Chapter 5: Loneliness
1068 Words
The city lights reflected across the tinted windows of the moving car while silence filled the luxurious interior.
Alexzra sat calmly in the back seat, one arm resting against the door while her sharp gray eyes stared blankly outside. Her damp dark hair had already dried naturally, falling perfectly around her handsome yet beautiful face. The soft lighting inside the car only made her cold elegance more noticeable.
Across from her sat her butler, Adrian, composed as always.
A soft ringtone suddenly interrupted the silence. Adrian glance at the screen before looking toward her carefully.
“Your highness,” he spoke politely, “your mother is requesting a video call.”
For a moment, she simply continued staring outside at the passing buildings.
“Accept it.”
Adrian immediately handed her the tablet.
The screen lit up.
“Alexzra!”
Her mother’s voice sounded genuinely happy, almost emotional.
“My darling, finally!”
Alexzra leaned back lazily against the leather seat.
“Hello, mother.”
Unlike her daughter’s cold tone, the woman practically radiated energy. Her long, elegant hair framed delicate features almost identical to Alexzra’s, though softer and warmer. Behind her appeared a massive luxurious living room filled with music instruments, paintings and soft golden lighting.
“Look at you,” her mother sighed dramatically.
“You became even more handsome. It’s unfair. You stole all my beauty.”
Alexzra remained expressionless.
Her mother pouted immediately.
“You always ignore my compliments.”
“You call me every week.”
“Because I miss you every week!”
Alexzra exhaled quietly while Adrian looked away professionally, pretending not to hear the familiar conversation.
Her mother suddenly softened.
“You’ve been alone in that foreign country for years now.”
The playful tone in her voice faded slightly.
“Come home, Alex.”
Silence filled the car for few seconds.
Her mother continued gently, “The family misses you. I miss you.”
Alexzra lowered her gaze briefly.
Then came the real reason.
“And…” her mother smiled carefully, “I want you to continue your studies at Walton’s Prestige Academy.”
Alexzra’s eyes lifted slowly. “That school again?”
“Yes, that school again,” her mother answered immediately. “Your great-grandparents built it with love. Music was always part of our family.”
She laughed softly afterward.
“To be honest, our family gathering are basically concerts with expensive food.”
Even Alexzra remembered that.
Huge family halls filled with piano melodies.
Relatives singing together late into the night.
Children learning instruments before they could properly write.
Warm laughter echoing endlessly.
Walton’s prestige Academy had never truly been created for fame.
It started because her eccentric great-grandparents simply loved music and wanted a place where family and talented people could gather freely without pressure.
A school born from passion instead of ambition.
Her mother rested her chin against her hand sadly.
“You don’t even need to become a singer, Alex. Just come home.”
Alexzra look away toward the rain-covered windows again.
Deep inside, something tightened quietly in her chest.
Loneliness.
A feeling she buried beneath cold expressions, brutal fight, and endless distance.
Maybe that was why she never completely rejected music either. Not because she loved performing. But because music reminded her of home. Of family.
Of moments where she didn’t feel alone.
Her mother waited patiently for an answer.
Finally, Alexzra spoke quietly. “I’ll think about it.”
The woman on the screen immediately brightened like sunlight.
“That means there’s hope!”
Alexzra rubbed her forehead tiredly.
“You’re still childish.”
“And you’re still my daughter.”
For the first time that night, the corner of Alexzra’s lips moved slightly.
Not quite a smile.
But close enough for her mother to notice immediately.
***
The video call ender slowly, the screen fading black as silence returned to the car once more.
For several seconds, neither Alexzra nor Adrian spoke.
Rain continued sliding across the windows while the city lights blurred outside like distant stars.
Then—
“Adrian.”
“Yes, your highness.”
Her grey eyes remained fixed on the dark streets ahead.
“Prepare everything.”
The butler looked at her carefully.
“We are going back.”
A small pause followed before he answered respectfully.
“To your family estate?”
“Yes.”
The word came quietly.
But carried years of exhaustion behind it.
Adrian lowered his head slightly. “Understood. I’ll arrange the jet immediately.”
Alexzra leaned back against the leather seat afterward, closing her eyes briefly.
For the first time in years…
Her chest felt lighter.
Not happy.
Not excited.
Just relieved.
Living alone in a foreign country had never truly bothered her at first. Silence was easier than expectations. Easier than carrying the weigh of powerful family watching her every move.
But eventually, even silence became heavy.
Her grandfather had sent her away years ago with one purpose only-
To become strong enough to inherit her father’s position one day.
Not simply as a daughter.
But as the heir.
Since childhood, Alexzra had been raised differently from the rest of the family. While others enjoyed music, gatherings, and luxury, she was taught discipline, control, leadership.
Strength above emotion.
Responsibility above comfort.
Even the fighting gym she trained in was part of that harsh preparation.
Her father’s place was not something ordinary people could handle.
And one day…
It would belong to her.
Alexzra slowly opened her eyes again. Outside, the city no longer felt like home.
Maybe it never did.
She remembered family nights from years ago, before everything became distant. Massive halls glowing warmly while relatives played piano and sang together without caring about status or perfection. Her mother laughing too loudly. Her grandfather pretending to hate the noise while secretly listening to every performance.
And herself-
Quietly sitting in the corner with a guitar across her lap while family members forced her to join their songs.
A faint breath escaped her lips.
She missed it.
More than she allowed herself to admit.
Adrian glanced at her reflection carefully before speaking.
“Your family will be very happy to see you again, Your highest.”
She stayed silent for a moment.
Then quietly answered, “I know.”
Outside rain continued falling softly against the city.
But somewhere far beyond those dark streets, home was waiting for her.
- Writer
