ARGON
They came, just like they promised.
I stood at the door of my office as the agent from the business award organization, came and demanded for the trophy.
“It has to go, ” The agent said, motioning his hand at me to bring the award.
With a heavy heart and shame, I signalled Jerome to do the needful. “Give it to him, ” I said, trying my best not to look at my workers, who were staring at me and mumbling secretly.
Jerome brought the award forward, giving it to the agent, who immediately took it and left without saying any other word to me.
I took one last look at that trophy that was taken from me. My sweat, my treasure… It’s all gone.
“Don’t worry, Alpha. You’ll get it back one day. They will have no choice but to bring it back to you, ” Jerome assured me.
All I could do was hum, hiding my deep feeling with a strong face out.
“Well, it’s not a big deal. Let’s resume with work. You all, get back to work, ” I ordered, showing my dominance.
But with all that was happening, my workers didn’t show much obedience to my words.
They just roamed about, gawking at me.
I took my eyes off them and back into the office.
“You can’t allow this to continue, Alpha. You have to meet Brielle and make peace with her. That way, you stand a chance of getting her to side with you,” Jerome suggested.
I just sat on my seat, listening to him make different plans on how I can get Brielle to befriend and accept me.
“Are you sure about that? ” I asked, on hearing Jerome’s plan.
“Yes, just show her you’re ready to be friends. No gifts! She won’t accept that,” He warned, swaying his head.
“Okay, no… No gift. Wait… How did you know that?” I asked, lifting my brow at my beta.
He gave a clear to the throat, wiping his back neck. “I just… Let’s just say I did my findings. But like I said, just try to show her you care.”
“Hmm. Alright,” I agreed, even though I felt bothered about this.
It’s the only way out now.
.
I couldn’t leave the office during the closing hour, and that’s because of the attacks I’ve been getting since the day everyone got to know about my affair with Estelle.
In the morning, while coming over to the company, I was almost attacked by my own people, who spotted my car passing on the road.
If not for Jerome, who advised I go along with more guards, I doubt if I would have gotten to the office on time.
The people had attacked my car, throwing stones at it. And because of that, I decided to stay back until it was very late.
Once it was nine in the night, my beta and I left with the guards, heading back to the mansion. He was still reminding me of the plan and how I’d approach Brielle, so I wouldn’t forget.
I kept nodding at him, hoping I can put it into use. It may be hard, since I’ve never considered Brielle as someone to care about, but for my throne… I’m ready.
Arriving at the mansion and stepping in, my eyes caught sight of Doctor Nicole, heading through a path with Tania.
I was surprised.
“What is she doing here?” I asked the guard at the entrance, dropping my gaze on him.
With a light bow, he said, ” Alpha, the councils where here this afternoon to see your Ex-wife.”
“The councils?” Jerome and I chorused, looking stunned.
He explained what had happened in my absent, how they contacted Doctor Nicole to come and carry out some check up on Brielle.
“They ordered that she be taken care of properly,” The guard added.
“Oh, I see, ” I uttered, feeling glad that I didn’t leave the office on time for the mansion.
Who knows how they’d have reacted towards me. Worst, they would have given me those nasty glares that would hunt my sleep.
“Well, it’s good you weren’t around, Alpha,” Jerome read my mind.
I hummed, nodding.
“Thank you,” I appreciated the guard on the info, stepping in fully.
Knowing that the doctor is here to examine Brielle, probably based on her pregnancy loss, I felt it would be best if I’m there, so Doctor Nicole would see that I care about Brielle.
After all, she was sent by the council members to examine Brielle.
“I’ll go and see what is going on, ” I said to Jerome, walking away from his point and aiming for Brielle’s room.
When I got there, I found Brielle resting in bed with Doctor Nicole checking her body, mostly her abdomen.
“I can tell you’re taking good care of yourself, Luna. I’ll let the Councils know you’re okay, ” Doctor Nicole said, shifting from Brielle’s point.
I couldn’t step in on seeing them talking. Instead, I remained at the corner, peeping and listening.
“Thank you, Doctor. Do let them know I’m fine. They have been acting so worried ever since they learnt about my miscarriage.” Brielle giggled.
