ARGON
“Just taste it. Trust me, you’re going to love the soup,” I assured Brielle, giving her a spoon of the soup the maids had prepared.
But she didn’t want to take it from my hand. She had her mouth facing the other direction, avoiding me from feeding her.
I would have waited for Tania to do this, but I sent her to get a freshly made apple juice for Brielle. With the soup here, I decided to feed Brielle, so it won’t turn cold.
But someone doesn’t want me to feed her.
“Come on, Brielle. Have your soup while it’s still hot.”
“No, ” She refused, dragging herself into bed.
This was beginning to annoy me. I didn’t know if I should force her or just wait for Tania to return. Waiting for Tania is good. That way I get to avoid any problem that would unfold if I choose to force her.
“No, I don’t want to go there. She might use her stubbornness to attack me,” I reasoned, swaying my head at this.
I decided to leave Brielle and wait for Tania instead. And while I was patiently waiting for the maid… DING! A message came into my phone.
Taking it out and checking, my mood changed instantly. I stared at what was sent to me and just gave out a sigh.
“I see. No problem,” I muttered, lifting my eyes to find Brielle peeping at me.
She immediately looked away when she saw my gaze. What a stubborn woman! But I don’t blame her. She’s under medical care, that’s why she’s stressing me.
“I’m the one who requested to look after her, so I have to face every tantrum she throws at me,” I mumbled, making my way to the door.
About stepping out, I said to Brielle without looking back, ” Tania will be here soon. I’ll check up on you later. Just… Just be patient, okay?”
No reply. The silence from Brielle was killing, but what can I do? I can’t force her to respond if she has no interest in doing so. I just want to make things right.
I lifted my phone to look at the message once again, before stepping out of Brielle’s room.
I made my way to the terrace to have a talk with my guard, who had sent me the message, giving me an info on Jerome’s whereabouts. It was night, and Jerome wasn’t back from his so-called work.
“Is that where he’s at?”
“Yes, Alpha. Do you want me to do anything else? ”
“No need. Just get back to the mansion. I’ll handle everything myself,” I ordered.
The guard obeyed, ending the call.
” There’s no problem.” I nodded, tightening my hand into a fist.
.
The following morning, I brought Brielle into the living room just to change her environment. She didn’t argue like she always does, but allowed me to carry her down the stairs in my arms.
Her calmness brought peace to my heart. It made me wish for the whole remaining day to be peaceful like this. That’s if she can stay like this all through without switching to her violent nature.
It’s creepy.
“Tania will be here soon.” I placed her on the couch, dressing her blanket on her body. All she did was hum ay my words, shrugging her shoulder.
“By noon we’ll be heading out to the park. Doctor Nicole advised that you take some strolls to relieve your body from any weaknesses. That way you can get better, ” I shared, so she’d be aware of my plan.
She was silent. I thought she didn’t hear what I just said. But when I lifted my eyes to look at her, I found Brielle frowning, like one who’s in disgust.
I don’t need an interpreter to tell me what that face expression means. I already know the message she’s passing. “Don’t worry, we won’t be alone. Tania is coming along.”
“Better,” she finally said, burying herself right on the couch.
This felt funny. I didn’t know if I should laugh at her or just sway my head. She’s just something.
How did I get to this point?
Suddenly… “WHERE’S THAT WOMAN?!” I heard a familiar voice yelling right outside the living room.
That got Brielle and I looking at the entrance, only to see one of my guards running inside to inform me of someone’s unexpected visit.
“Alpha! You have a visitor,” He said, looking troubled.
From the roar, I knew who it was.
I drew myself away from a curious Brielle, making my way out of the room to see my unwanted guest.
“Stay with her. I’ll handle everything,” I ordered, glancing at Brielle. She didn’t look pleased after hearing that voice. And I didn’t want her to bother about it.
“As you wish, Alpha,” The guard assured me, walking up to Brielle. I exited the room and went over to meet the person that was shouting.
“I WILL NOT STAND BACK AND ALLOW MY DAUGHTER’S ATTACKER TO GO FREE! WHERE IS SHE?!” He kept on yelling.
On stepping into the open hall, I found Alpha Deron and Estelle, standing at the door with my guards blocking their path. They even came along with their guards to stand against mine. Still, they couldn’t get through.
