Liliana's POV:
"Hey, want to have Astrana to tag along as well?" I glance at the being next to me. "She's been doing a lot of work lately."
He shrugs. "Sure. It'll be nice for her to get her mind off things."
I never knew my husband's workload was this much. There must've been a hundred appeals everyday and as the prince he has to read all of them. Wow. Just thinking about it is giving me a migraine.
"Hey, where do you think all the appeals come from?"
"I have no clue."
Surely the nobles won't have that many unsatisfied things about this world… would they?
(Knock)(Knock)
"Astrana, are you free today?"
Huh…
(Knock)(Knock)
"We're going on a walk," The guy beside me hollers after a few minutes of silence. "If you're not too busy, do you want to go with us?"
Is she sleeping?
Blue eyes look into mine as I shrug. "Guess she's not here."
"What should we do now?"
Hm…
"Let's let her rest. We can invite her next time."
He nods as someone taps my shoulder. "Next time what?" I jump as a laugh rings through the air. "Where are you headed?"
"Geez Maria," My breathing calms as I let out a breath. "Do I have to put a bell on you?"
She rolls her eyes. "Haha, very funny. No seriously," Her hazel eyes looks at the room. "Why are you two here? Don't you know she's with Astral?"
"What?"
My heart rams into my chest at her words. Astrana's with…
"What… what did you say?" I ask as my throat locks up. I must've heard wrong. There's no way she's with Astral. He's been MIA for the last couple of weeks now.
"You haven't heard?" Hazel eyes widen in shock. "There are rumors circulating around the palace as we speak."
"And what are those rumors?" The guy standing next to me crosses his arms raising a brow. "Divorce?"
"Yes but there's another one going around. Apparently, the King slapped the Prince-"
"What?!"
"Shush!" She makes a shushing motion with her hand. "Not so loud!"
"His Majesty slapped his only son?"
She nods. "At least that's what the servants said. His Majesty was furious about something and before they knew it, he slapped his across the cheek."
Oh my…
"Furious?" My friend narrow his eyes. "Furious about what? He didn't say something to upset him, right?"
"I don't know but-"
"Where is he?" I gulp as I clench my fist. The two individuals look at me blankly. "Where's my husband?"
A few minutes later:
"Your Highness, Lord Brandon, Lady Maria,"
"Move."
He bows deeply interlocking his fingers. "Apologies, mistress but I cannot let you enter."
My eyes narrow. "You dare disobey me?"
"I dare not to but master said not to let anyone in his office."
"I'm his wife."
"I'm sorry but he has given his orders I cannot go against it."
Cannot go against it my head. What about all the times you have gone against it? Are we not counting that?!
(Creek)
"Waltari, stand down."
Astral's POV:
"Edward,"
"Your Highness,"
Dead eyes stare into mine. Hm, My parents sit on their thrones clearing their throat. "Guards, why isn't he chained?"
A guy steps up interlocking his fingers. "Your Majesty, we tried to follow your orders but-"
I hold up a hand. "All of you, leave us."
"Yes, Your Royal Highness."
A group of guards shut the doors behind them with a slam as I stare into his purple eyes. "Speak."
"About what may I ask?" He tilts his head to the side. "I'm still confused in why I am here."
Playing the innocent role huh?
"You still won't admit what you did?" My father asks raising a brow as the guy below blinks.
"Pardon me but admit what, Your Majesty?"
"Psst," My ears perk up as a female whispers. "Honey, are you sure we got the right guy?"
"Yes."
"It's just… he looks so genuine in his response…"
Genuine? I raise a brow at the man below me. I'll admit, if I was normal, and I see a well developed reaction like that, I would be fooled as well.
Purple eyes widen as he immediately places his hand over his mouth. "Your Majesties, don't tell me you believe the rumors circulating about me planning an uprising? I can assure you that I would never harm The Royal Family. I don't know who started this despicable attack but I swear, Your Majesties, I will hunt them down and kill them."
Silence rings through the air as green and red eyes glance at me. "Your Highness, are you positive you got the right being?"
Really? Can these two not see through the facade he is putting up?
"I gave you the evidence, right?"
"Well yes but," His eyes trail to the man below. "Evidence isn't everything."
Is he being serious? It's not like I gave him incomplete information. I provided him with his motives along with detailed explanations on why he was enslaving children yet my own father would be fooled by an act? Incomprehensible! I let out a soft breath. Looks like I have to step in once again.
"Stop it."
He blinks raising a brow. "I'm sorry?"
I materialize a manila envelope into my hands. "Your acting can work on others but it won't work on me."
His eyes widen for a fraction of a millisecond as he furrows his brows. "Acting? Your Highness, I don't understand."
I gave him a chance to confess. Oh well. "Your daughter Katherine told me everything. How you ordered her to distract me so you can put your plan into motion. I'll admit, you're quite clever. It took me weeks to figure out your plans and demolish them."
His expression changes in an instant to a cold look. "Oh? Tell me, what are my plans?"
I flip the file to a page. "Looking at it now, it's quite simple. Firstly, you enslaved children to do your bidding. My guess is grooming them for your benefit-"
"Grooming?!" A voice shouts next to me as she stands up from the chair. "Are you insane? Why would you-"
"Honey," I shift my gaze onto her as she glares at him.
"Anywho, you enslaved children to do your bidding along with plotting the demise of The Royal Family."
A laugh rings out from the room as he waves a hand dismissively. "Your Highness, you should really become a writer. The things you think of in your head are indeed something."
Gaslighting. Ha, you think I haven't used this tactic before?
"Are these just things I imagined up or are they real?" I cap twice as the doors open. "We shall see."
In comes a purple-haired lady wearing a white dress. "Your Majesties," Purple eyes drift towards me with a nod. "Your Highness,"
She looks much better than the last time I saw her.
"Lady Katherine, I'm confident you recognize this man beside you?"
She nods looking next to her. "Yes. That is my father, Duke Edward."
"May you repeat everything you said that night to Their Majesties?"
"I'd be glad to," Purple eyes look up at my mother and father. "Your Majesties, my father, Duke Edward, has been committing several illegal crimes."
"And what might those be?"
"The enslavement of children, exploitation of nobles, manipulation and teaming up with others to attack The Royal Family, and many others."
"Hm," Green and red eyes shift to the man beside her. "What do you think about this?"
"My King, you simply cannot believe her. Everything she says is unreliable."
"And that is because?"
He lets out a sigh shaking his head slowly. "My daughter is suffering from schizophrenia and paranoia."
"What?! I-"
"After her mother's passing, the dormant symptoms manifested. At first, it was manageable with medications but I don't understand how it became so severe-"
"Father! I don't have-"
"Honey," A calm voice interrupts her. "I know you dislike talking about this but it must be brought up. It has gotten to the point where you are accusing me of untrue things."
