Page 70 of Darkest Deception

Of course, Remo has the best security around his home. He is the centre of the socialite circle. It’s exactly why Dad wanted Aurora married to him.

He didn’t want me married to Remo in case he didn’t let me work after the marriage, and Dad needed me to help him with running Glamorous, and then that night, at the dinner when I was supposed to win him over, he requested to be tied to Aurora.

And what Remo wants, he gets. That man rules London with an iron fist and silent looks.

Dad granted him his wish, and I sagged in relief only to realise my younger sister would be at the mercy of the cold, ruthless man.

I tried to get her to work for Dad so I could look after her that way. I wanted her to know she had a safety net with me, but she was stubborn and wanted to do things her way. I let her be.

Whenever Dad visited her events, went to her office, I trailed behind to make sure he didn’t do anything to her, played right into his act while keeping an eye out for Aurora.

I did so much for her, and I don’t expect her to forgive me, but at least, she is happy.

“I miss you,” I whisper into the night, watching the lights in the house, the cold night’s wind ruffling my hair.

I tuck it behind my ear, my eyes dropping to my lap as I sit on the edge of the road. It’s secluded, hidden from the cars driving down the road.

“I got you a beautiful pink diamond necklace. It has smaller diamonds surrounding it. It will look absolutely beautiful on you. It’s your favourite colour too, pink,” I whisper, trying to fill the void in my chest.

“You are turning thirty, and soon I will be thirty-one. How crazy has life been? It’s moving so fast that your gifts are piling in my closet.” A laugh slips out of me at a memory of us.

“Remember when you wanted to go out to this one fashion show because of how obsessed you were with them? I had to use Dad’s name to get us both tickets. We kept running away from photographers in the show to avoid getting recognised, and we kept giggling about it.” I shake my head, my lips pulling into a faint smile.

“I made almost all your wishes come true just to see you smile.” My smile falls, and darkness seeps through me.

“And then a few years later, I lost it all the minute I pushed you away.” I clear my throat, looking at my well-manicured nails, the nude colour clean and fresh.

“Are you talking to yourself?”

I jump up, a yelp leaving my lips. I look up and see someone walking towards me. They are smoking but drop the cigarette to the ground and step over the butt.

He takes one step closer, and my mouth drops open as I try to form an excuse as to why I am here.

Then I notice Blaze sitting on his shoulder, tilting his head, watching me.

“Would you look at that? Ambrose is now going crazy,” Helia muses, slowly bending down and sitting next to me as if we are at some park and he wants to chat with an old pal.

I go to get up, my cheeks flushing with embarrassment, but Helia’s hand stops me.

He is still looking forward, his eyes not moving away from Remo’s house.

“Stay.”

Something about it pulls at my heart. I feel it snatch my safety and yet… I don’t want to leave.

So I stay.

A minute of silence passes between us. I feel Helia’s hot, unwavering gaze on the side of my face, but I don’t look at him, too busy trying to keep myself from giving him any ammunition against me.

He shouldn’t want to be here with me.

He should hate me.

Hate me, Helia.

Hate me so I don’t hope for anything.

You have to hate me.

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