“What are you talking about, Alpha Deron? Who are you calling out?” Jerome asked, standing before Deron.
I didn’t even notice him at first, but now I can see he’s back from yesterday’s so-called office work.
Estelle was standing beside her father, acting all innocent. When she saw me, she began to shed tears, calling out to me. “Argon, my love… I’m glad you’re here. We finally found the culprit. The one who took our baby’s life. She’s here! ” Estelle cried clinging to her father.
Deron picked up from where she had stopped, raising his voice loudly. “I told you that I’ll find out the truth. I know my daughter, Argon. She can’t kill her own child. It’s that woman you’re shielding that took your baby, not my Estelle!”
“Which woman?” I asked, pretending not to know who they were referring to. “I have so many ladies in this mansion, so who exactly are you talking about?”
“Quit your nonsense, Argon. I’m talking about her! ” Deron yelled, pointing behind me.
On seeing the direction of his finger, I turned around and saw Brielle standing there, watching us.
Why is she here?!
“Brielle, What are you doing here? ” I questioned, stepping back to meet her. She didn’t look at me but kept her attention on Deron and Estelle.
“What is going on here? ” She asked.
“It’s nothing. Why did you step out? Head back inside and rest.” I groaned, about to send her into the living room.
That’s when Deron yelled out again, pointing hands at Brielle. “You’re the one who poisoned my daughter’s wedding dress, you jealous, wolfless orphan! You are the culprit!” Deron accused.
What he said stunned Brielle. She looked at me in shock, touching herself. “Me? What rubbish is he saying?”
I didn’t like where all these was going. I didn’t want Brielle to listen to these people’s wish-wash.
“Don’t you see what she’s doing? Manipulation, her special ability!” Estelle joined her father in accusing Brielle, raining insults on her.
“Everyone thinks you’re some kind of heroine, but I know you’re a fake!”
“Shut up, Estelle!” I sparked out, shielding Brielle. “If anyone is a fake here, it’s you! ” I indicated, leaving Estelle gasping out in shock.
“Argon, why… Why are you hurting me like this? I can’t believe you’re taking this woman’s side. After what she did to our baby!”
“Don’t get on my nerves, Estelle! You took your own child’s life with your filthy hands! Stop accusing Brielle for your crime!” I yelled, putting Brielle at my back, so they won’t attack her any further.
This only increased their anger towards me.
“Wait Alpha, they can’t just come here to accuse Brielle without any prove. I’m sure they have a reason for this accusation,” Jerome said, standing as the middleman.
On hearing him, I asked, ” Did I ask you, Mr Supporter?”
Jerome’s eyes came large.
“Are you trying to say that I’m stupid and don’t know why I’m defending Brielle? Whose side are you on anyway? ”
“Alpha, what are you talking about?” He swayed his head, pointing at Deron and Estelle. “I only want you to give them the chance to speak. I mean… They have the right to say something. If they feel Brielle is the culprit, then they should tell us why.”
“You don’t have to stress it, Jerome. He will have to listen no matter what, because it’s about my daughter’s image,” Deron said, stepping forward with Estelle by his side.
“I hired someone to carry out an investigation at the wedding venue, and he came back with a clear proof against that witch behind you, ” Deron said, sounding confident.
He went on to talk about the so-called evidence, which only showed that Brielle was the only one seen near Estelle’s dressing room.
“No one went there after the wedding dress was brought in. In fact, no one knew Brielle was present, and she suddenly shows up during the ceremony, claiming the dress was poisoned! Isn’t that enough to prove she’s a murderer?!”
” All what you have said makes no sense! Anyone could have gone there to poison the dress. You’re only trying to pin the blame on Brielle, because your daughter couldn’t get away with her plans,” I fired back, standing my ground.
Estelle gasped, shedding out more tears like the victim.
My words annoyed Deron, who began calling me names. “A fool, Jackass! That’s what you are, Argon! When we told you to send this woman away, you kept talking about fulfilling your father’s last wish. Can you see where your decision has led you to?!”
“I’ve told you already, Brielle isn’t a killer. If you push me too far, I swear you wouldn’t like the outcome,” I threatened, provoking Deron.
He was really pissed and ready to lash at me. That’s when Jerome intervened, adding his own spice to the matter. “But on that day, Brielle was absent. We didn’t see her anywhere and the councils didn’t know about her whereabouts. Isn’t that a proof that… I… I don’t know, but I think they are unto something here, ” He said, backing Deron and Estelle.