"That's because you did all of those things." She seethes. "You think after all this time of living with you, I don't understand what you're doing? You are a liar and a manipulator!"
"Why would you go and say that about your own father?" Tears prickle in his eyes. "I have you everything you desired and wished for yet you want your mother that badly?"
"What? No! I don't-"
"I know you hate me. I know you blame me for everything but I just wished for you not to accuse me of such things."
"You literally placed a necklace on me that shocks me every time I disobey you!" She screams as gasps rings out from my friends. "Why would you go do that to your own daughter? What father would do that to his only child? Thank goodness, Astral realized something was off or else I would still be under your control!"
His eyes widen with a gasp. "Sweetheart, I did no such thing! Why do you keep accusing me of things?"
"Oh I don't know maybe because it's true?"
"Does it look like I can create such an intricate invention that zaps a being? Not only that, if I did possess an object like that, why would I go and bring harm to you? You're my everything."
"Stop lying." A scoff escapes her lips. "If you loved me, why would you act so coldly and indifferent towards me? The only time you acknowledged me was when we were in public and even then it felt surreal because I knew it was rehearsed."
Her father stays silent as she clenches her fist. "I just learned recently that you didn't even want me. Essentially, I was a mistake. You forced yourself onto mom. How could you do such an outrageous thing? Do you have no conscience?!"
"You… what?" A whisper escapes from a brown haired lady. "What… what did you just say?"
"Estrella," My friend holds her arm as green eyes narrow.
"You disgusting piece of filth! How could you do that to my mother?! You little…" Her eyes frantically dart back and and forth as my friends pull her back. "I'm going to kill you!"
"Calm down."
"Let go of me guys." She struggles against their arms. "I'm going to get my revenge!"
"I did no such thing." He responds in a calm voice. "And besides, what does that have to do with you accusing me?"
Her eyes narrow at him. "You ordered me to seduce and distract His Highness so you would have time to implement your plan."
"And what is this plan of mine?"
"To attack The Royal Family."
"How?"
"You use your charm to build superficial connections and alliances then exploit them to force them to help you."
He chuckles shaking his head. "My my, I never realized you have such an imagination. Must be the schizophrenia in you."
"I do not have a mental disorder!"
"Oh my poor daughter," His purple eyes soften. "The fact you have created such delusions in your mind is really disturbing. This just goes to show how much stress you've been under since your mother's passing."
"You-"
"Stop gaslighting her." This is getting ridiculous. The more it goes on, the more worked up she'll get.
"Gaslighting?" He frowns at me. "Your Highness, I'm afraid you've gotten the wrong impression. I'm just defending myself from my daughter. Is that so wrong?"
I let out a dry chuckle. "You think I don't recognize when a being is being manipulative? I suggest you tell the truth according to your own. That way, it can get you a reduced sentence."
"Oh?" He raises a brow. "If you can recognize the signs of manipulation," Purple eyes narrow for a second. "Does that mean you employ these tactics as well?"
This man… Alarm bells ring in my head as my stomach sinks. Can he see right through me? That's impossible unless…
"Edward," A man clears his throat as he breaks the staring contest between us. "Is what your daughter saying true?"
"My King," He dips his head once more with a head shake. "I would never in a million years do such a thing. You've seen my record, right? I have a clean file with absolutely no criminal activity whatsoever. I occasionally donate to the homeless shelters as an act of service. Why would I go enslave children and plot against you? It makes no logical sense."
"Hm, you're right. It does make no sense. I mean," A laugh escapes his lips. "Why would you do something so dangerous without a motive?"
"Your Majesty, he's lying! I witnessed-"
"Katherine," A frown forms on his lips. "What did I say about you skipping your pills? Honestly," A hand facepalms his forehead. "I know you don't like the taste but it's for your own good."
"What pills? I don't-"
"You know what happens when you don't take them. You will experience hallucinations and create unreal scenarios in your mind."
"Oh, so those things I saw you doing were unreal?" She crosses her arms giving him a glare.
"I don't know what is it that you have against me. What did I ever do to you so you-"
"What did you do to me?" Her voice raises. "How about all those times you threatened me? You psychologically destroyed my self esteem and made me question everything and everyone. You made me lose my personality and turned me into a puppet for you to use then discard yet you dare say you don't know what you did wrong?!"
He blinks at her then looks back at my father. "See? Your Majesty, please don't blame my daughter for spouting nonsense. She can't control what she-"
"I. Do. Not. Have. A. Mental. Disorder!"
"Honey," His lips purse at her as her left eye twitches in rage.
What did I say about keeping calm and not indulging in his games? The more you play, the more control he has.
"Edward, you say she has schizophrenia and paranoia. Do you have any proof of this?"
"Of course, she was tested and diagnosed by a professional psychologist."
"Is that so?" A hand passes me another manila envelope. "Thanks, Waltari."
My fingers open the folder to scan the files. "I have her file which includes all of her information right here and you said she had a psych evaluation?"
"Yes."
"Funny," I flip through more pages. "There seems to be nothing indicating so."
He shrugs. "Perhaps you're missing a few pages."
"I know I'm not missing a few pages." I stare at him. "You said she got diagnosed by a psychologist?"
"Yes."
"You know," I place a hand under my chin. "I know a fantastic psychiatrist who just may be able to help your daughter. Are you in for it?"
One of his eyebrow raises slightly. "A psychiatrist?"
"Yes. You claim she got professionally diagnosed but there seems to be nothing in her file about that."
"Like I said, you might be missing a few pages."
"Or," My eyes narrow into his. "You're just making this up as you go along. You think after all this time I spent with her, I can't tell if she's mentally ill or not?" The man below me stays silent. "I will give you one more chance to admit your wrongdoings."
"I have done nothing wrong."
"Your Highness," My mother chimes in with her eyes drifting to the three of us. "I really don't think he's the mastermind behind this."
I glance at her golden eyes raising a brow. "Not that I'm doubting you or anything but-"
"I gave you the copy of the evidence. What more do you want?"
"Yes, but looking at him right now… do you think there might be a possibility of you being incorrect?"
My eyes widen at her statement. Incorrect? Me? Ha! Being incorrect about this?! As if!
"You know what," My father hums. "I agree with you on this one. I mean… no matter what I think of it, I don't see any motive for him to do so. You said it yourself," Green and red eyes stare into mine. "That you don't understand why he would do something so idiotic."
So now my family is siding with a stranger? Wow… am I the only one who can see through his facade?
"You're correct," I look down at the evidence in my hands. "There would be no way someone would plan an attack on The Royal Family. We're protected by an impenetrable shield of guards and a state of the art alarm and defense system. One would be a fool to do such thing."
Or…
"Where… are you going with this?" My mother voices after a minute as my lips curve into a smirk.
