a good decision. So there is no need for blood shed. I'm proud of you Vernon and as a reward that boy's life will be spared." With that he leaves the ladies alones.
"Veronica.." Juri spoke cupping the younger girl's face "God bless you." Veronica says nothing a sad smile just curls up her lips.
For the time being in this situation Veronica's eyes land on Yuki's for the first time. Veronica moves towards her as she speaks "I heard you did Lydia's hair for her wedding. Will you do it for me too?" Yuki just nodded her head wiping her tears. "Also one more thing…"
"…Anything." Yuki replies
"Be my maid of honour…please.."
"Sure.."
With that Yuki and Veronica walks into the room where Juri was already waiting for her along with Veronica's mother Mariah and Bea her babysitter; not just to get ready for her wedding but to get ready for the whole different life that awaits for her.
A.N. Those of you are unhappy with no Kaname-veronica interaction good news for them the next chapter will be called the wedding and I started working on it already so hopefully in a week it will be out. Thank you all.
