After a long minute of stretched stillness. Elizabeth didn't glimpse the remorse in Callan's expression. It hurt so much that he had chosen to abandon her after years of succumbing to all that she had ever told him. Thinking through, she found the triggering words and decided to lash them out at him.
"I wish Leor didn't die—"
Callan gripped Orla tighter than before. He knew where his mother was heading, she always used his weakness against him whenever he had the upper hand in a situation like this.
"I wish Leor was alive, he would never choose a bitch over duty." She turned to gaze fully into Callan's eyes to catch the despondency in his eyes when her words finally hit him so hard. "Even in death, he'd always be a thousand times a better son than you would ever be."
Those words struck Callan so badly. His knees went weak and he staggered, but Orla held him down before he lost his balance. Tears sprang up in his eyes, but never falling. He fixed a deadly gaze on his mother for uttering those heart-wrenching words.
"Callan, are you fine?" Orla asked, concerned.
She was oblivious to how hard his brother's death always got him. He never told her about it.
"I am fine," he smiled weakly.
"I doubt you ever told her who Leor was." She clutched her tiny bag against her chest and glared at Callan and Orla. "This thing between you two will not last for too long, trust me. And when he throws you out of his house, I will wait to see where you will go back to because it is obvious that your father doesn't want you too." Elizabeth directed her words at Orla.
Though Orla appeared unfazed, deep down fear consumed her. But she chose to believe that Callan would never do that to her. He was a changed man and he would not hurt her.
Satisfied with her shenanigans, Elizabeth's lips twitched into a triumphant smile.
Callan was lost for words. He wasn't a man of many words, but the few words he said were lethal enough to slay a snake even without action, but he could never win against his mother. That one reason—his brother, was the reason she always won against him.
He'd tried to fight it, proving to her that he was worth more, but he always ended up with her comparing him to his late brother.
"Their remembrance is next week. I do not expect you, but if you wish to come, do not come with this witch." She jerked an accusing finger towards Orla.
With that said, she clutched the strap of her tiny bag and waltzed out of the living room before Callan could say a word.
Callan turned to Orla immediately after his mother was gone, he grabbed her arms and hugged her tenderly.
“Orla, I am so sorry. I am sorry, do not listen to her words. You are my wife, and I will always choose you above anyone. I won't throw you out of the house, I can't. You are not a witch, she is the witch. She doesn't know what she's saying."
She tightened the embrace. He was the one who was hurt, but he chose to calm her down. She should do that duty, not him.
"Callan, I am fine." She stroked his back. "She said those words to you. You are hurt, I am not. I should console you, how—"
"I am used to her words. She does it when she knows I am above her. You don't have to worry about me, I am fine."
His eyes said otherwise. They burned with pernicious flames that could consume anyone who came close, but Orla. His hand trembled as he held her. She knew it, she knew he wasn't alright.
"I didn't know who Leor was, but I know you are better than
him."
"Don't say that, Orla." He smiled faintly. "Mom was right, he'd always be a better son than I'd ever be."
She felt it, the pain in his eyes. Though he smiled, she needed no one to tell her it was bogus. If only Callan would talk about his brother to her, she wanted to know more, to judge if he was better than him.
"Callan," she was worried.
"Let's dead the issue now. I promise you that I am fine."
"Callan," she bit her lips, blinking her eyes as they stared into each other's eyes. "You can talk to me about anything. I might look fragile, but sometimes I can give good advice."
He smiled widely, pressing a kiss to her forehead. Having her around brought so much joy.
"And I can only advice you if you speak out. You shouldn't keep the things that hurt you to yourself. Sometimes letting them out relieves you of the weight. You helped with mine, why shouldn't I help you with yours?" She looked at him, deeper and longer, hoping and praying that he'd change his mind and tell her everything.
"Do you want me to tell you something?" He placed her head on his chest, stroking her hair.
"Everything that bothers you, Callan. I will listen." She could literally feel the falling and rising of his heart as she rested her head on his chest.
He sighed, "There is only one thing that's bothering me now, Orla."
"What's that?" She lifted her head to gaze at him.
"You, Orla." He lowered his lips to kiss her gently.
"Me? What about me?" She asked, still confused.
"The things you have on your mind bothers me, Orla. Harbouring the thoughts that I will throw you out someday bothers me."
Her heart skipped a beat, then two, and three. She touched her chest, and regained her breath to be sure that she was still alive.
"Why?" She asked again.
"Because I will never leave you, Orla. Not ever again."
Hello guys, how are you all doing?
To all those who tried a guess, thank you so much.
Do you like this chapter? I really do not like Elizabeth. What about you?
There are more scenes of Orla's family and I can't wait!
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