Chapter Six: A Contract Without a Choice
728 Words
Aria's POV
"I'm the man who's about to change the rest of your life."
The words settled over the room like a challenge. I studied the stranger standing a few feet away.
He looked to be in his early thirties, dressed in a tailored black shirt with the sleeves rolled neatly to his forearms. There was nothing flashy about him. No expensive watch meant to impress. No arrogant smile.
Yet somehow, he commanded the room without trying. Everyone else had stepped back the moment he entered. Even Gabriel. Whoever this man was, people respected him... or feared him.
"I don't even know your name," I said, forcing my voice to remain steady.
"You came all this way without asking?"
"I came because someone knew things they shouldn't."
A faint smile touched his lips. "Fair enough." He extended his hand. "My name is Kael."
I didn't take it. His hand remained suspended between us for a second before he withdrew it without the slightest sign of embarrassment.
"You don't trust easily."
"I did once."
The answer slipped out before I could stop it. His expression changed ever so slightly. No pity. Understanding.
"I suppose your wedding proved why you shouldn't."
The mention of Ethan reopened the wound in my chest.
"You've been watching me."
"It was necessary."
"Necessary for whom?"
"For you."
I let out a quiet laugh. "People who claim they're helping usually end up wanting something." "And what do you want from me, Kael?"
His gaze didn't leave mine. "The same thing I've wanted for a very long time."
The room fell silent. Before I could ask what he meant, he turned toward Gabriel.
"Leave us."
Gabriel inclined his head. Within seconds, the room was empty. Only the two of us remained. The fire crackled softly in the fireplace.
Outside, rain tapped against the tall windows. Kael walked toward a small table and poured two glasses of water. He offered me one. This time, I accepted.
"I know today has been..." He searched for the right word. "...painful." "That's one way to describe it." "You discovered the man you intended to marry spent years earning your trust only to steal your inheritance."
My fingers tightened around the glass. "So you really do know everything."
"I know enough."
"Then tell me." I took a step closer. "Who are you?" "How do you know my grandfather?" "And why does everyone here keep talking as if my life belongs to you?"
For the first time since we'd met, Kael looked away. His gaze drifted toward the rain-soaked windows.
"Your grandfather asked me to protect you."
I frowned. "That's impossible."
"He died two years ago."
"I know."
"Then how—"
"We met before his death."
The certainty in his voice left no room for doubt. I stared at him.
"My grandfather never mentioned you."
"I asked him not to."
That answer only raised more questions. "Why?"
"Because if he had..." Kael's eyes met mine again. "...you would've become a target much sooner."
A chill crawled down my spine. "What does that mean?"
Instead of answering, he crossed the room to a mahogany desk. From one of its drawers, he removed a thick cream-colored envelope. He placed it in front of me. My name was written across it in my grandfather's unmistakable handwriting.
My heart skipped. "No..." My fingers trembled as I reached for it. "This can't be."
"It can." "I've kept it exactly as he left it."
I looked at Kael.
"Why didn't anyone give this to me after the funeral?"
"Because your grandfather instructed that it should only be opened..." "...on the day your life was in danger."
The room seemed to tilt beneath my feet. With shaking hands, I broke the seal. The scent of old paper filled the air. My grandfather's handwriting blurred through my tears.
My dearest Aria,
If you're reading this, then I have failed to protect you myself… A sob caught in my throat. I hadn't heard his voice in two years.
Yet somehow… Reading those words felt like hearing him all over again. I looked up at Kael. He remained silent.
Giving me the space to grieve. For the first time since entering the mansion… I wasn't afraid of him. I was afraid of what my grandfather already knew before he died.
And why he had trusted a complete stranger… ...with my life.
- Writer
