Victor turns, slowly, to face Amelia at the door. “Evelyn,” his voice is soft; he doesn’t look at her as he speaks. “Are they okay?” He hears a huff behind him. “No, Victor, obviously they’re not okay –“ “Evelyn,” it’s a bark this time, his voice thick with command. “Do they need medical attentio
A sob rips from Amelia’s throat, the loudest sound in the room. But Victor turns his eyes from her, away from this woman whom he had loved, with whom he had shared so much. It was too much. Too much for his trust, his heart, to bear. He couldn’t marry someone so selfish that she couldn’t share the
Victor stands alone on a terrace facing the waterfall, a large glass of whiskey in his hand. He stands close to the railing, his eyes closed, savoring the feeling of the spray on his face. He does his very best, in this moment, to feel nothing, lest his emotions completely overwhelm him. He breathe
He nods, feeling his hackles rise. “Thank you, mother.” “You are welcome, darling.” She says, brushing his cheek softly with her hand and then turning away. “No matter what, I am on your side,” she calls over her shoulder as she heads in the door. Her timing is impeccable, as always. As she breeze
Victor is the last to leave the venue, wanting to ensure that he has left no mess behind and that no one lingers to gossip. He wanted the affair finished, complete, and stayed to ensure that it would happen. Some of his guests protested, saying they wanted to stay overnight, but offered the venue a
“You did nothing wrong,” Victor says, kissing each boy on the cheek. “If anything, I should be the one who is sorry. I never should have let it get that far, let Amelia have the opportunity to be so cruel to you –“ “We could have been nicer to her!” Alvin says, his voice guilty. “We tried to make h
The next morning, Victor wakes early, going to his office to begin working through his plans for the future. Everything is different, now, without a Luna by his side to secure his position. He has heirs, yes, but the community values family. Indeed, he has built much of his political stance on famil
“For how long will you be staying?” Victor asks, acquiescing to the situation, but not happy about it. “For as long as it takes,” he hears his father say. “Sir?” Victor looks up when he hears Beta Stephen’s voice. The Beta is standing in the doorway behind his family, overloaded with suitcases. “W