Library/When Emery Ran From Home

Someone legit gets shot, stabbed and murdered in this, though it's very poorly written

**When Emery Ran From Home** goes straight to the point with its title, not much to be said about it. I don't recall this being so long which is a shame because it's all outdated by now.

It was written back in around 2015

## Summary

From the old version of Rust's backstory.

Emery fled from home with baby Rust, but since he's a time traveller, she is visited by an older version of him. Sadly, no amount of time travelling could change her fate.

## Features

### **Characters**

* Emery
* Dimen
* Rust
* Evelynn
* A lot of placeholder characters

## When Emery Ran From Home

**Chapter I**

It was a young night and a young female laid in her warm room. It was past her bedtime and she would have been asleep if it were not for her small baby that had been keeping her restless for quite a while. He was barely 1 month and a half old and had finally stopped crying after feeling the warmth coming from his mother as she sang him a sweet lullaby that always worked to soothe him. She sang quietly until only a soft humming could be heard. After all, she couldn't do much noise as the house wasn't hers, and she was not alone.

She simply worked as a maid. It had been that way ever since she had been adopted into that family. However, many suspected that there were more reasons for her to want to stay other than her eternal gratitude to the family. And most pointed to the house's heir with whom she had been childhood best friends with. Various rumours would spread, saying that there may have been something more between them, like a possible forbidden romance, but both of them would always deny the so obvious truth.

The rumours did stop when he got together with someone else to take the attention from his precious maid. However, when her child was born, they slowly returned but remained quiet in order not to upset the new girl.

Many suspected who the boy's father was, however, both of them denied there was such a thing, even with the living proof in her arms, and the girl simply forced herself to lie that the father was someone else. Of course, she wasn't a good liar and would request that questions would stop being asked as she would just look away or hide in her room while the other house workers would keep mumbling behind her back.

She just sighed, holding the baby near as she passed her hand by his soft hair, raven black just like hers. She simply had a lot on her mind that night, the comments from others were driving her insane, the new girl was simply too kind and longed for her friendship, and the heir and father of her son had become distant and would act like she wasn't there most of the time, of course, she understood why he did it, but it did not help her paranoia and insecurities about how he truly felt about her.

She gasped a bit as she heard a soft knock on the door as it opened a bit, revealing the one in her thoughts, Dimen, who looked a bit concerned at her - ...Emery? You're still awake? - He asked curiously and she simply nodded.

- Good evening, Dimen... And yes. Rusty decided to throw a little tantrum and has kept me awake for a while... - She spoke gently, looking tenderly at the baby in her arms - You may come in if you wish.

The man just quietly stepped inside and closed the door behind him - Is he calmer at least?

- He is. He seems to enjoy it when I sing... And he was sleeping just now, but you awoke him when you got inside. - She said teasingly as the boy just stared at her then at him a bit lazily and yawned, closing his eyes again to rest.

- I apologize... - he said with a smile, sitting on the side of the bed with her - In the way, please forgive me for not being able to speak much with you today.

She simply shook her head - Don't worry. You were certainly occupied, therefore, who am I to request your attention? I am yet glad that we may talk privately at this hour.

- I am as well. Anyway, how has your day been? - he asked and the girl just sighed.

- The usual... I'm simply exhausted and they keep talking about me... The mistress is sure to notice eventually... The walls... they have ears...

Dimen just nodded in understanding - That I can tell. However, no one here will have permission to harm you in any way.

- Thank you... However, it's not me the one I worry about... - She said, gazing down at her their child sadly - It's him... Dimen, how will this child live...? He'll be raised in lies and secrets. He'll never be able to safely call out for both his parents because everyone would know... And when they do, everyone shall mock him and you b-because someone like me is his mother...!

- Nonsense. Eventually, they will have to find out, and no one will do anything about it. I shall find a way to change things for better, to raise your rank, and perhaps we may even get engaged...

