CHAPTER 56

CHAPTER 56
MARISSA'S POV


As Derrick walked away, Raul turned to me, concern etched across his face. “Are you okay? Hope he didn't do anything to you?” He asked, holding my face gently.



“I'm fine, Raul. He can't do anything to me, and I didn't let his words get to me,” I responded, my eyes scanning the room. I noticed that people around us still had their gazes fixed on us and it was kind of uncomfortable. I signaled to Raul, and he understood immediately.



“Sorry for the scene. You can go back to enjoying the party,” He said, waving at the crowd. The murmurs ceased, and everyone returned to what they were doing.




Just as my heart began to feel at ease, my eyes fell on the last person I had expected to see—my father. He was strolling toward me, and my heart began to race. I instinctively hid behind Raul, gripping his arm.




Raul sensing my discomfort turned to me.



“What is wrong, Marissa?” He asked, gazing at me with concern. I couldn’t reply. No words could be formed from my mouth, my gaze was just fixed on my father. Raul followed my line of sight and his eyes narrowed.



“Marissa,” My father called my name the moment he got to where we stood, his voice strangely calm, but I wasn’t going to buy his facade.



Raul stepped in front of me, blocking him. “Who are you?” he growled protectively, but my father didn’t seem intimidated.




“I didn’t come here to cause trouble. I just came to see my daughter,” He said, and I could see Raul’s expression hardened. He knew I had no good relationship with my father, so he pushed me backwards more protectively.




“You don’t have the right to barge in here, and I don’t want trouble, so please leave,” Raul said, trying to sound polite.




Father looked at me, his eyes pleading for me to give him a chance, and as I stared back at him, I saw something I hadn’t seen in a long time—regret. His eyes were filled with it.




I breathed out the air I held in my throat and tapped Raul gently, and he leaned toward me. “Just let me talk to him. I don’t want to cause another scene here,” I whispered, trying to sound confident.




“Are you sure? Or should I come with you?” Raul asked, hesitant.




“You don’t have to worry. He can’t hurt me or do anything to me. I’m not the same weak girl I used to be,” I responded, and Raul gave a small smile.



“Call me the moment he tries to do something inappropriate and I'll be there immediately,” His voice boomed in my mind and I looked at him, surprised that he mindlinked me.




“Don't look surprised, we are now bonded and soon you will also be able to mind link the whole pack members,” He said again and I nodded at him, forcing a smile on my face. He smiled back and pecked my forehead softly.




“Come this way,” I said to my father, my voice barely above a whisper. He nodded and followed me. I led him to a private room and offered him a seat.




“Do you care for something to drink?” I asked, but he declined, so I sat down a little bit away from him, my eyes downcast, nervously fidgeting with my fingers.




I looked up only when he cleared his throat to speak. He looked different from the last time I saw him—thinner, with bags under his eyes.



“Marissa, how have you been? I’ve been worried sick about you and have been looking for you ever since you were reported missing. It was three days ago that I got information you were here and were going to be appointed Luna. I came as fast as I could to see you,” He muttered, and I stared at him in disbelief.




“Why are you looking for me, Father? Or instead, let me guess—you missed one of your pack’s slaves, right?” I replied, my voice dripping with sarcasm and pain. His gaze immediately softened.




“That’s not it, Marissa. I regret every pain I’ve caused you, my child. I regret not believing your words that day, not trusting you, and pouring my pain on you when you were also grieving your mother. I’m sorry I stopped you from coming to her death anniversary and treated you harshly when you tried to mourn her. I’m sorry I hurt you,” He apologized, tears streaming down his cheeks.





I could feel the sincerity in his voice, but it couldn’t account for the torture I had to endure because of him. “Why now?” I yelled, feeling my head spin. He noticed my distress and tried to move closer, but I stopped him.





“Stop. Don’t come any closer. You know, I used to try and understand you, even after all the pain you made me go through. I used to tell myself that losing a mate wasn’t easy and tried to justify your actions. But I was wrong. You just wanted someone to blame and pour your anger on, and I was the prey you chose,” I let out, hiccupping from the tears that choked me.




He knew I wasn’t done talking and remained silent, waiting for me to continue.




“Mom always told me that families seek solace in one another, but instead, I took all the suffering alone while you and Andrew had each other. You made the pack members hate me and treat me like garbage. You made me go through hell,” I finished, wailing loudly.




“I know no amount of apology or explanation can erase the pain I caused you, my child. You did nothing to deserve the suffering I put you through, and I’m sorry. After you left, I found out that your mother was murdered, not by rogues, but by men hired by Damien,” He said, and my eyes widened at the mention of Uncle Damien’s name.



I wasn’t surprised to learn that Uncle Damien had a hand in my mother’s death, but I was shocked that my father knew.




“Seeing that you don’t look surprised at my revelation, it seems you know Damien was involved in your mother’s death. I sent out men to look for him, but I haven’t received any good feedback. When I found out, I knew I had to apologize to you, even if it didn’t change anything,” he said.




I remained silent, lost in thought. Deep down, I wanted to forgive him and move on, but it wasn’t easy.




“Just do what you think is best and we will all stand with your decision,” Chari said to me and I nodded subconsciously.




After sitting in silence for what felt like forever, I raised my gaze. “As you said, it’s not easy because the pain is carved on my heart. But for the sake of Mother, I will try to forgive you. But you have to give me time,” I said, and he nodded, a smile forming on his lips.




“I’m okay with just this. I know it's not easy, and I’m glad you’re giving me another chance, and I promise not to waste it,” he thanked me, and I could see the relief in his eyes, like a weight had been lifted off his shoulders.



We sat in silence a while longer before I finally stood up. “I need to get back to the ceremony. Thank you for coming,” I said, and he nodded, standing as well.




“I'm happy you found a better mate and I can see that he cares about you alot. I'm really glad you didn't end up with Derrick and found happiness here and you deserve it,” He let out, smiling genuinely.



“You knew that Derrick was my mate?” I asked, looking stunned and he chuckled, something I hadn't seen in a while.




“As you know, words fly around quickly. Thank you, Marissa. I won’t let you down again,” He promised, and I believed him.




I excused myself and as I walked back to the hall, I felt a mix of emotions—relief, anger, and a strange sense of closure.




Raul was waiting for me, and when he saw me, his face lit up with a smile. “Everything okay?” He asked, wrapping his arm around my waist.




“Yes, everything is okay,” I replied, leaning into him. For the first time in a long time, I felt a sense of peace.