Veiled Destinies

"I think the necklace from Ethan's hands, and I tried to put it on my neck .but my hair was long and covered my neck, so I tried to do it without showing my neck to anyone. When I started to put it on, it didn't clip on. I was so frustrated, but suddenly I felt a hand on my shoulder. I looked at Ethan, and he was smiling. I showed my neck slowly, not so sure, and watched as he took the necklace and clipped it. I could feel the cold hand on my skin, making me shiver, but I didn't do anything. I didn't want to react. I just saw the yellow diamond on my chest; it was so beautiful. Ethan looked into my eyes; there was disappointment for some reason, but the smile didn't go away. He spoke to me with a soft but rugged voice, 'Mia, you have a good taste in choosing necklaces. I was wondering what you want to do now, and when your hair is around your shoulders, it's more beautiful than when it's on your back.' My heart flattered, but I couldn't say that. I blushed slowly but didn't share it with anyone, especially not with Sylvia. Because if she were with us, she would notice everything and leave me in an awkward situation.

Anyway, I was observing what was happening in this place. It was full of people, packed, and hard to breathe. But I didn't slow down. I saw kids running around happily with candy, and my heart melted from this beauty. While walking around, there were shops—some for carpets, some for jewelry, and some for clothes. Clothing interested me, but I didn't want to waste time because I had to find Sylvia. As we delved deeper into this place, the crowd didn't reduce. In fact, it got more packed. I couldn't see anything happening in front of me. The only thing that made me feel safe was Ethan's hand. His hands slowly got warm because my hand was hot. I didn't put too much effort into it.

Anyway, a man walked on my face, and I dropped to the ground. I felt pain on my back because, in the chaos, Ethan didn't have time to catch me. The man who walked was so angry. He was not a stranger but the person I knew from the carriage—an arrogant person who always thought lowly of me. Instead of giving him any attention, I grabbed Ethan's hand and went around to find Sylvia. The man followed us, but I didn't bother. I went to my goal—to find Sylvia.

When we were finding her, Ethan stopped me and gave me an ice cream cone. I was so surprised, and I secretly enjoyed it. All the time we were walking, my eyes were glowing. I love sugary treats; I have a sweet tooth. I slowly ate the ice cream, and my eyes were so happy, like a small child having their first bite of candy. Ethan chuckled softly when he looked at my eyes. I didn't hide it anymore; my blush spread across my face. The other men behind us were so frustrated, looking at the two of us. One of them said, 'Lovebirds, you want to find your girl because we need to go away from this checkpoint. My sister and I were trying to find Sylvia so hard, and you two are going around in this place without any weapons. You know how dangerous it is. This place is full of people who steal and kill without mercy.' I rolled my eyes from irritation. I didn't want to see that man anymore; he was so annoying.

Before doing anything or showing any attitude, Ethan still held my hand and looked at the man with us. His eyes were full of anger, but he contained himself. The sun hit his red eyes, turning them into rubies. It reminded me of the first time I saw him. I stopped myself and tried to contain my excitement, letting everything flow. It was important to go to the other checkpoints. So we tried to find Sylvia so hard, and we did find her—in a makeup shop. She was choosing some beauty brands, and I didn't know what to say. She chose some perfume, brushes, and makeup—not for her but for me. I don't like makeup.

When we found Sylvia, the man with us didn't do anything. He went directly to Sylvia without even warning us. He dragged her from her hand, letting all the makeup and products fall away. He gave them to the shop, didn't let her get anything, and let her go with us. Sylvia was so annoyed; she didn't want to say anything. The frustration was clear on her face. She is hot-headed, always screaming, biting, and cursing. I looked at Sylvia and began to laugh so hard because she looked so interesting. Even though they just let everything go, I was not happy for her. But at the same time, she is my best friend, and I couldn't say anything. Isn't that a funny thing?

In the country, Ethan was not happy. He disliked any type of action towards women. I didn't give too much attention to those things, but he did. I didn't know if it was a bad thing or a good thing. Anyway, the man threw Sylvia at me as if she were an object. I disliked it, and I stopped laughing so fast. He looked at me with arrogant eyes, not even trying to communicate. He went to the carriage.

