Following the funeral, Miley and her two brothers along with the young ones gathered to reminisce and converse in a matter long forgotten,as lately, being together as a family had become a rarity.
For reasons unknown, Nathan and Aiden had barely spoken to one another, but now, bygones were bygones.
Nathan: " it's been ages since I've seen you. How long now have you been growing out your hair?"
Miley: " well, I had to do it so Kiara wouldn't chop of her's in the same length like mine"
Nathan: " what do you mean she wanted to cut of her hair?"
Aiden: " she actually did it. I'll never forget Miley's shocked expression, and how much our Dad had laughed seeing her clenching piles of her strands, a year ago, right?"
Miley: " Please don't remind me. Kiara was convinced that if Jaden and I had short hair, so should she."
Nathan: " so, you grew out the length of your hair for her?"
Miley: " Yes I promised her neither of us would cut our hair from then on..."
It was quite amazing yet, on that day my concern was real. She had cut it extremely short, the worst part being dad's laughter; he kept calling her a handsome knight. it was his idea one of us to grow our hair a bit longer, and I drew the short straw. I'm still not used to it especially after keeping it short for so long.
Nathan: " You look beautiful,it really suits you."
Miley: "I'll go tuck Kiara in,if you will excuse me,"— she got up swiftly, recalling the last time she spoke to Nathan when he confessed his affection. though Miley was clear about not having any romantic interest, and certainly not being able to see him as anything but a sibling, dealing with her insinuations was tough. Her focus was on her children.
...
Miley POV
Months have gone by since our father's passing, and it remains a challenge to adopt his absence. As per his wishes, we,his children, took over all his businesses. I continue to manage national ones, as I did during his lifetime, but this time I did not foresee.
" Aiden? what a surprise!"
Aiden: " Regrettably, I'm a bearer of bad tidings."
" what's the matter?"
Aiden: " Our American liaison sent this over,"— Taking the papers from Aiden, they made no sense to me.
" This can't be right. I reviewed the prior months report myself— the figures were much higher. Tell him to redo it".
Aiden: " This is the third iteration, Miley . we need you there— this oversight isn't recent, I am certain.
" Return to Lily rose city? I can't"
Aiden: " I know it wasn't in your plans, and it might be tough for you, but Nathan and I are overwhelmed by this as it is. You're the only one who can handle it."
I knew this. They're busy with all the trips, running every enterprise I couldn't. it was predictable— in dad's absence, the businesses at Lilyrose would be chaos. But amidst all the companies embezzling from Hales, there were the Gilbert's. To deal with the Lilyrose operations, I'd need to work through our main office at Pierce enterprise, our most prominent partner and ally.
Retuning there meant facing everyone who turned their backs and inflicted pain on me. I'm not ready for that.
" I want to help, truly wish to repay this family for all it's done for me, but going back there... I cannot."
Aiden: " You can, Miley. That and more. But tell me, how long will you run?— perhaps he's right, I just flee and hide. Yet, I find peace in them believing am dead, not drawing their attention towards me again."
" I'm sorry."
Aiden: " You know, years ago dad saved Nathan too. he'd been sold to be a fighter; he was aggressive and untrusting, only relying on himself. Eventually, dad got him to open up to us, and since then, no one watched over us more."
" He was an exceptional man."
Aiden: " He was. My brother and I were lucky to be his sons. But what I'm trying to tell you is, since dad brought you in, you've not been alone; Nathan , me and the might of the Hale's family are with you. So if you cross paths with your old family, or the damn man who hurt you, crush them underfoot. Nobody can tell you otherwise or stop you, for ours is the mightiest family." — Aiden's words held Truth, but I hadn't expected to hear such from him, almost as it he was granting me a chance for vengeance or justice. In a way, he's right, I have no reason to fear them, they should fear me.
" Thanks, Aiden, alright I'll go."
Aiden: " that's the spirit. I'm counting on you, sister."
" Aiden, what's going on between Nathan and you? you've grown apart again, I thought..."
Aiden: " Don't worry; it's trivial— we'll sort it out."
" okay, I'll start preparing for my stay in Lilyrose city."
Aiden: " Don't fret about that. we've selected individuals to ensure your and the twins safety, and the safest property for your stay has been chosen."
" you've thought of everything. were you that certain I wouldn't refuse?"
Aiden: " No , it's that I trust you, and I trust my judgement."
" In that, you greatly resemble dad, knowing just what to say to make others act as you wish. There's no doubt you're his son."
Aiden: " At least I can say I learned well"
" The twins are about to be dismissed from school ,will you join me in fetching them?"
Aiden: " Certainly, I have a trip to Tokyo today and want to say goodbye."
" We won't be seeing each other for a while, then."
Aiden: " What are you talking about? I wouldn't miss my nephew and niece's birthday,"— indeed, they never missed a festivity. This year we'll miss Dad; he always had the best gift and party ideas.
Aiden: " I will also travel whenever I can breakaway."
"We'll look forward to welcoming you."
After fetching the twins, we dined out at a restaurant, bid my brother farewell, and now,two weeks later, we're heading to Lilyrose city on a jet provided by the Hale's family.
Upon landing, a man in a crisp black suit step forward.
" Good afternoon, Miss Hale, my name is Dave, I am tasked with your safety and that of the young prince and princess." Hearing that term was nostalgic; in dad's employ, Kiara and Jaden were always referred to in such a manner by staff— they indeed played their prince and princess roles well.
" Thank you very much! I'm depending on you." — Jaden woke almost instantly ,so I had to carry Kiara to the car.
Six more men awaited below.
Dave: These men comprise the security team, dedicated to you and the children, all experienced and highly trained men and women."— I appreciate Aiden's gesture; since the incident, besides Nathan,dad and Aiden, no other men presence has been bearable. Their sheer presence unsettles me, as if my essence repels them, an unbearable sensation. Now, I must atleast try to deal with it.
Dave: " Four will be responsible for the prince and princess security, and two plus myself for yours."
" Please take care of my children."
Dave: " Of course, Miss Hale."
.
We arrived at the palatial home, it's vastness and design identical to our previous
abode, down to the twins play areas, their rooms, the decor, the kitchen. Even our personal treasure were thoughtfully placed— Aiden had gone to great lengths to make us feel at home. He is a wonderful brother.