"Ah," he sighed, hesitating for a moment, visibly uncomfortable with the question.
It was as though he were walking on a tightrope, struggling to maintain his balance between vulnerability and guardedness. His eyes met mine, and I could see the struggle reflected there—a battle between opening up and keeping his walls high.
His eyes searched mine before landing on a distant point behind me.
When he spoke once more, his voice was different and softer, as if it had been carrying around years' worth of unspoken truths. "Sometimes, Cecile, the places we come from aren't safe havens. They're more like cages that entrap us, so we run, looking for an escape. A better life."
A better life...
Is that the reason I fled? Or was it just a brief sense of freedom in my new surroundings—a fleeting feeling of being free until it all came crashing down around me once again when I found out that I was pregnant with his child?
Then he offered a small, wistful smile—the kind that doesn't quite reach the eyes. "This may not be the best place to delve into my past, Cecile," he said, gently deflecting the question. "Why don't we lay down and just enjoy the serenity for now? The ducks seem to be doing just that."
Something's off—yes, most definitely off.
Although I sensed he was dodging the question, I also felt the sincerity in his voice. Maybe he wasn't ready to open up just yet, and I could respect that. So I smiled back, saying, "Alright, let's be like the ducks."
We laid down on the lush, soft grass side by side, gazing upwards at the canopy of leaves filtering the sun's rays into a dappled pattern on our faces.
The warmth of the sun mingled with the coolness of the earth beneath us, creating a perfect moment of harmony. A sense of calmness enveloped us, punctuated only by the distant laughter of children and the quacking of ducks.
After a few minutes, I turned my head to look at Tristan, who was staring up at the sky, his eyes unfocused but thoughtful. "Can I ask you something?"
He turned his gaze to meet mine. "Of course."
"Why did you choose to lead a life that seems so... contradictory to who you are? You have this gang, this... this mafia, but I sense so much more in you. You're caring, even lovable. Why choose a path that thrives on fear and tyranny?"
His eyes met mine, a twinkle of something indefinable dancing within them. "I chose this path because it allows me a sense of control, a sanctuary of sorts. In my world, displaying vulnerability is like revealing yourself during a full moon. My past taught me that to protect myself and those I care about, sometimes fear can be an ally. I use fear to ward off threats, but know this—I'd never harm anyone unjustly."
The intensity of his gaze softened as he turned to me, as if baring his soul. "I wield my power carefully, Cecile, because I understand its consequences. It's a double-edged sword, but it's a necessary one."
His eyes turned to mine, and what I saw took my breath away. The hardness had vanished, replaced by a softness and a twinkle of love that was directed solely at me. It was as if, in that moment, all the walls he had built were momentarily lowered.
"I would never want you or anyone I care about to see or be part of that world. It's a necessity, not a choice," he added softly.
For the first time, I saw Tristan—not the mafia leader or the guarded man, but a person struggling with the dualities of his life—and for the first time, I felt like sharing part of my own vulnerability. "I came back to Elderon to find someone," I confessed. "Someone who's responsible for a lot of pain in my life, someone I intend to find the truth from."
His expression changed as he looked at me intently, and I could see a flicker of jealousy darken his eyes. "Who is it?"
My lips parted to reveal the name, to take that first step toward shared secrets and mutual trust. But just as I was about to speak, my phone buzzed insistently in my pocket.
I had nearly forgotten about this piece of gadget with me.
Puzzled, I pulled it out and saw the caller ID. My heart sank. It was a name I hadn't seen in years—a name that held secrets, shadows, and perhaps even the key to that night and my future. A name that could change everything between us.
Damian!
"Who's calling?" The familiar guardedness had taken the place of Tristan's earlier openness in his voice, which was now tight.
I looked up at Tristan, my face pale as I stammered. "I... I have to take this call."
"No problem," he replied, sounding strangely disappointed as he rolled over and began looking around the ground for stones.
I quickly stood up and stepped away from him as I answered.
"Hello?"
"Cecile! Darling! It's been so long! Where have you been?" The voice sounded familiar yet different—huskier than before.
"Darling?" I echoed in a confused tone.
"Yes!" the voice exclaimed, sounding thrilled. "You remember! How could I forget? It has been a month since you vanished without a trace."
"Damian," I breathed his name as my body couldn't help but quake in rage as to who was on the other end of the line.
Damian... the man who had abandoned me when I became pregnant with Tristan's child. He had never bothered to come back after that day—or so I had thought until now.
"Yes! It's me, darling! You haven't changed a bit! Still as beautiful and as sharp as ever!" Damian exclaimed as though he were reading my mind. "I'm so happy you picked up my call. I've missed you! It's been such a long time. Did you miss me too? I know you must be busy with your new life with some hunk and all."
"You bastard!" I whispered under my breath before glaring at him through the phone as though he were right there. "How dare you call me?!!!"
"Cecile! Please don't be angry with me! I've missed you too!" His voice grew louder, as if trying to convince me of his sincerity.
I clenched my fist, wanting nothing more than to throw my phone against the wall.
I can't believe it! Just when I thought he had forgotten about me, he suddenly shows up again!
"How did you know I was back?" I demanded.
"Ahhh... well... you see..." he sighed, as though searching for the right words.