Crimson Mists

28. Gratitude and Animosity(1).

As I left the Praise, I jammed Hilda turning the same corner I was about to, and I began interrogating her on how she succeeded in breaking into the mansion and taking down Allen. I was so sure she wasn't alone. She had some help.

"You and I have some things to discuss Hilda. Actually, a lot of things," I said, stopping right before her.

She was cloaked in an all black outfit, pants and a baggy jacket and on scanning her, I was glad to find that she wasn't battered, meaning Allen's men had actually listened to my order.

"Some secrets are not meant for the walls, I've learned. Even the walls have ears," she said, her expression as mirthful as the day she confirmed my suspicious of her mental illness being faux.

"Well then, what do you say to stargazing today? Tomorrow?"

There was a small smile on her face as she said, "That would be a marvellous idea. I'd find you when it's time. Take care."

"You too."

I watched her leave, before I continued my journey till I was at Allen's office. As I pulled the door open and my presence registered, the first question Henry asked was , "How did it go?"

"Better than I expected." I sat down before them so we could continue the meeting from where we left off.

I was flipping through some prints when Allen asked. "Is she gone?"

I paused mid-flip, avoiding his gaze for reasons I didn't know as I said, "I don't know."

An awkward silence took over.

"Okay, let me explain," I said, leaning forward and adjusting on my seat as if it burned.

"Well, maybe you should start with why I'm sitting next to the leader of the silver spoon mafia. Harida, do you know what you're getting yourself into?"

I was shocked at Henry's anger and when my eyes fitted to Avian to gauge his reaction, his eyes shone dangerously and he tilted his head at me. He was looking so calm for someone who they'd just proclaimed dangerous. I thought all mafia heads were hot-blooded. At least, that was what Wattpad made me believe. Men, I missed my phone!

"Yeah, I know Henry. I know you'll tell me to back out of saving those girls cause I'll inherit enemies if I succeeded." I sighed and leaned back on my seat.

Henry snapped his finger and raised his left palm towards the sky. I couldn't tell if the expression on his face was relief, or mock relief. "I really thought we'd lost you when you proclaimed yourself king of this Mafia," he said.

"Proclaimed?" Avian asked, the first proper words exiting his lips since the start of our meeting where he'd sat without waiting for my permission, and had dropped documents on my desk after he got in.

"Yeah," Benry replied Avian with an equal animosity. "She hadn't fought a duel but she sold their belief that she murdered her father perfectly well.

"That's great," Avian said to Henry, his gaze on me, and a little bit of something flashing in his eyes. Was it pride, disgust or regret?

"If we are done with this meeting, I'd like to speak one on one with her. We have some unfinished business to discuss."

"What?!" Henry looked like he'd been slapped, his gaze moving back and forth between Avian and I.

I just couldn't look and any of them so I stared at the table top. It seemed like the testosterone level in the room had increased.

But then, I remember I hadn't thanked Avain personally. Not that I had an issue with Henry's presence but he'd cussed Avian two minutes ago. If that wasn't a cuss it was a dangerous insinuation.

"Please, can you excuse us Henry? It wouldn't take long."

Henry looked between us again and I could tell he was shielding his real emotions. He said nothing, just nodded repeatedly and exited the room slowly for us, looking back at me every two steps he took.

Only when the door was shut did Avian look at me in expectation. "So miss Harida, I don't expect you keep up with the ruse of our relationships, in case you were worried."

"I -" Avian was cut off by my hug. I too didn't know why I'd acted impulsively, but as my arms wrapped against his torso, I had a pretty image of how much he'd helped to bring my dad down and I wondered why.

"Why?" I asked.

His arms reluctantly went up to shield me. I felt cocooned by his warm aura, one which I knew he always exuded when you were at a close proximity to him.  "Well, your dad was the one threatening you into a relationship with me. And now, after seeing your first ever option and how you care for him, I have a lucid view of where I stand to you."

"No," I said, pulling away from the hug to look up at his face. "That's not what I asked. "Why did you kill -"

He kissed me without hesitation so that whatever I was about to say was muffled in my throat.

I was stunned into silence, revelling at what led to the kiss, and what happened during it.

Avian cut me from my haze.

"Whatever questions you have I'd answer them in our usual location by the garden, at a time of your choosing. I'm sorry about what just happed Harida," he said. "I didn't mean to force you."

At the daybreak of Avians's words, the door was pushed open and Henry stood there, eyes trained on me.

I couldn't describe what he saw that made him immobile for what felt like hours, but he turned and walked away.

"Two?" A voice in the background asked.

"Excuse me?" My voice sounded unrecognisable, I guess I'd been dazzled.

"Let's meet by two."

...it was Avian.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Another update guys! At chapter twenty- eight, there only about seven more chapter and I'm glad I've got y'all reading this. However, I'm concerned about the relatively low readers turnout. Is it the novel that isn't or my aurhor's note aren't engaging enough. Please and please. I need your help in inviting new readers. We can do this!

If you enjoy the novel(ignoring how I'm yet to find a suitable title or cover of course) please share, be it on or off Wattpad.

Also, if there's something bordering you about the novel, you can lay complaints and draft a constructive criticism for improvement. My email address is "ninaemma655@gmail.com"

. Just be aware that this is a first draft and the editing process would be right after I'm done writing this draft.

Ooh, that's not all...

I also want to inform you guys that I'm participating in the Creative Choice Award and for our novel to win, we need as much +1 votes as we can. Voting is ongoing on Wattpad till December and here's the link to the chapter {{

https://www.wattpad.com/1462690117?utm_source=ios&utm_medium=link&utm_content=share_reading&wp_page=reading_part_end&wp_uname=NoveltyOnly

}}

The link is also on my bio incase you can't accesss this one.
Please do well to vote for Henry and Harida, and all your other faves. Or is it Hilda and Avian?

Yours,
Emma♥️