Monica didn’t really want to hear Liiza’s side of the story. Her previous outburst had been just that. If it were up to her, she would leave the conversation at that, continuing to remain outside those matters in the hope of overcoming them eventually.
Yet, Monica had to admit she was tired of avoiding the world. Her office had beco a cage of her own creation, isolating her from everything and everyone. The way she saw it, the other sides of her life were over anyway, so there was no point in engaging with them anymore.
After all, the heights of life with Khan were irreplaceable and irreplicable. The world now only had tar versions of that to offer, and Monica would even have to endure that public stain on her reputation before attempting to enjoy them.
The tradeoff wasn’t worth it. Monica was far better off remaining in her makeshift exile.
That had partially changed in the recent period, but Monica didn’t think much of it. Her few dates with Rodney had rely been a way to enjoy fancy dinners and lunches. Her mind was still set on not returning to a life outside her office.
Nevertheless, sothing in Liiza’s gestures, words, and general vibe prevented Monica from rejecting her outright. Liiza’s voice didn’t waver, but Monica sensed her timid hesitation, as well as how close the topic was to her heart.
That apparent and uncharacteristic vulnerability kept Monica’s eyes on the cold head on her shoulder. Despite almost everything being different, Monica sensed a faint connection with that woman she had every right to hate.
"I was young," Liiza announced. "I was in love. I thought I knew what needed to be done, but my broken heart broke again when I saw all the pain I caused."
Monica knew exactly the kind of pain Liiza was talking about. She had slept next to it for years. Khan had been in pieces, carrying traumas deeper than he had ever realized.
"That’s my weight to bear," Liiza continued, "My responsibility. Even if it takes several lifetis, I’ll fix Khan. I’ll force my husband into happiness, whether he wants it or not."
Monica didn’t reply, but her brain answered anyway. In her mind, Liiza had already succeeded. Monica had never seen Khan happier or so at ease. She had actually never dared to dream he would ever be like that.
Yet, there was probably sothing that only Liiza could see, sothing too profound for Monica’s eyes and mindset. That, or Liiza was a stubborn fool as well, unable to accept victory even when it stood right in front of her.
"You are a casualty of love," Liiza exclaid, "Of which there are countless in the universe."
Monica frowned, but Liiza spoke again before she could snap. "But don’t ever dismiss yourself as worthless. You are so exceptional that I struggle to find reasons to keep you alive."
Liiza lifted her head, only to find Monica blinking, unsure whether to run away at those last words. Still, Liiza surprisingly revealed a faint smile, reassuring Monica and keeping her there as she seized her hand.
"I used to be colder," Liiza revealed, her fingers intertwining with Monica’s, "But that never bothered Khan. He was also the only one who could warm up, even back then."
Liiza pulled Monica’s hand, placing it at the center of her chest.
"Khan, too, began to feel too hot," Liiza added, "With as the only one who could cool him down."
Monica had to admit that prolonged physical interaction with Liiza was already making her reach her limits. Despite the evolution making Liiza warr, she remained too cold for Monica.
Nevertheless, Monica didn’t move or escape Liiza’s grasp, seemingly in a daze as she waited for her to make her point.
"My species has a deeper, broader concept of love," Liiza explained, "But we were seen as toxic even by Niqols’ standards. We bordered on codependency, needing each other to ignore how broken we were."
Liiza’s smile couldn’t help but grow broader and brighter as mories from Nitis seeped into her brain. Still, she didn’t forget to add her last point.
"Our love was so intense and pure it survived ten years of separation," Liiza declared. "That was what you were up against, but you made Khan love you anyway."
Of course, Monica had always known that making Khan fall in love again would have been hard. However, hearing Liiza, it seed her achievent had been far more incredible than she had ever thought.
"You are exceptional, Miss Solodrey," Liiza repeated. "Because of that, I’ll never stop being jealous of you. But, I also want you in our lives, both for Khan, myself, our daughter, and yourself."
Monica didn’t really understand the connection there, but sothing in Liiza’s smile made it make sense.
"And do not fear," Liiza stated. "You will love again, as well as be loved in the way you deserve. My husband and I will make sure of that."
Monica didn’t think about the feasibility of that statent. She only knew she had lost the most important part of her life after breaking up with Khan, and Liiza was offering her a way back inside it. Things would obviously be different, but that genuine affection had and would remain.
"It’s Monica," Monica said, "And I loved your marriage, Liiza. Your vows were beautiful."
"Thank you, Monica," Liiza exclaid. "My husband’s family wants us to host another celebration to make everything more official. I’d like you to attend it."
"I won’t promise anything," Monica exclaid. "I have much work to do, and I don’t know how much I want to see it again."
"I’ll allow that traitorous human to attend, too," Liiza offered.
Monica was initially confused, unable to connect the dots, but her eyes widened when she finally did.
"General Semmut and I aren’t an item," Monica clarified. "We aren’t anything. I’m just using him to get out of the office every once in a while."
Liiza didn’t reply, but her eyes saw a lot. Monica was an open book for her. Still, she let go of the topic since Monica didn’t seem ready to face it yet.
"Though," Liiza said, letting go of Monica’s hand and diverting her gaze. "eting our daughter is not up for discussion."
"Do you want to use your daughter to make give up on Khan?" Monica asked, knowing what Liiza was thinking since she would have used the sa strategy.
"Yes," Liiza imdiately confird before wearing a shier expression. "And I want to show off. She is our daughter after all."
That cute face made Monica falter. The usually cold and aloof Liiza was incredibly huggable when she showed those expressions, but she held herself back, sohow managing to remain serious.
"Sure," Monica accepted, conveying how she truly felt. "I wouldn’t miss seeing Khan’s daughter for anything in the world."
Liiza showed an even brighter smile at Monica before her eyes widened, snapping up. White light started to co out of her body before a chilling gasp escaped her mouth. "[Snow]!"
Monica squinted her eyes, only to realize that Liiza had disappeared when she reopened them. The event couldn’t surprise her anymore, but sothing troubling soon popped into her mind.
"Did she forget about ?" Monica wondered, thinking loudly as she looked at the bright clouds above and the imnsely tall walls she couldn’t hope to climb on her own.
Luckily, white light shone around Monica in the next second, teleporting her away, too.
Reviews
All reviews (0)