The Retirement Party

Talilia wanted to share with her sister that she had met someone and was in love. She wanted her to meet him, and get her blessings but now her mood was spoilt. She thought about Othorion as the only happy thing in her life was him. He made her happy, made her feel content. She wanted to spend her whole life with him.

But her love story was going to have problems. First, she was a human and Othorion was a vampire. Though it was not illegal, it was frowned upon. Second, she knew Talindra would be against the relationship as Dracul and Tauraks were sworn enemies. She just won a battle against them, she was not going to wave the white flag because of Talilia's relationship.

Talilia sighed loudly and looked at herself in the mirror for the last time. Her puffy eyes were gone. Her skin was glowing. Her fake eyelashes were making her eyes look bigger. Her pink lips complimented her beautiful grey cocktail dress perfectly. She had a matching diamond set on. Her makeup, hair, and nails were on point. All that was missing was her smile. She exhaled and let go of her stress.

She thought of Othorion, and an instant smile played on her lips. She was going to meet with him soon. She thought about meeting him and kissing him. She was eager to show her pink lips to Othorion, keen to put those pink lips on his lips. She started dreaming about what she would say and do when she would see Othorion, the love of her life.

The next instant, there was a knock at her door breaking her dream and her father, Galhad entered.

"Are you ready, Lili?" asked Galhad.

"Yes, Daddy," replied Talilia with a smile but that smile didn't reach her eyes.

"You are looking beautiful, my dear," said Galhad.

"Thank you, Daddy, you are looking dapper too." Talilia went and hugged her father.

"Are you still upset with Tali?"

"You can say that. Why does she hate this house, Daddy?" asked Talilia.

"She does not," replied Galhad, instantly. He lowered his head with shame. He knew the reason but was forbidden to talk about it. Somehow, it was his fault. He knew how much Talindra hated him. No matter how many times he tried to compensate for his mistake she never forgave him.

"Then why did she buy a villa and is not staying with us?" demanded Talilia.

"She does not hate this house. She hates me. She does not want to stay with me," said Galhad with pain in his eyes. He knew he was telling a lie. She hated both the house and him.

"But why?" asked Talilia, again.

"You know that. You have asked this question multiple times and I have answered it multiple times. She hates me because I was an absent father. I was always busy with work. I was so busy with my rivalry that I missed her childhood but never won. I finally won because of her. She didn't have a mother. She spent her childhood alone and the rest of her life in hostels. She never knew a family or a house, so she prefers living alone. I left her alone when she needed me. I was never there to stand up for her." He stared at the oblivion, his eyes were filled with past memories. Tears started forming in his eyes.

"Are you okay, Daddy?"

He smiled faintly. "I am glad that Drelduin was always with her. At least someone is in her life with whom she shares everything, tells everything. He is a very good brother, an excellent protector."

"That he is. Let's go," said Talilia.

"Is your sister coming to the party?" asked Galhad.

"She has to. She is going to be appointed, um… what?" Talilia forgot the name of the position.

"Administrative Manager of two sectors in VRIK," replied Galhad, happily.

"Now, I can see that you are happy," noticed Talilia.

"Yeah, I will shove this win in that Dracul's face, stupid vampire. He thought he could win against us humans, moron."

"Daddy!" rebuked Talilia.

"Oh, come on! We won. We need to celebrate." He side-hugged Talilia and squeezed her arms tightly with love. He wrapped his arm around her waist and twirled her around in happiness.

Talilia giggled at her father's jovial nature. "Why is he your rival, Dad?" asked Talilia. She wanted to know the reason as that would come between Othorion and her in the future.

"No reason. We joined the company at the same time, and everything was a competition. He always thought he was superior to everyone being the elder of Vampires. The Clan war made all of us paranoid. We just wanted to rise against Vampires. We rose together, we failed together and finally, I won because of my daughter." He wanted Talindra to be before him so he could thank her and shower his love on her. But she never wanted to see him.

"Okay, fine, let's go. We are getting late," said Talilia. Galhad happily gave his arm to Talilia, and she grabbed it with a smile. They moved outside together and got in their car.

The party was a grand one. All the big names in business, politics, entertainment were present at the party. She could spot a few actors and actresses at the party. The main office of VRIK was decorated from top to bottom. The huge champagne fountain placed directly below the glass chandelier created a mesmerizing effect. Fairy lights were lit at every single corner of the building. Talilia looked at the decoration in awe. The pillars were wrapped with silver and white silk clothes. Two huge banners were hung side by side. Happy retirement was written on one and welcome was written on another.

She understood that retirement was for her father and that welcome was meant for Talindra. She looked around but could not find either Othorion or Talindra. She kept searching and searching and after some time noticed that the whole Dracul family was missing, it meant they didn't arrive till now. She was a little sad. But she knew she could wait for Othorion for eternity.

She was standing near a pillar when someone tapped on her shoulder. She turned and a handsome face greeted her. She beamed with happiness after seeing him. She punched him hard on his shoulder.

"Where were you, do you have any idea how long I waited for you?" scolded Talilia.

"Wow! You look amazing." Othorion placed his hand over his heart and complimented Talilia.

"I know, now tell me why you are late," asked Talilia.

"I am sorry, it is my brother's fault," pouted Othorion.

"Oh no, what happened?"

"He insisted that we come to the party in a limousine, and he stopped at three places to get his arm candies." He rolled his eyes.

"His what?" Talilia was confused.