“Plans?” Lily asked him as confusion lined her brows. “For the day….I mean, do you study ?” Aaron sensed her unease but knew they needed time to process everything that had happened. “No…. I would like to… someday again.” “Not right now ?” “I don't know, I want to go to college and study but the marriage was so sudden and….and it distracted me from everything else.” “It was sudden, I don't understand why…anyway, till where have you studied ?” “I’m done with my 12th grade.” “What?” Aaron asked her, smiling, “you’re messing with me right ?” “No…I actually am just a 12th grade pass out.” Lily looked down embarrassed seeing how he was probably laughing at her, he would probably insult her just like everyone does every time. Aaron’s face softened as he noticed the embarrassment taking place on Lily’s face and her voice dropping to the lowest one. “It’s-I’m sorry, I didn't mean it in that way, I-I just, I just thought you were older than me, it's fine, you can still study, righ
Lily’s expression screamed that she disagreed and thought this was all bull because nothing was this easy.“Aaron, I know what you mean, but it’s too sudden, I need time to process and think about it as well.”Aaron may not have heard what she said after his name, “Aaron” he played it in his mind again and again, her voice calling his name felt so sweet, no one had called him in this way before but even if they did he probably didn't feel like this.He had fans all over his campus but he never thought of dating any of them or the girls that were genuinely interested him as well, all he did was politely refuse them when they confessed, he had a few girlfriends earlier but his relationships never lasted, he hadn't been in a serious relationship ever since his last one, he wanted time for himself after he broke up so he could focus on himself rather than somebody else.But right now, he was lost. His heart would stir with a mixture of tenderness and concern. Lily was a delicate soul, una
"Lily," he began tentatively, "I know you’re very scared and don't want to trust me easily- and you shouldn't- I-I mean…. you shouldn't trust anyone easily but, I just want you to know that you don't have to face this alone. I'm here for you." She turned to him, her eyes searching for any hint of deception. "Why are you helping me, Aaron? You barely know me." Aaron hesitated, his heart racing. How could he explain that his motives weren’t harmful, that seeing her safe was as much for his peace of mind as her’s? "Because... because no one deserves to live in fear. Especially not someone as brave as you." Lily’s gaze softened, a flicker of gratitude in her eyes. “Brave ? Me ?” She laughed, it wasn't a funny one and Aaron didn't return it “I’m not brave, I’m the weakest and the most vulnerable person you’ll ever meet, I’m the weakest person I’ve ever met. But I wish I could believe that.” She looked down at her foot disappointingly. "You will," Aaron said quietly, hoping his
The night passed as Lily faced nightmares in her sleep and woke up sweating multiple times. Aaron tossed and turned all night feeling uncomfortable on the unfamiliar structure. On the other hand, Zared was on his bed with Riley lying beside him with her head on his chest, she had fallen asleep but he couldn’t sleep yet, Alexander did not get back to any of his calls or texts the whole day, he felt concerned not for Alexander but for Lily this time, because he could not go there at his mansion as someone would definitely be out there waiting to know where he had gone to. No matter how cautious one might be, it is definitely going to be news for them as soon as they spot something suspicious about Zared whether it is a reporter or an enemy. That was why Zared had to watch his every move and timing since there were no official statements made concerning Lily’s article about being lost. He spent the whole day worrying about Alexander and his worry lines were visible such that it got
Meanwhile, across a few kilometers in Zared's mansion, the morning sun cast harsh light on his troubled features. He stared out the window, his fingers tapping nervously on the polished desk of his study. Guilt and anger battled within him as he recalled the events that had unfolded since he asked Alexander to abduct Lily.His thoughts were interrupted by the ringing of his phone, he immediately picked it up, eager for some useful news to reach to him.“Sir…” came the rough voice on the other side of the line. It was his man who went to see what was happening in Alexander’s house.“What happened?” Zared responded in a clipped tone“I d- did not find anything else except dead bodies,” said he with some caution. "Someone saved her."Zared's heart stopped momentarily as fear gripped him tight behind that mask."Why would anyone save her ? He might also be dead; look for Lily’s body.”"Your...wife isn’t here, sir, but there are several men lying lifeless on the floor.”“This is not good.
Meanwhile, across a few kilometers in Zared's mansion, the morning sun cast harsh light on his troubled features. He stared out the window, his fingers tapping nervously on the polished desk of his study. Guilt and anger battled within him as he recalled the events that had unfolded since he asked Alexander to abduct Lily.His thoughts were interrupted by the ringing of his phone. Zared hesitated for a moment before answering, steeling himself for the confrontation he knew was inevitable.“Sir.." came the terse voice on the other end. It was his man whom he sent to check at Alexander’s house."What is it?" Zared replied, his tone clipped.“N-no one is here, only dead bodies." the man said, his voice betraying a hint of caution. "Lily has been rescued."Zared's heart skipped a beat. Despite his composed facade, panic gripped him like a vice. "Rescued? Who would do that? Maybe they were all killed, check for Lily’s body .”“Sir..Mrs.William is not here, there are bodies of multiple me
Lily shook her head. “Who was it?” “It was no one you should worry about, just my friend from college.” Aaron said, reassuring her. Lily suddenly broke down in front of him, tears flooded down her cheeks sobs breaking through her, she could no more have control over her emotions, it was hard to pretend like she was fine, it was hard to pretend and just survive like nothing happened, the unwanted tiring thought, the horrible flashbacks and terrifying nightmares won't leave her alone. She was abducted, raped and rescued and was living at a stranger's house, so much of it in a week, how was she supposed to celebrate her rescue after what she had been through, never in her life did she think she would end up in a situation like this, her life had took unexpected turns, but this was beyond everything that could go wrong. The Lily who once looked towards marriage as something that would change her life completely, had nothing but a wrecked marriage which was far opposite than the heart
Zared suspected it wasn't Alexander’s doing, he didn't trust him but Alexander didn't have the guts to challenge Zared but if he did, he was going to pay a price, he probably got ahead of himself.The morning melted into a beautiful sunny afternoon.“You don't have to, you know.”“I have to, I need to.”“I understand your discomfort, but I’ll have my men body guard you.”Lily looked at him with a look Aaron couldn't explain, it was complicated, awe? Gratefulness? Irritation? "I don't know how to thank you, Aaron. For everything." Gratefulness it was, thought Aaron. It could be awe as well, why did she have to say his name like that ? It would be so hard to let her go if she kept calling him by his name like that. "You don't.... need to thank me, Lily. I'm just glad you're safe."They sat together in silence, the weight of their shared experiences hanging in the air. For a moment, Lily allowed herself to believe that maybe, just maybe, there could be a future beyond the darkness tha