That Evening
Deyna left work without telling Xavier. She needed space to think no explanations, no confrontations.
As she stepped into her apartment, Lina looked up from the couch, surprised. "You're home early."
"Yeah. Long day," Deyna sighed, kicking off her shoes and dropping her bag.
Lina patted the seat beside her. "Want to talk about it?"
Deyna flopped down and leaned her head back. "You ever met someone who just drains the life out of you with their presence alone?"
"Uh... yeah, like half the people I've worked with," Lina joked.
Deyna smirked. "There's this girl, Iris. She showed up today and tried to cause a scene."
"Iris? Who's that?" Lina asked curiously.
"She claims she used to be close to Xavier. Came in with a vixen dress. Calling me a slut amd bed warmer. She wanted to slap me, I broke her wrist, her crying to Xavier to take her to the Hospital. She expected him to drop everything for her."
Lina blinked. "Wow. Bold. So what did he do?"
"Called Lucas and Marcus. They had to literally drag her out."
Lina's jaw dropped. "Wait dragged? As in—?"
"By the hair," Deyna said, deadpan.
"No way. That's insane."
"She was sobbing, refusing to leave unless Xavier punished me or took her to the hospital. Full-on drama mode."
"So... what's her deal with Xavier?"
"No idea. But whatever it is, she's clearly not over it."
"Sounds like she's unstable," Lina said, shaking her head.
Deyna chuckled. "You have no idea."
---
The Next Morning
Deyna walked into the office like nothing happened. As she passed Xavier's desk, something made her stop in her tracks.
A gun.
Sleek, black, and clearly the latest model. She recognized it was top-tier. Designed for power and precision. She knew because, Damien had a military background and she has this crazy facination of gun since she was a kid.
She stared for a second longer than necessary, then whispered, "He's the CEO, sure… but this? Maybe its for protection"
With a faint frown, she turned away and entered her own office.
---
During Work
Her phone rang.
She picked up the call and saw the familiar ID. "Hello?"
"I've left the school, boss," came the voice on the other line.
"I told you not to call me 'boss,'" Deyna said calmly.
"Sorry, I'm just not used to anything else. Give me a little time?"
"Fine. But if you keep doing that, laying low I mean. We dont want things to spiral to square one"
"Got it, boss."
There was a pause. "Boss… would it bother you if I dated that guy?"
Deyna smiled faintly. "No, it's your life. Just be careful, alright? Don't do anything reckless. You know I care about you."
"Yeah. Thanks, boss. Really."
She ended the call with a quiet "Take care."
---
One Week Later
Time passed in a blur. And before she knew it, Deyna was standing outside a mansion she hadn't stepped foot in for six long years.
Her family's estate.
She stepped out of the car and stared at the familiar gates. Nothing had changed… except her.
The butler opened the door almost immediately. "Good evening, mistress."
A chorus of greetings followed from the house staff.
Deyna nodded silently and walked inside, the weight of the past pressing lightly on her shoulders.
She sat on the grand velvet couch like a storm contained in human form.
"I'll call the family down," the butler said politely.
Deyna gave a subtle nod, not betraying a single emotion on her face.
The sound of footsteps echoed down the grand staircase.
One by one, the family of four descended Isabelle Ravencroft, Tony Wolfe, Rosa Wolfe, and Nevi Wolfe each step slower than the last as their eyes landed on the figure waiting below.
A name slipped out like a breath caught in time.
"Deyna..." Isabelle whispered, her voice trembling.
There she was.
The daughter, the sister, the runaway. The ghost who'd vanished six years ago and never looked back.
Without hesitation, all four of them rushed forward and wrapped their arms around her.
Tears flowed freely, unbothered by pride or status.
"Where have you been all these years?" Isabelle cried, clutching her daughter tightly. "You know how much I needed you. Every single day."
"We searched the entire world for you," Tony said, his voice thick. "Every country, every corner. We never stopped looking."
"If you don't want to marry him, Deyna... I won't force you anymore," Isabelle sobbed. "Just having you home is enough. I won't lose you again."
Deyna stood still in their embrace, her voice calm but resolute. "Actually, I came here to ask for the details and background of my fiancé."
Everyone froze.
Tony cleared his throat, trying to process her words. "Deyna... seriously, you don't have to force yourself into this."
"We respect your choices," Rosa added, her hand gently resting on Deyna's arm. "You've always had a strong will."
"We just want you safe and happy," Nevi said quietly. "That's all that matters now."
Deyna looked at them all faces filled with love, relief, and guilt. Her heart softened, but her mind remained clear.
"I need to know the truth. Everything. About him. About why this arrangement was made," she said, locking eyes with her mother.
"Are you sure you are doing this because you feel pressured by us?" Her Mom asked again.
"No, I'm not being forced," Deyna said firmly, her tone steady. "I think... it's time for me to settle down."
"You sure?" Rosa and Nevi asked at the same time, both leaning in with concerned eyes.
"Yeah, so just cheer up," Deyna smiled slightly, trying to ease their worry.
"I'll cook your favorite food," Isabelle said with joy, already heading toward the kitchen.
Deyna followed her father, Tonny, to the study and sat quietly on the soft couch. Tonny opened a drawer and pulled out a folder, handing it to her.
"Your fiancé… his name is Xavier Dravian," Tonny said, watching her reaction. "CEO of Draven Companies. The richest man in country X."
"What?" Deyna blinked, stiffening.
Xavier Draven. Her boss. Her impossible, overbearing boss.
Was her fiancé?
She clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms. That bastard…
"What's wrong, Deyna? Are you okay?" Tonny asked, noticing her shift in mood.
"Yes, I'm alright, Dad," she forced a small smile.
Tonny gave her a gentle nod. "Then let's head back and eat."
Downstairs, the family of five gathered at the dining table. They laughed, shared memories, and ate the dishes Isabelle proudly prepared. Afterward, they watched a movie together, curled up in the living room.
But as the night wore on, Deyna stood up.
"I have to go," she said.
"But I told you to stay the night," Rosa protested.
"Yes, we've missed you so much. And now you're leaving again?" Nevi's voice wavered, eyes misting up.
"No, it's not like that. I have to go somewhere, but give me some time to adjust and move with you guys again," Deyna reassured them. "And… I have a surprise for you."
"A surprise?" they all echoed with excited curiosity.
"Yeah, so don't worry about me," Deyna said, turning toward the door.
I'll kill that bastard of a fiancé if I ever get the chance… How dare he lie to me. Treat me like a toy… she thought bitterly as she stepped outside.