Claimed By The Heartless Heartbreaker

I was eight years old when I fell in love with the boy who would one day hate me.

His name was Elias. Mama Celeste's only son. The king of my heart before I even knew what love was.

Rosevale was supposed to be my forever. How could it not be? Endless land. Quiet beauty. The kind of place that made you believe the world still had some good left in it. But it wasn't the mango trees or the beautiful winding river that made me stay.

It was Mama Celeste.

After losing my parents, she welcomed me without a second thought. No legal paperwork. No inquiries. Just genuine love, the kind that saved me. She provided me with Villa del Rosario, tutors, clothes, and jewelry that sparkled with possibility. Even a weekly allowance that most girls in Santa Rosalía could only dream of.

But none of that compared to the one thing I wanted most: him.

When I arrived, I was eight. Elias was thirteen. Tall. Quiet. Untouchable. The kind of boy people noticed without him saying a word. Girls tripped over themselves to be near him; boys followed him like shadows. But he let no one in. Especially not me.

I watched him anyway. Every day. Watched him disappear into the Whispering Grove, a place no one dared to follow, except me. I would hide behind the trees, holding my breath, just to watch him draw.

Yes, Elias was an artist. Of course he was. As if being beautiful wasn't enough. When he sketched, there was a stillness in him, a world I could never enter.

At times, he would notice me spying. He'd utter a single word. . . "Leave," and I would. But that never deterred me.

I created my own secret spot, a clearing by the Del Cielo River, where the lagoon sparkled in the sunlight. That was where I went when the longing for him became overwhelming.

Then came my fourteenth birthday.

He was about to leave for university in a week. Everyone knew. I told myself it didn't matter, but that morning, I escaped to the lagoon with my blanket and stared at the sky until I drifted off.

Footsteps woke me.

He stood over me older now, nineteen, eyes locked on mine for the first time.

"So... this is what you've been up to, Princess," he said, his voice low, the word dripping with sarcasm.

"W-what?"

"While everyone's busy setting up your party, you're here pretending you're royalty. How charming."

Guilt pricked me. He was right. Everyone was working, and I was hiding. I sat up, brushing leaves from my skirt, but he caught my elbow.

"Where are you going?"

"T-to the villa..."

"No need." He pushed me gently back down and knelt across from me, eyes unreadable as they drifted over the lagoon, the flowers, the sky.

"You know," he said finally, "I'm just glad I'm leaving this place."

"What?" I blinked. "But Rosevale is your home."

He leaned forward. Close enough that I could feel the cool mint of his breath. My heart pounded. I wanted to stay like that forever.

"I'm glad," he said flatly, "because I won't have to see your face anymore."

The words hit like a knife.

"W-why do you hate me?"

His jaw tightened. "Because I'll never accept you as my sister. You'll never be Arielle."

Arielle....his younger sister. She'd died of leukemia a year before I came. I never wanted to replace her.

"I overheard Mom this morning," he continued. "She's planning to adopt you. Her lawyer's bringing the papers tonight. Don't you get it, Liana? I can't let you become my sister."

He didn't wait for my reply. He turned and walked away.

I didn't want to be his sister either.

That afternoon, I discovered Mama Celeste in the library. I blurted it out before I could restrain myself. "Mom, you cannot adopt me. I don't wish to be Elias's sister.

Surprise flashed in her eyes as she tilted her head. "Don't you want me to be your mother?"

"I love you, Mama. I can't imagine my life without you... but Elias can't be my brother."

Her brows knit. "Elias can be difficult, but..."

"I love him. Not as a brother. As someone I want to marry."

For a moment she just stared. Then, to my shock, she smiled. "That's what you truly want?"

I nodded.

"Then so be it. You'll marry my Elias. Let's announce it tonight."

And she did. In front of everyone, she declared I would one day be his wife.

Elias's expression was pure loathing. He left before the party ended. I followed him outside.

"You'll never win this, Liana," he said coldly before disappearing into the night.

