Echoes Of Deception

Episode two

Sarah’s POV

My eyes fluttered open when i heard a voice, I couldn't tell what the voice said, but i heard it.

I felt a firm clasp on my hand that shook me awake. When i saw that it was Edward, I felt this comforting relief which made my eyes tear up.

“Edward,” I rose drowsily from the ground, aware of the weakness i felt in my leg. “My father!” I sobbed.

While i spoke, I saw the masses of people that were gathered, cleaning up the scene. The pilot's body and that of my father were now no longer in sight.

“Dear Sarah, I am sorry. My boss, who is your father, passed away. The pilot as well. I'm sure you're aware of that.” Edward said sympathy is evident in his voice.

I averted my gaze to the grass on the ground, slightly nodding my head.

I felt totally weak inside just like a jelly, while Edward explained to me what had happened. Especially when I recollected how my father had protected me with his body when i was the one meant to get crushed.

I was just his daughter! The young one, I was the one who was supposed to be fast and quick to save him, instead of letting him render my twin sister and i as orphans. What would i say to Haras now? I felt so useless, totally useless!

I swallowed under the Impending gaze of Edward, aware that he knew everything.

Edward was quick-witted as he had to think on his feet. Serving my father, the chairman who was his boss.

Standing under such scrutiny made me uncomfortable and almost embarrassed.

“Well, The thing is,” I nervously discussed, “The chairman died, protecting me. I was the one meant to be there but he took the cross.”

“It is okay,” Edward said slowly, “He had already chosen you as his heir.”

I felt a hot tear roll down from my eyes before i could help it. “You know, i feel so bad and i can't get off the image of his blood spilling profusely onto my shirt, out of my head.”

“Prove it, Work with that image.” With that, Edward walked out on me.

I couldn't tell if he was upset or if that was his way of being cordial with me.

“W-what exactly do you mean by work with that image?”

“The chairman died protecting you. so why don't you do something for him in response,”

“What can i do?” I asked.

“Easy, protect all he has worked for. you have to carry on his will for you.”

“His will?” I muttered.

“Yes, His will for you as the heir of his companies.”

I seized a tear from dropping. Although all these years, I went everywhere with my father because i had nothing good to do and he always wanted me around. But taking over his companies was way too much for a reckless twenty-five-year-old like me.

“Edward, I don't know if i can do that. I am not prepared.” I shivered at the thought of me telling those ruthless oldies he had as employees, what to do.

“It's not about if you can neither is it about your preparation. It’s either you, your sister or your uncle who is the only close family member. But out of all of them, you are the chosen one.” Edward snapped, causing me to cringe for the first time.

“Sarah, It’s what you must do, It is compulsory.”

He turned around. Facing me, i noticed the redness in his eyes which made me tremble.

"Sarah, Not only is that uncle of yours an ungrateful son of a b***h that bites the hand that feeds him, but he also killed your mother, his sister, for the properties she owned. Doesn't someone like that deserve to be killed?"

My eyes chirped up at the language Edward used to address my uncle. "Hold on, Does that mean my uncle is responsible for the accident?"

Edward’s eyes darkened. "Who else?"

I squatted down, feeling my heart ache from the inside.

It was all too much for me to handle.

I hadn't completely been able to admit that he would go that far to kill my mother, his sister.

My mother loved him very much and always carried him along but it appeared it was all for zilch because he never felt the same.

The worst of all was that he'd meddle with my father’s plan all because he didn't like that i was announced to take over the company as his child, my mother's offspring. If that wasn't the pure definition of evil. Then i didn't know what was.

"I…" Despite the gnawing feeling of dread and shivering sprinting up and down my backbone.

I curled my fingers into fists and stood up to my feet. "I'll take revenge for my father even if it's till my last breath.”

Edward glanced at me with contentment.

I confidently walked over to him while feeling adrenaline throbbing through my already-gone pale skin.

"Tell me What I need to do, Edward. Teach me, I am ready to learn."

I observed his eyes. They were unmoving as his stare darted deep into my heart. I stood without guilt.

What else was more shameful and guilty than me not being able to stand and defend my father? To redeem myself, I would sacrifice myself if I had to. And I'm sure Haras would be in too.

I stood there under his stare for some minutes until he lifted his hand, resting it on my left shoulder. For some reason, this simple motion made me feel warm and safe. Something i didn't realize was missing in me.

"Now, The first thing you have to do," his hand shifted to my shoulder and he kept his grip there. "Is to move down to Italy."

I felt as though the earth underneath my feet was trembling and my knees buckled and i would have fallen if not for Edward’s strong grip holding and keeping me up.

"No!" I felt short of breath but i did not lower my guard.

I changed course, after finding my balance then i proceeded to smack Edward’s hand away from my shoulder. I looked up at him and felt agitation at his calm and relaxed expression.

"You're telling me to run away!? What happens to my sister? We can't be having this discussion without involving her.”

"I'm telling you to retreat alone for now, not runaway. and—"

"Retreat? That's the same thing as running away! Alone? I can't live without my sister. I'm sure you do know that we are twins, Inseparable.” I yelled.

I didn't expect my tears to come rushing down like a typhoon.

The thought of leaving Haras, the only blood i had left on earth, made my heart ache even more.

As though i was a child, Edward placed both of his hands on my shoulders. I tried to wipe him off with a shrug but his grip was too firm to take off.

"Sarah, Calm down and listen to me."

“Listen to you? I can't leave my twin sister, you don't get it!” I yelled.

He held my chin with his finger. Reluctantly, I looked up to face him with my tear-stained face.

"You won't go with Haras and you are not retreating right now.." His voice was as calm as his grasp on my face.

"Right now, We're no match for the enemy who orchestrated this. By chance my dear did I find out what he did. But then, without evidence, all is futile and your life, and that of your twin sisters, will continually be put under threat."

"So your point now is that you have no evidence that my uncle is responsible for the accident.”

“Exactly."

There was silence for a little while until he said, "But then, this idea of mine take a good look at it. If we forge your death, the opponent's guard will loosen and he'll unconsciously reveal his cards to our profit. Only then can we counteract and render them confused by reintroducing you to the world.”

I curled my head, As much as i hated to acknowledge it, Edward had a point.

His scowl was loud enough for my ears to hear. but then, i traced with my eyes where his finger was pointing only to see a woman who was dressed in a black suit and her dark hair tied in a ponytail. She had her head bowed towards me. I hadn't noticed her before.

"Your bodyguard, Maria.” She'll accompany you down to Italy according to my arrangements. You won't be lonely and at the same time you'll be safe.”

"I am pleased to be at your service, Miss." She lifted her head and i was met with her blue gaze.

"Now apart from going to Italy to regroup and recover, I have another task for you to deal with."

Edward brought out a file from the side of his wide black jacket and handed it directly to me. Etched with confusion, I grabbed the file unsure of its contents.

"And what could this be?" I asked as i opened the file.

Feeding my eyes on the file, "List of affluent bachelors you have to get wedded to as soon as possible.”