Zeres Codex: E.A

Fate: Our Love Begins

Chapter 10 : Reunited

The Nerd x The Bully

* * *

"... (Did she lose her memory? I wonder why she couldn't remember perhaps I should try to re-investigate her.)"

In the hallways. The president was walking while he placed his hand on his chin while thinking about the girl from before.

"... (I even made her cry and I felt my heart was stabbed by a thousand needles. How could you forget me Maxie..? Maybe that day I'd left, someone was already spying on me?)"

He paused, then a cold subdue gaze while his expression was a bit mad.

How dare they've laid their fingers on Maxie.. Whoever those people were, I'll make sure your graves will be waiting for you..

He clenched his fist angrily, his blood veins rose on his white porcelain neck.

They shouldn't have touched something dear into my life.. Once I find out the culprit I'll let them know what hell looks like..

He restrained himself from his anger by letting out a big sigh.

"... (To think they've even dragged her, a person who's just living their own life. After all, doesn't mean I'll just pretend and turned a blind eye after they've done something terrible from Maxie.)"

He let out a glare as his dark grayish blue eyes were wide as horrified somehow it was raging of malice while his expression became twisted as half of his face was shaded by a shadow.

They should have known their place..

My life is already in a chaos of war, they thought I should let this go..?

No.., I will never forgive them..!

He began walking again until he sensed something behind his back someone was following him.

He glanced back with his cold expressionless looks. A solemn-looking man who disguises himself as a teacher from the Academy.

"Greetings, My Lord.. How was your day?" He asked, he bowed with his hand on heart.

He answered while he removed his glasses, "Busy as usual since it's my job to finish a pile of paperwork in this Academy."

"By the way did you finish what I've asked you before?" He asked, he looked at the solemn-looking man with his sharp eyes.

"You mean that girl named Helga V. Dowager? Of course, her parents run a company and they were doing a project to launch something but as I investigate it."

He shrugged himself as if he was talking to someone. Suddenly, his eyes became sharp as he elaborated on what he saw.

"Someone copied the project that your father was doing. I infiltrate their company and subjugate the person who stole the blueprints of the project. I terminated the fake and stole the real one, it was easy to distinguish since your father left an emblem of a flower that looks like a cecilia then soon I left without traces of suspicion."

The solemn-looking man let out a small laugh, "It was funny to see their expressions were devastated as they argued the project of the blueprints was gone missing then soon their daughter came into the office."

He placed his hand on his chin as if he was thinking about the situation he saw before at the outside of the window on a huge building.

"Her face turned pale as if she was scared. It was unexpected that they slapped their daughter and at the end they kept arguing while Helga was wailing."

"Did I do a wonderful job, My Lord?" He asked, he tilted his head as if he was puzzled.

An ominous smirk crept from his face, "You never failed my expectations all the time, Devorak."

A faint smile crept from the solemn-looking man, "I'm willing to do everything what you ask for, My Lord. Since that day you've saved me, I've dedicated my life for you." He kneeled his other leg, he bowed with his hand on heart.

"It was an honor to serve you, My Lord. I'm deeply indebted to you and I'll never forget your gratitude.." He raised his head, looking at the president then he smiled.

The president raised his hand and waved as a gesture to stop, "You don't have to since I'm grateful to have you on my side, Devorak." He smiles warmly.

He blurted out something nonsense, "I hate to admit but you're like my second father.. although you're my butler and a hitman." He chuckled.

The solemn-looking man stood up and spread his arms as he was about to embrace the president. Unexpectedly, the president raised his hand as a gesture to stop.

The serious conversation before became sarcastically different as the atmosphere was joyful.

He looks at the president with teary eyes, "Finally, you've bluntly said 'I'm a father figure for you.' I'll never forget this day." Tears sarcastically brimmed in his eyes.

The president's expression was cliche, "Get a hold of yourself, Devorak! You're making me uncomfortable." He averted his eyes on the other side.

"I thought you were only just a cold person but I was wrong, to think you had a good side of yourself that you've kept." He said.