The next morning, he was gone to the capital, weeks earlier than planned. He never came back.

Even for Christmas. Nor the next summer. Or the one after that. Mama Celeste insisted he was busy with his studies, preparing to take over the Rosario empire. She promised he would marry me one day.

And I believed her.

Until my seventeenth birthday.

I refused a party that year, choosing instead a quiet dinner with Mama. That afternoon, I went to the lagoon for a nap. By the time I woke, it was dark. I grabbed my things and hurried toward the villa, tripping on the muddy path.

Jackson the housekeeper's son appeared on his bike, helping me up. His hand lingered on my arm, and in that moment, a sleek black car rolled past. Tinted windows. No glimpse of who was inside.

It stopped briefly at the gate. My curiosity flared. Without thinking, I ran toward it.

The engine roared to life, and the car continued toward the house.

By the time I reached the villa, it was parked in the garage. My pulse quickened. Who would visit Mama at this hour? On my birthday?

Something told me this wasn't just a late-night guest.

And I was right.

"Have you seen mom?" I asked Isabella, one of the helpers, as I entered the sitting room.

"She's at the study room, my lady. She asked me to remind you about the dinner."

"Of course, I didn't forget it. I'll be ready in twenty minutes," I said smilingly while going upstairs to change. "By the way, do you know who the guest is?" I turned to ask Isabella but she has already left.

However, with that unanswered question in my head, I quickly rushed to fix myself for dinner cause I was so late already. And also It was my birthday celebration's so I have to look nice and cute.

I admire myself in the mirror, as I apply soft pink blush over my cheekbones and layering on some shiny lip gloss. Seventeen, wow. It felt like just yesterday I was a kid. I knew my Mom and Dad would be so happy to see me grow up so beautifully. Mama Celeste always tell me how pretty I was, but it's only lately that I've started to see it too.

People often tell say I had pretty eyes. Mama once said I inherited them from my late mom.

"Really, mom do you also think so?" I asked her for confirmation when she also commented about my eyes.

"Yes, my baby, you got Olivia's eyes."

"Oh my, then indeed I got beautiful eyes! Dad do tell me then that mom's eyes kind of charmed him that was why he married her."

"Whoa, Lucas was such a sweet man!" she declared. "It was definitely the reason why Olivia loved him so much," she sighed wistfully remembering my mom, her bestie.

My mind jerked back to the present time, I continue adore myself in the mirror. I indeed was a replica of my mom.

From my long wavy brunette hair, to my hazel eyes with gold flecks, beautiful lashes, ruby lips, down to my slim curved body, and fair complexion, everything was a replica of my mom.

My faith and belief concerning love and passion and the happy-ever-after, however, was inherited from my Dad. He was the one who made me believe that love is always possible even in the most impossible of times and places. He was a true believer in love. I guessed Dad and I agreed on this.

Oh, how I missed them so much! My heart hurts each time I remember the sweet moments with my parents and the horrible death that took them away.

Put the past behind you Liana, I said to myself as though it was my mom and dad telling it to me. A teardrop fell down my cheek.

I've been trying my best. God knows how much i miss them and how i have been trying to move on.....A gentle knock interrupted my thoughts. Brushing off the tears away from my cheek, stood up and went to open the door.

"My lady, Mama Celeste has sent me to inform you that dinner is ready," one of the house helpers told me immediately.

"Thank you, Liam. I'll be there in a minute," I answered before I rushed back to the mirror to take a one more look at my face and my appearance.

Satisfied now on how my body complimented the whole outfit in front of the mirror, I gently tousled my curls. My new white floral summer dress matched with my petalite pink doll shoes just looked so good on me.

Oh, that's enough with this egocentric behavior, Liana, I scolded myself.

I hesitated as I held my room doorknob....then, I wore a bright smile on my face, and as I joyfully went down the staircase.

I was humming a happy birthday song softly as I was walking down the staircase then to the dining room. Well, it was I needed at the moment , because I was afraid that the sadness in my heart might ruined the dinner party with mom.

