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Why is she crying? Did I do something wrong? Is it because I told her that she’s not real?
“I know you’re real.” My voice is less scratchy than before. “Don’t cry.”
“I’m sorry them monsters did this to you. They took Eli, but don't worry.” Her palm flattens on my cheek, determination shining in her sparkling blue eyes. “I won’t allow them to take you, too.”
2
Aiden
Present
This is the worst fucking scenario that could’ve happened. The disaster part is, I didn’t see it coming — and I always see things coming.
The most catastrophic mistake any general can make is to feel comfortable and ignore the outside world.
Today I was blinded by Elsa and her closeness, I was over my head with irrational feelings and thoughts and I didn’t try to control them.
Elsa has that effect on me; she has the power to fuck up the best-laid plans ever set.
After last night, I wanted her to have a peaceful birthday without allowing the outside world to ruin it.
Result: I’ve been caught off guard.
Ethan Steel is alive and he’s standing in the middle of the Meet Up’s lounge area — a place my mother considered a sanctuary.
Elsa hasn’t taken her gaze off him since the moment he walked in. Her blue eyes have widened and her jaw has nearly hit the floor. I don’t think she even notices it, but her limbs slightly tremble as if she can’t control her reaction.
Jonathan isn’t holding up better. His menacing gaze studies Ethan like he’s watching a demon rise from the ashes. Judging by the tightening of his jaw, he wasn’t expecting to see Ethan alive.
Ever.
Elsa’s father just shuffled all the chess pieces by showing up from the dead like a fucking ghost.
Queens stands at the entrance, shrinking against the wall. She holds onto her phone with a death grip and watches the scene unfold like it’s a freak show.
I’ll deal with her later for not letting me know about Jonathan’s arrival and for having Elsa find out about the engagement this way.
Jonathan must’ve shown up at her doorstep unannounced and made it impossible for her to refuse, but she could’ve sent a fucking text.
Life as she knows it will crush to pieces. I’ll make sure of it.
My attention slides to Van Doren who stands beside Ethan with a proud smirk on his bruised lips.
The fucker.
I knew there was something up with him since the first time he walked into RES, integrating himself into Elsa’s life like a parasite.
I just didn’t know he was part of Ethan Steel’s plan.
Well played, old man. Well fucking played.
“It’s you... Dad.” Elsa’s haunted whisper echoes in the walls, surrounding us like a prayer.
There’s an innocent sparkle in her eyes reminiscent of her childhood. Seeing her father again has pushed her ten years back in time.
She’s again the seven years old girl who always brought up her father in every conversation.
She called him her superhero.