"I just figured out why."
The being below me displays a neutral face. "Tell me, Your Highness. Why would I do such a deplorable thing?"
"Gladly." My eyes look at my parents. "Your Majesties, usually a normal being would never do this unless there is in fact a valid reason." My eyes drift to his dead purple eyes once more. "However, he is anything but normal."
"Meaning?"
"You can't use logic to anticipate his actions. The more you think about his reasons for doing this sort of thing, the more confused and illogical it seems."
I meet his gaze. "Edward, you did it because you were bored."
…
…
…
"Bored?" A feminine voice exclaims. "Who is crazy enough to do such a thing when bored?"
"Your Majesty, you seen his psych evaluations, right?"
The sound of pages flipping fills my ears as the man before me blinks. "Lack of empathy, remorse, and guilt, manipulation, cold, narcissistic," My eyes narrow into his. "I'm assuming you resonate with those words?"
…
…
…
An eerie chuckle fills the air as his mask drops. His eyes grow cold and lifeless as his stare pierce my being. I knew it.
"Your reputation precedes you, Your Highness." A flat voice rings through the room. "I knew you were intelligent but seeing you in the flesh," His eyes lock onto mine. "You're the first ever being to see through my lies."
"And you are the first ever being that had me running around in circles for a trail." I fold my arms across my chest. "I commend you."
"Thank you. I truly appreciate it but may I ask you a question, Your Highness?"
"Go ahead."
"How did you know I did it because I was bored rather than some other reason?"
How did I know?
"Try to guess."
Reptilian eyes bore into mine. "Because that's what exactly you would've done if put in my position, am I right?"
"You're wrong."
"Am I though?" This man… "You have so much more potential than you exhibit. Why do you try to fit in when you were born to stand out? To me, that just does not make any sense."
My fingers curl into a ball as he looks at me up and down. "What do you mean?" It's like he can see right through me!
"We're the same type of beings." Dark purple eyes stare into mine unblinking. "We are just born differently than the rest of-"
"I'm nothing like you."
"You can deny it all you want but deep down you know I'm correct. Individuals like us are a rare breed. We are so intelligent to a fault yet we lack something so basic."
A lump forms in my throat as my fist tightens. "Stop talking."
"Lack of empathy, remorse, and guilt, manipulation, cold," His eyes narrow slightly. "You relate to those traits as well, don't you?"
I glance at the woman next to me as a confused expression flashes on her face. If I don't shut him up…
"Guards," The door opens and two guards rush in kneeling before me. "Lock this man in the dungeon."
"Yes, Your Highness."
They motion to seize his arms as he places a hand to stop them. "I'll go with you. No need to drag me."
He gazes at me once more. "Prince Astral, what a shame for you to pretend. Doesn't it get tiring?"
"Shut your mouth."
"And to think I have found someone like me." He shakes his head letting out a sigh. "To think if you gave in to your true nature, we could actually be allies-"
"Allies?" A laugh escapes me lips. "Tell me, why would we be allies when we are nothing alike?"
"Because you have ASPD as well," My heart stops beating for a minute as a little cunning smirk crosses his lips. "Don't you?"
ASPD…
"What's ASPD?" A voice ask as my ears ring. At this rate… I need to get rid of him now!
"Guards, gag him."
A chuckle rings out as his flat stare pierces my very soul sending chills down my spine. "Judging by the looks, they don't-Mph!"
"You talk too much for a prisoner." Blue eyes look towards me. "Your Highness,"
"Lock him up."
"As you wish."
My eyes narrow as I purse my lips. To think he saw right through me… I grit my teeth. Damn it. I've been slipping way too much lately. What is the matter with me? Don't tell me that I'm actually afraid of him. Haha! No way. It's impossible.
"Baby," A tug on my sleeve snaps me from my thoughts as I look at the woman next to me. "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine." My hand brush her hand from my arm. That's right. I cannot afford to slip this mask. I'm not scared of him but rather scared of him revealing me. That's got to be it. I clear my throat staring at the woman with purple hair as she gives me a soft smile. "Katherine, thank you once again for your cooperation."
"I only did it because I owed you a favor." She winks. "And nice acting. You even managed to fool the others."
Duh.
"Wait," Golden eyes blink. "What's going on here?"
"Mother," My legs approach her. "This is Katherine, the famous actress who starred in the film Lies Within a Pearl."
Eyes blink all around me as I let out a soft sigh. Explanation time. "You all know her as the daughter of Duke Edward and Duchess Emilia but she is also an award winning actress."
"Yes," She curtesy. "Your Majesties, I didn't mean to lie. I hope you may forgive me for my rudeness."
…
"You're an actress?"
"Yes."
"But…"
"Your Royal Highness, Duke Edward had me enroll in acting classes ever since I was a child so naturally, I followed the succession of things and became an actress."
My sister's mouth opens then shuts. "So… you…" Her brows furrow at us. "You expect me to believe all of it was acting? Even when you two almost kissed?"
I shrug. "In the world of acting, chastity means nothing."
"He's right. I've done scenes where more contact was involved. You just have to be professional about it."
"What the! Professional?!" She screeches waving her hands. "Kissing is an intimate thing. How on earth can one be professional?"
"Honestly," She places a hand under her chin. "There comes a point where you kissed so many beings that it becomes an automatic gesture."
"Your kidding!"
My friend cracks a smile. "I'm not and besides, it's not like I actually kissed your brother or anything." Her purple eyes trail to my wife who is blinking at us. "Besides, even if I did kiss him, it was strictly professional, isn't that right?"
"Yes,"
"Did you two…" An index finger points at me then her. "Didn't you two sleep together?"
Here we go.
"You want to tell her?"
"What? Me? You're her husband. You should tell her."
Amethyst eyes look into mine. "Ok. We did not sleep together. We slept on the same bed but not that."
"And you should know I'm not into married men."
Not into married men? Yea right. She gave me a whole confession that night.
"If you still don't believe me you can see the cameras for yourself."
The woman next to me looks at me with her eyes wide open. "Did you just say cameras?"
"Yea. I added that in as a security measure."
"Where were the cameras placed?"
"In the room."
"Like… inside the room?!"
Why is she… A hand smacks my shoulder as I raise a brow. "Haven't anyone taught you that's an invasion of privacy?!"
"Hey, it was just a security measure." I put my arms into surrender mode. "I haven't looked at it in case you're worried."
"That's not the point! You placed cameras in a room which was supposed to be-"
"May I remind you that you placed ten wiretaps in my room?"
"What?" My wife stands up in alarm. "There were wiretaps in our room?"
"Yea. At least ten were in the room."
"Katherine," We all stare at her as her face grows red as a tomato.
"I-I have an explanation." She clears her throat. "My father forced me to place those there or else he would shock me. I-I didn't have a choice!"
