━━━+*:ꔫ:*+ﾟ━━━

Oh, it hurts so hard
For a million different reasons

In The Stars (Benson Boone)

ꔫ

Thankfully, by the evening, every partridge had been caught and safely taken over to a farm which was so nicely offered by Kieran. Everything was perfectly prepared and I quickly returned home to change my outfit.

Being part of the Beaufort family had its perks. As the owner of one of the most prestigious dress collections I had access to some of the most stunning pieces. And tonight I decided to use it to my advantage.

The gown I chose for the Donation Gala was totally worthy for a princess. It had the color of deep royal blue with golden ornaments. My neck and shoulders were bare thanks to the off-the-shoulder bodice. On the back, there was a long cloth sewn to the dress in a matching color that resembled a cape. The skirt reached the ground but it gave my legs enough space to move and dance around. On my neck, I chose a golden choker necklace with a blue decoration to match my outfit.

Overall, I was satisfied with how it turned out. Honestly, a part of me even hoped that Paul would regret being such a dick at the sight of me.

Guests had already started arriving. Ruby was running all around, making sure that everything was the way it was supposed to be. I asked one of the helpers to check the drink supply and when she left, I heard someone whistling behind me. I turned around and my eyes fell on a group of lacrosse players. Wren was the one admiring my look. Cyril remained silent but it was unquestionable that he was having a hard time taking his eyes off me.

And Paul...

He was openly staring.

I raised my head confidently. "Do you like what you're seeing, Wren?"

"Hell, yeah!"

Cyril then elbowed him in his stomach. "Come on, let's find a quiet place to drink."

"This is a formal event, Vega," I reminded him.

He only waved me off, leading his friends away. However, Paul didn't move.

"Betty–"

I stopped him with my hand. "Not now, Paul."

With that I walked away from him, not even sparing a glance in his direction.

The Gala was going great. The guests seemed to be enjoying their time here. The boys really hid somewhere but at least they weren't causing trouble in public.

"Betty, can we talk please?"

I sighed, knowing the name of the person all too well. I faced him. "There's nothing to talk about, Paul. We're over."

"Betty, just give me a chance–"

"You've had your second chance," I cut him off. "And it didn't turn out well. You won't be getting a third one."

"Please, can we talk about it somewhere private? Betty, please," he begged.

I looked around, trying to find an excuse to leave him on his own but no one was paying attention to us. And the truth was that I didn't want another video of our fight going viral on the internet.

"Fine," I hardly agreed.

There was a hopeful smile on his face as he took my hand and started leading us away. From the corner of my eye I caught the rest of the boys returning to the room. For half a second my eyes met with Cyril's before Paul and I entered another room, closing the door behind us.

When I looked around, I realized it was the same room I discovered Cyril with the dancers at the last party. I felt goosebumps at the memory of his hand on my mouth. After all this time, I could still picture every second of that moment.

"I'm here. Talk," I told Paul, distracting myself from the memories.

"Okay, okay. Betty, I'm sorry." I rolled my eyes, crossing my arms over my chest. If I only had a dollar for every time he had apologized to me... "I misread the situation. If only I had known you would react that way, I would've never suggested spending the night there. I was so confident that you only wanted to go deeper in private but now I know that I was wrong."

"But you knew, Paul," I objected. "I had told you why I didn't want it. You know exactly why I wasn't ready."

"I know. I know! And I acknowledge my mistake. I promise I will listen to you now."

I nodded. "Okay. Great. Are you done?"

I didn't even wait for his response before starting to make my way around him but he jumped in front of me.

"Does that mean I'm forgiven?" he asked.

"No. I've said it once, I'll say it again. We're done," I spat out. "I'm not giving third chances, Paul."

"Betty."

"Stop Bettying me!" I raised my voice. "I'm done. You showed your true face and in the process you've managed to lose me. I really thought you were different but... I was wrong."

I could only shrug helplessly. The weight of the truth was falling on my shoulders. I thought that letting him go would be so easy but it wasn't. Paul was a person I used to know before the rapid changes in my life. He was there for me so many times. There was a time when I couldn't picture my life without him. But now that I knew his true colors, I knew I couldn't keep him by my side anymore. For me.