And it marveled me.
“Waw, my own beta thinks they are on the right side. So you’re saying I’m wrong, huh Jerome? I am in the wrong, isn’t it?” I chuckled, swaying my head at my loyal beta.
“Alpha, I am trying to help solve this case. I’m sorry, but I think Brielle has a hand in your baby’s death. She’s the only one who knew the dress was poisoned. She’s the same person that came out to stop your wedding. Don’t you think this is fishy? ” Jerome pointed, now showing his full support for Estelle and her father.
“See, I think she’s the one who tried to kill Estelle and took your baby’s life. Forgive me, but this is for your own good,” He said, lifting his hands.
Jerome’s decision was enough to show me his true side. I saw this coming after seeing that text from my guard last night.
“Don’t let her deceive you, Argon. She poisoned herself so you would think she’s innocent,” Estelle said, accusing Brielle.
“She’s a jealous wretch, who can’t stand the fact that you and I are meant to be. She planned this whole thing from the start, that’s why she made that request. She wanted to kill me and make you hers again!”
“Waw, how touching,” Brielle said, clapping her hands.
She smiled and said, pointing at their direction, “So, because I’ve been watching and listening to all your nonsense, you felt my silence is an answer to your crazy discovery? Pathetic!”
“Brielle, just ignore them. I know you didn’t do anything,” I said, showing my support. But Brielle wasn’t ready to listen to me. She was determined to fight for herself.
“All these while I’ve been taking in your nonsense. From the day you took my spot in Argon’s life, to taking my unborn child, and taking advantage of my helplessness… All these things you did to me, yet I still stayed shut, enduring your bullshit. And when you know you can’t find the person responsible for the poisoning, you decided to blame me like always. Bravo! Clap for yourself!” She clapped, laughing out.
Brielle’s boldness left a spark in me. I faced our accusers and watched how they frowned at Brielle with annoyance.
“Admit your crime! You are the one who poisoned my dress!” Estelle shouted.
“I will not admit to something I didn’t do, Estelle! But yes… I did see the person who poisoned your dress. And trust me, you won’t like to know who it was, ” She said, leaving me stunned.
“You know?” I asked, facing her.
She nodded, saying to me, “I was going to tell you at the hospital, but… That’s when I passed out. I saw the culprit who poisoned Estelle’s dress. But the problem is that… I don’t know how to say this. You may think I’m crazy.” She directed her eyes at Estelle and co.
But why would I think she’s crazy? If she can tell me who poisoned the dress, I can use that to shun Deron and Estelle at once. They will eat their own words like crazy.
“Nonsense! She’s trying to cover up the truth by claiming she saw the culprit. Why don’t you tell us, Mrs Innocent. Who’s the person?” Estelle mocked.
I looked at Brielle and saw how quiet she became. It felt like she was doubting her own words.
“Come on, Brielle. Tell me, who’s the person?” I asked, hoping for a response.
Just then… “If she tells you who the monster was, you wouldn’t believe,” Tania voiced out, stepping into the battleground.
When Deron and Estelle saw her, they demanded to know why she was here. “Who invited you? ” Estelle questioned Tania, but the stubborn maid had no fear.
“I won’t stand back and allow you bully my Luna. She has suffered enough in your hands!” She pointed at them.
“I don’t care if you believe us or not, but I’m still going to talk. Luna Brielle isn’t the culprit. The one you’re looking for is a large furry black wolf with eyes I’ve never seen before,” Tania shared.
And the moment she made that statement, Jerome amd Estelle exclaimed in chorus, “Black wolf?!”
Their behavior was strange. Why are they concerned about what Tania just said?
“Yes, black wolf.”
“What’s the color of the eyes?” Jerome asked, stepping forward with Estelle.
And that’s when Tania revealed the answer. “Green. It had green eyes.”
“It’s her! ” Jerome and Estelle gasped out, but with fear. Their face expression left me stunned.
“Green? Wait, isn’t that the same imaginary wolf Jerome and Estelle have been using to play pranks on me?” I recalled, remembering how they looked petrified while mentioning this green-eyed wolf.
“Yes, it had green eyes. It came out of your dressing room that night. That’s your culprit, not my Luna,” Tania defended, silencing the accusers.