He was sarcastically crying, "This is the first time I saw the other side of my Lord." He said, imagining his master was a kind person.

The president grumbled, "Quit crying already or else I'll terminate our contract!" His eyebrows were twitching as if he was upset.

"No! Please, My Lord. I'll try to restrain myself, alright?" He said.

In a few minutes he calmed himself. Both of them stood looking at each other as they talked.

* * *

"I have a job to offer you something, do you remember the name I usually talk about you?" He said, looking at the solemn-looking man while his face was slightly puzzled.

"If I could remember perhaps.. Maxie, right?" He tilted his head as he was slightly puzzled.

He nodded, "Yes. I want you to re-investigate her past life." He glanced at the other side, "When I was 7 years old, she used to be my friend who turns out to be a bully right now." He looks at the solemn-looking man with a saddened expression.

"She almost forgot me.. Thankfully, she recalls something like she has a memory lapse." He said. He was thinking deeply as he placed his hand on chin.

[Author T.N; Memory Lapse: Concussion. Severe Head Trauma.]

"It might take longer, My Lord but I'll do my best to gather some information about her past life since she's your friend." He bowed and immediately raised his head.

He turned around as he was about to take a step, someone spoke.

"Maxie, isn't just your friend right? Moreover, she's an important person?"

The solemn-looking man asked while looking at the president with his sharp eyes.

Unexpectedly, he just looked down and remained silent. He was thinking deeply about the question of the solemn-looking man.

* * *

A familiar voice echoes in his mind.

"C.J.. We're just friends, right?" She giggled while her cheeks were reddish.

The pitiful child just nodded as his answer.

"Hey, C.J.. Why are you short?", She looked at the pitiful child then she used her brittle hand to measure the difference of their height, "Looks like I'm taller than you. Maybe I'll call you shorty or potato. What do you think?"

The little girl glanced at the pitiful child then she blurted out something nonsense saying some nicknames from the pitiful child.

The little girl cowered in the corner of the wall, her whole body was shuddering.

"Why are they fighting..? You even saved me from those bad guys but why?"

The pitiful child stood in front of the little girl. He sat beside the little girl then he wrapped around his arms to comfort her sadness.

In the bed as they were about to sleep even though her eyes were drowsy, "Can I hold your hand C.J.. What if those bad guys will appear in my dreams..? I'm scared.."

The pitiful child grasped her hand, he leaned closer then gave a lovely kiss on the forehead.

He closed his eyes as he fell asleep while holding the little girl's hand. Her vision was hazy as she looked at the pitiful child sleeping beside her then suddenly she fell asleep.

In the morning she woke up and found out that she was still holding the pitiful child's hand. A warm smile crept from her face looking at the pitiful child who was slumbering peacefully.

* * *

I kept thinking about how you were doing everyday and it's driving me crazy to the point I'm worried about you..

It's my fault you've even been dragged into my own situation..

Despite everything I've been through.. I thought it was the best solution to cut ties with you..

My hands were already tainted with bloodshed, killing those assassins who hired to kill you..

Even though my life is already at a constant of war..

At any cost, I must protect you in order to get you away from harm..

Every time I embrace into your arms.. I felt safe and peaceful.. Clinging into your arms would've been my addiction until now on..

I've lost something dear to my life and I can't afford to lose you..

What if you've died right in front of me..? I would be devastated, lose my senses and become crazy like a madman..

Justifications would kill me but killing those assassins would never justify your death..

Even if I shred my tears it won't fix everything..

You even set boundaries between us.. To know our limits that both of us would never cross the line..

It was unexpected to see you once again.. You became more beautiful although you never recognized me..

I hate to admit the fact that I couldn't control myself seeing you from time to time.. Almost I wanted to keep you mine forever..

If I were to choose 'Greed' over 'Obsession', I would rather choose 'Obsession' since I can't own you although I'm not quite sure yet if this sensation I felt from my heart is 'Love'..

It's better to have a hypothesis beforehand committing a risk..

