"If you shut up the truth, and bury it under the ground, it will but grow, and gather to itself such explosive power that the day it bursts through it will blow up everything in its way." — EMILE ZOLA

Four days and that prick haven't shown up. He called, yes, but I need his presence! My eyes trained on the blue calm water and it looks so tempting but the temperature has dropped to zero. I would surely freeze if I'll swim. Marching back inside the house from the back door, I almost collided to one of the house maids.

She backs up quickly with a shame-face then she kept her face down as she spoke apologetically rather stuttering. "I-I'm s-so s-sorry, M-Miss—"

Cutting her off, I spoke curtly. "It's alright," and brush past her as I ventured along the hallway, looking for any particular member of the house I could talk to kill the time.

I tried to call my friends but they are back to New York, and speaking of New York, when I called Clara Bell, she's in Hawaii for another project.

Just as I turned to the kitchen, I saw dad's back leaving the door. "Dad!" I called with my steps picking speed.

He stops and turned his head towards me and smiled when he saw me approaching. "What's up, princess?" he asked. I noticed the newspaper he was holding. I wonder why he was in the kitchen at this hour? It's almost three in the afternoon.

"Where's mom?" I asked.

"She's inside," dad cocked his head towards the kitchen door, "talking to our cook," he simply explained.

"Is there any problem?"

"No. I'm just bored. All I did was talking with Sean Ludwinsky all day, meeting the other staffs and talks about marketing and blah .. blah.. blah ..." I blew a lungful of air which caused my father to laugh. I thought I'm going to enjoy the job, but man, it was exhausting. Mr. Ludwinsky is a man with a stick stuck up his ass, an uptight man who looks older than his age.

"But you're doing well, according to him!" dad said so proudly and I just pouted. "Just for today, princess. The Mailov family will be with us tonight." He cajoled sweetly and I acquiescently nodded like I have a choice, then my eyes widens when his last words sunk in my brain.

Mailov?

My heart leaps a bit upon hearing the Mailov. Excitement filled me. "With Xandrous?" in an almost squealing tone, dad cock his eyebrow up and I quickly straightened up and change my tone. "I mean—"

Dad shook his head and cut me off. "Yes, princess. With Xandrous," he chuckled as he beckoned me to come closer to him and I did. "You are too obvious, princess," he chuckled softly as he put his one arm around my shoulder and started walking leading me to the family living room.

I pouted. Xandrous is back and he never called.

"Excited, aren't we?" dad whispered and I felt my cheeks heating up. I shook my head and let out a soft chuckle.

"No!" I answered all too quickly which caused him to chuckled all the more as we walk side by side.

Leaning against his side, I felt so happy. "Dad," I cooed.

"Hmm," he responded shortly.

"Can I go out now?" I cajoled sweetly.

"Not yet, princess." He stops and turns around to look where we came from. I stop, too, and followed his gaze. I saw mom walking towards us with a bright smile. She was wearing a simple black dress that hugs her body. I was looking at my own older image.

I pulled my body away from dad and he drops his hand on his side. I stood beside him as we watch mom heading closer to us.

"Is everything okay?" Dad asks mom as soon as she stood in front of us.

"Yes. Dinner will start at seven," mom responded briefly. She tore her gaze from dad and averted to me. "You look beautiful with green, honey," mom complimented as she pulls me and kissed my cheek. "I'm glad you decided to leave your room," as she pulls away and dad pulls her to his side.

I just gave her a small smile.

"Did you tell her the good news," mom asks dad and my attention averted to my father.

"I was thinking to tell her during dinner," dad responded quickly and mom opens her mouth but closes it again, looking sorry.

"What is it?" I asked before dad could speak.

"Well," he started. "Here," dad gave me the newspaper he was holding. I took it and I saw Deshawn's picture. He looks so carefree in the picture. It's the cover picture of the London Vogue from last year. Tears pricking my eyes, starting to blurring my vision. The letters in the magazine became blurry as the prick of tears well up. I couldn't believe he's dead.

