Confrontation.

Violetta

I pushed the huge door frame open, and true to his words he was actually home. He sat across the dinner table, his phone in hand, so immersed that he didn't see me walk in. 

I dropped my bag on the couch, making sure I caught his attention. He turned to me immediately. 

A smile rose on Alaric's face and he came towards. 

"You are finally back. The food I ordered is already starting to go cold." Alaric said, attempting to grab me. 

I walked towards the dinner hall but before I could sit, his phone rang. 

Just before he took it off the table, I saw the name on it. Lilith. I closed my eyes tight, the anger that was already starting to subside was coming back. 

Alaric made a silly excuse and left the room. I stared at his back and smiled.

I would leave him tomorrow anyway. I took one more glance at the meals laid on the table before turning to leave. 

Alaric happened to walk in just at that moment, "Aren't you eating?" He asked, looking genuinely confused.

I looked between him and the food and I couldn't help but chuckle. He had gotten so detached that he had even forgotten that I hate those. 

"I'm not hungry." I said, trying to keep the little peace I still had. Alaric held my hand, not letting me leave. 

"Try it, even if it's just one bite. It can serve as a late night snack." 

I turned sharply towards him, he had never tried so hard before, even when he was still trying to get my trust.

"I'm not hungry."

I said once again and I could see his mood change immediately. Anger flicked in his eyes but he calmed it down. 

"Okay. Since you've retired, can I get some of our old notes?" He asked, a fake smile on his face. 

I smiled back, holding his hand the same way he held mine, even tighter. "Who told you that I would retire?"

Alaric blinked, his smile flickering for a moment. His eyes darted around but he returned his focus back to me. "You did. You promised me." He said, his voice firm, he actually thought I would still keep to his promise after what he did. 

"Moreover, I've asked her to take your spot already and she said it was a success." Alaric said quickly. 

My jaw tightened. Alaric seemed to notice my face and immediately continued. "Can you give the notes to me now?" His fake smile started to fade. 

"What do you need it for?"

"Something important." He said, and I scoffed, I pulled my hand out of his after great effort.

"You don't need it anymore. Don't be petty about it." He scoffed. 

"I just want to be petty. What can you do about it?" I asked, walking out of the room. Alaric stood at the dining room, his face red with anger. 

As soon as I got to my room, I saw a message from my dad. 

"Someone will pick you up at seven tomorrow." I smiled at his text. Replying with a thank you. 

A knock came on my door at that moment and I scoffed. "What's wrong?"

I screamed from inside the room. 

"I know you are still scared that I will ignore you. Don't worry, as long as you give me the notes. I'll return home every night." Alaric said, his voice muffled through the door. 

I sneered at his words. This was the promise I had waited for. I would have ran into his arms as soon as he said those words but now, I couldn't even be bothered. 

"Don't worry, I don't need you at home." I said, walking into the shower. His bangs on the door became muffled and I ignored it. 

Tomorrow, I will finally leave this place. 

***

I stopped at the coffee shop, but I sighted someone that made me turn. 

Jude sat in the corner of the cafe, and his eyes caught mine. He smiled as soon as he saw me and waved me over. 

I grabbed my coffee and walked towards him. "What a surprise seeing you here."

"You seem to have gotten over your addiction." He said, his eyes scanning my whole body. 

I grabbed the seat opposite him and spoke. "That was just a mistake."

"Okay. I hope more mistakes like that happen." He said, and I couldn't help but think I imagined it. 

"What?" I asked. 

"Nothing." He replied quickly, his hands circling the rim of his cup. "I heard you left Prestige. Would you be interested in leading another team?"

My head tilted slightly. "So you do know me?" I inquired, squinting my eyes. He chuckled in response. 

"I can help you win that award you missed this year." He said, and I raised a brow. He seemed to know a lot about me. 

"Why didn't you join my team when I was recruiting?" I asked. 

"The message never got me. I would have never rejected you." He said, and I nodded but it was too late now. 

"I'll consider your request." I said, getting up to my feet but I tripped, Jude raised to his feet, wanting to help. 

I steadied myself before he got to me but I spilled some coffee on myself. Jude grabbed the wipes on the table, and tried cleaning the stain off. 

"It's fine. My house is close by, I'll take care of it later." I said, pulling his hand away and at that moment a voice came from behind me. 

"So this is the reason why you've been acting tough." Alaric bursts in, his hands balled into a tight fist and I couldn't help but scoff. 

What right did he have to question me? I didn't bother to explain it to him, I let go of Jude's hand, about to leave. 

"So what if I'm the reason?" Jude asked. 

I turned towards him, my brows furrowed. He flashed a smile at me, and turned back to Alaric. 

"What will you do about it?”