* * *

"My Lord, are you alright?" Someone spoke. His expressions were puzzled.

The president raised his head, he looked at the solemn-looking man with a calm expression then he answered.

"She's a dear person from my life.." A faint smile crept from his face.

Truthfully, he never thought of anything else but something deeply buried from his words.

"Let's quell this conversation already, I've told her I'll be back in a short time and probably she's doubting right now."

He let out a weak laugh then his dark grayish blue eyes became sharp.

"Also find out the culprit. The person who caused her memory lapse." He said in a solemn voice.

The solemn-looking man nodded.

"If I caught the culprit should I lend it to you or kill that person with my hands..?"

His face was almost twisted while he smirks viciously.

Out of nowhere, he burst out laughing like a villain then he looked at the solemn-looking man with his twisted expression while half of his face was shaded by a shadow.

"I'll kill that person with my own hands. Would that satisfy your question?"

He shook off his head, "I'm just asking and I'm only taking orders from you."

The solemn-looking man walks further away, nonetheless he vanishes at the hallways while the president went to the Infirmary to grabbed the medicine kit.

— — —

Fate: Our Love Begins

Chapter 9 : Karaoke Kings And Queens

The Introvert x The Extrovert

* * *

"Since we're both here, what are the menus in this fancy restaurant?" Serena asked, looking both on the siblings.

Inside the fancy restaurant the four of them are seated at a pair of tables.

Shan rose on his seat gently and walked towards the staff room. He went inside while Serena and Seraphine were slightly puzzled, why did he go to the staff room.

"This place is run by my Aunt and Mom. Since you're our acquaintance, we can't afford to sit and watch idly." Seth rose on his seat and smiled warmly at both of them.

Seraphine's face was slightly reddish on seeing his smiles.

Serena glanced at her sister then she glanced back looking at Seth.

"... (I've never seen this kind of expression from my sister. I could understand a bit of my sister but this guy seems to have the capability to fully understand.)"

Seth walked towards the staff room as he went inside. She grabbed her communication notebook and pen then she wrote in the paper.

"Seth is a nice guy so don't think of him as a bad person."

She showed it to her sibling as she read each word clearly.

She turned the next page of the paper from the notebook.

"Our first meeting was terrible but it was funny to think of his expression."

Seraphine let out a small laugh while her cheeks were slightly reddish.

She turned the next page of the paper from the notebook.

"May I ask, how did you meet Shan?"

Seraphine's face was puzzled as she looked at her sibling.

Serena was startled in surprise. Her expression became sheepish while she used her finger as she was scratching her face.

"To be honest.. I accidentally got tripped as I tried to maintain my posture, I ended up falling on the ground with him.."

* * *

Inside the classroom. A tall guy stood on the podium beside her teacher, a fine black hair while his skin was porcelain as white as a dove.

A cold deep voice as he spoke half-heartedly while his expression was slightly timid, "Shan Shouyo P. Kazuhira.. Nice to meet you all.."

He introduced himself to everyone in his class. He glanced back and saw a chalk from the blackboard then he wrote something.

"I was raised in Japan and migrated here in this country."

Words were written clearly while everyone was looking at the blackboard.

"I'm a half asian foreigner. I could speak and understand English although I usually speak in Japanese."

"I'm having a hard time communicating.. but I hope everyone will take care of me."

He put the chalk on the blackboard then he glanced at her teacher. He bowed and immediately raised his head then he went down at the podium, with his hand at his back as he carried his bag.

Everyone was looking at his prominent appearance while others were gossiping about him.

The black haired guy who was a new student seated at the back, suddenly someone approached him.

She spoke and waved her hand as a gesture of greetings, "Hello, I'm Serena. Nice to meet you!" She grinned joyfully.

The black haired guy glanced at someone who introduced herself. He was slightly surprised and a faint smile crept from his face.

"Your name is Shan right? Let's be friends. Let's eat together at the cafeteria. I'll tour you around the Academy."

He mumbled, "Tomodachi.. (Friends..)"