The guilt I've been denying the whole week rushes through me again. "Deshawn didn't commit suicide." My head snapped up to look at my father.

"Deshawn didn't kill himself? Then, who?" I choked out softly. My heart seems to beat rapidly. I look at my father expectantly, eyes blurred with tears. I felt mom's hand around me.

"The mother finally broke her silence after their youngest daughter Deborah Prescott was beaten almost to death by her own father." Dad paused and let out a strangled sighed. I felt sorry for Deborah. "A neighbor came to help and called the police," dad sighed heavily, shoving his hands deep in his pockets, he looks murderous as he continued on. "Joseph Prescott was enraged when he found out that the daughter told the Police that he and his son threatened Deshawn if he doesn't quit modeling and go to Army. That night, Deshawn planned to run away but he was caught and his brother killed him by suffocating him using a pillow. They found his pack small luggage under his bed, and the call with his boyfriend Bernardo. It was proven that he was going to leave them when they all gone to bed," dad grit out.

"That is sick. His family is sick!" I grit out unconsciously. It is horrifying. His own brother? How could he?

Mom and dad nodded their head. "Xandrous stayed in Australia to help Deborah to find justice for Deshawn and for the truth to come out. After he met the family, he suspected that he didn't kill himself and then Deborah told him that she doesn't believe he commits suicide and just yesterday, the investigator found pieces of pieces of evidence and that call between Deshawn and Bernardo gave then a very strong evidence that it wasn't a suicide. And just this morning, the mother told the police it was her older son that killed him. She was there when he killed Deshawn," I felt like a big rock just lifted up from my chest and at the same time, feeling awfully sorry for Deshawn and Deborah. He doesn't deserve such horrifying death, nor he deserves death. He's a nice guy.

"How about his fans?" I mumbled softly as I shifted my gaze at mom and dad.

Dad and mom smiled at me. "They are enraged. A group of protesters headed by Deshawn's head fans massed outside their driveway, urging "Justice for Deshawn", hoisting signs" mom explained briefly.

I nodded. My constricting heart slowly loosening, causing me to breath lighter than ever. I feel happy because my name is cleared up but at the same time and at the same time, I feel sorry for Deshawn's sister.

"Are you alright, honey?" mom cooed as she led me to the living. I plopped down the couch as soon as we reach it. Mom sat beside me and I realized dad was holding the newspaper again. He sat on the opposite side of the couch and leaned back and continued reading it.

"I missed Elle," I randomly mumbled as I leaned against mom's chest. Mom sighed heavily.

"Me, too," she answered softly.

"What about if we go and visit her, babe," mom suddenly asked dad.

"I don't think it's a good idea. Let's wait, if this year ends and she won't come back, then we will go and give her a visit," dad answered briefly. Mom nodded as she let out a deep sighed.

"Would you like to go shopping?" mom asked randomly. I quickly pulled myself away from her and stared at her excitedly. Suddenly, the whole room brightens and my mood lifted up.

She nodded with a bright smile. Her eyes that just like mine shines like the sun, radiating happiness and I'm sure mine matches it.

"Bring the two securities with you," dad said and mom stood up and tugs me by the hand.

"Let's go!" as she excitedly lead me to the sweeping staircase.

"Be back in an hour, moro mou," I heard dad said and mom chuckled.

"That's too short, Demi! We will be back before dinner," she answered her voice raising an octave as we get farther from him.

I heard dad groaned in disapproval and I chuckled.

...............

"Thank you, Mr. Mailov. Thank you for all the help," Deborah smiled between tears. Her brother was sentenced to 40 years of imprisonment for murder and her dad was sentenced to twelve years in prison for beating her almost to death.

I couldn't stare at her without feeling sorry or angry at the old Prescott. I can't imagine a father like him do exists. I didn't agree with the punishment the court had given him. He should rot in hell.

"Please, extend my apology to Ms. Victoria," her lips tug into a smile and I nodded, ignoring the clenching of my heart for taking all the pain she doesn't deserve. She was tough. I don't know if that happens to anyone, they had been ended their life, probably.

