The Past Vione’s sadness grew when she realized that Garth hadn’t stopped the car on the way to the palace for no reason. Instead, as a Beta who cared deeply for the Alpha and Luna, Garth wanted to ensure their well-being.
Unfortunately, it wasn’t Garth’s, Hilary’s or Addy’s attention that The Past Vione wanted now. It was the attention of The Past Usher that she craved. So, her heart sighed. Was it too much to ask for attention from no one but you, Usher?
It was truly discouraging, and The Past Vione refused to humiliate herself in front of Garth. So, she did her best to keep a composed expression on her face. She forced a smile on her face and nodded. “Of course, Garth. I’m fine.”
But Garth wasn’t oblivious. It wasn’t easy to fool him. Besides, it wasn’t difficult for him to detect a hint of sadness in The Past Vione’s eyes. The Past Vione could smile, but the smile didn’t reach her eyes.
“I’m relieved to hear that, Luna,” Garth said wisely. He decided not to ask further. But that didn’t mean that his worries would go away. So, he made an offer. “But would you mind if we stopped here for a moment, Luna? He glanced at his watch. According to the information I have, fireflies are often seen in this area. Perhaps you’d like to see them before you return to the Palace, Luna.”
The Past Vione blinked weakly. “Fireflies?” she repeated quietly and Garth nodded. “That sounds like a good idea. Besides, I haven’t seen fireflies in a long time. I used to see them in the garden of the palace, and-”
More precisely, in the old pavilion of the palace, and The Past Vione didn’t see them alone; she was accompanied by Usher and Buddy. They talked and discussed many things, and time passed unnoticed.
Those times were incredibly beautiful and unforgettable. Sadly, The Past Vione found herself longing for them. For they never talked like that again.
The Past Vione took a deep breath. She could see fireflies beginning to emerge. You are right, Garth. It seems that fireflies often visit this area. She opened the car window and tilted her face up. “Look, Garth. They’re so beautiful.”
“Yes, Luna.”
A wider smile graced The Past Vione’s face, but Garth felt a pang of guilt. After all, he felt guilty for having fetched The Past Vione from the Munest family home. If it hadn’t been for The Past Usher’s orders, he would have let The Past Vione stay with her family.
Garth could sense that there was a problem between The Past Usher and The Past Vione. He wouldn’t be wrong to find the cause of the problem. It was Mireya, the woman who dared to disturb the harmony between an Alpha and his Luna.
“Did the Alpha say something to you, Garth?”
Garth shook his head once. “No, Luna,” he replied, glancing at The Past Vione, who was still admiring the beauty of the fireflies. “Alpha only told me to get you. Besides, Alpha also asked you to meet him immediately, Luna.”
“Oh,” the Past Vione whispered briefly. Then she reached out as if she wanted to touch the fireflies. “Is Mireya still in The Palace?”
Garth’s face fell with guilt. His suspicion was not unfounded. “No, Luna. Mireya left before Alpha told me to get you.”
“Well then. It seems it’s time to return to The Palace,” The Past Vione said as she withdrew her hand. Then she closed the car window. “Thank you, Garth.”
Garth just nodded briefly. Then he drove the car again.
After arriving at the palace, The Past Vione didn’t go to her room; instead, she wanted to meet The Past Usher right away. With that in mind, she gathered her resolve as she approached The Past Usher’s office.
The Past Vione was sure that the Past Usher had not called her for a pleasant reason. More precisely, it had to do with Mireya and the argument that had occurred earlier.
The Past Vione’s steps stopped right in front of the door to The Past Usher’s office. She took a moment to take a deep breath and calm her heart. She calmed herself and said, “This isn’t your first fight with Usher, Vione. So just let it blow over like the wind.”
The past Vione reached for the door. She entered, and her suspicions were confirmed.
The Past Usher immediately greeted the Past Vione’s arrival with hostility. His words were accusatory, and another argument broke out between them.
The Past Vione couldn’t stand it. The sadness she had managed to suppress after meeting her parents resurfaced in rebellion.
“You really are heartless to me, Usher. Of all people, you’re the one who understands my fears the best. Then you use them to hurt me.”
The Past Vione could no longer stand the pain that crushed her heart. She wasn’t strong enough to bear it, especially in front of the man she loved the most.
So, The Past Vione ignored The Past Usher’s groans of pain. She paid no attention to The Past Usher’s expression, which indicated unimaginable suffering. She thought to herself that she was also facing her own suffering.
“You know I love you and you’re hurting me.”
The Past Vione immediately left the office of the Past Usher. She walked through the corridors of the palace, her vision blurred by tears. Her steps faltered and she almost stumbled if she hadn’t quickly leaned against the wall. She felt truly exhausted, both physically and mentally, to the point where she considered giving up.
Ironically, The Past Vione’s memories deliberately replayed all the sweet and beautiful moments she had shared with The Past Usher. She smiled bitterly. I must have been too naive. I shouldn’t have thought there would be a man who would accept me for who I am, especially not Usher.
Still, there was a part of The Past Vione that kept trying to convince her that The Past Usher truly loved her. It seemed impossible, completely irrational if it were otherwise. There couldn’t be a puppy love that lasted so long. There couldn’t be the care and protection she received if The Past Usher didn’t truly love her.
*