wishbone breaking

i used to believe that we're two asymptotic individuals, bounded to be starcrossed for the rest of our lives because i was convinced that our paths were not meant to intersect. but, certain fates are inescapable. and in the right time, right place, among unpredictable paths — we would approach and defy our hapless fate, together. 

(now, i believe that our stars are destined to align.)

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I kept my gaze out of the window, swallowing all the tears that threatened to overflow. Since I turned seven and was adopted into the Illiades household, I haven't left Aillard's side at all. He really planned to set me free this time, pushing me out of the elaborate golden cage that the Illiades chained me to. 

Yet, even when I spread my wings to fly, I only wondered why I kept thinking of the lonely silhouette of him. 

On arrival, the plane gradually descended from the sky and landed smoothly. Sounds of unbuckling belts clicked and Mallory walked towards me. She tapped on my shoulder and asked, "Are you feeling alright, Wren?" 

"It hurts a little, but I'm good," I gave her a polite smile. 

Mallory plugged the earpiece of her stethoscope into her ears and rested the disc above my chest. She requested for me to breathe but I only wanted to tell her that I don't know how to do that when someone already took all the air away from me, leaving me all heavy-hearted and empty at the same time. I tried to speak but my voice failed me and what was left were the tears that I held back, pouring relentlessly. Mallory lifted her gaze and gave me a sympathetic look. She smoothed her hand through my hair as she spoke in hushed tones, "Wren, it's okay. You'll be okay." 

Lifting my hand to my face, I wiped the tears away and drew in a sharp inhale. I held onto Mallory's hand and said through my shaky breaths, "Thank you, please have a safe trip back." 

"You're welcome, darling," Mallory smiled warmly, pulling me into a comforting hug. "I'll take care of Aillard for you, you have nothing to worry about. So, go out there and live your best life, Wren. Not everyone gets a second chance in life." 

"Mallory, please remind Aillard of his medication—"

"Good heavens, Wren, you've reminded me for the hundredth time now," Mallory complained. "You don't have to worry about that because my nephew has returned and Aillard has one more person to nag at him on that." 

"Alright," I heaved a sigh of relief. "Please do send my regards to Jeremiah." 

"Mr Ashenherst, the chauffer is waiting for you outside the plane," the stewardess said, apologetic that she had to interrupt my conversation with Mallory. 

"Got it, thank you," I nodded politely in response and turned towards Mallory again. "I should get going now." 

"Go," Mallory smiled. 

Hesitant and unsure, I exited the plane and saw a man in a suit greeting me with a slight bow. He opened the door to the passenger seat and I looked behind. My eyes scanned the empty airport runway and the breezing wind of foreign air greeted me, pushing me into the reality that this was the first real step I took into this newfound life. This felt like a chance that I had always longed for, but at this point, why do I also feel my heart being seized by an unknown wave of fear? 

The entire car trip was spent in another round of silence as I braced myself for everything that was going to happen from this moment forward. It was definitely daunting to be the one in control of my life when I had spent many years living under other's plans for me. This sudden freedom of choice had never felt so terrifying until now. 

When the car pulled to an eventual stop, I stood in front of the lobby of a luxurious apartment complex. Checking with the chauffeur, I enquired, "Are you sure that I'm supposed to be brought here?" 

"Yes, Mr Ashenherst. I was also asked to give this key card to you."

"Alright, thank you," I said, taking the key card from him and got down the car. 

I flipped the card around and saw the address stated on it. Following the numbers written, I managed to find the apartment meant for me. Tapping the card to the reader, the system shuddered unlocked and I pushed down on the handle to enter the apartment. Everything I witnessed rooted me to the ground and I remained unmoved. 

My eyes swept across the vastness of the penthouse and everything was done in the concept of my dream house. Bright sunlight shone through the large expanse of glass, lighting the whole place up in its soft glow. The entire design relied on three basic colours distributed in a perfect balance: slate grey, onyx black and pale oak. Potted philodendrons and devil's ivies were placed at several corners for accents within this canvas of muted colours. At first glance, I knew that Aillard had prepared this for me because he was the only person that I had ever told this to and I wasn't sure how to feel about this. A random conversation over some drinks turned out to be a parting gift to end my unrequited love. 

"Why aren't you coming in?" A familiar female voice sounded, jarring me out of my thoughts as I whipped my head to the side. 