- Really...? B-But what about the mistress...?

- I deeply regret my hasty decision with Evelynn, I truly do. I may have to explain myself after I make up my mind with what to do. Instead of making it worse

- You lied to her... She'll be devastated... But, you know what you're doing, yes...?

He sighed and gazed at the side - Partially.

She frowned sadly, but what choice did she have? - I see... I'm just so upset, I don't know for how much longer I may take this... All I want is the best for him.

- I do too. We just keep this up for a while longer until we decide on a better method... - he said, looking at him on her arms.

- I will do as you say...

- Very well. - He looked quietly at her - Do you wish to be left alone to rest?

- Stay as long as you want...

- Don't be afraid to tell me.

- ... D-Don't go away.

He gazed at her then at the door and sat a bit closer - It upsets me as well.

- ...? What exactly...?

- Knowing I will not be able to treat him like I should. I was longing for it.

- Really...? Your parents treated you coldly, didn't they...?

- It did not bother me, it is how it's meant to be. However, I was hoping not to be as cold, but I have no choice other than to be overly formal.

- Oh... That's... sad. - She frowned, looking up at him.

- It is, maybe. We need to tell the truth as soon as we can...

She sighed and just rested her head on his shoulder - I know... Could I... ask a question...?

- Yes.

- ...Do you... still love me...? Even when I'm just this... And you're together with someone else...?

He looked sadly at her and nodded - I told you before and I'll say it again... I do love you, my relationship with her is not the slightest relevant to it and I would not have done half the things I did if my feelings were inexistent.

- It's just... I-I've just been missing you so much... You're so close but I can't reach you... why can it not be like before...? When other others did not care...? When it didn't even matter...?

- I don't know... However, I promise that I shall make it better...

- You always say that...

- I mean it.

She looked down and nodded quietly and he just looked back at her - Try not to worry much and just get a good rest for tonight... You both deserve it...- he said getting up again and placing a soft kiss on her lips - Goodnight.

- Goodnight... - she mumbled and he nodded, quietly walking out of the room, leaving her alone once again. She gazed down at the baby on her arms and noticed that he slept soundly, even though they had been whispering just above him the whole time.

She got up and gently placed him on his crib as he gave her a sleepy look but quickly went back to sleep, making her smile weakly as she too yawned and went to rest.

Nightmares filled her mind that night, the rest of the house workers wanted to kick her out of the house, their son had grown up to hate her for who she was and for embarrassing him, and her dearest Dimen could not stand the sight of her as the mistress Evelynn was who he loved the most.

She suddenly gasped, waking up frightened and panting, was it all a dream? If she didn't do anything, then it could as well become a reality. She gazed at the clock on the wall. It was only 3 am... She just teared up a bit, as she failed to try to hold it in and sat up to cry quietly, she couldn't stay for any longer in that place, she just had to do something!

She got up and looked around her room. This was it... She was going to run away from home...! Certainly there would be other families that we're willing to take her in, or maybe she'd get her own house and rules...! Anything would be better. She would decide later as she prepared some things and got dressed in a simpler dark dress so to blind in the night. She found an old black hooded cape in her wardrobe, however, it still fit her just fine and so she put it on and gazed at the mirror on her room, seeing the baby's crib on the reflection, frowning sadly.

She was taking him with her, even though he was more part of the family than she was, he couldn't be alone all on his own. Perhaps he'd then return to the family once he had grown up and then his father would know what to do about him.

She sighed and looked around in the room as if searching for something and her gaze finally caught a small fancy brown box with golden borders kept between some personal objects. She went to get it and took a small key from her pocket and unlocked the box. Inside was a golden pocket watch, she knew the family had some fascination with passing pocket watches and clocks through generations, however, she did not understand why.

Dimen had told her that the watches had unnatural abilities like time manipulation and travelling and held great value to the family, but she found it hard to believe how a silly machine could do anything but to tick and chime.