You know what… that actually makes sense.
"I swear," She puts up her right hand. "I did not look at them at all so if you two did something-"
"You think I would let anything happen when I knew there were wiretaps in the room?" I raise a brow glancing at my wife as she looks away from me with her cheeks pink. "No way."
"By the way, you owe me."
Her eyes widen. "What? How?"
"Because I thought you were listening, I argued with my wife and got slap for nothing."
"Hey, that was all on you. I didn't tell you to do that."
I roll my eyes clicking my tongue. "This is why communication is so important, Katherine. You got to let me know these things."
"Well, I'm sorry but I'm letting you know now, aren't I?"
"You are really insufferable." I mutter as she shoots me a glare. "But," My fingers pat her head. "You really are an amazing actress."
A giggle escapes her lips as she brushes my hand from her head. "You as well. Say, are you looking to act as a career? You're really good at it. The way you can mimic emotions… it really is something."
"A career?" I look at my parents who is listening in on our conversation. "Being a prince is a full time job already. You think I have time for another?"
She shrugs. "The option's there if you want. Just give me a call if you change your mind."
"I'm fairly confident that won't be happening but thanks."
Her eyes drift to her sister who is blindly blankly at us. "Estrella," She flinches as the woman next to me smiles. "Let's have a little chat."
A force pulls me closer. "You might want to talk with your wife to clear up the whole misunderstanding between us."
"Right. No need to fret, I'm on it."
Liliana's POV:
In my room:
"Lily," The man across from me purses his lips gripping his hands tightly. "I… I know what I did was wrong. I shouldn't have-"
"Stop." I place my cup down with a clink. "I only need to know two things. One, did you engage in an extramarital affair with Katherine?"
"No. I didn't-"
"Let me finish." I put up a hand to interrupt him. "If so," I summon up a folder with a pen. "I'll sign the divorce papers. I will not tolerate cheating from my husband or stay in a relationship with a man who is indifferent and clearly does not care for me."
A lump forms in my throat. No matter how much I love him.
(Flash):
"I'm going to be honest with you because you're my friend," Emerald green eyes lock onto mine. "It takes two individuals for a relationship to work. If one of you cares and the other one doesn't, what you have is something fractured."
(Flash)
Star's right. It's time for me to put myself first.
"And the second one, you disappeared for weeks and now you return like nothing happened? Do you think this is a joke? You disappear without saying a word to me or anyone else and now you expect everything to go back to normal?" Seriously? My arms fold across my chest. "You better have a good explanation for all of this or else, we're through."
I can't play with his hot and cold front anymore. Why is he like this? Was he always like this? Am I just seeing this now?
The man across from me nods. "I expected those questions. The answer to the first one is no. I didn't do anything to her. You can check the security cameras I placed if you don't believe me."
Hm…
"I swear, if you are lying to me right now,"
"I'm not lying. I have no attraction towards her. All of it was a scheme to find out more about her father. You knew about this as well."
"Yes, but you decided to take matter into your own hands without consulting me." I roll my eyes at him. "Nice to know you trust me so much."
"It wasn't a matter of trust. How would you react if I told you there were wiretaps in our room? That we were not the only one there? You would've probably freaked out and if she was in fact listening, the plan would've failed right there."
Huh… true… "Regardless, you should have told me. I'm your wife. You shouldn't have kept this a secret." Or anything other to be exact.
"Yes but you don't understand Edward's true nature. He's a very cunning and manipulative man. Once he finds my weakness, he'll use it against me and-"
"So I'm a burden." Tears prickle my eyes as I gulp. "Is that what you're saying?"
Darn it! Stop crying! He's going to think you're weak, Lily. Stop it with the waterworks!
"Honey," Gold and silver eyes stare into mine as he holds my hands gently. "You're never a burden. What I mean is if he knows you're my weakness, he can potentially harm you."
"That's basically saying I'm a burden!" I rise taking steps towards the bed as my chest pounds. "I'm dragging you down. I'm a weakness that does nothing good for you and-"
A pair of arms wrap around my waist pulling me in close to his chest. A gasp escapes my lips as I can hear his steady heartbeat.
"That's right. I never had a weakness before so I was never afraid what might happen if I react impulsively." A tingle goes down my spine as his hot breath lands on my ear. "But now that I have you, my lovely wife, and," A hand lays on my baby bump. "And a family, I have to think about your safety as well."
"So I am holding you back." Tears fall from my eyes down my cheeks as I sniffle. Why am I crying?! Stop it! Why am I keep shedding tears for this man? I don't get it.
"You're not holding me back from anything, my darling. If anything, you make me a better being. In the past, I would on occasions… do… certain things in order to elicit some sort of an emotional response from me. I don't exactly know how to explain it but… point is, I was in a very dark place." He tightens his grip. "I… if it wasn't for you, I wouldn't be the person I am today."
I blink as tears fall from my eyes.
"Edward is a very cunning man. He's not the typical normal beings I tend to deal with. I know I should've told you but-"
"But still, if you just trusted me enough to let me know your plan, maybe I would've been able to help you."
"True. But here's the thing, her father is just… different than the regular beings."
"Different?" My eyes roll letting out a scoff. "How different can he be? Why do you not trust me? I'm your wife, Astral. If there's no trust between us then-"
"It's not because of trust or not-"
"Sure it is!" I try to break free from his grip. "If you told me about your plan, I wouldn't have slapped you. I wouldn't have-"
"I can't risk endangering you-"
"Endangering me?" I glare at him as I meet his eyes. "That's what you're going with? Do you think a little duke can touch me so easily? Do you think he can harm me-"
"Lily-"
"Let me finish!" My breathing labors as I gulp. "You have always been like this. So secretive and untrusting even when it comes to me. You always keep people guessing what you're going to do next. Why? Why are you like this?" I blink rapidly as tears drip down my cheeks. "Why don't you trust me enough to tell me? Why don't you trust anyone for that matter?"
"Baby," His eyes soften as my throat tickles. "You have to consider your circumstances right now. You're pregnant and yes, before you say anything I realize that's not a suitable reason to keep this from you but I didn't want to bother you with this matter."
Didn't want to bother me? Bother me?!
My blood boils as I clench my fist tightly. "I'm your wife! Bother me or not, this isn't a thing you keep all to yourself!" I… why am I getting so mad at him? I don't understand… "I feel as if you don't trust me."
His eyes widen. "But I do trust you."
"Oh yeah? Why did you not tell me about your plan and that Katherine was an actress?"
"I…"
"Honestly," My eyes drift to the ceiling letting out a breath. "Sometimes I feel as if your not the man I married."
