The Risen HODWII

Chapter 6 : His Family

**Venice Claire's POV**

I wandered my eyes around and was astonished by the view I saw. This house is beautiful... I wonder who lives here if Xenon was staying at the Academy.

"Where's your family?" I asked when I only sensed his friends and the three girls inside this house. My forehead furrowed when I felt him harden. What’s wrong?

"Your room is right on the second floor, the first one. If you need something, don't hesitate to tell me; mine is just beside yours. I'm going to take a rest." He said, but his voice was hard as he walked toward the stairs, not even glancing at me. I was left speechless, watching his silhouette move farther away.

"Just understand his behavior today, Claire. It's still hard for him," Adrian said, popping up beside me.

"What happened?" I asked, my voice plain, but curiosity filled me.

"It's not my place to tell. Wait for him; I know he will tell you because he loves you..." He faced me. "And you are special to him." He smiled, but suddenly his face turned confused. "By the way, I wonder... how is Zoey? I remember we left her in the mansion inside the school. Have you already contacted her?" He asked, worry creeping into his voice, remembering there was an existing Zoey.

"Tch. Don't mind her. She's probably sleeping soundly right now." I said, but when I decided to take a step away, I heard a scream.

"Waaah! I heard Zoey's name! Claire, when can I meet her again? Hihi, I'm so excited! I want to take more pictures of her! I also prepared my notebook for an autograph!" Cassy ran toward us in total excitement and threw her arms around my shoulders. "Uno already signed for it," she whispered, her eyes sparkling with bliss.

Just then, Coby came near and softly slapped the back of her head.

"Ouch!" She glared at him.

"You just saw her earlier, and you've been together for many days but never acted that way. And now you go crazy over her?? Tch. Tell me if you need a psychiatrist," Coby snorted, and now they started bickering once again. Tch.

"I think this is my cue to go," Adrian whispered to me.

"Me too."

He walked toward the living room, where Drena and Jenna were sitting and talking to each other, while I started walking toward my room.

Just then, I saw the door to Xenon’s room. Xenon... what happened to his family that made him act that way?

Suddenly, a memory from seven years ago popped into my head. What was he doing in the alley at that moment? He was even mad at those bastards.

Another mystery was added to my curiosity.

Why am I so curious about him!?

One thing I know...

I am already... completely pulled toward Xenon.

Including her... the Silencer.

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**Lucas POV**

I'm in the boys' room, sitting on the edge of my bed. It's our room ever since we first got here, except for Xenon because he has his own room, of course! This is his house!

"Lucas, please talk to me!" I heard her knocking on my door once again. She keeps insisting that we need to talk, but right now all I need is myself. I need distance from her. I need to think.

How can I do that if she's with me?

"Stella, don't make me say this again. I need to be alone... give me time to think! Just please... go." I pleaded.

"I-I know you f-feel disgusted by me. I u-understand. I'm s-sorry." She said in between her sobs, and then I heard footsteps running away.

Fuc*! I clenched my hand and ruffled my hair. I made her cry... I want to run to her and hug her so tight, but my mind says no because I need time—just a little bit of time...

I do not feel disgusted by her; why would I? You might not understand, but by next year she will be my wife. However... I don't fucking know my own fiancée!

Stella... Uno... and her attitude suddenly changed, which scares me! Fuc* it! I suddenly stood up.

I need to know more about her; I need to deal with my heart and my mind. There are too many questions that I want answers to, but I can't handle seeing her, or I will lose control and just follow my heart without dealing with my mind first... I can't let that happen.

It hurts me seeing her in that situation... It hurts hearing her sobs; it hurts knowing she cried because of me... but...

I want to give her what's best by finding myself first.

So I have decided... I called her, and with three rings, she answered the phone...

"Hello, Mrs. Sandoval..." I said and continued talking to her.

She's the only person I know who's close to Stella. I bet she knows something.

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**Venice Claire's POV**

I was walking toward the living room when I suddenly saw Stella walking faster toward the door. Tears were flowing down her cheeks, and I could still hear her sobs even after she had already gone outside.

She's hurt...

Will I be like that if Xenon discovers my identity?

I can handle all the pain physically, but... can I handle being hurt emotionally? Will I also cry?

Earlier... he suddenly turned cold toward me... it was something I didn't like... it squeezed my heart, and... it's not good.

For years I did not feel fear... but now, I can feel it. I felt fear.

Fear that one day he will ignore me... that one day he will want me out of his life. Now that... I have already fallen for him. Especially... the monster inside me.

I know because Xenon is the only person she does not kill; rather, she is dominated by lust.

That's why I have decided... I will keep my identity hidden from him for as long as I can. I want more time with Xenon; I want to be human for the rest of the five years of freedom given to me. I want to be with the person I love for the remaining time I have. 'Because I will make you happy the best that I can in every precious moment I have with you.' Each word coming from him is always fresh in my mind.

"In every precious moment... five years..." I murmured more to myself.

"Five years?" Drena asked in curiosity from behind. I turned my back to face her.