And with this decision I might have thrown away the last piece of my old life when my mom was still alive but I had to think about myself too. I couldn't let history repeat itself over and over again. I didn't know if I'd be able to live through another heartbreak caused by Paul.

"This wasn't how it was supposed to go. Our families were meant to unite..."

"Did your parents tell you that?" I asked, shocked by his words because they reminded me so much of my father's. "You seriously cannot think that I am going to stay with you just because your family is just as wealthy as mine."

"You don't see the bigger picture, do you?"

"Well, excuse me if I don't see it!" I yelled back. "And now I'm leaving. This conversation is pointless."

"Betty..."

"No, Paul!"

I attempted to walk past him but he was continuously getting in my way shamelessly.

"Let me out of here, Paul. Now!"

"You need to think about it."

"I won't be another trophy of yours! Especially not one that you can show to your parents! Hey, mom, dad, look, I laid down the long lost Beaufort! I can see it now, Paul! I see the real you!"

He clenched his jaw and when I swiftly looked down, I noticed his white knuckles as well. However, it wasn't news that the truth wasn't always a soft caress on the shoulder. It could be the most painful blow that could knock out the wind of your lungs and reside in there like a parasite for an agonizing amount of time.

Suddenly, the door opened, revealing Cyril dressed in his Victorian outfit – a dark suit jacket with a royal blue waistcoat underneath it that covered a part of his snow white shirt with a high necktie.

"Is everything okay in here?" Cyril asked, his eyes taking in the scene.

"Yes. You can leave," Paul said without even glancing at him.

"Paul was just leaving," I said, sending daggers at him.

"Paul?"

"I'm just talking to my girlfriend."

"In your dreams," I spat back.

"Well, if she really was your girlfriend, you would surely treat her with the respect she deserves," Cyril remarked, crossing his arms. At this moment, he reminded me of the Cyril who sent away Paul's chauffeur. He had the same dangerous aura around him that could convince anyone that he was ready to fight off any intrudes.

I glared at Paul, daring him to make any move when we had company. To my relief, whatever he had in his mind, he decided to push it back and he abruptly turned around, bumping into Cyril on his way out.

For a few seconds, I stared at the spot where he was standing previously. My breathing quickened by each second as I thought back to what just happened.

"You okay?" Cyril asked for the second time today.

"I didn't know you cared about my wellbeing," I noted, trying to sound cheerful, even though I was totally failing at it.

"Well, Paul's been acting out of his character recently."

"You mean with me, don't you? The person he was around me wasn't the Paul you know. And now his true self is taking the wheel again..."

I quickly wiped down the tear that escaped my eye. Why was I crying? Paul didn't deserve my tears. I took a couple of deep breaths to calm myself down. I had to go back to the Gala and show a smile.

Cyril decided it would be better if he shut his mouth at the moment – rightfully – and held out his arm like a gentleman. "Come on, time to get back to the party. It's not midnight yet to be playing Cinderella."

The corners of my lips lifted a little. "Cinderella?"

"She was in a hurry after all, wasn't she?"

"Yeah, I guess so," I said, accepting his offered arm.

I could do this. I could go back and pretend like nothing happened.

Soon we were engulfed by the party again. I noticed Paul standing not so far away looking at us and I almost stopped but Cyril kept walking forward so I pushed myself after him.

"Where are we going?"

"I doubt that you want to meet your ex eye to eye," he replied.

We stopped between the dancing couples. I looked around, confused. Were we really about to dance?

He held out his hand and I placed mine in it. His other palm ended up on my back and I felt his touch despite the clothing between our skin. My free hand was resting on his shoulder.

"I can't dance," I confessed.

"I'll lead you then," he assured me.

And so we started moving with the music. The tones were soft and slow. I was hesitant at first because I feared that I would end up walking all over his feet. And I was wearing high heels as well.

However, on the other hand, I wouldn't really mind stamping on his feet...

"Sassy Betty is nervous? Call the paparazzi," Cyril joked, seeing my doubts.

"Well, you would be too if you were in my shoes."

"Nah, my charming smile would be enough to hide my incompetence," he said.

My feet got tangled up and I stumbled. Cyril's grip on me tightened to help me recover my balance.

"You weren't kidding when you claimed you couldn't dance. If I had known, I would have chosen an older pair of shoes instead of my newest."

