Aria stood absentmindedly sliding fresh pineapple in the sunlit kitchen, her thoughts drifting.
The weather had turned unexpectedly ominous, the air hanging heavy and oppressive, making each breath feel labored.[]
Through the expansive windows, she observed storm clouds gathering over the unnaturally still ocean, an inexplicable sense of foreboding creeping up her spine.
Lost in this unease, her knife slipped, slicing cleanly across her fingertip.[]
Rich crimson blood welled instantly, trickling between her knuckles in thin rivulets.[]
“Shit…” The sharp sting made her wince as she hastily grabbed a handful of paper towels to stem the bleeding.[]
“Let me take care of that before you slice off something important.” Marcus appeared instantly, first–aid kit in hand. He meticulously cleaned the cut with antiseptic wipes before applying a butterfly bandage with practiced precision.[]
“I don’t know what’s wrong with me today. I can’t shake this weird feeling,” Aria admitted, sighing softly.
J
As the words left her lips, the distinctive crunch of tires on gravel echoed from outside, followed by multiple car doors slamming in quick succession.
Aggressive footsteps approached, culminating in thunderous pounding on their front door, punctuated by muffled expletives.[]
Aria’s pupils constricted with recognition. “They found us,” she whispered, panic instantly flooding her system.[]
“Marcus, we need to leave right now-” She frantically pulled at his sleeve, eyes darting around for possible escape routes.
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Witnessing her instinctive fear response, Marcus felt something crack inside his chest. He enveloped her protectively, his body language communicating absolute security.
“Not this time. You don’t run anymore. I’m right here, and nobody–absolutely nobody–will hurt you again.“]
He strode confidently toward the entrance and swung the door open.
The Sterlings stood like combatants on their doorstep, flanked by Ryan and his perpetually harried assistant.[]
“You worthless little snake! After everything we’ve invested in you, you’re still running after this nobody! I should’ve disowned you years ago!” Mrs. Sterling shrieked, lunging forward with manicured claws aimed at Aria’s face.[]
This time, Marcus intercepted/smoothly, capturing her wrist in a grip that made her wince noticeably.[]
“Take your hands off me-” she began, yanking herself free with a grimace.[]
“I haven’t even started expressing my opinion of you yet, but clearly you’re asking for it. Still convinced you can control your daughter like some corporate acquisition? And when I hired that truck to eliminate you permanently, I should have verified the job myself. Apparently, your complete disappearance is the only way I’ll ever have peace!“]]
Mrs. Sterling’s face contorted with undisguised rage. In her fury, she’d inadvertently revealed the devastating truth behind the “accident” in front of multiple witnesses.
The revelation hit Aria like physical impact.[]
She’d always understood her parents‘ obsession with wealth and influence, but never imagined they’d resort to attempted murder to ensure their daughter’s compliance with their dynastic plans.
Marcus had committed no crime beyond loving someone outside their approved social stratum. What kind of monsters would deliberately orchestrate such violence?
Previously, Aria would have retreated, absorbing the pain to maintain fragile peace.[]
But something fundamental had shifted inside her. The habitual submission had transformed into righteous anger. Her constant sacrifices had earned her nothing but escalating abuse. The puppet had finally noticed her strings.
Mr. Sterling, witnessing Marcus’s defiance, seized a titanium golf club leaning against the entryway, raising it with murderous intent.[]
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Chapter 17
Meanwhile, Ryan observed from the sidelines with detached fascination, a sardonic smile playing across his features.[]
Just as the club began its downward arc toward Marcus’s skull, something in Aria fundamentally snapped.]
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