Chapter 13 Twelve
Nora.
As I sit in the darkness of my room, my heart heavy with disappointment and anger, I reflect on how this day has unfolded. Birthdays were never a reason for celebration in this household, but I hoped for some peace. Yet, I find myself trapped in chaos once again, thanks to Herman and his cruel daughters.
I didn't expect them to shower me with love and affection, but I never imagined they'd go to such lengths to ruin my special day. Ella, my stepsister, unleashed her fury on me, leaving a painful bruise on my face when I dared to stand up for myself and refuse their unreasonable demands. Herman watched with a sinister grin, enjoying the spectacle of my humiliation.
Staring out the window, the night approaches, casting an eerie glow over the darkened room. I can't help but believe in the moon Goddess, hoping that one day she'll bring justice to this unfairness. I cling to the belief that she sees my suffering and that someday, she'll relief me.
I’ve never felt suffocated sitting in my room until tonight while I was surrounded by the echoes of laughter and joy from outside, I couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness. If only my mother were here with me, none of this would've occurred. She was always my protector, my shield against the world's cruelties.
Herman, and his daughters seemed determined to take away my shine, making me feel like an outsider in my own home. It hurt to see them trying to overshadow me on my special day, my birthday. I longed for my mother's presence, knowing she would never allow this to happen.
Her absence weighed heavily on my heart, and tears rolled down my cheeks as I sought solace in the moon Goddess. I closed my eyes and poured my soul into a silent plea, hoping she could hear my pain and guide me through this difficult time.
In that moment, I felt a calming presence wash over me, like a gentle embrace from a mother's arms. It was as if my mother's spirit had reached out to me through the moon's luminous glow, assuring me that I was not alone.
It hadn’t been up to a minute of enjoying that serene when I spot Howard walking toward my house through my window. My heart drops to the floor with nervousness.
I stood by my window, peering anxiously at Howard and his pack warriors approaching my house. My heart pounded in my chest, knowing that our wedding was only a day away. Seeing him at this moment filled me with nervousness, and my stomach churned with unease.
He clutched a bag in his hands, his usual furrowed expression adding to my apprehension. What could have brought him here now, especially with such a serious look on his face? I didn't want to face him, not after the events of today. I had already dealt with enough hurtful words, and I couldn't bear any more emotional turmoil.
The memory of his threats haunted me, and I knew how much he despised me. He made it clear that he wanted to make my life miserable if I dared to proceed with the wedding. I always tried not to let his words affect me, but these days, I felt weaker and more vulnerable when those thoughts crept into my mind.
I rushed to my door and press my ear against it, focusing intently on my hearing ability, trying to listen to the conversation outside my room. As Howard knocked on our front door, I could hear the nervousness in Herman's voice as he answered. He seemed taken aback by Howard's unexpected visit, especially considering that our wedding was just hours away.
“Ho-Howard? What a pleasant surprise…”
“I’m here to see Nora.” Howard cuts him off clearly impatient.
Herman Stuttered, finding a reason to stop him from seeing me. I press my cheek further, not caring about the painful bruises of my face.
“Howard, it is not an ideal time for you to see Nora.”
But Howard was unyielding, asserted, “It wasn't midnight yet, I have the right to see her. Kindly move out of my way.”
Despite Herman's protests, I could hear Howard walking into the house, disregarding his pleas.
In the midst of it all, I felt grateful for my sweet step brother, Miles, who seemed to be guiding Howard towards my room. However, my heart sank as the sound of the doorknob twisting reached my ears. I knew that Howard was about to enter my room, and a mix of fear and anxiety washed over me.
I briskly step back until I was back to my position by the window. I desperately tried to gather my thoughts and emotions, unsure of how to handle the situation. I knew I couldn't avoid him forever, but the timing felt so wrong, and I wasn't mentally prepared to face him now, especially how our last encounter was.
As I heard his footsteps approaching, I took a deep breath, trying to find the strength to confront whatever awaited me on the other side of that door.
The moment Howard entered my room, concern flickered in his eyes as he saw my bruised face. His stoic expression softened, and he closed the door gently behind him. Placing the bag on my bed, he came closer, and I could feel his worry radiating from him even though he tried to hide it.
Before I could utter a word, he reached out and gently held my chin to inspect the scratches. His voice was demanding, but I knew it came from a place of care. "You're going to tell me who did this to you, right now," he said firmly.
I felt torn. I didn't want Howard to worry or get involved, especially since it was my step sister who had caused the bruises. But at the same time, I couldn't lie to him. He deserved the truth.
Taking a deep breath, I hesitated for a moment before speaking. "It's... it's my step sister," I finally admitted, my voice barely above a whisper. “Why do you even care? I thought you wanted to see me hurt?”
Howard's jaw clenched, and his eyes hardened with anger. He didn't say a word, but I could see the turmoil in his expression. I regretted telling him, but he deserved to know.
"Emotionally not physically… I'll handle this," he said, his tone laced with purpose as he turned to leave my room. I reached out, grabbing his arm gently, trying to stop him.
"No, Howard, please don't do anything rash," I pleaded, fear gripping my heart. I didn't want anyone else to get hurt because of my family's issues.
He looked back at me, his eyes softened, but his resolve remained firm. "I can't just stand by and do nothing. She can't get away with hurting you like this. Where the fuck was your dead bit step father when this happened? He’s the one I’m confronting not your whack step sister," he said with conviction.
