Shock washed all over both faces, Acker stood there transfixed, not knowing what to say or how to react.
He was dressed in a loose sweat shirt and pants.
Mr Red had a look, an all knowing look, he had his own alterior motives.
The maid led Acker past Rosey upstairs to rest up in his room, four bodyguards followed closely behind not willing to let him get a moment of freedom.
Lily noticed the tension between Rosey and the new guest, she had taken a look at the discovery only once.
And due to circumstances she couldn't get a good look at the man.
But now, she was certain that this was the pale lifeless man on the floor some days ago.
"Why is he here? What game is father playing?"Lily thought.
Rosey beat her to it and fearlessly walked up to her father.
"Why did you bring him here?"she asked.
His wine arrived just in time, he sat down while a maid served him the glass.
He took a sip from it and curled up his lips into a smile.
"When did you decide that bringing him here was best?"Rosey asked.
"You're pushing my buttons little red"Mr Red said. He some times called her that to ruffle up her feathers.
He pushed the glass against his lips and took another sip from the wine.
"You're testing my patience Mr Red"she said sharply.
"I had a little chat with Daniel..."hearing that name made Lily's heart shred into pieces.
She pushed Rosey aside and walked towards her father, she boldly took the glass out of his hand and dropped it on the table.
"Tell me something! Is Daniel my brother?"she suddenly asked.
Rosey wanted to shut her mouth but Lily had already said it out loud.
The maids stopped to listen attentively. They too took interest in the sudden change in plot.
Lily just let out a buried secret.
Mr Red did not have to think twice about who told that secret to Lily.
"So you finally threw your trunk card away?"he casually asked Rosey.
Lily seemedd confused for a moment. She took notice of the sudden expression on Rosey's face.
Guilt.
"I thought you'd never get tired of using this secret to get things out of me. I guess you got tired of blackmailing me...But why wait two years?"Mr Red asked.
There was a hidden meaning to his leisure tone, he was pouring fuel on a fire.
"Rosey..."
Rosey kept quiet and looked at her father who gave her an incredulous look.
"You used that secret to gain your freedom, I thought you could use this secret to get your discovery into your hands, I figured you'd do that"Mr Red said.
"So now you put the blame on me? Typical coming from you.."Lily cut Rosey off.
"Typical coming from you! You are a hypocrite, just like father is! You could have told me this secret two fucking years ago...Yet being the arse you are you didn't!
I could have spared myself the hurt and pain, but you cared about your selfish motives more"Lily blurted out.
"Let's not dwell on it any longer now, Yes, he is indeed my son and he is your brother. He doesn't know that yet"Mr Red said.
"Lily, at the time, I wanted out of this house, this family, I used that secret for my own gain I admit. But if I had sensed that...I wouldn't have ever hid it from you"Rosey defended.
She looked at her crooked father closely.
"Tell those guards off, I want to see him now"Rosey said.
Her father stared harshly at her, not liking her tone.
"You no longer can blackmail me, Lily knows it all, so watch how you address me"he said sternly.
"You forget that Daniel still has no clue on who his real father is, do you want to risk him knowing this truth?"Rosey asked and folded her arms, her gaze fixed on Mr Red.
"Stop!"Lily said dramatically.
"He is a victim here and you both are trading secrets over secrets, you're both using him for your own selfish deeds!"Lily stated out.
Rosey realised immediately what she had just said, strangely, she heard it from Lily, the least person she expected to hear something mature from.
Mr Red seemed uninterested.
"Just keep your mouth shut and things will run smoothly"Mr Red said.
He signalled the bodyguards to step aside, and Rosey ran upstairs to go see Acker.
Leaving her father and sister alone together.
"Now, tell me honestly, what hurt and pain could have been avoided if you knew the truth earlier?"Mr Red suspiciously asked.
"Am not Rosey, and I won't listen to you feed me bullshit! You both...you all deceived me and I won't take it lying down! I'll tell Daniel the truth"she said and stormed out into her room.
*********
Rosey stood in front of the door, she had her hand stretched out to open the door.
Her mind was racing with different thoughts at the moment.
She gathered courage and pulled the door handle. She walked in to see him, still the same staring oddly at the light switch.
"Acker..."she called out, her stomach churning from worry and anxiety.
He looked over his shoulder, he recognized that voice anywhere.
He stared at her for a second then flashed her a smile. It made her cheeks burn but she disregarded that.
He walked up to her, and shut the door, they were both standing dangerously close to one another.
"How is your mother?"he asked.
A huge blow to the chest.
"You haven't seen me in days and you ask about my mother!?"Rosey thought to herself.
"I sensed her"Acker added.
"Yes, she told me about it. I witnessed her struggle to locate you she was..."Rosey left her sentence hanging.
"Was?"Acker asked.
"Like you, shaking uncontrollably and..."Fear gripped her, rendering her speechless.
What she didn't expect was to be enveloped by the strong arms of Acker.
He had a minty scent which she took in, he knew better than to make physical contact with females.
But he could see how anxious and nervy Rosey was feeling and hugging her was the best option.
For a minute they both stayed like that, till the Rosey realised how close they both were.
She slowly pulled out of the hug, and stood a good distance away from him.
"Tell him, how are you? What happened to you these past few days?"Rosey asked.
Acker walked about and placed his hand on the wall.
"I was busy trying to finish what I started that night"Acker said.
Rosey didn't want to recall that dreadful night.
"I was trying to severe the link between myself and the evil one.."Acker said.
Rosey had so many things to ask him, but knew not to at the moment.
"That was why I fell into an attack, I was trying to destroy a link I had"he said.
"Did you succeed?"Rosey asked, sitting on the bed.
"Yes, I believe I did"he said and made a cute little face.
"So let's celebrate! I promised to take you shopping and I will"Rosey said.
"I must admit I missed your company"Acker said in between smiles. Rosey seemed glad to hear that.
"Just one last thing"Acker said, and sat opposite her.
"Where have you hidden my spell book?"he asked still smiling.
A/N: Double update just for you!
See you all in the next chapter!