Chapter 74 A mysterious woman

Chapter 74 A mysterious woman
Aria POV

My face burns and for a second, I just stand there, completely stunned, my fingers lifts slowly to my cheek, touching the reddened skin.  My eyes narrow at her and she opens her mouth ready to prepare her excuse.

Her lips open and close, I know that victim look, she and Selene used it on me all the time. Now she expects me to bow my head and apologize. To swallow it like I always do.

Because I've always been quiet, compliant and controlled by them. But certainly not anymore.

My hand moves before my fear can stop it and I slap her back. Harder.

The sound is violently loud, cracking through the room. She gasps and stumbles back, shock written all over her face. Selene screams, a shrill, panicked sound and Nicholas rushes forward, catching my step-mother before she can fall.

“What the hell is wrong with you?” Selene yells, her eyes blazing as she turns on me, “Have you completely lost your damn mind Aria?”

Nicholas immediately takes Selene's side, like she's the victim in all of this but Selene is hell bent on defending her useless mother.

She steps closer to me, pointing accusingly. “First you embarrass me at work, humiliate me and Nicholas at the boutique and then you disappear for hours like a whore to God knows where, and now you dare slap our mother?”

I lift my chin, my heart pounding but I keep my voice steady, “She is not my mother,” I say, “And she slapped me first, for absolutely no reason.”

Selene faces contours with rage and she lunges for me but Nicholas moves fast, stepping between us, his hands raised, “Enough. Both of you, calm down before this turns into something ugly.”

He turns from Selene to me. He looks down at me, calculating in his eyes. Does he take his lover's side? Or my side to maintain his facade. 

I know exactly what I have to do. I let my shoulders sag. I let the anger drain from my face and replace it with sadness. My breath shudders and tears spill into my eyes on command. I step forward and press myself into Nicholas' chest, burying my fave against him.

“Nico, I can't do this anymore.” I cry on command 

He stiffens and then wraps his hand around me, automatically choosing me.

My eyes tear up more, “I've always served Selene since my father brought her and her mother in.” I sob, “I've always done everything she asked, I've been her willing puppet my whole life to please her and make sure she is happy. I shared everything with her, my room, my office space, my time and even my own father and inheritance. I've given everything.” I continue to cry 

Selene goes still behind me, unbelief on her face

“I have always been a good sister,” I continue softly, leaning back so everyone can see my fake tears, “I only want to do right by everyone, that's why I actually swapped the offices. I want to take control of the company so I can protect the family. All of you.”

Nicholas' grip tightens around me. “And I didn't disappear for pleasure,” I add quickly, “I went on a business trip with Mr Aiden black, for the expansion of the company. I swear I would never betray you Nico.” I cry into his chest.

I pull back just enough to look at him, my eyes glossy and desperate. 

“Please believe me. Please don't leave my side. You are my man. I promise I won't marry Aiden. I’m only doing what my father demands for now, and soon I'll be fully in control, and then we can marry and everything will be ours, it will be all yours Nico.” I blink

The shift in Nicholas is instant. Greed flashes in his eyes, his jaw tightens, sharpening with interest. I'm sure he's already imaging himself on top and without Selene to boss him around. I almost want to smirk, their greed will be the end of them.

Selene notices the shift in him as well. Her mouth parts slightly, disbelief washing over her face. Usually she is the victim. She's used to Nicholas running to her side, always defending and choosing her and me trying to prove myself to them.

But how the tables have turned. Now he's holding me like the most valuable and fragile thing instead. A cold satisfaction fills me.

Selene suddenly cries out, holding her still shocked mother to her side, “Don’t you ever slap my mother again,” she snaps, she only did it because while our father is lying sick in the hospital bed, we thought you were whoring around with Aiden Black just because he’s rich and you dumped Nicholas here.”

I hold my breath, “Sick?” I whisper, “What do you mean sick?”

Selene smirks, "That's what we were trying to tell you before you started acting insane sister.”

I hold the nearest chair in shock, and Nicholas turns to me, his voice softer, “Come on I'll drive you to him.”

I don't argue, I barely have time to think. I grab my coat and rush out of the house with Nicholas.

We enter the hospital and the nurse directs us to the VIP suite.

We enter the room and the sight of my father breaks me into pieces. Here in earth, he's the only person I have left, the only person who genuinely care about me and now he looks smaller, frail with a machine attached to him

My knees nearly give out as I rush to his side, Nicholas shutting the door behind him. 

“What happened?” I wipe my falling tears, as I turn to Nicholas.