Time fly so fast it's been nine years since I became an orphan... but no, Mama Celeste has always been present with me every time and anytime I needed someone to run to in times like this. I am always be grateful for all the good things she had done for me.

There was no need for me to look back to those painful memories. All I had to put in remember now was that mom and dad were already in God's right hand side and carefully watching over me in heaven. I had to focus now on my future including filling it with happiness and graceful hope.

As I walked to the dining room, every maid i passed, neatly dressed in their uniforms smiled warmly and wished me a happy birthday. They were all happy and I could see how their eyes approved of my fit. I smiled back at them and replied , "Thank you."

"My lady, you will be amazed by the surprise gift awaiting you at the dinner hall!" Isabella said chuckling. I'm telling you, she was red-faced the all time. What is this whole drama about?.

Did mama prepare a surprise birthday party for me? I could not understand what she was talking about until I reached the entrance of the dining room.

Wow! As soon as I sighted that area, I was taken aback like I couldn't move my body for some minutes but my feet were frozen on the floor... right there, standing beside mama and sitting on the large vintage dining table was my Elias!

Elias! So he was the guest? The one who drove passed me in the car? What a Fantastic birthday gift, I wouldn't have asked for anything more than this!

Wow, it's been three years now I haven't seen him!

It had been a years indeed. He is now twenty-two and had just finished graduating from the university.

For five minutes straight, I just stood there in the entrance. I couldn't say a single word. I just dumbfounded at how much he has changed and how masculine he had become. He was, a hundredth time more handsome than before?.

His navy blue, tight-fitting top proudly displayed the impressive build of his chest and abdomen. I always dreamed about him during my quiet time at the lagoon, how sexy and appealing he would get at twenty-two but damn he look so attractive and handsome. It beats my imagination and expectations.

You won't believe it, Elias was also looking at me. He didn't say any word, I just felt that the world had stopped and it was just the two of us in it......

Oh my, wait, am I dreaming, I pinched my left hand as I placed my hands on my chest to be sure that I was still breathing! This felt like a dream!

Mama Celeste quickly broke the silence that filled the room.

"Liana, finally our Elias is back home!" she happily said.

My body jerked back to reality as i heard mama voice, gently, I walked towards them.

The moment that I was finally standing before him, I felt so small in-front of his grown very tall height, he was like six feet and or more than.

"Hey..." I greeted, and alas, alas, it felt so weird! But I didn't stop, I went ahead to add "oh, one will mistake you now for a prodigal son who finally returned home ..." I said sarcastically as I looked up and down trying to stop my tears from dropping down. I was so happy that I began crying I couldn't stop myself!

I do text you like thrifty-five times every single day. Am always here waiting for you, you couldn't even text or reply me, even sending me a 'hi' you didn't at all.

I thought you will ignore me forever or better still I will die while waiting for you... I had so much I wanted to say to him. I just wanted him to know that during this three years of separation, it was the toughest and longest period in my entire life.

Tho, it was as if nothing was more surprising about this moment, Elias answered curtly,

"Do I have a choice---" as he looked at me, his eyes scanning my body from my head down to my feet.

"Elias!" Mama Celeste interrupted, "obviously, you have a choice. You have Liana, she's your choice for the future."

What kind of twist was that, mama? I almost voice it out loud but, of course, I didn't dare do that not when the guy, sorry man now, in front of me was a party pooper.

His eyes focus on mama, he said, still curtly, "Oh mom, Come on! I'm didn't come to discuss on this topic... please. I'm here to talk with you concerning a very vital thing. But, right now, I'm famished." He slumped into his seat clearly not caring about the topic.

Mama Celeste waved at me to take a seat close to Elias.

But I went ahead and sat down on my usual seat opposite to Elias's.

As we were eating, I found myself to staring at him each minute. His thick brows were way hotter and more mesmerizing than before!.

