As they drove toward Jake Lewis's home, Aiden was captivated by the breathtaking landscape that stretched before him.
It was a new experience for him to see such natural beauty, having spent all his life in the tranquil countryside, sparsely populated by several thousand primarily elderly residents.
His only glimpse of city life was when his mother occasionally took him to meet with his doctor. He couldn't contain his excitement and exclamation. After some time passed, he began getting sleepy and lay down on his mommy's lap to take a nap.
A few moments passed, "Mommy, are we there yet?" Little Aiden inquired kindly, his eyes drowsy. After a lengthy travel, he was eager to put his small body down on a comfortable bed.
"No, dear, not quite yet. But we ought to be there shortly. Shut your eyes and return to your sleep. I promise we'll already arrive when you wake up again."
Aiden hurriedly followed, his voice calm and kind like Emily's. He shut his eyes and quickly fell back asleep.
Mr. and Mrs. Hernandez couldn't help but notice the mist gathering in their eyes as they observed the mother and son. After four arduous years, they're finally back in Las Vegas, where they belong.
They couldn't wait to meet old Grandmother Moore. The last they heard, she lives in a facility, so there should be no issue with them visiting her anytime.
***
Mrs. Hernandez couldn't help but reminisce about the old days as they traveled the long road in an eerie quiet. Mr. Hernandez quietly sat as he gazed outside the window of the moving vehicle, thinking back to when Mr. and Mrs. Moore were still alive.
Miss Moore had been well taken care of and lived a luxurious life when her parents were still alive. However, everything changes when they move to country B to hide from her greedy relatives who want nothing but wish for her death.
Living in the countryside, they encountered only run-down or ancient houses. Even the home her benefactor provided them was a small three-bedroom with a small backyard. Luckily, little Aiden is still young and doesn't mind staying indoors.
They had seen the grandest one, of course—the Governor's residence in the capital—but it paled compared to the magnificent sight before them as they passed by luxury houses after one another.
A sense of unease crept over Mrs. Hernandez as they approached the grand entrance of what she now realized was Miss—Moore's legal guardian's opulent home.
It dawned on her that their sheltered existence had left her wholly unprepared for the world Miss Moore's legal guardian inhabited.
Mrs. Hernandez was stunned when her husband revealed that Mr. Lewis is Miss Moore's legal guardian, as per the will left by her deceased parents. Mrs. Hernandez couldn't understand what was written in the will regarding their young mistress.
Mrs Hernandez refrained from asking about Mr. Lewis's personal information.
Still, as she surveyed the surroundings, she couldn't help but feel that Mr. Lewis was immersed in a world of unimaginable wealth.
It was becoming increasingly clear that he was some conglomerate or underworld boss, which is common in Las Vegas, Nevada. But why, when they were living in Country B, didn't they provide them with better living?
As they came to a halt, Mrs. Hernandez emerged from her reverie and noticed the intricate ironwork of the gate and the lush foliage beyond.
The driver, John, leaned out of the window to swipe what appeared to be an ID card. After a brief wait, the imposing gate slowly swung open, revealing the path to a new and unfamiliar place.
Curious, Aiden, who Emily just waked up, watched intently as John swiped an ID card to open the gate.
He was about to ask a question when his mother interjected, saying, "Please hold off on your questions until we meet him. Mommy doesn't know the answer to whatever you are about to ask."
Emily could see curiosity in her son's eyes, but it would need to wait, for she had no idea what to say. She is as lost as he is.
Feeling excited and apprehensive, Aiden pondered over Emily's response before nodding in agreement.
He then resumed taking in the sights around him, trying to distract himself from his nerves.
Eventually, after an endless journey, the car arrived at its destination. It stopped in front of a grand, imposing door.
A sharp-dressed butler and a group of around ten individuals, all clad in matching uniforms, stood poised and expectant, ready to receive them as they slowly alighted from the car.
As James sat in the front passenger seat, he swiftly unbuckled his seatbelt and exited the car. Approaching the backseat, he urgently opened the door before turning to everyone inside.
"Miss, we've arrived at our destination. Please allow me to assist you," he said, maintaining a composed and respectful demeanor as he extended his hand to help Emily out of the car.
"Thank you!" Emily said, smiling shyly and showing gratitude as she accepted the bodyguard's helping hand, who then extended his arm to assist Aiden out of the car.
As Aiden stepped out, he stretched his tired body, feeling the fatigue from the long journey.
His movements were slow and deliberate, a stark contrast to the urgency of the situation.
Emily turned her attention to everyone who stood patiently, waiting for her to gather and escort them into the house.
Straightening her posture, Emily smoothed out a speck of non-existent dirt on her clothes before finally speaking, her voice carrying a mix of weariness and determination.
"Do or Die, I will live my life to the fullest until the day…"
Her words trailed off as she noticed the king of hell, the 'Devil' himself, hovering ominously in the doorway, his piercing stare locked on her and her son Aiden... A lovely, stunning woman stood beside him, a menacing atmosphere emanating from her heavily made-up face.
***
Mrs. Hernandez moved closer to Emily to whisper. "Isn't that the upcoming actress linked to Mr. Lewis? It said that she's his fiancee."
"Ah, she's beautiful. I can see why." She responded casually.
"They've been dating for four years already, but there hasn't been a marriage announcement since Mr. Lewis's Grandfather seems to be against their relationship." Mrs. Hernandez added.
What bothers Mrs. Hernandez more is how the woman gave Emily a piercing gaze and didn't even bother greeting them when they arrived.
The same goes for the cold benefactor; the way he looked at Emily and Aiden, and the disdain in his eyes and features, was scary.
Jake Lewis aggressively stared at Emily and Aiden without greeting them. He just walked past them and left without acknowledging them.
That was odd.
Emily couldn't comprehend the penetrating look directed at her and Aiden and the unpleasant reunion, which caused her to be concerned.
If they were not welcome in his home, she could always find them their own home, which she planned on doing first thing in the morning.
As they entered the house, the butler and his entourage saw what happened, which earned Emily a disdainful look.
Mr. and Mrs. Hernandez were given a guest house in the back, while she and Aiden got separate rooms on the second level. Mr. Lewis occupied the entire third level, and they were told they could not go there at any time.
***
Emily had just finished showering and was dressed in much more comfortable clothes when she heard a faint knock on her door.
"It's open; come in!" She yelled out from the bathroom, where she was drying her long, brown hair. She was taken aback when she saw who had entered.
"We need to talk. Follow me to the study." Jake's authoritative tone made it clear that the study was about an important matter, and she should follow. He then turned around and left without checking if she was behind him.
Confused and stunned momentarily, Emily came to her senses, quickly unplugged the hair dryer, and hurriedly followed Jake. She doesn't know her way around and might get lost if she doesn't hurry.
With Mrs. Hernandez and Aiden coming in from the garden, Aiden saw them and ran to his mother excitedly.
"Mommy!!! You should've joined us outside in the garden. There are so many gorgeous flowers..." Aiden stopped and remained still, staring at Jake, who was staring at his mother for no apparent reason.
Feeling protective of his mother, he kicks Jake's legs. "Why are you being so mean? Why are you looking at my mommy that way?"
His face was gloomy, with furrowed brows and two hands on his waist, waiting for Jake to respond...~~~