Sinking With You

Battle Line

**The battle Line**

“What? Are you suggesting she was murdered?” Donald’s voice trembled with disbelief, confusion, and concern etched on his face.

“I’m not suggesting. She was murdered,” Derrick declared, the weight of his conviction felt as he directed an intense gaze toward the doctor. The doctor caught off guard, averted his eyes, acting uneasily.

“And how would you know that?” Donald pressed, his brow furrowing deeper as the atmosphere thickened with tension.

Derrick carefully lifted his mother’s head, revealing the faint yet haunting track mark on the back of her neck. “Is this also a mark of the so-called fire accident?” he asked, his voice steady but laced with anger.

“Actually, we suspect foul play, but nothing has been confirmed,” the doctor admitted, his tone turning gloomy.

“I need an autopsy,” Derrick asserted, firm and unwavering.

“Of course, I’ll notify the forensic pathologist immediately,” the doctor replied, a hint of empathy shadowing his expression. “Once again, I’m truly sorry for your loss,” he added softly, but Derrick had already turned, striding toward the door, leaving the ward with Donald following closely.

***

Back at the Wilson residence, life continued. Family members moved about their daily routines as if untouched by the tragic news; the atmosphere seemed too peaceful for a family who had just lost one of their own—except for Mr. Daniel.

He stood by the window, staring vacantly into the expanse, lost in his own thoughts. Aria, observing him, recognized the unmistakable void in his demeanor. Although Sandra had meant the world to him, he was a family and businessman who had a reputation to protect.

“Here’s the coffee you requested, sir,” Aria said, gently placing the steaming cup on the side table, her voice echoing in the silence of the room.

“Is Derrick back?” he asked, his gaze still fixed outside.

“No, he—” Aria began, but just then, Derrick strode into the room, his presence cutting through the tension like a knife.

“I’m here, Dad,” Derrick said, announcing his presence.

“Son, how are you holding up?” Daniel asked, stepping toward him, arms outstretched for a comforting embrace.

Derrick brushed off his hands angrily, his eyes burning with a mix of grief and anger. “You failed to protect her. You brought her into this den of lions and left her at their mercy,” he said, his voice steady despite the storm of emotions raging beneath the surface.

Aria sensed the pain etched on Derrick's face. He was hurting from the loss of the one person who had brought him joy, as he fought to keep the tears at bay.

“No, son. I tried my best; this was an accident,” Daniel countered, his tone gentle yet defensive.

“What? Accident? You know she was murdered by your so-called ‘legitimate family,’” Derrick shot back, disbelief mingling with anger as he rolled his eyes.

“Do you have any evidence to support that claim?” Stephen said, descending the grand staircase, his presence adding to the tension.

Fury ignited in Derrick's chest as he met Stephen's gaze. “You know what? I was willing to let you incompetent fools take over the company, but not anymore. I will take everything from you,” he threatened, his hand clenched into a fist, every muscle in his body tensed with restrained anger.

“There’s no need for a fight; we can settle this as a family,” Stephen replied, taking a seat across from Derrick, a smug smile playing at the corners of his lips.

“Family? He is not one of us, he is an outcast and will remain one,” Clara spat, her voice laced with disdain as she took her seat beside Stephen.

“You,” Derrick retorted, pointing a finger at Clara, shooting her a dark gaze. “You’ve drawn the battle line, but let me make you a promise: I will kill you in the cruelest way you can ever imagine,” he declared with chilling certainty before exiting the room.

Aria noticed the change of atmosphere in the room; Stephen and Clara’s sudden unease suggested that Derrick's threat sent chills down their spine; judging from Daniel's expression, they were aware of what he was capable of.

Sensing his mother's fear, Stephen grabbed her hand tenderly. “Don't worry Mom, he's just bluffing.”

“Definitely not,” Clara responded, almost in a whisper…

***

After a productive day of work, Aria wrapped up her tasks at 7:45 pm, took a refreshing bath, and decided to step out into the garden. She hadn’t had the opportunity to call home since her arrival due to an unexpected commotion, so she made plans to reach out to Alina to catch up on things back home.

“Why did you take so long to call? Mom was so worried,” Alina queried immediately when she picked up the phone, her voice laced with concern.

“I’m really sorry for not calling earlier; I dove straight into work when I arrived and didn’t have a chance,” Aria explained, apologetically.

“Already? I hope the job is not too tedious,” Alina replied, her voice laced with worry.

“Not at all; everything’s going well, and it’s not as challenging as I had anticipated,” Aria reassured her, trying to sound convincing. “By the way, how is the woman? Is she awake?”

“Yes, she is, but she doesn’t seem to remember anything yet,” Alina updated.

“And Mom? How has she been?” Aria inquired, genuinely interested.

“Mom is doing well, but she still worries about you,” Alina replied, concern evident in her tone.

“Please let her know that I’m fine. If things ever become too much, I’ll consider my decision, but for now, I’m managing,” Aria replied confidently.

The conversation continued as Aria walked through the garden, fully engaged in their discussion, until she found herself at the back of the mansion, where the lighting was dim. Alina asked, “So, when are you planning to visit?” but received no response. “Hello? Are you still there?” she prodded.

At that moment, Aria noticed something—or someone—in the shadows. Overcome by a sudden surge of fear, she dropped her phone and instinctively placed her hand over her mouth to suppress any potential screams as she instinctively took a step back.

The figure approached her deliberately, stepping into the light. Once Aria recognized who it was, she turned and sprinted away with all her strength, her heart racing as she fled the scene.