"Are you sure you are okay now?" I asked as I look unconsciously at her face, her neck. The marks of her father's hand are still visible on her face, the fingers marked on her neck, too, as he tried to strangle her if not of the neighbor who bravely came to help her after hearing her loud screaming for help. After calling the cops, Mr. Andrew Patterson barge into their house and found her lying half naked, almost lifeless on the floor, in the basement. She was beaten almost to death. Her back is lashed severely with a whip. The marks after marks were still raw, blood all over her trounced back and blood smeared on the floor. Authorities came just on time after Mr. Patterson called them, and rescued the poor young lady. Joseph Prescott was found in his car attempting to run away. Just then it was revealed, the room where they were, was a punishment or torture room. It's a room next to hell. All kinds of whips hanging on one wall, handcuffs, a small bed with cuffs on every corner. And not just the first time she suffered from his hands. She had been whipped whenever she commits mistakes or made Mr. Prescott upset and the scars in her back had proven it, but that night, Mr. Prescott's rage gone out of control and almost killed her.

"I'm fine, Mr. Mailov. I can sleep now, peacefully," she smiled genuinely. I nodded.

"If you need anything, don't hesitate to call me," I said.

She gave me a full blown smile and I just notice the dimple on her cheeks, her white sets of teeth exposed, and she looks healthier and genuinely happy. For the first time since I met her, she looks contented.

"I will and thank you again," before she turns on her heel and headed to the waiting police car. I offered her ride to her home but she refused it.

When I saw the young policeman smiled at her as he opens the door, I felt relieved. I watch the car sped off then I pivoted and headed to the car. That's when I realized I've been here for almost four days. I can't wait to see Victoria.

"To the tarmac," I told the driver and look once more out the window, glancing at the building metal sign, "Supreme Court" then sighed heavily.

I've never imagined that I would witness such kind of situation. It was horrifying, it was sick, and I thought it only exists in movies. All the more my respect to my parents increased. I'm lucky I have such loving parents.

.........

As soon as I disembarked from the plane, I turned my cell phone on thinking to give Victoria a call. Just as I was about to tap her number on my speed dial, my phone rang. I saw dad's name and I connected it as I got in the car.

"How's the trip?" dad asked as soon as it connected.

"Horrendous," I simply responded.

I heard dad sighed. "I hear you. I can't believe that asshole can do that to his won children!" he commented tersely.

"What's up, dad?" I asked randomly, trying to drop the topic. I don't want to reminisce it again.

"Good news," my ears perked up upon hearing his words. "Cassie's baby is not yours," he proclaimed. All the exhaustion I felt suddenly vanish.

"Are you sure, dad?" I asked with enthusiasm.

"Yes, son," my forehead furrowed as curiosity kicks in.

"And who's the father?" I asked, pressing the phone closer to my ear. A silence fills the air. "Dad?" I called.

"Y-yes, son. I'll explain it to you when you get here. Come home, we are invited to have dinner at the Pallos' mansion tonight," dad said and I smiled. Upon hearing the Pallos, my curiosity washes away with my excitement to see Vicky.

.........

"How about this, Mr. Mailov?" Amerith, the Shine Bright jewelry staff asked as she showed me a round cut diamond. I shook my head as I look at the glass display opposite me. The ring was too simple. "Something that would make her swoon," I said a little irritatedly without looking at her.

"If you'll excuse me for a second, Mr. Mailov. I'll just check if we have new arrivals," she stood up from the chair, across me and collected some of the rings she presented to me. "We have been sitting here for a good long half hour. You should have done that since the beginning," I remarked impatiently, unable to conceal my irritation. She looks flustered as she brought the box that filled with rings with her and nodded embarrassed as she scurries away.

She came back with a square box and delicately place it in front of me and opens the box. "It just arrived last night. It is 18 karats emerald-cut diamond that is centered between two diamond baguettes on the sides from Lorraine Schwartz—"

"That's what I'm looking for," I said cutting her off as I stared at the beautiful ring. I missed the way her eyes bulges when I said I'm getting it.

