Chapter 5 Sean's Confrontation
920 Words
Before the official announcement was issued, I had no choice but to stay at Sean's place.
I sat by the floor-to-ceiling window and watched the city skyline stretching out before me. Suddenly, hurried footsteps broke my calm afternoon.
I knew it had to be Sean.
Sure enough, the door was thrown open with a loud bang. Sean stormed in, his face etched with anger. His eyes locked onto mine and were burning with accusations.
I slightly turned around to greet his gaze with a barely noticeable smile. My calm only seemed to stoke the flames of his fury.
"You went to Evan to complain?" he barked.
"No, I didn't."
"Then what were you doing at the headquarters?" he asked while stepping closer.
"I just wanted to talk to Evan."
Sean let out a harsh laugh and asked, "Really? Nola, stop pretending. You went there to play the victim, didn't you? You were just trying to block my wedding with Aliya, right?"
I listened to his accusations without reacting.
Seeing my lack of response, Sean thought he'd hit a nerve and grew even bolder. He shouted at me, "You're just gonna act all innocent, huh? I was wondering why Evan refused to meet with me today. If my colleagues hadn't told me you'd been at headquarters, I'd still be in the dark."
I stayed quiet but just stared at him.
Sean's face burned with anger, and he continued, "You act all high and mighty, but behind the scenes, you pull the pathetic tricks. You're disgusting! What exactly did you tell Evan? Did you ask him to cancel my wedding with Aliya?"
Keeping my tone steady, I replied, "Evan didn't agree to my request. Your wedding with Aliya will happen as planned."
Hearing that, Sean visibly relaxed, but his expression quickly hardened again. "Even if the wedding's still on, you must've said something to him! You played the victim and made him think you've been pushed around, so he refused to see me. It must be like this."
He added, "Fine, Nola, I won't hold it against you. Remember, stay in your lane from now on, and don't try any more stunts."
"Are you done? If so, leave. I need to rest," I said, rubbing my temples, not bothering to look at him.
Sean seemed irritated by my reaction. "You'd better follow the plan."
I didn't respond but simply met his gaze. The silence made Sean even more uncomfortable.
Just then, Aliya walked in. She glanced between me and Sean, a hint of wariness showing in her eyes.
I suddenly spoke up, "Aliya, I have a question for you."
Aliya was visibly surprised, and she asked, "What is it?"
I asked, "Do you agree with the arrangement? For me to remain in control of the Buren family, while you, as Sean's wife, have no special rights after the wedding."
My question clearly caught Aliya off guard. Her expression shifted from surprise to contemplation and finally settled into an almost arrogant calm.
"I don't care about these superficial arrangements." Aliya's voice was steady, but there was a flicker of disdain in her eyes. "I don't need Sean to gain status."
The tension in the room thickened instantly. Sean looked uncertain, while Aliya stood on guard. As for me, I remained disturbingly calm.
"Oh?" I raised my eyebrows and asked again, "So, you just want to marry him and have kids?"
Aliya fell silent, seemingly lost in thought.
Sean said, "That's enough, Nola. I've told you Aliya is different from you. She loves me, and she doesn't care about the benefits. She's been willing to compromise, so for the sake of the family, you should too."
"For the sake of the family?" I let out a bitter laugh and retorted, "I can compromise, but you know Evan's stance. As long as I stay in the Buren family, Aliya will always be inferior to me. Are you really okay with that?"
Sean's face paled, and he stammered, "I... I'll handle it."
"And how?" My voice was still calm, but each word cut like a blade. "Please, enlighten me. How exactly do you plan to 'handle' it?"
Sean stammered, unable to form a coherent sentence.
Breaking the silence, Aliya spoke, "Trust me, Nola, I won't feel mistreated as long as Sean is with me. I'm not interested in the rest, and I certainly don't care to compete with you."
Mila was standing next to me, and she was practically shaking with rage. Her fists clenched so tightly that her knuckles turned white. Clearly, she was struggling to contain her emotions.
"Well, Aliya, I'm impressed," Mila spat, her voice thick with sarcasm. "You've been out fighting for the tribe and still found time to mess around with Nola's fiancé. You act innocent, yet now with a few accomplishments, you think you can push around Nola. Am I right?"
"Mind your language!" Sean whipped around, a dangerous glint flashing in his eyes.
I felt a jolt of fear, instinctively wanting to stop Mila before she went any further. But she was already past the point of no return and was oblivious to my warning.
"Hit a nerve, didn't I?" Mila sneered and added, "Good for you, Sean. Living off Nola's hard work while fooling around with another woman..."
"Shut up!" Sean roared, his hand flying out toward Mila.
Before I could react, the sharp crack of his slap echoed through the room. Mila stumbled back, and her cheek immediately turned swollen and bright red from the sudden blow.
- Writer
