Chapter 571: Confession (1/2)
Three pillars reaching for the heavens. The train tracks merged into a little station at the 'entrance' of town. Pulled on a private road build like a fortress, guards in heavy camo and armed to the teeth made camp. The checking outpost, a tank as well as machine guns were placed in strategic positions. Men in uniform, the sight sent Alicia's heart into a rave. Two knocks, the window rolled, ”-sir, this is a private road.”
”I'm Igna Haggard, this is the first time I've used the road.”
”Haggard,” he turned to check with the other, nods and radio transmission. The gates opened to a very empty passage since trees gave the impression of walls as the foliage spread in an encompassing manner.
”About earlier…”
”Say it already,” returned he harshly, ”-is there something I need to know, or you want to say?”
”I'm sorry…”
”About what, being under the influence?” they turned inward to the skyscrapers, ”-if that's all, then, there's no cause for concern. I don't care what you do, your life, no place for me to judge. Tell me one thing,” they stopped at an intersection, ”-how was the trip with Julius?”
”Fun, I enjoyed it,” she smiled.
”Good, then, it's about time you head to Alphia,” the door opened, ”-go check in with the receptionist. I've made the arrangements; besides, Celina's already begun her life. As for me, I don't think I'll be needing a manager. Tis more trouble than I require.”
”Y-yeah,” her shoulders slumped, ”-I'm j-just a manager. I-it hurts b-but hey,” abruptly glancing back, ”-I came here to help, not be a burden.”
”Stop,” he held her wrist, ”-don't misunderstand, we're going back together. The arrangements are for a better place to stay as well as a car. Go enjoy the whole of Hidros. I'm going to be busy; things are hard as is. Be careful, call if you need anything.”
The blurred vision cleared at a simple caring smile. For the many days spent apart and together, living as one in Alphia spurred on things she couldn't describe. Suga and Emi saw right through her feeble heart.
”Igna,” the grip lessened, she turned, ”-you're the only one for me.” No warning, no time to react, her tender lips locked against his. Hot cheeks inched away, her long and feeble finger moved to rest onto the lower lips, her pupils grew like a droplet hitting a serene lake.
”Tell me,” he softly moved to hold the back of her head, ”-why not, why?”
”I'm scared,” said she, ”-the feeling of being abandoned, it's here, I c-can't d-describe it.”
”I'm sorry,” gently easing the hold, ”-I don't think I'll ever be able to love someone ever again. It's not you, it's me. The heart in my chest is nothing more than a beating rock, I felt nothing. The kiss was sweet as well as intoxicating. Trust me, there are no men alive who wouldn't accept the advancement.”
”Are you rejecting me?” her heart sank.
”It would be scummy to lead you on for carnal pleasures. You're a very kind and charming person, well, towards those you trust. The harshness in the tongue, the open-minded way of thinking, it's there, it's qualities of a great partner. I'm not one to dangle a thread of fake hope.”
”Igna,” the door shut, ”-I'm coming with,” her face suddenly grew stern.
”Why, what's the reason?”
”I should have said this before,” the fierceness returned, ”-I don't give up easily. Besides, Julius told me about the prior relationship.” They continued driving.
”What did he say?”
”That you were betrayed by the most trusted person. She fled to another's arms because of a faint faith. I don't mind waiting, I've waited my whole life, I've broken people's relations, played with others, stole the money of a rich geezer. I'm not that kind of a person as you'd think, Igna.”
”Why tell me all this?” they approached the town square.
”Do I have to spell it out?” she grabbed his collar, ”-I love you.”
”I see,” parked under a blossoming tree, ”-you're an idiot.”
”What's wrong with you?” she cried, ”-I'm here confessing, and you jest?”
”To be honest,” moved to the shade, ”-you're definitely an idiot.”
”Why, why, why?” her bashful expression elevated to ire, ”-tell me why,” in his face, ”-why,” the alcohol-filled breath left much to be desired.
”The worst taste in men,” said he, ”-are you seriously interested. What about the heir of Patek, he seemed like a good catch. Not to mention the way you both stared and spoke. Felt more of a couple taking a cooling off period than strangers.”
”Stop being so dense,” cried she, ”-I want you, come on.”
”You want me, huh...” staring the floating leaves, ”-me or my information. Me or Phantom, me or the people close to me. Alicia,” he turned to hold her wrist tightly, ”-I found a little something earlier. The whole thing about the reception was a test, one you sadly failed.”
”What are you on about?”
”Did you really…” he laughed, ”-Oh my, how very delusional. Alicia, I've been watching you closely. I had a trusty friend keep tabs; besides, even Lady Elvira was suspicious. I was doubtful from the first encounter, why would idols groups break, the scheme about hurting another. Not to mention, the connection with the Lumian O'dla.”