“So, you’ll be gone from my room tomorrow morning when I wake up, Usher?”
The touch of Usher’s hand on The Past Vione’s upper arm stopped instantly. His thumb, which had been stroking, suddenly fell silent. Moreover, his body froze with a cold sensation he couldn’t ignore.
The Past Vione let out a sigh as she shifted slightly in Usher’s embrace. She could feel the tension in Usher’s body. So, she closed her eyes. It seemed she didn’t need any more answers.
“I’m sorry, Vione.”
This time, the past Vione really shifted. She decided to change her position and turn away from Usher, something she had never done before.
Usher’s tension escalated. He was as stiff as a wooden statue. “Vione.”
“Have you no consideration for my feelings? Do you not pity me when you see me constantly confused by all your actions?” The voice of the Past Vione trembled. Her defenses were at the breaking point. “Is it so difficult for you to be honest with me and tell me what’s really going on? Honestly, Usher. I am your partner, I am your mate, you should be honest with me.”
Usher knew this, especially since the problem he was facing had to do with the survival of the pack. It was only right that Vione, his partner and mate, should know.
Unfortunately, there were Rowena’s words that hindered Usher’s desire. Besides, he didn’t know where to begin if he had to reveal everything. He guessed it would be difficult. If he misspoke, The Past Vione would think he was crazy or lying on purpose. Worse, the situation might become even more chaotic and uncontrollable.
Usher couldn’t take that risk. Besides, he thought there was still time and opportunity. Rowena’s remedy had indeed run out, but unfortunately, The Past Usher had not yet recovered. Therefore, his priority was to repair the relationship between The Past Vione and The Past Usher, and only then would he ask Rowena for the remedy again.
This idea sounds reasonable, and all Usher had to do was convince The Past Vione. Not only because The Past Vione could help him awaken The Past Usher, but more than that. He didn’t want to lose Vione, neither in the past nor in the future.
This hope drove Usher to pull The Past Vione’s body back to lie on her back. He gently lifted her chin, leaning lightly on one elbow. Their eyes met. He swallowed the lump in his throat. For there was a deep sadness in The Past Vione’s eyes.
Usher strengthened his resolve. Even though it was painful, he forced himself to look into The Past Vione’s eyes. “Forgive me for not being honest, Vione, but I swear. I have always loved you. You know that, from the past until whenever, until eternity, that’s how long I’ve loved you. You know that, Vione”.
Usher’s words reignited the turmoil between The Past Vione’s emotions and rationality. She groaned in despair. “But until when, Usher? I can’t bear this confusion any longer. Besides…” She closed her eyes with a desperate expression. “… I can’t bear to see you with Mireya anymore.”
Usher immediately embraced The Past Vione. He calmed her. “I know. Forgive me, Vione, but I swear on the name of the pack, I swear on my life, I swear on everything, I don’t love Mireya at all. So please, Vione, trust me. Please.”
At that moment, the turmoil in The Past Vione’s heart could no longer be expressed in words. For Usher’s words made sense. Usher clearly loved her, considering their past history. It was impossible for Usher not to love her after all they had been through together.
However, Usher’s actions indicated otherwise. It was impossible for Usher to truly love The Past Vione if he continued to be affectionate with Mireya. Worse, Usher always openly defended Mireya in front of The Past Vione.
Unfortunately, The Past Vione couldn’t do anything when it came to Usher. She was truly weak, and all the determination she had in her mind vanished instantly, without a trace.
The Past Vione nodded. “All right, Usher. I trust you.”
Relief flooded Usher’s chest.
“But I ask one thing of you,” The Past Vione said, lifting her face. Then she looked at Usher with pleading eyes. “Put an end to this soon.”
Usher nodded resolutely. “Of course, Vione. I will put an end to all this soon, and when the time comes, please promise me.” He returned The Past Vione’s gaze with a look full of great hope. “Whatever happens, please stand by me. Even if I go mad and lose my mind, please stand by me. Wake me up, Vione, and never leave my side. We must always be together.”
A hint of confusion appeared on The Past Vione’s forehead. Usher’s words sounded a bit confusing. But she didn’t have a chance to say anything because Usher quickly silenced her with a soft, trembling kiss.
The Past Vione exhaled as she let go of all her burdens. She decided not to think about anything. Instead, she would show loyalty as a partner and companion. She would trust Usher because that was what she was supposed to do.
One thing that The Past made Vione believe was the fact that Usher had never betrayed her. Usher had always loved her, and she was confident that he would continue to do so until the end of her life.
However, reality managed to slap The Past Vione once again. Reality gave her another painful fate. Specifically, that morning, when she wanted to join Usher at the dining table, Mireya arrived with a beaming face.
The Past Vione soothed her heart, even though her eyes occasionally glanced at The Past Usher. She wanted to know The Past Usher’s attitude after their conversation the night before, and at the same time Mireya said something that made her world collapse instantly.
“Usher! I have wonderful news for you.”
The Past Usher interrupted his breakfast. He turned to Mireya with a curious look. “What wonderful news, Mireya?”
“Look at this,” Mireya said as she placed a sonogram photo on the table. Her face was radiant with a beautiful smile that blossomed in an aura of happiness. “You’re going to be a father, Usher.”
*