HER FACE, MY WIFE'S SHADOW

Chapter 7: Who is the Boss?

Aria's POV

I looked from Alexander to Williams. My anger was still there, but a new fear was beginning to settle in my chest.

"Alex, how sure are you that it belongs to him?" the military man asked.

“Williams, I know it's him. Find a way to take down the post. I can't let more people know about Isabella," Alexander said.

"What's going on here?" I asked, turning to Alexander. "Who is the boss?”

Alexander didn't answer. Instead, he signalled his men to take me back to my room.

The men tried to lead me away gently, but the desperation gave me strength as I pushed them aside, walking straight towards Alexander.

"I’m not leaving until I get an answer.”

"Isabella…" Williams intervened, his voice calm.

"I am not Isabella!!" I barked at him at the moment of that name.

"Alright, please calm down." Williams said, trying to soothe me. He seemed to recognise the panic in my eyes. "But think about the world out there. How will you convince them you aren't her? Let’s do this… let’s find the truth first. Once we have the facts, we’ll know for sure who you are."

This is bullshit.

I know who I am, and that cannot change.

I stared at Alexander; his eyeball was fixed on mine with that unreadable, emotionless expression.

Without another word to the men, we left the study room.

“Aria, what's the plan now?”

I took a deep breath. “I don't know Mila. Coming to this country is already the biggest mistake of my life. And now, I don't know how to correct it.”

“Let's try pleading with Mr Sterling. Maybe he might change his mind to let us go. You are not his wife anyway; it's just a coincidence you have her face.”

“Do you think that fool will believe you?

“Aria!” Her eyes searched around, checking if anyone was behind us. “Keep that down; what if someone hears you? Do you think they will spare us, especially Mr Sterling? He's ruthless enough; don't add fuel to the fire.”

I rolled my eyes.

“I think we should call Mr Clark to save us from this mess.” Mila suggested.

Mr Clark was the manager of the company I was working at in New York. He's also one of my problems.

“At least, we should try. He will inform the CEO that his employees are in trouble. I'm sure he can do something about it.” She said with hope sparkling in her voice.

Asking for help from that man is like asking me to kiss a snake.

When I was in New York, he never cared about me as a person; all he cared about was my handiwork as an architect.

I got the news that Sterling Holdings wanted to sign a contract with us because of a project I had designed for a client. I was shocked and overwhelmed. But they never knew I was the one behind it.

Mr Clark and his favourite architect always took the glory for themselves, never revealing my identity to the public.

Now that we have hit the biggest contract in the company, our presence was needed for the job to be done. He had no choice but to let me go.

I was excited. For the first time in my life, the CEO recognised my work, and I was promoted.

I would finally be able to show my work and get the recognition I deserved. It was a big opportunity and a major win for me.

But I never knew the opportunity could change my life forever in this trapped country.

“Mila, I need to rest; we'll talk about it later.”

……………

I gasped, gripping the bedstand table and clutching my head, feeling the severe pain.

What's happening to me?

"Aria.”

I swung my head. Alexander was standing at the door.

What does he want now?

"Are you okay?" He asked, walking closer to me.

I think he noticed my pale face; I tried to regain my composure, moving towards the bed.

"I’m fine. What are you doing here?

“To give you this.” He stretched his hand.

'What's that?' I asked, seeing a white nylon in his hand.

“Yesterday, when I found you on the floor, I noticed you weren't feeling too well.” He placed it on the table. “Take the medicines; the maid will bring your food.”

He turned to leave but stopped on his tracks. “And… stop stressing yourself. Shouting and screaming won't solve anything.”

I let out a bitter laugh. "It seems you're forgetting something, Mr Sterling.”

His brows knitted together.

I picked up the nylon and handed it over to him. “I don't accept things from people whom I don't like, especially criminals.”

"Aria!” He squeezed the nylon in my hand.

"Mr Sterling. Get out of my room!”

He exhaled slowly, placing the vial of medicine on the bed. "Once your food arrives, eat, take your medicine and rest."

He slid his hands into his pockets, staring at my face.

"The boss is a dangerous man; you wouldn't wish to know or meet him twice.”

Twice?

“What do you mean?” I was clearly confused by his words.