I looked at Sylvia, asking her with worry because he dragged her so hard. She was thrown like a fuzz. I hated it. 'Sylvia, are you okay? I was so worried about you. This man dragged you and didn't even consider that you are fragile. He has a sister, but he doesn't even have respect for a woman.' Sylvia was talking to herself, cursing and saying inappropriate things. I didn't know what to say. In the end, I helped Sylvia get up, feeling guilty. I fixed all her clothes and made her clean. After that, we walked together to the exit. It was hard because people were packed. Suddenly, Sylvia's eyes hit the necklace, and she looked at me.

'Oh, girl, you have a good taste in necklaces and those stuff. I never had good jewelry in my life. One day, we have to go together and choose something beautiful.' I smiled happily and agreed with her because we didn't like to be greedy. But our friendship is more powerful than anything. I didn't want to lie, so I glanced at Ethan to say something. He smirked and happily began to share his thoughts, 'Sylvia, you have to know I chose this necklace for Mia. I think it suits her very well. And, to be honest, Mia, your eyes shine with this color.' I kicked his leg in frustration because I didn't want this bold attitude in front of Sylvia.

After all, if I return to my place and my castle, he will be with me. I don't want anyone to know the secret and my ways in life. I don't think that I don't trust Sylvia, but I don't want rumors that I am powerful and have another love. But still, my heart doesn't have the courage to say if this love is real or some type of mask masking in front of me. Trusting is something so hard to put.

"I put so much trust in people; they break me apart. Now, trust is just a word to convince people to be with me. But in reality, I don't trust anyone. I got serious, and we walked to the exit. But before walking to the exit, I saw a girl who had the same features as mine—greenish hair and eyes. She walked around like sunshine, making me curious. When she looked at me, she ran towards me and hugged me with a smile across her face. She wasn't fancy; she looked like a normal, common Sylvia. Ethan and Sylvia were both confused because our similarity was too far to deny.

She burst into tears, crying and hugging my legs. 'Mommy, I lost this place. I didn't find you, but now I found you. I'm so sorry I didn't hold your hand, but that tells me that I have to be brave like you. So, when I get too brave and don't want to be brave anymore, and Mommy, why don't you have the gift that Daddy gave you yesterday?' I looked so confused. I looked at Ethan, and after that, I looked at Sylvia. I am not a mother; what gift is she talking about? I'm sure something is wrong. I looked at Ethan with my pathetic eyes, not knowing what to do. Alright, I have to say the situation slowly gets more confusing.

But I secured stopping my legs and made sure she stopped crying. I gave her some candy, gave her my ice cream, and patted her head. 'It's okay, child, but you have to know I am not your mother. We can't find your mother, but I am not your mother, okay? So, don't worry. We can find anything; nothing is impossible.' She looked at me so mad, like she wanted to kick my legs or something. On the other hand, she was happy and smirking all the time, enjoying the drama. She loved the scene and the entertaining way. Sylvia was more worried; she probably thought I had an illegal child.

The child looked at my eyes with determination. 'Mommy, you always told me that talking to strangers is bad. So, you are not a stranger, so I can talk to you. And I am sure 100% that you are my mother. Plus, I got something special.' She got a crown made of flowers and gave it to me. I held it slowly and maturely. She was so adorable. She looked at me with determination, so I put the crown on my head. She was full of happiness. I love happy children; they remind me how much people can hold humanity.

Suddenly, Ethan held the child in his hand and, with a big smile, said, 'Let's find your parents, little girl. What's your name?' The little girl looked at Easton and smiled, full of joy. She said proudly, 'My name is Aria, and I am the most powerful. But, uncle, you already know my name. I heard all of you asking about it. And Mommy, why don't you believe that I am your daughter?' The smile on the little girl dropped, and I was confused. Magic is already banned; it's illegal to use. Why is this girl using it?

Sylvia held my hand and dragged me away, but something serious happened. 'Mia, the child literally looks like you. You can't deny that and choose magic. Also, I know how to use magic—some banned things used by mages like going back in time. I am scared that this little fellow is your child. We don't know the father, but this magic trick will fade in three to four days. So, we have to take care of her. Don't worry; let's ensure she doesn't get harmed. She will just disappear. And when we find the fathers that you will marry, we will see that child again. Don't worry.' I blushed softly at the idea of finding a father, marriage, pregnancy, and all of that.

I didn't want this now. I know I would get married and have children, but I am scared of the father because what the child is saying indicates a really good relationship. I don't know. So, I looked at Sylvia with a soft smile and tried to convince myself that nothing bad would happen. 'Sylvia, until that day when I will get married, it's more than 10 to 15 years away. I will not marry that easily.' Sylvia burst into lagging tears. I didn't know what to say."