My husband stays silent as I grit my teeth. "You never kept any secrets from me. We used to tell each other everything." Why am I getting so upset? It's not like he didn't tell me his plan… well apart of it anyway. Why am I so… "So why are you acting this way? You suddenly disappear for a few weeks without notifying anyone and sent a replacement. Really? What was so important that you couldn't tell anyone? That you couldn't tell me?" My arms swipe up as my voice raises. "Even if you wanted to be alone for awhile, would it kill you to send me a text saying so? Do you know how worried I was when you disappeared?" A sob escapes my lips as I break away from his arms stepping back a few inches. "After all these years, I-I feel like I don't understand you at all!"
Seriously, why is he acting like this? His games, his hot and cold fronts, his moods, his unpredictability… there's only so much I can take before I snap.
The man in front of me stares at me with a neutral expression.
"Why did you sign the divorce papers?" I sniffle wiping my tears with the back of my hand. "Why would you push me away then lure me back in again? Why is that? Do you enjoy playing games with my heart? Is that it?"
"I…" His gaze drifts downwards. "I have my reasons for not letting you know my whereabouts."
My eye twitches as my thumps in my chest. "And what is that reason?" I swear, if it's a bad reason then-
"I can't tell you."
…
Unbelievable…
My heart sinks to my stomach as I gulp. "Do you not trust me that much?" I whisper as my voice shakes. "Does our relationship mean nothing to you?!"
Gold and silver eyes shuts as he looks away. Tears pool in my eye sockets as my chest aches. Who is this man in front of me right now?
(Flash):
"You're not going to change are you?"
"What?"
"Like, you won't change after you're married right?"
He blinked. "What do you mean by that?"
"You will still be my friend right?"
"What would make you think that a marriage could change me?"
"I don't know…"
"Do you actually think a political marriage will change me?"
"I could tell you right now, this marriage with Starlight will not change me in any way,"
"But what if-"
"I will still be the same person you know even if circumstances change."
"Promise?"
"I promise."
(Flash)
He said he wouldn't change but now…
My fingers grip the hem of my dress. "Tell me, why do you have so many secrets? Why did you change so much? Why are you playing with my feelings like this?"
…
"Edward has ASPD. Basically, he's a psychopath in layman's terms." A whisper rings through the room as the guy in front of me stares at the ground. "He lacks all emotion and is unable to empathize with others." A psychopath? "He's incredibly manipulative and cunning which makes him very dangerous to deal with. Beings like him tend to psychologically manipulate and toy with other people for their benefit. They are likely to view relationships as transactional and stick around just long enough to get what they desire then disappear without a trace."
Likely to view relationships as… transactional…
"He has no conscience," Gold and silver eyes meet mine. "He has no sense of right and wrong and once he does something, there's no stopping him from achieving such." A sudden chill goes down my spine as lifeless eyes stare into mine. "It's beings like him you should stay away from. He'll break you psychological. He'll use your greatest insecurity and weakness to make you question everything in life and make you wish you were dead."
My heart beats rapidly in my chest as my breathing labors a bit. What on earth? His… gaze… why is it so much like…
"I didn't tell you all of my plan because I was afraid. I was afraid of him finding my weakness and using you against me or even worse, harm you in a certain way. It's not because I don't trust you, Lily. I know I'm a pathological liar. I know I have many secrets but there are just some things you should not know about me."
"Astral…" I step closer to him as he takes a step back. "Didn't I tell you this before? I won't judge you or view you any less-"
"I can't take that risk." His head shakes. "I can't take you hating me."
What…? Why would he think that I…
"Honey, how could I ever bear to hate you?" I whisper as he shakes his head once more.
"I can't. I'm sorry but I can't tell you what you want to know." He sighs clicking his tongue. "You know, sometimes I think to myself what have I done to deserve you. I find myself somehow unconsciously attached to you and it scares me."
It scares him?
"How?" My voice lowers to a whisper as I inch closer to him. "Why would getting attached to me scare you so much?"
"I've never been attached to someone before. You probably know now that I go through life mainly unaffected by societal standards. That extends to individuals as well."
"What…" My brows furrow as I inch closer towards him. "What do you mean by that?"
His gorgeous eyes drift down for a moment then lands straight into mine one more. "When I was younger, I went through some… things… and it changed me."
(Flash):
"He was kidnapped."
(Flash)
"After that happened, I found myself unable to relate to anyone. I found myself unable to connect with beings emotionally." My jaw hangs as his left arm trembles. "I… what he said about me was correct." He lets out a breath shutting his eyes. "There are some days in which I'm unable to feel anything."
"B…" My throat tightens as my chest hammers against my rib cage. "B-But how is that possible?" How is he able to not feel? How is he… wait… if that's the case… "C… Can you not feel anything at all?"
He shakes his head. "I can still feel but it's very muted. For example, when a being feels happiness, they would most likely jump for joy and sparkle. For me, I just feel 1/10th of that amount. I still feel happy but I don't feel happy in the way you would feel it."
"I…" I narrow my eyes at him slightly. A pulsing headache radiates from my temporal lobe as I clutch my head with a hiss. "I don't understand. You… Your feelings are muted? D-Does that mean all the times you said you loved me…" A lump forms in the back of my throat as my eyes water. "Does that mean you were lying?"
I sniffle as my husband stays silent yet again. My heart sinks to my stomach as a wave of nausea flows through me. To think he couldn't feel anything… were his words really all lies? Were to times we spent together all fabricated?
"Answer me! Were your words all lies since the very beginning? Did you ever loved me sincerely? Were you manipulating me for-"
"I would never think about manipulating you or have manipulated you." A calm voice interrupts me. "I'm a pathological liar but that doesn't mean I can't feel. Sure, I'm not your average prince who grew up all sheltered and spoiled. I can manipulate beings in a way they don't even realize it but I would never think about harming you, Lily."
"You…" I point an index finger at him. "How do I know you're not lying? How do I know your words are true? Tell me!"
It's like I'm living a lie this whole time.
"I…"
"Tell me!" A sob rings through my mouth as I bring my hand to my mouth. "Tell me you meant what you said. That all your words are true! That you love me! Tell me, Astral!"
My husband stays quiet again as he looks down. Tears stream down my cheeks as a knife penetrates my chest wounding my heart. Ow! "Tell me." I hit his shoulders as he stands there fixing his gaze to the ground. "Why are you so quiet?"
"You're the one who wanted to know this. You're the one who wanted to know what I was hiding and didn't trust-"
"Don't you dare turn this back on me." I glare at him as I clench my fist. "And who can trust an individual so secretive? Who can trust an individual who lies as much as he breathes?!"
"Which was why I did my best to hide this from you."
"Then why?" My stomach lurches as a cough escapes my lips. "If you did your best to pretend and lie, why did you reveal it now? Why did you-"
"You're the one who wanted to know in the first place."
I…
The man in front of me looks into my eyes with a dead stare. "I don't understand what love is. In fact, I don't think I come to understand emotions at all."
