Chapter 5

Chapter 5 - Faces in the Shadows

Ariana stepped inside her new apartment-a small room that was far from luxurious, but at least it was a fresh start. Plain white walls, simple wooden floors, and only one old sofa in the corner. The large window on the side of the room showed a sparkling view of the city, as if to remind her that the world kept turning, even though her life had just been destroyed.

Lucas stood in the doorway, surveying the room with a small smile. "It's not big, but it's quite cozy," he commented.

Ariana placed the suitcase on the floor and sighed. "Thank you for helping me, Lucas. I don't know what would have happened if you hadn't come."

Lucas shoved his hands into his pants pockets. "I just happened to be nearby."

Ariana looked at him, a doubtful expression appearing on her face. "Wait... how did you know I was there?"

Lucas was silent for a moment before answering, "I saw the message from Daniel on your phone when we were at the cafe earlier. I knew he'd try to keep you."

Ariana bit her lip. She wanted to be angry that Lucas was looking at her phone without her permission, but she also knew that without Lucas, she might still be stuck in that apartment with Daniel. However, something was nagging at the back of her mind.

"Lucas... why do you care about me this much?" she asked quietly.

Lucas looked at her, his eyes thoughtful. "Because I once failed to protect someone I cared about. I don't want to do it again."

Before Ariana could ask further questions, her cell phone vibrated. An unknown number appeared on the screen.

Hesitant, she answered. "Hello?"

There was no voice on the other side. Just a soft gasp.

"Hello?" she repeated, her voice rising.

Then, the voice appeared.

"You'll never get away from him, Ariana."

Ariana's blood froze. "Who is this?"

Click. The connection was broken.

Lucas saw her terrified expression. "What's going on?"

Ariana swallowed, showing him her cell phone. "Someone just called me. They said I can't run from... something. But I don't know who."

Lucas frowned. "Maybe Daniel?"

Ariana shook her head. "I know Daniel's voice. It's not him."

Lucas thought for a moment. "It could be someone involved with Daniel. Does he have enemies?"

Ariana laughed blandly. "I don't even know who Daniel is anymore."

Suddenly, a knock sounded on the apartment door. Ariana and Lucas looked at each other.

"Are you waiting for someone?" Lucas asked quietly.

Ariana shook her head. She reached for the doorknob carefully, then opened it slightly.

A woman stood in the doorway. Her hair was jet black, her red lips curved in a smile that wasn't exactly friendly. Her eyes were sharp, full of mystery.

"Ariana," she said in a smooth voice.

Ariana frowned. "Who are you?"

The woman leaned against the door. "My name is Evelyn Carter. And I think we need to talk... about Daniel."

Ariana stiffened. "What business do you have with Daniel?"

Evelyn gave a small smile. "He's not just a traitor, Ariana. He's also a big fat liar. And I'm here to tell you something that will change your life."

Ariana eyed the woman warily. Something inside her told her that this was no ordinary meeting.

Lucas approached, his demeanor wary. "Why should we believe you?"

Evelyn pulled something out of her bag-a thick brown envelope. She handed it to Ariana. "Look at this first, then you'll understand."

Ariana hesitated, but finally took the envelope. Her hands trembled slightly as she pulled out the contents. Several photos fell to the floor, but one caught her attention more than the others.

It was a picture of Daniel... with a middle-aged man who looked very familiar.

Ariana frowned. "Who is this?"

Evelyn looked at her straight on. "That's your real father, Ariana."

Ariana's world seemed to stop.

"What?" her voice was barely audible.

Lucas picked up one of the photos and stared at it intently. "Wait... you mean Daniel knows Ariana's father?"

Evelyn nodded slowly. "Not just knew him. They worked together all along. And what's worse... your marriage to Daniel was no accident."

Ariana felt her heart skip a beat. Her hands trembled as she tried to make sense of Evelyn's words. "I don't understand... how is that possible?"

Evelyn took a deep breath. "Your father was a big businessman, but he disappeared years ago due to a scandal involving embezzlement. Did you know that?"

Ariana nodded. She had heard rumors about her father, but her mother never wanted to discuss it.

Evelyn continued, "What you don't know is... Daniel works for her. He was part of a larger plan to get close to you. You're not just a victim of infidelity, Ariana. You're part of their game."

Ariana felt her world crumble. "No... this can't be."

Lucas put his hand on Ariana's shoulder, trying to calm her down. "If this is true, we need to find out what Daniel's goal really is."

Evelyn gave Ariana a serious look. "And I'm here to help you. Because I also have unfinished business with Daniel."

Ariana raised her head, looking at Evelyn questioningly. "Who exactly are you?"

Evelyn smiled faintly. "The one who was once almost destroyed by Daniel, just like you."

Ariana stared at the woman in disbelief. However, one thing was certain-her life was never as simple as she thought.

And her past... was now hunting her.