The Risen HODWII

Chapter 8 : Her Past

"What's worse is that... she was wounded and in critical condition, so we immediately rushed her to the nearest hospital," she added.

"What... happened to her?" I asked hesitantly, looking beyond the dark place in front of me. I didn't realize my hands had formed into fists.

"That's the problem... we don't know," she stated sadly.

"What? But it's been—"

She cut me off. "When she recovered, she never talked... she became so dull... emotionless. I can't find anything in her but a mute little girl, not my happy little child." That suddenly caught my attention.

Her disappearance changed her... what happened to her during those two months? Curiosity filled me.

"Her case was closed because of her silence... but when she turned to high school, something vague happened. One night, I didn't see her in her room. I waited... and she came home at 3 in the morning. When she woke up, I decided to scold her, but I was stopped... she greeted me with 'good morning' and smiled at me. It was the moment I couldn't forget... my child was back." She let out a weak smile.

I just listened and waited for her to continue.

"I let her disappear at night... that happened many times, but it had good effects on her. However... her behavior changed every time I asked what happened to her when she disappeared at the camp...

Just when I discovered that she turned into a..." It seemed like she couldn't continue her words.

"Bipolar..." I finished in a low voice, which made her face me.

"Lucas, please understand the situation she was in. Bear with her attitude; it might be hard, but please... I saw her eyes the moment she looked at you. I knew you were special to her, so please—

I'm begging you... give my child a chance. She needs help, and she needs you..." she pleaded desperately. She loves her child this much.

I let out a sly smile. "You don't need to plead, Tita. Stella is very special to me, and I will do anything for her. Stop worrying; I will deal with her attitude... I will help her the way I can." Stella might have become Uno, known as the most brutal fighter in history, but that happened because of her past experiences, which are still unknown. It must have been very hard for her... and she needs someone to help her. She needs me, but I denied it earlier. This time, I will do what I can to save... the girl I love.

"Thank you, Lucas. Oh! Thank you so much!" she said, holding my hand in gratitude.

"She's my fiancée, and I won't leave her in darkness." I love Stella, and I will save her. She gave me her wide, genuine smile. "She's very lucky to have you."

"As I am to have her," I smiled.

"I won't take long, Lucas. My husband is surely looking for me. I'm so happy we had this talk," she said as she stood up.

"Okay, Tita. I think I have something to do too," I said and walked on our different paths.

Hang on, Stella... wait for me...

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**Venice Claire's POV**

The moment we got home, I decided to go to my room, but when I stepped onto the second floor, I sensed Xenon leaning on his door. I had no choice but to continue walking toward my room.

"Claire..." He stood straight the moment he saw me, but I continued walking; it feels good to make fun of him sometimes.

I smirked secretly, but he suddenly stopped me by holding my arm. "You're making it hard for me..." he said in a low voice. However, I continued to ignore him. "Fine, I'm sorry for how I acted earlier. It was childish... forgive me?" I could feel his sincerity, which made me bite my inside cheek.

But... when I looked into his eyes full of hope...

I couldn't help but let out a small laugh. I was just playing with him, but he took it seriously. Oh, what did I do to this guy!

I stopped laughing when I saw him frozen in his spot, looking at me with a look that I couldn't decipher. I bit my lower lip as I realized that...

"You... laugh. The most beautiful melody I have ever heard..." he said, still stunned, with glistening eyes.

"Tch. I'm going to take my nap." All of a sudden, my attitude changed back to my normal plain blank. I tried to pull my arm away from him, but he wouldn't let go. I couldn't use force... or he would get a clue.

"What's yo—" I stopped when he suddenly pulled me toward him... hugging me.

"I won't get tired of hearing your laughter. I heard it just for the first time, but it never leaves my ears until now... it keeps replaying, and I won't get tired of it," he whispered softly in my ear as he tightened the hug and buried his face in the crook of my neck, smelling my scent.

It feels so good... I couldn't help but wrap my arms around him and close my eyes, savoring the moment. I won't get tired of this...

He pulled out of the hug. "Tomorrow..." he said, tucking some strands of my hair that covered part of my face behind my ear. These simple gestures of his are heartwarming.

"Tomorrow, I will tell you."

My forehead furrowed. "Tell me... what?" I felt confused by his words; I was too lost in his gestures for my mind to function well.

He chuckled. "Now, take your nap. I think you need it. Let's talk tomorrow." He said as he softly pushed me away.

"Aish. Fine, it seems like you're getting rid of me," I said while walking toward my room. However... I felt him smirk. "Tch. You just don't know how much I want to pull you into my room." I blushed when I heard him murmur those words...

It was too low, but my hearing ability picked it up clearly. I immediately opened my door and got inside. After closing it, I leaned against the door and felt my heart with my hand.

It was accelerating too fast!