Chapter 14: The Osgood's
1196 Words
As they reached the floor, two rooms awaited them. The space was peaceful and calm, but Anna’s mood was noticeably low. They entered one of the rooms, which was empty except for a luxurious table set in the middle. Two chairs were placed elegantly, and a simple rose rested on the table with scattered petals across the pristine white floor.
The room was opulent, gilded with gold, and designed by world-renowned architects. It exuded elegance and exclusivity. A man standing by the table bowed in respect as they entered. “Welcome, Master and Miss,” he greeted them.
Aaron didn’t respond, merely nodding in acknowledgment. Anna, however, smiled softly and said, “Thank you.”
Aaron pulled out a chair for her and then poured them both glasses of champagne from a golden bottle in an ice bucket. The label read “Dom Pérignon.” He began to explain the champagne’s history, which fascinated Anna, who had always appreciated art and literature. As he finished, he handed them the menu.
Aaron simply said, “As usual.”
The man bowed once more and then left them to decide. Aaron turned to Anna, his gaze thoughtful. “Can I help?”
Her surprise was clear. “Yes, I don’t know what to choose."" It’s all so strange to me,” she admitted.
“Take your time,” Aaron replied with a reassuring smile. “I’m sure he’ll be happy to return later to take your order.” He took a sip of his wine, watching her. The man nodded in agreement before exiting the room.
Unbeknownst to Anna, the man serving them was enduring a punishment for his past actions in another world—a punishment meant to set an example to deter others from similar wrongdoings.
The soft strains of classical music began to fill the air as a group of artists started to play. Anna sighed, her emotions getting the better of her. “Wow, Aaron… thank you. This… this place is unbelievable. I can’t even find the words. I’ve never been to anywhere like this.”
Aaron smiled, but there was a hint of something deeper in his eyes. Anna continued, more contemplatively, “You know my parents… and how I live—”
“No,” Aaron interrupted gently. “Let’s save that for another time." Thank you for helping me, for giving me a job. But there’s something I need to know. Why can’t I remember? And who was that man in black and red? You must know everyone here, but he… he seems to know me. Yet I don’t know him.”
Aaron was taken aback by the barrage of questions. He hesitated, unsure whether to reveal the truth. His mind raced, weighing the risks. Finally, he said, “Calm down. You will get your answers, but please, let’s eat.”
With a simple command, Aaron ordered for her, and they ate in silence, neither of them willing to break it.
After the meal, Aaron extended an invitation to dance. The atmosphere had been perfect, but Aaron’s mind was still preoccupied with the man in black. Seeing him with Louise had only deepened his suspicions.
The orchestra played softly as Aaron led Anna onto the dance floor. Their movements were in sync, but Anna’s frustration soon bubbled to the surface.
“So, when are you going to tell me?” she asked, her voice tinged with impatience. “I’ve been patient, but this is getting ridiculous.”
“Be patient, little princess,” Aaron said, guiding her through the dance.
“I have been patient,” she replied, suppressing the anger building inside. “You keep dodging my questions." Why do you help me? A man like you—so well-off—getting involved with a girl like me. There’s got to be something else going on. Every time I try to talk to you, I end up in a completely different position. "I know something’s happening, but you won’t tell me!”
Aaron stopped dancing abruptly, his hands releasing hers. Her frustration was palpable, and she stormed toward the table to gather her things.
He followed, his hand gently yet firmly grasping hers before she could leave. “If you don’t stop now, I’m going to have to restrain you, Anna. You’re not seeing the bigger picture. When the time comes, you will have the answers. But telling you now would put you in danger.”
His tone was stern, his patience running thin. “Stop acting like a spoiled child. You need to start acting like a mature woman.”
Anna stood frozen, speechless. She wasn’t sure how to respond to his harsh words, but they cut deeper than she expected.
“I want to go back,” she said softly, defeated.
Deep down, Anna couldn’t explain why she trusted him, but she did. He had taken care of her, and perhaps she could use this opportunity to secure a future for herself and her mother.
⸻
The ride home was very silent. The road was empty, and the city had quieted down as it neared past midnight. When they finally reached the house, Anna left the car quickly, her anger seemingly dissipated. She went straight to her room, took a hot shower, and lay in bed, reflecting on everything that had happened to her recently. Her mind swirled with questions, but exhaustion soon overcame her, and she fell asleep.
⸻
Meanwhile, Aaron, being a supernatural being, wasn’t burdened by fatigue, but even he eventually made his way to bed. He opened his cupboard and concocted a special solution, allowing his body to leave the physical realm. He focused his mind on the Osgood property, and in an instant, he arrived there.
The Osgood estate was one of the oldest in the area. Aaron tried to purchase it, but the family refused. He had planned to use the neighboring houses to house his guards, ensuring his safety from any potential threats.
As he wandered the property, Aaron noticed that the house appeared empty, but there was a car parked outside, indicating someone was inside. He searched the estate and found a woman in a room on the fourth floor, speaking on the phone.
“Yes, he’s back,” she said to the receiver. From the corner of his eye, Aaron noticed a telescope aimed at his own home. Someone had been watching him, he thought to himself. But who are they? And where are the Osgoods?
The woman continued speaking on the phone. “I gave them another dose of the sedative. They should be heading to the hospital soon. "We can’t keep doing this.” She paused before asking, “Are you sure they saw you with him?”
Aaron’s suspicions deepened. He had to find out what was going on before it was too late.
After ending the call, the woman moved down the hallway and entered a white-painted room. Inside were the Osgoods—both of them, their nurse, and their loyal servant, Marian.
Aaron’s anger flared as he watched the scene unfold. The Osgoods had always been kind, and something had to be done. Quickly.
- Writer
