Different opinions

[Song Suggestion - On My Way(Alan Walker)]

There was no response from the couple, as both were wandering in their thoughts. Ace's eyes look fixated on Nina, wishing that she would forgive him for the beast-like act. Regret started taking over Ace, making him sorrowful and deflated.

Nina felt uncomfortable with the constant gaze from Ace, which was making her more petrified. Shrugging her shoulders, she curled her lip up, annoyed by his odd behaviour. She wanted to yell at him to stay away from her, but the love for him was preventing her from doing so.

"Ace, can't you see that she is uncomfortable. Stop doing that! What has gotten into you?" James hissed, bringing Ace back to the world. "What happened? Did I make a mistake by putting trust in you? Not only do you both like each other, but also you seem to be harassing her. Did you at least observe her face before bringing her to me? Now, don't tell me that it was you that slapped her!"

"He didn't!" Nina murmured, supporting Ace.

"He might not do that! Now please, bring out the hand that you have been hiding," he begged, viewing Nina rubbing her right wrist with the left palm through the glass table.

Ace lifted her head and glimpsed at her hand, which was covered with dark red bulging prints.

"Do you think that he didn't hurt you? Nina, how can you be so innocent? Why did you yell or shout when he held you that strongly?"

"I was....." before she could complete her sentence, warm tears ran out of her eyes, and she started choking and shivering, "frightened and devastated."

James' eyes turned watery on watching her in that situation. He felt hundred per cent responsible for bringing her to such a terrible position. Ace was also bending his head down and weeping silently. He was ashamed of what he had done to her. He never treated any human as he tackled her, especially women. His mother always told him that the Moon Goddess had given them the power and ability, so disrespecting any female is the same as insulting the goddess. Keeping that word in mind, he never spoke ill or talked rudely to any woman. Where has that patience gone?

Even though he noticed that there had been changes in emotions, decisions and behaviour, he never expected such a rebellious attitude.

"Uncle, why am I behaving differently compared to my old self since I met Nina?"

Although it might seem like an excuse to others, for James, it wasn't because he had been watching Ace closely for many years to give him the responsibility of Moonchild. "Except becoming outrageous, what else?"

"Childish behaviour when I am alone with her. Sadness, Tears...fear of losing her. Enthusiasm....that can make the whole world happy. Anger...feeling to kill the person who treats her bad."

James eyes wide opened, and his lower lip dropped down. 'This idiot doesn't have any idea on love. Am I a love doctor, now? Should I tell him that it wasn't her fault but his, who was completely immersed in love with her?' He was happy to see his nephew feeling the experience of love, but he also was disheartened, knowing that his heart might someday break into pieces. 'I must stop before that happens.'

Before he was about to tell something, Ace continued speaking again, "But, why did I abuse and mistreat her?" he questioned, gulped down the throat, which seemed dried due to constant shouting and sobbing.

Silence prevailed in the room after Ace's question. James wanted to tell the truth that he was possessive about her, yet couldn't since he was afraid that their relationship might get much stronger and it would grow difficult for him to separate them.

On the other side, Nina understood how much he loved her. However, the way he abused her was still revolving in her mind, and the marks on her wrist were also making her remember the incident, even if she wished not to.

"Ace, just know that the relationship between you isn't going to bring any fortune but a disaster. You both should maintain distance before any such calamity takes place. Didn't you tell me that you had some work to do, continue on that, while Nina stays in her home or travel." James warned and suggested them with the future in mind. He felt that as a teenager, attraction and infarctions were common, so as an elderly, it was his duty to put the children in the right direction. "Don't think that I am separating you, but instead, I want to imagine how you would react when Nina goes off with the Alpha. You weren't able to digest this time, so for sure, you wouldn't be silent when that situation comes."

"So, this man is trying to separate us. I should talk to Ace privately and not let his uncle' words affect him," she thought to herself, but her poor heart was still unstable. Although she realized that Ace behaved that way with fear of losing her, she had never been treated by anyone that recklessly. In contrast, Ace's thoughts were different from Nina as he felt that James was correct. It would be better to break this relationship in a tender stage. He felt that he might behave like a mad animal and become a nuisance to her in the long run.

Nina gazed at Ace, who was sucking his teeth and tightening his fist. "I want to talk to Ace before we take our own paths as you suggested," she remarked with a straight face, watching Ace tending towards his uncles' idea.

Nina walked out of the room and walked to the only bathroom in the office. Having a capacity that could be counted with fingers, the office opened only a single restroom. Ace too followed her inside but stood a little away from her. He examined her red cheek, which he didn't check before. Nina's fear didn't allow her to step towards him, thus forming a three-foot gap between them.

"What do you want to do about our relationship?" Nina queried, eager to know what's on his mind.