Chapter 122: Their Return
Chapter 122: Their Return
Lif's POV
“I can’t get over this food. I love this place,” Carly muffled through a mouthful, savoring the flavor.
I sat silently, my teary eyes fixed on her as she ate. It was heartbreaking; the thought of her being alone without me felt more cruel than death itself.
“Why aren’t you eating?” she questioned, pausing with her fork mid-air. “Don’t think you’ve escaped the scolding.”
“Scolding?” I repeated, feigning ignorance.
“What?” She gasped, shaking her head in disbelief. “I was worried sick last night when you didn’t come home. I tried your number countless times, and I even went to the hospital to look for you. Can you even imagine the stress I went through?” Her voice rose in indignation, her eyes wide with the memory of her panic.
She looked angry, but I knew her better, she's truly happy to see me.
“Last night, I couldn’t sleep. I thought of going to the police to file a missing person report, or for abduction. I thought that evil man might have taken you again to threaten you about your properties. I even thought of going to Roderick’s place, but no one knows exactly where he stays...” She paused, leaning closer as if sharing a state secret. “That guy is a mystery,” she said, and I managed a small smile.
Seeing her childish antics made me happy, yet deeply sad.
“Anyway, where were you last night?” she demanded, her gaze glued to mine, daring me to lie.
“It’s a long story,” I mumbled. She nodded, her expression softening with understanding.
“Or is it about that handsome, good-for-nothing guy—”
“We are good now,” I said, cutting her off.
She froze, her eyes bulging. “What? Really?” she shouted, her surprise drawing the attention of everyone in the restaurant. “Do you love him that much to forgive him that easily?”
“Yes. I love him very, very much,” I answered, smiling sheepishly.
She put her hand over her heart, her brows furrowing. “What is this? Is it jealousy?” She glared at me, making me laugh. “Don’t come home tonight then; just stay with your lovely man.” Her voice was laced with a playful mix of hurt and envy.
“Wait—are you actually jealous?”
“Yes, I’m jealous, happy?” she admitted, wrinkling her nose. “Who knew our Lif, who didn’t believe in love, would eventually fall for a vampire.” Her voice dropped to a whisper on the last word.
My head snapped around, hoping no one had overheard.
“Wait, are you embarrassed about dating a vampire?” she teased.
“No,” I answered firmly. She beamed.
She raised her goblet high. “Come on, girl, let's toast to your dating life.”
I raised my own and hit it against hers with a sharp clink before we gulped down the drinks. At first, I thought of telling her what was happening, but seeing her so happy, I couldn’t. I didn't want to say anything that would break her heart. I never wanted her to be sad—even when I was no longer with her.
Michael’s POV
I knew I had fucked up. I had messed up the moment I listened to Seraphina’s lies. She told me she would make Lif love me just as she loved Sir Roderick. She claimed Lif only loved him because he had used his special vampire ability—compulsion—to charm her.
And knowing the kind of man he was, I had believed her. Seeing how Lif still loved him after finding out he was a ruthless vampire convinced me that he truly had used his power on her. In a desperate, twisted attempt to win her back, I had drugged her and delivered her to Seraphina. I truly loved her; I just wanted her back, to make her free from Sir Roderick’s charm.
But it was all a lie. Seraphina had only used me to get rid of Lif. Now, the guilt was a living thing inside me. The way Lif looked at me earlier today at the hospital was devastating; she hated me more than ever, and I couldn't blame her. My heart hurt so much I thought I would die, so I sought refuge in the bottle. I drank and drank until I was drunk. I was a really fool to conspire with Seraphina to kill the woman I loved.
I shoved the door open and found Sir Roderick sitting on a couch in the distance. I staggered inside, slamming the door shut. I had gone against the man my ancestors had sworn to protect and respect. I had insulted him. I was a disgrace to my bloodline. I needed to tell him the truth about Lif; maybe then the guilt would ease.
“Sir Roderick,” I called out. He didn't answer. He just watched me, disappointment etched into every line of his face. “I have something to tell you.” I staggered toward him, fumbling over furniture until I flopped into a chair across from him. “Lif... I took her to Seraphina. It’s me who almost got her killed. It’s my fault.”
His brows rose slightly, a cloud of shock crossing his expression, but he remained silent.
“Why aren’t you saying anything? You should punch me in the face! Kick me! Rip my heart out for betraying her and insulting you!” I shouted aggressively, thumping my chest with my fist.
“I would love to, but I am no longer that callous. You should be grateful,” he said coldly.
“What? You’re going to spare me? Why?” I demanded, perversely angry at his mercy.
“Because you are a fool,” he replied. My body went still. My mind raced, trying to grasp his meaning, but the alcohol made everything too clamorous.
Suddenly, the sound of the front door tearing open shattered the silence. Peter and Seraphina stepped into the house. Fury flushed through my veins at the sight of them. I bolted upright from the chair, my jaw tight and my hands curled into white-knuckled fists.
What else did they want?