~Reality is often disappointing.~
Imperial year 566
Is this the end? Is this how everything is going to end? Is this how I am going to die? I didn't want this ending. Why can't I get my happy ending? Where is my happily-ending? Why---
"Aurora..."
"Please keep your eyes open. Please don't die on me..."
"Please..."
I could hear the faint voice of my half-brother calling my name and telling me not to close my eyes. He doesn't wants me to die. But, it's too late. Sorry dear brother, you are too late. Perhaps, this is what destiny wrote for me.
"Aurora, don't leave me, please." Eugene sobbed as he held onto my hand. He hugged me tightly. I coughed blood all over his white shirt. But, he didn't seem to mind it. For the first time, he wasn't disgusted. Tears that fall from his eyes seems too real. Unlike other times, he cared. He is actually crying for me.
Haa, at least someone will be upset over my death. It's not surprising that someone so evil like me got poisoned.
"Brother, I-I..." I whispered in a low voice.
"No, no. Pl-please... Aura. Don't gooo.." He sobbed harder. "The physician will be here soon."
It hurts, not because I am dying. Because you are acting like you care. You never care in the past 19 years. Why act like you care now? Why this fake tears?
"WHERE THE HELL IS LORD MOORE?" Eugene roared at the butler who was standing near my chamber's door, panicking.
"Young master, we have informed Lord Moore. He will be here soon.
"WHEN WILL HE BE HERE? MY SISTER'S DYING."
All the servants were running here and there. And as always, my parents were nowhere to be seen.
"Aurora, Aurora, you will be fine..." He said. But, will I really be fine.
"I am sorry, sorry...please forgive me." My so-called brother is crying so hard for me. He is apologizing, asking for my forgiveness. For the first time, he asked something from me. Perhaps, I would've forgave him if he asked for it earlier. If only he had showed his affections earlier. If only he cared for me when I wasn't dying. I cannot forgive you, brother. Not in this life.
Let me tell you from the start....
I am Aurora Phoebe De Kallis. I was born on Imperial year 546 in Alaska Empire. My father is Duke Keiran Floyd De Kallis and my mother was Duke Keiran's 2nd wife, Alisha. The day I was born was supposed to be the most luckiest day for the Duchy. But, the most unfortunate thing happened on that very day. My mother, Duke Keiran's beloved wife died while giving birth to me. My father who eagerly waited for my birth, refused see or touch me. My father thought I was the reason why mother died. Thus, he resented me all my life. My stepmother, Duke's 1st wife Alice and my half- brother Eugene were no different. They hated me because I was Duke Keiran's beloved wife's daughter. Though, stepmother never showed his resentment openly. My brother was direct. He made sure to always remind me that I was never welcomed in this family. He openly showed his disliking towards me. Even my nanny never liked me. Our manor was always quiet and dread silent. Father and mother were always out for their work. Brother was always busy in studies and practicing swordsmanship. He had a great talent for swordsmanship. Whenever, I used to go to Eugene, he would either ignore me or scold me. Even though, nobody really liked me in our manor, they respected me a lot. They would obey me.
Everything was fine until one day father brought a little girl. She was 1 year older than me. As soon as she came, she became the center of attention. My stepmother who always ignore to me, was always with that girl. Eugene, who was always busy, skipped his class to play with that girl . The father who would look at me with such cold eyes, looked at her affectionately.. Soon, father announced that he was going to adopt that girl. That news bothered me a little. But, I wasn't allowed to say anything. Because of that I hated my adoptive sister, Tia.
Even though, I was ignored, father made sure that I was well-taken care off. I was given every expensive things. From dresses to shoes, ornaments to jewellery, toys to dolls. Everything I wished for was given to me. Every month, Father would give a gift. That was the only day I would see him. Because of that, I grew up to be a very arrogant and spoilt brat. Without the proper guide of my parents, I walked on the wrong path. I lived a lavish life.
Even after everything I didn't hate my life. I thought I was pretty happy. I was loved by other nobles. Born in a powerful and influential noble family was a privilege. . Everyone in the nobility knew me. I was quite famous among the young lords and ladies. They liked me for my unique beauty and intelligence. I was called the social butterfly. Other than that, I was friends with the 2nd prince of the empire, Duke Buckingham's younger son, Count Sheen's oldest daughter and Marquess Aspell' only daughter. I was often invited to tea parties hosted by young lord and ladies. Many young ladies wanted to be my friend. Thus, they would invite me to their manor. I would often get letters from young lord asking me out on dates and requesting to see me just once.
But, I was genuinely happy when I got engaged to the crown prince, Alexander Antonius Van Althan. I first met him when I was 12. It was love at first sight. My dream came true when the emperor sent a royal proposal to my house and asked for my hand in marriage for the crown prince. Even the emperor and empress adored me. I was often invited to the imperial palace by the 2nd prince and empress. So, I became close with the crown prince. I thought Alexander loved me. But, I was delusional. My perfect family dream came crashing down when Alexander broke up with me without giving me any explanation.
To be continued.....