#❝ — destined connections 》 maverick x everleigh

[thewcllingtons]

𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒏𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒊𝒕 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒇𝒆𝒍𝒍 𝒂𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒕

a short drabble detailing the maverick and avaleigh's rehersal dinner, and how this event was the beginning of the end

For the first time in what seemed like ages, there was happiness abound in the Wellington Manor. The first generation had officially graduated their programs. Not only that, but two of the top students, Maverick and Avaleigh, were officially allowed to marry. The pair had been together for as long as anyone could remember; their budding relationship starting at the early ages of elementary school. Maverick could remember that even in his youth, he was drawn to the presence of Avaleigh. There was something about her heart. She wasn't born with the cruel nature that most of the children found themselves torn between; even himself. It was the hope buried deep within her. The love that she felt for the other than managed to make the horrors of the manor not sink as deep. They had managed to create their own little world inside of the dark abyss. It was impossible for the others not to notice it. The others couldn't help but envy that grew inside of them at the thought that they would never find a deep love like the saw in the current pair. However, no one's jealousy burned brighter than Everleigh's.

Everleigh loved Maverick the minute she had set her eyes on him. He wasn't like the other boys in the class who cowered in fear in her presence. The male was impervious to her cold stares and wicked behavior. He didn't fear her in the way most would. Even her parents were frightened by the coldness of their eldest daughter. It was partially the reason why they designed the manor in the first place; a legal and physical reason to disown her so that the girl could be the hired helps problem. Her mind and behaviors were dangerous to most people. The worst part is that it managed to convince her that Maverick viewed her as an equal. An equal that must be her lover. Only soulmates were equals to one another. Maverick was the only person she could tolerate so he must be a part of her in some way, considering her only comfortable company was herself if she decided to lie. It was impossible for their relationship to not translate into love. It was in he psychotic nature to misinterrupt Maverick's internal sense of disgust towards her immorality as love. It was the same psychotic nature that convinced her that Maverick didn't love Avaleigh; it was just a manor marriage.

With the celebration in full swing, drinks were abound and there seemed to be genuine laughs that spread across the nearing lake. It was a good time, for everyone except for the ginger. She was burning inside and out. Her anger had her red enough that people assumed that she had a bad case of sunburn. Maverick felt her beaming daggers from across the room. It was impossible to miss the feeling on the back of his head. Everleigh sat with her arms crossed at the table, fuming, while she wished that he was dancing with her instead. Maverick never seemed to catch onto her lust towards him (it was partially why the rouse lasted as long as it did)). He figured that she was upset that he was the first to marry in the manor. Being the leader, most assumed Everleigh would have a suitor much like everyone else. Silas even had a fiance at the time. The red head happened to be the only member of generation one without an engagement. There wasn't even a potential suitor outside of the Manor either. It was a silence rule to not speak up about it. Most were afraid of Everleigh lashing out in some way. Maverick didn't really follow that rule. He was the only person she felt comfortable talking to about it. After a few dances with his lover, he figured it would be best for him to try and make her feel better.

Maverick subtly notioned her to follow him with a simple headnod while they escaped to sit on the edge of the dock by the lake. He kicked his feet for a bit before he spoke,❝ It's a lot right? Tomorrow shouldn't be too bad. If it makes you feel any better, you can skip the ceremony and just come to the dinner.❞

His voice was smooth. Tomorrow was the moment that he was looking forward to his entire life. It was the one step that he could make towards his dreams. He hoped to build a life outside of this orphange he called home, and build his own life. Avaleigh and Maverick were already planning on having children right away. They had dating long enough to pass the point of waiting. He wanted move on with his life. He didn't want to be tied to the Manor forever. This marriage was a part of their escape.

❝ You know I have to go, Mav. I'll get in trouble if I don't... ❞

❝I figured that you always manage to get your way around here or you make one. I'm sure you can figure out a way to sneak out and back in. ❞

❝I can't just skip my best friend's wedding—— ❞

He couldn't help but abruptly cut her off. There was a tinge of confusion in his voice, still airing on the side of caution,❝ I'm your best friend? ❞

Everleigh instantly felt her cheeks flush before timidly responding,❝ What else are we supposed to be? ❞

Nothing. He thought. Nothing at all.

The thought of anyone considering them friends almost made him sick. He wanted nothing more than to be seen as aquintances. Business partners would be the more appropriate title, but friends? He didn't hold her in any regard of a relationship. Friendships meant there was an inherent trust. The person wouldn't break your boundaries or intentionally hurt you. No one trusted Everleigh; she was a loaded die. Guessing her response or reaction to anything was a deadly match of Russian Roulette.

Luckily for him, Everleigh didn't catch the fact that he didn't seem to respond positively. She busy focusing on the water in a drunken haze. Anything to rid her of the negative emotions she had towards him.

The moon happened to glow a cool warmth on the pair just as she suggested, ❝ I can call off the wedding, you know... If you want me to? You don't have to be forced to marry her. I'm sure they could find another bride for you. ❞

Maverick couldn't help but instantly get cotton mouth. He couldn't tell if this was a kind gesture of hers or a veiled threat of some sort. Maybe she legitimately believed this was a manor arranged marriage? It partially was, but Maverick and Avaleigh were dating for years up to this point. Everyone knew they were going to get married which is why they used them to establish the marriage program. It was a win-win for all parties. The only person who happened to not get the memo that this was an arranged marriage made in love was Everleigh.

He managed to clear his throat before shaking his head. Looking away as the light of the moon seemed too bright to be natural. Maybe it was his internal emotions that reflected his dread upon her through the moonlight. ❝ No need to... I actually want to marry her. ❞

If a person was quiet enough, a person could hear Everleigh's heart snap in that moment. How could he want to marry someone who he was set up to marry? How could he not love her instead?

❝ Why? ❞

There were a lot of questions that came to his mind at her simple retort herself. When has she ever been this interested in his love life or relationships in general? First, she calls him her best friend and, then, she threatens to cancel his wedding. He couldn't understand why she would suddenly choose now to reveal this information to him. It was unusual for a woman as calculated as Everleigh to be this... sloppy.

❝ Why wouldn't I want to? ❞

was the only response Maverick could come up to without going into the details about what he loved about Avaleigh. He didn't want to spill his guts only to end up dead at the bottom of the lake.

Now Everleigh was stumped. For years, the ginger had tried to figure out what it was that made Maverick so interested in Avaleigh. She tried everything. Dressing like her. Mimicking her actions. Hell, she even dyed her hair brown for a brief stint to prove that he wasn't discriminating against her for her red hair. She couldn't make up for the one thing that Ava had, she couldn't pretend to have a heart. Everleigh was a true psychopath. She couldn't love Maverick in a healthy way. Her definition of feeling loved by him was his polite rejection of her. It was obsession. She didn't know how to love a person nor, did she have any common interest with Maverick in anyway. She had no desire to leave the manor and start a family like he did. The manor was her kingdom. All she wanted to do was usurp the throne from her parent's hold and reign. Everleigh wanted to dominate. Not just all the people at the manor, but the world. It was only fair that a woman of her prowess teach the world how to act, think and behave.

It was in this moment that she decided her next steps. If she could've have Maverick, no one can. She was willing to wait and play the long game. She'd let him have his moment of happiness. Something to hold onto before she would begin to strip him away. Chip away at every single point of anger and frustration until his whole world would fall apart. And when he was at his lowest point, she would be there to save him.

Embracing the cool warmth of the moon was the catalyst to Everleigh's impending madness.

This moment was just the beginning of the end.

[justliikeanimals-a]

tag dump dos

[thewcllingtons]

tags pt. 1