The pale blonde hair girl was slightly puzzled as she heard something, "Did you say something? No need to be shy since we're friends and I wanted to know more about you." She said with a warm smile.

He used his arm as a supporter from his face then a long cold solid hand stroked the girl's cheeks.

His timid expression gradually changes as he smiles gently looking at the girl while her face slowly turns reddish.

The girl was wonder struck seeing his mesmerizing appearance. His amber eyes were dazzling while his face was slightly reddish. He leaned closer and whispered in her ear, "You have my gratitude and I'm grateful to have you as my friend.." As he was about to go back, "It might sound a bit selfish but.. I'd like to see your smile.." Hearing his deep cold voice but somehow sincere and tender.

Unexpectedly, the guy smiled widely as joyfully.

The girl's expression went reddish as it was written all over her face.

She avoided looking at the black haired guy then she cowered, squealing inwardly at her desk as she used her hands to cover her face.

.To think I was the one who approached him, this is terrible!?

She took a glance at the guy while he was looking at the board as he was writing on his notebook.

.Was it on purpose..? I'm not sure yet..

She vaguely remembers the guy's expression, his voice then suddenly her heart started slowly racing.

.We're only friends Shan.. but you must know the limits of your boundaries..

The guy glanced at the girl as he saw her looking at him then suddenly, she was embarrassed. She glanced at the other side while she used her arm as a supporter from her face.

You're a dangerous person..

I have to be careful next time or else I would be trampled from your trap again..

The girl grabbed something in her bag, her notebook and pen while the guy looked at him.

"... (Have I done something wrong..?)"

He tilted his head as he was slightly puzzled.

They never looked at each other nor uttered a word until the class ended. Both of them walked together in the hallways.

The girl was touring around the Academy with the black haired guy, he stayed quiet all the time even at the Cafeteria as they ate together.

* * *

It was already noon as the class ended. They were assigned to clean the restroom while others were left to clean their classroom.

"Hey, Shan. After we finish cleaning, may I ask if you have anything else to do?" She asked. Inside the girl's restroom her voice echoes.

The black haired guy took a peek at the door as he waved his hand, his answer was 'No'.

The girl was wiping the mirrors, she paused for a bit and glanced at the black haired guy then she wiped her sweat in her forehead across her cheeks.

She was breathless over the heat inside the restroom as she was cleaning, "Then wanna go have fun at the mall?" She asked.

She leaned at the counter sink, looking at the guy.

He gently nodded then he went back on cleaning inside the male's restroom.

At the male's restroom. He disrobe himself as he puts aside his coat and his black necktie at the counter then he unbuttons his white long sleeved from the top to bottom.

The black haired guy played a song from his phone as it connected to his bluetooth wireless earbuds. He placed his earbuds on his ears then he grabbed the bucket of water filled with cleaning soap and splash all over the floor.

He grabbed the mop as he was scrubbing the floor. He opened the doors of each cubicle then he took out the trash from the trash bin.

He placed the garbage outside the male's restroom while he was cleaning each cubicle.

On the other side the girl was looking at mirror from the countersink, "... (Perhaps I should call Cliff to pick us up and drop by at the mall.)" She turned on the faucet and then water came pouring so hard.

She used her hand as a scoop as she rinsed her face with the water. She repeated twice then she let out a small sigh, "... (I wonder how's he doing right now? Maybe I should try to took a glanced a bit to see if he's done already.)"

She turned off the faucet as she placed her arms at the countersink while looking at the mirror.

Tears were leaking on her porcelain cheeks as she saw herself in the mirror, "... (I don't want to ruin this day since it's an opportunity to get to know him better. It's not bad to create memories since that's how friendship starts.)"

Her green eyes like a gemstone of peridot were dazzling then she fixed herself and went outside.

The girl knocked twice at the door of the male's restroom, "Hey, Shan. You forgot to throw the garbage bag in the dumpster."

The girl looks at the pile of garbage bags that was left beside the wall. She thought to herself, if the black haired guy would throw these garbage bags perhaps he would be lost.

