THE RETURN OF THE DEAD.

The face underneath the mask was a canvas of horror that forever altered perceptions. Air stalled in her lungs. Not a gasp, not a sigh just…air. That face. It looked familiar.

Adrian Lewis. 

John’s brother. 

The news had reported he was involved in a car accident which claimed his life so how was he still alive? How was he here ?

“Adrian?” Jessica questioned.”A ghost of a smile played on Adrian’s face.You died 8 years ago, I attended your funeral, I saw them lowering your body into your grave.” “How…” “interesting, I’m amazed  you remember everything so vividly, good memory, you seem smarter than I thought,”Adrian replied.

Adrian studied her like she was an artifact he had been searching for. 

Jessica tried to pull away from the guards but their grip was too tight. On the other end of the room, John stood frozen. Not in shock, not in confusion and he definitely wasn’t concerned he just stood still on an Island of stillness  in the sea of chaos .His gaze  locked into Adrian’s. They stared at each other across the chaos.the weight of their shared history pressing down heavier than the surrounding arsenal.“Well,” he said calmly, “thisreunion went better than expected.”John’s voice came out low.“You should have stayed buried.” “And miss this?” “Family reunions will always remain my favourite.” Jessica’s heart pounded violently. She didn’t understand what was going on but she knew it wasn’t good news. John began to walk towards Adrian. Every guard in the room instantly raised their weapons towards John, the ominous clicks of their guns echoing like a death knell in the sudden, suffocating silence. “Let her go now.” John exclaimed. 

Adrian laughed.

“Oh my poor brother, you still give orders like the throne belongs to you.” 

“You lost your rights years ago and you know that,”John said.

 “Lost my rights? You mean you stole my rights?” Adrian said, clenching his fist. “You and I both know I'm the rightful heir to this empire. But you stole everything from me because of your greed for power. But it doesn't matter now, I'm here now and everything has and will change.” Adrian looked at Jessica. “So, this is the woman you replaced summer with.” “ You know summer?” “I know everyone my brother is involved with.” Jessica’s breath hitched. Adrian’s eyes lingered on her face.”Let me go”Jessica’s  voice trembled slightly but she held his gaze.Adrian smiled wider.

“I like her.”John’s patience snapped.

“Adrian.” The name landed like a threat.Adrian’s men shifted uneasily. “Careful”. Adrian said softly.” You might scare your wife.“She’s not part of this.”Adrian’s eyes glittered.

“Oh, she definitely is.”He said calmly as he stepped closer. Jessica tried to move back but the guards held her in place.Adrian crouched slightly so their eyes were level.“You still don’t know, do you?”Jessica’s stomach tightened.”Know what?” “ Your husband is still hiding his secret from you..” “hmm I thought a husband doesn't keep secrets from his wife.” Adrian walked slowly towards John.”She doesn't need to know anything.”Adrian studied him for another long second. Then he sighed.” what are you hiding from me John, is it about my mum? What have you done to her? Tell me now.” “ Calm down Jessica, I can assure you, Talia is fine. Well, my mother-in-law"” but John has always been terrible with sharing since childhood.” “I don't think he will tell you the truth anytime soon.So, I will.” 

“Adrian! No! Don't do it!” John’s voice turned lethal.

But,Adrian ignored him.“You see,” Adrian said softly, “your husband didn’t just marry you to save his reputation.”Jessica’s heart slammed.” He married you because of who you are.”  “ Well, I’m nobody.”Adrian chuckled. “That’s what you think.”

“ you deserve to know the truth about what happened that night “