Shattered Reflection

Chapter 5

Aria

I am still trembling from the shock of everything— not just from the strange man whose hands encircle me, but also from the flood of emotions running through me: fear, frustration, and confusion.

It becomes more evident when my eyes fall on the police. Evon will be in trouble if they find out she helped me escape the hospital. We switched places— the idea sounded absurd to me, but it was the only option I had, and I wasn’t going to stay out long. I never intended to stay past the two hours she gave me. Now, I am in deep trouble. I wish I could just run away, but then there’s Evon.

“Did you hear me?” The strange man whose hands give me some sense of security jerks me back to reality.

“What did you say, sir?” I peer through my hoodie to look at him. The lights in the hospital shine on his gray eyes. They are magnificent. For the first time since he picked me up in his arms, I notice his strong embrace, his broad shoulders, and neatly styled hair.

“What if I tell you I can help you?” If not for the fear surging within me, I would have let out a loud laugh. “Do you know who Ethan Cross is? If you did, I don’t think you would be saying this.” His eyes linger on me for a few seconds before he looks away.

“Please, just drop me at the waiting seat by the lobby. Please.” I look at him, waiting for him to make a move, but he just holds me and looks at me like a statue.

“I don’t want you caught up in my troubles,” I think. He finally gives in and moves me to the waiting seat.

Every step he takes brings me closer to the reality of the situation. The police presence doesn’t help matters. I unconsciously grip the strange man’s shirt, just realizing that his embrace gives me some sense of security. He slowly lowers me to the seat. I wish I could run away with him.

As soon as he places me comfortably on the seat, my eyes fall on Evon’s parents. Our gazes lock, and I know the police have already found her. I freeze in fear.

I turn to my right to try and grip the strange man again, but he is gone. Fear and frustration sink in. Evon runs toward me, but the police hold her back. When their gazes fall on me, I know the situation has just taken another turn.

The sterile white of the hospital walls has become my prison. I have been staring at it for hours, thinking about the events that occurred just a few hours ago. I am grateful Evon was able to clean up the situation, of course, not without some limitations. Her parents were able to pull some strings, but she is not allowed to visit me again. No one is allowed to visit me— not even Mary. Not that I enjoy her presence, but I don’t want to spend the day alone in silence.

Just as my thoughts start to drift, the door creaks open. A man in a richly tailored suit enters the room. If I weren’t in such a dire situation, I would be gasping at his fine features. He reminds me of Mr. Stranger. Who could he be?

“Aria, good evening,” he calls my name as if we’re friends, but his words are laced with authority. He says my name, but it sounds so creepy. I stare at him, wondering why the police would allow him to enter my room after they gave instructions earlier to let no one in except nurses and doctors.

He strides across the room and sits in the only chair. He studies me as though trying to see through me. I stare right back at him, not wanting to cower in his presence. I think that’s what he wants.

“What if I help you out of this?” he mutters, but his words come with authority— firm as a rock. And with that, I know he has the power to help me.

“Why would you want to help me?” I speak without breaking eye contact. Maybe I’m trying to study the man in front of me. I just have this strange feeling about him.

“I think you’re asking the wrong question, my darling,” he smirks and moves from the chair to the bedside, his gaze never leaving mine.

“I have an offer for you. You do it, and we clear your name.” I smile at him. He’s a businessman, and businessmen are not Santa Claus— they don’t do things for free.

“What’s the catch?” I give him a knowing look.

“Smart girl,” he says, finally breaking eye contact.

“You will get married.” He says it so casually that, for the first time in a long time, I laugh. I can’t hold it in. When I thought, I was finally going to get help, I didn’t know I was welcoming a clown. Oh no.

“Mr...,” I try to hold back a giggle, “whatever your name is, please, when you’re done, leave my room. I don’t have time for jokes, but I must commend you— you made me laugh so hard.”

His gaze meets mine again, and this time it’s not soft or meek. It’s intimidating and compelling. I almost shrink in fear.

“I won’t repeat myself, young lady, so listen carefully. You are to get married— but not to me.” He sends me a devilish smile before continuing, “And you’re not to tell him you’re forced to do it. Not like I’m forcing you, anyway. You have a choice.” He smirks at me. “That is, if you want to spend the rest of your life in jail.” He turns toward the door to leave.

My thoughts race as I weigh the choice before me. I know he is serious. I only have two days left in the hospital.

“Can you give me time to think about it?” I ask.

He turns to look at me. “You don’t have time, you know.”

“I know,” I reply, and just as he reaches for the door handle, a question pops into my head.

“Can I at least know the name of the man I’m considering a marriage with?” I ask. His hand moves to the door handle, and I’m left staring at his back.

“Alexander Reid,” he says.

My eyes nearly pop out in disbelief. This is impossible.