The Realization of Cole

The Realization of Cole
Cole's POV

I observed her.

Not on a screen. Not from the sidelines. But when Aria sat there in those harsh studio lights, exposing her heart to the world, I was completely open.

No screenplay.

There was no PR whispering in her ear.

Only Aria. Honest, brave, and unvarnished.

With my arms crossed, my mouth clenched, and my heart buried in my throat, I stood behind the camera team. Even though her hands shook a little on her lap, she spoke steadily.

She whispered, "My father made mistakes." "He lost everything." However, I saw him get up each morning and make another attempt. He persisted. When the world tries to pull you down, he taught me how to get back up. And everything he taught me has shaped who I am now and all I've created here at the vineyard. Not cash. Not a legacy. Grit, however. Power. And a devotion to this nation that cannot be erased by a headline.

Her eyes were watery but proud as she paused.

"I will never feel ashamed of my origins."

God, it was tight in my chest.

Because I finally realized what I had been oblivious to for too long. This storm was killing Aria.

It was being led by her.

Even with the entire world resting on her shoulders, she fought with dignity. And me? She didn't need my protection all along, but I had spent so much time trying to protect her from my past, my father, and the media.

She needed me to be by her side. On par with her. as her companion.

Not as Victor Montgomery's son.

Not like the guy who's always checking behind him.

However, he is prepared to finally sever the final link that binds him to a poisonous past.

Because I realized this while I was watching Aria.

I was unable to keep both.

I was afraid of my father's anger, so I couldn't love her completely.

I had to make a decision.

And the answer was already known to me.

Aria left the stage after the interview. Clapping was heard. Her hand was shaking by the anchor. Maya came running over with water and tissues. However, Aria's gaze solely looked at me.

Without a word, I met her halfway and drew her into my arms.

I said, "You were flawless," against her hair.

She drew away just enough to look at me. "I meant every word."

"I understand."

"And you?" She muttered. "Are you alright?"

I paused. That was the time. The change.

"No," I answered plainly. "However, I am aware of my current obligations."

I was the only driver that night.

Not to get my mind straight, but to stop something.

Victor's estate has a palace-like illumination. At the front are security personnel. Marble fountains continued to flow water as if our family were still intact.

He was in his office, sipping a glass of scotch, and appeared to be the owner of the entire goddamn world when I stepped through those doors.

He said, "Cole," without raising his gaze. "To whom do I owe the enjoyment? Are you here to express regret for your tiny girlfriend's publicity circus?

With my fists clenched, I took a step closer.

"No. I'm here to inform you that it's over.

He was interested in that.

His eyes narrowed as he slowly looked up. "Over?"

"I'm finished. Alongside you. With this. Pretending that your last name or wealth still gives you the ability to manipulate me. Everything I've ever touched has been tainted by you. Not this, though. Not her.

Victor's grin dimmed. "You believe you can withstand being alone without me?"

"I am aware of it."

Like a storm cloud building strength, he rose slowly to his feet. "You're discarding everything. The name of the family. The business. Your future.

"No," I firmly answered. "I'm going with it."

Not a word.

Then he circled his desk and came to a halt just inches away from me. "You believe that love will keep you alive? You will be destroyed by that chick. Similar to how your mother treated me.

I winced.

He never mentioned her.

I remarked, "I'm not like you at all." "And Aria isn't either."

His mouth twisted. "You're already a fool because of her."

"No. I was transformed into a man by her.

With frantic eyes, he surged and seized my collar.

"You're nothing when you go out that door. No inheritance. No name. No business. You'll be an unknown person.

Despite my heart pounding, I grinned.

"All right. Becoming a nobody is preferable to becoming your puppet.

I pushed his hands away from me, turned, and left.

I didn't turn around.

I went directly to Aria's house via car.

There was silence in the vineyard. Overhead, stars glistened. Like silver paint, the moonlight poured over the vines.

She was waiting on the porch outside. My change, my choice, as if she had sensed it.

As I approached, she said, "You did it."

I gave a nod.

"How are you feeling?"

I exhaled a breath that seemed to have been trapped in my chest for years.

"Free."

She moved forward and touched me with her fingertips.

"Are you afraid?"

"Frightened."

"You would do it again, though?"

"Without a doubt."

Our foreheads touched as she leaned closer.

"Cole, you no longer have to fight alone."

"I understand," I muttered. "And I won't."

We shared a kiss.

Not in a desperate situation. Not in a hurry.

Perfect.

It was like returning home.

However, peace never endures, does it?

Maya knocked on the front door once more the following morning, as the sun was just beginning to peek over the hills. She had untidy hair. She didn't appear to have slept.

"This is something you guys must see," she exclaimed.

I felt sick to my stomach.

One more article?

It wasn't a headline, though.

It was a video.

Maya gave the tablet to Aria. With fear slithering through me like ice, I took a step closer.

The video was security footage.

Time-stamped. Grainy. It was leaked from my father's office.

Sitting at his desk is Victor.

And here I am, standing before him.

Our contention. Our battle. Every syllable.

Among them—

"You're nothing when you walk out that door."

Then...

"You'll be an unknown person."

The whole altercation.

Broadcast to a global audience.

My face. My voice. The Montgomery name was rejected by me.

Then there was a cut.

A fresh video.

In a hospital bed, Victor.

Bruised. Connected to devices.

Around him, nurses are running.

Below the video, another headline is displayed.

"Did Cole go too far after Victor Montgomery was hospitalized following a violent altercation with his son?"

Aria's horrified eyes widened as she gazed up at me.

"Cole... After you went, what happened?

"I—" With a dry throat, I took a step back. He was alright. I kept my hands off of him. I promise I didn't—

However, the skepticism was already present. In the atmosphere. Maya looked at me like that. This is how the world would turn out next.

For I was the story now.

And I may not be able to stop it this time.