جميع فصول : الفصل -الفصل 20

I woke up the next day feeling like visiting my small brother Caleb. I haven't seen him since mum took him to her brother's penthouse after dad got arrested. Uncle David was kind enough to allow mum and Caleb to stay at his place till things died down but it's looking like mum intends on staying there permanently because she hasn't reached out to neither me nor her husband which is not very surprising. I didn't expect much from a woman that left me at a very young age to pursue her modelling career anyway. I got up, took a shower and dressed up to visit Uncle David's penthouse while suppressing the urge to think about Damien. Uncle David's penthouse is everything our old penthouse used to look like. Manicured garden, a double garage and staff that move quietly in the background. Damien's driver dropped me in front of the penthouse. He told me Damien asked him to make sure that I'm always safe. I just can't seem to figure Damien out but I'll worry about that later, for now, let m

ARIA’S POVIf I died right now, would I have any regrets? Yes. Too many to count.There have been times when I have wished that there was some sort of undo button in life where I could undo all of my mistakes. But my latest mistake? The one that makes me wish I never opened my eyes again?Why… Why did I throw up on Damien Hartwell?A soft beeping sound pulls me awake. I slowly open my eyes. At least I'm in my room.I don't move. I don't even make a sound. Perhaps, if I just act like I am still sleeping, I can avoid everyone else.However, the entire universe seems to be against me.Damien is standing across the room, shirtless, talking to a man in a lab coat. A doctor, I assume.Neither of them notices I'm awake. Good. Maybe if I close my eyes again—“She's awake.”The voice of Aurora reverberates through the room as she enters.Wonderful.Both Damien and the doctor turn toward me immediately. I attempt to get up when I feel a tug on my hand.An IV. That explains why I feel so weak.

ARIA’S POVI'm grateful Damien doesn't ask any questions when I show up at his study looking completely lost.Elena stands behind me, just as worried as I am.He doesn’t bother asking why something is wrong.He merely studies my face before uttering only one single word:“Go.”That is all that he says.The ride to Barrister Becker’s office is very quiet indeed.By now, it’s already past the mid-afternoon, and my headache becomes more and more painful with each passing second. I can barely breathe, my chest constricts tightly.I feel somewhat guilty for not spending more time with Elena, but whatever is happening...This thing cannot be put off any longer.She gets me to the law firm and waits until I get inside before departing.I take a deep breath and enter.When I get to Barrister Becker’s office, I see him talking on the phone while writing something down into several papers on his desk.The moment he sees me, he hangs up the phone.“Aria.”He gives me a gesture towards the chair

After overhearing Damien's conversation, I go back to my room silently.I had no intention of eavesdropping but did anyway.All I did was look for him since I needed anything to divert my thoughts from my whole situation.But right after coming back to my room, I can hear footsteps heading to my room.My heart skips.I quickly lie down on my bed and cover myself. Then seconds pass by before I feel that my room is being entered.I knew who it was even without looking. All Damien did was stand there in silence. And he left just the same way he entered.I take some time before opening my eyes, my hands over my chest as I reflect on his conversation.‘Investigator, I need you to look into someone. Richard Sinclair.’Then the last part comes rushing back.‘Bring me anyone that's been making things difficult for his daughter or making her cry.’I shift to the side and hide my face behind my pillow. What the heck is wrong with him? Why did he say those things?My cheeks heat up.These words

I know exactly who she is.It hits me the moment the warehouse light catches the angles of her beautiful face properly. The silver streaked hair and her facial bone structure are clearer now, she's definitely in her late fifties.When she spoke, I realized she's the same woman I heard arguing with Damien.She was at Damien's penthouse on the day I forgot my thesis notes at home. I caught a glimpse of her standing in that hallway outside his office while I held my head down to avoid her seeing me after eavesdropping on their conversation.I quickly recalled her name, Margaret. The mother of Damien's first love.I straightened up on the wooden chair they've sat me on and I stare at her.She walks a slow circle around me the way someone circles something they haven't decided what to do with yet. Her heels click against the concrete floor. The six men behind her stand with their eyes fixed dangerously on me."I asked you a question," She says."I heard you," I reply.Her eyes narrow slig