Arranged Marriage: Miss Innocent and the Mafia Boss

Chapter 24: Past Memories

𝕺𝖈𝖙𝖆𝖛𝖎𝖆 𝕬𝖑𝖊𝖝𝖆𝖓𝖉𝖗𝖎𝖙𝖊 𝐕𝖆𝖑𝖒𝖔𝖓𝖙

Tinignan ko ang babaeng nasa harapan ko ngayon. After the incident, she invited me to join her to eat and I accepted. Bakit ko nga ba siya iniiwasan? Siya ang may kasalanan sa akin kaya wala akong dapat ikahiya sa kanya

However, the atmosphere between us was too uncomfortable. I kept fiddling with my fingers that were under the table and kept avoiding her gaze. Hindi ko man lang nagalaw ang beef steak na nasa harapan ko kahit na ako ang umorder nito while she was looking at me while drinking her coffee

"Nak?" I glanced at her. Hindi ko alam kung bakit niya ko nirerefer niyan. Siguro dahil na rin sa pagtawag ko sa kanya ng "Mama" kanina. I still regret it though. Damn this daughter instincts

"Salamat sa pagtulong kanina ha? I really appreciate it" she was smiling shyly and I do realize that my features really came from her and zero from my late father. This time, I gained my confidence and raised a brow "Why are you even letting them yell at you and hit you like that? You're a Valmont. Act like it" sambit ko 

She looked away "After leaving the mansion, I left the Valmont name behind..." aniya as she looked back at me kaya naman iniwasan ko naman ang tingin niya

"I see..."

"Ikaw, kamusta ka na? Are you eating well?" tanong nito sa akin as I slowly nodded "I'm doing okay" sagot ko rito at sinimulan nang kumain

She only stared at me with a smile on her face. I don't know how a mother's brain works but basing it in my observation from Tita Clara, I do believe she was happy because I am with her. I don't know. Elaina's mother looks at Elaina like how my biological mother is looking at me right now, eyes softened and a smile gently placed on her face

But that whole facade did not lessen my anger towards her. She left me alone to carry her burdens as I became the leader of the Clan at the age of 12 while she was partying and pursuing her own life, leaving her children alone

How irritating

»»————-　♔　————-««

12 years ago...

𝟑𝖗𝖉 𝐏𝖊𝖗𝖘𝖔𝖓'𝖘 𝐏𝖔𝖎𝖓𝖙 𝕺𝖋 𝐕𝖎𝖊𝖜

"Mama!"

A 5-year-old Octavia Valmont was running in the gardens of the Ichikawa Residence, who was playing with a 6-year-old Obsidian and 10 years old Olivia Valmont. The young child was holding a red balloon in her hand as she ran to the woman sitting on a bench with a 16 years old William

The woman softly smiled as she pulled Octavia on her lap, caressing her hair. She heard the maids gossip around them who were sweeping in the garden. She didn't mind. After all, she is Athena Leontine Ichikawa Valmont. Well, she would be Tournefort as well as her kids, but her father did not allow her to use such a name. Therefore, her husband used her surname as well

"Athena" 

She looked behind her as she saw her father and her husband, Bruce Tournefort Valmont. They were arranged and like every arranged couple, they were never affectionate to each other unless he reeks lust. Athena has no choice, her mother wanted them to be married

"Bruce. Father" she called. Young William, who resented his father, had scooted protectively towards his stepmother. He had grown fond of how she treated him like a real son and tells him that he is the big brother to his younger sisters

Benedict Valmont, 104th Clan Leader of the Valmont Clan, smiled at his daughter and his grandchildren "Bruce, would you be so kind to leave us be?" he spoke. There was irritation and frustration in his voice. After all, he was against letting her only daughter marry this fool of a man

With a nod, Bruce left his family with his father-in-law. Young William sighed as he smiled at his mother, who flashed a smile back. The older man chuckled "You don't have to worry about your father now, William" the boy smiled and nodded

Benedict turned to his daughter "I supposed the news has been delivered to you, yes?" he asked "What news?"

"I've been growing old now, my dear. Gusto kong ikaw ang humaligi sa kin. You know, being the leader of the clan"

Athena grew silent. She didn't want to have that kind of pressure on her shoulders. After all, she wanted to achieve her dreams, to be in Hollywood and to be known by all, not being the leader of the clan who manages clan affairs and businesses

"Y-Yes, Father..." she stammered. He placed a hand on her shoulder "That's my girl" he softly smiled and left her. She was surprised. Young William rubbed her back and smiled "You'll be alright, Mama. I know you'll be the best clan leader our clan will ever have" she gave him a small smile and fell into a deep thought once again

»»————-　♔　————-««

That rainy night, with a heavy heart, she packed her bags. Young Octavia went into her parents' room as she saw her Mama, packing. She walked inside and tugged into the long skirt. Athena picked her up and kissed her forehead "Where you going, Mama?" the child asked

"Uhm," she couldn't tell her daughter straight but she stared at her with a smile "Let's play hide and seek, mkay? Mama's gonna hide, okay? Go on" Young Octavia nodded and ran out. Athena then sighed and continued packing. After that, she sneaked out of the window and hide away from the guards

A tear then fell from her eyes as she walked away from the mansion. Athena wandered in the city streets until she felt exhausted that she stayed in a hotel using her cold cash. After all, using her credit card would make her Father track her down. It was a good thing no one knows that she was a Valmont or an Ichikawa. After all, she was hidden away from the world that the mansion became her prison

She hoped that her children would forgive and understand her decision. She might be selfish for doing this, but she must escape the pressure her parents are giving her and one day, she will come back stronger than ever