"A person who loves his/ her own company and doesn't need a man or women to bring a smile on their lips.

Are among those few things in this world.

Which can't break no matter how much pressure they take."

- Suzangill

......

7 months later

The Richardson Estate. Dining Room 11:40 am

" It's urgent Sir. Or I wouldn't dare disturb"

One of the guards says bowing. While Albert just sighs pushing aside his plate. Looking at him in anger.

" How many times? How many times have I told you not to talk about business when I am at the dining table."

Dismissing him. He continues to look at his watch. Tapping his leg.

" Sir but-"

" Ezra will be here and second. We will talk about this later. Now go-"

" But Sir! It's worth millions. We can't wait."

" Mr Green. Can you leave now?"

Albert warns. And the man had sweat on his forehead. Sighing he just bows. Moving back to leave.

When he saw the giant doors to the dining room open and a figure walks in, with maids following behind. Dressed in an expensive latest edition black knee length dress. Branded stellitoes. And a beautiful necklace around her neck.

She walks in confidence, with head held high. Her eyes twinkling seeing her father waiting for her.

But before she could reach him. Her eyes met her father's secretary's anxious ones.

The man immediately lowers his eyes, bowing at the princess of the Richardson empire.

To stutter.

" Mi-ss Ezra. Greetings."

And to his surprise. The girl stops, making the maids that followed her to stop as well. To suddenly bow at him in reply. Making everyone 's eyes to widen.

" Miss Ezra... please don't. You are a princess...you shouldn't!"

He pleads feeling embarresed. And Ezra smiles gently at him. Her next words making him wonder. Who was this girl really?

How can someone be so nice?

" And you are elder to me Mr Green. I am just like your daughter."

" A father doesn't bows to his daughter , now does he?"

If the man had a daughter. He would wish to have one like her. And all this time Albert doesn't say anything.

Just stares.

Knowing another name has been added in the list of his daughter's admirers. She has won hearts with her goodness.

And he knew. She was a princess not just by position.

But first by heart.

" How is everyone at home?"

She asks softly. And the man barely stutters out.

" They ar-e doing g-ood. Thank you for asking Miss. "

Looking at Albert and nodding, Mr Green excuses himself. Taking his leave.

While Albert stands up. Opening his arms. Making Ezra to rush forward. Smiling and hugging him.

To speak sweetly in a whisper.

" Good morning. Papa"

" Good morning my precious daughter."

Kissing her forehead. He places his hands on her shoulders to ask.

" How are you this lovely morning? Did you sleep well last night?"

She smiles to nod. Lying to him just like all other days. She didn't wanted him to worry about her. He has suffered so much already.

The butler pulls back a seat for her. Thanking him, she settles down. Looking at the different cuisines in front of her.

" Papa there is so much food again. It will get wasted. Why don't you listen to me?"

And Albert looks at the food to rub his neck in awkwardness. Covering it with a small sorry smile.

" I am sorry my lovely daughter. I forgot."

" Can I take it to the children in the orphanage then? They will be so happy to taste all this!"

The girl's says getting very excited suddenly. Clapping her hands. Looking at Albert with those big pleading eyes. And he just sighs.

Nodding.

" You may my daughter. You do whatever you want to."

" Thank you Papa!"

Looking at the head maid. She requests in a sweet voice.

" Mrs Claire! Can you please pack the things first. I don't want it to be considered like a left over."

" First pack half of this and then dad and I will start eating."

" Yes Madam. Right away."

The maids rush forward to pick up the dishes and Ezra looks at Albert. To only find his eyes fixed at her.

" So what's the plan for today? Didn't you had an important meeting today?"

And Albert nods. Raising a brow to speak.

" The meetings can wait. I just cancelled it. To spend time with my precious daughter."

And Ezra rolls her eyes. Lifting her hands in the air to look at him in disbelief.

" It's not like I am going away from you dad! How long are you going to neglect your work? It's important."

" People look upto you."

And Albert sighs. He knows his work is important. But he feels afraid of loosing her. He doesn't want to leave her alone.

His eyes only search for her every second. Making sure she is fine.

" Bu-"

" You are going today dad and that's final. No arguing!"

He lets out a deep breath. Knowing it was no use convincing. She was as stubborn as her mother. Even more.

" Fine my child."

Smiling ,she nods. And the dishes are placed in front of them and they start eating.

" Papa? Can I take the food to the orphanage myself? I miss it plus I am bored sitting here whole day."

Albert doesn't say anything. Eating his food. Lost in thoughts. To have Ezra call him again.

" Papa? Are you listening?"

" Yes I am. You know my child. How I feel about your security. It's not safe."

" I will take your security along! Papa please! Pretty please!"

It was impossible for him to say no to those eyes and he leans back on the seat. Sighing.

" Fine but the entire squad will go with you. And you are to keep your location on all the time"

" Yes Sir! Command accepted!"

She says standing up in attention. Saluting him. Too excited.

" You are the best!"

Hugging him. She kisses his cheek. While he smiles to look into her eyes.

Unable to see the sadness behind those veils of smiles.

" Be careful and call me-"

" Chill Papa. I will be back before you know."