I shake my head as my body trembles. "Stop…"
"I don't think I will ever understand emotions and it's complexities."
"I don't need to know that," My chest moves in and out as I try to calm my heart rate. "All… All I need to know is were you lying when you said you loved me? Have you been f-faking the entire time?"
"No." His eyes shift left and right. "I wasn't faking the moment we had together."
He…
"True, I don't understand the complexities of love. I highly doubt it's an emotion I knew before that incident but," His eyes soften. "Please believe me when I say I would never attempt to manipulate you. I… I may not be able to feel like normal beings but my heart somehow beats faster when you're near. I don't know if that's a physical symptom of love or not but I have some sort innate desire to protect you." His right hand lands on his chest. "That's why I kept this a secret for the longest time."
I cover my mouth choking back a cry. Calm down Calm down, Lily. Breathe. Just breathe. It will all be fine. Calm down.
"I know that's not an excuse but," His fingers run through his hair. "I have never felt this way about anyone before. With the exception of you know who. Anyway, you wondered why I gave you the divorce papers, right?" I nod as he picks them up. "You shouldn't be near anyone like me."
What?
"Why?"
He blinks blankly. "Didn't you hear what I said earlier? I'm not normal. I can't feel to a certain degree. I'm manipulative, calculating, cold, I lack emotional awareness and empathy for individuals. I don't really feel guilt either."
(Flash):
Warm hands grip mine as tears drip from her golden eyes. "My son… he," She takes a breath. "He has been through something that a child should never have to go through and now, he's suffering the repercussions of it."
"Mother…"
"Lily," Her grip tightens on my hand. "Do you love him?"
My eyes widen. "Of course I do-"
"Even if he isn't being his true self around you?" Huh?
"Your Majesty, what do you mean by that?"
"He has a habit of faking his emotions around individuals." She gulps as I blink. "Sometimes, I think he puts up that mask in front of me as well."
Her eyes meet mine. "I just want to ask you if you would still-"
"I would still love him even if he were to lie and mask his true colors from me." My lips curve into a small smile. "Sure, I would obviously be upset that he lied but who hasn't? And besides," A pang hits my chest. "Even if he does not love me anymore, I would still care about him. That will never change, mother."
(Flash)
So she knew all along that he couldn't feel…
"So," I fold my arms across my chest shifting my weight to one of my legs. "You're pushing me away?"
He stretches his hand to give me the file. "I can't give you the love you desire, Lily. I'm broken. I'll admit it, I enjoyed my time with you but this has to come to an end."
I feel as if someone punched me in the stomach as I blink back the tears. Is this his true self talking? Does he really want this marriage to end that badly?
"And what about Melody? How will we explain this to her?"
"About that, I already prepared her for this. She'll understand. If not, we can take turns raising her."
He even gave her a pep talk?!
"What about," I gently lay one of my hands on my stomach. "What about our children? What will become of them if we end this?"
"According to the rules, the unborn children are automatically considered to be of The Royal Family. So once you delivered them, you'll renounce the status of Princess Consort and leave the palace."
Huh… so Brandon was correct after all.
(Flash):
"You're the only one who managed to touch my heart in a way that no one else could and will always have a place that is irreplaceable." My love lets go of my cheeks and slowly gets down on one knee. I-Is this what I think it is?
Luminous silver and gold eyes stare at my purples lovingly. "Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?"
(Flash)
I refuse. I absolutely refuse to believe he was faking the proposal. Even if he was…
"You just need to sign here on the line and I'll take care of the rest." A hand hands me a pen with an emotionless look as I gulp.
I don't want this to end. Perhaps everything was fake. Maybe he doesn't care about me one bit but… My eyes drift towards my engagement ring and wedding band.
"Well?"
I blink rapidly as my vision blurs. A paper enters my hands as my heart increases. I don't want to divorce him. I… Lily, you know what the logical thing to do is. Why stay in a relationship with a man who can't provide you the love and affection you need? This should be a no brainer!
(Rip)
"I don't accept this," Pieces of paper fly in the air and scatter across the ground as the man in front of me blinks.
"Are you insane? Why would you go and-"
"Do you really want to divorce me that badly?"
"I can't give you the love you desire. It's only natural you-Mph!"
My lips land on his cutting him off as my arms wrap around his neck. His eyes widen as he stands there limply. I don't understand. Why is he keep pushing me away? Our tongues intertwine with each other as he tilts his head to the right breathing heavily. If he doesn't have any feelings for me, how can he kiss so… lovingly? So perfectly? So… gently?
His long eyelashes flutter as a hand pulls me in by the waist. Our tongues dance as my fingers unbutton his shirt a bit. His body stiffens as his hand tries to remove my hand from his chest.
"Stop."
I open my eyes to meet his as a tint of red seeps to his cheeks.
"Stop?"
"I just handed you divorce papers. Aren't you supposed to storm out in anger or something? Why would you kiss me after I did such a thing?"
Hahahaha!
"I don't know." My finger trails down his shirt with a giggle. "You tell me."
His beautiful eyes blink as my lips curve upwards pecking his cheek. "It's because I'm insane, my beloved." The man in my arms blinks again staring at me. "Usually when you hand a girl divorce papers, she'll get mad and demand an explanation. Then according to your actions, she'll either compromise or leave."
"Then… why didn't you leave?"
"Weren't you listening?" A laugh escapes my lips once more as I peck his lips. "It's because I'm insane."
My husband blinks at me some more as I let out a sigh. "I'll be sticking to you like glue. Don't think you can get rid of me with legal papers."
"Lily, I thought I said that I can't-"
"You can't feel?" I raise a brow tilting my head sideways a bit. "Then why did you kiss me so passionately?"
"That," His eyes avoid my gaze. "That was… uh…"
"If you couldn't feel love, why did you pull me closer instead of pushing me away?"
"I was acting."
Acting? Puh-lease. You can kiss that passionately while acting?
"For who to see?" I glance around the room. "If you haven't noticed, there are only two of us in this big room."
I purse my lips as my hands cup his cheeks. "Honey,"
"I told you that I can't provide you with what you need. I can't love you like a normal husband who loves his wife and-"
"Who cares about that?" His eyes widen slightly. "I don't care. I don't care if you can't love me with all your heart. I just need you to love me the way you've been loving me."
"But…"
I place a finger on his lips. "Let me ask you something." A red tint flashes on his cheeks as I touch my nose to his. I can still get him to blush. Yay! "Do you love me?"
"I…"
"Tell me the truth, Astral. I promise I won't get mad."
"I told you," His breathing quickens as a pair of hands pull my waist closer. "I don't know what love is but I do know whenever I get close to you," My heart shoots up like a rocket as his lips brush against mine. "I lose control of myself."
I got to stop my heart from beating so fast or else one of these days, I'll die of a heart attack for sure.
