Lucian's POV-
It was late, Nikos already sped up.
And I don't want to tell him either.
I pulled out my phone and dialed Aunt Era.
But the only thing I could hear was silence...
Which ate me from inside.
No, noooooo... what's Stephen's plan?
Why is he doing this?
"Hmmm... Just got out of the house and started missing your house helper?", Nikos mocked me.
But I preferred to ignore.
I immediately dialed Stella.
[ Hello...what's up Lucian], Her voice came through the speaker.
"Where is Stephen?", I asked her.
[Oh, pa took half-day... so he'll join later.]
Her words stabbed me like a sharp dagger of betrayal.
I hung up. I knew he's onto something.
STEPEHN, IF ANYTHING HAPPENS TO AUNT, DON'T REGRET YOUR LIFE CHOICES LATER!!!
My body burned, sweat formed on my palms and forehead even when the AC in the car was switched on.
"Are you okay?", Nikos asked me in a serious tone.
"Yeah, but I need you to help me with something..."
"Keep an eye on Stephen.", I ordered.
"Stephen! Ha! Isn't he the one you trust the most among us?", Nikos mocked me again.
I shot him a death stare.
"Fine...I'll do it.", he sighed.
The person I trusted, betrayed me secretly. Which hurts the most.
Why? Why are you doing this to me? You betrayer!!!
Anger rushed through my veins, it's true a Valle is not used of controlling the anger issues.
We reached the school...
I moved in the class.
Everyone was laughing, mocking, teasing and playing around.
And then...
Sophie came running towards me and hugged me.
She sobbed...
"Why? What happened?", I pulled her back.
"Mom's condition is critical... the doctor is saying that only a miracle can save her.", she cried louder.
My bag dropped of my shoulder, I collapsed on the chair.
"I lost...", I whispered.
But loud enough for others to hear.
Adrian rushed forward.
"No way! Tell me what happened. Lucian, tell me.", He shook me.
But only words that came out were..."I lost to them...they won. I am useless."
And after a long time since childhood... Tears rolled down my eyes, continuously.
Adrian and Damon helped me.
"Bro, listen. Is something serious going on? Please inform us. You were the one to tie us together in friendship and now, don't forget, a friend is meant to help.", Adrian patted me.
I looked up, everyone gathered around to check on me.
Sophie was okay now, but what was the use, I couldn't protect aunt.
And then, Aria stepped forward.
"Answer Lucian! Who is it? Tell us!!! If you are a Valle than get up, because Valle don't cry."
My jaw clenched, my fists tightened, I wanted to hit her right now!
I AM A VALLE, AND I AM NOT AFRAID OF ANY ONE!!!!!
"Don't be a fool, Lucian. Get up if you dare. Fight back, Lucian..."
"Aria, don't", Clara stepped forward but she pushed her.
"What now, Lucian? Are you weak! Was all the wealth of yours just to flaunt? Is your power gone? Are you a..."
I threw the desk besides me, the voice echoed through the silence.
Everyone went silent.
I got up, my anger was now at its peak.
"DON'T DARE MESS WITH ME AGAIN, OR NEXT TIME YOUR FILTHY MOUTH WILL BE RIPPED OFF.", I WARNED HER.
I rushed outside from the school.
It's my time, Stephen you dare mess with me. Now, I'll snatch what's yours!!!!!!!!!!
I rushed to the house.
"Where is aunt Era?" I asked the maid.
"Sir, someone took her along."
"Who!", I demanded, my eyes were red, my face burning, my anger bursting out.
"S-sir, she said n-not to -inform y-you", the maid stammered.
I immediately threw the plate placed on the dining table, to the floor.
"Stephen!!!!!", she shouted and ran away.
STEPHEN! A VALLE NEVER LOSES.
I drove to the corp.
I barged in the office.
"Hey? What's with the attitude?", Nikos questioned.
I pushed him away.
I went straight towards Stella's office. But she was not there.
"WHERE IS SHE!", I shouted and grabbed Nikos by collar.
"She just left for home... might be she is still in the basement!", Nikos trembled with fear.
I rushed to the basement...
She was getting in the car.
I ran towards her. Nikos followed me.
"STELLA!", I shouted, my voice echoed, cutting through the silence of the basement.
"He-hey...", before she could say something.
I grabbed her by the wrist.
"Lucian, it hurts! Stop!", she shouted in pain.
"Then I ask your dear father to stop messing with me!", I shouted and twisted her hand.
"AHHHHHHHHH!!!!!", she shouted.
"Wait, Lucian, she will die because of your anger!", Nikos tryed pulling me back.
"Stay away, if you wish to live!", I warned him as anger burst through me.
"Bring the car", I ordered him.
He immediately brought my car.
I pulled out my handkerchief and stuffed it in Stella's mouth.
I teared the cloth kept inside the car into two and tied her hands with one piece.
With the another, I covered her eyes.
"Stay still.", I pushed her inside the car.
And instructed Nikos to get in.
He sat inside quietly.
"At least tell me where are we going?", Nikos asked, his voice shaking, words trembling.
"Stephen likes to play, so let's play along!"