Sinister Obsession: Macsen Massey (Emperor Series, #3) ✔️

Chapter 43

Chapter 43

Bellona is getting harder and harder to pursue, but Macsen is getting more determined as the days pass. Like he promised, the Emperor visited again the following day, and to his surprise, the Duke didn't make an attack. He strode the hallway to Bellona's room; it looked like she was just about to have her dinner because the servants were busy bustling around with trays and the scent of a sweet dinner was ready.

Macsen actually has plans for the night. He brought with him his men's gifts; he even asked the servants to prepare the garden because he's going to ask her to have dinner with him. Although that sounds impossible, there's really no such thing as impossible for someone who is so desperate and depressed.

"My lady," Macsen greeted. "I'm here again."

Bellona was getting used to his presence. "Your Majesty, have you eaten yet?" She asked, making his heart flutter. His soul softened; she's truly an angel.

"Why would you eat with me if I asked you?" Macsen asked.

He thought he was going to get rejected; he was expecting it. But to his surprise, her answer was, "Let's eat then."

His eyes watered; he couldn't help but get teary-eyed with happiness. "Thank you for giving me this opportunity, Belle. I won't miss this, and I won't disappoint you," he said.

Emperor Macsen took her to the manor's garden. He really prepared a lot; the servants decorated the place with hanging lights, brightening the place. The truth is, Bellona appreciates the Emperor's efforts. She's not that bad to disregard his hard work. She may be hard on him, but she appreciates all his consistency and gifts. He is consistent every day, every week, and every month. As if he's not getting tired at all. It's been months, and he's still the same. The Emperor, who's been pursuing her the whole time,.

They ate silently in the bright place. And when they finished eating, the Emperor waited until Bellona was ready to share his interest that night.

"I know I'm asking for too much, but may I dance with you, my lady?" He gently asked, nervous as heck as he's expecting to be rejected.

But Belle smiled nicely and nodded. Emperor Macsen did not waste his chances. He stood up to gently ask for her hands, and she willingly gave them to him. Together, beneath the dark skies and twinkling dust in the skies. Under the moonlight, the Emperor cried while dancing with her. It feels like forever, but at the same time, it feels like his last as well. He's scared this might be just a dream; he's afraid he might suddenly wake up. If this is a dream, then he doesn't want to wake up at all.

But he's more scared if this is reality and becomes his last. What if Belle has plans to end her relationship with him? That's why she's savoring her last moments with him. Oh no, his heart is breaking. But before he could drown in his sad thoughts, he decided to tell her a story. He wanted to do this ever since, but he was a coward and in denial of his feelings. And that makes him the stupidest person.

With the whistling wind serving as their gentle music, Macsen started the conversation. "Won't you mind if I tell you something about me? You don't have to do anything. You don't even have to listen; I'm not forcing you to; I just want to share with you one of my darkest secrets," he said with agony, his chest hurting. "I trust you, Belle. And I don't want to hide anything from you anymore. I'm not telling you this to gain your pity or sympathy. I simply want to tell you my story."

They danced against the night while he told her his story wholeheartedly. "I was the abducted Vassily. I don't know if you've heard of the rumors already, but it's true. I'm the Vassily kid who was abducted, tortured for many days, and starved to death. I was just a kid, and I almost didn't know what to do. However, I was trained my whole life, every day and night, to defend myself in times of trouble. So fortunately, despite all the big men guarding me, I managed to run away. Yes, Belle, I escaped that hell. I thought I was going to die. But I got used to the pain since I was small. The torture hurt me, but I managed to survive day by day and little by little," he said, his voice cracking in pain.