call me when you need me

AARON POV

The polished corridors of our company headquarters stretched before me, a battleground where power and legacy clashed. My bodyguards flanked me, their presence both a shield and a reminder of the threats that loomed. The board meeting awaited—a stage for my calculated moves.

My stepsister, stepmother, and father—three adversaries—had already gathered. I despised them, but my mother's memory fueled my resolve. Crush them—I vowed silently—crush them all.

As I headed toward the elevator, my phone interrupted. The number belonged to the bodyguard I'd assigned to watch Margaret. Disguised as a taxi driver, he'd kept a distant eye on her house. 

I didn't want to pick up the call at first because I wanted to call him back after the meeting.

However, I had a bad feeling. So, I picked it up and placed the phone in my ear.

Urgency tinged his voice. Sir," he said, "someone came to the house. You'll be surprised by who it was. They were quarreling, and then Margaret collapsed. I think she fainted. That was when I drove to her house."

My pulse quickened. "Who is he?" I demanded.

"Sir, it's Lewis Connor," he replied. "I'm driving her to the company's hospital."

Lewis Connor. What connection does he still have with Margaret? Why were they quarreling? I needed answers.

I dialed Dr. Harlens, my trusted physician who took care of her the last time. "Margaret Adrian is being rushed to the hospital," I instructed. "You know what to do. I'll be there after the board meeting."

"Yes, sir," Dr. Harlens affirmed.

As the elevator doors closed, I wondered how tangled this web truly was. Lewis Connor and Margaret Adrian. I'd get my answers, even if it meant confrontation.

***********************************

The hospital room held its breath as I spoke. "If you want to thank me well," I said, my voice steady, "stay here until you give birth. You'll be given the utmost care."

Her response was a bewildered "What?" But I didn't linger—I glanced over my shoulder, taking one last look at her before walking out and closing the door.

Ace, my loyal bodyguard, approached. "Sir, do you need anything?" he asked.

I cut to the chase. "Lewis Connor is the only person you saw coming to their house, am I right?" I removed my suit jacket, holding it in my arms.

"That is right, sir," Ace confirmed.

"Let's go to that house," I said, urgency tightening my chest. "I just hope it's not what I think it is." Together, we stepped out of the hospital, my mind racing with possibilities. 

I must get my answers.

************************************

I stepped into the house, trespassing but driven by urgency. Margaret's well-being hung in the balance, and I needed answers. Upstairs, an open bedroom door beckoned, and I entered with Ace, my loyal bodyguard.

The room was in disarray, as if Margaret had been searching for something. My gaze landed on the dressing mirror table, where a small wedding frame stood. 

The single picture frame in the bedroom caught my eye. I picked it up, studying the image—a wedding picture of Lewis and Margaret smiling. Their love radiated from the photograph, but beneath it, a date was scrawled in pen—their wedding day.

My grip tightened. Lewis hadn't just hidden their marriage; he'd treated her poorly. And Jessie—the sly fox—was still close to Margaret even though she is becoming suspiciously close to Lewis Connor. 

Did she know? Could she sense the mistreatment? Why hadn't she left?

Memories of my own past surfaced—the echoes of my mother's suffering. If only she'd left early, she wouldn't have died so soon.

The abuse I watched my dad do to her when I was a kid was still fresh in my memory, like yesterday. Why do they always stay when they are treated badly?

I placed my hand on the table for support. A memory that I want to forget but at the same time I must not forget.

"Lewis," I muttered, gritting my teeth in anger.

My phone interrupted, and I took the call, exhaling to calm myself. Lewis's voice buzzed with enthusiasm.

"Hey, Aaron, I'm having a pool party today. I know you are a busy man, but you're still young. Try and make it here. Who knows, you might find your future wife here." Lewis said enthusiastically.

I clenched my fist. "Sure, I will come. But what are we celebrating?". I asked.

"Don't ruin the fun, Aaron. Come tonight to see the surprise, he said.

"Sure," I said.

"But Aaron," he paused, then continued.

"Are we still friends?" Lewis asked, and I smirked. "Of course," I replied.

As the call ended, frustration boiled over. I almost hurled my phone, but I restrained myself.

"Let's leave," I told Ace. "Back to the hospital." Margaret's secrets and Lewis's betrayal churned within me.

I've gotten the answers I needed, and I'm going to see Lewis soon.

I walked out with Ace, as we checked once more if there was any difference when we entered. 

************************************

We reached the hospital, and I walked back to Margaret's room.

Margaret's room was a quiet haven, the television casting a flickering glow. She looked up as I entered, her eyes searching.

Her question hung in the air: "Did the driver tell you where exactly I boarded the taxi?"

At this point, she still wants to hide her marriage with Lewis Connor.

I hesitated. "No," I replied. "Why would he tell me that?"

She glanced away, her voice barely audible. "You're right. There was no need to ask."

Her next words struck me. "Mr. Liam, I can't stay here. I need to go back home."

My anger flared, but I held it in. I don't blame her. "If you go home, will anyone be waiting for you?" I asked. "What I mean is, don't you live alone?"

I pulled a paper from my pocket and dropped it on the table. "Anything you need, call me," I said, walking out. The weight of secrets and emotions clung to me, but I had my own battles to fight.