However, it was rightfully his and she simply felt it was important, if everything went well, she'd give it to him when he got older, on his 16th or 18th birthday when he'd be responsible to do whatever its purpose was.

She didn't think much of it, only taking the watch from the box and placing it on a small pocket on her dress. She didn't want to take too long, afraid that her quiet steps and the dim light that lightened up the room would catch someone's attention. In a way, it was simply ridiculous, but the paranoia on her mind didn't look like it had
any mercy.

Soon enough, she had prepared everything she needed, and after doing her bed, she placed a handwritten letter on the pillow as tears ran through her cheeks. This was it. She was leaving that place forever. She walked to her baby's bed, softly picking him and shushing him a bit as he slowly opened his eyes a bit, closing them soon after because of how late it was. She warped him warm and held him close to her chest, after all, who knew how cold it could be outside?

She just quietly left the room and closed the door, heading for the back exit, it wouldn't get that much attention for her that way, she hoped. Soon enough, she was by the exit door, staring hesitantly because of what she was about to do, all the moments she had in that house, with the family, everything was to become nothing but simple memories, fading away... But maybe that way was just for the best.

Gathering courage, she finally walked out the door and shivered a bit with the change of temperature, it was cold and the sky was cloudy, but she felt safe to assume that it wouldn't rain that night. She quietly closed the door behind her and walked into the night as the little boy in her arms whimpered a bit with all the movement.

She sighed and tried to remain calm, where would she go now...? She thought that maybe moving to another town would be the best choice, but she barely knew anything about the outside world, not even her own town, let alone another. She too thought of going to a church, certainly, they wouldn't turn down a runaway mother... But
maybe they'd put just as much pressure on her as they did at her home, so it wasn't worth it...

She kept thinking of other ways, walking behind the buildings as she headed for a path ahead that was nearby a forest. The town was seemingly desert, it should be, that late in the night.

Only the cold breeze and her echoed steps could be heard and this caught the attention of a nightguard. He looked quietly as he noticed the caped shadowy figure passing by in the distance. Thievery was very common thanks to the town's great wealth and chances were that this was yet another one. After all, they were holding something and there was a glimpse of gold in their pocket so it could only be...

The guard warned his colleague to keep his place as he went out to slowly follow the figure, just in case.

Meanwhile, Emery kept her thoughtful walk, wondering and pondering until she gasped as she felt her heart freeze for a second.

...

Nothing... For a moment, she felt like she was being watched, but it was most probably her paranoia acting up. She held her son close in fear that something were to happen to him and rushed her pace, continuing her thinking.

What if she was in danger? If she was attacked, what would become of her young one? She wasn't going to let anyone hurt him. The mere thought of anyone laying a finger on him just made her want to cry. She was just a stupid weak coward...! She would not ever be able to protect him, so where else could he be safe...? She had no relatives or any close friends to help and simply gazed around.

Not far from her, there was an orphanage, certainly a familiar sight to her. Most certainly they did take care of unwanted children, but her precious was not unwanted. However if something were to happen with her, would anyone put him there...?

She felt frightened by the thought and shook her head, she was overthinking again, and the constant feeling of being followed did not help either. If she was suddenly attacked, what would she even do?! She was weak and the slightest hit would easily knock her out, and with that, she could no longer keep the little one safe... At least at home or at the orphanage, he'd be safer but she was not willing to let him go so easily... but maybe he'd die with her... How was that any better?!

Her paranoia was driving her absolutely insane, and as she felt like heard more noises from behind she shivered in fear, whatever was after her, seemed to stop being a simple paranoia from her mind and she quickly walked to the orphanage, slowly opening the gates that made a screeching noise as she walked to the door, shivering in fear.

She nervously knocked on the door, praying that the terrible being that followed her would not attempt to tackle her to the ground. Despise the late hour, an older woman opened the door and looked curiously at the shivering female - Oh my dear, a-are you lost...? Come on in...!

