Jax's heavy breathing was all you could hear after that. I fail to close my eyes and try to understand everything I hear.
"Is there something I should know? Am I missing anything? Care to explain things? Why Erato's name was suddenly brought up?" I calmly said.
"Jaxon, just leave."
"No. Better say this now so that it's over once and for all.” My brother answered dad.
"Better say what?!" I asked with a clear frustrated voice.
"That dad pursued Erato to marry you so it will be easy for him to run for politics."
It was as if I was literally overwhelmed by what I heard. Pursued who? Marry who?
"Jaxon," Dad scolded.
I was divided on the decision to follow dad and listen to what older brother would say next.
"Yes. Erato badly wanted to enter politics, right? And he wanted to escape the responsibility of being the successor of their empire. So dad took that chance because he couldn't bear to surrender his pride. He can't bear to let go of that position unless someone from his side takes over. " Jax eyes glazed over.
As I trembled my knees at what was heard. "That is not true."
"Then what is 'true' Dad?" Jax scowled at dad.
I looked at dad and his eyes were full of disappointment. I sighed heavily. So it's true? Dad actually pursued Erato to marry me? And the answer is clear. Because if he did actually say yes, I could have been the one he's with rather than the woman whom his family chose for him.
He hates me that much that he chose that woman? Even a curse for him to follow his parent’s wishes? Even though he loves politics more he still chose that just because I am the woman he will marry?
"I didn't do that for the sake of my pride, Jaxon."
"Then what else !?"
"Stop," My voice cracked. My tears continued as no sobs came out of me.
"Stop it." All I can say before I went out of dad's room.
I have a lot of things in my head that I wanted to be answered. But I feel like if I ask it will hurt even more. I fell on the bed, dumbfounded and unable to believe what I heard. I don’t know if I should be happy or hurt at this point. I heard my bedroom door open. My face is buried on my pillow so I can't see it.
"Jade," older brother Jax's deep voice. I didn't speak. I wiped my wet face now because of the tears.
"I know it's hard to believe. But that's all true."
I sobbed.
"That's also what Erato and I talked about in Singapore. And yes, we're not on good terms because he's been a complete asshole."
I felt him coming near my bed.
"I know it's not right to say it in front of you but I'll be right if I say I was glad he told me he wouldn't thwart Dad's plan. Because if he did, I guess I have no choice but to cut ties with him. Completely. "
I got stunned. Yes, it hurts. Why does he even have to come here and repeat in my face.
"And for sure you know why. Erato is a great friend. But I knew him so well, Jade. That idiot knows nothing about serious relationships. And to marry you just for his own sake? That will only prove how much of an asshole he is. "
I sat up and looked at him. He was furious but I was also furious.
"Why? That's the real Jade!" he added.
"Those who have been interceding with you in the past have come to me. I confronted him! I asked him if that is part of all his act but he could not answer. What you want me to think Jade? If he didn’t deny it, what else do you think is the other reason? That he likes you too? Well bullshit! The records will run out before that happens! "
"Stop!" I cried. "I said right! I don't care! I don't care what anyone has at all just please stop it! Dad is unwell! You are so insensitive! Why do you have to bring this all up while he's still trying to heal !? " I sobbed hard.
He was stunned by me but I could still see the anger.
"Please," I whispered because no voice would come out. "Just please stop this."
He got near me and sat beside me. I bowed down because I was so miserable.
I felt him patting my back. "It hurts me to see you like this. But I'd rather see you hurt by the truth than by that stupid lie."
I did nothing but cry in the days that followed. I completely shut myself from the world of social media. I just want to focus on solving the problems that's coming on my way. But sometimes, I feel like I'm just running away from all the pain. Denying the fact that I'm hurt, I'm lost and I'm broken.
"Aiden told us to wait. He said he wanted to see you." said Olivia.
I just got back from University after several weeks of not entering.
"Why do we have to wait? I want to go to our next class." I said.
"I don't know. He'll only see you now. Maybe he missed you?"
I rolled my tired eyes. I heard Trisha had left. But it's still not good that we're getting close to each other. After a while, Aiden arrived. Panting and straight looking at me with his concerned eyes. He sat beside me and stared at me looking for some hint of despair I guess?
"What? Do you have something to say? You said you were waiting for us?" I said nonchalantly.
"How are you? And your father?" I sighed.
I was ready to be bored, but I didn't expect him to ask. Aiden is a friend to me. Olivia and I grew up together. So this simple question that he and Olivia are still doing is a big deal to me.
"It's okay. Daddy is fine now and getting better."
"And you?"
"I'm fine." I said quickly. "Seriously, I'm good. As long as dad is fine that's all that matters to me now."
He sighed. He stared at Olivia. Olivia shrugged her shoulders.
I shook my head.
"Let's go." I said to Olivia. "Thank you for your concern, Aiden. We need to go to our class yet." I said goodbye and kissed him.