•<<LOST>>•

•GONE•

" Come for dinner, my princess."            Dad's voice echoed in my ears as I walked towards the dinner hall.

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His voice was a bit too cheerful for my liking. Who was up for lunch?   
Why was dad so cheerful today?
Something seemed off.  Firstly the clothes change. Then Carla's weird talk. Slowly all the memories of my dad's came back to me.  I shuddered. 

Engrossed in my thoughts and the mild pain in my head , I didn't notice my entrance to the dining hall.   
" There you are princess", my dad's sudden welcome broke my train of thoughts. I finally looked up and slowly walked forward to my seat.

The maid served my lunch of steak and mashed potatoes. I gave her a smile and she returned it. She  went ahead and laid my towel on my lap. I felt her hand flick a bit as it made contact with my bare thigh. She looked at me with questioning eyes.
But looked away immediately when my dad started speaking again.

"Princess, you remember our conversation from this morning, don't you?" I gave a curt nod. I just couldn't shake off the feeling that the individual sitting opposite to me had something to do with my present clothing. 

"Yes, Father." My dad prefers a very formal conversation from my side when outsiders are involved in the deal.
Something about the guy is really disturbing. He has an aura that I just can't put my finger. Something like a mix of of emotions.
Dad took my hand slowly, his expression became pained. " I really though I could keep you safe if I keep you locked away with all the happiness money can afford. But now I see I was wrong. I should've prepared you well. I should've taken steps to make you self sufficient and independent."

" Dad......" But there was nothing I could say against it. He really hadn't done much to train me , except that my diet was controlled and I was compelled to use the gym for 2 hours daily.

Dad ..., but you did say that you will protect me from them . You promised that I won't have to do anything like that.
My deepest fear was taking over me and a I broke out into a cold sweat.
What are you planning dad?

" It still isn't late. You are just 19 and if you are given the best training, you will excel me. I know you will." He gave a forced smile. Something close to the time after my mom left him.  This smile held so much pain ,that I just couldn't stop myself from lightly holding his hand and giving it a squeeze.  

"I know you are doing this to protect me father.  I really don't blame you for trying to provide the best for your child." I smile looking up at him. He looks older than himself.   His eyes tired. His physique worn out.  How had I not noticed before...?

" So you don't disagree with my choice of you moving  to New York , do you?"
His normal , firm voice returned.  
My mouth hung open.
This is why he was being so broken and vulnerable.......this old man sure knows how to puppet my choices ..sigh.

"Sure ,father. That won't be an issue at all.
When am I moving out ?"  I questioned as politely as possible, pushing down the growing dread in the pits of my stomach.

" Tomorrow.   But before that I want you to meet Mr.Levesque."  I followed his hand gesturing towards the man who was elegantly placing cubes of roast pork in his mouth.

What the hell...??

He raised his eyes from his plate and wiped his face very formally   Hats off for those table manners......man. 
He gave out a formal cough.  And then proceeded to give a small nod to me as a mark of greeting.  I returned a similar gesture. 

I stared at him while my father kept saying something about my safety or stuffs along those effects.  

The man sitting on the other side of the table was quite.....handsome?          
Wow....!!  I seem to think that every stranger who happens to be a male to be handsome.        
Perks of being homeschooled and OVERPROTECTED!!!!     

" Miss Felton, as your father mentioned earlier, I will be responsible for your safety and personal combat trainings henceforth."  His voice had a very rough but melodic tone. It reminded me of a Christmas cookie with custard filling  inside , with a inviting look outside but the softest and sweetest thing inside.   
His voice was formal and void of any hint of emotion.

There was something about him that made me want to give him a hug. 
Really though?! 

Lunch was done in my case.  My dieting routine couldn't be disturbed in any way whatsoever.  The maid lifted the towel from my lap and I got up and was about to take my leave from the table , when my excellent dear old man called out to me.

" Yes, Father?"
"Please come to the practice hall, after you get changed. Okay princess?" 
" Yes,Father"

Then I trusted my instincts and ran with all my might, as soon as I escaped from their view. I stumbled and dashed for my closed door.  But Chloe caught me. 

I looked up her, knowing that I won't be judged by her.  My eyes spilling Niagara Falls. And I'm very sure my face looks like I'm having a seizure. 
I'm an ugly crier..

She dragged me into my room with almost no help from me. I just kept weeping. She made sit on my bed. And joined me.   I just fell into her arms and she held me tight.     

Chloe was my beautician. But more of a sister to the lost soul that I am. She is that  one person I can talk to about my weird ideas and desires without a frown in return. 

" Angel, what happened honey? You look beat. Did Sir say something disrespectful? Did the guest try to provoke you? Did he try to....?"  She asked in a hushed tone filled with concern. "Try what, Chloe?" I looked up sniffing.  " Did he try to touch you?" Her hand gently caressing my hair.
" No we just talked. It's was mostly  just Dad telling me things and him agreeing in silent nods." I informed.

" What's wrong bub? You looked like something really bad happened? Is it something sir said?" I nodded in silent agreement.

" I'm moving to New York, tomorrow" I stated blankly.  Now it it her her turn to get take on the news as sudden as a lightning strike. " W..What?!" Her eyes stared to get watery.  " Why? Why? Why? What is so damn important in that city that the old grump is sending you there ? What the actual Fuck man ? Is he out of his darn mind ? What the hell sis?" She started hyperventilating and stomping around my room screaming other profanities. 

I finally started smiling and got of to save her from losing her job cause of her calling my father " the old grump". I helped her calm down and made her drink a glass of water. 

After a long time of discussion on how much hate we had towards the master of the house and how much I wanted to stay. She started to understand the need of my leaving.  She genuinely was concerned about my wellbeing and protection and assured me that it was only for the best.

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Hello there,
Author here.

I've been gone for an infinite amount of time.
But due to recent motivation from an amazing person I think I'll start writing this story again.

I'll edit some of the old parts to avoid fire plot holes. But I assure you will be notified.

Love ,
Thanks for reading.