Black Magic

Chapter 37: Guilt Inside Us

THOMAS' POV

I stood in the garden, sweat dripping down my brow as I worked to cut off trees and maintain the beauty of the surroundings.

It was a peaceful scene, or so I thought.

Suddenly, Astrid stormed towards me, her face contorted with anger.

Confusion washed over me as she yelled at me, her words sharp and biting. "YOU NEED TO LEAVE THE MANSION IMMEDIATELY! IT'S AN ORDER FROM THE GENERAL!"

Her outburst caught me completely off guard. Astrid had never spoken to me like this before.

Trying to lighten the tension, I attempted to crack a joke. "Whoa, Astrid, what's got you all fired up? Did you forget to have your morning coffee?"

I chuckled, hoping to diffuse the situation with some humor.

But my attempt at lightening the mood only seemed to make things worse. Astrid's anger intensified, and she shouted at me, her voice filled with anger. "WE SHOULDN'T SEE EACH OTHER AGAIN, I DON'T WANT TO BE FRIENDS WITH A SERVENT WRENCH LIKE YOU!" she declared, her words piercing my heart. It hurt to see her so upset and to hear her say those words.

Frustration bubbled up within me. I had reached my limit. I was tired of feeling like a servant in this mansion, constantly at the beck and call of others.

Anger welled up inside me, and I couldn't hold back any longer.

In a fit of rage, I lashed out at Astrid. "I'M TIRED OF BEING TREATED LIKE A SLAVE HERE! I'M TIRED OF BEING TAKEN FOR GRANTED!" My words were sharp, matching the hurt that had welled up inside me.

Without waiting for a response, I turned away and stormed off, my footsteps heavy with anger.

As I walked away, I couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions-hurt, frustration, and a sense of liberation.

It was time for me to find my own path, to break free from the chains that bound me within the mansion's walls.

But I never left, I just stayed in my bedroom because I know that the guards won't ket me out until the general himself confirms my leave.

ASTRID'S POV

As I screamed at him, my heart filled with a mixture of guilt, fear, and love.

But I had no choice. My father, the one who I was bound to obey, had given a chilling order to his men-to end Thomas's life.

The weight of those words pressed heavily upon me, threatening to crush my spirit.

I knew my father's intentions were fueled by a twisted sense of power and control, and

I couldn't bear to see Thomas fall victim to his malevolence.

So, I made a difficult decision-I pretended to be angry at Thomas, driving him away and making him believe we should never see each other again.

Tears welled up in my eyes as I watched him leave, his footsteps heavy with disappointment and confusion.

The pain of pushing him away tore at my heart, but it was the only way to protect him, to keep him safe from the dangers that lurked in the shadows.

I knew deep down that if I had revealed the truth to Thomas, he would have stubbornly refused to listen.

He was fiercely independent and headstrong, always wanting to face challenges head-on. But this time, I couldn't let his determination put him in harm's way.

As my father called me with a seemingly joyful expression, my heart sank.

I knew that behind his smile lay a hidden agenda.

Reluctantly, I followed him to the garden, only to find ten gentlemen lined up before me.

Confusion and worry consumed my thoughts as I tried to comprehend the situation.

My father's words cut through the air, confirming my fears.

He explained that I would have the opportunity to test each of these men and choose one to marry.

Panic surged within me, and I couldn't bear the thought of being forced into a union with a stranger.

In a moment of desperation, I raised my voice, pleading with my father. "I don't want to get married! I want to choose my own path and follow my heart!"

The words escaped my lips, filled with frustration and defiance.

But instead of understanding or empathy, my father's face twisted with anger.

He shouted back at me, his voice booming through the garden.

"You will get married, and that's final! It is your duty, and you will obey!"

With courage welling up inside me, I defended myself against my father's insistence.

I mustered all the strength I had and spoke my truth, refusing to be silenced.

"I will not marry just any wealthy man you choose for me," I declared, my voice steady with determination.

"I refuse to subject myself to a life of mistreatment and unhappiness."

My father's face contorted with anger, but I refused to back down.

I had spent far too long suppressing my desires and dreams, and now was the time to finally break free from the chains that bound me.

"I deserve a life filled with love, respect, and genuine companionship," I continued.

"I will not settle for anything less. I want to choose my own partner, someone who will value me for who I am, and with whom I can build a future based on mutual love and understanding."

My father's fury erupted, his words laced with disdain. He attempted to assert his authority, insisting that his decision was final and that I had no say in the matter.

But I stood my ground, finding strength in my convictions. "I am my own person," I asserted, my voice rising.

"My happiness and well-being matter. I refuse to be treated as a mere pawn in your game of power and control."

As the tension in the garden thickened, I could feel the gaze of the suitors and the weight of their expectations upon me.

"I will not accept a life of unhappiness for the sake of tradition or societal expectations," I concluded, my voice ringing with determination. "I will choose love on my own terms, or I will choose none at all."