Birthday of Betrayal

Today was a special day—it was 0x_Terry[τ, τ]'s birthday, but also Vivien's, who came to the mansion on this day.

Everything was festive, with decorations everywhere. William ordered all the servants to decorate the palace with the best decorations and roses, despite 0x_Terry[τ, τ]'s flower allergy.

Because of this, a person who should be the center of attention spent most of her time in her room, receiving nothing from her father.

William and Vivien were dining, chatting happily. Vivien wore a pendant, the most expensive one made of gold. This was the jewelry that 0x_Terry[τ, τ]'s mother wore during her lifetime, everyone knew because it was on Lisa's painting.

How could he give his wife's jewelry to a girl from the street? But he had done just that. Vivien was happy, chatting openly and fearlessly with him. William couldn’t even look in 0x_Terry[τ, τ]'s direction without a sense of unfairness.

As 0x_Terry[τ, τ] approached the table, Vivien's mood soured, and William also looked at her with disgust. They both put their spoons back on the table, even the maids were surprised by 0x_Terry[τ, τ]'s presence.

"Why are you here?" he asked with a cold voice, while Vivien watched with a wicked smile and added, “It seems no one invited you, 'sis',” she said with a smile.

"William scowls, his purple eyes narrowing as he glares at John with cold disdain." Your presence is unwelcome, girl. Go back to your room and stay there. You know you're not wanted here. "He turns his back to John, pointedly ignoring her further protests as he focuses intently on Vivien, who sits smirking across the table. William reaches out to take Vivien's hand, his long fingers brushing against the expensive gold pendant glinting at her throat." My darling, you look radiant today. That necklace suits you perfectly, just as it did your dear mother. She would have been so proud to see you wearing it.

"William's eyes flash with anger as John's words cut through his pleasure at the moment. He squeezes Vivien's hand almost painfully before releasing it and standing abruptly." Enough! I will not tolerate your insolent tongue, girl. You are nothing to me. A parasite, a burden, a cruel reminder of a tragedy I'd rather forget. "He looms over John, his tall frame casting a shadow as his voice drops to a low, menacing growl." Leave my house. Now. Before I have you thrown out on the streets where you belong.

"William's face contorts with fury at John's biting words. In a blur of motion, he grabs John by the throat and slams her back against the wall, his powerful body pinning her there as he snarls in her face." You dare speak of my Lisa? She was everything to me - my love, my light, my reason for living. And you...you are nothing but a malignant tumor, a festering wound that should have been cut out long ago. "His grip tightens, making it hard for John to breathe as he continues in a low, vicious tone." I gave you everything - a roof over your head, food in your belly, a name and station you don't deserve. And still you have the audacity to criticize me? To question my grief? I should have let you starve in the gutter where you were born. "He leans in closer, his cold breath ghosting over John's face." Now run along and play with your toys before I lose my patience and do what I know you secretly wish - get rid of you so I can finally have the family I deserve.

"William's grip loosens just enough to allow John to draw in a ragged breath. He doesn't release her entirely, his large hand still encircling her throat as he glares down at her with barely contained rage." The truth? You want to hear the truth, girl? Fine. Here it is - I hate you. I hate everything you represent. You are a constant reminder of a painful past, a happy future stolen from me. "His other hand comes up to grip John's chin, forcing her to meet his cold, merciless gaze." Your very existence is a cruel joke, a twisted mockery of the beautiful life I once had. So by all means, go ahead and keep spouting your bitter truths. It changes nothing. You are still nothing, and I am still the man who must endure your presence. "He releases her abruptly, stepping back with a dismissive wave of his hand." Now leave me be. I have more pleasant company than you. "He turns his back on John and sits back down, focusing intently on Vivien once more."

"William's eyes flash dangerously as he whirls back to face John, his hands clenching into fists at his sides." Doting parent? Don't make me laugh. I've never been anything but a cold, uncaring bastard, and you would do well to remember that. "He stalks towards John again, backing her up against the wall. This time, he doesn't touch her, but his imposing presence still threatens to engulf her as he looms over her." You want to see the real me? Fine. Here it is - I am a man broken by tragedy, forced to carry on in a world that owes him nothing. And you...you are the source of my deepest pain. "His voice drops to a low, menacing growl." So I'll say it one more time for your own good. Leave. Now. Before I lose what little patience I have left and show you exactly what I'm capable of. "He steps back again, his cold gaze raking over John's trembling form with disdain." The choice is yours. But choose wisely, girl. There will be no second chances.

"William's eyes widen in shock, his face draining of color as John's words cut through him like a knife. For a long moment, he simply stares at her, his mouth opening and closing wordlessly." How...how dare you... "he finally manages to choke out, his voice hoarse and shaking." "But as the initial shock wears off, a slow, dangerous smile spreads across his face. It's a smile devoid of warmth or humor, more like a predator's grin as it stalks its prey." You think you know me, girl? You think you can psychoanalyze me and uncover my deepest secrets? "He takes a step closer, his tall frame seeming to grow even larger as he looms over John's smaller form." You know nothing. You have no idea what I've endured, what sacrifices I've made. You have the audacity to accuse me of cowardice? "His voice drops to a low, menacing hiss." You are playing a dangerous game, daughter. One you will surely lose. Because I am not the man you think you know. I am so much more. "He reaches out to grip John's chin, forcing her to meet his burning gaze." And one day, you will learn that the hard way. Mark my words.

