Where I Lost Everything
1101 Words
Cassiel's voice came first, sharp and tense.
“JUST SHUT YOUR MOUTH!!”
I froze near the door and listened to the commotion outside. I turned the knob and opened the door just enough to get a peek.
"You shouldn't be near her," Daniel said flatly. "You promised us you'd keep your distance when you're unstable."
Cassiel let out a low, sarcastic laugh. "Unstable? I’m perfectly sane, thank you very much.”
“Yeah?” Daniel stepped closer, lowering his voice. "Then explain the mark on her neck."
My heart skipped a beat. I instinctively reached for my collar, trying to cover it. Cassiel’s jaw tightened, and his expression darkened like storm clouds gathering.
"That's none of your business," he said through clenched teeth.
"It's exactly my business when you're losing control." Daniel’s tone grew colder. “I won’t let you drag her into this curse of yours.”
Curse? What curse? What are they talking about?
“Enough!” Cassiel snapped. “Do you think I’d hurt her? Do you think I’d let Machar touch her?”
Machar. The name lingered in the air like a curse. I didn’t know who or what that was, but the way Daniel stiffened made it clear that it wasn’t something to take lightly.
"Then prove it. Stay away from her."
After that, the conversation ended, followed by the sound of footsteps. I hurriedly stepped back. A moment later, the door opened again. Cassiel returned, his expression softer, but his eyes still burned with something I couldn’t name.
Daniel stormed into the room.
“Wait, Cass! Where? Are you going?" Daniel sounded desperate and angry.
"I'm heading to the circuit. Is there a problem?" Cassiel asked coldly, his eyes locked on Daniel.
Daniel's gaze shifted to me, his brows furrowed. "Did Alpha Cassiel tell you everything? Who is he really?"
I shook my head. "No."
Truthfully, I already knew who Cassiel was from the news, and I'd done some digging, but sadly, I found nothing.
Cassiel Smith was the only thing I knew. But for some reason, here he's called Alpha Cassiel. Maybe it's just a nickname.
Still, would telling Daniel the truth cause problems? I didn't want him to think I was trying to take advantage, especially since Cassiel paid for my father's surgery. What if Daniel said I used Cassiel?
"I'll tell Lune everything on the way. Don't worry about it," Cassiel said, waving a hand casually. "For now, I need to get back to the circuit."
"Not today. You're staying home," Daniel said flatly. Then he pointed at me. "Then you're coming with me. Let Alpha Cassiel stay here."
"Hey! You have no right to order me around, Danny!"
"This is for your own good!"
"I have qualifying rounds, and I need to be back on track. If you stop me, you're breaching my sponsorship contract!"
Daniel sighed. "Don't try to threaten me like that." He turned sharply and headed downstairs. "Come on, Lune. We're leaving now."
I was completely torn. Cassiel looked furious, and Daniel didn't seem any calmer. Judging from the situation, Daniel seemed to have more authority. How could I possibly go against someone that intimidating?
"See you later, Cassiel. Thank you," I said awkwardly.
"Wait, urgh..." Cassiel clutched his chest and winced in pain. "Lune, wait!"
I mouthed "I'm sorry" without making a sound, then quickly followed Daniel. I sneaked one last glance at Cassiel, who stood frozen in place, muttering curses under his breath. Two maids stood behind him, watching me intently. I recognized one of them.
Their stares creeped me out. I quickly looked away and caught up with Daniel.
"I'll take you home," Daniel said, opening the front door.
"Um, sir, could you take me to the hospital instead? My dad just had surgery, and—"
"Okay," Daniel cut in without hesitation.
I got into the passenger seat, still feeling awkward. One of the maids stepped out to open the gate as Daniel started the engine and accelerated.
The car sped through the streets of Balmoral. No music. Only the roar of the 3,000cc engine slicing through the road could be heard. Daniel drove like a pro—he could probably do it with his eyes closed.
Clearly, this guy had a thing for speed, too.
We arrived at the hospital, and Daniel parked in the basement. I thought he would just drop me off, but he got out and followed me to the elevator instead.
"What's your dad in for?" he asked.
"He just had surgery."
Daniel didn't say another word; he just followed me up to my dad's floor. I talked to the nurse, who said my dad was still unconscious. I nodded politely to Daniel.
"My dad's still not awake, so I'll wait here until he is. Thank you again, and I'm sorry for the trouble, Mr. Daniel," I said.
"Lune, I don't know what Alpha Cassiel promised you, but for your own good, stay away from him. Even if he insists, avoid him. Got it?"
I had a deal with Cassiel, which made me hesitate. Should I tell Daniel?
"Sir, Cassiel helped me. He paid for my dad's surgery. I made a promise. I can't just walk away from his life. I owe him," I said.
Daniel didn't respond right away. He just stared at me. His cold gaze was so much like Cassiel's that they almost looked related.
"Consider it paid. My only request is this: never contact Cassiel again. Understood?" he said sharply.
I get it now. Cassiel was a public figure, and if anything about us were to get out, it could ruin his career. Daniel just wanted to protect his image. I could report Cassiel for kissing me or treating me like some kind of possession, but I wouldn't. Cassiel had helped me more than once.
I nodded weakly. "Yes, Mr. Daniel."
"Thanks for understanding, Lune."
With that, Daniel turned and left without saying anything else. I let out a long sigh and slowly walked back to Dad's room.
I sat in the chair facing him. From that point on, I only had to focus on Dad's recovery. If Daniel said my debt was cleared, then I could move forward with my life.
Suddenly, the door swung open. Ray appeared, his expression full of panic. I knew instantly that something was wrong. I jumped to my feet and rushed toward him.
"Ray, what's going on?" I asked.
"Lune...your dad's garage..." Ray trailed off for a second. "It's on fire."
The world tilted. For a moment, I couldn’t breathe. All I could think was—Dad.
- Writer
