CHAPTER 7_ Lies and Deceit

~Arya~

The atmosphere was very tense and unbearable. Realizing that I was in the midst of people who did everything in their power to lock me up behind bars for a crime that I didn't even commit, I felt the tears I was holding slip out of my eyes and trickled down my face.

I tore my gaze off Karl’s cold stare and made for the door immediately. I’d rather be locked away than stay in their midst for one more second.

“Arya, wait!”

No! My voice echoed in my head. I couldn't find the strength to yell back at him, all that was running through my mind at that moment was to flee from my enemy's territory. I knew someone like Karl Adams was too good to be true for me. I've long ran out of luck and it took me a while to realize this.

I just made a fool of myself in front of them.

I gasped out loud when a grip caught on my arm. Whoever it was turned me around fully with just a slight pull. My eyes were clouded with tears but I could see the man whose intentions still remained a mystery to me.

Was he a friend or a foe?

“Let go of me!” My voice broke, equally breaking away from his hold on my arm. “What kind of a sick joke is this, Karl?” I questioned, tears flowing freely down my face. “I thought you wanted to free me but you brought me back to the same people who took my freedom away from me.”

Saying the words out made me realize how hurt I truly am at the moment.

“You’re related to them. You're Simon’s uncle. Are you trying to gamble with my life just like he did?”

I watched him closely hoping that he would deny everything but he let out a breathy sigh instead. My heart broke instantly.

“At least give me a chance to explain myself–”

“No!” I cut in sharply.

There was nothing for him to explain anymore. He’d probably lie or come up with some made up bullshit to brainwash me.

“Be it the Anders or Adams. You all are freaking the same!” I spat. “Just the way you all conspired to send me to prison, it’s the very same way you brought me out. You didn't do me any favors.”

I closed up the gap between us.

“I don't owe you anything, Karl Adams. Nothing at all. Not even my freedom because you and your family took it away from me.”

Giving him a chance to speak was the last thing I wanted. My gaze fell on the cold object sitting on my finger. I couldn't see the beauty of it anymore, the only thing I could see engraved on it were lies, deceit and the drop of tears falling on it.

“Arya, at least listen to what I have to say”

I forcefully pulled the ring off my finger ignoring the tear it made on my finger. I pushed it to his chest, from his relaxed expression, he didn't make an attempt to accept the ring from me, so I let it go.

The object rolled off my hand, meeting the floor and rolling into oblivion.

“It’s all over.” I muttered.

****

It’s been seven days since everything went sour between Karl and I. For a man I barely knew for two days, he seemed to be taking up most of my thoughts and living rent free in my head. In the last few days, different men had shown up at my motel all sent by Karl.

I had no idea of how they knew about my location, unless he had someone spying on my activities and movement.

Luckily, I managed to save up a few grand over the years and hid it under my mattress. My landlady was adamant to accept me into her house or let me take any of my stuff from my old room. She felt that I must have broken out of prison and chose to hide in her house.

I had to break into the room late at night to get my things.

Thankfully, no one seemed to have tampered with my stuff. I took a few valuables with me and fled into the night.

I got a job at a local burger shop two days ago. I plan to gather my life again little by little until I'm able to stand on my own two feet once more.

“Three double cheese burgers, one extra large french fries and a can of coca-cola.”

It wasn't my intention to frown but I did unconsciously as I scribbled down on the notepad on my hand. I spared a gaze to the person and I wasn't so surprised to see the fat man with a protruding belly and a shiny bald head.

“Don’t forget the ketchup.” He added flashing me a toothy grin.

“Sure, I'll go get it ready right away.”

I returned back to the counter and slipped the note to the cook in the kitchen.

“Order for table 29”

“I didn't expect to find the wife of a billionaire in this greasy establishment.”

My back froze.

I recognized the voice immediately and slowly turned around to face the person who was grinning from ear to ear.

My jaw tightened up in anger.