“I kept an eye on you,” Dad says. “I just didn’t show myself.”
I gasp. “The black Mercedes.”
He nods. “And Knox.”
The latter waves two fingers my way. “Always at your service, my lady.”
Pieces start falling into place. Since Knox showed up in my life, he has always been near even when I didn’t need him to.
“You owe me, remember?” Knox winks.
I nod.
He taps the bruise at the side of his mouth. “And your green-haired friend owes me for this.”
“Kim?”
“That Xander bloke did this.” He leans in to whisper. “Your Aiden watched, by the way, then he drove off into the sunset as if he saw nothing.”
My lips part.
Truth is, I’m not surprised Aiden was involved. I suspected he had something to do with it. However, I am surprised Xander indulged in violence. He has never shown violent behaviour.
Except for that time at the cafeteria.
“He’s not her Aiden,” Dad deadpans. “He’s Aiden King, son of Jonathan King, who ruined our lives.”
I swallow, and it’s not only because of the reminder of a feud between our families.
Dad is right.
He’s not my Aiden.
Here’s the thing, Steel, you have no future with Aiden because he’s already engaged to Silver.
Jonathan’s dispassionate words scratch at my defective heart, ripping it open.
Silver was right all along — he never belonged to me.
He reduced me to playing the most loathsome, despicable role: the other woman.
Chaotic feelings claw at my chest, but I choose to tune them out.
I refuse to be dragged into that hell. Not now.
I focus on my dad. “Are you okay now?”
“I am.”
“Will there be side effects of the coma?”
“According to my physician, I’m stable.”
“But he needs to do regular checkups,” Knox chimes in. “Sort of like you.”
Tears well in my eyes at the reminder. Just like me, Dad was shot that day.
We were both victims.
Or were we really victims?
Everything is blurry and without any solution in sight.
There’s one thing I’m sure about – Dad is here. He’s not dead. He kept his promise to not leave me as Eli did.
He came back for me.
“Dad?”
“Yes, princess?”
“C-can I hug you?”
The corners of his eyes soften, and without hesitation, he opens his arms.
I dive straight in and bury my face in his chest. Dad’s arms wrap around me in a warm, soothing hug. The tears I fought since I saw him today stream down my cheeks. “You’re… Y-you’re back.”
“I promised you I would never leave you. I’m sorry I’m late, princess.”
I shake my head frantically. “You’re back.”
For what seems like forever, I continue to cry against his chest. My fingers dig into his shirt as if I’m back to being that little girl.
Daddy’s little girl.
“I’ll never leave you again. I promise.”
I hiccough into his chest, my breaths coming in and out in a frenzy.
“We’re here!” Knox shouts and then murmurs. “Thank God.”
“Are you ready to go inside our house?” Dad strokes the hair away from my face.
I pull my head from Dad’s chest and nod, but even then, a riot starts at the bottom of my stomach.
AmI ready to go into the house where I lost my childhood?
Only one way to find out.
4
Elsa
Home.
Such a strange word.
Here I am again. In Birmingham. At home.
Knox has already hopped out of the car as if his arse was on fire.
The distance from the front gate to the mansion is long. A stylish garden extends as far as the sight goes, and it’s filled with trees cut into different geometrical shapes.
A tremor shoots through my limbs as Dad and I stand in front of the mansion’s grand gate.
Two lion statues decorate the entrance, just like in my fragmented memories.
I don’t think I ever realised just how big our mansion was when I was younger. I remember the wires, the private lake, and the long runs Dad and I took within the perimeters of our property.
Our house is larger than the King’s mansion. Perhaps it’s because they’re in London while we’re far away from the city, in Birmingham.
The cloudy sky casts a gloomy shroud over the two towers standing tall on the eastern side.
A shudder runs through me at the sight, clawing at my ribcage like a prisoner needing release. There’s something about those towers, but what?
“Welcome home, princess.”
I rip my gaze from the architectural masterpiece to stare at my father. He watches me with pride and accomplishment like he wanted to bring me back here all along.
“I… I thought the whole house was burned down in the fire.”
“It was.” Nostalgia covers his gaze before it soon disappears. “It wasn’t easy, but we renovated it to make it look like before.”
“I see.”
It’s all too… surreal.
If it becomes red and foggy right now, I would know for sure it’s a dream. Maybe I’m still in Dr Khan’s office, reliving the memory of my first meeting with Aiden.
Maybe this morning never happened. Maybe Aiden isn’t engaged to Silver.
I inwardly shake my head. I won’t think about him. I won’t think about him…
Dad takes my hand and interlaces it with his arm. “Let’s go inside. You must be tired.”
My feet move of their own volition as we step into the foyer.
Marble.
That’s the first thought that jumps to mind. Marble flooring, marble stairs, and even a marble lion statue.
Wait. Is that a thing?
A middle-aged man — who resembles Robert De Niro — and two women dressed in maids outfits bow upon our entry.
I nod back awkwardly. It’s so weird to have people bow like we’re royalty. Though, from what I’ve learnt about Steel Corporation, Dad might as well be considered nobility in Birmingham.
He doesn’t seem the least bit fazed by the staff. He acknowledges them and moves along.
I’m like a lost orphan walking by his side. With my semi-wet clothes and dishevelled hair, I also look the part.
Dad and I stride into the enormous lounge area with its vaulted, golden ceilings and dazzling light. Two large lion statues decorate the sweeping marble stairs. Two tall Chinese warriors paintings stand on either side of the stairs in perfect symmetry.
Now I know where my love for old Chinese war books and philosophers comes from.
Several French windows are strategically lined throughout the lounge area, allowing a peek into the garden.
It’s exactly like in my vision.
Maybe this is a vision, too. Maybe I’m hallucinating, and my father isn’t alive.