Seeing that her sister was already moving towards her, Mira slowed down, her pouty pink lips pursed.
"Did you manage to buy off the contract?" she asked with alarm. She glanced through the door to the study at the tall dude in there, holding a book in hand, pretending to be reading.
She frowned seeing this, but didn't really think much of it. Of course, Mira knew about the marriage contract and how it was a clause in the will. However, Aria had only told her she would buy the contract off by negotiating with Mr. Delacroix today.
But now seeing a strange man in her house, being in the study with her sister, Mira didn't know what to think of it all. She had a thought in mind, but she dare not voice it out.
Aria's throat tightened. She pressed her lips together as she looked about, thinking of ways to tell Mira there's been a change in plan."Come with me." She pulled Mira gently aside to the staircase, out of earshot from Kain.
They stood just beside the stairwell, the cool light casting soft shadows on Mira's concerned face.
"Things didn't work out, Mira. I–" Aria tried to say, but she got stuck in her statement.
" Don't tell me you actually signed it," Mira whispered after having confirmed her suspicion. Aria would never have pulled her to the side of this wasn't the case. "You really did it."
The realization set in, seeing the look on Aria's face. A part of her was still unwilling to believe it, until Aria gave a small nod.
Mira touched her arm, shock and hurt evident on her face. " I didn't want for you to go through with this. I… I thought we discussed that you'd find another way?" Aria didn't have to marry herself off.
"There wasn't one," Aria said. "Mr. Delacroix was pressing, he wouldn't listen. Mr. Harrows suggested we go through with it, I didn't want the assets lost."
Mira looked down, sad and guilty, "I'm sorry, Aria. I should have–"
"You're not the one who had to be," Aria said, gently cutting her off. "You still have a future that's yours. You still have dreams. I couldn't let a flimsy marriage trap you. Besides, it's only for five years. After that I'd be free from it." She reached to cup Mira's face as she consoled. Her little sister had always been this sensitive.
There was a long pause as both sisters stared into each other's eyes, both sharing in their hurt for the other.
Shortly after, Mira's voice lowered as she quipped, " That guy in there, is that...him? I feel like I've seen him before in school. Does he attend my uni?"
Aria's lips pressed into a thin line. This was the part where her guilt lies. However, she maintained her calm and answered honestly, " Yes, he also attends Montegory college. I didn't really know anything about him until today." She didn't say more than that. The fact that she couldn't tell Mira the truth about him being her blackmailer hurt more than anything, but it was a necessary lie that had to be told.
Mira frowned. "It's strange. He looked right at me just now but didn't say a word." she expected that they at least exchange pleasantries.
"That's probably for the best," Aria said quickly, cutting her off before she would ask another question. She then added more gently, "There's something you should know."
Mira looked up.
" About the blackmail," Aria continued, lowering her voice. "It's gone now. Daniel helped out with everything. He pulled a few strings and got it buried. Whoever it was, they won't be bothering you again."
Mira's eyes welled with tears. "You… you really fixed it?"
"Of course, I handled it," Aria said with a faint smile. "Just like always."
" Thank you. Thank heavens I have you Aria. I don't have to miss mom and dad with you around." Mira flung her arms around her, and Aria hugged her back tightly, willing herself not to crumble.
Mira's words just now struck a chord in her. She was all Mira depended on. She was all the poor little girl had, ever since their parents' death.
Yet, Aria felt like she'd only done nothing but betray Mira's trust in her getting married to Kain.
Was she being selfish or selfless?
Regardless, Aria didn't quiet about how the man in the study of her house right now was exactly the very person behind Mira's blackmail.
She couldn't.
Not when the damage was already done. Not when she'd gotten married to him!
It was her decision, one that she was forced to make. But even at that, she had to bear the weight of it.
Mira broke the hug a while after, rushing upstairs to her room saying she needed to call and thank Daniel for his aid.
Aria watched her leave before sauntering into the kitchen, almost forgetting there was someone else in their home.
The whole situation had her burnt out. She needed a coffee and was going to make herself some.
Aria grabbed the electric kettle and filled it. Waiting for the water inside to boil, her fingertips traced the edge of her favorite mug that she'd grabbed on her way in.
She stared in a daze at the window covered by a white transparent curtain that fluttered in the soft-blowing wind.
A subtle, persistent tension buzzed in her chest like something left unfinished, like a wrong puzzle piece forced into place.
" I meant to ask..."
The sudden voice startled her and Aria almost jumped out of her skin. She quickly turned, and behind her stood Kain.
Kain, in his ripped jean pants and faded T-shirt just as when he'd first walked into the study, was not unlike a college-boy.
His thick eyebrows furrowed in concern mirrored in his dark iris and sharp face.
"For the love of God, don't sneak up on me like that!" Aria almost screamed, she was beginning to lose her mind with Kain.