Chapter 262 - § LYNDON §

CHAPTER 009

It was almost sunset, the pale tint of the orange sky reflecting the glistening lake. Blended dim of night and luster of the day, dark blue sky was emerging along with stars glistening, The sight was exquisite, it was relentlessly breathtaking. The chirping of insects coming from the enormous trees was soothing to the nerve, it was tranquil. Even the air was refreshing. 

The scenery could be seen at the house which was located at the threshold of the forest. On the veranda on the upper floor of a marble house. The best spot that anyone could wish for was—at the settee where Lyndon was. A tree trunk coffee table had a set of teacups filled with chamomile tea. He was intending to relax, the day had been distressing for him. He was worried about Tiana, perplexed by what happened to Yanarym, and delighted at how dumbfounded Kraig earlier. 

His thoughts were disturbed when his communicator—a metal box, size of palm with a glass ball inside—blinked white lights. Indication someone breathed trying to connect with him. "White light," Lyndon mumbled to himself, his brows creased in confusion. "Tiana?" Mixed emotion, he let the communicator blink for quite some time. Mulling if he should or not talk to her, in the end, he could not stop himself, he answered. 

He was greeted by her distressed demeanor, he wasn't directly looking at her but he could see in his peripheral view. As if she was about to cry, she was desperate. That was why she called him. He knew that she would be greatly affected by the fact Yanarym exposed her. Of course, she would be depressed over it. Her life as an azkin was thorough, and above all else, Tiana hated being average, did not like the idea of becoming ordinary. 

However, why would she call me? Lyndon mulled. She said goodbye to him. 

Things have ended between them but he never abandoned Tiana—she did, he did not—he was in the shadows safeguarding her. He had always been keeping an eye on her. Tiana could be oblivious about it but he was always there for her. Lyndon made sure she was always safe. 

He may be harsh towards her, but he was behaving like that because he was deeply hurt. He loved her so much, he cherished her greatly, and he trusted her too much that he was hurt so much. What happened between the two of them upon Kraig's arrival had severely damaged him.

"Spare me the drama, Tiana, and talk." 

"I'm scared, Lyndon," she cried, "Yanarym was right. I'm not a real azkin. And now, everyone will start to hate me. Why does she have to say that?! And how did she even know about it in the first place? She's so desperate to tell everyone about my secret because likes Kraig! What would Kraig think of me after all that's happened?" 

Lyndon stared at how miserable Tiana was through his communicator. His heart was throbbing from the state of her but his mind won over his heart, he remained indignant.

"I can't let her have Kraig. Lyndon, please do something! Help me! Keep her away from Kraig!" Tiana pleaded. 

Is this the only reason why she called me? For Kraig? Lyndon gritted his teeth, he inferred she would come running back to him because he had proved Kraig couldn't defend her from danger. 

Lyndon deliberately approached Tiana's most disliked person. He blackmailed Yanarym, discreetly made her do things to show Tiana that she and he were acquainted. Lyndon presumed after some days of conveying those to her, Tiana would be blinded by jealousy and get back to him. But it was futile, Tiana did not care at all. 

Then, he pretended that he liked Yanarym to cultivate her animosity towards Kraig. Because he 'liked' her, as her lover, he made her believe that he was offended by the fact that she was abandoned by Kraig just like that. He insisted that she should have her revenge and get what Kraig and Tiana deserved for hurting her. He turned Yanarym into the villain so he could be the hero to save Tiana when she was pushed to the edge of the cliff. 

He did all that for Tiana, and now she was asking for his 'help' for her relationship with that bastard Kraig to be better?! Do you think I'm a pushover?! A fucking loser who would give away what's rightfully mine? Why would I help you rectify your stupid affair with Kraig if I want you to end things with him?! Lyndon pressed his lips tightly shut as his hand clenched into a fist. Do you have any idea how difficult it is for me to associate with Yanarym just to regain your affection? Of course, you do not know but how could you take my love for granted that easily? How could you think so little of me?!

Even though he had this much love for her, Lyndon could not withstand this mockery. Especially that Tiana was being in love with the person he loathed the most. How much emotional torture did Lyndon have to go through for her? If he can't have Tiana, Kraig can't either! That bastard can't have it all! 

Kraig was Lyndon's first-ever friend. He rarely got along with anyone, and Kraig was one of those rare people. They were like fire and water but at the same time, thunder and lightning since they were inseparable as kids. They were the best of friends. They once made an oath together as brothers with their blood and had lots of adventures in their childhood. 

He could still remember how they always have each other's back, how strong their bond was. But despite that, in an instant, they became each other's nemesis. They became sworn enemies, yearning to ruin and kill one another.

As ridiculous as it was to say, Lyndon had completely no idea why Kraig chose to betray him in the first place. Until he found out Kraig thought of him as the one who murdered his mother. Lyndon struggled to tell the truth but Kraig never listened. He only chose to hear what he wanted to hear, hence betraying Lyndon's trust. Her mother's burial had gone and passed yet their friendship never reconciled.

Kraig later moved with his relatives to another town while Lyndon secluded himself from everyone, unable to trust anyone anymore. At least, not until Tiana asked him to be friends with her. It wasn't easy for Tiana to win his heart, regardless, she continued to nettle him daily as much as she could. Eventually, he got used to her annoying presence and she came to be someone special.

They grew closer than he had intended, and he gradually fell enamored with her kindness. He knew well he already liked her more than just a friend. Yet, he chose to treasure the friendship they had by choosing to settle as her best friend for the time being. He was her protector, an ally who supported her, he knew her deepest fears, her darkest secrets, he was her admirer and all. Until Kraig came into the picture, taking Tiana away, Lyndon's happiness. 

For the second time, he got his affection and trust betrayed by someone dear to him. Tiana chose a selfish hypocrite like Kraig over him. Lyndon didn't understand why she would rather be with a person she just met than be him who cherished her tenderly for a very long time. 

He vowed to destroy both of them and at the same time, he wanted Tiana back. He must admit, after all of what she had done, he still had feelings for her.

He was worried about her when he saw what happened at the field earlier. Despite him being the reason why she was hurt, he didn't want to see Tiana cry. He was a bit happy when she called him after such a long time… however, that moment of joy was cut short when she mentioned Kraig's name. That precisely proved that she didn't care about him, his feelings, or for his dignity.

Lyndon would want to think he was special for her, like how she was special for him. But the truth was harsh, she treated him like he was nobody at all. 

Tiana only cared about Kraig's perception and welfare, she was only afraid of losing Kraig if she told him everything about her. She was willing to expose her darkest secrets to him but to Kraig, she couldn't. She regarded him with indifference. The option, the second choice, for her, that was his purpose. To become her 'reserved'. 

Lyndon was starting to loathe her—his love for her. He hated her for making him feel this low and shitty yet he wanted to believe she still cared for him. With Tiana calling him, to be honest, he did have a tiny glimpse of hope but it all just ended up with her breaking his heart again.

Without saying a word, Lyndon ended the call. "This is so fucking aggravating," he laughed angrily.. "I'm so tired of trusting shits."