Departure

Lucian agreed reluctantly and stayed over at the Wellington's manor for dinner alongside with Mia and Eldest Master Henderson.

However, Mr Wellington totally ignored his presence and headed for his room straight after dinner.

Immediately he woke up the next morning, Lucian headed downstairs where he ran into Mr Wellington who was sprawled on the chair reading a magazine.

"Mr Wellington ". He greeted. "Yesterday . ."

" Come with me ". Mr Wellington replied with a single sentence and headed for the garden while Lucian followed suit .

Soon after the men's left for the garden, Mia also woke up rubbing her eyes blearily as she descended the stairs and collided into Aubrey who was also coming from the opposite direction.

"Are you blind ". Aubrey hissed angrily.

"I'm supposed to ask you that Miss ". Mia replied with equal vigor. "Are you blind ? "

"I see, growing wings huh ". Aubrey scoffed. " You'd better thank your stars for still being able to stand before me and talk after yesterday's event ".

" Thank my stars". Mia also scoffed, hands akimbo. "I knew you were behind yesterday's event, your were the mastermind".

" And so ?, You can do nothing and too bad the plan failed or else . . "

" Surely it's only because a failure like you can do nothing better". Mia answered.

" Hehehe". Aubrey laughed, the tension between the two ladies reaching a boiling point as their argument escalated.

"You think I can go to no extent to destroy you, to make your life miserable. I have always resented you and will stop at nothing to destroy you". Aubrey growled as her anger intensified.

"You're such a pain in my ass, your presence is what I hate the most, it's the constant source of conflict in my heart and I harbor such a deep-seated hatred for you which will make me go to any extent and stop at nothing even if it means getting rid of you . ."

Aubrey growled , her voice rising in a cacophony of anger and accusation but she was interrupted midsentence by Mia who delivered a stinging slap on her cheeks, the sound resonating through the silent house.

" If you lack some manners I'll teach you some and i also won't stop at any extent too do so". Mia replied with equal vigor looking down at the shocked Aubrey who stood there stunned into silence as she held her stinging cheeks painfully.

"I'll make you pay for this, believe me". Aubrey said eyes filled with hatred.

" Yes , you will ". Mia nodded unfazed.

However unbeknownst to Mia, Aubrey in a fit of rage and malicious intents deliberately positioned herself at the top of the stair as soon as she heared the slightest hint of footsteps approaching waiting for the perfect moment to exact revenge.

As Mia turned around to go back to her room totally unhappy at disgusted their encounter, the sounds of footsteps could be heared approaching, this time nearer.

Without a moment's hesitation, Aubrey feigned a stumble letting out a bloodcurdling scream as she tumbled down the stairs.

Real or not, her calculated act had the desired effect. Mia was immediately held responsible for the apparent accident by Mr Wellington and Lucian who had just arrived.

To them it seemed as though Mia's action had caused Aubrey's fall.

"Aubrey". Mr Wellington and Lucian rushed over to check Aubrey who had already fainted in a pool of blood and Mia also rushed down the stairs shocked and surprised as she stared at the gory scene.

"Lucian,". Mr Wellington yelled angrily. "Is this what my daughter deserves from you, is it until she's bullied to death. Today I'm sparing you no face , I'll surely avenge my daughter".

Eldest Master Henderson was alerted by the noise downstairs and also rushed over.

Witnessing the bloody scene he was stunned and glancing at the confused and stunned Lucian, lost and confused Mia as well as the raging Mr Wellington he could easily deduce what had happened.

"Lucian, what's your say on this before I decide the suitable punishment for her . ."

" Punishment". Mia scoffed. " You're holding me accountable for a crime i know nothing about, aren't you being delirious. How can you just jump to a conclusion, did you see me pushing her down the stairs, we were a far distance . ."

" Oh yeah Missy, I do. Lucian married my daughter willingly and divorced you, if you have any grievances just pin it on him why my daughter. You had always been making things hard for my daughter and today you actually dare to harm her . .

"Harm, so you know the definition of harm now or have you forgotten yesterday's event so quickly. I was clearly her target, don't tell me you believe those cock and bull stories she made up ". Mia thundered. " I say it this one time, I've never hurt your daughter not do I have any intention to".

Turning to Lucian, Mr Wellington asked. " We both arrived together didn't we ?. We clearly saw her pushing her down the stairs didn't we ?".

Lucian kept quiet lost for words. He knew and trusted Mia so much and knew she would never stoop so low but how could he defend her based on his status now.

How could he explain it only seemed like she indeed pushed her down based on the angle of their location, things will only get complicated ruining all of their efforts so far .

"Even you don't believe me?". Mia questioned in disbelief staring at Lucian as tears welled up in her eyes but he didn't spare her a glance as he bent his head low in disappointment.

"Take her to the ancestral hall to reflect on her actions". Turning to one of the maids Mr Wellington ordered.

" I'm merely showing you some pity because you're my son-in-law past acquaintance, surely kneeling down for a day and night isn't that unbearable, right". He said to Mia whose focus was on the still Lucian.

" But it's snowing . ." Eldest Master Henderson began cautiously after calming his self , he couldn't loose his tempers now.

"Lucian, do you agree to this. If you do I'll agree straight away ". Mia said her gaze unwavering as she stared at his still figure but her words were met with a cold and chilling silence.

"I'll take your silence as an agreement then". Mia mumbled before being pushed out of the room by the guards, tears streaming down her face as she turned back to gaze at him but he stood still and unconcerned.