Chapter 6: Chapter 6: Abort mission
I propelled my body and fell on the cold asphalt but I didn't expect the outcome I got. The blinding lights from the car teleported me back to the night of my accident. My bones stiffened and the blood in my veins turned to ice.
Time itself froze and when it started ticking again all I heard was the loud beating sound of my heart, just banging against my ribcage like it wanted to rip out of my chest.
I soon found that I was having difficulty breathing. What's happening to me?… I think I'm having a panic attack…
I gasped louder for air and suddenly the car that stopped inches away from my face didn't seem to be my biggest problem.
My vision was glazing over and my hearing went foggy. I could somehow hear the calling out from the driver but it sounded muffled and distant. Also, I was too engrossed in what was happening to my body to react.
Then suddenly my shoulders got yanked by someone else.
"Hey!" He called out to me but I was slipping away faster than his words could reach me. "Hey! Can you hear me?" He kept on tugging me and then he suddenly shouted at the top of his lungs.
"HEY!"
My ears almost went deaf from his screams, that's all I needed to get a hold of myself. My vision cleared and the man before me came into view.
What in the world?…
My expression became worse as I moved my gaze from the man crouching down at me to the driver standing not far off. Did the panic attack fry my brains out?
This man looked extremely good looking and his tux screamed of wealthy aura yet, the only thought in my head was,
This man is not Sebastian Cornelius! He was bent down to my level so I got a clear look at him.
How did this happen?! I moved my gaze to the car and I almost passed out! That's a Rolls Royce not a Maybach. Oh my Gosh! I'm so screwed.
[This is not Sebastian Cornelius. Abort mission, I repeat, ABORT MISSION!!]
What? The voice in my head didn't leave? Well, that's not important right now, I need to make a run for it!
In the blink of an eye, I pushed him away and ran like the wind. I could've sworn his butt landed on the cold asphalt but I was too busy running away to care.
Argh! So frustrating. I made a complete fool of myself, no that's not the issue here. I almost died all for nothing!
But worse of all, tonight was a waste which means I have 89 days left starting tomorrow. I wasn't able to make any progress. This is bad, this is really bad!
I thought I totally lucked out, but clearly, I have to get my eyes checked.
Curse those damn cars, why do they have to look so alike? Or should I just blame it on the dark skies?
Whatever it is, I'm toast if I don't find a way to meet Sebastian Cornelius.
That's right, I remember there's gonna be an art exhibit scheduled for tomorrow, everyone was talking about his sudden appearance but I didn't attend as usual.
Fine, I still have a shot. I must meet him tomorrow no matter what!
I made up my mind the minute I arrived home, or should I say the Whitemore's house? I haven't been acknowledged so there's no reason to call it my home.
The door shut behind me and what a scene to behold!
"Lyla, where have you been and where are you coming from at this late hour?!" Regulus roared and my body fell unnaturally still.
Wait, this didn't happen in my previous life, what's going on now? Why is the whole family gathered here?
"Have you suddenly gone mute?! And what did I hear that you sent some servants away, on whose command do you make such decisions and live as you please?!"
Oh, so that's what this is about. My eyes darted to the rest of the family lounging on the sofas but Beatrice held Carla in her arms like a three-year-old.
I see, she threw me under the bus too. Typical Carla.
"Father, I can explain"
"Save it! Since when have your words been worthy of reaching my ears? The best you can do is stay as quiet as possible, but you can't do that much! I'm glad the marriage between you and Mr. Mallow has been finalized. You'll be leaving the moment you come of age, humph!"
My involvement with the maids must've changed some things. Originally, the whole family wasn't supposed to meet after my display at dinner last night, but this issue changed that, so now he announced the marriage plans ahead of time.
"On that note, I don't want you leaving the house for this three-month period before the marriage"
What? No! My only hope of escaping my cursed future is to find Sebastian, if I'm locked up in here then I'm a goner.
"Father, it's quite the opposite" I voiced with a smile. I would do anything to save my plans, even if it means smiling, kneeling, or if I have to kowtow at the enemy, I would! It's all an act anyway, so no one can stand in my way!
I watched his brow raise in skepticism so I added.
"Since I'm getting married when I turn eighteen, then I should spend the last three months of my life being a child and just having fun. I promise not to cause any trouble until I leave" I took a deep bow and straightened my posture.
Even their silence spoke louder than any word. It was clear they were shocked by my words. They never expected I would take the news of the marriage so calmly but that's only because I have a plan otherwise I would've wreaked havoc and pulled down the entire house. Well, at least before I'm shot with a tranquilizer and sent to the zoo!
Yes, Regulus was capable of that much.
"It's good to know you're happy with the marriage agreement"
Happy is a strong word but if that would keep my neck out of water then he can think whatever he wants. "Of course, I know the decision is for the family so I will do my best"
The living room fell silent again, my sudden compliance must be alarming. I knew he thought I would try to escape that's why he suggested I stay indoors until then, so he's at least aware of the heinousness behind his plans.
"You can select a set of new servants to suit your needs"
His declaration almost made me laugh hysterically. So my reward for sucking in the trash of a proposal was to select my maids as if that would change anything. The maids that were chased out were also once new but that didn't stop Beatrice and Carla from pitching them against me.
"Thank you, Father" I smiled and watched his figure retreat and so all the others stood up and left but not without casting a belittling glance at me. I doubt they even stare at a pile of garbage that way.
It's hard to understand the people I call my brothers. If I throw a tantrum and plead against the wedding, I already know how it ends but when I don't, they also look at me like crap. Ha! If only they knew my dream was to escape them. They seem to think they hate me but they have no idea how repulsed their very presence makes me feel.
I made a beeline for my room but someone was tailing behind me. I really don't wanna have a conversation right now. My evening was a mess already but I knew the person behind me would intrude nonetheless.
I opened my door and walked in and before I could shut the door a hand blasted through and pushed it open.
I turned back to see the last person I wanted to set my eyes on and before I could politely ask anything a hot slap found its way to my cheeks.
"Pah!"
My neck whipped to the side and my weak body lost stamina leading me to the ground. Within seconds the stinging feeling enveloped my cheeks and my skin burned from the impact.
At this rate, I might go insane before I reach Sebastian Cornelius!