Ruby
"What do you mean your mother killed him?" I asked, looking at Vexon intently.
He averted his gaze. "Because of the situation we were in," he started speaking slowly, "Our life was perfect. Alan Bevine was the Mafia Gladiolus King. He was the best father in the world." I noticed how his eyes lit up as he started reminiscing those days fondly. "He always used to play with us, adore us, and never forced training on us."
He further continued, "One night, our house was under attack. Mom and Dad were trying to save us. They were fighting with the Aconites. All of my brothers were taken into the safety room," his voice got strained. I gave his hand a light squeeze, encouraging him to continue. "Except me. I was not aware of anything going on because I was taking a long bath."
Bath? Seriously?
I wanted to speak, but looking at his sad face, I decided not to open my mouth.
"I used to take a long bath and this caused me trouble. By the way, I was thirteen years old back when it all happened. When I got out and was heading to the dining hall for dinner, Blossom Cowell caught me. He told my mom to kill Dad or me. She could only choose one of us. Without hesitating, my mom shot my dad��just to save me."
I gasped hearing that. Vexon's father was killed to save him?
"My mom killed him, to save me," Vexon repeated. "This is how I became her favorite son. She was afraid of losing me again after that she went through to protect me. She felt like Dad's life would go to waste if something were to happen to me."
"What did Blossom gain from this?" I asked curiously.
Vexon answered, "How will the gang function without their leader? Blossom thought he could create havoc inside Gladiolus and take the members under his control. But there was a rule stating, which he was unaware of back then, the person who kills the leader becomes the leader, so my mom turned into the queen and took care of Gladiolus."
"That means, Blossom failed. Then��" he interrupted me.
"That's why he kidnapped you. To destroy me and the Gladiolus, but he failed yet again. And now that we have killed his son, he's after us in every possible way." He absentmindedly tucked a strand of my hair behind my ears. "You have no idea how many bodyguards surround you every time you step out of your house."
"The attacks on the port are by the Aconites, aren't they?" I asked and he nodded. "What are you going to do now?"
Vexon shrugged and mumbled quietly, "I don't know." His blue eyes pierced through my grey ones, fear evident in the ocean of his eyes.
"That's the reason I didn't want you out of my sight. Do you know why I take showers instead of a long bath? Because I am afraid that I will lose someone precious again." He rested his chin on top of my head, pulling me closer. "I don't want to lose you." I could feel the terror in his voice while he further spoke, "The thought of losing you, makes me go paranoid."
I freed myself from his grip and cupped his cheeks. "Hey, Vexon. Look at me." His head was hanging low, his eyes shut close; it clenched my heart to see him like that. "I won't go anywhere without you. We are always going to stay together, okay?"
He raised his head and gave me a small smile. I grinned and pecked his lips. "Since you shared about your dad, let me tell you about mine," I proposed.
I started telling him all about my dad's death.
My father died when I was eight years old. I still remembered as if it was just yesterday, the memory clear as the blue sky on an early autumn day.
Dad had dropped me and my older sister, Pearl, to our school with his car after kissing our cheeks goodbye. Little did we know that was the last time we were going to see him. It was only after two hours that we got to know. Our homeroom teacher took us to the principal's office, where Mom was waiting for us, her eyes as red as blood, hands shaky. She was a mess and it hurt to see her like that, I remembered clearly.
Mom hugged us and told us that Dad died in a car accident. I and Pearl couldn't believe that the person who we had seen just a few hours ago was dead. We broke into a puddle of tears.
Recalling all of the painful memories was hard; my chest felt tight. Just at that moment, Vexon rubbed my hands, encouraging me to continue, assuring me that he was still here for me.
"From that day on, I can't feel myself crying until my cheeks feel wet. I cried that much," I mumbled.
He placed his thumb over my cheek, softly grazing it. "Like now?" Vexon showed me a teardrop, and I smiled sadly. He let out a soft sigh and started stroking my hair, saying, "It's okay now. We all had our fair shares of misfortunes. We will get over it together, and no matter what, I am there for you."
"Thank you," I whispered and wrapped my arms around him once again.
I felt grateful to have him as my husband. I thanked God and prayed so that we could always stay with each other through all the bad and good times.
"You know, it still hurts knowing that my father died because of me. What if I wasn't late and went to the safe room with my brothers?" Vexon questioned.
I sighed. "It was destiny, Vexon. It was bound to happen. Every small thing that happens leads us to where we are today, so be grateful for what you have now, rather than mourning over something that you couldn't have stopped."
"You are right," he agreed and looked at me in a way that melted my heart, his eyes clearly said that he was grateful to have me in his life. "Thank you for listening and sharing your past with me."
I chuckled and joked, "If not with you, who would I share it with? Steve?"
Immediately, Vexon narrowed his eyes at me. "I told you not to mention his name."
I let out a short laugh.
"So did you forgive me?" Vexon asked me all of a sudden.
I placed my index finger on my chin and pretended to think for a while. "Yes, I guess," I replied.
"Great!" He got up from the bed. "Then we are going back tomorrow morning. Be ready."
"Where are you going right now?" I arched an eyebrow.
Vexon glanced at me and then at the door. "I don't want to risk your mom catching us together, having a quality time. Then we have to stay here for another week, which I would rather not."
I shook my head in disappointment at his desperation to go back home.
Vexon walked towards the window, and my heart leaped thinking he was going to jump. "Be careful," I let out.
"There's a ladder. Don't worry," he assured me and climbed down while I watched him from above.
"Good night!" I hollered, only to realize Vexon had disappeared into the night fog already.
___
"So are you telling me that you forgave this guy, and you're going back with him today?" Mom asked as she sternly looked in between me and Vexon.
Vexon's whole body was stiff as he kept his gaze lowered. From the moment he arrived, he didn't utter a single word apart from, Hello, Mrs. Gerund. I hope you're having a wonderful day, which was shaky and strained.
Mom walked towards him. "Will you ever do the crime of hurting my daughter again?"
Vexon instantly shook his head in reply.
"Good." She smiled. "If you ever upset her, I have my nail cutter ready. Remember," she warned him in a stern tone.
I rolled my eyes. Mom and her nail cutter. She never gets tired of this weird threat.
Vexon answered politely, "I wouldn't dare to. I'll always keep her happy, I promise."
Mom looked at him, satisfied with his answer.
She approached me and engulfed me in a hug. "Take care, honey."
"You too, Mom," I mumbled against her shoulder, seeking her warmth for the last time before having to leave her.
After that, I went to the jet with Vexon, hand-in-hand.
I am going back to my home with my love.
