Chapter 40: Revelations of facades

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(Dog person?)

(Cat person?)

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"It was you!" Serenity sprang up from her seat.

She gasped loudly and moved back, covering her mouth, "Oh my GOD!"

Alessandro grinned with a small smirk.

"Oh no! This is so embarrassing! I was so weird back then." She cringed and blushed crimson.

"How do you know that it was me!" The shock and surprise in her tone wasn't mistaken.

"There is only one girl in my life that has amethyst eyes."

"So if it wasn't for my eyes, we would've never met or known each other?"

"I would have search for you till heaven and earth meet."

"Alessandro...is this fate?" She smiled, "We meet, drifted, meet, drifted and meet again?"

"I don't know about fate but I know for sure that you are my destiny." He pulled her closer, her hands shyly rest on his chest.

As always a lingering kiss was laid on her forehead, she closed her eyes, cherishing his warmth and love that only she was entitled to.

"Did you know that I was Serenity when we met in Athlone?" Her curiosity sprouted.

Alessandro shook his head, "No, but it reminded me of the baby with purple eyes. To be honest, if it was anyone else, I would've left them alone but it was these eyes that held me back."

Serenity gasped and threw a light punch on his chest, "You are cruel, Alessandro. You should help people when they are in need-"

"My kindness is very limited, love. In my world, kindness is only letting down the defense we have formulated throughout the centuries. We live by honor and not kindness."

She rolled her eyes, "Whatever"

Alessandro squint his eyes with a mischievous smirk, "Did you just roll your eyes at me?"

Serenity stretched her legs, suddenly alert, she glanced at him, smiling subtly before she sprang off.

"Why- you little" Alessandro laughed and ran after her.

The squeals and chuckles dominated the park and the bodyguards were forced to watch the not so wanted public display of affection of their ice prince

***

Papy Fostello sat in his office, his lethal cane by his side. The paperwork were still opened and his old eyes studying them carefully.

Indeed as he had expected, someone is making a move to conquer the O'Sullivan regime and that someone happens to be from his own family. Everything that happened in the past few months were all the plots written from years ago. Everyone was playing their own part, hidden in facades and shadows.

And it was time the plot revealed itself, and the characters come out in light.

The light footsteps hit the tile rhythmically, had it been for any ordinary people, they would've missed out but it was Papy, he could detect it from a mile away.

"You're here." It was a rhetoric statement.

The man in the shadows walked forward and sat down on the chair infront of him.

"I have gathered the blueprint as well as the Intel regarding the cult. The puzzle needs a one last piece left."

"And the last piece?"

"Not found yet."

"You have been investigating her death for more than a decade...Why are there still loopholes in the plan?"

"This organization is not any ordinary, they have the support of the higher-ups in the Pacific governments."

"Nothing is ordinary here, boy. I need to personally put the bullet in the heart of the one who killed my dearest daughter, Ceres."

"Yes Sir, that day won't be long from now on. I will put an end to this mystery and the killer soon."

Papy Fostello nodded.

"How long are you going to stay under cover? Bruno is stepping up his game. My guts told me he is not upto any good ."

He clenched his jaws.

"I need to get some things done first. I will strike when the iron is hot."

"The reins of this family lies in your hands, Killian."

"I know."

"And Serenity was worried about you."

"I have to stay away from her..." Killian said, "...for her own good till I get to the bottom of Mama Ceres's murder case."

"Giovanni Vitali is ready to forward all the help necessary. You know that the Vitalis are also hunting down the assassin of Alicia Connors."

"I can do this alone, Sir. I don't need any help."

"Smart work, Killian, smart work. Don't let your ego get into the mission. Alessandro has also been tracking down the remains of the cult. He was one of the victim and he knows way more about it than we do. Take the offer. The more this prolong, the more dangerous it will be."

"I will take it into consideration."

"Good."

***

Aaron sat down by Athena's bed, his fingers lightly caressing the light skin of her cheeks. He inhaled sharply as he thought back to everything that had gone wrong with him.

He was seven years old when he got adopted by the Springtons. Athena was only two  and it wasn't for any loving or considerate reason of expanding the family as the Springtons quoted. He knew from the first time he stepped into the house that he was only a blood bag. Athena had one of the most troublesome blood type, O negative and on top of that she was anemic with a weak body constitution.

