Mariah's POV.
I stared at a corner in my room lost in thought for what felt like hours. I'm sure if there was a ghost at that corner, I'd think I could see it but would not be disappointed to find that I can't see it. It's a shame. If I could see ghosts, it might be helpful and reduce my stress and worry a little, then I wouldn't be waking up with a headache. Sure, it might be a little scary but nothing that I would be able to get over with seeing them constantly.
I was about to get up and freshen up when my phone vibrated. I turned to look at it and it was a message from an unknown number. Hesitantly, I clicked on the message and it was a picture
of approval from an email. Still staring at it, another picture popped up. It was a picture of Aiden in a royal blue suit and a black tie in his office, his face buried in the files in front of him. I knew the picture was from today because that was the exact same shit he wore this morning before leaving the house and by the cooler of his neck barely visible, you could see a red mark.
I pinched him there this morning because he was being too clingy and wouldn't leave for work despite having an important meeting this morning.
I didn't have to wrack my brain to know who it was. I sighed and was about to drop the phone when a message came in.
Unknown number: Look at him well, he'll be mine soon enough.
I could feel my veins popping up and anger running through me as I clenched my phone tightly. "Ohh, this bitch thinks she's already won but— deep breaths, deep breaths — I trust Aiden—but that doesn't mean I'm not gonna prepare in the Shadows," I said to myself, my voice almost like a whisper.
I turned to look back at the pictures and message but it had been deleted. "Smart ass bitch." I mumbled, dropping my phone on the bed and walking towards the bathroom.
—
"Hello, Mariah. What's up?" Summer's voice was surprisingly cheerful, considering our strained relationship.
I forced a casual tone. "Hey, Summer. I was just wondering if you'd like to grab lunch tomorrow. There's something I'd like to talk about."
There was a pause on the other end, and I could almost hear the gears turning in her head. "Lunch? With you?" she finally said, her tone skeptical.
"Yes," I said firmly. "I think it's time we cleared the air between us. We're family now, whether we like it or not."
Another pause, then a reluctant sigh. "Fine. Text me the time and place."
The next afternoon, I arrived at a cozy café in the city, deliberately choosing a spot that was neither too crowded nor too secluded. I wanted this meeting to remain private, but I also needed the neutral ground to avoid any unnecessary drama. Summer was already there when I arrived, scrolling through her phone with an impatient expression.
"Mariah," she greeted, her tone sharp as her eyes met mine. "Let's get this over with."
I offered her a polite smile and slid into the seat across from her. "Thank you for meeting me, Summer. I appreciate it."
She raised an eyebrow, clearly suspicious. "You're acting a little too nice and it's suspicious. What's this about?"
I took a deep breath, reminding myself to stay calm. "I want to talk about Amira."
Her eyes relaxed as she relaxed in the chair, a smug smile appearing on her lips. "I guess you've got the message. My baby girl got the job at my brother's company so what?"
I looked at her, my expression unreadable. " So what?" I repeated her words as the earlier anger came rushing back. I took in a sharp breath, "Did you know she sent me a picture of Aiden? Completely oblivious, she took the picture and…"
" Threatened to take him away?" She asked, her voice laced with mockery.
I nodded my head; realization dawned on me: she was in on it, too. Perfect. I let out a cold bitter laugh before getting up, not breaking eye contact. "Thank you for your time. See you at home, summer." I said in a dangerously calm voice before waking up, ignoring whatever it was she was saying, and walking out of the cafe.
As I stepped out of the café, the cool air hit my face, but it did nothing to soothe the fire burning within me. My hands clenched into fists at my sides as I replayed Summer's smug expression and mocking tone. She didn't even try to deny it. She was in on this.
My phone buzzed in my pocket, breaking my thoughts. I pulled it out, half-expecting another taunting message from Amira, but it was Aiden calling.
"Hey," I answered, trying to keep my voice steady.
"Hey, love," he said, his tone warm and familiar.
"Are you okay? You sound tense."
I bit my lip, debating whether to tell him everything right now. But no—this wasn't the time. Not yet. I needed to gather more evidence, something concrete that he couldn't brush off or excuse as a misunderstanding, and obviously, he knows his sister hates me for no reason, but I won't tell him just yet.
"I'm fine," I lied, forcing a smile into my voice. "Just dealing with the farm and mall thing."
He chuckled lightly. "Huh? Anything I can help with?"
"No," I said quickly, then softened my tone. "I'll handle it. You've got enough on your plate right now."
There was a pause, and I could almost hear the concern in his silence. "Alright," he finally said. "But if you need me, you know I'm just a call away."
"I know," I replied, my heart squeezing a little at the sincerity in his voice. "Thank you, Aiden."
After hanging up, I took a deep breath and stared down at my phone. Summer and Amira thought they had the upper hand, but they were underestimating me. If they wanted a game, I'd play. But this time, I'd make sure the deck was stacked in my favor.
I headed straight home, my mind racing with plans.