บททั้งหมดของ Beneath The Facade : บทที่ 81 - บทที่ 90

AIDEN As I busy myself preparing dinner, the weight of my worries begins to lift. The rich assortment of aromas wafting through the air as I cook helps to alleviate my stress. The clang of cooking utensils and the rhythmic chop-chop sound of the knife hitting the board fill my ears, providing a welcome distraction. My hands move with practiced ease as I chop vegetables, and the sensory experience helps to clear my mind. I focus on the task at hand, intentionally avoiding nostalgic thoughts of my mom's hours spent in the kitchen.I'm preparing a vegetable frittata with garlic and herbs, accompanied by asparagus, a mixed greens salad, and crusty whole grain bread. Fresh lemonade will complement the meal. Just as I finish setting the table, Hermione walks in, and I'm about to head to the shower while waiting for her arrival so we can share dinner together.I walk over to her and kiss her in welcome, and she responds to my embrace with a fatigued moan. "Long day at work?" I ask, inching

AIDEN I halt my car in the familiar position I've often parked it in when I still lived with Dad. It appears my stepfamily deems me too insignificant to occupy my parking space after my departure. They really despise me and utilize every opportunity to express how much they loathe my presence. Coming back here evokes a strange feeling within me. It's like it's been years since I left here, when it's only been months. I've lost track of time over the past months, including the lingering effects of my retrograde amnesia. I turn off the ignition and step out of the car, holding the gift I bought to congratulate Dad on his birthday. I secure the lock in place and head inside, a wave of familiarity washing over me. I had assumed I would be leaving here for good after I left, free from Beatrice's and Lachlan's antagonism. However, my ties are still deeply rooted in this place. Although my relationship with Dad is not exactly close, I couldn't resist honoring his invitation to his birthd

AIDEN I seek out Dad toward the end of the celebration, requesting a moment of privacy. Dad doesn't hesitate in taking me toward his study, perhaps sensing from my expression that whatever I have to say is serious and shouldn't be overheard by a third party. Dad's study has soundproofed walls, which is where he spends most of the day. I surmise it's the place where he conducts his investigations and other business as well. I close the door firmly behind me and follow him to the center of the room, where a private seating area is located across from his desk. The study is a replica of his office at the company, with a spacious layout that accommodates several shelves of records and ample space to move around. The windows are obscured by heavy drapes, and the room is well-lit with fluorescent lights fixed into the ceiling. The space is also adorned with artworks and features sleek, modern aesthetics. Dad gives me his undivided attention once we have our seats. "Is this about your

AIDEN As expected, Dad refuses to grant me his permission. "No," he objects firmly. After visiting Mom, Dad suggested we have a meal together at a nearby restaurant. I obliged, primarily because I had a crucial matter to discuss with him. Also, I don't want to antagonize his attempt to bridge the gap that has developed between us over the years. Dad had given me no reason to outrightly hate him, except for the fact that he cheated on Mom. Circumstances had led him to do that, and if Beatrice had been a supportive partner beyond her penchant for lavish spending, he might have been a faithful partner in his marriage. Moreover, he had explained the reason behind his detachment from me during my childhood. Although that doesn't excuse the hurt caused by his lack of attention and disinterest in me until recently, I'm willing to work towards reconciliation."You have to approve of it, Dad. Lachlan–" "–isn't fit to be my heir, and you know that," Dad interrupts, exhaling harshly. He c

AIDEN As I drive, reflecting on Mrs. Alan's and the shaman's accounts, it occurs to me that Lachlan had caught Mom off guard. He must have triggered that reaction of paranoia Mom feels now whenever someone unfamiliar stands behind her. She had been too trusting, too caring, and he had stabbed her in the back. I wince at the thought of that literally happening to her while I was elsewhere. I reckon I was at Dad's house by then. She had taken me there, promising to return, and had gone missing since her departure. I realize now that Mom's absence hadn't been deliberate, but rather orchestrated by my stepmother and her son.I run my fingers through my hair, feeling frustrated. I had been too preoccupied with her abandonment to suspect that something must have gone wrong with her. I should have pressed Dad to find her. But I had kept to myself, acting moody. By the time I mustered the courage to report her disappearance, it was too late. Enough time had passed for all traces of her disa