200 Final 2
Mara
Martha turned to Lacy, her voice softer now, almost motherly
“My little princess, I am so proud of you.”
Her eyes glistened, but her tone was steady.
“I never wanted you to suffer. I promised I’d give you a better life than the one I had in Goldenpeak, and thanks to Alpha Vander, that was possible.”
She smiled faintly.
“Don’t make the same mistakes I made. And whatever you do, don’t listen to your grandmother. She’s full of bad advice.”
She gave a hollow giggle.
Vander’s fist hit the table.
“Enough of this nonsense, Martha. You’re making everyone nervous. This is Lucian’s big day-can you try not to make it
about you?” he snapped.
Martha didn’t flinch.
Instead, she turned to him with a serene smile.
“My darling Vander,” she said, like she was saying goodbye to a dream, not a man.
“I’m sorry you feel this way. But since everyone blocked me out, I thought it best to say goodbye properly before I leave
the mansion.”
Gasps and glances moved around the table, but she continued.
“I’m not trying to steal the spotlight. I just might not get this chance again.”
Her voice cracked slightly.
“I want to thank you, too. You rescued me from poverty. You never asked about my past. Because of you, my parents and Lacy had a better life. I’ll always be grateful.”
“I tried, Vander,” she added softly.
“I really tried to be someone you could love. But I’m not made of premium stock, and it’s time I stop pretending I am.”
Her voice dropped to a whisper.
“I’m sorry for all the pain I caused you. I hope, one day, you can forgive me.”
She looked at him-no bitterness, just sadness.
“I loved you, Vander. Deeply. And it wasn’t about your money. You were the first man who ever treated me kindly. Please don’t let me ruin that kindness in you.”
Then her tone shifted, just enough to send a chill.
“I wish I could hand you Alaric on a platter, I really do. But I don’t know where he is. Still once I’m gone, he won’t be a Nighthorn problem anymore. It’s the least I can do to pay back all you’ve given me.”
Vander smirked coldly.
you funneled through Daniel?”
Martha didn’t break stride.
“Very well, Vander. Have it your way.”
She shrugged.
“I’ll be in my room until you decide to let me go. I didn’t steal from Steel Corp. Daniel paid me. If taking money from him to pay off a nightmare makes me a thief… then I’m guilty.”
She stood up, collected herself, then kissed Lacy on the forehead. The girl stiffened but didn’t resist.
Then she turned to Darian, placed a hand on his cheek, and kissed him softly.
He didn’t move.
Next was Emma. Martha scooped her up gently, holding her tight to her chest.
“You two will be fine, parents,” she whispered to Tiffany and Darian, before placing Emma back into her mother’s arms.
“I’ll deliver your family ring to your office after the handover, if you do not mind, Vander,” Martha said with soft finality. Vander didn’t respond.
She moved to his side, leaned down, and kissed his cheek.
I saw her lips move: “Thank you.”
It was quiet, but loud enough for me to catch.
Then she straightened, turned, and walked away from the table without looking back.
That was her goodbye.
For a moment, no one moved.
Lacy wiped her eyes, stood up, and pushed her chair back gently.
“Where are you going?” Vander asked, voice firmer now.
“To pack my belongings, Alpha.”
She didn’t call him Uncle. The room stilled again. That was deliberate.
“Your aunt isn’t going anywhere. And even if she is, she can’t take you with her. What about your work?” he asked, his tone gentler, more pleading than commanding now.
“I’ll tender my resignation tomorrow, sir,” she replied.
“I’m going back to Goldenpeak. I have no reason to be here.”
She said it like a woman who had already made peace with her decision.
I could tell Vander wanted to stop her-but he didn’t. He just clenched his jaw and looked away as she walked out.
Tiffany broke the silence.
“Maybe she really doesn’t know where Alaric is.”
No one answered.
Vander stared at his untouched plate like it had betrayed him. I could feel his anger, but underneath it… sorrow. Martha’s goodbye had unsettled him. Maybe it was the finality in her voice. Maybe it was the fact that she hadn’t begged this time.
“Don’t let this spoil your day, Lucian,” he said finally, but it felt like he was trying to convince himself, not his son.
2/3
< 200 Final 2
Lucian didn’t flinch.
“Martha only apologised, Father. If anything, I’m glad she sees the errors of her ways. Like I said, the separation is unnecessary-but it’s your choice.”
Vander pushed his plate away and stood up.
He was troubled, and it showed. The kind of trouble that didn’t come from anger-it came from guilt, from the weight of years. From love, maybe… or regret.
Martha hadn’t just left the table.
She had left him. And this time, she wasn’t looking back.
