"Aunt Hailey!" Loui smiled as she ran towards her with both arms outstretched. The woman who had been standing and waiting for her crouched down, smiling. "Hi, darling."
Loui hugged Hailey tightly. She was truly happy to finally meet her aunt again after such a long time. "I missed you, Aunt."
"Really? I missed you too. How have you been during your stay in Cybertrone? Why didn't you ever let me know?" Hailey inquired.
"She's busy with school!" Aiden answered. The man, who was her brother, was preoccupied with a tablet and a large suitcase in his hands. "Hi, bro! Long time no see. How have you been?"
"As you can see, I'm fine. But I've been really busy. Since a day before I left for here, Dad has kept contacting me and talking a lot about the upcoming leadership election. I'm getting sick of it. Can you help me so that Dad stops bothering me? For now, I want to focus on Loui. Because of Dad, I haven't been able to concentrate on my daughter."
"Haha, I'll help you out. As you know, Dad is just anxious because you've been busy abroad and away from his supervision. He's worried you might disappoint him. But I know you're the right candidate for the new leadership because you're highly competent. I'll talk to Dad about this issue so that he stops bothering you."
"Thank you, you're the one I can always rely on." Aiden shifted his attention back to the tablet in his hand. He had just received a new message from his father, asking many questions. Aiden could only sigh deeply. He truly felt pressured by his father's behavior.
"Well, how about we leave from here now? You must be very tired, right?"
"Yes." Aiden nodded. Hailey then asked Jack, her driver, to assist Aiden with his suitcase. Meanwhile, Hailey was busy carrying Loui and taking her to the car. Her niece couldn't stop talking, sharing many of the experiences she had while staying in Cybertrone.
Aiden is a single parent. He raised his daughter on his own after his wife died in an accident when Loui was three years old. During that incident, he felt devastated and lost. However, a day after his wife's death, his father, Mr. Alexandrina, asked Aiden to marry the daughter of one of his colleagues. Not wanting to marry anyone again, he decided to escape to Cybertrone, claiming to start a business there. Eventually, he moved to Cybertrone, started a business, and raised his daughter. However, escaping his father's control and influence was not as easy, as Mr. Alexandrina was a very stubborn man. He only softened after Hailey persuaded him, and thanks to that, Aiden could go to Cybertrone to start a new life.
"You're not going to drop me directly at Dad's house, are you?" Aiden's words instantly shifted Hailey's attention to him. The woman who had been joking with Loui looked at him with a smile.
"There's no way I'll take you directly to Dad's house. As you know, Dad really hates loud noises. Especially the sound of young children."
"Good that you know."
"I initially planned to prepare my apartment unit for your stay, but it's been a while since I occupied it, so it would take time to clean it, especially with your sudden arrival. That's why I think it's better for you and Loui to stay at my house. There are many servants who can help you take care of Loui. Additionally, there's a spare room that you can use too."
"Okay. I appreciate you being so considerate of me and Loui."
"Of course, you're my family, and I should care for you."
"Aunt Hailey, where's Uncle Rhys? Why didn't he come to pick me up? Doesn't he miss me?" Loui's question made Hailey fall silent. She had anticipated that this would happen. Loui would surely ask about Rhys, and unfortunately, she had no idea what to answer. Hailey didn't want to disappoint Loui with the fact that Rhys prioritized work over picking up his sister-in-law and niece.
"Uncle Rhys is definitely busy working, dear. He's a busy person. So, how could he find time to pick us up at the airport?" Aiden replied.
"Really? Oh, that's a shame because I really wanted to meet him." Loui showed a sad expression. She was somewhat disappointed that Rhys didn't come to the airport to pick her up.
"Don't worry, you'll get to meet Uncle Rhys once we arrive home," Hailey tried to console her.
*
"Finally, we can meet after such a long time. I'm really thrilled that we can meet like this. How have you been?" Sophia smiled broadly as she could finally reunite with Bellatrix. It had been a long time since they gathered like this due to being too busy with their respective matters.
"As you can see, I'm doing well. I'm also very happy that we can finally meet. By the way, how's your work going?"
"Everything is going smoothly, and it's all thanks to your help. I'm really glad that you're always there to assist me."
