Chapter 68 Choices
LUCIAN has decided to go completely crazy. He will ask Magdalena to run away with him. If she refuses, he will ask again, and again, until she finally says yes.
He stayed at Cadence’s place and only went home after the sun shone.
The scent of brewed coffee and toasted bread was what greeted him after he entered the kitchen. Magdalena was there, together with Angel and his father.
Lucian’s teeth gritted after he caught his father holding Magdalena’s hand. He sucked his breath to calm himself down.
“Lucian.” Viktor noticed him and leaned on the chair comfortably. There was something in his eyes. Mischievous, evil, ruthless. “I thought I said you’re grounded.”
Lucian sat on the chair across from Magdalena, who refused to lift her face.
He looked at his father. “I’m busy.”
“Right!” Viktor chuckled. “You’ll be graduating soon. You’re working hard this time, huh? I’d love to attend your graduation ceremony.”
Lucian’s teeth gritted as he stared at his father. His tone was different. His eyes were challenging him. It’s like he’s telling him that he’s about to lose his dream because of what he’s doing.
Lucian’s fists balled and trembled under the table as he stared at his own father’s ruthless eyes. He didn’t say anything, but his eyes said everything. He will not give up. Even if he has to face the wrath of the most cruel and evil person he knows. He’s determined to take Magdalena away from him even if it will cost him his future.
Lucian lifted the cup of coffee in front of him and smirked, looking at his father. “I heard you’ve been laying out your plans for the wedding. You picked everything yourself. The theme, guests, venue, and even the style of the bride’s dress.”
He saw Magdalena glanced at him. There was fear in her eyes, but Lucian didn’t back down. He would give her the courage to resist. He would start the rebellion.
Viktor chuckled. “Efficiency. Something you’ll understand when you become as mature as I am, dropping unnecessary tricks and focusing on the future.”
Lucian’s teeth gritted as he set his tea cup down. “Or maybe you’re being too possessive and paranoid. Scared that wild wolves would steal the woman you keep on possessing. That’s not efficiency, Father. That’s control. Manipulation.”
“Manipulation is the nature of a lawyer, son. Besides, Lena agreed to everything.” The corner of Viktor’s lips rose. “And I’m not really worried about wolves. More like to the dogs who bite the hand that feeds them.”
The silence that followed was cold and thick. Almost suffocating Magdalena.
She could feel the tension lingering and in between the father and son. They’re fighting in a silent war, and that’s even more scary.
She swallowed hard. Her hands holding utensils were suspended in the air. Her chest felt tight and heavy.
“A dog only bites those who betray them,” Lucian said, gritting his teeth.
“Really?” Viktor smirked again. “Then that dog is ungrateful. An ingrate. Right, love?” He looked at Magdalena and held her hand
She looked at Viktor, and she didn't know what to do. It is clear that Lucian hadn’t given up on her, and heart too. It still longs to be with him. It still beats for him. But how can she give her heart a chance when there’s no chance in the first place?
“Besides,” Viktor paused as his expression hardened while looking at Lucian. “Can you blame me? My future wife is too beautiful. She draws too much attention and there are men out there, starving for something that doesn’t belong to them. Greedy and ambitious.”
Lucian’s jaw ticked before he angrily dropped the table cloth and pulled himself up. It was too abrupt that his chair pushed backwards, creating loud noises.
“I’m done,” Lucian said and glanced at Magdalena. He was silently praying for her to throw her even one brief glance, but none. She kept her head low, hiding her face from him.
And from that moment, Magdalena knows that this is not the end.
IN THE MIDDLE of the night, Magdalena couldn’t sleep. Just like the previous nights, she was troubled. Troubled by the future, the present, and her past mistakes. She shouldn’t have agreed to marry Viktor. She should’ve searched for another way.
It was wrong to think that marrying him would be for the best because right now, she’s not the only one suffering. She can see her daughter struggling to accept the fact that she’s marrying a cunning man.
She was standing in the balcony when suddenly appeared in front of her.
Her eyes widened as her heart skipped a beat.
Lucian was standing in front of her, supporting himself with the garden ladder whilst gripping on the railing tight.
“L-Lucian…” Magdalena’s lips trembled when Lucian suddenly cupped her cheeks.
And even though she knew what he would do, she didn’t step back. She waited. She anticipated his next move. Until his lips touched hers, sealing the word of resistance Magdalena was about to force out of her lips.
He kissed her passionately, hungrily. His tongue devoured her lips, explored her mouth. And while answering his kisses, Magdalena felt tears rolling down her face.
She was crying. Not only because she missed him. But because she felt the pain in their kisses. The pain of having no freedom to choose him. The burden of being trapped in the dark. With the light of hope that’s becoming dimmer with each passing day.
It hurts so much. And yet she couldn’t tell her heart to stop longing for him and loving him.
Lucian pulled away when he felt her tears.
Magdalena opened her eyes when Lucian pressed their foreheads together. He was staring at her lovingly, painfully.
“I can’t take this anymore,” Lucian whispered. His voice was hoarse, his eyes were almost lifeless. “Please…run away with me.”
Magdalena gasped. Her heart almost stopped beating while staring back into his eyes. She’s panicking. She’s scared. She’s…tempted.
“L-Lucian—”
“I love you,” Lucian whispered, caressing her cheeks. “You know that, baby. I love you more than anything. Run away with me. Please.”
Magdalena sobbed. “Lucian, we can’t…”
“W-Why?” His voice cracked. “Do you love him?”
“No.” Magdalena shook her head. “It’s…It’s you that I love.”
“Then run away with me,” Lucian whispered again and offered her his hand. “Take my hand and let’s leave this place. We’ll bring Angel with us. We’ll live somewhere far. We’ll be fine. We’ll be happy.”
Magdalena’s tears were falling as she looked down and stared at Lucian’s hand. She could feel and hear her heart racing so loud and fast. It was too violent, almost painful. But what’s more painful is the fact that right now, she needs to choose.
The golden crown, a scripted life. Or the bed of roses, a life of uncertain things.