11: Doubts

Chapter 11

Doubts

***

POV: Lia Salvador

“W-What… W-What did you just s-say?”

Renz smirks at me.

It was as if he wasn’t buying my expression – as if telling me to stop making excuses… to stop lying to him.

But I am not lying.

How could he say that?

‘To marry him?’

Then, it suddenly hit me.

‘My parents went the extra mile just to make it come true?’

I close my eyes.

Damn it!

“Why? Does it ring a bell now?” Renz is trying to push all of my buttons.

It is working.

But not to the way he is thinking about – not for the same reason that I knew he might be thinking of.

My parents.

I can’t believe they finally resort to this.

Even when I have already run away.

They are still at it!

Damn it!

I anxiously run my finger on my hair.

“I… I don’t know…” I uttered in a whisper.

But Renz won’t just buy it. He chuckles without humor.

“Stop playing so innocent, Princess Aurelia…”

For the second time, he calls me by my real name.

And for the second time, my heart skips its beat.

However, it isn’t the time to admire how it came from his mouth flawlessly.

I have to clear my name.

But how?

Seeing Renz’ expression now, I know that he won’t believe a thing.

I swallow hard and let out a breathy sigh – before looking straight into his deep blue eyes.

For a moment, I feel so dazed… so lost… in those pairs of eyes.

I bit my lower lip – reminding myself to focus.

“Believe it or not, I don’t know. My parents… They will do everything for wealth and… power.” I finally blurted out.

I feel so guilty – telling this man stories behind closed doors.

Our family…

No.

My parents made sure to portray a happy and perfect family.

They never teach me how.

They trained me to be.

A perfect daughter.

Someone that will suit to be part of their family.

I close my eyes – trying to stop the memories that keep on flashing my mind.

I thought I had buried it all deeply inside my heart – but I was wrong.

I swallow the bitterness dripping into my mouth – as if trying to compose myself… not breaking down.

Not in front of Renz.

Not when I am not even sure – if he will believe me or not.

“I can see that… They did everything just to ruin my relationship. They tell lies… even say that we are meeting abroad – when in fact, I am pursuing the one that I love.” Renz bitterly stated.

But his deep blue eyes shot me with a deadly glare.

“And now you are telling me that you don’t know? That’s absurd!” He sardonically stated.

But I smiled at him bitterly – which made his forehead creased.

“Then, believe what you want to believe.” I said hopelessly.

Besides, I couldn’t explain something to someone who’s closeminded.

No matter how I try.

No matter how truthful I am right now – laying all my cards in front of him.

That doesn’t even count.

Not to him.

And it’s totally breaking me at some point.

“But there is one thing that I want to clear. I left.” I bit my lower lip – as I try to stop myself from breaking down.

‘No… You are more than this, Princess Aurelia… You are strong… Stubborn… You can do this…’ A part of me cheered.

“After that, I don’t know what they did anymore… And whatever that it is that they’re doing – still using me for their own sake… I don’t know anything about it anymore.” I finally said – before getting on my crutches and walking towards my own room.

The moment the door closed – my tears began to flow freely.

A sob escaped… One after the other.

I can’t believe that even after I left… Ran away is the right term – they still pursued their own plan… Still using me… Even if I am gone.

Bitterness starts to drip on my system.

Now, what?

I don’t know if Renz believed me.

If not, would he still want me to stay here?

Would we still continue this marriage for convenience?

And I feel like it is more heartbreaking than the news about what my parents did.

Thinking about it – I can’t help but to cry, my heart filled with hopelessness.

***

POV: Lawrence David McGregor

I grit my teeth.

There is no way I would be swayed by her words.

However, all my reasons and defenses failed when I heard her door closed and a silent cry faintly reached my ears.

Am I wrong?

Is she really not part of her parents’ plan?

Then, I remembered hearing my friends about her parents’ lies.

Her parents.

But never from her.

And she’s here.

Like she is hiding from them.

No.

I am sure that she’s hiding.

The very reason why she agreed to my proposal of marriage for convenience.

She didn’t want her parents to know that she was here.

But why?

They are a happy and perfect family… Right?

This time, doubts began to cloud my mind.

‘Believe it or not, I don’t know. My parents… They will do everything for wealth and… power.’

Her words seem like she had been carrying it her entire life.

I run my fingers on my hair in frustration.

And I suddenly feel so guilty hearing her faint sobs behind that closed door.

I don’t even know why.

Why would I feel so guilty?

Then, I found myself getting my phone and dialing a familiar number.

“Hey, man… What is it this time?”

Seth answered from the other line. His voice is playful as always.

I let out a deep breath.

“I need a private investigator. I want it quick, thorough, and discreet.” I seriously stated.

I heard Seth let out a breathy sigh.

“Is it about Velice again? Man, you can’t be this-”

“No. It’s for Princess Aurelia Morgan. Find everything about her before and after our marriage.” I cut him off.

“What the f*ck… Are you serious?!” Seth suddenly blurted out – but I have no intention of explaining myself right now.

I ended the call.

Now, I will make sure to uncover your real intention, Princess Aurelia.

Whatever it is.

If I found out that you are into this – I will make sure to ruin your life.

With that thought in mind, I clench my jaw.

However, a huge part of me screams of something else.

My eyes darted to her closed doors.

And for a moment, I feel like I have been so harsh on her a while ago.

“Damn it…” I uttered in pure guilt.