I sent him a glare but his only response was a smirk. I rolled my eyes, bringing my focus back to my movements.

"Why are you doing this?" I asked after a while.

"What do you mean?"

"All of this. I thought you hated me."

"Hate is a very strong word."

"Cyril," I whined.

He twirled me, catching me off guard for a second but soon I was back in his arms.

"James is like a brother to me," he started. "If I had a sister, I would be grateful to know that someone was looking out for her when I couldn't."

For some unknown reason, a sting of disappointment could be felt in my heart. But why? What else should I have been expecting? That must have been also the reason he helped me with chemistry yesterday. If I happened to receive a bad mark, that would put dirt on our family name and that wouldn't be good for James.

Who happened to be Cyril's best friend.

Why would it even cross my mind that there was something more to his gentler side? After all, there was nothing more between us.

I reminded myself that I hated him.

Okay, maybe hated really was a strong word but I disliked most of the things about him.

I disliked how he brought girls to the library just to make out.

I disliked his careless attitude and pointless comments during classes.

I disliked how his laughter was the loudest at parties.

I disliked how his earring almost always caught my attention.

Or how a really tiny part of me was even looking forward to our banters...

No, I thought abruptly.

There was and would be nothing that would change my mind.

I was sure of that.

"What are you thinking about?" Cyril's words cut through my thoughts.

I avoided looking into his eyes. "Nothing important."

He smirked playfully. "Oh, really? And it looks like your dancing skills are only getting better. You must have a good teacher."

"Or it's just the fact that I'm quite a good student," I retorted.

"Zero chance," he said. "This dress looks good on you by the way."

"Do you think I'm beautiful?" I asked, raising my eyebrows in surprise.

He leaned toward me, bringing his lips closer to my ear. "I'm just saying I've met a lot of girls and they could only dream of being so good looking."

His words ignited something in me. It brought goosebumps all over my body and I would've sworn my heart skipped a beat. Something was telling me that my heart and brain had divided into two parts, both desiring something wholly else.

Suddenly, all the lights went out and the room got swallowed by darkness. People's complaints sounded from all around since the only light was provided by the candles.

Cyril had already pulled away but his hand was still holding mine so that we wouldn't get lost in the crowd.

"What should we do?" I asked, nervously looking around,

"Someone has probably already gone to take care of it," Cyril noted.

And he was right, soon enough, the lights returned and people started clapping.

I breathed out in relief.

"I think this has earned us a drink," Cyril announced and motioned for us to go over to a table.

I was about to follow him when I felt a new grip on my arm. I twisted my body to see the stranger and my eyes almost flew out at the sight of my father.

"We are going home," he said sternly.

His eyes were sharpened knives, ready to slice anyone and anything if needed. I glanced back one more time but Cyril had already gotten lost in the crowd. Silently, I nodded and started following my father out nervously. James was also walking beside us, his head lowered.

What the hell happened?

Outside, our limo was waiting with Lydia next to it. The atmosphere between us was like never before. Even though I had no clue what happened tonight, being in their presence was enough to know that it was better not to protest.

James and Lydia got into the vehicle, but father grabbed my arm once again. "Where's your boyfriend?"

"Paul isn't my boyfriend anymore," I said, knowing very well who he was talking about.

It was obvious that he was doing everything not to burst out with fury on the spot.

"Get in," he instructed.

ꔫ

Right when I thought tonight couldn't get any worse, life proved me wrong.

The four of us headed to the living room where James, Lydia and I sat down on the couch. Our father stood before us, the vein on his forehead pulsing from fury.

And then the yelling started.

From his words I discovered that James and Lydia had switched places without his knowledge while James arrived at the Gala and that started all of this. His sharp gaze landed on Lydia and the lecture started.

I tried to zone out, having no desire to listen to him. My attention was laid on the crackling fire behind the furious man but I didn't have to wait long before his cruel eyes seeked me out as their next prey.

"And you! Ever since your mother left you under my care, there's only trouble with you! You don't know how to be grateful for anything that's given to you. Finally you find someone worthy and what do you do? You go ahead and throw him away like a piece of trash! The only thing you did right for this family! And instead of apologizing to that boy as you should, you start dancing with another one right in front of his eyes!" he screamed. "May your mother rot in hell for how she raised you."