My eyes trained on the sparkling stone. It looks sophisticated and elegant. I'm sure she would love the gem when she sees it.

I have no idea yet how to pop the question but I wanted it soon. As soon as dad told me that Cassie's baby wasn't mine, I suddenly want to propose to her and marry her as soon as possible.

The four days being away from her is a torture. I'm just glad I was busy trying to find out what really happened inside Prescott's house that I have no time to even think.

..........

"Hey," I heard Xandrous' voice behind me. I was giving him a cold shoulder since they arrived. I was following dad, mom and Xandrous' parents down the hallway to the dining room.

I felt his hand curled around my wrist and tugs me to stop. I rolled my eyes as I turned to face him. "Hey, you've been ignoring me," he whispered with his face as dark as the shirt he was wearing.

I tilted my chin defensively and avoided to look at his enchanting eyes. "Why are you ignoring me?" he asked as he releases my wrist.

My lips pursed as I stared at him squarely. "You did not call me!" I spat, folding my hands against my chest as I stared at him angrily.

He chuckled. "Because I want to surprise you," he grinned boyishly. And dammit, I'm melting again.

Don't give up yet, Vicky!

I scoffed. "I wasn't surprised! Hmp!" I stomped and turns on my heel glaring at the shimmering marble.

"Hey," I heard him said then a loud grunt. I thought he's going to follow me but when I turn to look at him, he was still standing where I left him. Constantly running his fingers through his hair, looking frustrated.

"Hmp!" I seethed and stomped my way to the dining room. Everyone was seated when I walk in.

"Where's Xandrous?" mom asked me as soon as I sit.

"To hell!" I mumbled softly.

"I'm sorry?" mom asked, eyebrows tightly pressed with her eyes perusing.

"Outside," I sighed. I heard the door opening and when I look up, I saw him staring at me, hard as he made his way towards the chair beside me.

"He looks mad!" mom whispered at me and I ignored her comment.

"Is everything alright, Xandrous?" dad asked him and that's when he tore his gaze away from me to my dad.

"Yes, theios. Victoria just can't wait to have me all to herself!" and he gave me a wicked grin. My eyes widened in disbelief.

My head instinctively snapped to my dad's direction and he was staring at me with disbelief then gave Xandrous a warning glare.

As soon as Xandrous sat, my palm flew to his thigh, giving him a hard smack.

"Aww!" Xandrous yelp and everyone gave him a quizzical look. My face heated up when I realized everyone was giving us a curious stare.

"I understand you're too excited, baby, but that can wait!" Xandrous exclaimed as he stared at me with a wicked smirk on his lips. His eyes dancing with mischief.

"Victoria, princess, please keep it discreet," mom smiled at me but I knew she was giving me a warning.

I felt all my blood rushes to my cheeks and I just want to disappear at the moment. The playful grin that was playing along the corner of Xandrous' lips almost made me punch it away.

Theia Lauren and theios Zandros were all smiling, even Kristos and the twins didn't hide their amusement.

"I can't wait to stand ..." Luke mumbled the rest of his words incoherently when I gave him a deathly stare. The amuse grin on his face slowly withering.

"Thank you for taking care of the Prescott," dad started causing everyone to stop and look at him. "Now, I can sleep and not worry about her," dad continued on.

"I'll do everything for her, theios," Xandrous responded and my anger melted.

"I know, but that doesn't mean I'm going to let you touch her until we found out who fathered Ms. Alanis' baby." Everyone fell into silence. I caught theia Lauren and theios Zandros shared a worried look.

"Ms. Alanis's baby father is not Alexandrous," theios Zandros said after a lengthy paused. My head snapped up to look at Xandrous. I felt like I wanted to hug him with happiness but I held it back. Xandrous rested his hand on top of my hand and gave it a squeeze. Our eyes lock, he gave me a contented happy smile.

"Then, who's the father?" My eyes snapped back to theios Zandros. Every attention averted to theios. The room seems to fill with awkward air as we all waited for his response.

...............

A/N: Here you go, guys. Elle and Nico's appearance is coming.

Hope you all like it.