Turning around ,she was going to leave. With Albert smiling seeing her like this. When suddenly he remembers.

" And Ezra. Today your uncle and his family are visiting. Be back by 8 okay?"

" Your only brother? The one whose stories you told me?"

Albert nods. And she gives him a thumbs up.

" I will be. Bye!"

Picking up the dishes and hopping from place to place. He sees the life of this place going out. And he sighs sitting back on his seat.

Smiling to himself.

How this still looked like a dream. And he wished just one thing. To never wake up from it.

.........

She waves bye bye to the excited kids. As her car hits the road.

Her eyes trailing the scenery outside. As she clears her throat. Before speaking to the driver.

" Sir. Can we stop on our way at my old house. I forgot something there."

" Of course ma'am."

He thankfully doesn't argue and Ezra leans her head back on the seat. Her smile dropping.

Lost in thoughts.

Before she knows. The car stops outside their house. Or rather his house where they built a small happy world which shattered as it was built on moving waters.

Keeping in the feelings from releasing. She bites her lip as her door is opened.

Stepping out. She feels a sudden sadness hit her as she looks at that locked door.

He hasn't returned.

Not even once. To check on her.

Is this how insignificant she was in his life?

Smiling at the driver. She asks him and the security men to stay there as she makes her way inside.

7 months. But it feels like eternity.

With his words , his eyes, his touch. Not leaving her mind at peace even for a second.

Opening the door. She walks in to find the place just like she left it. Her eyes taking in the sofa's which were covered in dirt now.

The same sofa on which he kissed her numerous times.

She looks at that dining table next where he used to love eating the dishes she made.

Her Lasagne.

His favourite.

Each and every thing in this place had a memory associated with it. And each and every memory brought pains from which there was no respite once again.

She knew she shouldn't be here.

She was trying to move on.

From him. His memories. His words. And everything associated with him.

But somehow, her footsteps bring her back to this place.

" Aaron I feel weird. . .

" I haven't even started stupid girl"

"You like this one . Don't you ?"

" Don't hide your desire from me, my little wife. " . .

" Show me. Tell me. That you want me" .

" Kiss me back."

She has a flashback of their nights. And couldn't help clench her fists.

Slowly approaching the bed on which they laid. To literally free fall on it. Having her back to hit the mattress. Her hands stretched as his words again distrupt her peace.

"You are perfect Ezra. So perfect that I want to taint you."

You tainted me Aaron. You finally broke me. Leaving me alone to collect the broken pieces.

That are piercing my heart every second. . . " But I am afraid I don't want to hurt you Ezra"

Yet you did. It was the only thing you have me. Hurt. Pain. Sorrow.

" I care for you Ezra Reed. I want to protect you from myself. But you never let me."

True again. I shouldn't have tried that hard. I should have left you before Aaron.

Before you could leave me.

I should have saved myself first. Before trying to save you from your monsters.

" Let others love you to heal it."

Stupid. Dumb. Useless! It was all rubbish. Others don't love, they only hurt you.

I was such a fool to even believe such a rediculuous thing!

" Let me show you my love Aaron."

These were her words. But now? She wanted to laugh at them. Chuckling. Her laughter echoes the silent room.

" So stupid! Stupid!"

She says cursing herself. Hitting her palms on her head. Trying to hold herself.

When suddenly her hollow laughs turn into broken sobs. And she couldn't help turn around to pull his pillow and lay her head on it.

His scent. That manly cologne was still there. Making more tears to leave her eyes.

" Then show me Stupid girl." . . .

" Show me your Selfless Love"

" I showed you Aaron. I gave you everything that I had. My time, my mind, my soul, my heart. Everything! "

" What extent of selflessness do you ask for?"

" What I couldn't give you? What ! Please tell me!"

" Why did you do this to me! Why! "

She cries hysterically. Talking to herself for not knowing how long.

His scent making her miss him so badly. That she literally hugs the pillow like her life was dependent on it. Continuing to stare at a spot in wall.

Till her tears wet the pillow and her eyes start dropping in fatigue and sleep.

" Why Aaron? Why did you leave me after taking everything from me?"

" Why didn't you took me along?"

Was all she whispers. And before she knows she falls asleep in the bed. . . . . " Ma'am! Madam Ezra?"

She hears someone calling her.And she wakes up. Getting up. Cleaning her dried tears to only see one of the security men bowing at her.

" Apologies Ma'am. But we must leave."

Successfully hiding her tears and condition. She just nods. Looking back at the bed and the room.

" After you"

. . . Her mood was still low. And she suddenly had that urge to not go home. Staring at the busy streets. She wanted to be a part of it.

And as if her wish got granted.

Their car is stuck in traffic. And she couldn't help look around at the decorated street in awe.

" What's going on here?"

" It's the annual festival today madam."

And Ezra's eyes suddenly shine in excitement. She wanted to learn to live without him. To smile without him. To enjoy life on her own terms.

And that's when she orders. Opening her car door.

" The traffic jam is a long one. You pick me up ahead okay? I will just walk a bit"

" But ma-"

She didn't wait for his reply. Knowing if her dad comes to know about this. He would never allow her.

