Melody
"That kid is Derek's?"
Estrella seemed surprised to hear that Derek has a child. She looked from Giovanni to me.
"Isn't he your child?" She demanded innocently.
"He is," I replied undoubtedly.
I wouldn't deny my kid for any reason.
"And Derek is the father?" She asked again.
"Right," I nod.
"So..." Estrella seemed to be in deep thoughts cas she tried to understand the situation. "You are Derek's mate. The woman he loves so much and won't stop talking about it." She scoffed. "So, you're the reason he came here and the reason he seem to hate my brother so much is because you love my brother instead of him."
Well, her understanding of the whole thing kind of sound weird but it's true and bothered no denying it.
"You're right," I replied and she sat down. Strength seemed to have drained out of her. She looked like she has lost something important.
"You're right, but you need to understand some things." I began my explanation but Dorian took it from me.
"Melody left Derek because he is a horrible man." He pat her head and turned her chin so that she would look at him. "And I don't think being with him is a good idea."
What the hell is Dorian saying?
Why would he even say that?
We're trying to make things better but he is complicating things further.
"If I'm a horrible man, then what are you?" Derek argued. "An angel?" He hissed again. "Last I checked, you're nothing but a sneaky snake who took advantage of Melody's helplessness and manipulated into thinking she's In love with him."
Woah. What?
"Is that so?" Dorian scoffed.
"Well, Dorian. The truth is, you're worse than the devil. Because angels don't do manipulation. That is the devil's hobby." Derek shook his head. "You didn't even spare the kids." Derek hissed.
His fist clenched tighter.
As I stood on the side watching two monosyllabic men speak several words at once. Is this some kind of hormonal imbalance or what?
"We all make mistakes and I think trying to correct a mistake is the hardest part. So, Derek's presence here means that he wants to correct his wrong."
Estrella seemed okay. She was quick to regain her composure just like Dorian. I was lost in thoughts when I heard Malcolm speak.
"A lot has happened that you don't even know about, Estrella." He sighed and brushed his hand through his hair.
He is probably thinking of a way to begin explaining to her how he is related to us.
"I won't talk about his majesty...." he paused and looked at me. ".....I mean, Derek or his deeds. But I'll ask you not to think or speak ill of Melody."
Malcom's words warmed my heart.
He never stops looking out for me. Regardless of who it is that he has to fight, he doesn't care. As long as he is there, he will jump to my rescue.
Estrella had nothing else to say afterwards. She just stared at Malcom and me before directing her gaze back to Dorian and Derek.
I couldn't say a word. I was totally lost amongst all the numerous controversies. I didn't know what to do or say. I didn't know how to proceed. Everything I had in mind didn't seem right anymore.
The look on Estrella's face as she looked at Derek showed that she loves him. However, the look she has on when she looks at Dorian is totally different.
I don't know what to make of that expression. I didn't even know what to say.
What does that expression mean?
Just to clarify things and make Estrella understand what really transpired between Derek and me.
"You were right, Estrella. I used to be in love with Derek." I began. "I was even the happiest when I figured that he is my mate. However, he rejected me even before I could enjoy the bliss if being mated. Shortly after, I found out that I was pregnant with a child that I didn't know who the father. To make matters worse, I was sent out of the kingdom by my father and I had to walk for days. I had no food or shelter. I was pregnant, hungry and homeless before Dorian came into my life as my saving grace."
I made my explanation as short as I could. Estrella couldn't close her mouth after listening to my story and how the goddess took mercy on me and brought Dorian into my life.
Seeing how shocked Estrella was I decided to continue with the men while she digests the information she just heard. She probably thinks, I have everything laid out to me on a gold platter, but as her sister its my duty to let her know that thing doesn’t work that way. Especially not in this part of the world.
“Tell me, what you have decided, Mel?” Derek asked.
He was totally uninterested in the matter regarding Estrella or her misconception. He only wants to know what my decision is.
“Like I said before, I agree to letting you in our lives.” I started once more.
The ambience became quiet and every eyes were now on me. Dorian didn’t seem to like where the discussion was going, but I have to do this now.
“...You are welcome to take your place as Giovanni and Aaron’s father.” I paused and locked my eyes on Dorian to make sure that he gets the message. “But that is all you will be, the kids’ father. Nothing more. You have no place in my heart or in my life.”
“Melody, I…..”
Before he could say whatever he had on his lips, I interrupted him with a raise of my hand.
“Be a better version of yourself and become a good king to the people.” I looked at Estrella and smiled. “And make a fresh start with Estrella.”
Derek shook his head in refusal. He wasn’t satisfied with all I said.
“Take her as your mate,” I continued, ignoring Derek’s attempt to protest. “After all, the goddess has chosen her for you and I believe you wouldn't want t repeat the mistake you made before.”
Everyone understood the hidden meaning behind what I said. Especially Derek. He made no attempt to refute even though it was obvious in his expression that he was displeased.
Right when I thought everything would now fall in place, Estrella stood up and shook her head in refusal.
goddess!
I wonder what it is now.
“What’s wrong?” I demanded.
She locked her eyes on Dorian and tears trickled down her eyes.
“What happened?” I asked again.
Her mouth opened but she seemed to be finding it difficult to say the word.
What could it be? And why is she so reluctant to say it?
“What’s wrong, Estrella?” Dorian stood up and held her in his arms. “Tell me what happened.”
Estrella shook her head and wept more.
“You wanted to know the real reason why I left?” Her eyes were on Dorian as she spoke.
“To go search for your mate,” A smile appeared on Dorian’s face, showing how much he adore her. “And, look…” He point at Derek. “You found him.”
Estrella shook her head and wiped her tears but more trickled down her eyes.
“No, I didn’t leave because of my mate.” she paused. “That was the lie I devised to cover up the real reason why I left.”
Woah that’s huge.
Now, why did she lie about her reason for leaving?
“Then, tell me Ella, why did you leave?” Dorian asked, seriously interested.
“It’s….the truth is…” Estrella stuttered. “ I left because I was in love with you.”