Chapter 448
At that moment, Orlando was torn about Aria. In his eyes, she absolutely had to pay for Sara’s death–yet she saved Rachel.
Rachel also wanted to stay with Aria.
Things were getting trickier.
Rachel stared straight ahead. “You want to harm Aria, so does Olivia. If I volunteer to go to her side, you have no reason to refuse.”
“Orlando, you need to figure something out. Or else… I’ll side with Olivia.”
Just then, the light turned red. Orlando slammed on the brakes and whipped his head around to stare at her in shock. “Are you threatening me?”
She said, “I’m just fighting for my own way out. If I find it, I live. If not, I die.”
Having stared death in the face, Rachel refused to simply exist–she was determined to fight for her own survival.
Orlando tightened his grip on the steering wheel. After a long pause, he sighed. “I’ll figure something out.”
Back home, Owen handed his phone to Aria. “I’ll handle dinner,” he said.
“Okay.” Aria nodded.
After Lily went to shower, Aria fetched a bottle of pills from her room. Once Lily was ready, Aria handed them her and said gently, “Take one before bed.”
Lily took the pill and, without thinking, hugged Aria. “I’m so sorry, Aria.”
Aria gently stroked her head and said, “What are you apologizing for? You’ve done nothing wrong.”
Lily said softly, “I lied to you.”
When Rachel reached out, Lily sensed something was off, but she decided to keep the appointment and take the chance.
Somehow, she just knew Rachel wouldn’t hurt her.
Since Aria saved her, she wanted to help Rachel too.
“Sweetie,” Aria said cheerfully. “If you hadn’t gone to see Rachel, none of us would have known she was suicidal. With the SATS coming up, something like this could have affected so many people at school.”
“Besides, Rachel is like family to me. By saving her, you helped me and did Larkridge High School a huge favor.”
Lily looked up hopefully, “Really?”
Aria smiled and said gently, “Really, you did great. You’re such a kind–hearted girl.”
Lily felt all the tension melt away. “Aria, mind if I call Rachel?” she asked.
Aria smiled indulgently. “You two are close friends. Of course you should talk. Go on.”
Lily went back to her room.
Aria watched Lily’s retreating figure. Her smile slowly faded. Sinking into the sofa, she let out a quiet sigh, Rachel’s haunted eyes lingering in her mind.
She never imagined Rachel was Pearl.
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Chapter 448
Olivia… the Wolfshade Syndicate….
Aria thought it was time to talk this through with Russell.
After dinner, Aria kept Lily company until nine. “Time for bed?” she asked.
“Guess it’s bedtime. Good night, Aria,” Lily said.
Lily paused at her bedroom door, then suddenly turned around, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. “Aria, are you with Owen?”
Aria smiled softly. “Yes.”
“Am I the first to know?” asked Lily.
“Yeah, you are,” Aria said with a smile.
“Wow!” Lily exclaimed, her excitement showing. “So you two were dating in secret all along? Now I can finally enjoy Owen’s cooking without feeling guilty!”
Seeing that Lily still had time for chitchat, Aria felt relieved and smiled. “Go ahead and eat your fill,” she said indulgently.
Lily grinned and waved. “Alright, I’m off to bed
now.
Night, Aria!”
Aria smiled. “Good night.”
Lily skipped into her room, her back completely carefree.
Aria couldn’t help but smile as the thought came to her.
‘How could I forget? This girl witnessed me kill someone when she was just a kid–no wonder she’s got nerves of steel.‘
After showering, Aria turned her back to the mirror and caught sight of the scars there. The image brought Rachel’s facial scar to mind, and she paused in contemplation. Wrapping a towel around herself, she stepped out of the room.
She had just picked up the ointment when her phone buzzed.
[Still awake? Just remembered something I need to talk
you about.]
Aria texted, [Come straight to my room–need your help with something. Lily’s asleep, so keep it down.]
The scar was on her back–always a pain to reach when applying ointment herself. Since Owen was coming over, she might as well have him help.
