A few days later...
Lucian stopped by one of his shops to get a few things. It was a three storey wooden building, with a small sign hanging from a hook in front.
It was a less lucrative business compared to others, but it was the one that started it all. From fresh flowers to their byproducts, such as perfumes, teas, honey, candies, and even herbal medicine...he squeezed out every use of them.
His love for plants was a well known fact and sometimes it was even the topic of jokes and mockery. The more they viewed it as a weakness, the more determined he grew to turn it into strength.
Celine bringing shame to his image? No, she was still too high up for that. She still had a roof over her head, clothes on her back, and food on her plate. He would make her fall further before she could even start thinking about discarding him like a dirty rag.
He connected the time when she had a sudden change of personality, went through everything that happened five years ago, and tried to recreate it, just to understand what he missed.
If she didn't care about his reputation or how others saw him, she could have forced him into a corner already. But she didn't. Why?
She wanted him to rise to the top, to prove to the world that he could.
Her actions were cruel and merciless, yet also highly efficient and effective. She figured out his goals, his aspirations and ambitions, and went straight for those.
She threatened to ruin him, but she never stopped him from becoming someone.
It was a fact he couldn't refute no matter how hard he tried. It was the truth, and it was the only thing he couldn't take away from her.
'You are just looking for an excuse to forgive her.' A small voice whispered in the back of his mind. He wanted to throw it out, but it kept creeping back in like an itch he couldn't reach, 'Is it really revenge if you want her to win in the end?'
She was crushing his life rules, making him doubt his right and wrong, twisting his beliefs and values, and making him question his sanity.
And just like that, he found another excuse to not hate her completely. One less thing to fuel his vengeance. And one step closer to his own defeat.
'She almost raped you.'
'Who sits on a bleeding man's wounds and orders him to bark like a dog?'
Lucian covered his mouth with his palm at the memory, a cough escaping him, and the people in the store turned their heads.
'In the end, she still sold you to some prince like a piece of meat. Do you really think you are in any position to forgive her?'
The voice kept pushing and pushing, and pushing some more, as if trying to squeeze out something that was not supposed to exist. A second chance.
'Get a hold of yourself before you lose your way. Falling for her was a mistake. She might have been your first, but she's definitely not the last. Let her go, and move on.'
He squeezed his eyes shut. Something that always brought him comfort and clarity was now making him feel sick to his stomach. The feeling of disgust and hatred toward his own self grew, and he was losing the fight.
He accidentally pumped against a customer's shoulder and the man almost fell down.
Lucian grabbed him by the arm, helping him stay upright. "I'm sorry," he apologized, "Are you hurt, Sir?"
The man stared at him with wide eyes, his mouth hanging open as he tried to flee like his life depended on it, but Lucian's grip on him was firm.
"Let go of me!" the man screamed, startling everyone in the shop.
Lucian glanced at the flower stalls and the man, who would have crashed into his merchandise. His grip tightened, moving the man to the side. "That was close, wasn't it?" he said and the man paled even more.
"So it's true," a few whispers came from the side.
Lucian turned his head and couldn't help but notice a few strange looks. They all avoided his gaze, lowered their heads, and kept their distance.
"What happened?" Lucian asked the manager of the shop.
"My Lord, there's a rumor going on that you prefer to be with men," the man answered in a low voice. "Nobody has ever seen you with a woman before, so people are talking..."
"...Is that so?" Lucian's lips tightened, dusting the manager's shoulder, causing him to flinch, "What would happen if it was true? Would you quit? Or would you stay?"
The manager gulped loudly, "M-my Lord...there's no need to ask such things. My loyalty is unwavering, no matter what."
"It's funny how a few words can change the way people perceive things, don't you agree?" Lucian smiled and let go, "Well, I do prefer the company of men, especially hard working men. We are short on employees, so keep the rumors alive."
"Y-yes, My Lord." The manager laughed, his body quickly relaxing. "We will be sure to spread the word! You can count on us!"
Lucian grabbed a vial of strawberry extract and left the store.