There's no way out of this

****Elena****

My heart skipped a beat at the question. I stared into his eyes as they peered into mine. His ocean blue eyes were gentle, full of compassion. The sadness that underlined them weren't unnoticeable. His eyes searched mine, perhaps, trying to find a hint about how I really feel. I swallowed hard. How can he possibly understand how I almost hated myself for doing that to him, how my conscience wouldn't let me be, how I often think about him and pray that he be fine.. My chest constricted and I forcefully pushed out the next words off my mouth.

'No.. I do not regret it. If we go back in time over again. I'd do the same thing, Lucas. I'd say no to marrying you. I'd just do it earlier.. before the wedding' I did my best to sound cold even though I felt torn inside..

His jaw muscles clenched, slowly, he tore his gaze from mine, retreated to staring blankly into space.  

He said nothing in return. I was grateful that he didn't press more. I was already wallowing in enough self pity and regret.

I allowed my tense shoulders slack, fondled with the grasses before me. Shortly after, I rose to my feet, bowed slightly to the grave and proceeded to leave.

'Have you reviewed the contract?' his question made me stop in my tracks. I totally forgot about that. I turned around to face him. I winced quietly when I noticed the gentle expression was gone, now replaced with an icy, emotionless appearance.

I inclined my head. 'Yes. We should probably talk about it in the office tomorrow'.

He took long strides to where I stood. 'No. If you've got anything to say, this is the right time to spill it' he smirked.

'Being your dietitian for the next three months... Isn't that a little much to ask for?'

He crossed his arms on his chest, a defiant aura screaming around him. 'I don't think it's too much compared to the millions I helped you with. You should be really indebted to me. I saved your face and your position. I don't expect you to make complains whenever I ask to be paid back with little actions'

'But'.

'No buts, Mi Corazon. This is just one out of the many things you'll be doing for me'. His lips curled up into a mischievous smile as a dangerous glint flashed his eyes... 'You better keep that at the back of your mind'

Knowing this is a lost fight, I simply nodded and walked out.

.......

I rang the door bell the third time in one minute. Soon enough, it creaked open. The short, stout maid beamed excitedly when she noticed me.

'Miss Carson.. There you are..' she ushered me in, a smile plastered on her small face.

'Yes ma'am. Have you been good?'

She rolled her eyes. 'I'm supposed to be asking you that, Miss. Carson. You look like you've been deprived of good meals. Why so skinny?'

She grabbed my wrist, dragging me into the kitchen. 'Let me treat you to something delicious...'

I giggled. She's like a second mother to me. I was only three years old when my parents employed her. I've grown to be so fond of her.

'Let's postpone the meal till later? I came to see papa.' 

The smile disappeared almost instantly. The palms that grabbed my wrist slipped off and she headed out of the kitchen. I trailed behind her.

'Is something wrong?'

'You weren't told?' she asked.

The back of my palm wiped the beads of sweat on my forehead. 'I don't understand what you're taking about. No one told me anything. What's going on?'

'Your father..' Prominent lines formed between her brows, her gaze directed downwards.

Anxiety creeped in. 'Ma'am...'

'He's upstairs, taking a nap!' she exclaimed, clapping mockingly at how easy it was to get me.

'Ma'am...' I grumbled, stamping my feet on the floor like a grumpy child.

She giggled nonstop. 'You're so easy to fool, honey. I thought you might have changed. Seems I was wrong'

I sighed heavily. 'You joke too much'

She winked at me. 'Your father is upstairs. Go see him. I'm certain he'll be excited to see you'

With one last nod, I headed up the stairs, approaching the floor where my dad's room is located. I walked in on him in the patio. He sat on a tulip chair, my mother also beside him. His palm stroked her hair slowly as he whispered something into her ears. It made her burst out laughing.. It's astonishing how their love never dies.

'Hmm hmmm' I cleared my throat, approaching the patio.

My mum noticed me first. She came towards my direction, arms spread wide apart. I ran into her embrace, allowing myself enjoy the moment. My father smiled at me from where he sat.

'Oh dear. You finally decided to pay us a surprise visit. Isn't it?'

I grinned playfully. 'Don't you like it?'

'So far it's you, I love it' his eyes disappeared into folds of flesh as he let out small laugh.

We disengaged from the hug and I was led into the patio to join them. Following conversations about my well being, the unexpected followed.

'How about you accompany us to Mr. Alejandro's birthday party in two days?' my dad spat out 

I stiffened on my seat. That was a weird request. Since the incidence happened, I've done nothing but avoid that family like a plague. Except for visiting Late Mrs Alejandro Isabelle every remembrance. 

'No dad. I'm not interested'

My mum rolled her eyes. 'Don't tell me it's because of the incident from a year ago' she scoffed.

I nibbled on my lower lips, discharging her an innocent look..

My dad inclined his head. 'Your mum guessed it right. Anyways, you should attend this time. Mr. Alejandro asked that we bring you with us. I can assure you that he's forgotten about everything now. So you can find peace within yourself'

'I'm not going, dad. Just forget about it'

A sudden chirp from my phone made me jerk. I confirmed the caller ID and hesitated before excusing myself to answer the call.

'Get ready, in two days, you'll be accompanying me to my father's birthday party' the devil's voice resonated in my ears. 

Dang! Happens there's no way out of this.