Beyond The Gaze: A Love Unseen

Chapter 18 - The Beginning!

Past - 1

Fourteen Years Ago...

Elysia's POV:

I meticulously combed my hair and double-checked my appearance, smoothing out any creases in my uniform.

I couldn't believe that today, I would finally see him in person, face-to-face, and maybe even have an encounter with him.

Oh my God! I was so excited!

"Oh, I almost forgot my lip gloss," I suddenly exclaimed and dashed back to my bed to retrieve it.

Returning to the mirror, I swiftly applied the gloss and once again assessed my overall appearance. My smile was practically glued to my face today.

"Yes, yes! My daughter looks very pretty. Now, stop bouncing around like a bunny. Come and have breakfast," Mom entered my room, holding my lunchbox.

"Mom!" I beamed happily and hurried over to her. Taking the lunchbox, I placed it in my school bag and stood before her.

"Do I look okay, Mom? I mean, my face, uniform, everything?" I asked, twirling around to show her my school attire.

She smiled warmly and cupped my face. "Yes, you look amazing, the prettiest," she affectionately pinched my nose and kissed my forehead. I hugged her tightly, giggling with delight.

Together, we made our way to the dining room where Dad sat, engrossed in the morning news.

"Good morning, Dad!" I chirped and kissed his cheek. He glanced at me from head to toe and grinned.

"Wow, wow! Our daughter looks exceptionally pretty today, huh? Sandra, make sure you have some baseball bats ready. I'm expecting boys to start showing up sooner or later," he playfully teased, giving my forehead a loving kiss.

"Dad!!" I whined softly at his jest, my cheeks flushing. Mom and Dad burst into hearty laughter at my reaction.

We chatted over breakfast as we always did. Dad reminded me to be cautious in my new school and to confide in them if anything happened. I reassured them before kissing Mom's cheek and grabbing my bag. Dad walked me to the bus stop, and we waited together until my bus arrived. After bidding him farewell, I boarded the bus, smiling as his figure faded into the distance. I opened my bag, retrieved my gray hoodie, and put it on. Just as the bus halted at a particular stop, I swiftly grabbed my bag straps and disembarked.

Surveying my surroundings, I fished the keys out of my pocket and eagerly made my way to my secret hideaway where I kept my bicycle. After swiftly unlocking the bike, I stowed away the cable and embarked on my journey toward the familiar neighborhood of houses.

Finally reaching my favorite spot, about 20 meters from a particular mansion, I grinned widely and leaned against the wall, awaiting his arrival.

After approximately half an hour of waiting, the mansion gate finally creaked open, revealing my favorite person. I beamed as he emerged, holding his bicycle by his side. Jumping onto my own bike, I followed suit, maintaining a discreet distance to ensure he wouldn't notice me.

For the past few years, this had been my daily ritual. That day, four years ago, when I first met Ares, I could never have imagined finding happiness; I never believed I deserved it. But that day changed everything for me. Ares changed everything; his presence, his kindness, all of him. He became my happiness.

To me, he was a savior, the first person who treated me as an equal, someone worth talking to, not the jinx or the cursed girl, as others called me.

Most people have families who love them, friends to talk to, people to be with, but for me, no one cared until Mom and Dad rescued me from that hell five years ago.