“Anyone will be worried, Luna. We care about you, ” Doctor Nicole said, caressing her cheek.
I saw a smile escape Brielle’s lips, as she dragged herself up, sitting on the bed.
Seeing they were done talking, I composed myself and worked into the room, acting like one who was just passing by.
“Oh, Doctor Nicole! You’re here? ” I uttered, smiling while drawing closer to her.
Our family’s doctor, who was set to gather her things and leave, dropped her gaze at me, but didn’t respond to my words.
“I was just coming over to check up on her. I didn’t know you were around,” I pretended, pointing at Brielle.
She just hummed and faced Brielle, now ignoring my presence. It made me look like an idiot.
“You’re all good, Luna. Just try to get more rests. But I’ll still send some prescriptions over, so do take care.”
“Okay, I will,” Brielle nodded.
“I’ll see you off, Doctor,” I offered, making an attempt to help her with her bag.
“No need. I didn’t ask for it, Argon? ” She shunned me, even calling me by my own name.
That sent a sudden shiver around my body, reminding me of the judgement passed by the councils publicly.
“I know my way to the exit. Thank you, ” She said, taking her bag, and walking pass me.
My own shame wouldn’t let me go after her. I just remained in my stand, looking at Brielle.
She carefully laid back in bed, with Tania asking if she wants anything.
“No, I’m good, ” She answered.
“Okay, I’ll get the fruit juice Doctor Nicole requested for you then,” Tania said, exiting the room.
Now that I was all alone with her, I ceased this opportunity to execute the plan, as Jerome had explained.
Clearing my throat, I said, “So, the… Councils where here. That’s good.”
Brielle dropped her gaze at me, showing no sign of emotion. Just a straight face.
“Um…” I lost my words, not knowing what else to say order than the council members. That’s the only thing roaming in my mind now.
“They called Doctor Nicole. Any issues I need to know?”
“No, ” She answered immediately, laying fully into bed, and tucking herself in.
This immediately wiped every other words in my mouth. Brielle clearly doesn’t want to talk to me.
“Oh, you want to rest? It’s fine. I’ll… I’ll leave you,” I stammered, walking backwards while looking at her. I was contemplating if I should leave or still try one more time, but I no longer had that zeal.
It was gone.
So, I left Brielle alone and made my way back towards the entrance to meet Jerome and think of a different approach.
“Speaking to her is harder than I thought. She used to be weak, but now she’s… Damn.” I pulled my tie off, trying to let in air.
I was beginning to suffocate.
On getting into the opening, I met Doctor Nicole talking to Jerome. This got my attention, sending me drawing closer to the both of them.
“There’s no need for that. Only the councils can send someone to bring it for her, ” Doctor Nicole said to Jerome.
“What’s going on? ” I asked when I got near, trying to fit in their discussion.
She looked at me with a glare, ignoring my words. I felt invisible before a mere person like Doctor Nicole. She now treats me like an outcast.
“I’ll be leaving, Beta, ” She said, walking out of the mansion.
There was no need to confront her action. I already know why she’s acting this way.
Facing Jerome, I asked what he was talking to the doctor about, and he shared his suggestion in getting me to bring Brielle’s medicine over from the pharmacist.
But the doctor refused to give him the prescription, even when he suggested to do it himself.
“She said the councils will send someone over to deliver it to Brielle,” Jerome shared.
I sighed at this, feeling stressed about the matter. I know I haven’t gotten or even started yet, but it’s already choking.
“It’s fine. I need to rest,” I said, about to leave.
That’s when Jerome asked if I’ve met with Brielle. All I could tell him was that Brielle was asleep.
.
In the following days, I carried out Jerome’s plan by trying to be around Brielle and make friends with her.
I even had to stay back at home than heading to the office, just to make her think I care. But despite all my effort, Brielle didn’t give a damn!
It’s either she throws a question about my behavior, leaving me in a tight spot, or she pretends not to see me.
In short, Brielle was making a fool out of me. And I could tell she was paying me back for all my deeds.
I always ignored her presence whenever she was around. Even when she felt like building a relationship with me, I’d push her aside or say something hurtful to send her running in tears.