Okay, so, his lips were totally masculine, plump, red, and just... 'sensual'. And his jawline? Sculpted to perfection, seriously highlighting the face that I couldn't stop thinking about, day or night. Seriously, what more could you even want? He was the definition of flawless.

Ugh, everything would've been 'perfect' if he'd just treated me differently a-bit! But no, I was totally checking him out, and he was just chatting up mama about his business stuff like I wasn't even there. Like I was invisible, or something. It was the worst!

Even though he came back, I knew now that it wasn't because of me. It was just a total coincidence that he showed up on my birthday.

I thought maybe Elias might have developed a soft spot for me and was trying to surprise me, but nope! He just came over to tell Mama about his business stuff.

Listening to their conversation, I realized how he is now a big shot at the Rosario corporation. Plus, he's opening a new business in the capital...something using Rosevale' grains. It's supposed to be a huge expansion for the company.

Mama, was really excited and proud about the plan!

Mama Celeste, though, totally switched the conversation.

"Elias, seems you are forgetting that today's is Liana's birthday?"

When Mom said my name, that was the only time he, like, looked at me again. His ocean blue eyes, were still kinda distant, but when he looks at you, it feels like you are falling into a super dangerous trap you couldn't get out of!

"She's, already seventeen!. look how much she of a lady she is now. Doesn't she look so much prettier?" Mom said, totally proud.

I felt the heat rise in my cheeks, especially now his eyes were on me. After three long years, I was desperate to know what he thought. How did I look to him now?

"Look, she's still a minor, Mom? Okay so just drop it," he pleaded. "Seriously, can you stop trying to set me up with Liana?"

"She will be an adult next year, Elias.

You'll marry her when the time is right."

"Mom we've been over this conversation, I'm not going to marry her." he said without hesitation, like it was the most obvious thing in the world.

Ouch! Those words really hurt, like, a lot. They just shattered my heart.

"So, who are you going to marry?"

Mama Celeste's voice was sharp with annoyance. She put down her fork.

"I'm marrying the woman I choose, not the one you want, mom," he said not looking at Mama, but keeping his eyes fixed on mine.

Why was he staring at me like that, especially with his hurtful words! I wanted to burst into tears at that moment.

"Forget what he said, sweetheart," Mama whispered to my ear, as she smoothed me to sleep. "I will to do my best to ensure that Elias marry you."

I burst into tears, seriously I was hurting so much, the tears wouldn't stop. She wiped my face and said, "you're such a sweetheart, I can't believe he is treating you like this! He can't continue this way!"

I could sense the sadness in her voice. I could tell she was deeply affected by it.

"Don't worry, Mama....I'll do my best to make sure he starts to like me."I promise

Mama smiled softly at me as she listened to me, then she lovingly caressed my hair with her hand.

"Do you really like Elias that much?" I nodded, a sincere gesture. How do I describe these feelings that I held for so long? The racing heart, the sweaty palms, the way my world stops when he was near me . How his absence hurts me, the constant longing for his return. Was this, perhaps, love?

"If that's the case sweetheart, I swear that he won't marry any one else but you," she said with a serious expression.

"Thank you, Mama. I love you so much ."

"I love you, too, sweetheart," she murmured, pressing a kiss to my cheek. "Okay, good night. Sleep soundly. Happy birthday again, Liana."

"Thank you, Mama."

"Don't worry about anything tonight, alright? Get a good night's sleep and relax. He's staying for a week, you know.....This is a great chance for you to bond with him."

The next day, I intended to spend it all

with Elias . But, I woke up so late that Isabella informed me he went to the Whispering Grove, I bet he was going to sketch there.

Yes sketching or painting --- again. That was his first love. I didn't realize that, until now, he still loves to painting. Even now, he couldn't shake the memories he had with Arielle, their secret meetings in the grove.Poor Elias! So good-looking, and yet, so much pain he had to bear.

He must really miss her so much. I understood that feeling better than anyone, believe me. I, of all people, could truly understand how it feels to loose someone you love.