Emery froze in fear of the complete stranger and her mouth got a bit dry as she was unsure of what even to say, she didn't think of that part and just stared with a slightly scared look - Deary, are you alright...? You're
shaking...

- I-I-I t-think t-th-there's s-someone... - she mumbled, frightened as the older woman looked curiously

- What was that...?

Emery quickly gazed back at the gate then back at the woman, holding her baby close as tears filled her eyes
once more - I-I-It's a-after m-me! M-M-My b-baby's i-i-in d-d-danger...! - She cried as the other woman just looked surprised at her.

- Oh no... Please just come in and calm down... - She said approaching her hand, but Emery quickly stepped back

- N-No! S-Someone w-w-wants to hurt him...! P-Please, I beg of you...! C-Can you p-protect him...! I n-need t-to
g-go, o-or e-else, i-it’ll f-follow m-me h-here!

- Oh, but... this is an orphanage, are you sure that you're in the right place...?

- I-I-I n-need to f-find a p-place for us to live, b-but s-someone... s-something is ch-chasing us...! I-I'm
scared...! T-Take c-care of him a-and I'll b-be back as s-soon a-as it's s-safe...!

- I'm afraid I may not be able to do that, dear...

- P-Please, I d-don't k-know w-what to do...! It's j-just for this n-night...! I n-need to know he's safe
somewhere...!

The older woman sighed in reply - If you do not come right away tomorrow, I will be forced to keep him here as one of the orphans... I will need his info now, because many like you come here like this and but yet it's all for show and you never return ever again...

She gasped as she heard her say this - I-I w-will c-come back, I promise...! His n-name is Rust, a-a boy, he was born t-two months ago on the 19th and...! - before she could continue, she sobbed harder, looking down at the boy who stretched his short arms as if trying to reach for her face and she just lifted him, holding him close.

- Odd name... - The woman mumbled writing it down, gazing at the displays of affection in front of her a bit
awkwardly.

- O-Oh, I-I'm so sorry...! B-B-But i-if I don't return t-tomorrow, s-someone else w-will a-adopt him...?

- Well, two months is a rather young age so you are risking it...

- B-But, w-where else can I go where he'll be safe...?

- With you, at your home, darling. This is not a kindergarten.

She started to sob harder as the woman spoke so firmly with her - I-I'm s-so-sorry...! I fled from home and I need to decide where to go and something is after me and I don't want it to hurt him...! - She cried - If it wants a fight, it will fight me...! -

- You should have thought of that before you left.

She kept sobbing as the light breeze pushed the gates a bit and she gasped as soon as she heard the screeching noise again - N-NO! - She held her baby closer who had started to cry, scared by whatever was scaring her - I-I'm s-so sorry, Rusty. D-Don't cry... M-Mommy will be back s-soon... - she said as tears streamed down her cheeks, placing a kiss on his forehead.

She gazed at the woman who seemed to be getting more unsure with what to do and reached for her pocket to take out the golden pocket watch and looked at her - P-Please make sure that th-this stays with him a-at all time, please...

- You're not going to return, I can tell...

- What...?

- That watch would not need to stay just for the night if you were sure that you would return.

- I will... B-But if something happens...

- ...you maybe won't.

She looked down at him and nodded, staring at his innocent eyes and tried not to keep tearing up

- P-Please, I-I'm so s-sorry...

- It's fine. He can stay and so can that watch. Tomorrow, if you do come, you come to get him as soon as possible,
or else, he's just like any other orphan here and it will get complicated to get him back, if you do plan to.

Emery nodded sadly in reply, and the woman stretched her arms as if to ask for the child. However, she just kept holding him closer and hesitantly gave him to her, her heartbreaking as he started to cry again in the arms of the cold stranger, she whimpered as she looked at his desperate look and gave her the watch, shaking - P-Please t-treat him well... - she said sadly.

