Threads of Deception
The third day of Aria's quiet existence rolled into the fourth, but restlessness itched under her skin. Rebirth wasn't meant to be spent in silence. It was time to expand her circle, reach beyond the golden prison that was Sebastian's mansion.
She slipped on a casual yet polished ensemble—high-waisted slacks, a cream blouse, and comfortable flats. With a quiet command, she summoned the driver, a reserved man named Oliver, who had barely exchanged words with her since she'd taken over Elena's life. He blinked in surprise when she asked to be taken to the city's historic downtown district, a far cry from the luxurious boutiques Elena used to frequent.
"Anywhere specific, Madam Hart?" Oliver asked politely.
Aria's lips curled slightly. "The community library. And after that, a little café tucked behind it. I'll give you directions."
---
The library was old, grand, and far less glamorous than any of Elena's usual haunts. But Aria felt alive among the scent of paper, knowledge, and quiet. She wasn't here just to read. She had appointments.
Her first meeting was with Marcie Trent, an independent private investigator she had contacted through her hidden identity. Marcie was lean, sharp-eyed, and blunt, the perfect contrast to the polished high society Aria had endured.
"You wanted me to run checks on the Moore family and the circumstances around your poisoning or should i say allergic reaction" Marcie started without small talk. "Preliminary findings are interesting."
Aria sipped her coffee, her posture relaxed but her ears sharp. "Go on."
" I discovered that you were
involved in several arguments with the staff, particularly one housemaid, Fiona Clarke," Marcie continued. "Digging deeper, Fiona was hired a little over a year ago, referred by an outside agency. What's interesting is the connection between Fiona and… your foster family."
Aria's heart slowed, her expression impassive though her fingers tightened around her cup.
Marcie slid a file across the table. "Fiona is from the same town as your foster parents. There's more—your foster parents' biological daughter, Julia, made several transfers to an unknown account that traced back to Fiona's handler agency."
Aria leaned forward, her eyes darkening. "You're saying my poisoning was not due to an allergic accident."
"I'm saying it was a long con," Marcie confirmed. "Slow-acting poison administered over months, hidden in daily meals, which explains your decline. And I believe Julia orchestrated it to permanently remove you from the picture "
Aria's nails bit into her palm. Her so-called family hadn't just discarded her. They killed the previous Elena.
"I want every detail," she said coldly. "And Fiona—where is she now?"
"Gone. Quit her job two weeks before the person acted up and disappeared. But I've got a few contacts on her trail," Marcie assured.
"Good. Keep digging," Aria replied, standing. "This won't end quietly."
---
Her next stop was a modest café, where she met with Nina, a former acquaintance from Elena's social circle who had since become estranged from the inner elite. Nina was gossipy, easily swayed by good company and the promise of subtle revenge against those who snubbed her.
"Everyone thinks you've gone soft," Nina giggled, sipping her latte. "But you… you've changed. You're sharper."
Aria smirked. "Maybe I've just realized which people aren't worth my time. Speaking of which, how's the Moore circle holding up?"
"Cracks everywhere," Nina whispered gleefully. "Your foster parents are trying to sell their old estate quietly. And Julia? She's been flaunting a new relationship with a rising business investor—guess who?"
Aria raised a brow.
"Bryce Valen," Nina supplied. "The same guy who wanted a merger deal with Sebastian's company but was rejected last year. Something shady is brewing there."
Aria filed the information away. "I appreciate the update, Nina. We'll be seeing more of each other."
Nina practically purred with satisfaction. "I'm counting on it."
---
By the time Aria returned home, evening shadows stretched across the estate. She found Sebastian's car already in the driveway, his return earlier than usual. Steeling herself, she walked in, fully expecting indifference. But as she stepped into the hallway, she felt his eyes on her.
Sebastian stood near the staircase, tie loosened, a glass of whiskey in hand. He looked at her from head to toe, lingering just a second longer than necessary.
"Busy day?" he asked, voice casual but eyes sharp.
Aria gave a pleasant, nonchalant smile. "I've discovered the world doesn't end beyond these gates."
He studied her, lips pressing into a flat line, but said nothing more as he turned away.
Aria ascended the stairs, her chest a battlefield of controlled rage and focused determination.
Her world was expanding, and every thread of deception was beginning to unravel. Soon, Sebastian Hart wouldn't be able to look away—not when the wife he wanted to discard became the storm he couldn't control.
And soon, Julia and her treacherous family would understand that Aria Blackwell wasn't gone—she was reborn, and she was coming for them.