I waited for him to join me for lunch. But he didn't come. Then, Theodore , the gardener, came over to ask the cook, Mia, to prepare the young Lord's lunch. Elias would be eating his lunch in the whispering grove.

With Mia's help, I cooked his favorite

Jamón ibérico with so much love afterwards I neatly packed for him.

When I handed it to Theodore, the man in his mid forties. He smiled and said, "I'll tell young Lord that you're the one who made this meal for him, my Lady."

I smiled as well. "It's okay, uncle."

In the afternoon, I wanted to go to the lagoon but I didn't go because I had this feeling that Elias might come back to the house. So, instead of going to my favorite spot, I just stayed back waited patiently for him in the alfresco area. I was enjoying the swing when someone came by, no it was the man I was patiently waiting for it was Jackson. He was wearing that bright grin as he came closer to me.

"Hey" he greeted.

"Hey," I shyly answered.

This guy, basically sat on the other swing beside mine. I felt his eyes on me. What exactly was he thinking? I felt he was too close to me.

"Do you need someone to talk to, you seem bored."

I gave him a funny grin. "Is that what It seems to you, huh?"

"Yes, it appears so," he said, still smiling.

I knew Jackson to be some sweet guy who smiled with that cute dimple on his right cheek but I just didn't feel it was okay to be having this conversation with him like this. Most people in the villa knew he how liked me and if they were to see us swinging side by side like this, they might start questioning my future marriage with the Young Lord!

"Thank you, but I do not need to talk to someone now," I said firmly, forcing a smile.

He acted nonchalant to what I said as he was continuing smiling. Then, karma happened to him, when his left index finger nail accidentally scratched the big swollen pimple on his jawline. His face made a painful frown as the fake smile in my lips turned into a real one.

It was definitely "karma!" Warning him not to flirt with a betrothed girl like me!.

"This new shirt is beautiful?" he asked changing the topic as he tried to act tough on the pain he was experiencing from the scratched pimple on his face. "I always see you wearing something purple or white. I didn't imagine you were so pretty in pink."

"Whoa!" he exclaimed with an excited whistle in the end.

This knucklehead! He was always this smooth with words!

"Yeah, I'm indeed wearing something new 'cause my fiancé's here. Didn't you know?"

"Who didn't know about the young Lord's presence? Which makes me wonder why he isn't here with You?"

"Will you please leave me alone? You're irritating me!" I said, with a loud scream.

Who are you to comment on my love life?

"Damn, you're now angry at me," he said giggling as he stood up. "Okay, time to go." Let me leave you to enjoy your time as you wait for your 'fiancé'.....

I was clenching my fist, as he walked away.

"Ugh, that guy! I couldn't stand his attitude!"

I was so angry, I didn't even notice when Elias arrived . When I finally calmed myself down from the so much annoyance, I breathed in deeply and looked up. The king of my heart was already standing in the entrance.

In that moment, my heart raced wildly.

"What was that all about? An afternoon date with your boyfriend?" Elias sneered when he saw me.

"W-what?" How long has he been standing there?

Did he see us, Jackson and me sitting next to each other?

He walked towards me on the swing, so slowly, as if he was counting his steps. When he finally stood in front of me, so tall, I felt...so tiny.

I thought I'd be happy to see him, but I wasn't. What's wrong with me?

You were waiting to see him, Liana, so why nervous? I took a deep breath. 'Calm down', I whispered to myself. I was finally calming down when Elias ruined it all.

"I don't understand why you're still pretending to consider Mom's marriage ideas, when you have a boyfriend," he said, and so sure that Jackson was mine, giving me no chance to explain"

I looked up at him, and his words, sharp and unexpected, cut through the air. I tried to gather my thoughts, to find some semblance of control. But it was no use.

And then, a wave of emotion crashed over me, as tears fought to fall down from my eyes.

"No! you're totally wrong... Jackson isn't my boyfriend," I said with my voice barely audible now. He's the driver's son! I wanted to include .