"... (It's better I should take these after all his new here or else he would be lost and wandered around the Academy.)"

Her expression became sarcastically gloomy then she took the garbage bags and threw them in the dumpster.

* * *

In the hallways. The blonde hair girl was walking as she arrived standing at the male's restroom.

She knocked at the door twice, "Hey, Shan are you done yet?" She asked while her expression was puzzled.

The girl turned the doorknob and then she saw the guy was half naked. The girl thought he's a bit skinny although his body was average.

His white porcelain skin like a dove was glistening, the restroom was glossy and glinted as it was cleaned neatly.

The guy was wiping the mirrors as he extended his hand while seeing him cleaning, meanwhile the girl stood frozen like a statue and her face slowly turned reddish.

She looked at the guy, tears were leaking from his face across his neck until to his chest. Seeing his determined expression as he was wiping the mirrors, the girl gulped as she swallowed something.

Her face turned completely reddish, seeing his prominent appearance then the guy paused and glanced back.

At that moment, the atmosphere became dead silent as awkward as their eyes met.

The girl closed her eyes as she was frantically waving her hands, "I'm sorry, Shan! I didn't mean to stalk you! I was wondering why you were taking so long!" Her voice was boisterous but somehow trembling.

Her whole body was quivering in embarrassment while her eyes were closed, she was puzzled where to walk as she tried to avoid looking at the guy.

Unexpectedly, she tripped into something then the guy's eyes were wide in shock as he hurriedly caught the girl before she landed her head on the ground.

Something crashes on the ground then the girl groans, she senses something soft and firm like the shape of a buns.

The girl kneaded her head as she gently opened her eyes.

At that moment. The guy fainted, lying on the floor while she was on top. Both of her hands were placed onto his chest and she sensed the guy's heart was beating slowly but somehow it was tender.

Her face turned completely reddish again, seeing his majestic appearance like a prince who had been cursed under a spell.

A groan leaked out from the temple then the guy gently opened his eyes.

He spoke, "Serena.. Are you.. Alright..?" but somehow his voice was sincere as he was concerned about the girl.

A cold firm hand as he stroked the girl's cheeks across her eyelid.

"..Yeah.. I'm okay.." She said in a soft lukewarm voice.

A warm smile crept from his face and the girl's expression was flustered that was written all over her face.

She stood hurriedly and went outside as she closed the door.

The guy tried to stand up, suddenly the door opened slightly as someone spoke, "I'll just wait here if you're done changing.."

"And thank you.. Shan.." She thanked the black haired guy.

At the outside. The girl's expression was embarrassing as she couldn't forgive herself although she'll just keep it to what she saw.

— — —

Fate: Our Love Begins

Chapter 8 : A Familiar Looks And The New Guy

The Elusive Guy x The Saint

* * *

.Where am I..?

When I opened my eyes, everything was dark and I felt my body had fallen from an abyss.

I vaguely remember there was a phenomenon occurring in the music room then something devoured my whole body.

.Am I already dead..?

In this vast darkness, you couldn't escape as if you were a white dove imprisoned in a cage.

Even though it's peaceful and comfortable here..

It feels lonely like an empty jar has never been filled by colorful candies..

This world is colorless, so dull as a sign of grievances for someone who couldn't accept the person's death..

I.., Who once called a witch..

The title "Witch" they called was a cursed child..

My mother died from an illness when I was 8 years old and her death brought upon hatred towards my father..

I resembled my mother's appearance but she was kind and a meticulous person.

"Lia.. my lovely daughter.."

A hand stroke smoothly my hair. Her blue eyes were dazzling like a diamond as she was lying in the patient's bed.

I was seated beside her while my mother's health was getting worse and complicated.

Her complexion wasn't stable while her hands were like a branch of a tree that was dying, my mother was bedridden for almost a month that had passed.

Everytime my school ended I always went to the hospital to visit my mother instead other children tended to play before going home.

I never made any friends since everyone was afraid of me.

