"Go to rest," darling"Gabriel said softly as Keiran entered the home. The mansion was enormous, more than the descriptions in the book could encompass, and decorated to Margaret's taste: luxurious furniture and antiques that exuded a splendor that, in reality, they could no longer afford as before."
"Veronica, come here"Gabriel shouted, his firm voice echoing in the wide space.
From the kitchen appeared a young woman who, according to the book, was the favorite maid of the unfaithful couple. In addition, she was an active accomplice to the abuse that Keiran had suffered.
"Take my husband to the room"Gabriel ordered with a coldness that seemed covered in kindness". Help him lie down and then prepare him something to eat."
"Yes," sir"Veronica replied without hesitation. She approached Keiran, taking him by the arm with a helpful air". Come on, Mr. Keiran, I'll take you to rest.
Keiran glanced at his father, sketching a slight smile and waving his hand in a gesture of farewell. Then he let himself be guided docilely by the maid to his room.
Meanwhile, Rowan and Gabriel headed to the living room. Rowan dropped into one of the soft armchairs, tired, while Gabriel sat in front of him, imitating his posture.
"I'm glad you take good care of my son," Gabriel"Rowan said, his voice reflecting a slight relief". Despite his muteness and shyness, it is comforting to know that he has found someone like you.
Gabriel smiled subtly, although inside arrogance invaded him.
"Well, sir, Keiran's innocence is… attractive"he replied in a tone that could be interpreted as tenderness. At first, he had really liked Keiran, not for his money, but for that overflowing purity that he radiated. But ambition soon surpassed any feelings. His desire to escape poverty was much greater, and Shelby, after all, had her own advantages: she could have children.
"Yes, my son is like that. He looks like an angel and is always affectionate with those he loves"Rowan replied, lowering his gaze as a heavy sigh escaped his lips". I've had some problems with business lately, Gabriel, and I'd like that, if something were to happen to me, you could take care of the companies. What do you say? You're my son's husband, and he…"Rowan paused, hesitating for a moment". Well, he's an omega. You know how complicated life can be for them."
Rowan massaged the bridge of his nose, frustrated. He detested perpetuating social stigmas, but if it meant protecting Keiran, he was willing to do it.
"I know," sir"Gabriel replied with a grave voice". The hierarchy is stupid. Omegas can also be intelligent and capable, not just someone destined to stay home raising children."His comment sounded indignant, as if he really believed what he said."
"I know, I know… But if Keiran…"Rowan hesitated, leaving his words in the air.
"If Keiran what?"Gabriel asked, with a hint of suspicion in his gaze.
Rowan sighed deeply before continuing:
"If Keiran hadn't lost his voice back then, things might have been different."
Gabriel's face filled with an almost genuine concern, an acting so convincing that no one could suspect it wasn't real.
"It's terrible, I know"he said in a solemn tone". But don't worry, sir. I will take care of Keiran as you have done, and, if I may say so, even better than that."
Rowan let out a brief laugh at the comment.
"I hope so, boy, I hope so."
...****************...
Keiran entered the room in silence, allowing Veronica to guide him. However, as soon as the door closed behind them, the woman's kind facade crumbled like a broken mask. Her eyes acquired a contemptuous shine and her expression hardened, cold and calculating.
"You must be happy now, right?"she snapped in a tone loaded with hatred". You managed to get Gabriel to take you to the hospital in his arms like the spoiled child you are."
Keiran remained motionless, lying on the bed, not taking his eyes off the ceiling.
"I wish you had bled to death"she continued, her voice trembling with frustration". But you don't even know how to do that well."
Veronica turned to the mirror, where her reflection captured all her attention. She had always had an almost morbid obsession with her appearance. She smoothed her hair with trembling hands as she murmured, almost to herself:
"Poor infertile mute… You're a burden to this family, don't you understand? You should die."
"Why don't you die?"Keiran whispered, with a calmness that was disturbing. He made sure his voice was audible enough for her to hear.
Veronica stopped in her tracks, her hands frozen in mid-movement. She turned slowly towards him, as if she had heard a ghost. However, when her eyes searched for any sign of defiance in Keiran, all she found was a young man lying quietly, staring at the ceiling.
"I must have imagined it…"she muttered to herself, repeating the words like a mantra in a desperate attempt to convince herself". How scary."
Despite the nerves reflected in her gestures, her insolence and arrogance quickly returned. She walked towards the door with her chin held high, leaving behind any hint of doubt.
"Goodbye," mute"she said goodbye with a disdainful smile before closing the door with feigned tranquility."
Keiran smiled maliciously as he heard the click of the lock.
"Goodbye, stupid"he murmured in a serene voice, but loaded with intention". Oh, Veronica, you will also pay for your crimes."
Keiran got out of bed and walked slowly towards the closet that connected to the bathroom. When he opened it, he found his clothes: little, worn, almost a reflection of what his life had been under Gabriel's domination. Memories came to his mind like a storm. In them, the original owner of those garments received new clothes only as gifts from his father, while Gabriel, his supposed husband, had never shown the slightest intention of buying him anything on his own initiative. «The stupid alpha», he thought bitterly, pursing his lips.
He opened one of the lower drawers, revealing a small trunk containing the few things he still treasured from his mother and the family album that his father had given him years ago. His hand rose instinctively to his neck, where the silver chain with the small key hung as a constant reminder of his past. He took off the necklace carefully, almost with reverence, and used the key to open the trunk.
With the album in his hands, Keiran returned to the bed. His gaze, calm but intense, rested on the worn cover as his fingers caressed it gently.
"Who do we start with?"he murmured to himself, touching his cheek with a finger in an almost childish gesture. His eyes scanned the pages of the album, observing each face in detail". Or rather… how do we start?"
A spark of determination crossed his gaze. He had a plan, a well-thought-out one, one that he was going to set in motion to lead all those faces to his trap. Each step had to be calculated, each movement had to guide his enemies towards their inevitable fall. However, he was aware that he could not do it alone.
He closed his eyes for a moment, searching his memory for a name, a figure capable of helping him in his purpose. Then, he remembered it. A man. Someone who could become the key piece of his revenge.
Keiran opened his eyes, and his gaze was no longer the same. There was something cold, almost lethal, in it.
"You will be perfect for this…"he murmured, sketching a barely perceptible smile.
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