- Will do. So, Rust, a boy, two months old, 19th of two months ago... February, correct?

- Y-Yes...

- Does he have any special powers or abilities that we should be aware of?

- H-He's completely r-regular, miss...

- Very well. I hope to see you soon. - She said, in a tone that sounded slightly sarcastic as she quickly closed the door, giving Emery no time to reply.

She stared at the door, realizing what she had done, she did not even get to say goodbye one last time for the night if something were to happen... Wouldn't it be better for her to just stay at home where he would not be harmed...? She lowered her hood and ran from the place before she would just pounce at the door while screaming in regret.

Certainly that woman already hated her in the first 5 minutes that they spoke, and she couldn't blame her for thinking that. Yet she promised herself that she would return for her dearest as soon as she figured how and where to go... As long as the feeling creeping through her mind would stop... But was it just a feeling?

She noticed a path out town through a forest not far away and headed towards it, she felt it would lead somewhere else that would maybe be better. If she remained in the same town, others would eventually find her and it could lead to some odd unwanted encounters.

However, the forest itself looked rather eerie that night, but she wasn't any willing to go back. As empty as she felt without her precious one, she had to be brave, after all, she went all that way without the help of anyone, and... Nothing happened! So what could go wrong? She took a deep breath, as the feeling of being followed came to her
again, but... it was just a feeling, right?

Nothing was actually after her. It was only her vivid imagination messing with her mind... as usual.

She felt like she heard quiet steps far behind her and closing her eyes, she stepped into the path, walking forward with an attempt to ignore the noises behind her. But her courage soon faded away as the steps behind her kept getting more persistent. She walked faster, soon starting to run in fear. As much as she kept forcing herself to believe nothing was after her, it was practically impossible.

But at least... At least her precious little one would be safe from this being, she already missed him so much. His cute little face and calls for constant love and attention, as he would look at her with his two lively teal coloured eyes, just like his father's.

And she would too miss him as well, and so much... She hoped that they would meet again eventually, he would hate her, but he was still her everything... She loved him but maybe this would be for the best.

She stopped running, panting as she held on to a tree and cried gently, she was so stupid, why didn't she stay at home and plan things first instead of going out with a desperate impulse?

- Hey you, you're not going anywhere! Drop your stolen goods! - A male voice suddenly called and Emery screamed terrified with the sight of the guard, holding a gun that directly pointed at her.

- NO I WON'T, GO AWAY! - She shouted in fear and grabbed a small rock to throw at the guard with an attempt to distract him and ran away.

She didn't really pay attention to what he said and exhausted and tired, she wasn't a quick runner either. The guard got furious as the rock hit his face and ran after her. Trying to get away, wasn't she?! That woman was clearly hiding something! As he chased her, he pointed the gun right at her, thievery wasn't taken too lightly...

She kept running with tears in her eyes, and like in a nightmare, the forest was endless and no matter how long she ran, she could never outrun the one that chased her...

She suddenly gasped as she heard a loud bang and felt herself falling, and as she realized what had happened, she just screamed in pain and agony. A bullet pierced almost through her chest, close to her anxious beating heart and she just coughed some blood when she fell.

She cried out in agony as she felt the sharp pain. No, she couldn't die! She made a promise! Her little one couldn't be left alone! It couldn't end there...!

The guard just started to approach her, but before he could think of anything else, someone else grabbed him and stabbed him in his heart with a dagger, quickly pulling it out as the warm crimson liquid was bleeding from his chest. The guard collapsed while Emery started terrified at the figure that attacked him.

It was just a kid, probably around the age of sixteen or seventeen, and he looked so familiar... Yet he just cold-heartedly stabbed the guard over and over again, as if possessed by rage. He squirmed at first but by then, it was impossible for the guard to be alive, but yet he kept stabbing and slicing, screaming furious as the bloody dagger pierced the mutilated body.

Emery was shaking in fear and sobbed harder as tears kept filling her eyes until she coughed again, she couldn't get up no matter what...