It's not that I had something against servants or workers in the house, it was just I wanted to clear any doubts about my relationship with him. Jackson was the driver's son and, he often ran errands for mama so it wasn't unusual to see him messing around the area.

"So, Jackson is his name..." "Yes and He is not my boyfriend," I said firmly, This time trying to defend myself.

"Is that the best you can come up with?" He scoffed, as a mocking smirk spread across his lips.

"How do you expect me to trust your words, when each time I see you....You are always with him?"

I was so confused, like, what? Me and Jackson? Seriously, when did he even see us together? Oh shoot! Could it have been last night, when he got here? Yes, I was with Jackson when his car past us last night, but it was nothing serious....i wanted to tell him everything, but I couldn't find the words! I couldn't hold it in anymore, and tears started falling. I had to hide my face from him.

To stop myself from crying, I clenched the swing's rope so tightly.

"Liana, why don't you just be honest and tell mom the truth?" He was almost begging now.

"Just tell her the truth so we can stop this whole marriage once and for all."

Wiping my tears , I stared at him again. "I don't care if you believe me or not, but Jackson is not my boyfriend. I am engaged to you, and I'm only marrying you no one else! That's a fact!"

His gazed was fixed on my eyes, that I started to feel awkward and self aware. His eyes burned with a dangerous, fiery gaze.

Just when I thought I couldn't bear his intense stare anymore, then he hit me with a big, sarcastic grin.

Seriously! "Do you really love mom this much that you're willing to go to such lengths, even to sacrifice your love for....Jackson, because of her?"

No, I won't take this anymore. I don't love that Jackson! I struggled to get up from the swing, but when I finally stood up, his chest was right there, like, bam, in my face!

Talk about a gorgeous distraction! I tried really hard to forget about how... masculine he was, took a deep breath, and looked up at him, saying,

"I don't love Jackson, and I am marrying you, not because of Mom."

"Oh really?" He asked, his fingers suddenly on my chin.

My eyes went wide with surprise when his fingers touched my face! He was holding on tight, and it kind of hurt, but Elias face was super close to mine.

"So, tell me, why do you want to become my wife?" "What's the reason?..... If I tell you why, you'll just be a jerk and make fun of me like you always do? Should I tell him? Ugh, should I? Just tell him already, my heart was yelling, and then it started pounding again. I took a big breath.

Alright, Elias, here it comes...... I looked him in the eyes and finally told him how I felt about him all these years. "Because I love you." Wow, I said it! I did it, finally I confessed my feelings to him?

That was the only reason why I turned down mom's offer of adopting me. I knew he was shocked, cause he was still holding my chin, he didn't move or say a word. He was just staring into my eyes and I couldn't look away. We stood there, inches apart, facing each other as what felt like a lifetime.

Time seems to have paused and it was like we were the only two people in the world. Damn, I couldn't read him at all. Was he Angry? Happy? Confused? I wish I knew what he was thinking about that moment.

Come on, Elias, say what's on your mind! I challenged him with my eyes. This time, I felt like it was my stare that was more intense now.

His eyes just went... blank, emotionless, out of nowhere. Then he released my chin... and turned away from me. "Don't be a fool," he said, his voice all rough. He didn't even look back.

Seriously, was that all he could say to me after I confessed my feelings to him? I felt so embarrassed, I finally confess my feelings to the man I loved and only to be rejected afterwards! Oh, I was so humiliated by his reaction. I guess I was hoping for something cute like those scenes I usually see in my favorite romantic movies.

You know, where the girl confesses her feelings to the boy, the guy kisses or hugs her? "That's what I was hoping hope for, anyway." But Elias didn't. Instead, he called me a fool. Fool. Fool. Fool.

The stupid word just kept on ringing in my head. Could you imagine how embarrassing it was? I couldn't bring myself to look at him during dinner. I don't think he even spare me a glance.

Mama Celeste carried the conversation. She probably sensed the awkwardness between Elias and me. She looked so disappointed.

The following day, I avoided everyone. I was so embarrassed and hurt after my fight with Elias.

