Chapter 71
Chapter 71
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A black SUV rolled to a stop in front of the mansion. Cassia stepped out, her posture stiff, her face unreadable, while James followed behind, carrying a sleeping Arthur in his arms.
Cassia’s eyes lingered on the mansion. It still looked almost exactly the same as seven years ago, though some changes marked the passing years.
But to her, it wasn’t just a house, it was the place where everything had started and where her life had shattered. Her lips pressed into a thin line, her chest tightening as memories came rushing back like a flood. Her heart pounded painfully, her head throbbed, and tears pricked her eyes, but she forced herself to steady her breathing.
Just one week… one week and I’m out of here, she told herself and sighed softly.
“Let’s go inside,” James said, shifting the bag in his other hand, the one holding the food they had picked up at the restaurant.
“Sure…” she murmured, though her voice trembled faintly.
The moment her feet crossed the threshold, the air itself seemed to press against her chest. Every memory she’d buried clawed to the surface. Her lungs felt too tight, her palms clammy. At this point she felt like this was a mistake and she should leave, but she bit it back. One week. For Arthur.
As they reached the stairs, Sofia appeared, walking arm-in-arm with Aiden. Sofia’s eyes, sharp with venom, softened in an instant, masking the hatred behind a sugary smile.
“I heard what happened to you, Amelia. Such a shame your house burned down… and now we’ll have to spend money fixing it,” Sofia sneered lightly, though she kept her grip possessively on Aiden’s arm.
Cassia’s gaze cut into her like a blade, cold and merciless. She had no patience for Sofia’s games. If she opened her mouth, it would not be words but claws and fists.
“Sofia, be nice,” Aiden growled, his jaw tightening.
“Amelia, I mean, Cassia, I p>
“James,” Cassia interrupted sharply, not sparing Aiden a glance. “Can you show me to the room? I’m tired p>
James gave her a curt nod, but not before his eyes flicked to Aiden. silent, steady, accusing. Then he led the way. Inside the guest room, Cassia laid Arthur gently on the bed, adjusting his blanket with trembling hands. She placed the food on the table and exhaled, exhaustion etched into her every movement.
“I’ll fetch a maid and get the shopping done. You’ll have everything you and Arthur need,” James assured.
Cassia gave him a faint, grateful smile and waited until he left. She locked the door immediately, her heart thumping, She wanted no one inside, not Aiden, especially not him. Hatred, sharp and deep, coiled in her
veins.
Meanwhile, back in the hallway, Aiden stood frozen where she had left him. When he finally pulled his arm from Sofia’s grip, his eyes burned with barely restrained, fury.
18:06 Sat, Oct 18
Chapter 71
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“What was that?” he snapped. “I told you, Sofia, it’s either you treat her with respect, or you’ll deal with the consequences p>
He didn’t wait for her reply. He stormed past her, his voice low and dangerous, leaving her glaring in silence.
Outside, Aiden leaned against his car, staring into nothingness. His thoughts raced, heavy with guilt, heavier with yearning. He could still feel the way Cassia’s presence had shaken him, her scent lingering in the house, her refusal to even look at him. It clawed at him, tore at his chest.
James approached quietly, but Aiden didn’t notice until his name was called.
“Hey, Aiden p>
Aiden blinked, pulled from his storm. He exhaled. “How is she p>
“She’s fine. I’ll get clothes for her and Arthur. She’ll need new gadgets, a new SIM too p>
Aiden nodded but didn’t move for a second but then he nodded.
“Come I will drop you,” he entered his car and James followed.
His hand gripped the wheel, then fell back. He started the car… then switched it off, staring straight ahead, his voice low, almost broken.
“She hates me, James. I know I deserve it, but it’s not just hate…it’s something worse. She loathes me p>
James stayed quiet for a long beat before answering. “I know. It’s obvious p>
Aiden let out a shaky breath. His throat ached with the weight of words he couldn’t say to her. “I’d give anything….anything…to undo what I did. To make her see I’m sorry p>
James’s reply was sharp. “Then maybe you should do what she asked…stay away p>
Aiden’s head snapped toward him, hurt flashing in his eyes. “James, you’re supposed to be on my side p>
“I’m on Amelia’s side,” James shot back, his voice steady, eyes hard. “You don’t get it, do you? You destroyed her. You broke her in ways you’ll never understand. A child died because of your feud. She nearly died too. You don’t get to walk back in and expect forgiveness like it costs nothing p>
Aiden’s chest tightened. Her name echoed in his head…Amelia. He wanted to reach her, but every attempt only pushed her farther away.
“You’re supposed to make me feel better, James. Not drive the knife deeper. What are you my Beta for p>
James scoffed. “Like you ever listen to me when it counts. What do you want me to do, Aiden? Beg her to forgive you on your behalf p>
“Please,” Aiden’s voice cracked. His eyes pleaded even as his pride tried to hold him together. “She listens to you. If anyone can help me, it’s you. I just… I can’t lose her again p>
“No. If you want her forgiveness, you earn it. Start with Eva…find out who killed her. Help Cassia find her
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Chapter 71
family. That’s where you start p>
Aiden’s head snapped up. “Her family p>
“They’re missing,” James confirmed. “She’s been searching for them p>
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Aiden fell silent, shock clouding his face. The last time he checked, they were safe. How could they just disappear?
James shook his head. “Look, I don’t have time to sit while you brood. I have errands for Amelia and Arthur p>
Aiden’s voice dropped, almost childlike. “Why do you sound like you hate me too p>
“Maybe I do p>
Aiden let out a bitter laugh. “Hate me all you want, James. I can live with that. But you’re stuck with me, forever p>
James arched a brow. “Then why don’t you just marry me instead? At least then you’d have a partner who knows exactly how awful you can be p>
Aiden smirked faintly, though the ache in his chest lingered. “I already have a wife who’s a problem. I don’t need another p>
James chuckled dryly, shaking his head. “Do you regret marrying Sofia p>
Aiden’s eyes darkened. “I’ve always regretted it. I never wanted her. It was my father’s decision and because she was pregnant p>
“Then divorce her p>
“I can’t p>
“Why? Do you love her p>
Aiden’s disgust was immediate. “What? No. Never p>
“Then why stay p>
“Ethan. He’s still a child. I can’t shatter his world p>
James’s voice cut deep. “Amelia carried Eva for you. That didn’t stop you from divorcing her. That’s another reason she’ll never forgive you. you choose when to protect a child and when not to. You don’t know what you want, Aiden. Maybe it’s time you left her alone and focused on the family you already have p>
The words sank like stones into Aiden’s chest. He turned his face away, staring out at the road ahead, but all he could see was Cassia, her eyes, her rejection, the love she once had for him now turned to ice.
TBC
18:06 Sat, Oct 18