Eileen swallowed the details. How could she describe her mother's look of disgust, the glint of anger that sent a pair of scissors flying toward her eyes?
"I almost had my eye poked out, " he murmured, the memory weighing heavily on his voice.
Diego must have realized she was hiding the truth, but he didn't insist. While silently drinking her milk, Eileen asked in a tired tone:
Mr. Diego, aren't you afraid of anything?
— Of course I do. I have my fears too.
Naturally, she thought it was just a lie to comfort her. But Diego, with a firm gaze, continued:
I was afraid of defeat.
Defeat?
"Yes... We train, we strategize, we fight... but sometimes, no matter what we do, we lose, again and again. " He ran a hand through his hair, a brief gesture that reinforced the weight of his words.
"Fear suffocates him. The sight of his comrades falling, the oppressive weight of loss, the endless darkness ahead… " His voice trailed off, raw and unfiltered, exposing the wounds of the past.
It was a very difficult period for me, so I overcame it little by little, even when it seemed unbearable.
He laughed playfully and tugged at his own ear. Without the accessories, removed for work, only the marks of multiple piercings remained.
— I started getting tattoos because piercings weren't enough anymore. At the time, I didn't realize it, but now, looking back…
Diego carefully considered his words. After reflecting, he chose the most accurate term to describe his actions.
"A form of self-harm, " he admitted, with a hint of regret in his voice. The confession hung in the air, taking Eileen completely by surprise. She stared at him, speechless, trying to reconcile the playful Diego she knew with this glimpse of a dark past.
But everything is fine now. It's in the past.
He smiled, indicating that he no longer did piercings or tattoos. Eileen bit her lip slightly and asked softly:
— How… did you overcome it?
"I complained. " Diego mimicked the act of whining, dragging two fingers across the table.
— When things got tough, I'd complain to Lotan, Senon, or Michelle, asking when we'd finally win. Then we'd get together to plan how to win. I even said that if we didn't win the next battle, I'd resign from my position to the Archduke. After that, His Grace always found a way to make us win.
Claiming to have improved as a result, Diego stretched his fingers, which were sliding on the table, and lightly touched the glass Eileen was holding.
— When I was young, I thought I was the best in the world, but there were many things I couldn't do on my own…
Eileen watched his finger touch the glass, his lips trembling slightly.
"Mr. Diego, I... also want to change," she confessed, revealing her embarrassing desire.
Diego, being caring, didn't mock her feelings. Instead, he offered sincere advice:
— How about getting a fringe trim, like we talked about in the locker room?
But… wouldn't my eyes still be monstrous?
— What?! Of course not. The Archduke and I adore your eyes.
On second thought, Cesare had asked to see her eyes in the garden when he asked her to lift her bangs. Even when he saw them uncovered, he showed no revulsion.
"If you cut your bangs, Her Grace will be very pleased, " Diego said gently, giving Eileen a little courage. Even if they seemed ugly to her, if Cesare liked them, then perhaps it was worth it. However, there was one obstacle.
But I'm scared…
Just imagining the scissors approaching made it difficult for Eileen to breathe. Her body trembled and her vision blurred. If Diego hadn't been there, she might have fainted.
Should I take a sedative before cutting? They have a really strong one at the lab…
When Eileen suggested the drastic method, Diego grimaced. In thoughtful silence, he crossed his arms and considered the problem. Then, decisively, he declared:
— Let's ask the Archduke for help.
Near the Archduke's residence, Eileen walked cautiously. Discreetly tugging at Diego's sleeve, she expressed her concern:
Is that really true? He must be busy. Can we really meet him?
Doubt gnawed at her. Perhaps everything could have been resolved at the beauty salon.
In contrast, Diego was confident:
Trust me. He will surely receive her.
He guaranteed the meeting and even stated that the Archduke would be pleased. This unwavering optimism only made Eileen more nervous.
Despite her hesitation, Diego drove the military vehicle to the residence. The soldiers at the iron gate stood at attention and made way.
The vehicle crossed the immaculate garden, arriving at the imposing mansion in an instant. As soon as Diego helped Eileen out, the staff rushed out, surprised by the unexpected visit.
Is the Archduke available?
He's in the office.
With a firm step, Diego advanced towards the office, Eileen following anxiously.
Is that really true? What if he's busy with work?
So he's busy.
But... what if he gets angry...?
Diego interrupted her, with a hint of amusement in his voice.
The Archduke would never be angry with you. Not even if the sky fell.
He paused, a mischievous glint in his eye.
— Have you ever seen him really angry?
A small “Ah…” escaped Eileen’s lips. No real memory surfaced. A familiar fear coursed through her body.
— Your Grace, it's me, Diego.
He announced it, already opening the office door before any response. He gestured for Eileen to enter, his confidence contrasting with his insecurity.
— And Miss Eileen is with me.
Before she could even greet him, she was already standing before Cesare. A surprised sigh escaped her lips.
— Ah, Your Grace.
Cesare, engrossed in documents, raised his head and looked up in surprise, which quickly turned into something sharper. He observed her for a long moment, in a tense silence. At that instant, Eileen realized something: she had never sought him out of her own accord. She always waited to be called. If it weren't for Diego, she would never have dared to come alone.
Seated at his ebony desk, Cesare narrowed his eyes and firmly set down his pen. He rose with deliberate movements and approached Eileen. After a lingering examination, his hand grasped her chin, his red irises meeting hers.
"Who disturbed you? " His deep voice sent a wave of warmth through her. Without a word, Cesare seemed to absorb her unease, as if he could see the root of her fear.
With her face trapped between his fingers, Eileen managed to reply in a whisper, shaking her head slightly:
- Nobody.
So what happened? You didn't like the wedding dress? Do you want to have another one made?
Despair crossed Eileen's face. She looked at Diego, seeking help. He simply shrugged, making an "X" with his arms; she would have to face this alone.
With no other way to escape, Eileen opened her mouth hesitantly:
I want to... cut my bangs...
- You want?
— If Your Grace can help… It’s something simple, it will only take ten minutes.
After much effort to avoid bothering her, Eileen finally placed her order.
Could you stay with me while I get my hair cut?
To be continued…