Dancing In Pandora | Miles Quaritch x OC

Chapter 24

Above is her wedding gown, forgot to upload it last... Year... Last chapter... Hehe...

In the chilly confines of her office, Viktoria O'Connell stood resplendent in the magnificence of her wedding gown, the diamonds adorning it transforming into a radiant beacon amid the otherwise dimly lit space. Just beyond the entrance, Miles Quaritch stood sentinel, ensuring that the long-anticipated reunion between father and daughter remained undisturbed. Unbeknownst to him, concealed behind the very doors he diligently guarded, a clandestine discussion unfolded concerning the unfolding plan for Earth's destruction. The mere contemplation of their ominous agenda held the potential to cast them onto the precipice of danger. However, even if Quaritch were to inadvertently discover their mission to obliterate Earth and assert control over Pandora, he clung to an unwavering commitment to silence, never daring to breathe a word of the clandestine meeting. His sole preoccupation rested with his wife, and with indifference to the fate that might befall others, he resolved to keep the explosive secret hidden from prying ears.

Inside the office:

Viktoria: "Father, how steadily does Earth crumble under its own weight?"

Roman (holographic projection): "My Dear, the planet descends further into decay. Our escape plan advances; the clandestine spacecraft nears completion. Our family's future hinges on its readiness."

Viktoria: "Good. The fate of humanity is of no consequence. Our kin's survival is paramount, even if it means abandoning this dying realm. What news of our escape vessel?"

Roman: "Progress is satisfactory. Pandora's resources fuel our journey. Yet, for our sanctuary to thrive, your control over Pandora's human faction is indispensable."

Viktoria: "Fear has made them pliable, puppets dancing to my design. Earth's demise is an essential sacrifice. Destruction must end here so that a new chapter begins in Pandora."

Roman: "Viktoria... our detachment defines us. The eradication of human life is the prelude to our family's salvation. As Earth unravels, our escape to Pandora shall bring an end to destruction's relentless pursuit."

Viktoria: "I am orchestrating the groundwork for our arrival on Pandora. Our dominion must be absolute, ensuring that the remnants of Earth's chaos do not follow us to our sanctuary. Our family's legacy will endure, untouched by the demise we leave behind."

The inception of their conversation held an icy veneer, ruthless in its discussions of impending doom for billions and the complete obliteration of their home planet. Yet, as their cold, calculated strategies unfolded, an undercurrent of warmth and concern emerged between the father and daughter. Tears welled in their eyes, betraying the emotional weight of their choices. Roman, confident in Viktoria's well-being on Pandora, saw her strength and knew she wasn't powerless. However, unbeknownst to Viktoria, her father was alive, a fact she had hidden from herself for three agonizing years. She had concealed the dread and deep fear that he might be gone, torturing herself with the unanswered question. Refusing to seek information from Michael, she harbored an unspoken fear that the news might be far from positive. So, when confronted with his holographic presence, clad in the iconic O'Connell royal attire, standing resolute despite the visible signs of aging, Viktoria's emotions finally surfaced. The tears in her eyes reflected not just the relief of knowing he was alive, but also the emotional toll of years spent in uncertainty and secrecy.

"I'm glad you're fine..." Viktoria choked out, "I was afraid..."

Roman gazed at his daughter, a paragon of enduring determination and unwavering strength. Stubbornness had been her constant companion from the moment they crossed paths, and even more so when he decided to bring her and her twin into their lives. He knew her inside out, recognizing the intricate web of emotions that she so adeptly concealed. As he observed her trembling form, a mixture of exasperation and deep understanding played across his face.

She held back tears, biting her lip, her hands tightly crumpling her elegant wedding gown. In that moment, she resembled the resilient little girl who had steadfastly refused to shed tears when the realization of safety finally set in. Roman saw in her the child who had emerged from the shadows of danger, the one who clung desperately to him, fearing the vanishing dream of a life free from starvation and violence.

She remained his beloved little darling, his enduring baby girl, and today, she had stepped into the role of a married woman. The weight of this transformative day choked him with tears. Despite anticipating this moment, all he yearned for was to fly to Pandora, to wrap his arms around his daughter, to embrace the grown woman who had once been that little girl clinging to him, afraid of losing the haven of ease and safety.

For now, all he could say was, "and leave my little girl behind? Never." The words held a solemn promise, a declaration of unwavering devotion that transcended the vast expanse of space.

The two spent another hour in emotional tumult, exchanging tears and solace. Unbeknownst to them, outside the office where Miles Quaritch stood guard, he faced the consequences of his actions. Before him stood a tearful Paz Socorro, her still-small belly subtly revealing signs of a pregnancy that had progressed a few months. Unmoved by the revelation, Quaritch sneered at her, vehemently denying any connection to the unborn child. In his mind, the affair had taken place two years ago, rendering the notion of paternity inconceivable.

"What do you want, Socorro?" He spat with disgust, a self-loathing undertone accompanying his words.

"You look at me as if I'm the most disgusting thing you've ever set eyes on," Paz whispered shakily.

"You're a reminder of my most regretful past and actions, so I'm sorry if all I can portray to you is my utter disgust and hatred."

Paz, fueled by anger and humiliation, retorted, "That's big talk coming from the father of my child."

His icy facade shattered. He pinned her to the wall, his hand wrapped around her throat in a fit of anger. "I don't know what the fuck you're up to, but I sure as hell am not that thing's father! The affair was two years ago; how the fuck would you be pregnant with my kid now?"

"Kind of sad you don't remember, but I guess it makes sense if you don't. After all, you were so fucking depressed that you drank yourself to oblivion," she sneered.

His grip tightened. "What the fuck do you mean? What did you do?"

"Ha! What did I do?! I took your sorry ass to your quarters, but then you grabbed me. You fucking kissed me and ripped my clothes. I thought you finally realized that I was there for you, but imagine the humiliation I felt when you fucked me again but called HER name instead. AGAIN!"

Quaritch froze. His blood ran cold. Faint memories of someone helping him to bed five months ago surfaced, coupled with a dream of being with Viktoria. It dawned on him that in his drunken stupor, he had slept with someone else and gotten her pregnant.

"No..." He shook his head, refusing to believe it.

"HAHAHA! Believe it or not, Quaritch, the kid is yours." She sneered at him, defiance in her eyes despite the constriction of air in her lungs.

*****

1119 words

Stream Ateez for clear skin (also recommend you watch It's You by Wooyoung, San, and Yeosang from Ateez 🫣)