Cruel Love

Chapter 6

The melodious chirping of birds gently roused Aria from her slumber. Unlike other days, she found herself in no hurry today. It was the weekend, a precious break from the bustle of her workplace. Moreover, her stepmother and sister were not at home.

Initially puzzled by their sudden departure with suitcases in tow, Aria couldn't shake the feeling that they were keeping something from her. Her attempts to inquire were met with unclear explanations that they were going on vacation. Pushing aside her suspicions, she resolved to make the most of her day.

With a contented sigh, Aria rose from her bed and stretched lazily, enjoying the freedom of the weekend. After completing her morning routine, she indulged in a leisurely breakfast of pancakes and crispy bacon, savoring each bite.

Feeling energized, she slipped on a cozy sweater and prepared to venture out to the convenience store for some groceries. As she stepped outside, the crisp air greeted her, enlivening her senses.

Aria flinched, the carefree melody of the morning shattered by a sudden voice. "Hey, Ari! You look fresh today," someone boomed from behind.

Whipping around, she came face-to-face with David, her one and only true friend. Relief washed over her initial jolt of fear, followed by a playful swat at his arm. "David, you scared the living daylights out of me!"

David chuckled, his brown eyes twinkling. "Sorry, Ari," he said, feigning remorse while reaching for her hair.

"Hey! Stop it!" Aria swatted his hand away, a smile tugging at her lips despite herself. David's teasing was a familiar comfort.

They fell into a companionable silence as Aria continued her shopping, tossing items into her basket. David trailed behind her, humming along to a song playing in his head.

"What are you up to today?" David finally asked, leaning in to peek at the strawberry jam she was scrutinizing.

"Nothing special," Aria mumbled, her voice barely a whisper. Her stepmother's voice echoed in her head, a constant reminder of the restrictions that caged her life.

"Then come hang out with me tonight!" David blurted out, his enthusiasm catching Aria off guard. Her head snapped up, meeting his hopeful gaze.

A flicker of longing sparked in her chest. The thought of escaping the confines of her home was an irresistible temptation. But the familiar weight of her circumstances settled on her shoulders.

"David, I can't," she replied, the words heavy with disappointment. She hated the helplessness in her own voice.

"But didn't you say your stepmom was out of town?" David pressed, a hint of confusion furrowing his brow. "Nobody will know, Ari. You're coming with me, and that's final." He said this with a playful air, shoving his hands into his pockets, a gesture that spoke volumes about his determination.

Aria opened her mouth to protest, a million reasons swirling on her tongue. But David, oblivious to her internal battle, flashed a winning smile and chirped, "I'll pick you up at seven. Don't you dare ditch me, Ari!" With a wink, he darted out of the store, leaving Aria standing alone amidst the aisles.

.....................................................................

Zane was amidst the luxury of one of his business parties, his arm casually draped around the waist of a random woman he had picked for the occasion. A myriad of descriptors would flood anyone's mind: classy, spacious, elegant, gleaming, after seeing the displays of the occasion. Imported marble and handcrafted woodwork adorned every corner, contributing to a sophisticated aura. The marble floors reflected the shimmering light from the ornate chandeliers above, casting a radiant glow throughout the space. The hall buzzed with the presence of affluent individuals clad in expensive attire, a testament to the wealth and status gathered within.

Engaged, in a conversation with one of his associates about a multi-billion-dollar project. Zane's attention was abruptly diverted by the ringing of his phone, "Excuse me," he murmured, excusing himself from the discussion to answer the call.

"Yeah, Chris," Zane spoke into the phone, his tone businesslike and focused.

"Zane, I have something important to show you. It's about your father," Chris's voice came through the line, laced with urgency.

"I'm on my way," Zane responded, his demeanor shifting as he prepared to leave the party behind.

Without a second glance at the woman who had accompanied him, Zane made a swift exit. Her attempts to follow, a desperate "Zane, wait for me!" echoing behind him, were met with indifference. He paid her no heed.

Ignoring the customary valet, Zane stormed towards his waiting car. His driver rushed forward to open the door.

"No need," he barked, snatching the keys from the startled driver. The driver, sensing the urgency, stepped aside, bowing his head respectfully.

Sliding behind the wheel, Zane slammed the door shut. The engine roared to life, and he peeled out of the driveway, leaving a trail of burning rubber and disregarded traffic laws in his wake. Every red light, every stop sign, was an obstacle to be conquered, not obeyed. The once-luxurious car became an extension of his frantic state, hurtling him towards Chris's house at breakneck speed.

With a screech that could wake the dead, Zane brought the car to a jarring halt in front of Chris's residence. He barely slammed the door shut before his fist was hammering on the door. It creaked open seconds later, revealing a Chris whose face mirrored Zane's agitation.

"What is it, Chris? What did you find?" Zane demanded, his voice tight with a mixture of worry and impatience.

Chris, his eyes reflecting the gravity of the situation, simply uttered one word. "Come." Without waiting for another question, he turned and disappeared into the house, Zane close on his heels.

The urgency that propelled them through the house dissipated as they entered Chris's office. The air here hung heavy, thick with unspoken emotions. Chris wasted no time.

"That day," he began, his voice heavy with a burden, "when Uncle Mathew got killed, he was on duty. He saw two men trying to assault a woman. So, he got in a fight with those men to save her."

Zane stared, his mind struggling to process the new reality. His father, the epitome of honor, was slain not for some crime, but for a selfless act of courage.

"How did you..." Zane rasped, his voice barely a whisper. "How did you find this out?"

"Look at this," Chris said, pulling out a small monitor. On the screen flickered, grainy black and white footage, a street corner, and two figures wrestling in the darkness. It was a brief, chaotic scene, ending abruptly with a sickening thud.

"This is the CCTV footage from your father's day of murder," Chris explained. "It only shows the part of your father fighting with those men. It got erased, someone claiming the camera broke that day. But my men, they don't give up easily."

A flicker of hope ignited in Zane's eyes, then quickly died. "This... this isn't enough," he muttered, the anger simmering beneath the surface starting to bubble over. "We need more. We need to see what happened after."

"Exactly," Chris said, his grim expression mirroring Zane's own. "The remaining footage, that's what will reveal the truth. That footage will prove Uncle Mathew was innocent. That woman..." his voice laced with disgust, "that woman totally lied."

Zane's hands clenched into fists. His father, his inspiration, the man who instilled in him the values of honor and justice, was murdered for trying to do the right thing. The rage threatened to consume him.

"Where is that woman?" Zane growled, his voice laced with a dangerous edge.

Chris reached into his desk drawer and pulled out an envelope. "Here are the details about her," he said, his voice a steady counterpoint to Zane's fury. "She lives with her two daughters."

Zane ripped open the envelope, a flurry of photographs tumbling out. His eyes scanned them, anger twisting his features. Then, amidst the faces, a single image stopped him cold. A young girl, her eyes bright blue, stared back at him.

"Who is she?" Zane stammered, a flicker of recognition sending a jolt through him.

"Her daughter, Aria," Chris replied.

The name echoed in the room, the connection slamming into Zane. That blue-eyed girl from the gift shop. The girl who brought a smile to his sister's face.