As I entered her room she always looked at the window to see the sunset while her silver platinum hair was glistening. She turned around and a facade smiled, an unknown feeling that was hidden deeply.

"Did your Dad send you here?" She asked.

I shook my head and walked closer and sat beside her.

"Is the doctor going to cure your illness Mom?"

I asked if there's a cure for her illness but she said,"Yes. Although the procedure might take longer, that's why I can't leave this place yet."

An excuse that could turn out to be a lie since she doesn't want to tell the truth that she's dying sooner or later just like a wilted flower.

I looked down and frowned then she spoke, "Do you want me to tell you a story?" She asked even if I didn't ask for anything but she wanted to see me happy in front of her.

I raised my head and nodded, then smiled gently.

In a small village, a girl was shunned by everyone.

She was called the "Witch Of Calamity" who cursed upon their village.

Her parents were killed by the villagers while their house was burned by an arsonist.

The villagers pursue her in the forest. The girl fled while she was crying as she took the blame for everything.

Guilt, Anger, Sorrowful, Accusation.. A brimming of emotions were imbued in her thoughts.

Until she screams desperately anguished, quelled and the vast forest filled with monstrosity as it storms hard.

The vast forest became a catastrophe, everyone was screaming in anguish as they were devoured by the monstrosity.

In the wilderness, it was filled with bloodshed and corpses were scattered.

The girl keeps wailing over the loss of her parents..

Everything vanishes in just a glimpse..

She was all alone in the vast forest then a blue orb was floating around her.

The wisp were comforting her sadness as she was cowering.

The wisp morphed into a child just like the girl. She raised her head looking at the child who seemed to be a spirit who was lost.

Both of them wandered into the vast forest until they found an old castle that seemed to be ruined for ages.

The old castle became their shelter then a year passed and the girl became a beautiful woman.

One night she couldn't find the wisp who became her one and only friend.

Around the old castle she found a tombstone then the moonlight shone as if it were ethereal.

The scripture in the tombstones glows and the ruined castle becomes grandiose and luxurious then a tall handsome man appeared in front of her as his cape was waving.

She stood frozen like a statue, his appearance looked familiar then tears were falling from her eyes.

The wisp morphed into a child that turns out to be a prince from a fallen kingdom.

A cold firm hand stroked her cheeks across her eyelid, he wrapped around his arms embracing the girl.

They went inside the grandiose castle as they danced in the middle of the banquet. Everything turns out to be real like someone who was bewitched by a spell.

The night was filled with glints and enchanted by magic.

At the balcony, both of them stood while watching the starry night sky and the moon was gleaming.

The man stood in front of her as the moon luminous his appearance.

Unexpectedly the man gave a passionate kiss from the girl's lips. She was surprised but it felt tender..

An indescribable feeling she felt although she never experienced this kind of emotion.

Through the darkest path everything dissipated from a vast bright light and the girl smiled in tears of joy.

At the end, The Witch Of Calamity has never been alone; rather she felt the emotion has been forbidden as the seals were dispelled.

The sacred emotion was forbidden called "Love".

The grandiose castle was once filled with love and glints..

And then they lived happily ever after..

I fell asleep listening to her story beside her arm as she brushed my hair smoothly.

"My dear, Lia.." She looks at her daughter.

"I'm sorry.."

She gave the pendant to her daughter as it wrapped around her daughter's neck.

"Always remember that Mom adores Lia so much.."

She kissed her daughter's hair and she fell asleep.

That was the last story I've heard from my Mother..

The day at the funeral. I saw my mother slumbered in the coffin peacefully as she was never in pain any longer.

She wore her favorite stylish white elegant dress since she told me and Dad that's one of her wish lists before she died.

She looks like a princess who was cursed by a spell but this isn't a fairytale..

My father was wailing with bloodshot eyes, I could feel how desperate he loved her although he couldn't accept the fact that her death was tragic.

My eyes brimmed with tears as I embraced her coffin.

Before she could die I want to hug her once more..

Since it's too late and it ends up in regrets..