There were only two things that matter to Mrs. Springton in this world- her reputation and her daughter, Athena Springton.

He was fed well, dressed immaculately and given proper education but the warmth and love he had craved wasn't available to him. The Springtons showcased their love only in front of the camera for the world to see. It was all an act.

Despite all of it, Athena got along with him very well, she treated him like a brother and loved him genuinely.

Everything changed when she was abducted.

After a long painful of month of anxiously waiting, the battered girl was brought back but she wasn't Athena anymore.

He had lost his sister.

Mrs. Springton went crazy. Her reputation and her daughter, both were ruined. Aaron was forced into a military boarding school soon after.

The distance between the Springtons and him gradually increased, the torture and bullying he was subjugated to in the boarding school further intensified the resentment and rage he had towards the family.

Aaron knew he should have held the broken girl in front of him. None of it was her fault but he was selfish and petty enough to hold his miseries against her.

Over the years, he thought over it and the more he realised, the more guilt accumulated. He had come back this time to make things right between them.

Athena groaned, waking him from his stupor.

He quickly retracted his hand and stood up.

"W-Water..." she winced

Aaron pour a glass and snake one arm behind her neck to raise her up before bringing the straw near her mouth. Athena sipped greedily.

She blinked her eyes open and glanced at him.

"Why are you still here? I am not dead."

"Indeed, I am here because you are not dead. Caring is for the living not the dead."

"Fuck off."

"No, I won't fucked off. Who are you to order me around? It's my choice whether I want to fuck off or not. My rights and my decision."

Athena pulled a face, " Are you high?"

Aaron shrugged with a blank look

"You're definitely high"

"I don't smoke."

She groaned and turned her back on him.

After five minutes of intense silence, she turned her head to check and there he was on the same spot, standing and digging holes on her back with his eyes.

"Why are you still here?"

"My choice."

" Go back. You are taking up too much space. It is triggering my claustrophobia."

"You are not claustrophobic, Athena."

"Well, I am. From right now."

"You're statement isn't legit."

"Fuck you Aaron!"

"Your body is rather weak, let's discuss about it later."

"Ew! What the fuck is wrong with you today!"

"Nothing."

"You're infuriating!"

"I know."

"Oh my God!"

"You are an atheist."

Athena hurled her pillow on his face.

***

Bruno's plan were already put into action. He had not even let his twin hear a wind of it. Boris wouldn't keep up nor agree with him. He must summon the war himself and not let it inflict his loved ones. Don O'Sullivan is haunted by his own demons. The weakest period is always the easiest to strike. Killian is in the vegetative state and won't wake up any soon. He had his men check up on that.

Soon, the O'Sullivan regime will be in his hand. The game would begin and he wasn't fully prepared. The honor guarding the Irish mob won't let him attack his own family and he needed allies, strong allies to back him up.

The issue was already dealt with. He planned to fly back to Dublin tonight itself to meet this potential ally.

The only way to take the throne was either to kill the existing Don or forced him to abdicate. He was ready for whatever it takes.

Bruno picked up his briefcase and proceeded down the stairs. They were accommodated in one of the Irish mansions 30 minutes drive from the Vitali estate.

He met Boris at the end of the stair. Boris frowned, staring at his neat suit and briefcase.

"Are you going somewhere?"

He nodded, " Yes, I am going back. My jet leaves in 40."

Boris was in disbelief, "You're going back? Why? We have not even visited Seri yet after yesterday's episode. And you're leaving her here in the hands of that bastard?"

"You have heard it yourself Boris. I need not repeat the fact that  Serenity is also under the protection of Vitalis. They won't hurt her."

"Are you serious Bruno!" He gritted out, "Seri is our sister. She is our responsibility-"

"I don't have time. I have far more important things to do than to run after a little girl. She is grown up, she can look after herself. In fact if she needs any help, I am ready to kill or be killed for her but I am not wasting time here doing absolutely nothing when the mob is collapsing due to the incompetent sorry excuse of our father." Bruno retorted and stormed out, purposely knocking into Boris' shoulder.