People might not understand why a seventeen-year-old would be so affected, but I couldn't help how I felt. I mean what else, could I do? I waited for him for three years, and when I finally told him how I felt, he made fun of me.

It would have been better if he'd just rejected me. But to tell me I was a fool for feeling this way? It broke my heart into pieces..... He considered me as afool. That hurt me much. So inorder to forget about the heartbreak for a while... I wish I could, I spent my whole morning with Isabella in Santa Rosalía.

Together with the mansion driver, we went to the marketplace to shop for foodstuffs. Even with all the noise and chaos of the market, with vendors yelling and people everywhere, I couldn't escape thinking about Elias. It was like my brain was just replaying everything. My brain was just refusing to let it go, no matter what.

I had lunch at Isabella's place in Santa Rosalía. Her mom and dad were so accommodating just like Isabella who was truly a sincere and happy soul. Among all the helpers, she was the only one closest and dearest to me. It was a wonderful meal. I ate some meals that I don't normally eat at the villa. It was all fancy but still they were delicious and satisfying.

I was happy that I didn't have to put up with Elias's cold attitude treatment at lunchtime. I bet mama was already annoyed at me for coming home for lunch. She doesn't like it when I'm not around her during meal times.

I planned that I will just tell her the everything. Also It was my way of telling Elias that I was angry at him about what he did.

I was such a little rebel!

In the afternoon, when we arrived at Rosevale from Santa Rosalía, I went straight to my favorite spot. As usual, I was there alone. There was never a time that I had company in the lagoon... well, except that time on my fourteenth birthday when Elias secretly followed me, just to tell me he didn't want me to become his sister. Who would want that one anyway?

Only Mama Celeste maybe. You're probably curious now, why no one else dare to go there except Elias, right? Well, it's because Mama Celeste made sure it was a special place just for her sweetheart ... and who do you think that was? Me, of course!

The farmers, the servants, everyone in Santa Rosalía knew they weren't allowed.

So, you see, Mommy Carol really loved me.

The lagoon was my secret little spot, all mine. That was why, the lagoon was filled with grand mahogany trees and blossoms ground,

I could lie down, dream, read, do everything I wanted... comfortably.

I was such a mess....

always sobbing.....

Even right now..... Whenever I missed Elias, I would come here and cry my eyes out.

Whenever I wanted to be with him, but couldn't, I will cry here. And because I was hurt badly by his words today, I came there to cry also. Yes, like always, after I have cried to my satisfaction...I'd fall asleep....to forget all the pain, you know? I always wondered why is sleep so amazing after a good cry?

My eyes snapped open, and, this enormous figure just appeared out of nowhere, and whoosh, he lifted me up from the ground! He was holding me in his arms, which felt incredibly strong, and I totally lost it.

I started screaming and kicking, pleading with him to put me down. But it was so dark, I couldn't even see his face.

How did it get so late? I didn't mean to stay out this long!

"Who are you? Put me down!" I yelled as loud as I could. Why was he not responding? Was he mute or deaf? How could he not say a single word?

The giant figure was just carrying me as he walked fast. I could hear him gasping for air as if he ran a marathon.

"Please, let me go!" I yelled again. I was seriously freaking out....you could imagine how scared I was! Goosebumps covered my skin and my mind flashed back to Elena's stories about fairies, witches, wolves and other terrifying night creatures that lurked in the dark.

"Help! Help! Please, somebody save me!" I shouted and kicked as much as I could.

"Let go of me, you monster!" Where was he Carrying me to? What was he Planning to do with me?

"Mama ! Mama! Help!" I cried aloud but I doubted if she would have heard me from here..I needed someone's help. I needed Elias to save me from this terrifying creature.

"Elias, please help! Elias !" "Keep quiet, will you?" the monster finally spoke and, what, he even demanded me not to say a word again The voice sounded so familiar..... Then, like, way down the street, near a streetlight, I spotted Elias's car.