Her coughing seemed to catch the boy's attention and he suddenly stopped with his insanity, dropping his knife. Instead, his eyes just had a feeling of despair and regret as he looked at her.

She stared back at him still afraid and curled weakly as he approached.

- Hey, a-are you alright...?

- D-Don't hurt me! I beg you! - She sobbed as he spoke and cried in pain as the bloody boy tried to carefully get
her to sit up.

- I w-won't! Where did they hit you?

She kept crying and held his shoulders to make him face her. It couldn't be, now she was seeing things! She just stared at him with only her sobs to be heard and the boy was about to speak but she just mumbled - A-Are you...?

- I-I'm what? P-Please tell me, where you're hurt!

- N-No, y-you answer me...! - She cried - A-Are you... Rust...?

The boy gasped and stared in shock as she recognized his name... But how...?

He swallowed in dry while not knowing what he should reply. Emery took it as a yes and just cried harder as she let herself fall while hugging his torso, sobbing - S-So i-it is true that you c-can travel... I'm so sorry...! I've been a terrible mother to you! Please...  I deserve t-to die by your hands as well...!

The boy remained in shock as he too teared up, but he just had to help her!

- N-No, I'm going to help you...! You are going to be alright...!

She coughed harder as she just held on closer to him, crying - I c-could recognize those eyes anywhere... I-I'm so glad t-that you're alive...! I thought t-that you w-were going to d-die...!

He looked down at her, tears streaming down his cheeks - P-Please...! A-Are you listening to me?!

She gasped and looked up at him, sniffing - I am... No, no! Please don't cry... - She said sadly as she tried to hold on to his shoulders and winced in pain as she felt herself get weaker.

He carefully let her down and stared at her as he tried to keep himself from crying. He wanted to help her, but what would he even do...?

Emery just took long breaths as she stared at the boy, and closed her eyes - M-Maybe I am hallucinating... - She mumbled weakly and the boy was soon close on her face.

- W-Wait! N-No, it really is me...!  D-Don't close your eyes, you'll be fine! We get rid of the bullet, t-then treat your wound...

She kept tearing up, shaking her head - I-It is not worth it... - she weakly said, slowly opening her eyes to see the boy who stared devastated at her as he was too shocked to think of what to do.

- P-Please... m-mo...m-mother... please...

She felt heartbroken to see her precious baby crying again and just tried to reach for him as her vision got blurry - Shh, d-don't cry... - she whimpered and as he got lower, she just hugged him weakly - I-I'm so scared of dying... But... I-If you're smiling and happy... I-I'll b-be at peace... D-Don't cry, p-please... - She mumbled sadly and he hugged her back, trying to contain his sobbing

- N-No... Y-You j-just c-can't die... Y-You m-must live...!

- I-I'm afraid... t-that it's too late... - she mumbled with a forced smile as he gazed at her and felt even sadder, shaking his head - N-No...

She nodded back, sadly - Y-Yes... I... I-I love you... I-I w-wanted to be better for you and...  y-your father... - she cried harder - But I-I'm so sorry...!

- N-No, p-please calm down... It will make it worse...

- N-No, don't worry... J-Just be happy... I... I love you so much... - She whispered forcing a smile as she felt her arms sliding off his torso - T-Tell your father t-that... I'm s-sorry...

- T-There's no need for that... Y-You'll be fine, r-really...!

There was no response. The boy just kept calling out for her until he suddenly realized those words were her last breath. He remained shocked until with a mourning cry, he just hugged her lifeless body as it started to rain and clinged to it, crying out for her despite being aware that she was gone forever.

Oh, how much he wished for her to have lived, and he would have been the best son for her... But he failed, and she was gone...

**Chapter II**

The long night quickly went by, and the Sun was soon up, in a depressing cloudy morning.

Dimen was soon up and after getting ready, as the mornings usually went, he went around the house to search for Emery. She did sound really down the night before, and he just felt worried.

