Chapter 7
With what little strength I had left, I pushed him away.
His warm breath hit my face.
It carried a hint of fresh–cut grass, but it only made met
nauseous.
Any forced contact triggered memories of that night at Grace’s party when I was drugged and assaulted by a stranger.
Tears quickly welled up in my eyes.
That time, Arthur had saved me.
But it was also when I lost all hope.
This time, there would be no one to save me.
I squeezed my eyes shut.
Suddenly, a cold rush of air hit my skin as someone grabbed my waist and pulled me aside.
I opened my eyes in shock.
And found myself staring straight into Arthur’s eyes.
Arthur?
Chapter 7
How could he be here?
I must be hallucinating.
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Arthur kicked the man away with such force that he flew back several feet.
The blow was powerful. Andrew clutched his stomach, his eyes
wide with disbelief.
His plans ruined, he spat out through gritted teeth, “Who the hell are you? Give me back my girlfriend!”
“Girlfriend?”
His familiar voice rang out, filled with cold fury.
He looked me over from head to toe, and his expression softened slightly only after confirming I wasn’t seriously hurt.
“I was just getting intimate with my girlfriend! What right do you have to interfere? Tell her to come out!”
Instead of answering directly, he leaned down close to me. “He claims you’re his girlfriend. Is that true, Aria?”
I’d bitten my lower lip white, my expression uncertain and
afraid.
I knew I must have been exposed.
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Arthur had heard the man call my name, and now, without makeup, he could see my face clearly.
There was nowhere left to run.
Steeling myself, I said, “This doesn’t concern you, sir. It is a private matter. You can leave now.”
“Doesn’t concern me? A private matter? Have you really grown. so bold?”
Arthur’s voice rang out, making my legs tremble uncontrollably.
How pathetic!
Years of fear and submission to him had become ingrained in my very bones.
No!
You couldn’t be like this, Aria!
You couldn’t be this weak!
Taking a deep breath, I looked him in the eye with determination.
“Mr. Hastings, if there’s nothing else, I’ll be taking my leave now.”
Arthur let out an amused scoff.
Chapter 7
His hand shot out to grip my waist.
The heat from his large hand made my breath catch.
I felt like crying but no tears would come.
“Please let go of me.”
Instead, he leaned close to my ear and gently bit my earlobe.
“You’re not leaving me again, Aria.”
My body trembled slightly as I stared at him in disbelief.
“Why should I stay? I’ve paid you back triple for everything you’ve given me over the years. We’re even now.”
Arthur’s breath caught in his throat.
“You want to cut all ties with me?”
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“Isn’t that what Mr. Hastings wants? You and Ms. Fairfax are so in love, freely showing affection around the villa. Isn’t that your way of pushing me out?
“My feelings for you have grown beyond those of family, and that disgusts you, doesn’t it?
“Having someone like me stay by your side. Isn’t that revolting to you?!
“If that’s the case, why won’t you let me leave? Why did you
Chapter 7
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come looking for me? If you knew my presence would only lead. to these inappropriate feelings, why did you take me with you in the first place!”
With each word, the pain in my heart grew more profound.
My vision blurred as I stood there, trembling uncontrollably.
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