God of Temptation

Chapter 44

~Ariella~

As the day unfolded at the meetup, the weight of that encounter with Remi still lingered heavily. Our paths crossed, yet mercifully, he refrained from engaging me in conversation. Our interactions were reduced to obligatory pleasantries, lest we stir discomfort among the others present. It's moments like these that reaffirm the wisdom, not to keep in the family.

Despite the veneer of normalcy, there was an undeniable void in the air, a palpable absence stemming from Remi's conspicuous detachment. While the rest of us engaged in lively discourse and playful banter, Remi remained aloof, silently sipping his tea and offering fleeting smiles devoid of genuine warmth. Even when Criegh draped an arm around his shoulders in a gesture of camaraderie, Remi's laughter rang hollow, its authenticity called into question.

I couldn't help but speculate on the sincerity of his emotions, both in his laughter and, perhaps, in his apologies. Yet, amidst these ruminations, a startling notion emerged: could his lack of earnestness be a reflection of my own influence? Such a thought seemed preposterous, especially considering it was Remi who had distanced himself from me in the first place.

As the time to leave draws near, I notice Remi's absence, though I make a conscious effort not to inquire about his whereabouts. It's not as if I'm looking for him, but everyone else seems to be present to bid farewell.

"Where is Remi? I can't see him," Aunt Elsa inquires as she embraces Aunt Teal, concern etched in her expression.

Aunt Teal gives me a sad smile before addressing Aunt Elsa, "He said he wasn't feeling well."

"I hope he gets well soon. He's been acting really weird for the past few weeks. I miss him," Aunt Elsa expresses, her worry evident in her voice. Uncle Aiden pulls her close, planting a gentle kiss on her forehead. "Don't worry, sweetheart. That little shit knows how to get his shit done."

"Yo, King, careful. Don't call my son shit," Uncle Ronan interjects, coming up behind Uncle Aiden and giving him a playful smack on the head. Uncle Aiden shoots him a glare, and if looks could kill we would have been at Uncle Ronan's funeral. But Uncle Ronan remains unfazed, wrapping his arms around Aunt Teal.

Dad joins the banter, delivering a well-aimed smack to Uncle Ronan's head. "Your son isn't just shit, he's an entire trash dump. Tell him to stay away from my daughter." Uncle Ronan retaliates with his own glare, and Uncle Aiden is too busy feeling smug he doesn't notice but also receives a smack from dad in return.

Aunt Teal and Aunt Elsa burst into laughter at the exchange. "This is for not stopping your son from going after my daughter, a-hole," Dad says, earning a round of chuckles from the rest of us.

Uncle Xander's voice interrupts the playful bickering, bringing us back to reality. "What are you guys, teenagers? Smacking each other."

Realizing it's time to depart, we all gather by our parents' sides. Vivian stands with her father, Uncle Knox who has his arm wrapped around Aunt Ana and her. While Glyndon stands with Uncle Levi, who wraps an arm around their shoulder. Brandon and Landon stand together with their mother, while Uncle Xander and Aunt Kim stand side by side with Cecily. Uncle Aiden embraces his wife and sister, and Eli and Creigh stand together, as usual. Creigh remains engrossed in his phone, while Eli sneaks peeks over his shoulder. Uncle Daniel stands with Aunt Nicole who is replying to something Aunt Astrid in her ear. Conrad irritates an already irritated Kaitlyn, that guy really has a death wish. I stand together Dad wraps an arm around my shoulder, and Ava stands with Mom, embracing her from behind.

The playful banter takes a more serious turn as Uncle Aiden continues his teasing, prompting Dad to shoot him a stern glare. "You know, Cole, Ava was supposed to be my son's since she was born. Nothing could've stopped him," Uncle Aiden jests, his tone lighthearted yet hinting at an underlying truth.

Dad's glare intensifies, and he shoots a pointed look towards Eli, who puffs his chest out with a smirk, clearly reveling in the tension. Meanwhile, Ava seeks refuge behind Mom, clearly feeling bashful under the spotlight.

Uncle Aiden, not content with just teasing Dad about Ava, decides to stir the pot further by bringing up Remi and me. "Now, you should also know, Ariella is Remi's to take. He's going to steal your other daughter away," he continues, a mischievous glint in his eye.

As if they forgot their earlier banter, Uncle Ronan and Aiden exchange a fist bump, reveling in their mischief. "I'm looking forward to the day I see you with my son at the altar," Uncle Ronan adds with a joking tone, though his underlying seriousness is palpable.

My heart sinks at the thought. Despite the earlier banter, I realize now more than ever that I don't want that future with Remi anymore. If this exchange is any indication of what lies ahead, it's clear to me that Remi will only continue to bring me pain. I don't have the strength or endurance to withstand it anymore.

"I'll be more persistent this time. I won't let anyone steal my precious flower away," Dad declares, planting a kiss on the top of my head. However, Uncle Daniel and Knox give Dad an side eye which even makes me laugh. 

Uncle Levi decides to intervene, saying, "Feel as smug as you want, Daniel and Knix. But I'll come to you when some boy comes and take your daughters away too."

Quick as lightning, Uncle Knox tucks Vivian between her and Aunt Ana wrapping an protective arm around her, whereas Uncle Daniel grabs Kaitlyn, who was standing nearby, and pulls her between him and Aunt Nicole, "No way. First, he has to die before he can take my beautiful daughter away," he quips. Kaitlyn and Aunt Nicole exchange puzzled looks. "You mean you're going to let a ghost take me away?" Kaitlyn teases, barely able to suppress her smile.

"No, no. What I mean is, he can never take you away," Uncle Daniel corrects himself, earning a smile from Kaitlyn. "Okay, Dad. He won't take me away," she assures him, then proceeds to hug him tightly.

Uncle Daniel's smile widens as he gives smug looks to Dad, Uncle Levi, and Xander, who simply shakes his head. "They all say that," Uncle Levi remarks, sounding somewhat dejected.

"But then they end up falling for ugly lizards." Uncle Xander says. 

"Dad!" Cecy exclaims, looking at him reproachfully. "Don't call Jeremy a lizard."

"And then they start defending them too," Dad adds, shooting Eli a glare. Eli just shrugs and steps forward to kiss Ava's forehead, further provoking my dad.

Lost in my thoughts, I find solace in the warmth of my family's embrace, even as I grapple with the uncertainties that lie ahead. Deep down, I know that finding true happiness will require me to confront my past and embrace the possibility of a future filled with love and healing. But for now, I take comfort in the laughter and love that surrounds me, knowing that my family will always be there to support me, no matter what challenges may come my way.

As everyone bids each other farewell, we eventually make our way home. When I enter my room, I'm surprised to see Remington standing at the threshold of my window.