Boris took a step back, shocked and agitated.

"What happened to you, Bruno." He muttered to himself.

***

Back to the medical room, Serenity and Alessandro visited Athena again before the sunset. Serenity bought a bunch of sweet scented flowers and fruits but unfortunately Athena wasn't awake. So they left quietly after placing the gifts.

Aaron didn't leave either. He was on the couch reading some magazines and looking after Athena. Serenity noticed that he was still in his suit from yesterday's ball so she asked Alessandro to deliver some clothes for him to change into. Alessandro ordered his men to get the necessities before they left.

Aaron took a shower in the bathroom of the VIP ward and changed into the clothes Serenity left.

He went down to buy some dinner for the both of them. Since Athena was hurt, she could only eat light and simple food. Aaron was considerate and thoughtful.

When Athena woke up, she wasn't as annoyed with him as before. It was safe to say that she was tolerating him.

He did all the work from setting up the little table to opening the food and preparing the utensils.

Athena gobbled the food hungrily. Although it was bland and almost tasteless, she liked it as long as it was edible.

But when she turned and look up, Aaron was also eating on the couch. She noticed that he was having the same meal as her. Athena frowned, she knew that Aaron had a picky taste. He needs the perfect amount of spice and flavor to swallow the food.

"You don't have to do that. There are some good restaurants in this area. Go down, you will find plenty."

"I am fine with these." He smiled softly.

In fact he had gotten used to it in the military school. At least this was better than nothing.

"Don't be so good to me, Aaron. It makes me disgusted." She looked away.

"My choice, Athena. Not everything is about you. I choose to stand by you, to care for you and to protect you. It is my choice and you can do nothing about it."

Her expression was blank but her lips tilted into a smirk,

"You will get hurt."

Aaron hummed, "Then maybe I am masochistic."

Her eyes met his. She was looking for an answer in his eyes but there were only endless adoration and genuinety.

Athena was loss, she don't know what to do with this feeling. She had never experienced someone's devotion that is only meant for her and her alone. Maybe it's an illusion and maybe everything is for the fleeting moment and they would be back to square one tomorrow.

Aaron approached her slowly, never breaking their gaze. He was afraid to blink and even lose it for a second. The tension rose as he drew nearer.

"You can see it for yourself, Athena. I only have my eyes for you. You don't have to be alone anymore. You don't have to fight everything on your own. I will be by your side. I will protect you and you will always have a shoulder to cry on from now."

"Aaron-"

"Shss..." he placed a finger on her lips, bringing one arm around her waist. Aaron caressed the pinkish petals, his fingers stroking the side of her face.

Athena breathe heavily, closing her eyes. His touches were hot...blazing on her skin yet she desired it. It was an innocent touch that made her feel secured and...loved. a feeling she had never experienced before. Athena was love deprived for years and now she got a hint of it, she craves it like she craves no other.

"I am not good with my words, Athena. Instead can you feel my love for you? I promise to treasure you, love and worship each part of you. You reigned as the queen of my heart for years, I was too stubborn to accept it. But now let me embrace it, my Queen. Give me a chance. I love you."

Her breathe hitched, "Aaron-" a whisper left her mouth, "This is wrong...so wrong. I am ruined-"

"No, you are not. You are as pure as the first dew in the morning. Your body is the creation of art. You don't even know how enchanting your smile is. Athena, you act hard and cold on the outside but you're the most selfless person out there. You hid behind the evil facade you have created to protect yourself and I know behind that brave fearless front is only a little girl seeking her survival. I am the only one who can see through you. Give me a chance, Athena please and give yourself a chance. You deserve to live, to feel and to love."

A tear rolled down her eye, her voice broke as she trembled, "This is hard...Aaron. I can't accept you...even if I want you so bad."

"It is not a matter of 'can't' or 'won't'. This is a matter of a chance. Athena I am willing to wait. You have all the time in the world. I will never give up on you but please...please be kind to yourself. You deserve the best of everything."

Athena broke down. Aaron sighed and pulled her in his arms again. He knew she needed to let it out. The poor girl has gone through a lot.

***

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Until then,

Adios,

Stella Cadante.