Chapter 5

A part of me shattered knowing one; I have no proof of Daniel actually trapping me in that building or any proof of him cheating with that lady, as it was all destroyed during the collapse. Neither could I get the recording of everything he said in the hospital. 

“All proof is gone… and I do not have a lover. But if I can find one and get pregnant, would we be able to get the properties?”

The lawyer thought about it for a moment and nodded, telling Ares it’s possible only if I can be with child. Ares simply nodded before the Lawyer excused us and he looked at me with narrow eyes. I knew the question he was going to ask before he even said it- how on earth am I going to get pregnant?

“You,” I whispered, using all my will to maintain eye contact with him. “With your help, I’ll…” I didn’t even complete my statement when he stood up and walked out of me. 

I groaned and leaned back, knowing fully well he interpreted my words as me wanting to get pregnant for him. I purposely made it sound like that because I knew it had two choices. Get pregnant with his child through advanced medical ways or he helps me find a donor since I’m dead broke right now. 

The plan was to watch him, see how he’d react to me getting pregnant for him. If he didn’t like the idea, I’d tell him I meant helping me find a donor and with the way things were going, it seemed that’s what I’d tell him to clear the air. 

I went outside, hoping to find him and clear things out, but I didn’t find him. The house workers said he left a while ago and I knew it was because of me. Heading back to my room, I was thinking of how to pitch my offer to Ares. He had to accept. I had to find something he wanted so I could use it to make him accept to help me. But what?

Still lost in thoughts, I didn't hear the door open until Ares' voice broke through my reverie.

 "Are you still thinking about it?" he asked, his eyes fixed on the road ahead. I turned to him, my response delayed as I gathered my thoughts. "Huh... What did you say?" I asked, my tone calm, but my mind still reeling.

Ares' gaze remained steady, his focus unwavering.

 "I mean Daniel... Are you still thinking about him?" he clarified, his voice low and even. My brows furrowed, a scowl etched on my face.

 "Of course not," I spat, my anger simmering just below the surface. "If I should be thinking about anything right now, it's how to reclaim everything he took from me. I'll make him pay for what he's done." My voice trembled with rage, the words tumbling out in a fierce whisper. "And it seems you didn’t like my idea. You didn’t even let me finish…”

"What if I do?" He replied with a tiny smirk at the corner of his lips and my eyes lit up immediately.

"You are?" I asked again for confirmation, and it took a few seconds, but I got it. He nodded his head.

"It's settled," Ares said, his eyes locking onto mine in a shared moment of understanding. "I'm with you on this. We'll get your revenge together." His gaze lingered, and I saw the fire of anger burning in his eyes, mirroring my own, though the intensity of his was way more, and I didn't even want to know why. Wasn't my business anymore.

"But for now, you need to rest and rebuild your strength. The battle ahead won't be easy. My nephew has the backing of every Allen, it won’t be easy," Ares' voice was laced with a warning.

I snorted, “Once they find out what he did, he won’t have it for long. And Daniel, without his family's wealth or mine, is nothing. A mere shell of a man. I know his weaknesses, Ares. I was blinded by my love for him, but now I see him for what he truly is."

Ares' expression turned serious. "I'm glad you're clear-eyed about him now. But remember, the biggest weapon you have is your knowledge of his weaknesses. Use them to your advantage." He paused, his eyes narrowing slightly. "But tell me, do you still have feelings for him?"

I laughed, a harsh, mocking sound. "Feelings for that murderer? No, I'm not that foolish anymore."

Ares nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "Good. Then let's focus on your recovery. You’d need your strength if you are going to carry a child. Just do what I tell you and you'll be fine in no time.”

My curiosity was piqued, and I couldn't help but wonder what he had planned. It seemed like he had thought of everything, leaving me to simply follow his lead.

We left the place he took me and as we pulled up to his home, my jaw dropped in awe. The mansion was breathtaking, remembering that the Allens had impeccable taste. I couldn't help but stare, my eyes fixed on the imposing structure.

 "You like what you see?" he asked, his eyes sparkling with pride.

I turned to him, my gaze meeting him. "It's stunning," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "You have excellent taste."

His smile widened, and he gestured for me to follow him. "Come, let me show you around," he said, leading me into the magnificent mansion.

As we entered the grand estate, a trio of maids greeted us with graceful bows. "Welcome, Sir Ares," they chimed in unison, their eyes shifting to me with curiosity.

"You've returned earlier than expected, sir," one of the maids remarked, her tone polite and respectful.

Ares smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I apologize for the surprise, Rina.”

“It's fine sir. I see our guest is here already.” The nanny stated, making eye contact with me.

The elderly maid, Nanny Rina, turned to me with a warm smile. "Welcome, Miss Valerie. Your room is prepared. And dinner, of course." Her eyes twinkled with kindness.

"Thank you, Nanny Rina," I replied, feeling a sense of gratitude towards this stranger who showed me such warmth. Ares gestured between us. "Valerie, this is Rina, my loyal and trusted caretaker, more like a mother to me. And Rina, this is Valarie, a friend."

Nanny Rina's face creased into a gentle smile. "You're most welcome, Miss Valerie. Please, make yourself at home."

“Thank you.”

As the maid escorted me to my bedroom, I couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder. The door swung open, revealing a stunning sanctuary that seemed to whisper tranquillity. I stepped inside, my eyes widening in surprise at the elegant decor that reflected Ares' impeccable taste.

The maid's gentle voice broke the spell. "Your bubble bath is ready, ma'am. Please, take some time to freshen up." I smiled, grateful for her thoughtfulness, but my mind began to wander. 

What would I wear after my bath? I had nothing but the dress I wore, and the thought of retrieving my belongings from my former home, now in Daniel's possession, filled me with unease. Those memories were better left behind.

The maid noticed my concern and approached me. “Here’s a robe then I’ll take you to where your clothes are. The Master wasn’t sure of your taste so he made us get a wide range. Once you’re ready, I’ll be a call away,” she said with a smile before excusing me.

Did Ares make all these arrangements since? Or was it because of what I told him after the Lawyer left? And when he said I need to be strong to carry a child, could he be referring to his own child?