HER FACE, MY WIFE'S SHADOW

Chapter 20: The Question He Couldn't Answer

Aria's POV

The old man’s stern gaze suddenly shifted to me, the icy hardness in his eyes instantly melting away with a tearful softness.

He reached out to gently cradle my hand between his warm wrinkled palms.

“My child, how are you holding up?”

“I'm… I'm fine, Gran… Grandpa," I murmured, entirely disarmed by his touch.

"Actually, I came here to see you with my own eyes. It has been five years since I lost you. The only woman who has the purest gold of heart. That brat over there told us you lost your memory.”

“Well…”

“I completely understand how you feel; you don't have to force yourself to explain.” The old man interrupted gently.

His expression darkened as he glanced over his shoulder at Alexander.

“Furthermore, I want to personally apologize to you on behalf of my daughter-in-law for her actions the other day.”

“Right now, she's receiving punishment for her action.”

Punishment? I raised a single eyebrow, completely stunned.

Did they actually punish their own family members for attacking me?

He continued. “What she did to you with that dangerous weapon was unacceptable. She was completely out of her mind with grief. I hope you can find in your heart to forgive her.”

I looked directly into his lined, grey eyes, searching for any hint of deception, but they were filled with pain and regret.

“She said that I killed her second son. Sir… is it true? Did I kill him?”

The sudden question acted like a flash freeze, plunging the entire room.

Alexander stiffened. “You…”

Thwack!

The old man swung his cane backward without looking, striking Alexander's leg.

“Keep your mouth shut, boy!” The old man commanded, silencing his grandson.

Turning back to me, his expression didn't harden. Instead, he looked at me with a pure kindness, a sad smile touching his lips, and this confused me to my core.

I didn't expect this level of warmth from the Sterling household after Alexander's mom had nearly blown my brains out. I assumed the entire bloodline was just as ruthless.

"No, my child,” he replied. “She blames you because she never liked you from the very beginning. Years ago, you started as a regular employee at Alex's company before being promoted to his personal secretary. When I saw you on the first day. I wanted you to be my grandson’s wife.”

“But my son's wife is a traditional woman; she unfairly viewed you as a gold digger who would do anything for wealth and status.”

I slowly glanced at Alexander, my eyes narrowing.

Did he purposely omit this part of the story?

“When tragedy struck, it was easy for her to pin the blame on you.”

“I know that stubborn boy behind me hasn't told you anything yet, but I am here today to clear the doubts from your mind and make you feel at home. If you have any other questions, feel free to ask me.”

“I'm the reason you came into this family; I couldn't believe the enemy would fake your death to the extent of making a dead woman have your face.”

“I'm sorry, dear, it's all my fault.”

I blinked twice, completely lost.

“Please, I don't understand. What exactly do you mean?”

“Someone plotted your accident. In the process, you fell into the ocean. They only did it to get back at the Sterliing family. But it's unfortunate we couldn't find that culprit up till now.” The middle-aged man beside him answered, taking a long breath, his eyes downcast.

“My youngest son died in a horrific car accident. The impact was severe, and the paramedics couldn't save him. So please, rest your mind, child. You had nothing to do with my son's death.”

I understood one thing here—Alexander and his wife, Isabella, are definitely hiding something from the Sterling family.

Especially the existence of the boss.

"Um... sir,” I said, pulling my thoughts together.

“You can just call me Mr. Dylan; if calling me 'Dad' will be difficult for you.” He offered gently.

“Okay… Mr. Dylan.”

I swallowed hard, pushing the words deep inside my stomach. I couldn't bring myself to ask them about the boss in front of Alexander.

“You were about to ask me a question, Isabella," Mr. Dylan said.

“No, Mr. Dylan. I'm fine with the information I have now.”

“Thank you.”

A grateful smile broke through his lips. “We are grateful to that soul who found you. We would love to meet her someday and thank her personally for keeping you alive.”

“Yes,” the old man chimed in. “And Alex, one day invite her over.”

Her? I was purely confused.

“Okay, Grandpa." He said flatly.

“See you tonight, my dear.”

Tonight? What's happening tonight?

Argh… why is this sly fox not telling me anything?

“Alex, triple her security for tonight’s gala. Make sure not even a stray fly can touch her.”

“Yes, Grandpa."

“Goodbye,” I muttered softly, bowing my head slightly.

The old man nodded as they left, leaving only Alexander and I in the living room.

For nearly fifteen minutes, neither of us uttered a single word.

“One of our partners in business is throwing a birthday party tonight, so he requested you to join us. My grandfather was the one behind it.”

Should I ask him? Or…

No. He may end up lying to me again.

I should just investigate on my own.

“What's wrong? It's unlike you not saying anything or throwing accusations at me with your endless assumptions.”

“Why? Aren't you happy with my new self?"

He scoffed. “New self?”

“Listen here, Aria, don't try anything stupid. You being quiet means you're plotting something huge. Remember our agreement; don't cross the line.”

Before he could take a step, he stopped and turned to me.

“Also, for the secret curiosity going through your mind, my family didn't know about the attacks from the boss or your attempts to escape and what happened at the hospital. I made sure I cleared all the videos of the reporters.”

“Everyone working under me is my personal man who does not dare spill a bean.”

Without waiting for my reply, he disappeared, leaving the entrance of the house.

How did he know I had that thought in mind?

Is he a mind reader? I rolled my eyes. Whatever!

But apart from that, I have another question. Who is the ‘her’ they're talking about that saved me?