Arya’s POVToday was the third day of Nicklaus's condition and I made my choice. It took a series of critical thinking but I finally chose what’s best after weighing the pros and cons.Now I was getting ready for actual war! As crazy as it might sound the location wasn’t Nicklaus's office but instead the court of law!Today was the first hearing for the lawsuit against Andrew and as the plaintiff I picked out a pair of tailor-made suits, of course, it wasn’t just sitting in the closet. Damien made arrangements despite my refusal. It was pointless to decline now that the perfect pair was staring me straight in the face. Its peach color warmed my heart, compared to the cold winter weather it gave off a soothing feel so that’s what I’m going with. I never expected the first hearing to come so soon, it must’ve been brought forward because of the upcoming festive holidays but whatever the case may be, it didn’t affect our arrangements, even before I filed for a suit our gathered eviden
The days went by fast and Arya was getting ready to sit in the hot chair again, tomorrow was Christmas Eve and while everyone had a wish or two for Santa, Arya had none. Today’s court hearing wouldn’t be good with the way every day of the week went. Damien had done his part but there were things he couldn’t control. Every of his means had to be legal, whereas for Nicklaus that word was a mere fallacy and she knew he was the only one with enough power to get her out of this mess but asking him was like selling her soul to the devil. His demand for repayment would be too great, something she can’t afford for Aiden’s sake. With fingers crossed she headed out in another tailored suit. It was a black suit. She wasn’t in the mood for cheerful colors, taking back her mother’s company was her primary goal in serving revenge on Andrew and his minions but now the tables were turning and it was getting harder for her to keep calm. The formal greeting of standing was done to welcome the judge
Arya's POVEveryone stared at the door with anticipation, including me. I wanted more than anyone to see who was going to walk through that door. This was certainly the last trick my lawyer had up her sleeve and from the look of things. It was our golden ticket to winning the case. The bright smile on her face was warm, unlike her usual smirk that sent chills down the spine of the other lawyer. I shifted my gaze from her and locked it on the opening doors. The wooden two-way doors spread apart to reveal the much eagerly awaited arrival of the testifier. I knew it couldn’t be any of my friends because my lawyer Natalia, had briefed me on how Andrew would destroy their testimony so both Bella and Emily were out of the picture. With them out I didn’t have much hope for anyone else. Even when I suggested getting the butler of Andrew’s household to testify as a witness of the domestic violence, she pointed out why that couldn’t be done. It’s a risky cause that would cost him his job,
It’s rather hilarious that Andrew’s anger was directed at Lucinda. He was the one declared impotent yet he had the guts to get mad?Everyone found this strange but they soon learnt where his anger generated from. He took delicate steps towards Lucinda, the people nearby created space because the grim look in his eyes was venomous. His presence caused her to stand up and everyone else waited for the show. “Why aren’t you saying anything?” Andrew’s voice sounded like he was suppressing his rage but Lucinda couldn’t bring her gaze to meet his. “Answer me!” He roared louder but she only flinched and took retreating steps causing Andrew to stomp his feet in anger while ruffling his hair. “Why’re you so quiet, huh? Didn’t you say they were mine? Didn’t you bring proof of DNA results of Shawn and Anna?! Why won’t you speak?!”“I’m s-sorry…” Lucinda’s shaky voice responded but he cut her off.“Bullshit!”Arya and Melissa watched with bemused interest. Andrew always prides himself
Arya’s POVThe colorful lights paraded around the streets weren’t compared to the bubbles of happiness that formed in my heart. I usually dreaded the cold of snow during this time of the year but in this very moment I never wanted it to end. If the cold air of winter could bring so much peace into my heart, amidst the storm raging outside then I never wanted it to stop.I stood watching Melissa cradle Aiden in her arms and the little one had never looked more excited to be carried by someone. ‘This is it…’ I mentally motioned, the love of a family. I thought Aiden wouldn’t live a day in this blissfulness but here he was basking in the happiness that comes with a Grandma’s love. I never got to experience that because Melissa’s parents died before I was born and Andrew never let me see his parents. All I had was my mother’s love and it was enough for me but I wanted Aiden to experience more…He shouldn’t suffer the same fate as me but sadly I might not be able to fulfill that promis
Bella’s POVChristmas Eve was going smoothly with Amiee. I cooked while she… well, she played games as usual, now that she got the new video game set from Klaus she even neglected eating! Not if I can help it though, she certainly wouldn’t starve on my watch. There were medications to be taken so not skipping meals was as important as breathing.“Amiee! Food is served!”“Coming!”That’s the third time this evening, I matched over and held her favorite stuffed animal.“Come eat or I’ll feed Ms Pears some food”“You can’t do that, you ruin her fur!”At last, something finally got her attention off the screen. It’s cliche that a teenager is still hung up by a stuffed toy but who am I to judge? As long as Ms Pears can get the Job done, she’s welcomed to stay.“The choice is yours, choose wisely”“Fine! Leave Ms Pears out of this”She stood up and abandoned her gaming machine. This made me wonder, just how important was Ms Pears to her.Would I be ranked lower than a stuffed animal
Without a word Klaus grabbed Bella’s hand and led her outside. She couldn’t help but think, wasn’t she the one who came to drag him out? How did she end up being dragged instead?He released her hands in front of his car and ruffled his wet hair against the cold air. “Aren’t you cold? Why did you get soaked?”She asked out of sheer concern but deep down she wasn’t complaining about the view he was feeding her lustful mind. It wasn’t bad enough his shirt stuck to him like tissue but a few buttons were undone to reveal his protruding chest. No straight woman could remain a nun when faced with this temptation yet she tried to peel her eyes off and focus it on his face but his face wasn’t any better!The base of his hair was turning black and because it was wet it appeared darker with the blonde tips that dripped off stray water droplets. “I’m fine, I needed to wash off the tipsiness”.“A-alright…” she stammered and it finally dawned on her, just how flushed she was at the though
“HAPPY NEW YEAR!”“POW! POW!”Fire works graced the sky of the Smith’s residence, the atmosphere was bright and bubbly as were the hearts of everyone present witnessing the glorious scenes of colorful Fireworks bursting open in the sky.“Look Aiden, do you like it?”Arya voiced to the cheerful little man who was swinging his hands with great excitement. Luke and Melissa stood together while Arya stood some distance away with Aiden in her arms and all other members of the household including Jane went back inside to prepare the elaborate meal and Aiden’s necessary arrangements. It was twelve midnight, marking the dawn of a new day, and in this case a new year! So of course Aiden won’t be joining the fun. Jane took him to his cot while Arya, Melissa and Luke had a splendid time at the dining. A completely joyous family was all she ever asked for, it seemed impossible from the start and even the only one she had was taken away but life wasn’t so cruel afterward. It found a way t