"Hahaha, that's what friends are for. We can help each other out, right?" Bellatrix chuckled while reaching for the glass of her ordered drink. She took a slow sip. However, her attention was unintentionally drawn to something else, causing her facial expression to change drastically.
"Yes, and I wouldn't be in the position I am now without your help. Again, thank you. If you need any help, I'll be willing to assist you," she said. Bellatrix suddenly fell silent, her eyes focusing on something else. She had just seen someone who felt familiar enter the same restaurant as hers.
Why does she look like her? Could it possibly be her? But how could she dare to set foot in this country again? Anxious feelings immediately overwhelmed Bellatrix, causing cold sweat to instantly trickle down, wetting her face.
"Bella?" Sophia gently tapped her shoulder, bringing the woman in front of her back from her reverie.
"Yes?"
"What happened? Why are you suddenly silent? Is something bothering you?" The woman looked at her with a puzzled expression.
"Huh? Oh, no. It's nothing. Let's just eat." Bellatrix shifted her focus, inviting Sophia to enjoy the lunch they had ordered. While enjoying their lunch, they continued their conversation about business and their lives during their time apart. Sophia seemed engrossed in explaining everything she had experienced. Meanwhile, Bellatrix couldn't focus at all, as she was too busy observing something else. Since earlier, Bellatrix had been watching the woman she had accidentally seen. She tried to make sure that the woman sitting at the table near the window was not the one she was thinking of.
Why does my intuition say that it's really her? Bellatrix continued to stare at her until she saw the woman get up from her table and head towards the restroom. I need to make sure that I can feel more at ease.
"Sophia, excuse me for a moment. I'll be right back."
"Oh, okay."
"I'll be back soon. You go ahead and continue eating." Bellatrix got up from her seat and quickly walked towards the restroom. She had to verify everything herself.
*
Serena stepped out of one of the toilet stalls and walked towards the sink to wash her hands. Before leaving, she took a moment to fix her appearance. Once finished, Serena walked out of the restroom. However, just as she took a step, someone suddenly grabbed her hand and pushed her, causing her to collide with the restroom door, which immediately shut tightly. Serena winced slightly, holding back the pain in her wrist as the person gripped her hand forcefully.
"What did I say about setting foot in this country again?" The cold voice of a woman instantly froze Serena. The voice sounded very familiar, and Serena could never forget its icy tone. Serena looked up, locking eyes with the woman who was now glaring at her. She was immediately paralyzed upon realizing who was standing in front of her.
"You..." Serena struggled to swallow. Cold sweat and fear immediately overwhelmed her. The woman in front of her stared at Serena sharply.
"Didn't I warn you not to come back? Why did you still dare to set foot in this place?"
Serena's mind went blank. She couldn't think of anything, and panic immediately took over, making her body tremble with a pounding heart.
"Answer me, Serena!" The woman tightened her grip on Serena's wrist, causing Serena more pain.
"U-urgh..."
"WHY DO YOU STILL DARE TO SHOW YOURSELF IN THIS COUNTRY? WASN'T MY WARNING CLEAR ENOUGH? DO I HAVE TO DESTROY YOUR LIFE FIRST FOR YOU TO UNDERSTAND THE MEANING OF MY WORDS?" Bellatrix gripped Serena's jaw with her other hand, making Serena feel even more cornered.
Serena felt her tongue go completely dry in an instant. She couldn't say anything, completely paralyzed by fear and shock at seeing the woman appear before her like this. Especially in the deserted restroom with only the two of them.
"LISTEN, SERENA! I WARN YOU FOR THE LAST TIME. IF YOU DARE TO DISTURB MY LIFE AGAIN, I WON'T HESITATE TO KILL YOU WITH MY OWN HANDS!" Bellatrix emphasized each word, making Serena tremble even more, her eyes welling up with tears. Fortunately, a visitor knocked on the door, wanting to use the restroom. This forced Bellatrix to release Serena for now.
Bellatrix let go of Serena and left, leaving her sitting on the floor, crying. Her body shook violently from fear. Serena ran into one of the toilet stalls when the visitor who knocked earlier entered. There, Serena could only cry while hiding until she felt better.
Why do I have to meet her again? Serena sobbed, trying to calm herself.
***