Departure V

Mia rolled over on her her stomach, hoping to wrap her arm around Lucian's toned abdomen as usual, but was surprised to find an empty space beside her.

"Lucian". She called and stepped out of bed , rubbing her eyes blearily.

"Lucian". She called out again but no response, just as she reached the door she them paused for a while noticing he was on a phone call before entering.

"Why are you out in the cold?". Mia yawned embracing him from behind.

Lucian turned over to her. "It's so cold outside, let's get you in ". He carried her inside whilst she giggled enjoying the treasured moment.

"Mia, there's something I have to tell you about". Lucian suddenly called out after pausing for a while as soon as they stepped into the dimly lit room.

"What's that ?". She smiled, her expression then morphing into that of puzzlement upon noticing his dreary and guilty looks.

"Earlier on , I was on the phone with Mr Wellington. But unfortunately now ,I have to go". He said, voice strained.

Mia felt a knot of dread tighten in her stomach as soon as he completed his sentence, the room hushing into an uncomfortable silence as her happy expression was nowhere to be found anymore.

"Why? , I thought we were taking a break from them , from all these ?". She queried, her voice strained.

Mia watched as the warmth that had enveloped them both moments from earlier began to quietly slip away.

"Why do you have to go back, we just got together again and now . . . Didn't you promised to spend our honeymoon, why do you have to go back ". She murmured, her eyes welling with confusion.

Lucian barely glanced in her direction, his eyes anxiously drifting into every corners and crane of the room except at her. He tugged his shirt anxiously as he said tersely. "I have to go now, it's an emergency"

With a hurried kiss to her temples, he dashed out of the room leaving Mia rooted to the same spot, as unmoving and still as a statue except for the tears streaming down her cheeks.

The cool and cold morning breeze swept by, chilling her to the bone and she gently slided onto the floor despondently, she clutched her hands around herself, bewildered and alone.

Hours trickled by stretching into an eternity of silence, Mia tried to reach out to Lucian her worry growing with each unanswered call .

Even the stars above seems to mock her , their distant glimmer a clear reminder of the warmth that had slipped through her fingers.

Then early the next morning she also packed her luggages and left the resort for home. There was no need for her to linger around any longer even though she badly want to.

She wanted to live within the warmth memories not the cold and harsh reality outside, that would begin as soon as she steps her feet out of the resort but she had no choice, it was something she had to do she refused to be a weakling and cower.

When Mia arrived at the mansion she was welcomed with a chilling silence, Lucian was nowhere to be found and nor was Aubrey anywhere in sight.

She slumped weakly on the couch beside her , thoroughly exhausted and weak.

She was soon awaken by the incessant ringing of the doorbell, rubbing her eyes blearily she rose from the couch and paddled towards the door barefooted.

"Grandfather". She exclaimed in surprise, amazed at the sight of the august visitor who was right before the door.

After exchanging pleasantries, Mia helped him in. A few moments of silence ensued as Eldest Master Henderson settled down.

Rapping his hands against the coffee table, he gazed at Mia who sat across him again for the nth time.

Mia could feel the tension in the air rising and for a moment she fidgeted in her seat, she knew clearly that whatever could make even the cold and straightforward Eldest Master Henderson nervous was worth being scared of.

Then reaching for the small gift box in his grasp, he placed it on the table coffee before Mia.

"Birthday gift". Mia's puzzled expression was soon addressed even before she could ask what it was for

"Thanks very much, Grandfather". She smiled accepting the box.

"Now, it's time to address the main issue". Eldest Master Henderson spoke softly, his gaze reflecting an amalgamation of empathy and concern.

"I know this is a trying time for you and I won't dwell much on that but sometimes in the wake of events distance provides clarity and healing".

Mia eyes widened in shock as she assimilated his words.

"You want me to leave Lucian ?".

Her eyes clouded with grief and confusion met his.

"No". Eldest Master Henderson sighed after a short pause. "All these recent events were a result of my actions and I've caused both you and Lucian to suffer but most especially you".

"I do feel guilty seeing you duo suffering but as I know Lucian is working on it but things seems to be getting more and more complicated now , that's why I came up with this idea. I don't want you depressed, just to seek your inner peace, all for a while till everything is settled".

"I understand". Mia shook her head, her voice trembling with the weight of uncertainty. She knew for Eldest Master Henderson to personally come and convince her, then things were already more than worse".

"But where would I go ?.

Eldest Master Henderson leaned foward, his presence a sturdy anchor amidst the storm.

"Perhaps a change of scenery, a brief respite away from this harsh environment, it can help bring things into perspective".

Gazing at her, the lines across his face seemed to deepened with compassion as he continued.

"Leaving doesn't signify defeat, it's about finding your peace, your inner strength".

A flicker of sadness passed over Eldest Master Henderson features for the first time, but his gaze remained steady.

"The two of you need time, to come to terms with everything that's happened, sometimes a step back offers a clearer view of the path ahead".

"I understand ". Mia nodded forcing back the tears in the corn of her eyes. "Is Lucian aware ?".

"No and I don't want him to be aware of this . . ."

"Okay, I'll think about it". She replied but deep down within herself she knew she had come to a decision.