HER FACE, MY WIFE'S SHADOW

Chapter 14: The Deal

Aria's POV

"Aria", his voice dropped into a cold whisper. “I won’t repeat myself. Get in the car."

I straightened myself, forcing boldness into my spine. "And I won't repeat myself either."

I pointed a finger down the empty road. “I'm going to the airport to book the next flight out of this hellish country."

This was my only chance to escape from this man. If the police arrived, there would be witnesses, and there's nothing he can do.

Alexander didn't argue. He simply moved like a flash. One second I was standing on the ground; the next second, my feet left the ground.

Oh no! I didn't see this coming. He had thrown me over his shoulder as though I weighed nothing. I kicked wildly, my legs slicing through the air while my fists pounded against his back.

“Hey, Alexander, let me go!”

A low chuckle escaped his lips. "Alexander, huh? His voice sounded almost amused. “No longer Mr Sterling."

“Do you even deserve that title?” I hit his back harder.

“You don't deserve my respect, and I owe you nothing.”

The guards coughed awkwardly, shifting their gaze away, and James adjusted his tie, suddenly finding the night sky incredibly stunning.

While Mila and Williams looked away, their eyes met.

He ignored every word, carrying me effortlessly. The door swung open; before I could twist free, he lowered me into the front passenger seat.

“No!”

I hit his chest, trying to climb back out, but he caught both my wrists in one hand and pinned me gently against the seat.

Click!

The seatbelt snapped into place across my body, shutting the door closed.

And a minute later, he slid behind the wheel. The convoy of black vehicles moved behind us as the SUV pulled away.

Inside the car, I pressed myself against the door, gripping the seatbelt firmly.

Hold on…

"Hey, Mr Sterling.”

Alexander raised an eyebrow, glancing at me briefly before returning his attention to the road ahead.

“I… I mean Ale… Alexander.” The name felt strange on my tongue.

Earlier, when I called his first name, it was a slip of the tongue, but my stubborn pride didn't allow me to back down.

“What about the doctor and the two nurses? You didn't hurt them, did you?”

Alexander turned his head slowly towards me before facing the road again. His jaw clenched so tightly I could see the muscles leaping in his neck, a physical fury he was struggling to contain.

"They will face the consequences for helping you escape."

"I do not pay people to facilitate my wife's disappearance. They betrayed their duty to me. They’ll be lucky if they ever practise medicine again."

“Please", I whispered.

“Spare them. I will take the consequences on their behalf.”

"But", I narrowed my eyes at his profile. “I assure you of one thing: if you lay a finger on them or ruin their lives. I will shoot myself right in front of you.”

He glanced at me, but this time, his eyes changed. No anger, no warmth, but something different, as if he were trying to hide something.

He looked away, his grip on the wheel tightening until the leather groaned softly beneath his fingers.

…………….

Alexander placed a document on the table.

I sat stiffly on the chair across from him, wondering why he had summoned me to his study room at this hour.

Is he still angry?

Will he ask me to do something I will regret?

Aria, you should learn how to control your mouth sometimes.

But I couldn't help it. He's always too annoying.

“You stated in the car that you would willingly accept the consequences on their behalf,” he began.

“Y-yes.”

Did he actually take my words seriously? I thought he loved his wife so much. I had only used her face to my advantage to protect those innocent people.

I swallowed hard, nervously twisting my fingers together in my lap.

What is going through his mind?

Or... is he planning to keep me here forever?

Never! I stood up from the chair immediately.

The thought of it made my heart race.

“What's wrong?” He asked, lifting his calm gaze to meet mine.

This man is so confusing.

“What precisely is the consequence?” I asked.

“Read the document in front of you."

I opened the file, scanning the typed clauses line by line.

“Two months…" I heard his voice. “You'll stay two months under my watch.”

“You've been saying you're not Isabella from the start. Now is the golden opportunity to prove the fact.”

“If you succeed… I will let you go back to New York. But if you don't, you eventually remember something. Then you already know where you belong.”

I stared at him.

“This document represents our binding agreement. You'll pretend to be Isabella until we find out the actual truth.”

“This is your punishment.” He concluded.

“Besides,” he continued. “I'm being fair to you. If you succeed in proving you're not her. You will leave the country peacefully, and I'll make sure no one comes after you.”

“Even the boss?” I questioned.

He remained calm, still looking at me.

“Who is he anyway? Why is he after Isabella? What is her connection with him?

“Sign the contract, Aria.”

“And what if I don't?*

“Then, I guess they should take the punishment instead.” He rose to his feet, preparing to exit the room.

“Mr Sterling!"

I clenched my teeth, my fingers crushing the paper in my palm.

“You have 12 hours to think about it.” With those final words, he walked out of the study room without offering a single backward look.

My grip loosened as I flipped the page over to analyse, only to see the terms and conditions of the agreement.

My eyes caught one sentence – any active attempts of escape will terminate this contract, resulting in permanent confinement within the estate.

I let out a harsh scoff, slamming the document shut and throwing it violently on the table.

That sly fox.