"H… How?"
"Hm?"
"L-Like… how do you lose control?"
"Hm, it's like I can't think straight whenever you're around me." His hit breath lands on my neck as he embraces my body. "It's like I become an entirely different entity. I…" A gulp rings through my ears. "When I am near you, my emotions grow stronger. It's frightening to think that my emotions are coming back after all these years. I guess what I'm trying to say is," Luminous eyes stare into mine as a thumb wipes a tear from my face. "I'm afraid. I'm scared that if I continue to be near you, be in this relationship, my emotions will all come rushing back to me."
"Do you not want to feel?" I whisper as I cup the sides of his face. "Are emotions that bad in your eyes?"
"It's not all bad. It does have its perks but at the same time…" My husband trails off avoiding my gaze. "It's not that I don't want to feel. It's rather I do want to feel. To feel the full extent of happiness. Of love. But… at the same time, I don't want to."
"You don't want to?"
"I don't expect you to understand why but the world isn't a place filled with beauty." He purses his lips. "When I was little, something happened where my brain had to protect my fragile mentality from becoming completely psychotic. So naturally, it chose to make it so I couldn't feel as greatly as I once did. After all these years of not feeling to suddenly feeling all these emotions except they are stronger, just makes it more uncomfortable and unbearable."
"So you do want to leave me?"
He blinks as he lets out a soft sigh. "Considering our circumstances," A hand touches my baby bump. "Even if I can legally leave you, you probably wouldn't let me."
"Duh. What wife would let her husband divorce her?"
"But," Fingers touch my cheeks. "You deserve so much more. You deserve someone who can provide you with the attention and love you want and need rather than a guy who is broken."
Astral…
"What's wrong with the way you love me?" I ask after a moment as he blinks.
"That was fake. You deserve someone who-"
"Was it though?" My eyes start to water once more. "Was everything we did together all fake?"
The man in my embrace stays silent as I rub my nose against his. "You remember the first time I rubbed my nose against yours, right?" I ask as he nods.
"Y-Yea."
"Ha, you were so surprised that you froze in shock."
A laugh rings through my ears. "Then you gave me that adorable innocent look." He shakes his head letting out a sigh. "I'm still wondering how you did it."
Haha! If it were any other who did it, I bet he wouldn't be pleased but since it was me…
"Yes and remembered when I got injured?"
"Because of a careless butler, right? Yeah. Of course I remembered."
"That expression on your face was priceless as you shouted at him for a hour straight."
His eyes roll as his lips curve upwards. "Well yea. Hot water is dangerous and can cause third degree burns if not careful. I would've fired him but you just had to plea for him."
"Hey," My lips curve into a frown. "Firing him was too harsh. After all, it was an accident. He didn't mean to spill it on me and-"
"But he did. Seriously," His fingers intertwine with mine. "You're too kind for your own good. If I wasn't nearby, you could've been severely injured."
A giggle radiates from my mouth as my arms wrap around his waist. "That's why you're here beside me, Astral. To protect me from my own kindness!"
He blinks blankly for a few second as a melodic laugh burst from his lips. "Imagine what trouble you could've gotten into if I wasn't around?"
"Hey!"
"It's true. You have a tendency to be impulsive and reckless."
"You make me sound so bad." I retract my arms from his body and turning away. "I'm not always reckless."
"Oh?" A pair of arms pull me closer by the waist. "How about that time you climbed up a tree to place a baby bird back in its nest?"
"W-Well I-"
"If I wasn't there walking by and caught you in the nick of time, you would've broken a bone if lucky."
"What else was I supposed to do in that situation? Leave the helpless bird laying around on the ground so beings can trample all over it?"
"Yeah."
I smack his shoulder shaking my head. "I never knew you were so cruel."
"It's better than falling 15 feet to your doom."
I roll my eyes as I wrap my arms around his shoulders. "Whatever. Point is there was no harm done because you were there to protect me!"
His smile slowly reverts back to his neutral expression as a hand lands on the side of my cheek. Huh? "Lily,"
"What's the matter?" My eyes shift right and left as he lets out a breath.
"I can't be there to protect you all the time."
"I know that but still," I pat his head. "What I meant was as long as you're around me, I can get through anything!"
Just you being by my side gives me more strength to tackle on each day.
"Am I really that important to you?" A whisper rings through my ears as my eyes widen. What…? A hand clench at his side as he retracts his other hand from my cheek. "Why would you consider me so important?"
"Why not?"
"I'm broken." His gaze shifts downwards as I slowly shake my head. "I… Since I was little, I've been ridiculed, abused, traumatized, called names such as freak and m-monster." A hand trembles as he blinks. "I don't understand why you place so much value in me. I honestly don't get it."
My heart hammers against my rib cage as my eyes pool with tears. He was…
"I remember him telling me that no one loves me. Not even my parents or else they would come and rescue me." The man in front of me gulps breathing out deeply. "H-He told me I was unlovable. No one would be able to love a f-freak of nature like me and-"
I tackle his body wrapping my arms around his chest as tightly as I can. "You're not a freak. You're not a monster." You're an Angel from the skies. A cry escapes my lips as my vision blurs. "You're special. You're so special, Astral. You-"
"My feelings are muted. How am I normal? How am I not a-"
"Stop! You're not a monster!" I scream as I place my head in his chest. "Stop saying that you are a monster. That you're unlovable. That you're defective because you are not!" My wet hands cup his cheeks as my breathing labors. "Listen to me, I want you to forget everything he said. Forget it all and-"
"I can't." Gold and silver eyes stare back at me. "No matter how hard I try to forget his words, I can't. It has developed into a nightmare that I can't break free. Him and his words, I-"
"Honey, I beg you, don't think this way anymore." I sniffle. "You're not unlovable. You are the most lovable being I know. You… You… I know you don't believe me but you are the best thing that has ever happened to me. You're not a freak. You," I run my fingers along his cheekbones. "I love you. Your parents love you. Our friends, they also love you. There are so many individuals who care for you in this world."
"What they love is the illusion of me." A dry, cold chuckle rings from his lips. "The illusion of the perfect son, the perfect friend, the perfect prince. Let's be honest," An impassive face stares into my eyes. "No one loves me for my true self."
"You're wrong. I love-"
"Do you really?" A scoff escapes his lips. "You fell for me because I acted as the perfect prince. A perfect man. A man who had everything. Power, wealth, charisma, looks."
My eyes widen as a minuscule smirk crawls in his lips. "I remembered telling you how I show beings what they want to see. In this case, I portrayed your dream husband as much as I can. So tell me, how can you love the true me when it's so different than your husband?"
I… My chest aches at his words. Everything he showed me was a fabrication.
"Stop lying to yourself." He breaks free from my arms stepping back.
