HER FACE, MY WIFE'S SHADOW

Chapter 28: Why Me?

Aria's POV

As I stood to my feet, a sharp ache shot through my lower back.

“Ow!”

I promptly grabbed my waist and twisted around.

The moment I did, I saw Mila standing at the doorway, doubled over with laughter. One hand clutched her stomach while the other wiped tears from the corners of her eyes.

“Oh my goodness, Aria,” she gasped between laughs. “You should see your face right now.” Her laughter grew louder as she staggered into the room.

The wild pounding in my chest gradually slowed while I rubbed my sore back.

“That wasn't funny, Mila.”

I slumped back into the chair.

“I know, I know." She waved a hand dismissively, still chuckling. “But I couldn't help it.” Her eyes landed on the desk. “And honestly, who told you to sleep on the chair all night?”

She walked over to and collapsed onto the edge of the bed.

“I thought those people had attacked us again.”

The memory alone sent a chill through me.

Milla’s smile faded slightly. “Sorry, Aria,” she apologized, raising her hands to hold her two ears in mock surrender and looking at me with exaggerated puppy eyes.

Despite myself, I almost smiled. Almost.

“Where's Mr. Sterling?” I asked as Mila immediately lifted an eyebrow.

“Are you worried about him?”

“Me?” I scoffed. “Worried? Never.”

“Mhmm.”

The teasing looks in her eyes said she didn't believe me.

“I saw him leaving the house very early this morning."

I nodded. He must have gone to his office.

“After taking my shower and getting dressed, I came to check on you. Then I found you asleep with your face buried in your drawing. ”.

“And you decided to wake me up, nearly giving me a heart attack.”

"C'mon, Aria,” she pouted dramatically. “Don't tell me you haven't forgiven me.”

I stood and stretched carefully. “I'll think of an appropriate punishment later.”

Mila groaned. “You're cruel.”

I ignored her and walked toward the wardrobe.

"Aria…" she called out.

“Hm?”

“How are you going to handle all of this?” she began.

“The lies? The pretense? Mr. Sterling's mum? " Even Isabella, the so-called stepsister?"

Her words softened. “Isn't it getting difficult?”

I paused for a minute. Then pulled out a red off-the-shoulder top and a pair of jeans, carrying them to the dressing table.

Sitting down, I stared at her.

“Mila, you already know the situation. My family is my first priority.”

She sat upright. “Honestly, Aria, I still find all of this terrifying as hell.”

“It’s clear that the boss knows Isabella’s history far too well for him to have come this far. Isabella wasn't just important; she was valuable, and he will stop at nothing to find her.

Perplexity clouded Mila’s features. “What are you trying to imply, Aria? I don't understand.’

"Mr. Sterling is definitely hiding something he doesn't want to tell either me or his family," I stated.

“There is a connection between Isabella and the boss. And whatever it is, he doesn't want anyone to know. I will find out.”

“You really think so? She asked.

“Yes, I do.”

“And how will you find out?”

That was the problem.

I don't know.

“I haven't figured that part out yet.” A determined spark settled in my chest. “But somehow I will.”

Mila released a long sigh. “Thinking about everything we've been through still scares me.” Her tone became quieter. “And going back to New York scares me even more.”

She lowered her gaze. “I don't have anyone there.”

My heart squeezed.

“Mila,” she looked up to me. “You'll always have me.”

Tears filled her eyes. “I know.”

A small smile appeared on her lips. “If you weren't in my life…” she swallowed. “I honestly don't know how I would have survived. Your family showered me with every ounce of affection I ever needed. They ensured I never felt the pains of losing my birth parents eight years ago.”

“Stop it, Mila."

I went to sit beside her on the bed and hugged her warmly. “Let’s not reopen those old wounds today. Just let the pain go.“

Mila wiped away a stray tear from her cheek. “Yes, you're right. That's precisely why when you told me Aunt Sonia and Jack were being monitored by the dangerous boss, I was so angry, just as you were. I was glad I stayed back with you so we could end this together.”

“We will, together," I promised.

"Together," she replied, our fingers interlocking as a shared sense of resolve united us.

A soft knock sounded at the door, breaking the atmosphere. I gradually stood up as a uniformed maid opened the door, lowering her head in a respectful manner.

“Good morning, ma'am. What would you like the kitchen staff to prepare for your breakfast today?”

“Allow me to handle the menu,” Mila chimed in, bouncing up from the bed and approaching the maid. “We require bacon and poached eggs, if accessible." She lifted her hand, physically counting out the items on her fingers with growing enthusiasm. “Let's add buttermilk pancakes, fresh fruits, yogurt, and perhaps a meat pie…” Her voice fades down the corridor as she guides the amused maid towards the main kitchen wing.

I smiled, shaking my head at her antics before turning towards the bathroom to properly start my day.

…

Standing before the mirror, I was meticulously pin-tucking my hair into place when my new smartphone began to vibrate on the tabletop. Picking it up, my brow furrowed as I analyzed the caller ID display.

Sly Fox.

Remembering last night made my cheeks turn red.

Woah.

I touched my cheek, blinking my lashes.

Get a grip of yourself, Aria.

I glanced down at the screen again.

What could he possibly want now? This man couldn't leave me in peace even from the office.

Pressing the green button, I placed the phone against my ear.

“Good morning, Mr. Sterling….”

“I need you to design a building for me.” Alexander’s calm response came through the speaker.

I blinked.

“What?”

“I need a concept design within the next few hours.”

A line formed across my forehead.

“And send it to me when you're done.”

“I thought our contract died the moment you sent my team back.”

“It did.” His reply was immediate. “I'm creating a new one.”

“Hold on… I’m pretty sure real estate is one of your companies. Then why are you asking me"

“Because I'm asking you."

I gritted my teeth.

That wasn't an answer.

“Your architectural team is there to do it since our contract is over. I remember saying, "We're going to work with them, so… since my team is not here, no need anymore.”

Silence.

“Send me your account details,”

“What? Look here, Mr. Sterling…”

“You'll be paid for your service.”

Before I could argue further, the line disconnected.

That sly….

I stared at the screen, holding my phone tightly. Then I lowered the phone; my eyes twitched.

“Arrogant fox.”

My blank screen reflected my annoyed expression, yet, somewhere deep inside, a tiny voice whispered a different question.

Out of all the architects available to him…

Why did Alexander Sterling choose me?