The Orphan's Goddess

Walking Away

-Lucy’s POV-

I looked at the man who confidently wrapped his arm around my shoulder. I felt goose bumps all over my body and literally do not know how to react on how he acted in front of Nick. I thought they were friends, but somehow it doesn’t feel right. What is going on between these two? My mind was so absorbed that I flinched when Nick talked “Welcome back, Conner. Good to see you again old friend.” Conner looked surprised with Nick’s response. “Good to see you too, Nick.” He offered his hand for a shake, but Nick didn’t receive it. “Where were you all this time?” Nick’s eyes squinted like he was peeling every skin Conner has.” Conner placed his hand inside his pocket when Nick didn’t accept it and gave a seemingly awkward smile. “Well, I don’t really need to explain much, but this right here, this place we are in is my mansion. I worked HARD to build this sweet thing so that I can truly say that I DESERVE everything that I have because I didn’t earn it from STEALING.” He is talking as if he is trying to emphasize something. Nick somehow had a hint of what he was trying to say that he clenched his hand while saying, “I did not steal anything from you!” I am starting to feel nervous as to what is going to happen between these two. I just don’t want any scene to occur tonight. Conner waved his hand in front of Nick and chuckled. “Who said you stole something? I didn’t say such. Why did my statement get into your nerves? You guilty?” Nick’s face turned red and I could tell that he is trying his best to control himself. “I AM NOT GUILTY.” Nick grabbed my arm once more. “Let’s go, Lucy!” Conner’s face turned serious this time and stopped the hand of Nick. “Stop doing this or you will regret it.” Nick shoved Conner’s hand away. “Who are you to even stop me? You may own this mansion, but you do not own me nor Lucy.” I can see Conner’s eyes darkened. So dark that it shivered my bones. “You are in my territory. Do not test my patience. You do not know how I am when I’m mad.” His voice was husky and dangerous, but it didn’t stop Nick from pulling me away from Conner. “Don’t you worry Conner, we will not bother you anymore.” With a swift move Conner punched Nick right on the face. Nick’s lip got cut and blood smeared at the corner of it. I was shocked. I stood there like a statue not knowing what to do. This is not the same man I knew before. The Mr. Wise Man I knew was kind and gentle. This man in front of me is…dare I say it, treacherous. Conner grabbed Nick by the collar and said “I told you do not test my patience. I am warning you Nick, you are not to touch my wife ever again!” Nick’s eyes widened. “Y-you..you’re the man Lucy’s g-getting m-married to?” Conner pushed Nick and held my hand “Nobody else is to leave this mansion except for you.” Conner pulled me and led me out of the scene. A lot of people witnessed what happened and started to gossip about it. It was then I heard uncle Jack’s voice “I think we are done for tonight! I just want to thank you all for coming and have a safe trip home! Goodnight everyone!” From the corner of my eye I saw Nick lowered his head and turned his back to leave. I felt sorry for him and worried at the same time. Conner led me into a dark room and when he turned on the lights I saw pictures of him hanging on the wall, we were I think is in his office. Conner loosened his tie and got himself a glass of wine before he sat on the couch. I felt really uncomfortable being with him inside the same room. My heart started beating fast again and just wanted to run away. I looked at his pictures trying to divert my attention from him. There was a picture of him shaking hands with somebody who apparently is a prestigious man. Another was him receiving an award. It wasn’t the pictures that really caught my eye instead it was the painting of a woman placed near his table. Conner seemed to notice that I was staring at it “That’s my mother.’ I looked at him “She’s beautiful. Where is she now?” I wondered “She’s dead.” I gasped and instantly lowered my head and said “S-sorry. I-I didn’t..” Conner raised his hand to stop me mid-way, “Well, none of it matters now. What we need to focus on is our wedding ceremony. I’m not so sure if Uncle Jack has told you the details, but what I do know is we need to get you a wedding dress.” I was trying to look into his eyes searching for that gentleness he had the moment we met each other, but now there is just emptiness. “What happened to you, Mr. Wise Man?” I wasn’t able to help, but utter those words. Conner took a sip of wine and said “I just grew up.” His answer was short and plain, but it somehow tore my heart apart. “Tomorrow morning we shall go to Miley’s Boutique to choose your wedding gown. Miley is my niece and she makes the best wedding gowns in town and after that we will proceed to Cups and Cakes to choose our wedding cake. I’ll pick you up around nine in the morning.” He was talking like he was just discussing about business matters. I couldn’t hear any tenderness in his voice. How I longed for this moment, for us to meet again. I truly missed you my Mr. Wise Man. This man is going to be my husband, I should be happy, but there is this sourness in my mouth. “That will be fine.” Conner stood up and said “That’s settled then. I’ll get Ronald to drive you back home. I’ll see you tomorrow.” Having said that he walked away like he was walking away from my heart.