"I'm not lying!" My arms pat my chest. "I really-"
"You don't know anything about me." Lifeless eyes bore into mine. "You really think I'm clueless? You become hopeful when you find a similarity and dispirited when you find a difference."
"No… I don't-"
"You keep searching for that man you fell for. No matter how you deny it, we both know it's the truth."
"I'm not! I'm not searching for him!"
"Why are you like this?" My fist clenches as I yell at him. "Why are you being so mean? How could you," An index finger points at him. "How could I accept the fact that you have been faking everything? That you never felt love? That you can't feel? Tell me! How can I accept the fact that you have been putting on an act for me to see?!"
How could he do such a thing to me? H-How could he…
"How can I just… accept that, Astral?" A strangled cry escapes from the depths of my throat as he stares back at me with an emotionless look.
"You may love him but I absolutely despise him. To put on a facade every single day. To act as if nothing is wrong and obey all the rules and regulations while being the perfect Prince everyone looks up to." A laugh radiates from his mouth shaking his head. "Doing all of that while trying to forget everything that happened is a difficult task believe it or not."
I sniffle as my whole body trembles. A new batch of tears flow down my cheeks as I clench my dress tightly.
"You know what's really funny though? I imagined this scene plenty of times in my head yet your response was not what I expected it to be."
"What?"
"You're my biggest victim." He pauses for a minute. "I lied to gain your trust and affection, I faked everything in order for you not to leave me yet you don't hate me?"
"I don't." My breathing catches in my throat as I place a hand cautiously on the side of his face. "How can I hate you when I love you?"
"I'm not-"
"Regardless of who you are," I bring another hand to cup the other side of his face. "Regardless of whether you lied to me or not, you're the being that I married. You are my husband. I don't care that you faked everything, that you faked your love for me. I don't care because to me," Tears slip down my eyes as my vision goes blurry once more. My heart beats rapidly against my rib cage as I lay my forehead on his. "Having you beside me is enough."
If only you can see yourself through my eyes. Maybe then you can understand how much love I have for you.
"I…" (Cough) Calm down, Lily. Calm down. "I don't care if you d-deceive me. I don't care if you don't love me. If our whole relationship is a lie." My hands trembles as my legs give out. A gasp escapes my lips as his hands lower me to the ground. "I-I don't care about any of that!"
My husband sits on the floor with a blank expression. "You're lying."
"Who you please stop saying that?" My voice cracks as a cry rings from my mouth. "I'm not lying. I honestly don't care if you deceived me or not. I… all I need is you beside me. All I want is for you to stop pushing me away. To stop pushing everyone away!"
…
"Ha, just look at you right now," I'm pathetic, I know. "You're begging someone who lied to you to stay by your side. Is that worth it? Am I really worth begging for?"
My eyes widen as tears form in his eye sockets making gold and silver eyes sparkle for the first time in awhile. "It just doesn't make any sense. The being who is supposed to hate me the most, who is my biggest victim… y-you're supposed to hate me yet you don't."
I shift my hands to cover more of the sides of his face. "I don't. I do not hate you."
"I don't understand how you don't hate me!" His voice raises as a cough radiates from his lips. "Even I hate myself for lying, for doing this, for hurting you yet why? Why don't you hate me?" Gold and silver eyes meet my eyes. "You're supposed to loathe me not love me!"
"Sometimes, I doubt that there is even a genuine side to me. It's like we're in a pair of shackles." He gulps as more tears flow onto his cheeks. "You, chasing me from behind. Me, running away from you because I don't want to show you my real face." Gorgeous eyes shut as I lower his head towards my chest, hands gripping his figure tightly. "We can never take a step forward. I have never had so much unfaltering emotions towards someone before. How long so you think these feelings I have for you will last? Don't you understand? You shouldn't be around a being like-"
"I don't understand," My voice lowers as he hiccups. "I don't know anything anymore. All I know for certain is that you are my husband. No matter what you do, no matter if you lied to me or if you were acting, I love you because I know deep down you love me. Even if you refuse to admit it, I know."
His fists clench tightly onto my dress as his eyes shut. "I'm sorry," His breathing labors as tears drip down his beautiful face, glistening. "I… I hurt you. I hurt you so much. I… how can you forgive me? How can you-"
"Because I love you!" My throat starts to lock up as I heave. I grip his hands as my tears drip down to his cheeks. "Astral, I love you. Do you understand? Logically, yes. I'm supposed to hate you. I'm supposed to despise you for deceiving me. Loathe you even but I can't!"
I cup his cheeks choking back a sob. Hold it together, Lily. Control yourself. "I can't hate you. Even if I want to hate you, I can't. Emotionally, I can't seem to bear to hate you because I love you too much."
"You're lying," A hand pushes himself up from my chest so my eyes meet his. "You're lying. There's no way you don't feel an ounce of hatred for me. There's no way-Mph!"
I gently bring his lips to touch mine as I can taste the saltiness of our tears. We part rubbing my nose against his. "Baby," His heart races as my voice lowers into a whisper. "Why do you keep pushing me away?" A wet finger traces his cheek as he stares at me. "Please, tell me why?"
"I…"
"Hm?"
"I don't deserve you."
"Why don't you deserve me?"
"I just gave you a bunch of reasons-"
"We know that's not the main reason." His eyes shift left and right as mine follow his. "Please, honey."
…
"I'm scared." A voice trembles as his breathing begins to increase. "My feelings are muted to the point I don't know if what I feel towards you will end one day. I…"
"There's nothing to be afraid of, Astral." I gulp as my lips tug into a little smile. "You want to know why?"
My husband nods as I peck his lips. "Because I love you and you love me." Gold and silver eyes lock into mine. "You may think I'm foolish because I'm trusting you so much with my heart but no matter if your feelings fade one day, even if you don't love me anymore," A tear drips to the floor as I inhale deeply. "I would still be beside you."
"Lily… you…"
"Even if you toss me aside like I'm an old rag, I'll still be here." His jaw hangs open a bit in shock as I let out a giggle. "Stop looking at me like that. I'm serious. Even if one day you don't love or care about me, I'll stick beside you like glue. Where else would I go?"
A gasp escapes my lips as I feel his lips press against my forehead. W-What… My heart shoots up like a rocket as a pair of arms pull my body closer.
"I love you."
My husband parts from my forehead. His hands gently cup the sides of my face as my lip trembles. He just said… "Is… y-you're not lying… are you?" Truth to be told, even if he was lying, I can't read him anyway.
The handsome guy in front of me shakes his head sporting a tiny smile. "I'm not lying, my lovely wife. All those times I said I love you were the truth."
"R-Really?" My breathing hitches as he nods once again.
"I love you, Liliana."
I cover my mouth heaving as he embraces me burying his head in the crook of my neck. "I love you, my eternal wife."