Chapter 5
I never imagined I’d meet Arthur in such a bizarre way.
Panicked, I scrambled off the stage.
After a quick goodbye to my teacher, I grabbed my coat and dashed out the back door.
But I ran smack into Arthur.
Į covered my face, hunched over, and tried to slip past him like a
stranger.
But his polished shoes stepped right in front of me, blocking my
escape.
My body trembling, I glanced up at him and made a desperate run for it.
“Aria, try running again. I dare you.”
His icy voice hit the ground like a hammer. I stumbled, then froze.
Taking a deep breath, I turned to face him.
“Excuse me, sir, can I help you?”
His eyes were bloodshot. He gripped my arm painfully tight and
Chapter 5
stared me down.
“You’re Aria Birch.”
“Who’s Aria? I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I said.
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“Don’t play dumb with me. You have a butterfly birthmark on your shoulder. I’d recognize it anywhere…”
“I don’t have any butterfly birthmark.”
I unbuttoned my collar, revealing the smooth, pale skin of my neck and shoulder. There was only a tiny red mole, no butterfly birthmark like he described.
He narrowed his eyes, his thumb roughly rubbing my skin, desperate to find any evidence.
But it was futile.
I suppressed the scream building in my throat, pretending to be calm and collected.
But he wasn’t giving up.
“No, you’re Aria. You’re coming home with me.
“I have a home, sir. You’ve mistaken me for someone else. If you continue to harass me, I’ll call the police.”
I felt fortunate.
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My stage makeup made me only vaguely resemble self.
y usu
The butterfly birthmark on my shoulder and neck was completely covered.
I mimicked Elizabeth’s accent, making it impossible for him to recognize me immediately.
But Arthur grabbed my wrist, refusing to let go.
“You are Aria. I wouldn’t mistake you for anyone else.”
His conviction was so firm that it almost made my heart soften.
i
turned to look at him.
“Mr. Hastings, she’s not Aria. Aria is dead.”
A woman in a red dress emerged from behind, gently persuading Arthur.
I didn’t recognize this woman; she wasn’t Grace.
Her attire reminded me of someone I used to know, but I couldn’t quite place her.
I chimed in. “Yeah, man, who are you looking for? Maybe I can help you out.”
The woman in red just gave me a small smile.
“No, thank you,” she said. “He’s just missing some of his loved
Chapter 5
ones. Sorry to bother you.”
I nodded and turned to leave.
But then it hit me. That woman in red… reminded me of
someone.
That smile… It was just like mine used to be.
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