Chapter 154 - Partners & Power (1)

Luke frowned when he noticed my messy appearance. He sat in his bed with his usual thick book under a tiny orb floating at a perfect height. It shined the perfect amount of light for a light read where the rays of the moonlight wasn't sufficient.

I ended up skipping my dinner since I spent most of my time in the empty classroom. Maybe my other classmates were considerate to not interrupt as no one came while I wept in silence. My stomach rumbled, growling for more food, unsatisfied from two meals.

Luke threw me his usual chocolate bar wrapped in a gold sheet since the cafeteria was closed. He didn't ask why my eyes were lightly pink nor my hands blistered by tiny scars. My hands glowed in warm white light as it fastened the healing process. When I lifted my hands again, I found it to be unblemished and clean.

I chomped a big bite of the familiar dessert that Luke passed to me whenever I had to skip a meal. A tear dripped down my cheek again when I realized how delicious it was today. I promised myself that I would make up with Ellen soon. She couldn't continue her cold act forever.

"It's good," I whimpered.

I climbed onto his bed and held out my hands for more. My empty stomach needed to be filled. But Luke pulled me into a long hug instead of more chocolate bars. I froze, not moving from his warm arms since it felt good today. The marble tiles weren't as soft as leaning into his chest.

"This is why family is the only people you can trust. No one in our family will betray you," Luke whispered into my ear.

My eyes widened as I wondered what was behind that message. Was this why Luke was stuck in this closed world of his? He considered family to be his everything with how loyal he was to them. I could never imagine my world to be restricted the same way. There were so many brilliant people out there, waiting to grasp onto your hand.

They waited to interact with you to create a splendid network of brilliant relationsh.i.p.s you could lean onto and support. No matter how hurt I was by Ellen's words or anyone else, I would have been more regretful if I never got to spend time with them in the first place. This was how I met Sienna, Delia and Ben in the neutral fraction.

"I'm going to talk to Ellen again tomorrow," I pulled myself away from his arms.

This was how I slammed my plate in front of her seat in the cafeteria during breakfast. I knew how she preferred eating a bit late compared to others. Most times, we would eat separately since I struggled to get up, but I woke up early today to Luke's surprise.

I sat down to wait for her to start talking after finishing her meal. But instead of the usual small talk, she stood up to leave me here alone.

"What do you want?" She glared at me when I grabbed her hand to prevent her from leaving.

"I'm here to help you. I'll do the best I can to support you during tough times like right now." I tightened my grip.

"I told you, it's not that. I just need some time alone," Ellen tried to shake off my grasp.

"Why don't you ever depend on me, aren't we friends?" I made direct eye contact with her.

"You're Luke's possession, but I envy you even although you are," Ellen sighed.

"You don't know how it feels to be suddenly on unequal standing with your partner. You see how Miliana has no power as she listens to Charles' every command like a puppet. This is what happens if your status decreases." Ellen sadly admitted.

"But Allan would never do that to you. You know how Charles is a jerk!"

"But his family has total control over my life now and my family can't ever interfere since they have less power. Just like Luke's family will plan your future until your deathbed from how many children you have to where you can go."

My hand that held onto her wrist, fell from the source of her worries. My mouth couldn't open since I couldn't refute that Miliana was almost Charles' obedient puppet. The only time Miliana ever went against Charles' wishes was during the culture festival. I remembered smiling when I saw her genuine smile for the first time instead of her shy nature hidden behind her soft words.

"I was the one by your side when you complained how you had no freedom in doing almost everything. Remember?" Ellen continued.

"Except now, we're the same. The only difference is how Luke's family doesn't have any expectations or responsibilities for you to carry out like I do yet. The same way where I have to be the mature one to take care of Allan or the people around me."

Ellen turned to leave as I stared at her burdened back. Was this why she called me, 'Luke's possession'? I assumed both Ellen and Shelly went through the same thing. But it was only me this entire time out of the three of us. Although Alex's relationship with Shelly wasn't exactly the best, I never noticed him prohibiting her to go anywhere or directly giving orders.

They discussed or negotiated on where to go or what decision was to be made. But, Luke always made the decisions for me without any of my input.