Hmm, that made me suspicious, so I looked at the guy who was with me to see who he was. For sure, I could see his face now because we were getting closer to the light.

And when I finally saw him, I was totally shocked, like,

WHAT?!

The man carrying me in his arms was Elias himself! I was so shocked, I couldn't even get a word out of my mouth...what was he planning to do with me? He opened the door of the passenger's seat and shoved me to the seat.

Good thing was the seat was soft, if not my butt would have been bruised. Immediately the door was slammed shut! I was too confused to even ask what was going on..... Why did he take carry me out from the lagoon? What did I do to make him so angry with me? He open the door to the driver's seat and started driving us to the villa.

He wasn't saying a word. He was just clenching his teeth as if he wanted to breathe out fire....you would see the frustration and anger all over his face.

He didn't even look at me. What was wrong with him? When we got to the house, Elias pulled me out of the car! He held my wrist so tight as he dragged me to the terrace.

Mama Celeste was there, waiting for us. "Liana, sweetie, I'm so happy you're back!" She said with a big smile when she saw me. Was she crying since? Elias ignored what mom was saying, as he kept dragging me until we were in the living room.

I had to hurry to keep up with his long leg so I wouldn't fall. "You're hurting me," I pleaded.

He didn't even bother to reply, he pushed me onto the sofa, the force catching me completely off guard.

"Ouch!" I cried out, as my back hit the cushions. That really hurt! What on earth was his problem today? Mama walked fast to where we were, her expression a mixture of relief and concern.

"Sweetie, where have you been?? We've been searching for you," she asked, her brow furrowed with concern.

I finally understood. All the questions in my mind were answered. They had been searching for me!

"Mom, I-l-I'm so sorry. I slept off in the lagoon....I didn't know you have been so worried and searching for me..." tears started to well up in my eyes. "The lagoon? You have been there till now?" She exclaimed, completely shocked. "I'm s....so sorry, Mom," I cried, hiding my face in my hands. I was so ashamed for being out so late.

Mom came close to me and gave hugged me tight. "I was so worried about you, sweetie." Her words hit me with guilt.

My conscience made me cry even more. Why did I do that to Mama Celeste? After a long silence, he face me as he finally spoke up. It was the first time he said something to me, since he carried me from the lagoon.

"Liana, must you be so immature?" he said, his voice tight with annoyance and something else I couldn't quite read.

"How can you be so incredibly reckless and utterly inconsiderate of the people around you?" I knew he had being trying to control his anger, struggling to keep his tone even. But finally, the words had come, spilling out into the air between us.

"Elias, enough," Mama pleaded on my behalf. "She didn't do it intentionally."

"No, stop protecting her, Mom! Don't you see? The more you condone her behavior, the more you're turning her into a spoiled child!" he exclaimed, his voice rising. I felt such deep shame, both towards him and towards Mama, that I began to cry even harder. What was I to do? They were now arguing all because of me!

"I apologize...I-I truly didn't mean to," I stated once I finally mustered the courage to speak to him.

Mom was still embracing me.

"Silence! You can't just easily erase a mistake with an apology. When will you ever mature?" he remarked before he stormed off, leaving us.

I was utterly devastated. My heart was broken, again.

After he went to his room, Mama explained what happened, she explained that it was already night when she began searching for me.

She'd assumed I was with Isabella in the kitchen, messing around with baking cakes, since I'd been obsessed with it. But when she found out I wasn't there, Mom became concerned.

She didn't think I will be at the lagoon because it was after 8:00 PM.

So she sent a bunch of people to find me. Elias was the one that found me. I begged Mom's forgiveness for my careless and insensitive actions.

Elias's judgment on that point was true. She told me there was no need for me to apologize because it wasn't intentional.

She was happy that I was safely back. Even so, I felt so terrible. I was such an Idiot.

"Don't worry about Elias if he's upset, sweetheart . He's just concerned about you," Mom said. I stared at Mom's gorgeous face with disbelief.

Elias, concerned about me? Would that even be possible?