Chapter Eighty-six: The Cost of Mercy

Grace’s Point of View

“What the hell were you two thinking just now?” I exclaimed, scrambling to catch my best friend before she fell and hit her head.

They stared back at me, obviously stunned and clueless about their actions. Idiots.

“In case it wasn't clear to you two, Rei fainted because of your thoughtlessness. It took all her courage and trust even to consider dating again, and here you are rushing things by talking about marriage...just like what happened with Greg. She's had an emotional rollercoaster today - finding out we've been keeping secrets from her, finally meeting her grandfather only for him to die in front of her and her kids. So just back off for a bit, and let's hope that she has only fainted and nothing more serious has happened,” I yelled angrily.

Xavier's expression showed a hint of remorse, but Aamon's was just pure anger. He arched an eyebrow and glared at me, and I returned the fierce gaze.

"Can either of you lend a hand in getting Rei onto the couch?" I snapped through gritted teeth. My anger towards these two was reaching boiling point.

Xavier lifted Rei into his arms and settled her gently onto the couch. He delicately brushed her hair out of her face and adjusted her body to make her comfortable. I could tell Xavier felt guilty, and rightfully so. But Aamon should also feel guilty. I planned on making it clear to my boyfriend how angry I was and why later.

“I think it’s best if we talk now,” Aamon said to Xavier and stormed out of the room.

I rolled my eyes and looked at Xavier, who stared at Aamon’s retreating figure in fear.

“Don't worry, Aamon is just angry that I questioned him. He can't handle being challenged like that. I know he's struggling to keep control but don't let him intimidate you. If he ever did anything to harm you, he would lose Rei and the kids forever. Right now, they're still getting used to their Uncle. But you, you've earned their trust and love. He'll have to earn that, too,” I reassured Xavier.

Xavier looked at Rei, and a look of worry crossed his face.

“Don't worry, she just passed out. But we have to be careful because Rei has been strong for so long that she might eventually break under the pressure. You can't constantly live in a state of fight or flight without consequences. But, despite all of that, I've never seen my best friend as happy as she is with you. Rei loves you with her whole heart and soul, unconditionally. She's taking a huge risk by loving you so fiercely because if you were to hurt her, it would crush her. Even with Greg, she always held back a part of herself. But with you...she's given everything.” I reassured him.

Xavier's eyes welled up with tears as he nodded and headed off to talk to Aamon. I knew they wouldn't go too far, as Aamon was aware that I would want to listen in on their conversation. Despite his anger towards me at the moment, my boyfriend knew that I was the one who knew his step-sister best.

During our relationship, I didn't tolerate any of Aamon's bullshit. Yes, he was my boss, but he was also my boyfriend while I was being paid to befriend Rei. I refused to be controlled by anyone, and if something upset me, I wasn't going to just bottle it up. That's not who I am. That's never been who I am. Rei was the only person I ever treated delicately. Maybe it was because I saw her as the sister I never had. From the moment we met, it felt like we were kindred spirits. I would have become her friend without any payment, and I'm thankful she understood and forgave me for that.

I could hear a chair screeching against the floor and the sound of Xavier settling into it. They were in the adjacent room, and that put me at ease. It wouldn't be too far for me to intervene if needed. Aamon was going through a lot right now: his grandfather had just passed away, leaving him in charge of the organization. This came with the pressure to make tough decisions and the constant worry about Lillianna and Emmanuel's whereabouts. On top of that, any indication of vulnerability could lead to someone trying to take control of the organization from him. He had to stay alert, prepared, and unrelenting to survive this ordeal.

Maybe I could have been a bit more supportive, I admitted to myself. But we were just finding our way back to each other. If I let him treat me like shit now, I was giving him permission to continue to do so, and that was not going to happen.

“We’ve both watched Rei from a distance for a long time. If I hadn’t prevented you from having a relationship with her, perhaps things could have been different for my sister,” Aamon said in a low voice.

“I don’t think I was ready to be the man she needed me to be at that point. I think you did us both a favor. It forced me to get my shit together. I never thought Lillianna would have crossed so many lines. I’m sorry,” Xavier’s voice broke.

There was a long silence before my boyfriend spoke again.

“I allowed her to stay in the organization when I should have removed her in every sense of the word. Maybe it was because of the mercy she showed Shiloh by getting rid of Greg or because Grace loved her too. It was a mistake not to deal with the issues Lillianna was causing and how much she was spiralling out of control. I haven’t given her a job in months. She still got her salary, but I didn’t give her any assignments because I didn’t trust her. That should have been what told me everything I needed to know. Lillianna’s actions aren’t on you, Xavier. They’re on me,” Aamon admitted.