CHAPTER 5: MORE FINDINGS

The days after the attack went by in a blur for Liya. The broken window had been fixed but flashbacks from that night continued playing in her head like a broken record. She had finally seen the dangerous world he lived in, a world she was no part of.

Liya roamed the wide halls of Aldo’s mansion, the fanciness around her a total opposite of the storm inside her. Even with the expensive crystal chandeliers and paintings that decorated the walls, the air was still filled with tension. She felt like a prisoner in a golden cage, her every move watched by Melinda or one of Aldo’s men.

Her brain kept returning to Aldo’s words from the night of the attack: you're a party to the game now. She couldn't figure out what he was saying. What role did she play and what game was he talking about?

While roaming, she came across a library, the room was filled with books from floor to ceiling, it was every girl's dream. She ran her fingers over them, inhaling the smell of leather and paper which was soothing. This was her life before the shit show. Halting on a worn copy of Pride and Prejudice, she pulled it out and flipped through the pages.

“I see you found the library,” Aldo said from behind her.

Liya jumped, turning to find Aldo at the door. He leaned his shoulders against the frame, his navy blue suit a good fit for his body, his hair styled back, and his eyes observing her deeply.

“You scared me, I didn't hear you come in,” she said, holding the book closely.

Aldo entered fully into the room, his huge frame making the space feel small. “I didn't mean to,” he said. “You’re too easy to frighten.”

“Probably because my life has been flipped over and threatened only within a week,” she said mockingly, almost taking offense to his words.

Aldo found her tone and attitude amusing. “Fair point.” He motioned to the book she was holding. “So you're a hopeless romantic at heart.”

She didn't know if he was mocking her or genuinely asking. “Yes, I have always enjoyed the idea of a brave woman making her way in an environment that doesn't believe she is capable,” she said.

“Interesting. Do you feel you are underestimated, Liya?” he asked, his face unreadable.

The way he said her name left her a little breathless. Composing herself she said, “I don't know how to feel right now, but one thing I know is that I didn't sign up for all this.”

Aldo nodded, seemingly understanding her. She didn't look like the type to get involved with people like him. But it had happened and they could only deal with it.

“Are you still not going to tell me what the game is with Damian? Why is he after me?” Liya pressed.

Aldo immediately turned away, his expression changing. “Because he finds you useful. To him, you're the leverage he believed he needed to get through to me,” he shrugged nonchalantly.

Liya looked at him confused. “Why does he think that? What exactly does he want from you?”

Aldo turned to her with a stern face. “Aren't you tired of asking the same questions and not getting any answers? Because I'm getting bored of it,” he said.

“No, I'm not tired. If you'd just give me a straight answer, then I won't continue to bore you,” she said, not backing down.

“Damian and I have a past. I'm not getting into the details because you don't need to know all that. Just focus on surviving,” he said and exited the library, leaving Liya more confused than calm.

That night, Liya had dinner alone in the large dining room, her appetite lacking despite the delicious dishes laid before her. Suddenly Melinda entered the room.

“Aldo wants to speak with you,” Melinda said.

Liya’s heart skipped, thinking he was finally going to tell her the truth. “Right now?”

“Yes, he's in his study,” Melinda nodded.

Liya went with her, passing through the faintly bright halls, anxiety and anticipation growing as they got closer to his study. Once they got to the door, Melinda knocked before pushing the heavy doors open, leaving them alone. Aldo’s back was to her as he stood by the window, looking outside with his hands in his pockets.

“Sit down,” he said, not even bothering to look at her.

She sat on the chair in front of his desk, taking note of the folder on top of his table. She wondered if it had anything to do with him requesting to see her.

“How well do you know your brother?” Aldo said, breaking her out of her thoughts.

“Very well, he's my brother,” she said, not understanding the direction of his question.

“And you trust him very much, true?” Aldo voiced, already knowing the answer.

“Of course I do. I mean why wouldn't I trust him,” Liya said in an obvious tone. “Look, I’m aware of his shortcomings, everybody makes mistakes. But I can assure you that he's not a bad person.”

Aldo looked at her before picking up the folder and tossing it in front of her. “Open it.”

“What's this?” She asked as she read through bank statements, large sums of money, and names she’d never heard of.

“Proof that your brother isn’t just a gambler but also a launderer for Damian. Whether he did it by choice or out of desperation doesn't change the fact that Damian is taking advantage of the situation,” Aldo told her.

“That's not true, Liam would never do that. Why are you showing me this?” She asked as she stood up.

“To show you how cunning Damian can be. He wants to destroy me and everything connected to me, even you,” he said in a serious voice. “Do you deserve to be dragged into this mess?”

“No, but I can't abandon my brother— he's my only family,” she said in a firm voice.

“You’re too loyal for your own good,” Aldo said. “Looks like Liam won’t be your only family.”

Liya looked at him with a frown on her face. “What do you mean?”

“We’re getting married in three days,” Aldo said without any emotion.

“Three days?” Liya said. She thought she had more time before she’d be tied to a man she barely knew and became a part of his dangerous world. “That's too soon.”

“No, it's not. The earlier we do this, the earlier we can focus on more important things. Carrying my name gives you added protection,” Aldo told her as he took out his phone.

She felt a pinch of pain as he said that. She couldn't blame him for acting uninterested in the wedding, she wasn't exactly jumping for joy at the news.

“Now if you'll excuse me, I have work to do. Stay in the house and within sight. Don't go anywhere alone,” Aldo said as he busied himself on his phone.