The Burning Possession

“What now, Alina? Is that all you’ve got?!” Tristan shouted while dodging my attacks. He even has that smug look on his face while doing it. I don’t give a damn about what he’s saying right now, he just wants me to lose control.

“Is that all you can say, Tristan?!”

Tristan laughed and again continued dodging every attack, so I threw another one. He is really getting on my nerves, but I stayed calm.

“Stop saying nonsense things, Alina! Come on, land a single hit! Don’t just stand there talking!”

“Says the one who keeps on running…”

I used the staff to carry my weight, then twisted my body and kicked him. Because of that, he lost his balance. It’s now my time to smirk.

I didn’t waste any time and quickly charged towards him. I pinned him down, getting ready to punch him in the face, when suddenly I heard someone cough in the corner.

I shot an irritated glance at the person who barged in out of nowhere. It’s one of my father’s bodyguards. I didn’t move…my fist was still raised, but I hesitated to continue.

“If I were you? I’d go ahead and finish this...” Tristan said while grinning.

“Shut up!” I stood up and went to the person who just ruined my training. The bodyguard handed me a towel, and I immediately wiped the sweat on my face. He simply kept his head down, quietly waiting for me to finish.

“Miss Alina, your father wants you to go to the east study.”

“East study? For what? As far as I remember, I have already done some of the paperwork he handed me last week.” Papa gave me a 1-month file to be familiar with how our company works, but why? Don’t tell me he will give me another set? I mentally massaged my temples because of the frustration.

“I really don’t know Miss Alina your father just says it, and I’m just following his order.”

“Fine. Just tell him I’m on my way.” He bowed his head and left.

I turned to Tristan, who was still on the floor.

“What? Are you just gonna stare at the ceiling or not?” I snapped. He sat up slowly, not removing that annoying grin on his face. If we hadn’t been cut off? I’d have wiped that smug grin off his face already.

“Relax Alina. I just found you cute when you’re mad.” What the fuck?

I threw the towel at him. “Shut up!”

He caught it with one hand and laughed. “But seriously, your kick is solid. You almost had me.”

“Almost? You were on the floor! Dumbass.”

He stood up and stretched his neck. “Why hesitate to finish me? You can knock me off, Alina… you already have the chance.”

I didn’t react right away. He’s right. Tristan is right. I had the chance to finish him, but I stopped just because a person came to us.

“'Cause you’re scared”

“I’m not scared…” I said and looked away.

I didn’t wait for his response and hurriedly walked to the door. If he wanted to say anything, save it to himself. I don’t care about his side after all.

I fixed my messy hair and glanced at myself for a moment. Joggers fit neatly at the ankle, paired with a loose, sleeveless top and an open hoodie. I think I look fine, aside from my clothes being sweaty… there’s really no problem. Besides, Papa knows I have my training today, so he expects me to look like this.

As I approached the east study, I started hearing voices I wasn’t familiar with. I could also hear my father’s occasional laughter. This is the first time I’ve heard him like this. It’s as if he is really interested in the people he’s talking to. This is so new.

I’m now standing in front of the door, and I can hear the voices even more clearly. I still don’t know who they are. Two people? No…three?

I knocked on the door and quickly wiped the sweat off my cheek. I stood there quietly, waiting for Papa to realize I was outside and tell me to come in. Just a few seconds passed before he replied, “You can come in now, Alina.”

I slowly opened the door, careful not to make a sound. And just like I thought, three unfamiliar faces sat across from Papa. As soon as I walked in, they all immediately turned to look at me. I made my way toward Papa’s seat without a word, and yet the three strangers couldn’t seem to look away. Seriously? Do I not look presentable? What were they expecting? Heels and a silk dress fresh from a gala?

As I walked closer, you could see it in Papa’s eyes, like he was silently telling the world, ‘That’s my daughter.’ I lifted my chin and kept my gaze forward, choosing not to give a single look to the three men.

“Finally, you’re here, Alina. Everyone, this is my daughter, Alina Ysabelle Allard. Stunning, isn’t she? Well, naturally, it runs in the blood. And clearly, she got it from me.” Papa said and laughed. He’s always proud of me. Like I’m some kind of trophy, and I need to be good at everything. But when it comes to love? As a father? I can’t feel it. He always reminds me, ‘Go beyond, as far as you can. Don’t stay stuck at that level. What’s the point of being an Allard? Of being my child?’

I cleared my throat and bowed my head. One of the three stepped forward, and I guessed he was their father. They all looked alike, but I could sense that he was a strict person. He extended his hand with a smile. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Alina. I’m Lucas Villion, and the two gentlemen with me are my sons…”