She was the earliest bird in the house as she was often busy with her work. She did have a terrific amount of energy for the amount of work she did, and as much as it would sometimes worry him, she never seemed to feel bothered by it.

He kept searching the rooms, failing to find her in the ones she would usually be. Maybe she was still in bed? He found it odd how he still hadn't heard their baby's cry that morning, but soon headed to her room, noticing that the door was closed.

As he opened the door, he sighed when he saw the perfectly tidy bed, but the letter on top of it was quick to grab his attention. He didn't want to be peeking in her things, but she was just nowhere to be seen, and that letter just seemed odd...

He walked to pick it up, surprised to read his own name. The letter was from her to... him...?

He quickly started reading it, and as he did it, what was only a little feeling in his gut, soon grew into one of panic.

She truly wasn't with them. What did she mean with "leaving home"? And she took the baby too... Where was she thinking of going? She couldn't make it on her own... Could she...?

He placed the letter on his pocket and quickly walked out of her room, getting ready to leave as the nerves followed him. Where was he even going to start searching? She couldn't be too far... Could she?

The town was often busy, but that day, a large group seemed to be curious about the path at the end of the town. Dimen was far too busy trying to think of what would be the first place for her to go, but as a thought came to him, he just approached the group. Certainly that path was the closest one to their home and if anyone would want to leave, that would be the first choice. She never really did mention leaving the town though.

As he got closer to the group, various comments could be heard and he noticed how two guards blocked the entrance. Dimen just made his way through the group just to meet with the guards, who then stared at him suspiciously.

- Pardon, but may I ask what is this fuss all about? Are you perhaps blocking the passage? - He asked curiously as one of the guards just muttered

- There has been a murder in the forest and the authorities are currently investigating the case. Until it's done, this path will be locked from the public.

Dimen just nodded in understanding, his first thought being his dearest Emery getting murdered, but certainly, he found it unlikely that she would be getting into that kind of trouble.

- How unfortunate... Any clue on who was it?

- It seemed like it was one of our night guards and a young woman who we have yet to identify. Not much is known other than that there was a physical fight, the woman was shot and the guard was completely mutilated and filled with stab wounds.

- Ooh... And when was that?

- It is presumed to have been this night at around 4 am almost 5 am when the shot was heard...

Dimen got quiet and reached for the letter he kept on his pocket, he recalled that she had written the time of it, and noticed that it happened to be 4 am. It left him strangely uncomfortable, but he hoped that she and Rust were alright on their own.

He searched everywhere he could, but by the end of the day, he was still out of luck and sighed as he walked home, planning where he would be searching the next day.

He spoke to no one as he got home, still searching in stress until the doorbell rang interrupting him. He grumbled as one of the servants called out for him and rushed to the door, feeling surprised to see the guard from before, who just gave him what seemed to be a yellow folder.

Dimen looked curious at him, but the guard just remained neutral - We believe that you are looking for someone.

He didn't reply, unsure of what they meant, and opened the folder to see what was inside, instantly dropping it. Inside were the photos from the murdered woman in the forest.

He remained speechless, staring at the folder, as his hands shook and he glanced back at the guard who just nodded

- No... S-She couldn't...

- We also have to photographs of the guard, if you wish to see.

- No...! She... She would never be able to murder anyone...! And... Wait... Was there... Was there a small baby anywhere?! -  He asked, failing to keep his cool.

The guard raised an eyebrow at him - Did you just say a baby? There was not. She was alone.

He just stared devastated as all he loved and cherished was gone. Certainly they must have murdered the baby or just drowned him or burned him! Anything so he would be out of sight!

The guards kept blaming her for the countless stabbings, but he knew it was not true. She couldn't ever kill anyone...

After the guard left, Dimen just closed the door, walking as if aimlessly, and a female voice called out for him.

