Chapter Six : Ghosts of the past

The villa remained quiet, with only the waves striking the rocky shore in a rhythmic motion.' The storm had passed, and the stillness of it was lingering on Juniper's skin. 

A faint semblance of rain washed in the air, along with the salty water and sea salt present below. 

With her pulse racing, she sat in Adrian's office clutching the photograph she had found. 

Its age, curving edges, and faded colors over time. Yet, the picture itself was evident. Caroline Hale, the mother of the person featured in the picture, was seated beside a man wearing slit-coloured clothing. The shadows obscured his face to some extent, but Juniper knew. 

She felt a tightening of her chest and the familiar curve of his jaw, its commanding presence even in the stillness. 

Adrian. 

She was struck with force by the realization. 

Suddenly felt so thick inside her, the air slammed into place as the implications settled in. How long had he known? For what period of time was this kept from her? (No question asked) And why? 

The mahogany door creaked open. 

As Juniper turned, her gaze widened as she held the image in her hands, providing solace to those arms. 

While Adrian stood in the doorway, his tie was tucked into place, and the top buttons on his dress shirt were taken off. He had dark hair that appeared to be slightly streaky, as if he would rub his hands around it on numerous occasions. It was an unreadable expression. But perhaps something, guilt? Resignation? flickered behind his gaze. 

He whispered, "You went through my things," with a perilously low tone. 

Juniper's fingers were positioned close to the image. "You belonged to my mother.". 

An action occurred in Adrian's jaw. His silence was answer enough. 

With a swift heartbeat, Juniper swallowed. "You didn't even realize what you were doing to her?" Her voice murmured and breathless. Paying off a debt? ". 

Adrian breathed deeply, entering the room with a sharp cough. While the storm had passed, there was still another one on the inside. 

"It wasn't the case," he declared, his voice raised with tension. 

'Let me explain this one out,' she said, her fingers running around the image. "This looks like someone playing God with his life from the sidelines at least.". 

As his gaze dimmed, something appeared beneath his usual steel frame. 

His mother's belief in fighting corruption and uncovering the truth was praised by him. The price she paid was. 

Juniper's stomach twisted. 

She spoke in a low voice, "She died in an automobile accident.". 

Adrian's silence was deafening. 

She felt a chill in her spine. "Did she not feel the shaking of the photograph?". 

Adrian's lips pressed into a thin line. "I don't think it was an accident.". 

Juniper's knees nearly buckled. 

He had a mahogany desk, and she held it down with her fingers. "What the hell am I talking about?". 

With his composure slipping, Adrian sent him past the wind. "She was investigating a major corporate scam, which involved some of the most powerful men in business.". She was scheduled to announce the outcome.. Her brakes suddenly ceased to work. 

Juniper's halo and breath. "You believe she was killed?" I asked. 

Adrian spoke in a tone that was almost devoid of emotion. "I don't think," he said, "but I know.". 

The room felt too small. The air too thin. 

Her mother's departure was not the only one. She had been taken. 

With her eyes closed, she forced the bile down her throat for a moment. "Were you involved in it?" asked. 

"Aria's head shattered and his eyes flickered.". In an effort to reassure her, I attempted hard not to. Caroline Hale was not easily intimidated. She wouldn't stop. ". 

Juniper's world tilted. 

Her mother passed away due to this.' 

For justice. 

For truth. 

And Adrian, he'd known. 

She was surprised by how deeply the betrayal went.. 

Her voice was now squeaky and couldn't quite contain the emotions that were running down her throat. 

You're saying... "You didn't do anything to me? 

Adrian approached, his face darkened with a mix of anger and sadness. "Is this what I wanted?" His voice cracked more deeply than she had ever heard. He added: "Years have gone backwards in my attempts to make things right.". That's why I backed your nonprofit financially. I couldn't rescue her, but my efforts could be preserved. 

Juniper barely registered to move until her palm pressed against his cheek.' 

A loud echo echoed throughout the office. 

Adrian did not flinch. 

He stood there, his face slightly tilted, the jaw tightened, and breathing irregular.... 

The impact of the pain left her hand stinging. "You can't control my life like some kind of redemption." She said softly, admitting that she still has feelings for those who have hurt her. 

Adrian smooch softly, acknowledging his purpose. "I didn't intend to cause you any trouble.". 

Juniper sighed, "As usual, you succeeded.". 

My passion was infused with my work. Nonetheless, it was nothing more than another move on your billionaire's virtual board. 

Adrian's gaze darkened as he hesitated, but the engine noise interrupted the silence. 

Juniper turned toward the window. 

One was heading towards the dock. 

She looked back at Adrian. His visage remained unreadable, cold and distant, with the walls sliding back into place. 

"You must go, bro," he declared. 

Juniper's stomach dropped.  "What? ". 

Adrian retreated, his face becoming firmer. "The ship's start is premature." The sentence was in the newspaper. Take it. Leave. ". 

Without hesitation, she chuckled. "Ah, no?'". After everything? ". 

Adrian's jaw clenched as he said: 'Maybe it is. 

Fury fueled the intense emotions that consumed her heart as she spoke, dispelling any doubts or feelings. "You do this to prove your point, and I believe you never saw me as something more than a debt," she declared. 

The light in Adrian's eyes was not readable. 

Nevertheless, he was silent. 

Juniper gave her voice and yelled at her to remain and fight. "Keep fighting.". But she wouldn't beg. Not again. 

"Coward, " she whispered. 

Then she turned, heart pounding, and walked out the door.

The dock was slick beneath her feet as she approached the boat, her pulse roaring in her ears. 

The waves crashed violently against the wooden posts, mirroring the storm inside her.

The captain barely glanced at her as she stepped on board, but before she could turn back, one final sound shattered the night.

A gunshot.

Juniper's breath caught.

She spun around, her heart stopping as she saw Adrian standing at the edge of the dock—his body tense, his eyes burning into hers.

And behind him, from the shadows of the villa, a figure crumpled to the ground.

Nathaniel Blackwood.

The man who had orchestrated it all.

Dead.

Adrian's hand was still raised, the gun in his grip smoking.

Juniper's breath came fast and sharp.

Their eyes met across the dark water.

"Now you know," Adrian said softly, before the boat pulled away.