Vione thought that her unhappiness and suffering were enough. Despite the happiness she received from her adoptive parents and those who cared for her, there was still considerable sadness, mostly from those who often used her shortcomings as an object of ridicule. Still, she tried not to be sad as much as possible. After all, that’s life. Happiness and sadness are always meant to be together, inseparable.
The challenging journey of life had shaped Vione’s heart. She was no longer easily hurt. She had gotten used to it. More wisely, she focused on those who loved her rather than those who hurt her. But she forgot that there is always an exception to everything.
That exception was called Usher. But Vione had her defense. In the past, Usher belonged to the category of people who loved her. Usher was warm and always there for her. Then everything changed after they became a couple. Usher was no longer the Usher she knew. She began to think that Usher’s kindness all along didn’t necessarily mean that he loved her. It was just that Usher was naturally good, and now it seemed that Usher was tired of being kind to her.
Vione’s common sense had accepted this, but her heart had not. No matter how many logical reasons came to her mind, she could not suppress the resentment her heart screamed. Again and again, the cause was a time when she was sure that Usher’s attitude towards her was not just kindness. How could kindness come in the form of warm embraces, deep kisses, and arousing touches?
Vione could sense that Usher loved her as well. On quiet nights, when only the two of them were present, Usher treated her like the most beautiful queen in the world.
But reality struck again, painfully. Vione staggered from the pain as she realized it was all nonsense. To hell with all the love and touches Usher gave her. In the end, she was still the one being cast aside.
Vione groaned. A pain she had never felt before attacked her. She bent over, one hand on her knee, the other clutching her chest.
Her heart felt as if it had been hit by an invisible stone. It was torn to shreds. Her lungs hurt. Her whole body screamed in pain, squeezing mercilessly.
“It must be very painful, isn’t it?”
In the midst of the onslaught of pain, Vione forced herself to stay conscious. She saw Usher looking at her with a mocking grin, and it made her pain multiply several times over.
“Should I call a doctor? Besides, you’ve always been weak. I’m afraid you’re really on the verge of death now.”
Vione closed her lips tightly. Fighting the pain that pounded in every cell of her body, she tried to stand up, even though her face was drenched in sweat the size of corn kernels. She responded to Usher’s words as best she could, even though her voice was shaking.
“I don’t need your pity, Usher.”
Usher chuckled. “Fine. I don’t want your pity, either. Besides, I hope you know what you have to do now.”
Vione was still fighting the pain. “What do you mean?”
“I mean, you’re no longer my Luna and mate, Vione,” Usher replied with a very condescending look. “So, you should leave right now.”
“Tonight?”
“Of course.”
Vione nodded. “Good. I will leave right away, Usher. Thank you for all you’ve given me. I hope you find happiness.”
Vione’s eyes glanced briefly at Mireya, who approached with a broad smile. She decided to leave before she heard more mockery from Mireya.
“I’ll help you pack, Vione.”
Vione started to refuse Garth’s help, but Usher raised his hand to stop him. He blocked Garth’s way with one hand and said, “She is no one anymore, Garth. You don’t have to help her or take her back to her parents’ house.”
Garth knew that, but it did not feel right to let Vione go alone, especially since it was already night. Even though she was no longer the Luna, she had been an important person in the pack.
But Vione was too tired. Her insides were really tortured and all she wanted now was to end it all. She did not want to waste what little energy she had left on arguing.
“Thanks, Garth, but I can do it myself.”
With that, Vione got up immediately. She went to her room and started to pack her few belongings. She realized that almost everything she used and owned in The Palace belonged to Usher. In fact, everything was Usher’s.
Vione only needed one medium-sized bag. She took a deep breath and looked around the room before she left. All the memories seemed to flash through her mind, causing pain.
Vione strengthened herself. She filled her heart with a box of beautiful memories she had enjoyed. She left and closed the door.
What Vione did not expect was that Usher and Mireya were still in the lounge. Apparently, they did not want to miss the chance to see her off.
Vione walked on, ignoring Usher and Mireya who were hugging and grinning at her. She smiled at Garth, who stared at her helplessly, and then she really left The Palace.
*
It seems there is nothing more surprising and heartbreaking for any parent than to discover that their daughter has to return home with suppressed pain and a broken heart. That’s how Hilary and Addy felt. They couldn’t contain their grief when they saw the gaping wounds in Vione’s eyes.
“H-How could Usher do this to you, Vione? I really cannot accept it.”
Vione quickly took Addy’s hand. “Don’t, Dad. Please. Anyway, Usher is an Alpha and I don’t want anything to happen to you. Besides, everything happened, and I wanted it to.”
Addy fell silent. In anger and disbelief, he looked into Vione’s face. It might sound strange, considering they didn’t share a blood bond, but he could swear he felt Vione’s sadness.
“Vione.”
Vione smiled. “I’m fine. So you don’t have to worry. I’m hurt, but I’m sure I’ll get through this. I’ll be fine.”
*