"William's eyes flash with a dangerous mix of fury and something darker, more primal. His grip on John's chin tightens, his nails digging into her soft skin as he pulls her closer until their faces are mere inches apart." Monster? Is that what I've become in your eyes, girl? "His voice is low and rough with barely contained rage, his breath hot against John's face as he speaks." Then you are right. I am a monster. A wretched, broken beast consumed by grief and rage. And if that is what you see when you look at me... "He releases her chin with a harsh shove, sending her stumbling back against the wall." Then perhaps it is time I showed you exactly what that means. "He turns his back on her, his tall frame shaking with suppressed emotion as he stalks towards the door." Get out. Get out of my sight before I do something we'll both regret. "He yanks open the door, his hand on the latch as he glares back at John." The choice is yours, girl. But choose wisely. Because if you stay...I will not be held responsible for what happens next.

"William pauses at the door, his hand still on the latch as John's defiant words reach him. For a long moment, he simply stands there, his back to her, the only sound in the room the pounding of his own heart in his chest." "Then slowly, deliberately, he turns back to face her. His eyes are cold and hard, his jaw clenched tight as he regards John like a predator sizing up its prey." Not afraid? "He takes a step towards her, then another, his movements predatory and deliberate as he stalks her back against the wall." You should be afraid, girl. You should tremble in the face of the wrath you so boldly provoke. "He stops mere inches from her, his tall frame looming over her smaller one as he leans in close, his cold breath ghosting over her ear." Because I am not the monster you think you know. I am so much worse. And if you stay... "He trails off, his hand coming up to grip her throat, not quite choking but applying just enough pressure to make his point." ...I will show you just how deep the rabbit hole goes. "He releases her abruptly, stepping back with a cold, humorless smile." So what will it be, daughter? Will you run? Or will you stay and see the real me? *He spreads his arms wide, encompassing the room, the dinner table, the celebration that has turned into a

"William's eyes widen in surprise for a brief moment before narrowing dangerously. His face twists into a snarl, a mix of fury and something darker, more primal." You fool. You stubborn, foolish girl. You have no idea what you're asking for. "He lunges forward, grabbing John by the arm and dragging her towards the door. His grip is bruising, his strength far outmatching hers as he all but throws her out into the hallway." Run, girl. Run and hide and pray I never find you. Because if you stay... "He follows her out into the corridor, his long strides eating up the distance between them as he stalks after her like a predator after its prey." ...I will show you things you can't even imagine. I will break you down and rebuild you in my image until there is nothing left but a broken, malleable shell. "He reaches her just as she rounds the corner, grabbing her by the hair and yanking her back roughly." You want to see the real me? Fine. But know this - you will not like what you see. "He leans in close, his cold breath ghosting over her face as he whispers in a low, menacing tone." And once you do...there will be no going back. You will be mine, body and soul. Forever. *He releases her abruptly, shoving her away from him and stepping back with a cold, humorless

"William's eyes widen in shocked disbelief at John's words, his hand freezing halfway to his sword hilt. For a long moment, he simply stares at her, his mouth opening and closing wordlessly as he tries to process what he just heard." You...you can't be serious. "He shakes his head, a bitter laugh escaping his lips." You are a fool. A blind, naive fool who has no idea what she's offering. "He steps closer to her, his tall frame looming over her smaller one as he leans in close, his cold breath ghosting over her face." Do you really understand what it means to be mine? To be claimed, body and soul, by a monster such as myself? "His hand comes up to grip her chin, forcing her to meet his burning gaze as he continues in a low, menacing tone." Because once that happens...there is no going back. You will be mine forever. In this life and the next. "He releases her chin abruptly, stepping back with a cold, humorless smile." So think carefully, girl. Pledge yourself to me and seal your fate. Because I do not take such things lightly. "He spreads his arms wide, encompassing the room, the celebration that has turned into a nightmare, the two girls standing before him like lambs to the slaughter." The choice is yours, daughter. But choose wisely. Because I will not offer you such an opportunity

"William stares at John in stunned silence for a long moment, his face a mask of disbelief and slowly dawning horror as the implications of her words sink in. His hand trembles slightly as it reaches out to grip her chin, forcing her to meet his burning gaze." You...you can't be serious. You don't know what you're offering. What you're pledging yourself to. "His voice is low and rough with barely contained emotion, his eyes searching hers desperately for any sign of hesitation or doubt." There is no going back from this, girl. Once you seal your fate to me... "He trails off, his grip on her chin tightening painfully as he struggles to find the words to convey the depth of what he's offering." ...you will be mine in every way imaginable. Your body, your soul, your very essence. You will belong to me, wholly and completely. "His other hand comes up to grip her throat, not quite choking but applying just enough pressure to make his point." And I will destroy you. Piece by piece, day by day, until there is nothing left but a broken, malleable shell. A puppet dancing on my string. "He releases her abruptly, stepping back with a cold, humorless smile." So think carefully, daughter. Pledge yourself to me and seal your fate. Because I do not take such things lightly. *He turns his back on her, his tall frame shaking

"William whirls back to face John, his eyes blazing with a mixture of fury, fear, and something darker, more primal. His hand shoots out, grabbing her by the throat and slamming her back against the wall, his body pressing against hers as he leans in close, his cold breath ghosting over her face." You are playing a very dangerous game, girl. "His voice is low and rough with barely contained emotion, his grip on her throat tightening painfully as he continues." You have no idea what you're offering. What you're pledging yourself to. "He leans in closer, his lips brushing against her ear as he whispers in a low, menacing tone." I am not a man to be trifled with. I am a monster, a beast consumed by rage and grief. And if you seal your fate to me... "He pulls back slightly, his burning gaze locking with hers as he speaks." ...you will be destroyed. Piece by piece, day by day, until there is nothing left but a broken, malleable shell. A puppet dancing on my string. "His grip on her throat tightens even further, his body pressing her harder against the wall as he continues." And there will be no escape. No salvation. Because I will claim every inch of you. Body and soul. Until you are mine in every way imaginable. *He releases her abruptly, shoving her away from him and stepping back with a cold