As I made my way back to my room, the black card felt like it was burning a hole in my hand. I clutched it tightly, my thoughts racing. What was I going to do with this? The weight of what I'd just agreed to with Alex made me uneasy. What would he want from me? The way he'd looked at me, so calm and composed, yet with that smirk, left me on edge.
Shaking my head, I tried to push the thoughts aside. This wasn't the time to be worrying about Alex and his demands. I needed to focus on Aiden. I hadn't seen him in days, and the guilt was creeping in. I should have thought of him sooner. He was all I had, and I couldn't let my worries about Alex overshadow that.
I reached my room and sat down on the bed, the card still in my hand. What kind of gift could I get Aiden that would make up for the time we'd spent apart? A part of me wanted to just grab a simple toy or a book, something familiar to remind him of our old life, but another part of me—a bigger part—wanted to give him something special. Something that showed him I was thinking of him, even when I wasn't with him.
But I had no idea where to even begin.
I stared at the card for a while, feeling a little out of place. The idea of asking someone to help me navigate the kind of stores Alex frequented was daunting. These were places far out of my comfort zone. They weren't the secondhand shops I was used to—these were high-end, luxurious, and likely way too expensive for someone like me to even set foot in.
I thought back to what Alex had said: "Ask one of the staff to accompany you."
That would make things easier. At least I wouldn't have to wander around looking lost, unsure of what to buy or how to use the card. I stood up, feeling a bit more resolved. I'd figure it out. After all, this wasn't for me—it was for Aiden.
Heading downstairs, I found one of the maids, an older woman named Louise, who seemed friendly enough. "Could you help me with something?" I asked, hesitantly holding up the card.
Her eyes widened slightly when she saw it, but she nodded without missing a beat. "Of course, Miss Logan. What do you need?"
"I'd like to go shopping for a few things," I said. "It's... for my brother."
"Understood," she said with a smile. "I'll arrange for one of the drivers to take us to the city. There are some lovely stores I think you might like."
I felt a bit of the tension in my chest ease. "Thank you, Louise. I appreciate it."
Within the hour, we were on our way into the city, and I stared out the car window, watching as the streets became busier, the buildings taller, and the shops grander. My stomach churned with nervousness. I wasn't used to this level of luxury. Back when I lived with Aunt Clara, I was lucky to scrape together enough money for the occasional thrift-store treasure. Now, I was holding a card that could probably buy more than I ever imagined owning.
When we arrived, Louise led me to a store with gleaming windows and an entrance so grand, I felt like I didn't belong. But I kept reminding myself: this was for Aiden.
Inside, the store was overwhelming. Shelves lined with pristine toys, plushies so soft they looked like clouds, and books with gilded pages that made me feel like I was holding something sacred. I wandered through the aisles, feeling lost but determined to find the perfect gift.
Louise followed behind, offering suggestions here and there, but I wanted to choose something on my own. My eyes landed on a set of handcrafted chess pieces—polished wood, intricately carved. Aiden had always wanted to learn chess. He'd been talking about it for years but never had the chance.
This would be perfect.
I picked up the box, admiring the craftsmanship. It was far more expensive than anything I'd ever dreamed of buying for Aiden, but with the black card in my hand, I could afford it.
Next, I spotted a section of plushies, and my heart softened. Aiden might be growing up, but I knew he still loved collecting soft toys, especially ones with a unique design. I found one that was unlike any I'd seen before—a soft dragon with midnight blue scales and bright emerald eyes. It was cute but fierce, just like Aiden.
With both items in hand, I approached the counter, my heart pounding. Louise stood beside me as the cashier processed the card, and for a moment, I feared it wouldn't work. But the transaction went through without a hitch, and just like that, I had gifts for Aiden that would make him smile.
As we left the store and returned to the car, a strange mix of emotions washed over me. Gratitude, guilt, and a touch of sadness. I was thankful to have been able to get Aiden something so special, but I couldn't help but wonder what Alex would ask for in return.
The car ride back was quiet, and as we pulled up to the estate, I clutched the bag tightly in my lap. I couldn't wait to see Aiden's face when I gave him these gifts. But I also couldn't shake the unease building in the pit of my stomach.
I'd made a promise to Alex, one I wasn't sure I could keep. And no matter how much I wanted to focus on Aiden, I knew that my life was only going to get more complicated from here.