Just like in the story I've become the cursed witch..

My father arrives drunk every time at home he always vents his anger towards me.

I was constantly beaten, enduring the prolonged pain. He was a loving father who became estranged unexpectedly then the following days repeat as usual.

I was imprisoned like a slave inside the house until the day I was almost strangled to death by my father.

I couldn't breathe as I tried to struggle with my father's hands.

"Dad.." I called him in a tight voice.

My situation was suffocating that I'm about to be killed by my father.

I was lifted by his hands with his tremendous strength while his expression showed how much he loathed me.

I extended my hands to reach, to touch his face as I tried to control my expression to smile in front of him.

"Lia.. adores you so much.." I said in a tight voice.

Before I was about to faint my father's hands were quivering. Unexpectedly, he put me down gently then I gasped and breathed heavily.

I coughed violently. Rather, I was frightened, I ran towards him with angry tears as I embraced him desperately.

I let out a wail. It was an unknown question that came to my thoughts that my father would never do such a thing to me.

If mother didn't die our situation is different but if I were in her position both of them would mourn for me..

If I were killed by my father, he would be all alone and die of depression..

I don't like to see my father suffering in pain as well..

His whole body was shuddering then he kneeled with his knees on the ground. My father wailed as he embraced me into his arms.

He shouted my mother's name as he was saying nonchalantly, blaming himself until he realized his mistakes.

"Lucia..! I've hurt our daughter..! I'm such an awful person.."

"I'm sorry, Lucia.. You asked me to take care of our daughter but I've done a cruel thing as a father that I shouldn't have done..!"

"I was blinded by my anger that I almost killed our precious daughter.."

"I broke my promise to you Lucia.. and now I'm ashamed to face my daughter that I couldn't forgive myself.."

"You will never forgive me, Lucia or even God.."

"Even my precious daughter.."

He let out an anguished scream as he was wailing while he clenched his fist, punching the ground as his knuckles were bleeding.

He was furious at blaming himself while he kept punching the ground.

"Dad.." I called him in a lukewarm voice.

"Mother and I.. You will always be forgiven.." I placed my hands on his cheeks then I controlled my expression and gave my sincere smile to him.

Tears swelled in my eyes as I looked at him, "So please, don't hurt yourself anymore.."

"I don't want to see you suffer as well.."

In my words, my father's expression was bewildered from his looks. It was closely stiff and crumpled, the feeling was unknown.

My father looked at me with his twisted expression, "Why..? Why would you forgive me..?" He asked while his voice was solemn.

"There's no other reason Dad.." I said vaguely.

"You're my one and only Dad.. And I adore you.." I said sincerely then smiled like a blooming flower.

A familiar voice echoes in his mind.

"I love you.. My dear Cassian.."

A picture flashed in his eyes. Long silver platinum hair was waving by the wind while the woman twirls as she was joyful.

As the leaves were falling from a huge oak tree, both of them lay on the ground as they watched the scenery of the blue sky.

Both of them looked at each other, as they held their hands.

They kissed and the woman chuckled then she smoothly stroked his reddish face.

A memory of his wife flashed in his eyes then suddenly he let out a bewilderment that was written all over his face.

At that moment, my father let out a wail as he embraced me into his arms.

"I'm sorry.. Lia..!" His voice became boisterous as he was apologizing to me.

In a few seconds he calmed down himself, "I'm so sorry.. Lia.." He looks at the purple bruise on her daughter's neck.

He looked down, ashamed, facing her daughter. His expression was shaded by a shadow.

A brittle hand lifted his face, "Dad.. stop making that long face." I giggled.

A smile crept from his face then he lifted me, as he carried me into his arms.

My father treated the purple bruise on my neck and arms. I also treated his hands that his knuckles were bleeding, as we slept inside the room.

In the bed, my father leaned closer then he gave a lovely kiss on my forehead.

A cold firm hand brushed my hair smoothly and I fell asleep in his arms.

The following days, my estranged father became a loving father once again.

— — —