Mixing up with the crowd walking by in clusters. She successfully is able to dodge the guards. Looking around at the decorations , the people, the food, the stalls in awe.

A smile automatically coming on her lips. Surprisingly feeling comfortable in so many unknown faces.

She keeps looking at the stalls and the display items with a child's excitement. Buying herself an ice cream.

To only see a poor girl sitting in the corner of the road. Staring at children's ice creams.

And she couldn't help crouch down to her level.Offering the cone to her.

And the girl innocently asks. Unable to believe.

" For me?"

Ezra nods. Taking her small hands and wrapping them around the cone.

" For you"

And that smile on the poor girl's face made Ezra's day.

" Th-thank you"

The little girl speaks and Ezra gets up. Placing her hand on her hair, ruffling it. To only leave.

Walking further. Ezra sees the people around her. Most of them were couples or families with kids.

There was rarely anyone like her. Walking alone.

Trying to know herself. Her meaning. The things that gave her happiness.

Too lost in looking around she didn't realise. When her shoulder collides with something hard. Making her wince.

Furrowing her brows. She rubs her arm. Looking over her shoulder to apologise.

" I am sor-"

However her words got stuck in her throat. When she meets the way to familiar eyes of the stranger she just collided into.

No... it's impossible.

Aaron's hair were short but this man had long hair. Which could be almost tied in a ponytail. His physique was more broader than him. Muscles more defined.

But those eyes that peeped at her coldly through his bangs that almost touched his eyes.

Couldn't be lying.

Her heart starts beating faster. Unable to believe if this was true.

When suddenly those usual cold grey orbs widen in surprise on seeing her . Telling her. Perhaps.

He was him.

" Baby come!"

Her eye contact is interrupted by a screechy voice which was again felt too familiar. And this time Ezra's heart literally stops. When she sees those blue eyes staring back at her.

Staggering back. Ezra gulps. Her eyes going lower to stare at their interlocked fingers.

And suddenly everything went blank.

As she looks back at his grey eyes in disbelief.

" Oh my! Ezra? Is that you?"

Andriana speaks. Tightening her grip on Aaron. And Ezra felt something die in her when she looked at his grey eyes in hope. Expecting him to atleast push aside her hand. Or apologise.

But nothing. He just stares at Ezra.

With those strange cold eyes. Which were sucking Ezra's soul of all her energy.

Ezra's mouth opens and closes but not a single word left her lips. Her head shaking in a no. As she found herself to be the biggest fool in the world.

Here she was crying for his absence. Wishing the gods to bring him back to her.

To just see him once.

To touch him. To hug him.

And he? He was playing with her all this time. Fuc*ing around? Enjoying with his ex girlfriend.

Fool. Stupid. An idiot. What else was she.

To hope and wait for someone who has already moved on from her.

Her footsteps start moving back automatically. Her head shaking in a no.

But you know what hurt the worst?

When he didn't stop her.

When those eyes didn't looked even a bit sorry.

When her tears didn't matter to him.

Clenching her fists. She just turns around to rush back. To only find her car on the road behind.

" Cone ma'am! Hurry!"

The driver urges and she doesn't wait a second. Sitting inside the car. Daring to look up to see them at the same spot.

Her hands held his face. As she was saying something to him. But those grey dead orbs.

They were fixed at her.

Looking more cold and dead than she has ever seen.

The car starts moving and they don't break their stare. When that lonely tear finally trails down her cheek.

Clouding her eyes of the vision of that beautiful face.

Which she thought was a day dream. But turned out to be a nightmare.

. . .

Reaching the mansion. She rushes up the stairs. Breathing heavily.

That image fixed in front of her eyes.

Them together.

Was he sleeping with her? Did he left her to go back to her?

Was he playing with her all this time?

No. Enough now. I can't take this. This pain is too much. I am not that strong.

I will have to let it go before I break.

I have to survive.

Pulling open the drawers. She pulls out the papers, sprawling them on the table.

To only grab a pen.

Opening it's cap. To bring down the nib of the pen to the sheet of paper of their divorce.

Her hands trembling.

Tears wetting the ink on the paper.

" Come on Ezra! Come on!"

She encourages herself. Closing her eyes. Her fingers holding the grip tightly.

To only shake.

As his grey eyes flash in front of her. The eyes which she saw today. The softness, the emotions she worked months building in them. Were long gone.

He looked dead.

He looked helpless.

He looked like the most dangerous person who one's look could end you 6 feet down.

But again one can't forget. Hard shells are made to protect the soft one's below.

Was it a veil? Can she leave him to his state.

Just like everyone does?

Or is her love still strong to break all the odds.

Opening her eyes. She stares at his sign on the papers . With another tear leaving her eyes.

Why?

The question remains incomplete. And till the day he gives her the answer on her face. Looking into her eyes without veins.

She will sign them.

Throwing aside the pen and other things on the table. She grips the wood tightly. Cleaning her tears to promise herself.

" No matter what happens from now on" . . " I Ezra Richardson" . . .

"Promise to not let a single tear leave my eyes because of a man again."

. . . " I will be strong"

. . " And unbreakable from this day hence."