"Don't talk about her like that," I yelled back despite the tears that were clouding my vision.

I attempted to put up walls so that his words couldn't reach my heart but my defenses were nothing against his sharp weapons.

"You have no right to tell me what I can or cannot do, young lady! I've been tolerating you but it ends here. You will save the good relationships between us and the Smithers or else–"

I jumped up. "Or else what? Are you gonna kick me out? Go ahead! A life under this roof is the last thing I wish."

His hand flew out and met my right cheek. I grabbed the sore spot in shock. He hadn't laid a hand on me before this.

"You will not speak to me like this," he threatened.

I scanned over his face that was painted with pure fury. Nothing more, nothing less.

I lowered my hand. "I hate you."

With that, I spun on my heels and ran toward the staircase, easily finding my way to my room. Tears were now freely falling down my cheeks, probably ruining my whole makeup but I didn't care.

I jumped in my bed, finding solace in my pillow.

And then I let it all out.

Paul's first betrayal.

My mom's death.

Paul's second betrayal.

My father's words.

Everything.

I couldn't remember the last time I fully cried. Was it after my mom's death? The night when Paul broke my heart for the first time?

None of it mattered at the moment. It was just me and the darkness swallowing the room but strangely it felt like a blanket that helped me hide from the cruel reality.

It was me against the world. And my father. And Paul. Everything.

Because the truth was, I could hide behind the Beaufort name but no matter what I did, I would still be a Pearson. I would carry my mom's name even if not officially. And letting my father rub out the last remnants of her was the last thing I would allow.

I must have fallen asleep because the next thing I knew I was opening my eyes. When I checked the time I discovered it was already around one am. My eyes and cheeks were sore – a gift from my father.

I turned on my lamp by my bed. I was still wearing my gown which was a little crumpled at some spots from my sleeping position. There was my sketchbook waiting to be filled and I grabbed it without further hesitation. I let my hands move as they outlíned the picture of a girl locked in a cage. Tears were streaming down her face, creating a growing puddle beneath her. However, the bars didn't let the water through and if someone didn't help her, she would drown in her own tears.

It could have been two in the morning by the time the drawing was finished. I didn't even hesitate when I took a picture of it and posted it on my secret Instagram account. I didn't check how many likes it got. I didn't care.

I was just glad that my emotions were let out to roam around the world. Maybe someone would find it and relate, knowing they were not alone. No one deserved to feel alone in this big world.

kingoftheworld04: this ain't the drawing i asked 4 (once again)

drawingprincess74: I'm not in the mood.

kingoftheworld04: this isn't your usual attitude. what happened?

I wanted to smash the phone against the floor but something was stopping me. Even though this person was irritating, he had no idea what was going on inside me.

drawingprincess74: None of your business.

kingoftheworld04: come on, it's gonna stay between us. let it all out. act like i'm not even here, if u must...

kingoftheworld04: i miss the usual you, princess

My fingers hovered above the keyboard. What should I do? I didn't know this guy. He didn't know me. And maybe that was good. When I closed this app, he would stay there. He would not become reality. We had not shared any names. Or information about where we lived. I barely even knew what time zone he was in, considering we were texting at two in the morning.

drawingprincess74: Truth?

kingoftheworld04: truth, princess

drawingprincess74: I'm suffocating.

I reread the message I sent him. Wasn't this too much? I didn't even know him!

Panicked, I closed the app and put my phone on the bedside table. But for the rest of the night I felt its pull, whispering to me to pick it up and check his response.

I fought against that urge.

ꔫ

Hello!

I hope you enjoyed reading this chapter.

And do I sense some growing feelings from Betty? Or is it only me? 🤭

It's hard to believe we are on episode five already (out of six!!)! Like, where did it all go?? Honestly, if there were more episodes, the slow-burn would be slow-burning more but I have very special plans for the ending of the first season and some growing ideas for the second season! And for the third one too...? 👀

Thank you so much for reading!

Stay tuned for more Cyril and Betty!

And here's your friendly reminder to follow me on insta where I often post sneak peeks for the upcoming chapters! :))

Sincerely, writingmagic ❤️‍🔥