Now, she’s giving it back, making it hard for me by the day. I couldn’t take it any more. I was getting fed up.
Even Estelle wasn’t helping.
She has been calling and texting to know if I’ve gotten over the problems. Does she think my life is as perfect as hers?
Her father is still alive and can protect her from the people’s attack. Even their councils have no issue with them.
But me?
My father is dead. I’m the one fending for myself. My own councils detest my presence and my people find me unworthy.
I’m the only one carrying all these burden on my head.
“It’s no use, ” I groaned, falling into bed at night.
“She will never forgive me. I’m doomed, ” I sighed on my pillow, thinking of how my life would be once Brielle tells the councils her decision.
“I’m sure she’d tell them to find a new Alpha for the pack. She will wreck me for good,” I viewed, almost ready to accept my fate, when suddenly…
RUST! RUST!!
I heard the sound of something crumbling in my room, followed by the door shutting close.
When I lifted my head to look, I found a package near my door.
A familiar one!
“Wait, I’ve seen this before,” I recognized, dragging myself out of bed and reaching for the package.
When I drew nearer and took the bag in my hold, my heart skipped at the content inside.
“What?” I uttered in surprise.
What was inside was a gift and a card that read HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ARGON, FROM B.
When I saw that initial, I was sure of who it was.
Brielle!
This stunned me deeply.
“She still gave me a gift for my birthday? But it’s… ” I paused, realizing I’ve lost track of my own special day.
“It’s tomorrow. My birthday is tomorrow,” I said, feeling dull.
The gift from Brielle brought back memories. She always gave me my gifts in this form, and I’d always trash it away without looking inside.
Last year, I forbade her from ever gifting me, ruining the surprise party she had organized for me.
And I won’t lie. She had put in a lot of work last year, and I spoilt it because Estelle was coming into the city to see me.
I warned Brielle never to celebrate my birthday, but now…
“She still bought me a gift despite everything?” I stared, letting out a light smile while going through the package.
For the first time, I opened one of Brielle’s gift and saw a set of nice tie in a well presentable case. And it’s made by Chandler.
This planted a spark within, causing my heart to beat over this gift.
“Brielle,” I uttered, deciding to go and meet her in person. I don’t know if she was the one who brought it or her maid, but I felt like seeing her.
The moment I stepped out of my room, I was surprised to find Brielle standing outside my room.
“Bri… Brielle?” I was stunned by her presence.
She didn’t leave after dropping the gift. She was still here!
She stared at me in shock then at my hands. Her face came glowing in amusement, saying, “Oh, you… You opened it already?”
“Um…” I lifted the case to show her I did. “Yeah, I did. And it’s… It’s nice, ” I commented, trying to stay cool.
“I was just coming to say my thanks. It’s a nice piece,” I added.
When she heard my comment, a light smile escaped Brielle’s lips.
It… got to me.
“I’m glad you liked it. I know you don’t appreciate when I give you a gift for your day, but it’s a habit I’ve gotten used to. ”
“No, it’s fine. You… Um… Thank you, really,” I appreciated.
Again, Brielle smiled, nodding at me.
She took her steps back, suggesting to head back to her room and sleep.
That’s when something pushed me to speak up. “No arrangements?”
“Huh? ” She paused, lifting her brow at me.
“Like a party? You know… The arrangement you always do, ” I reminded her.
She became stunned. ” But I thought you didn’t want me doing such any more? Why do you want me to do it now? ” She asked, smirking at me.
I couldn’t tell her why. I just told her I wanted something different from all the other years.
And Brielle… She agreed.
“Okay then. As you wish, Argon,” She accepted.
I was pleased by her response. She agreed to throw a small party tomorrow.
“Goodnight now. Head to bed so you don’t wake up late tomorrow, ” She teased, winking at me, before walking away.
When she did that, a sudden heat engulfed me. I couldn’t explain it but felt good. This side of Brielle was beginning to… Fascinate me.
Now that she had accepted to make my day special tomorrow, I decided to get to bed on time and sleep, having a feeling that tomorrow might just bring a change between us.
“Maybe, just maybe, this celebration might help me in getting Brielle to accept my friendship. I really need her to help me.”