Happily Ever After

Chapter 38

Alois POV

"H-how did you- hold on... You knew?" I couldn't believe it! How did she know? I haven't told a single soul about it.

"It was merely an assumption, and your reaction confirms everything," (Y/N) replied.

"You bloody fiend!" I stood up and dragged him down to my eye level. "I told you to blend in and not raise any suspicions! You're not doing your job properly!" I yelled at his face.

"Now, now. It wasn't his fault." (Y/N) also stood up and pried my hands from the black butler. Then, she ushered me back to my seat and sat down next to me. "He had an excellent disguise, as a manner of fact," (Y/N) continued. "But perhaps it was a bit too perfect."

"Thank you, miss (Y/N). I shall take it as a good complement." Claude placed his hand upon his chest and gave his signature bow. 

"You're welcome, Claude." (Y/N) faced the butler and gave him a smile. "You know, Claude's real identity is not the only thing I've figured out by myself." (Y/N) turned her head and looked back at me.

"What do you mean, (Y/N)?" I raised an eyebrow.

"Hannah, Thompson, Timber, and Canterbury are all of the same kind as Claude," (Y/N) replied.

"Correct."

"That's not all. You yourself have a secret of your own, Alois." (Y/N) pointed her index finger at me.

"Me...?" 

"Yes, you." (Y/N) nodded. "You still remember me, do you? You haven't lost any memories at all." (Y/N) put her finger down and stared at me intently, waiting for an answer.

"I-... yes."

"You were the one who ordered Claude to tear off every page that contained information about amnesia in my library."

"Yes."

"You kept avoiding me constantly. One day, your butler told me that you were busy as an excuse, but then I saw you on the bluebell field on that same day. My eyes were not playing tricks on me, right? You were there, and this thing proves it!" (Y/N) pulled out a bloody red signet ring.

'Wait a minute...'

"What's with that look, Alois? See anything familiar?" (Y/N) raised an eyebrow.

"That's... mine," I responded.

"I know. You dropped it." (Y/N) handed me the ring. "Be careful not to lose it next time, or else Auntie Margaret might give you an earful... if she were still here," (Y/N) said whispering the last part.

"You know, if you are going to lie, do it properly."

'Wh-what did she say?' I was surprised by her remark.

"Don't go around leaving clues all over the place and make sure to get rid of all the evidence. I mean, Claude has powers. He could have just made the pages disappear instead of ripping them off. That way, it would have been less suspicious! Oh my, I could write a whole list of things that you could have improved. Such amateurs." (Y/N) crossed her arms in front of her chest.

Umm... Why is she giving us advice about lying? I thought she hated it. Even Claude looks puzzled.

"And you!" (Y/N) suddenly pointed at me, making me flinch. "You should have kept your act together. Your facade often creaked and cracked from time to time, especially towards the end. If you wanted someone to hate you or forget about you, don't go on whispering sweet nonsense into their ears and acting all lovey dovey." She waved her hands in the air.

"Sigh, I cannot hide anything from you, can I?" I slowly approached her. "My sweet adorable angel, ever so smart and intelligent, always observant of her surroundings. I'm sorry if I disappointed you, love." I placed my hand on her cheek and gently caressed her face. 

I was so proud of my (Y/N), figuring all this by herself, even if it was at the expense of my plan's failure. I could not care less though. I would thank her even. It was because of her that I was now free from the restraints of this tangled web of lies. I felt much better, getting rid of the heavy burden on my back and the bone stuck on my throat. Finally, I could be honest with her and speak the truth. No more pretending and no more filthy lies.

"I'm not disappointed." (Y/N) leaned into my touch. "I'm just saying you could have done better, and I'm glad you didn't." (Y/N) smiled. "Thanks for slipping up and leaving a trail of clues behind for me." She winked.

"I did not do it on purpose. I was actually planning to take the secrets with me to the grave," I casually stated.

"Huh!?" (Y/N) smacked my arm.

"What was that for?" I asked.

"That is for not being honest with me and keeping these secrets all to yourself. I told you before. I am your lover and your best friend. You can tell me anything. If one is bearing a burden too big, then we shall carry it... together." (Y/N) took both my hands onto hers and held them lovingly.

"This feels nice." (Y/N) fondled with my fingers in a relaxing manner. "I should have done this in the first place! Sigh, what a fool was I."

Guilt and regret washed over me. It was true, I should have told her the truth from the start. If I had, then perhaps things would have turned out much better. I would not have to go through all the pain and suffering alone. Instead of all those isolated nights in the darkness of my room, I would have held her in my arms and basked in the warmth of her love. I would not have to push her away, hurting her and me myself in the process. 

Moreover, if I had the courage to be honest from the beginning, I would not have to hide behind this horrid mask and play pretend till my time runs out. Instead, I would have spent it with her till the very last second. I would not have to bear the burden all by myself and maybe... just maybe the remaining part of my story would have been easier to tell.

~•~

Hello my lovely readers! I am back with a new chapter after a long break. I shall be updating more frequently from now on like usual. Thank you for your patience and understanding.