In the dimly lit prison cell, Esme's heart raced as she identified the figures before her. The man in the wheelchair sat with a quiet dignity, his three-piece suit impeccably tailored despite the harsh surroundings.
His wristwatch glinted softly in the sparse light, and his polished shoes whispered against the cold stone floor.
Standing steadfastly behind him was the other brother, his brown suit sharply cut, his stance a silent assertion of strength. The Aron brothers.
They were legends in their own right, known for their unwavering defiance against the once-dominant Valhalla family. It was their father, the late head of the Aron clan, whose sudden passing a year ago had shifted the precarious balance of power.
Despite the tragedy, the brothers had managed to keep their family afloat, albeit barely. Their resilience had thwarted the Valhalla family's attempts to seize control during a time of vulnerability.
The Aron brothers. Born as mers, they were never eligible to inherit the Aron group's vast properties, a fact that had invited trouble from the moment they came of age.
The old geezers within the family had seen an opportunity in this limitation, scheming to marry the brothers off as sons-in-law to eventually take control of the Aron assets.
Yet, the brothers fought back, rejecting each attempt with a fierce tenacity that spoke volumes of their resilience and unity.Eight months ago, the tension escalated to a deadly level.
Unable to control the indomitable brothers through manipulation or coercion, the elders resorted to violence. The attack on Ray Aron was meant to be fatal.
As he traveled for a contract-related work, his car was ambushed. The crash was devastating, and he was left clinging to life. But his younger brother, a skilled doctor, managed to save him, arriving just in time to prevent the worst.
Despite his efforts, the injuries were too severe for a full recovery, leaving Ray crippled and confined to a wheelchair.
Even Esme had met them a few times when Madam Aron, the head of the family, was alive. Esme really respected that woman; though they were rivals, the truth was there were many things she had learned from Madam Aron.
Esme recalled the first time they met, Madam Aron had a commanding presence—her eyes sharp, yet there was a warmth in them that drew people in. Esme admired her wisdom and the effortless grace with which she carried herself.
Madam Aron was a wise yet sharp woman, known for her keen intellect and strategic mind. But what Esme liked the most about her was her loyalty.
In a society where it was common and perfectly legal for successful women to marry multiple mers, Madam Aron was different. She was a woman who had spent her entire life with only one mer, her one and only husband.
Esme remembered the way Madam Aron spoke about him, her voice softening, her eyes taking on a distant, fond look.
The love and devotion she had for him were evident in every word, every gesture. It was a rare and beautiful thing, Esme thought, to see such unwavering commitment.
There were moments when Esme found herself comparing her own life to Madam Aron's. Despite the rivalry, she couldn't help but feel a pang of envy and a deep respect for the path Madam Aron had chosen.
Esme's heart ached with the memories of those meetings, the profound discussions they had, and the silent understanding that grew between them over time.
Madam Aron's influence lingered in Esme's thoughts, a reminder of what true loyalty and love looked like.
She could still see her, standing tall and proud, her presence commanding respect, yet her loyalty to her husband speaking volumes about the kind of woman she was.
It was a legacy that Esme held close to her heart, one that she aspired to honor in her own way.
Even amidst an era where mer children were often viewed as financial liabilities, Madam Aron defied convention. Esme remembered the strength in Madam Aron's conviction, her determination unwavering despite societal pressures.
The head of the family had birthed five mers, all sons, yet never once did she consider remarrying. This choice, uncommon and bold, spoke volumes about Madam Aron's character.
Esme recalled the conversations she had with Madam Aron, where the matriarch shared her unconventional teachings.
While others focused on teaching mers how to please their wives, Madam Aron imparted lessons in business acumen and intellectual pursuits.
She believed in equipping her sons with skills that transcended domestic duties, preparing them for success in the broader world.
In Esme's memory, Madam Aron's voice echoed with authority, her eyes reflecting a deep-seated belief in her principles. She stood firm against the elders' pressures, her stance a quiet rebellion against societal norms.
Esme admired her for this—admired the way Madam Aron prioritized education and personal growth over conforming to expectations.
There were moments during those discussions when Esme glimpsed the maternal pride in Madam Aron's eyes.
It was evident when she spoke of her sons—Ray Aron, the shrewd businessman; Kai Aron, the promising lawyer; Ryan Aron, the talented doctor.
The names of the other two sons escaped Esme momentarily, lost in the fog of her own physical discomfort.
Yet, Madam Aron's legacy remained crystal clear—a testament to love, loyalty, and a fierce dedication to breaking societal barriers.
Esme carried those memories with her, a reminder that true strength lies not in conformity, but in the courage to chart one's own path.
Snap snap
Esme, lost in her thoughts, was jolted back to reality by a sudden snapping sound. Her gaze snapped straight ahead, meeting Ray's indifferent stare. His raised hand seemed almost dismissive, treating her as he would any subordinate. Yet, within Esme, a rush of unexpected excitement surged.
For the first time, someone looked at her with the same detachment she often reserved for others.
It stirred conflicting emotions within her—a mix of thrill and a subtle pang of recognition. Despite the turmoil beneath the surface, she maintained a composed exterior, her expression calm and collected.
As Ray's gaze lingered, Esme subtly adjusted her posture, a small movement that spoke volumes of her inner struggle.
Her eyes, usually bright and engaging, now mirrored Ray's distant demeanor, concealing the whirlwind of feelings unleashed by his gaze.
It was a moment that subtly shifted the dynamics between them, leaving Esme grappling with newfound perceptions and unspoken implications.