"I've decided to cancel my engagement to Liam Russell and revoke my title. I am no longer an Emerson nor your future Luna anymore."
I watched as the expression of everyone's faces instantly switched to that of shock; then, the side talks started.
"What's going on?"
"Why is she stepping down from being the heir and getting married to Liam Russell?"
"Is she out of her mind? Others would be killing to get what she has and she's throwing it away."
The murmurs were infuriating but I held myself back. People judge when they don't even know much about the person they are judging so why try explaining to them when they'll only judge more?
It's my life and my decision and I've chosen to live for myself, even if people see it as something so absurd and stupid to do.
I gave the microphone back to Benjamin who already looks like he was about to eat me alive when;
"Is your decision to leave the family related to your accident five years ago?" I felt the hair on my body stand upon hearing that question from the reporter.
What? I thought news about the accident was blocked from all media by Benjamin. He didn't want the public to know something that devastating happened between his daughters.
I took in a shallow breath as memories of that day hit me like a gust of cold wind. I shivered in hidden pain as I relived the trauma all over again.
"Is it also because it was caused by someone in the family?" The murmurs increased and the reporters typed away like their lives depended on it.
The reporter's words were enough to spark speculations about the turmoil in the 'great' Emerson family and my reaction to his question didn't help matters.
Everyone stared at me in expectancy, waiting for my answer, for me to clear up the allegations.
As tempting as it was to explain what really happened years ago, I did not. Rather, I could not.
Telling and even just thinking about it pulls me back to that day. I've fought so hard to let go the past and now that I'm almost over it, I won't let anyone try to use it for entertainment or click baits.
Just then; "I didn't agree to dissolve the engagement. We are still together." Liam's loud voice echoed in the room, shutting every side talks down.
His Alpha aura was dominating, making everyone shiver at his stance while his dark orbs were fixated on me.
What's he doing? Does he really think I'd still stay behind, waiting for his love after what he did today?
"Avery... stop with the childish antics and..." I toned out the rest of his statement after I heard that one word.
Childish? Let's see if he'll still find me childish.
I walked back to Benjamin and pulled the mic out of his hold.
"Everyone... I have another announcement to make.."
I felt Lydia stir within me upon realizing what I was about to do but I ignored her.
"I, Avery Emerson reject Liam Russell as my fated mate and future Alpha.
"Ohhh!!" Gasps filled the air.
I turned to stare at Liam. Is that still a childish antic to you?
I watched as his steps falter, his ocean blue eyes flickered in shock and pain of being rejected by his mate. That is so little comparing to what he made me feel these past days.
"Why???" Lydia mourning cries haunted me but I shut her out immediately. I should have done this a long time ago.
The chaos in the large ballroom increased as everyone's eyes were on Liam as he publicly displayed his pain. I took my chance and slipped away before the attention would turn back to me.
Outside, while I was waiting for the valet to bring back my car, I heard applause.
"You finally did it." The male voice thrummed in the almost silent driveway.
It was Albert Sanders, Liam's best friend.
"Albert.." I called out in surprise, not expecting to see him here.
"Congratulations on breaking free. I never knew you were this courageous and strong but you surprised me by making it this grand." He praised, a look filled with admiration in his eyes.
"So, on that note... can I ask to take you on a date?" He went straight to the point. His eyes glimmered with hope as he waited for my answer.
I wanted to decline because I wasn't interested in him and also didn't want to lead anyone on but the offer was enticing because of his family's business.
If I could make him a business partner, it could help in upgrading the company.
So, I let out a sweet smile; "Sure." I answered.
I smiled back at me, took my hand in his and placed a soft kiss on my knuckles.
Just then, I felt someone run towards us and Albert was suddenly on the floor, clutching his stomach in pain. I turned to my side and saw Liam's angry face towering mine.
He had kicked Albert away. Before he could recover, he landed a punch on Albert's face.
"You call yourself a best friend and you are busy toying with what's mine?!?!" He roared in anger.
Yours? Am I your property??
"I never realized that she's your property." Albert muttered like he had just read my mind.
"She's my mate!!"
"She isn't anymore. She's now single and I have every right to pursue her." He retorted.
Their petty banter bored me so when the valet returned with my car, I didn't spare them any more of my attention and zoomed off immediately.
That night, I slept like a baby.
My sweet sleep was interrupted by the incessant ringing of my phone.
I let out a frustrated groan and picked it up from the bedstand before answering the call.
"Avery!!" Savannah's urgent voice was the first thing I heard.
"Why call so early??" A tired yawn left my mouth.
"You need to see this. I sent you a link." She muttered and ended the call before I could answer.
My phone vibrated, indicating I had received a message. I clicked on the link she had sent and it was an article.
The tiredness I felt disappeared immediately and was replaced by a deep frown the moment I read the article's content.
"Her words shouldn'
t be taken to heart, she's mentally unstable." The words read and worst, it was from Benjamin.
What the hell!!