I knew Howard wouldn’t be all hard on me and I knew there was a soft spot in him somewhere but I feared the consequences of his actions. "Just don’t cause I scene. I’ve had enough for today,” I implored, hoping he would understand my worries.
He doesn’t say anything to me nor give me an impression that he had understood me. He leaves my room and I couldn’t help but go after him.
“Howard… Howard… stop… Please…”
My heart raced as I desperately tried to intervene, but Howard was already facing Herman in our living room. The tension in the air was palpable. “What happened to Nora’s face? Where were you when she got hurt?” Howard asks him calmly.
“Wh-what? I…” Herman stuttered, clearly taken aback by the situation and unsure of how to respond. I caught his glance towards me, a mix of guilt and fear evident in his expression. I knew I had to act quickly to prevent things from escalating further.
Approaching Howard, I gripped his arm tightly, attempting to pull him away from the tense scene unfolding before us. But to my surprise, he resisted, his strength surprising me. He brushed me off. “Fucking stay out of this, Nora,” he says to me sternly.
My heart sank at his words, realizing that Howard was adamant about confronting the situation head-on. I feared things could get out of control, but I also understood that he needed answers and justice for me.
With a heavy heart, I stepped back, giving Howard some space but still ready to step in if things got dangerous. It was clear that this was something he needed to face, and I could only hope that he would find the truth and a resolution without causing any harm.
As Ella and Eliana entered the living room with Miles, my heart sank as I saw the fear in Ella's eyes. I knew she had always been sensitive to tension, and now with Howard's angry face, she immediately became paranoid. I wanted to shield her from whatever was about to unfold, but I also knew that Howard needed to confront the situation, and I wanted the two heartless spoilt brats to fear my husband to be and learn to stop messing with me.
He turned his attention to Herman's daughters, and I could sense his determination to find the person responsible for hurting me. “Who did this to her? Who’s responsible for scratching her face?” He asked the both of them.
Herman, trying to protect his daughter and maintain his authority, bravely stood up to Howard. “Okay that’s enough! I’ve had it with you, Howard. You cannot come into my house, disrespect me and my family. I am only going to let this slide because I respect your father and your territory. Kindly get out of my house now, you will get her by tomorrow after the wedding.”
Howard glares toward Herman and observed him for a moment. Herman fumed with anger and fear. He tried so hard to be brave but it was impossible while he was facing Howard huge figure. “How would you take it if I report this to the pack’s authority for hurting the late Luna’s daughter?”
Herman was taken aback by Howard’s threat. The room grew quiet as we all held our breath, waiting for Herman's response.
Herman's voice rose as he yelled back at Howard. “No one dared to challenge me because I am now the new alpha of Greenbell. Get out of my territory, get out!” The power struggle was evident. I felt a mix of fear and admiration for Howard. I’ve always felt that way toward Howard.
As Howard faced Herman's demand to leave, I found myself torn between conflicting emotions. A part of me wanted him to leave, to avoid any further escalation and protect myself from any trouble. But at the same time, I couldn't deny the sense of security and comfort his presence offered me.
When Howard turned to me and asked, “Do you want me to leave?”
My confusion only deepened. I hesitated, feeling trapped between my desire for him to leave for the sake of peace and my yearning for his support and protection.
Finally, I mustered the courage to speak up, feeling the need to have a private conversation away from the prying eyes and ears of my family. "Could we talk, in private?" I asked Howard, hoping he would understand my request.
He fell silent for a moment, his expression scribbled, before nodding in agreement. Without saying a word, we both stepped out of the house, seeking a moment of privacy away from the tension inside.
As we walked away from the watchful gazes of my family, a mix of emotions swirled within me. I felt vulnerable yet relieved to have this chance to talk with Howard alone. I needed to find out if he knew the truth about what has been bothering me.
Once we were at a distance where I felt safe from any potential eavesdropping, I looked into Howard's eyes, trying to read his thoughts. "I don't know what to make of all of this," I admitted, my voice trembling slightly with the weight of the situation. "I want to know the truth, but I also fear what might happen if this keeps escalating. Why the sudden change of heart? Do you…"
“Don’t implant anything into your head, Nora. I am doing this for my father. I don’t like you just as much as I felt the first day I saw you.”
The words Howard spoke cut deep into my heart, shattering the hope I had held onto. I had naively believed that his actions were driven by genuine concern for me, but now I realize that he only did it to escape his father's troubles. The revelation stings, and I can't help but confront him about it.
"So now you're marrying me because your father forced you to?" I ask, my voice trembling with hurt and disappointment. The weight of his answer hangs in the air, and I brace myself for the pain of his response.
He meets my gaze with an expression I can't decipher, and his words hit me like a thousand knives. "If I had the chance, I'd rather keep being wayward than being married to you." The raw honesty in his words makes it difficult for me to breathe, and I struggle to keep my composure.
Swallowing back tears and the lump in my throat, I avert my eyes from him, not wanting to show how deeply his words have wounded me. It's as if the love I once believed in has crumbled into pieces before me, and I feel lost and hurt.
I shake my head, trying to forget his hurtful words but they still cling onto me somehow. I look at his face once more and he was already staring at me—his face clearly show how he doesn’t care about what I was going through. Perhaps he’d show a glimpse of concern of what I’m about to say to him.
“Then explain to me why the Moon Goddess paired us as fated mates.”
I bravely stood before him, my eyes fixated on him as the shocking news unfolded before him.