Break up with him
1102 Words
A resounding slap echoed through the entire forest as his right palm collided with my cheek, sending me to the ground with the force he used. Shocked, I placed my palm over my cheek as I looked up at him, my lower lip trembling with fear. “Da.. Dad?” I stood on shaky legs.
“You are a damned disgrace!” He yelled as he slapped me once more, this time knocking the breath from me and sending me crashing to the ground. Again. Tears slid down my face, but I wiped them, slowly getting to my feet. I knew, without being told, that my father had found out about my secret. It was the only thing that would make him look mad.
“I know you won't ever accept him, but I love Damien,” I protested, lowering my gaze to the ground as I tried not to cry. It was difficult not to do that with how much the slap stung, but I didn't give him the satisfaction of seeing me in tears. “I love him, Dad, more than you can ever imagine.” I lifted my gaze, my eyes locking with his. “I care for him,” I said once more.
His jaw ticked in annoyance as he watched me, his eyes narrowing. “Let's see how much you love him when I report this to the council!”
“No!” I yelled, falling to my knees. “Don't do it, father! Don't tell the council,” I pleaded, joining my palms. “Please don't!”
I trembled, my heart racing as Father's words cut through me like a knife. “If you don't end this foolishness, I'll report him to the Council. They'll deal with him accordingly.”
The thought of Damien being harmed sent a wave of panic through me. I felt like I was drowning, unable to breathe.
“Please, Father, don't,” I begged, tears streaming down my face. “He's innocent. I… I was the one who seduced him, it was all me!” I pleaded, trying to get him to reconsider. I couldn't do this to Damien. He was the only son of his father and the one who would take the most punishment for this. That was if they didn't kill him.
Father's expression remained stern, unmoved by my desperation as his eyes gazed into mine, searching for any sign of defiance.
“And you want me to believe it?” he growled. “Let's say I believe you. How do you explain how he continued to pursue you, despite the risks? Don't tell me you also seduced him to do that?!”
“I did it all!”
He looked down at me, and something akin to pity flashed through his gaze before his eyes hardened. “I didn't know I had a fool for a daughter.”
His words seared through my heart, slicing the organ in two, and leaving me grasping to hold them together. “Why can't you see that he's just using you?”
“No, that's a lie!” I fell to my knees, clutching his hands. “That's not true. Damien loves me, and I love him.” I was desperate to get him to see how genuine our love was, for him to know how much I trusted Damien.
Father's grip tightened, his voice cold. “Love? You don't know what love is. This is nothing but a foolish infatuation. And it will get you killed.”
Though he sounded stern, I knew he was only worried about me. Which father wouldn't? I was his only child, the daughter who would succeed him when he died. Of course, he would be concerned about the future of the pack, with me as their Luna.
My tears fell heavier, and my body shook with sobs. I couldn't bear the thought of losing Damien. “Please, Father,” I whispered, my voice shaking. “Have mercy. Don't take him from me. I will do anything you want. Just don't report him. I don't want him to die.”
It will hurt me. No, it will kill me. Knowing I caused his death would make me wish for something more painful than death.
Father's face softened slightly, but his resolve remained unshaken. “Will you do anything I want?” He looked at me, his gaze giving nothing away.
“Anything.” I nodded eagerly, holding on to him with my expression pleading. Deep down, I knew whatever plans he had weren't something I would appreciate, but I ignored the warning bells in my head. Anything that would keep him from reporting our relationship was worth sacrificing over.
“Break up with him,” he said at last, his expression devoid of any emotions.
“What?” I gaped at him, wondering if my ears were deceiving me.
“If you want me to forget what happened, you will have to break up with him and marry Micah.”
Micah? The school bully?
Icy dread overtook my body as I watched him gulping in fear. “No!” I shook my head. “I don't want to marry anyone but Damien!”
“Then you leave me no choice. I will have to report him to the council elders tonight.” His tone was serious, and I knew he would make good on his threat.
I felt like my world was crumbling.
As Father turned to leave, I called out, desperation clawing at my heart. “Father, wait! Please reconsider.”
He paused but didn't turn to look at me. “Which do you want? His life or…” He trailed off, letting me know the decision was mine, not his.
“I…” I closed my eyes, my lips quivering. “I will do as you want. Please don't report him.” Though it hurts to say those words, I had to keep Damien safe.
“Good. I will announce your union tonight. Your engagement will be in two days. Don't make me regret giving you this second chance.” With those words said, he returned to the house, leaving me shattered and alone.
I wept, my heart heavy with the weight of our forbidden love. Tears streamed down my face, but I wiped them up, sniffing to conceal everything. I had to do this, even if it killed me. There was no other way besides this.
I’m sorry, Damien, but this had to happen. It was the only way for us. It would break his heart, but I’ve got to do it.
- Writer
