All Chapters of Burned By His Lies: Chapter 11 - Chapter 20

Aria’s Zara povI haven't heard anything from Adrian ever since the gala but that doesn't mean I've brought down my walls. I can't continue living life like before. Especially after what my daughter told me. It could have been anyone but my guess tells me it was Adrian investigating my appearance. I had to drop by Lila’s school and insist that they shouldn't send her home with anybody apart from me or the nanny. If anyone else tried to pick her up from school, I should be notified immediately. That didn't stop me from constantly looking over my shoulder.He's been quiet ever since our encounter so I try to enjoy the peace I have before the storm rolls in because I'm sure it will. He will dig until he finds my hidden truth. The peace doesn’t last longer than that because Friday afternoon, an hour before I close, my office phone rings and I pick it up.“Good afternoon Miss Sterling, there’s a Mr Leighton here to see you,” her voice sounds through the phone. My heart stops then starts

Aria’s (Zara’s)I decide to take Lila out to the playground on Sunday. After my confrontation with Adrian on Friday, we spent the entire Saturday indoors just bonding and relaxing.On Sunday, she begs me to take her to the park to play. I can't even say no to her. I won't lock her up because I'm trying to hide her from her father. Running away crossed my mind last night but that wouldn't be fair to her. I can't keep disrupting her life and love in fear forever.I will stay here and raise my daughter. Adrian can go to hell.The sun shines bright in the park and laughter from children fills the air. You can hear their squealing and giggling as they run around. My Lila is coloring rainbows on the sidewalk with chalk while humming a song I don't even know. Her hair is scattered and I can see the chalk on her face and arms. She's so attentive to her drawing without a care in the world.I sit on the bench, acting like I'm reading something on my phone but I'm secretly checking out our surr

Aria (Zara’s) PovHis brow jerks so fast that I would have missed it if I wasn't looking directly at him. What was that?“You were not supposed to ever find that,” he says it so casually as he leans back.“Wait, what?” I ask since I can't believe what I just heard. Did he just say he was supposed to spy on me and I wasn't supposed to find out? “So you admit it. You can't be serious.”“Yes, Aria. I did put cameras in your apartment,” he tells me. My world spins and I let out a sarcastic laugh. What kind of sick joke is he playing at? “Why?” Just one word.“Because I needed to protect you and your child. Anything could happen at any time. I just had to make sure no one would get to you guys unless I allowed it,” he explains it like it's okay.I just look at him incredulously. Like someone who has lost his mind.“Protect me. Us. Really? You watched us. Monitored my private moments without my knowledge and you call it protection.”“No. I watched over you. There's a difference. I care ab

Aria (Zara’s Pov)The road back to the place I once lived feels longer. I haven't returned there in forever and I feel like the world is warning me to turn around and not go through those prison gates.The atmosphere around it is still the same. Tall trees, heavy air, and old money vibes.Memories fill my mind when I get to the gate. Not the kind a child would be excited about returning to. The black swan crest, the symbol on every letter, spoon, or object sits intimidatingly on the iron gates.I don't press the buzzer immediately. I wait. I just look at the mansion ahead. A place where I was born. One where I never experienced love. And one I couldn't wait to escape. One where I stopped being a part of it a long time ago.I press the buzzer and immediately, a voice comes through. I'm sure the cameras have already announced my arrival.“Welcome, Miss Winterborn. We have been looking forward to your visit.” The voice sounds polite and robotic.The gates open and I drive up the gravel p

Adrian’s PovI don't head back to the office. Instead, I call Mark to handle things in my absence.The sound of his phone ringing fills the car after connecting the phone to the speaker. He picks up on the fourth ring.“Where are you, man? I just went to your office but your secretary told me that you hadn't shown up today. Did some chick tire you out, old man?” he asks and I roll my eyes.Trust him to think of something like that.“No. I just have to take care of something urgently. I'll be late. Handle my meetings for this morning and fill me in later,” I tell him.“Did you call to let me know? That's so sweet, Adry,” he teases me. “Don’t call me that.” The guy only laughs. It's a name a girl called me one time at the bar but Mark has never forgotten about it. He always finds the opportunity to call it whenever he can.“But on a serious note.” he stops laughing and I hear the worry in his voice. “Does it have anything to do with Zara’s return? The kid too?”I sigh. “So you heard.”