He gazed at the side to see a pale blonde girl staring sadly at him. Evelynn, his wife with who he had lied to, countless times.

- May I speak with you...? - She mumbled, holding his arm.

He didn't reply and just nodded, following her to someplace where they could be alone. She just closed the door behind them and stared in worry , approaching him sadly

- ...I always imagined... And... I understand if you wish to be left alone... I'm so sorry for what happened,
dear...

He stared numbly at her - What do you mean...?

- You and her... I suspected it... You could have told me that you were going to become a father, and that your
heart already belonged to someone else... You knew she wouldn't be able to deal well with this situation... I always believed you... until I realized the reason for why she was always so afraid of me... - She said sadly - What were
you thinking...? - She asked softly.

He didn't reply, for how long had she known? And why was she acting so calm about it...?

- Is it true that you really were the father of that baby boy...? - She continued, holding her hands together.

He wouldn't lie again and just faced down, sadly - ...Yes... And... they are gone now...I cannot understand... Why would anyone go and just attack her like that...? She... She never did anything wrong...

The young woman sighed - I don't know... But, I also wanted to let you know that... I will be leaving back to my family soon... Unless you will need any help... Then I will be ready to support you... - She continued, looking sad at him.

- It is not worth it... You'll just hurt yourself if you stay...

Evelynn sighed, opening the door and glancing at him one last time with a sad look - ...She was a lot more... - and with this, she just left the room, leaving him on his own as he soon just broke down into sobs after faking his calm attitude for so long.

Days went on, slow and depressing, and Dimen refused to talk to anyone ever since the incident, isolating himself from others, unable to keep his work going.

Nothing felt worth it anymore, despise Evelynn's efforts to console him, she unconsciously hurt him even more, reminding him of the lies that brought all the problems.

He sat quietly in his desk, resting his head on his arms as he failed to hear her walking in. She just poked his shoulder gently, and slid him a small newspaper clipping with a written paper note saying "I think your son is still alive."

He felt surprised by this and just read the note then gazed at the newspaper clipping, remaining quiet and just placed it aside, near the other clippings he had kept, resting his head again

- He's dead. They're just coming up with fake stories about him now...

- No one knew about the child, Dimen. Don't you think you should consider checking...?

He didn't reply, and just muttered - I doubt it's true... Why would she leave him at an orphanage? It makes no sense...

- You should still go... Before someone takes him and you won't ever see him again...

He just got quiet for a while - ...Tomorrow.

**Chapter III**

- So, do you mean to say that you are the child's father? - The older lady from the orphanage, muttered as she stared at him.

- If we are talking about the same
boy, then yes.

- I see... You do realize that you are rumoured to be a likely suspect in the whole case that unfolded, yes? And that giving you the child is utterly out of the question.

- I beg your pardon?

- Yes. His mother was quite distressed, claiming to have fled from home for being chased. And it was you who sent out the murderer if not, the one who actually did it. - She said in a harsh yet sarcastic tone and he just stared in confusion.

- I did not hear of such rumours. It was the guard who shot her, did not send anyone!

- Say as you wish, but the child will not be getting on your hands. Nor is anyone else's, as we do not know if you are related to them.

- But I...!

- Mr. Cartwright, until you are proven innocent in this case, you won't be seeing that boy any soon.

He stared coldly at the woman - Humph. Is that so? Let no one take him then. I will be seeing you soon again.

And with that, he got up and walked out, as the next weeks were spent with him trying to get his son back but with no avail. Getting more and more desperate to the point that they would no longer let him in the orphanage.

And with that, the glimpse of hope that filled his heart, soon faded away, only leaving him more depressed than before.

He just missed them so much, especially her, as he regretted not to have stayed with her for longer that night. He had given up trying weeks later, Evelynn had left and he remained cold and quiet, attempting to move on despite being in denial.

None of that had ever happened. She was an illusion and their child would soon be living happy elsewhere. And it was all his fault.