Into The Abyss

His Ruin, Her Demise (3)

She was a nasty woman for sixty, born from a concubine mother in a prestigious household. She was disfavored but rose above others because of her intellect.

Since she was toughened by hardships and has a heart of stone, she doesn't even think twice in sending her only granddaughter to be collateral for greater leverage in court.

My mother, who fled with her younger lover after birthing five children, was like dirt in the madam's eyes. And since I was that bitch's child, imagine how harsh she treats me.

Well, just like what I've said before it doesn't matter as long as my brothers live comfortably. But that assurance isn't enough. My brothers are growing and I know that once I leave this household to another, I cannot protect my brothers the way I use to when I was beside them.

The Madam will likely use them as pawns too, or worse send them off to people with bad intentions to consolidate power.

That's never going to happen as long as I live.

"Are you listening, Eliana?" she asked in a stern voice. A hint of displeasure flashed across her face as she eyed me. I lowered my gaze and apologized.

"Three families have sent their marriage cards to my household. At the end of the year, I shall announce which family you'll be marrying in. Do you understand?"

Garen was a good husband, great even, that sometimes I think that I did not deserve this kind of person. He never took another concubine even if his parents were urging him. He said I was enough. The parents submitted but a heir to the family, that they cannot surrender.

Every time I spent the night with Garen, I can only think of one man: Zion. I think of him when my husband kisses me, I think of him when he hugs me.

Zion. Zion. Zion.

Even if I told myself not to wait for you, a part of me still did. And it hurts because you failed me. It hurts.

"Don't cry, Eliana. I'm sorry I hurt you," Garen consoled me when he saw my tears.

He has always been gentle in handling me, as if I was a fragile china—which represents me quite perfectly. I am on the verge of being broken: a beautiful piece that is destined for rapture.

He let me lean on his bare chest while caressing my back, "I know I wasn't the person you want. But I will work hard to earn your love. I won't disappoint you."

I don't believe in promises anymore, Garen. I'm sorry too. But I did not tell him that because I don't want his heart to break like mine.

"I want my brothers to live with me, Garen. Please let them come here," I pleaded.

Garen smiled, "Of course."

Not even a day passed when I saw my brother passed the entrance of the courtyard, dazedly looking around the residence. The sun was bright and fall has only started but it felt like spring to me.

Removing all traces of sadness off my face, I welcomed them with hugs and showered them with kisses. Behind them was Garen, smiling at our little reunion. I beckoned him to get closer and join in.

"Are you happy, Eliana?" Garen asked me one night as we lay underneath the covers. He was holding my hand, caressing my fingers like a gentle lover would. I leaned sideways and faced him, staring at his eyes.

"Yes. Thank you," I said as I kissed him.

For the next ten years we lived like that—content and satisfied. My brothers worked at Garen's family business, while I spent my days taking care of my husband and our children.