CHAPTER 3: Turning down the engagement

BELLATRIX POV...

As soon as I said those words, shock conquered each particle of air in the room, including Florence who was so mused in possessing my ars. She perhaps did not realise I would give up this easily.

"What?" Mom reacted first, breaking the grave silence at once. "Did you get screwed before your engagement? Just how much do you drink to spit this nonsense?"

Her words stung, but who am I even kidding? For them, I am a huge despair, grew up on the street.

My fists tightened, possibly bleeding due to the force, but nothing was compared to the anguish my heart suffered.

"I mean it, mom."

"That's enough!" Dad stepped forward, taking a stand beside mom, "we have heard enough now, Bellatrix. Stop it at this once and behave. Our family has a great reputation amongst the society, and I can not let you fool around and spoil it. Now, do whatever is best to stop that blood of your arm and get back to the event." He took a brief look at his watch and added, "most guests arrived already."

"Whatever is best to stop bleeding?" I pronounced those words myself, a little in disbelief. Each word pinched my heart like the sharpest needle.

Do they need to make their priority too obvious? Florence got all the affection and what about me? I am hurt too, more than her. Ain't they gave birth to me? At least, my mother would defend me, right?

I, however, was wrong beyond expectations, which I understood a moment later.

"Your father is right, you should obey." Mom supported dad, "You can not blame anyone for your wound either, if you weren't so agitate, hurting your sister, you wouldn't get hurt."

I broke into a sarcastic smile, hearing her words. Even after all this, it was still a little surprising to me that my family cares the reputation more over humanity. I couldn't believe, all this while I was trying to impress those people who acknowledged my presence only to maintain family's reputation.

The bubbles I grew of having a loving parents, bursted cruelly, providing a clear picture of reality to me.

My gaze fixated at Neil, still frowning, "What about you, Neil? Do you want the same?"

He was taken aback with the query, and seemed hesitant for a brief moment. I never truly disclosed my real wildness before, and it feels somewhat satisfactory.

"Just like your father said, it's about our family reputation, and no is not an option here. A Ryder woman must be presentable, and not so ferine. You clearly need to be tamed. But that can wait, for now we must attend the function."

His words were a slap on the face, the man I admired and looked forward to start a new life with, somehow vanished. He was not the Neil I knew. What changed him so much? It couldn’t be Florence alone.

I nodded, "You're right, I am too much for this well-mannered society." I moved to my dresser and picked up a cotton scarf before wrapping it around the wound, and continued, "half of my life, I spend wondering of my parents. So, the word 'family' excited me, yet not anymore. I'm bored. I want out now."

Solving my hand, I turned to face them with a sneer, "your opinions are worthless to me, and I am not a Ryder, so your face is no longer in my care. You are free to figure it out yourselves, I am not a pawn in the game like your..." I darted my gaze back at Florence, "beloved marionette, I believe."

They always treated me like an outsider, so be it. I no longer believe they would consider me as one of them ever. In each step, I was reminded how extremely incompetent I am to be their daughter.

Despite my ached feelings, I forbid myself falling weak in front of them, and took my stand. Growing up in the struggle, I learned to survive and prepare for the worst. I just didn't realise it would be against my family.

"Bellatrix! watch your words!" Mom yelled, "I won't mind slapping you till you learn your manners!" She grabbed my unhurt hand, pulling me with her, "You are in luck that you have an event to attend, otherwise...!"

She did not finish her words and I hatched my hand away from her. "I said no! Leave me alone!"

Tears threatened to spill, yet I hold somehow, "I shouldn't have returned five years ago and pretend dead, just like father said! So do me a favour, consider me dead and live with the daughter you want!"

With no other word, I hastily left that suffocating place, not caring the chaos behind me.

I was distraught, my tears of rage finally was free. All I wanted is to leave this goddanm hell! My long gown was scratching the floor, making my flee uncomfortable. I Even tripped a few times.

Annoyed, I grabbed the lower part and tore it. My hands were trembling and tears knew no bound. Harshly wiping my tears I threw the detached part aside and ran outside.

I heard my name calling behind. if they caught me this time they would use force to save their name and I couldn't let it happen! Anxious and distressed, I ran toward the main entrance, looking back and forth to see if anyone was chasing me.

As I stepped a foot out of the villa, My face hit a wall, throwing me back. Just as I thought to be injured badly, a strong arm wrapped around my waist, pulling me back to the wall again!...