NOT THE USUAL CINDERELLA (Season 2)

DUKE LEXI, RESCUERS ALEXIS AND LARENA

“At that time I was too focused on saving Empress Larena, so when the truck driver suddenly disappeared without a trace, I could not help her. And I'm sure that's all the work of empress Eliana. During that time, I could only place my suspicions on Queen Eliana's mother, but I could not find any evidence yet. Empress Eliana is so good at committing crimes and making them so neat, without a trace.” After a few seconds of silence, Alexis continued the story.

“When I found out where the evidence was, I had an accident falling off a cliff and the palace announced that I died fighting the rebel leadership. I survived because of help from one of Duke Lexi's men at that time. 6 months I was unable to move freely due to a broken bone after the event, and by stealth, I was unable to move, duke Lexi arranged the best treatment for me without anyone else knowing. After that, I heard that something happened in the apartment of the empress Larena.” Alexis took a deep breath before continuing.

“For that reason too, when I fell off a cliff and people thought I was dead, for a while I went out of the country to look after Alaya's daughter who I heard almost fell off the floor of the empress Larena's apartment while playing by the window, while the empress was in an unhealthy condition at that time.” Alexis continued her words while glancing towards Deanda whose face looked disheveled.

“Pa... why did even Papa leave without saying anything to me? Am I a child who can't keep a secret? Why for a dozen years did not even Papa come to see me. Doesn't Papa care a little about me?” Finally Deanda let out some of the questions that raged in her mind while trying hard to adjust her tone to keep sounding calm.

Although trying to be calm, but from Deanda's voice that sounded vibrating, others can understand the current Deanda emotions are stirring. Moreover, Deanda could not prevent her tears that came back down wet her cheeks.

“I'm sorry Empress Deanda, back then you knew for yourself how good Lilian was towards you. I did not expect that he could act so brutally after I left. In addition, empress Eliana did not seem to believe I was dead before seeing my body. So secretly, he was spreading people to look for my whereabouts, even for 24 hours watching our house and offering a huge amount of money to people who could provide information about my whereabouts, he said, so that I can not carelessly appear in public places, let alone meet you.” Alexis tried to be polite and respect Deanda's position as Gracetian's consort, so she spoke in formal language to Deanda whom she saw as unable to fully accept her return.

“I was able to go abroad at that time using my new identity because Eliana's men continued to supervise, especially transportation routes out of Gracetian. And for that the father of duke Evan, is a person who has contributed a lot in helping me and the consort Larena. He gave us so much help and took care of everything. Starting from a new identity, travel process, and our new residence abroad. All the dukes of Lexi did so well, that the consort of Larena and I could escape the observation of the surrogate people of Eliana.” While saying his words, Alexis' memory returns to the handsome and dashing figure of duke Lexi, the father of duke Evan who had already helped her and Larena out of Gracetian with a new identity, and the, so that it escaped the observation of Eliana's men.

Even the living quarters and the apartment security system occupied by Larena, Lexi's own duke set it up.

Too bad he had to die at a young age because of the cancer he suffered, even though I had not been able to repay all his kindness. Seeing the figure of duke Evan in the special forces training camp really made me think of the figure of duke Lexi.

“Those years I tried to go back to Gracetian. But I see conditions that are not yet conducive. Unbeknownst to anyone, Queen Eliana has not yet revoked her orders to her many men smuggled into important posts in Gracetian, to always keep an eye on and report to him the figure of a man named Alexis Federer, and my photo and the approximate face and posture at my age are still in the hands of the consort Eliana.” Alexis explained the reason for her difficulty in returning to Gracetian how long it had been.

“After a year ago, I actually returned to Gracetian by sea, disguised as a cruise ship crew. And I deliberately lengthened my hair and sideburns to disguise my real face. But I have not dared to show myself before I have found all the evidence of the crimes of Empress Eliana. During this year, I have always been at the deakt of Empress Deanda. Trying to be present in every important moment experienced by Empress Deanda without being known by anyone. Including on the day of the engagement and wedding of the empress and her highness Alvero. I always pray my best for the life of the empress Deanda.” Deanda lowered her face again to hear Alexis' words that sounded sincere and it was clear that the man was so longing and affectionate with Deanda, even Alaya's tears flowed profusely as she could imagine how Deanda felt.

Alaya tries to put herself in Deanda's position, and she knows it's not easy, getting to the reality of the whereabouts of the father she thought died.

“But whatever the reason, as a father, I am guilty of my daughter. And if the Empress wants to punish me, I'm ready to accept it. I will not find any reason to justify myself. I was guilty of abandoning my own daughter. I'm not a good father.” Alexis said as he straightened his body that was being directed at Deanda with a respectful attitude, like a subordinate to his superior.

And the attitude and words of Alexis who admitted wrongdoing and was ready to accept punishment, not to make Deanda feel happy or satisfied, but instead made her tears back out loud.

What am I supposed to do now? I'm so disappointed in you for leaving me without a word, but I also know at that time all that papa experienced was not something easy to live with. And the explanation of what happened, not a hundred percent of it all was papa's fault. Not to mention papa received a mandate from mama to protect Mama Larena. But can't I be a little selfish to be able to have the time and affection of my own papa? Growing up in a circle of love? God, I don't really know what I can do now. I love you so much that I can't hate you, but my heart still hurts so much that I can't say that I've forgotten all my mistakes.

Deanda said inwardly as she closed her eyes tightly, trying to calm herself down and clear her mind.