She continued in her light-accented voice, "I wanted to surprise you but you took too long to enter." 

"Naya?" I gasped. "Why are you here?" 

"I'm moving in with you, darling," Naya smiled liltingly. "Aillard told me about your preferences. Do you like what you see?" 

"You're moving to Norway with me?" I asked, confused. 

"My dearest, have you forgotten that Norway is the Fayed family's stronghold?" Naya gave me an eye roll and sauntered towards me. Pulling me into the apartment, she said, "Come with me, Aillard had something prepared for you."

Naya held onto my arm and walked towards a large room. Sliding open the glass door leading to the walk-in closet, Naya mentioned, "Welcome to your new life, Wren." 

I was rendered speechless by the number of dresses, shoes, bags and accessories. There was never a single dress in my wardrobe, and I was amazed by how every accessory on display here was feminine. I never knew that Ailalrd meant to live as a woman when he set me free. I headed towards the vanity and saw a blue velvet box set atop three files. I asked, "What are these?" 

"The box and black files are from Aillard and the white file is from Ismael and me. Take your time to consider," Naya winked and left me alone in the room. 

I held onto the box and clicked opened, a dainty silver chain necklace rested on the expensive velvet. I removed the necklace and looked at the simple silver wishbone pendant hanging on the chain. A surge of emotions nearly shattered me when I saw the words on the card which slipped when I took the necklace out. In Aillard's neat handwriting, it read: Did your wish come true, Wren?

Recollection: Six years ago
Wren | 16, Aillard | 21

It was Christmas night and instead of joining the rest of the crowd at the festive party in the Illiades mansion, Aillard pulled me by my arm as we left the ostentatiously decorated foyer to hide in the quiet attic within the forgotten corner of the mansion. 

"Aillard," I called his name politely and reminded, "We're not kids anymore, you cannot keep running away from social events." 

"Give me a break, Wren," Aillard complained. Those slate grey eyes dulled slightly and I could almost feel the weight he carried on his shoulders. "I'll never get another chance to do this. Just for tonight, let us stay as such." 

I didn't say any more words thereafter. Tugging on my arm, he sat me in front of him and grinned. His hand went into the inner breast pocket of his suit and took out a small box, removing a forked-shaped ornament from within. I looked towards him with a curious gaze and he chuckled, "It's a wishbone." 

"What's a wishbone?" I asked. 

"Just the furcula of a bird," Aillard shrugged and continued to explain, "According to custom, when two people break the bone, the holder of the longer portion is thought to have their wish granted." 

"You're into customs?" 

"For the fun of it," Aillard said, holding the other half of the bone towards me. "When I tell you to pull, you should only let go when the wishbone breaks, alright?" 

"Alright," I replied. 

"Close your eyes and make a wish," Aillard instructed. 

Allowing my eyelids to fall, I wasn't sure what to wish for but I eventually settled on one, the most impossible one: I want to be free. 

"Done?" Aillard grinned. 

I gave him a nod and asked, "What did you wish for?" 

"You're not supposed to tell others what you wish for," Aillard chuckled. He firmed his grip on the wishbone and said, "Remember to pull on it hard to break it and on my count." 

He counted down from three and I pulled on the wishbone with all the strength I could gather in my arm. I didn't know the bone would break so easily and I fell back when it snapped. Aillard burst out a laugh, "You've gotten the longer side, Wren. I hope your wish comes true." 

I gave him a wry smile, knowing that this was just a silly custom because I would never be free. 

Turning the card around, he wrote: I wished for you to be free, my little songbird. 

"You're an idiot," I sobbed, holding the necklace close to my chest. My heart clenched in a painful way as I held onto that precious memory of us. I always thought Aillard was someone far beyond my reach, but in actuality, he walked right behind me every step of the way. He was strict towards me, only to teach me that life would be harsher. He remained indifferent, only to love me in every other way. 

I opened the three files in front of me: an employment contract to the Illiades, another employment contract to the Fayed and an empty memorandum. 

I deliberated over each carefully, finally picking up the empty memorandum. That was when my heart decided on an important choice: I never intended to let Aillard fight the war alone.

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a/n:

here marks the end of part one of the story.
part two would begin their story three years later. 
a preview would be published soon, enjoy!