Foolish or deranged? Viola gone

Foolish or deranged? Viola gone
Luca's POV

Gone were all the 'what ifs' and 'maybes.' The moment I heard that voice, I knew who it was. I hadn’t heard it in a long time, but it was unmistakable. The very bastard I’d been hunting for.

Noel Jackson.

“I said drop your gun, or I’ll fucking shoot you!” he repeated, his tone louder. I could hear his footsteps coming closer as though he had been in the shadows the entire time.

He was here.

I didn’t flinch. The words came out like a low growl, but I wasn’t about to back down. I raised my gun higher, keeping it steady, my finger ready on the trigger. I didn't even bother to look at him... My lips pulled up to form a smirk as I stared at Viola, whose face now looked so pale.

“I’d advise you to take the shot if you have one, because I wouldn’t give you a second chance,” I said without looking at him.

Because hell knows... Once I got the chance, I would take it.

My voice dripped arrogance. I was daring him because I knew Noel Jackson... He wouldn't want the easy way out.

Stupid.

Noel snorted. “You still think you have the upper hand? What is with you and delusions, Luca?”

My eyes darted towards Payson, who had his gun pointed at Noel, but several of Noel's men pointed their guns back at him.

Maybe that was why he thought he had a chance.

Payson was the most loyal man who ever stood with me. He was willing to die as long as he took that bastard with him.

But as much as I wanted Noel dead... I wasn't ready to lose anyone else. Aria being in the hospital was enough.

I clenched my jaw, contemplating raising my hand in surrender when Viola suddenly moved.

“No... No." She shook her head, her lips trembling. "This... this isn’t what it looks like.”

Payson crackled and I snorted.

What could this possibly be if it wasn't what it looked like?

Even if I were blind... The truth was glaring.

Did she think that she could still escape this? She was being delusional. No matter what, I was ending this game today.

They had crossed a huge line when they went after Aria... I could never forgive that.

Noel also seemed surprised at Viola's actions and words. “You don’t have to be afraid of him. I’ll protect you,” he said as though trying to coat her.

Protect her? I snorted again.

Who would protect him?

No... Scratch that, he wouldn't be able to save her or himself. 

My gaze flickered to Viola. There she was, she was now standing between us, trying to act all innocent and defensive. She wasn’t fooling me either. I was beyond caring about her act.

“No...” Her voice trembled as she glared at Noel. “You’re not... Take your gun away from my fiancé!”

Fiancé. I could hardly believe those words were coming out of her mouth.

She still had the guts to call me that?

Did she think I didn't know everything? She probably did... Stupid.

“What?” Noel exclaimed clearly surprised at her words. “What the fuck did you just say?”

Noel was smarter than Viola. He had already figured that I knew everything already... It was obvious, the first thing I asked when I came here was 'where was he?'

But Viola still tried to delude herself.

Foolishness.

Noel's eyes were wide, like he had just heard the most horrible thing. “You’re getting married to him? Really?”

No... she wasn't.

My eyes flickered to Payson and I nodded.

He understood the signal and nodded back, his hands tightening around his gun.

Noel noticed the interaction, and he panicked, his arrogance slipping fast. “Viola, get the fuck out of the way.”

I was losing my patience fast. Every second I stood there was a second Noel and Viola took to laugh at me, to mock me.

But Viola, for the first time since I knew her chose to be stupid. She refused to leave, as though she was having a meltdown.

“I...I’m going to marry him, Luca. In just two weeks.” Her voice wavered, but her gaze was unwavering.

I didn’t know whether to laugh or scream.

Does she still have that delirious dream?

“Do you still think that’s going to happen?” I asked, my voice bitter with disbelief.

Her face twisted in frustration, her hands shaking as she pointed a trembling finger at me. “Argh! No, Noel! I can’t let you hurt him.”

Noel clenched my jaw, watching as she moved in front of me, shielding him like a goddamn martyr.

“What? Argh!” Noel groaned. He looked as though he wanted to yell just so she could understand what was going on... But Viola was being too delusional.

She wasn’t even worth the breath I was wasting on her. All I saw was a liar. A fucking traitor.

Her nonsense was stopping my plan....

“No! I can’t let you do this, Noel. Take your gun away from him!” She was pleading now, but I wasn’t listening anymore.

Did she think she was pleading for me?

Fuck.

“No, Viola. Move. Get the fuck out of the way.” Noel gritted his eyes, telling her to move. But she refused to see it.

She turned to look at me, shaking her head... tears dropped from her eyes, and she reached out to touch me. "This can't be happening." She nuttered. "...you have just a few weeks left! We were going to get married. I would be your wife!"

I stared at her, disgust clawing at my throat.

“Do you still think that’s going to happen?” I repeated, venom lacing my words.

She hesitated, fear flashing across her face, but I was done. I couldn’t take it anymore.

“You are nothing,” I spat, voice dark and full of contempt. “This is the end, Viola. I’m ending this now.”

“Luca..."

But her words were drowned out as I shouted.

“Shut the fuck up! You’ve been playing me this whole time! You lied to me, you betrayed me... I can’t believe I trusted you.”

Viola’s face crumbled, but all I felt was anger. I wasn’t going to let her get away with this.

“No! You don’t get to do this!” Noel shouted, his voice breaking. "Leave Viola out of this."

I glanced at him, my finger tight around the trigger. “You should have stayed in the shadows, Jackson.”

“You’re out of your mind, Luca! She’s mine!” He pushed forward, and I didn’t hesitate.

My gun was already raised, and before he could move another inch, I pulled the trigger.

“Pa!”

The shot rang out, and my heart pounded in my chest.

Viola screamed, a raw sound that tore through the room.

"Viola!" Noel shouted.

But I wasn’t done.

Pa! Pa! Pa!

Each shot felt like it had to be taken. Each one was justified. It was the only way to erase the betrayal. The lies. The months of agony they’d put me through.