Chapter four
1129 Words
Dane’s POV
Contract Marriage
My face is tight and rigid. Something I no longer worry about. My state of mind on the other hand is a complete mess.
I’m not able to tell exactly how and why but after that, there’s been missing pieces of the puzzle. Puzzles that I just cannot seem to pull together.
“She killed father.” Celeste walks into my office, a folder in her hands. I do not need to ask questions.
“You know she killed father and still,you’re willing to let her go simply because of some stupid childhood crush?!”
“I could mistake you for a dragon,you know?” I try to throw in some dark humor.
“I hope you will be this excited when you meet her body engulfed in flames.” She takes a sudden pause. One that grabs my attention.
“Did you have a hand in Diana’s death Celeste?” All attempts to stay sane falls out of the window.
“And if I did? Are our families not constantly at odds with each other? Is this even enough to pay back all they made us to suffer?”
“Celeste, none of them has a tiny idea about their father’s deeds. There is no use pinning things on them. Your actions were not necessary you know.”
“I never told you that I had a hand in Diana’s death. If I did, I would certainly make it way more painful for the entire Voss family to bear. An eye for an eye.”
“Ding. Ding. Ding.” Her phone beeps and for some reason, it makes me extremely nervous.
“What are you up to Celeste?” My eyebrows crease. My precision tells me on the inside whatever that notification is not going to end well.
“Shouldn’t I be the one asking you such questions Dane? Here, I was. Thinking that you refused to take Justice on behalf of father because you had a soft spot. Meanwhile my brother traded his dignity and his family loyalty for freaky nights with that seductress!”
“What are you on about Celeste?”
“Are you really going to act like you have absolutely no idea what I’m talking about Dane?”
“You should know me better Celeste. I’m not a fan of the guess game.”
“Fine. Take a look yourself. Will you deny this?” She stretches her phone towards me aggressively.
“What is this?” There’s a picture of Eliana and I under the sheets.
“What does it look like Dane? Do you want o go ahead to tell me now that this picture is AI generated.”
“I need you to dial Eliana.”
“She’s not going to pick my calls, lover boy. Does she only respond to you when the both of you?”
I walk out on her unable to bear her critics anymore. In a hurry, I dash to Eliana’s office. Her employees are well aware of the feud going on between the both families but still, none of them dares to stop me.
“Eliana.” Her name comes out of my lips, a bare whisper. I’m hoping she’s yet to see the news. I’ve known Eliana for years. I’ve known her long enough to know the vulnerable woman behind the screen.
In a daze, I hurry up the stairs, completely disregarding the elevator.
I get to her office and I’m it of breath, it’s not an indicator for me o go back. Not now.
“Eliana.” I open her door and I meet a moment I never thought I’d encounter.
“Dane?” As fast as she can, she detangles from his embrace. But not fast enough to erase the memories playing in my brain.
“Why are you here? Who let you in my office?”
Rage. Bitterness. Anger. Hurt. Betrayal. They flood through my veins all at once.
“I should have killed you both when I had the chance.” My legs mover forward, contrary to my command.
Suddenly, it feels like my body is acting out on it’s own.
“Dane?”
I try hard to keep my clenched fists in my pocket. It doesn’t seem to be working.
“Mr Dane, on my life, I can explain.”
“Good.” My hands go straight to his neck.
“Because you will start explaining or else, I’m sure you know where you’ll end.”
“Dane! Get your hands off him!” She tries to pull my hands away from his neck. I don’t budge.
“This is who you love? Why keep him in the dark when you can announce him to the world Eliana? Is there any need for your gullible acts?”
“What on Earth is wrong with you? Get your hands off him.”
Slowly, I come back to my senses.
“Sure. You are as dirty as the rumor says.”
The lines etched on her forehead is a clear indication she knows nothing about the trending news on Waveoo.
“What rumor?”
“Have fun figuring it out yourself Eliana.”
I let her go and I walk out of the office. There’s a sore feeling in my throat. I’d be a darn liar to say I don’t know why.
I’ve always considered Eliana to be mine despite the tug of war going on between our families and for some reason, I expected her to see me in that way too.
Sadly, I do not fill that space in her heart.
I drive back to my office, giving everyone a cold shoulder.
“Your lover girl is upset your escapades are outside and she’s refused to talk to you?”
“I’d feel better if that was the scenerio.”
“She has another man.”
“As expected. How disgusting. I wouldn’t describe this one as a shock. It’s not like you didn’t see it coming.”
“I didn’t.”
“Her mother was known for that nature. What made you think she would be any different? Your love?” She cackles.
“I’m not so sure it’s a situation you should find amusing.”
“Mighty Dane. Now will you do as you ought to?”
There’s a known at the door and we both reach silence. My head is spinning and I really just want to get laid. I’m still yet to get over everything.
“What is it?” My PA stands in the office shivering.
“The stakeholders have requested your presence for an urgent meeting.”
“I’m not interested.”
“I’m afraid Sir, this is not like the others we could slide out.”
- Writer