“He fainted in the middle of the night.” nichas says calmly, “My father and the others, we rushed him here, the doctor said its from exhaustion and stress, he will be fine Aria, he just needs rest.” he says softly rubbing my back

It takes a lot for me not to turn away from Nicholas' touch but my concern is fully on my father.

Then, like a vulture, Nicholas adds, “Aria, this is actually the perfect time for you to assume the CEO position. Take charge of the board and name me CFO.” he coughs.

“We can run the company together. If your father sees how hard-working I am, then he will call off the arranged marriage with Aiden.”

I turn to him, I want to scream, hit him. My father is lying here, weak and unconscious and all he can think about is money?

I swallow it down, forcing myself to breathe. A sick thought creeps into my mind. Is this their plan? My father has never been one to fall sick, not once. And now, right after the sudden engagement arrangement with Aiden, he collapses in the middle of the night?

It can’t all be a coincidence.

“I want to talk to my father alone.” I tell Nicholas quietly, please wait for me outside.”

He smiles to himself, pleased, “Just think about what I said.”

I nod, pretending to agree with the bastard.

He leaves and the door closes behind him. I take my fathers hand pressing it between the both of mine as a sob tears through me. “I’m so sorry Daddy.” I whisper, “I didn't know, I should have been here to protect you from these vultures.”

Something stirs inside me. It's like everything comes to a stand still. Dark shadows seep from my fingers and they start to wrap around his hand, moving gently around his chest and body. I gasp but I suddenly can't pull away.

The shadows engulf him and in seconds, he inhales sharply. His flutter open slowly, “Aria,” he whispers 

My heart stops and the shadows disappear. He still looks weak but suddenly better. I stare down at him in horror and awe. Did I do that? I look down at my hands, I can still feel the buzzing in my veins.

Did I heal him? How is that even possible? From my readings, the underworld powers are meant to bring darkness, death, simple magic and definitely not healing a human.

I think less of it and pull him into a hug tightly, my body trembling, “Daddy.” I cry out, “I won't leave you,” I promise, “Never.”

He coughs softly, “water.” he says, “I need water.”

I move to the dispenser by the window and reach for a cup and completely freeze.

Every bright flower in the windowsill is dead, all wilted and blackened. I look down at my trembling hands. The shadows coil around my fingers faintly.

“Aria,” my father calls out.

I jump, and the shadows vanish instantly.

I bring him water and help him drink, he smiles faintly at me, “I already feel better with you here Aria.”

My throat tightens, I don't know if healing him was a good thing or a bad thing. But at least he's here and speaking to me.

“I want you to do something while I rest,” he starts, his eyes intensely in mine, “I want you to take over as temporary CEO while I recover.”

I nod slowly, it makes sense but now I need to stop the vultures from leeching.

He looks behind me, like he knows I came here with Nicholas, “And be careful of Nicholas,” he adds, his gaze sharp despite his weakness, “Watch him and no matter what, please do take care of your sister, I know she can be overbearing but she's your sister.”

I bite my tongue. If only he knew how evil she actually is. But I don't argue, I only nod again.

Then his lip twitches as he relaxes, “What about Aiden Black?” he asks, “Are you getting to know him better now?”

Heat rushes to my face instantly, my mind betrays me with the memories from last night. His dangerous touch, his cool body against my warm own, that dangerous smile of his.

My father immediately notices. He chuckles softly, “You’re blushing, that's new.”

“I’m not.” I mutter

“You are,” he insists, “I choose well. He is the best man for you. And unless Nicholas proves himself, you will marry Aiden.”

I swallow, “I have to go to the office now dad, I'll check up on you later alright?”

He nods, picking up the paper next to him. I kiss his forehead gently and step out into the hallway. 

I look around for Nicholas but I don’t spot him. The corridor is completely quiet.

I take steps forward and Nicholas catches my eyes. He's standing near the far end of the hall, his back half-turned, his hand wrapped firmly around a woman’s arm. She's blonde, petite and dressed casually.

I frown watching from afar, who is that? He guides her quickly towards an empty room, glancing around to make sure nobody can see him. I hide immediately.

I move without thinking. Staying close to the wall. I stop just before the door, pressing myself behind it to listen in.

“I told you to take care of yourself,” Nicholas says quietly, his voice tense, “You shouldn't be walking around like this.”

“Nico, I had to see you.” the woman replies softly.

The door bounces open and close softly and I try to take a peek of her.

My breath leaves my body all at once. Her stomach is unmistakably large. She's heavily pregnant.