Chapter 4

Chapter 4

It was as if a bucket of cold water had been poured over me. I couldn't move or speak immediately. I just stared at Godfather Axel, but he quickly turned his gaze to Grace.

The woman in the front seat was stunning—she had long hair that complemented her smooth skin. She was wearing an elegant white dress and minimal makeup that only enhanced her natural beauty. A kind of beauty that I couldn't possibly compete with.

"Hi," Grace greeted with a sweet smile. "You must be Akira?"

"Ah... y-yes," I replied, barely able to meet her eyes.

"Nice to meet you," she said, and I could see the kindness in her face. But despite her beautiful smile, I felt a heavy ache in my chest.

"Akira," Godfather Axel said coldly, as if devoid of any emotion. "Get in the back. We shouldn't linger."

"Yes, Akira!" Jane chimed in, gently pushing me again. "What a chance to ride with Godfather Axel."

I had no choice. I felt like a puppet as I opened the backseat door and cautiously got in. I sat silently, trying to swallow the lump in my throat.

As the car drove, I felt the weight of every second. I tried not to look in the rearview mirror, where I occasionally caught Godfather Axel's cold eyes.

"I didn't know you had a fiancée, Ninong," I said almost in a whisper, unable to break the deafening silence.

"Not everything needs to be known," he replied briefly, as if those words were enough to end the conversation.

In an instant, all my illusions and secret feelings seemed to shatter completely.

Godfather Axel, the man I had loved for so long, was in love with someone else.

Even though it hurt my heart, I had to act normal around them.

I forced myself to sit up straight and put on a peaceful expression on my face. Even though I felt the weight in my chest, I couldn't show any of what I was feeling.

"You've been together for a while, Ninong," I said, trying to inject some cheer into my voice. "Why haven't I seen you together before?"

I looked at them in the front. Grace chuckled slightly, seeming to enjoy the conversation.

"Well, we're often in other countries," she replied. "That's probably why we haven't had a chance to properly introduce ourselves. But finally, we're here."

"Oh, is that so? Congratulations," I smiled, even though I could feel my lips trembling.

"Thank you, Akira," Grace replied. "Axel told me a lot about you. You're like a daughter to him."

Like a daughter.

Those words pierced my heart like a dagger. I bit my lip, trying to hold back the tears that were threatening to fall.

"Akira is always kind," Godfather Axel added coldly, not even looking at me. "She's a good girl."

Girl.

Every word he said was like a blow to my feelings. I didn't know what hurt more, the fact that he had a fiancée or the way he talked about me—as if I had no value beyond being his goddaughter.

But who was I to complain?

I had no right. I shouldn't show how much it hurt.

"Thank you, Ninong," was all I could manage to say. "And I'm happy for you both."

I pointed to the scenery outside the window, trying to avoid their eyes, fearing they might see the weakness I was desperately trying to hide.

I had to be strong. I felt a sigh of relief when I saw our house in the distance. It was as if a thorn had been pulled out, even though I knew my escape from the weight of the situation was only temporary.

"I'll get off here, Ninong," I said with a forced smile. "Thank you for the ride."

The car stopped in front of our gate. I got out immediately, but before I could close the door, Grace spoke.

"Nice meeting you, Akira! I hope we see each other again soon," she said, her voice full of joy.

"Thank you," I replied, giving a slight wink. "Take care."

Godfather Axel just nodded briefly. There was no emotion on his face, as if nothing had happened to affect him.

I quickly walked away, but I couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief when I entered our yard. I closed the gate and discreetly glanced back, still seeing their car slowly driving away.

It was over. I was back in reality.

As soon as I entered the house, I collapsed onto the sofa. I tried to hold back the tears that I had been wanting to release for so long.

Why did it hurt so much?

I knew I had no right. But why was the pain I felt so deep?

I hugged myself, as if searching for a little comfort. I didn't know how I would face the days to come with this secret burden.

But one thing was certain...

I had to pretend that I didn't feel anything.

"Oh, child. You're finally here!" My mom greeted happily when she saw me enter. She was standing in the kitchen, arranging vegetables, as if she had just come from the market.

I smiled at her, trying to hide the weight that was bothering me. "Yes, Mom. Godfather Axel just dropped me off."

She looked at me, a hint of surprise in her eyes. "Godfather Axel? Well, this is special. Why did your godfather drop you off?"

"Ah... I guess he just passed by. He was with his fiancée." I forced those words out, even though every time I said the word 'fiancée,' it felt like a knife cutting through my heart.

"Fiancée?" My mom's eyes widened. "Are you talking about Grace? Axel's already engaged! I didn't even know!"

I nodded, forcing a smile. "Yes, Mom. She's beautiful and kind. They're a good match."

They're a good match. I kept repeating it in my mind, trying to convince myself that it was true.

"Oh, Akira. Life is like that. Sometimes the people we idolize or... love," Mom smiled, "have their own happiness."