A cold chill settled over them both as they stared at one another. Bodies tense and rigid, as neither of them spoke, the truth hanging in the air like a pendulum. Mister couldn't predict which way it'd swing, not this time.
She was as beautiful as ever in her purple-blue dress that draped over her body, but her eyes never left his as her brow furrowed.
"So, who exactly are you doing this for Mister?"
He sat up straight and spoke, his voice hoarse, "Everything I do, is to protect you."
Doe's face contorted into a sorrowful frown and her voice broke as she tried to talk despite the ball of emotions in her throat, "Bullshit. We've always done everything together, and now you're leaving me... Because it's for my own good?!"
Doe stood and stormed over to the window that sat open at the south end of Mister's study. She gazed out to the horizon finding solace in the warm glow of the setting sun.
Mister's eyes followed after her, her chocolate skin seeming to glow under the sunlight. He stood and quietly walked up behind her, his hands finding a place on her hips. Under his touch he could feel her body shaking silently as she wept.
"It's not fair..." She whispered.
Mister kissed the top of her head and whispered against her hair, "I know little Doe. I'm, so fucking sorry."
Doe turned and faced him, a fire in her eyes and her cheeks stained with tears, "Bullshit! You don't have to leave me but you're choosing to anyway! All for what? To appease your family?!"
His heart ached at the sight of her sorrow, even moreso knowing he was the cause. But he promised to keep her safe, and if that meant taking care of her from a distance, then he'd do it. He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her into his chest inhaling her scent.
"I wish this moment didn't have to happen Doe, but for all of my trying, this is the only way I can make sure you have a good life."
"I don't need you to do shit for me Mister. I can provide for myself, this excuse that you have to leave me here and go marry another woman because of a family blood pact is bullshit. You haven't even spoken to your family in years."
Her tone was sharp, and logically he knew she was right, but his family weren't people you could just walk away from. They'd hunt him, and her, and he wouldn't have it.
"It's only until a child is born."
"Is that supposed to make me feel better? I'm just meant to wait for you, while you go and get some woman pregnant, and welcome you with open arms when it ends after five years?!"
She was sobbing into his chest, her nails digging into his shirt as if that could stop him from dissipating through her fingers. Part of her understood, he hardly spoke about his family, but whenever he did, it was never with joy and his expression turned sour.
But he refused to elaborate.
"Trust me Doe. I'll be back. I promise."
She pushed him away, and stared at him with a hollow expression, "You promised you'd stay. How am I supposed to trust you, when by the time you come back, you'll have a child, and five years of my life will be gone."
She shook her head, "You won't make me a pawn in your game, Mister."
She spoke his name with venom, and his breath caught in his chest. Standing straight, he cleared his throat, "Goodbye sweet Doe."
With that, he turned and departed through the door. Doe crumpled to the floor her dress soaked in her tears. She wouldn't be waiting as a side piece. Her life was her own, and she'd make sure Mister knew that fact.
