Hidden Secrets

“Go and do something. Don’t let him come here until then. I’m going inside to find out what this fuss is all about. Go fast.” Aria’s eyes plead with me, desperation lacing her voice as she closes the door swiftly, not giving me a chance to say another word.

“But what will I say to him?” I ask, my mind already racing with questions.

“Anything. I believe in you. Don’t worry, he won’t harm you,” she says with a soft smile, though a shadow of worry lingers in her eyes.

I had no other choice. I ran upstairs, my heart pounding in my chest as I desperately tried to think of a reason for being there when Remo could appear at any moment. My thoughts were a whirlpool of confusion and fear, still trying to make sense of the strange tension in the house.

As I sprint toward my room, the last thing I expect is to collide with a solid wall of muscle. My body jerks forward, but before I can tumble to the floor, a strong hand grips my waist, steadying me.

I look up and meet a pair of ocean-blue eyes, narrowing with suspicion.

“What are you doing here?” Remo’s voice is low, dangerous, laced with an unreadable edge.

Pressure builds in my chest, and I know I need to stay calm. If there’s one thing I’ve learned in the past 24 hours, it’s that Remo Brock doesn’t take kindly to intrusion. But I have to buy time—I need to divert his attention.

“Who are you to ask me that?” I blurt out, my voice shaking with frustration. “Who are you to tie me up like some animal? Just because you’re Aria’s brother doesn’t mean you have the right to control me. If she hadn’t come to my room and untied me, I would have been stuck there all night.”

I hadn’t meant for the words to spill out like that, but I needed a distraction. I had to keep him occupied, keep him questioning everything but my presence in this hallway.

Remo’s gaze darkens. “You still haven’t answered my question. What are you doing here so late?”

He isn’t backing down, and neither am I. His anger is palpable, but I can feel his curiosity, too. I need to give him a reason that makes sense, something that will sidetrack him long enough for Aria to return.

“I was looking for your room,” I say, my voice more steady now. “I needed to talk to you about the warning you gave me earlier. With all due respect, Mr. Brock, I’m not here to cause any problems. But if you think I’m such a nuisance that you have to tie me up and threaten me, then I’ll leave tomorrow. I’ll make up an excuse to tell Aria so she won’t be angry with you.”

I turn, hoping my words have the desired effect, but Remo is faster. His grip on my wrist is like iron, pulling me roughly back toward him. Before I can react, he presses me against the wall, his body looming dangerously close.

“You talk too much,” he growls, his voice low and warning. “The more you talk, the more I want to throw you out of this house. And no, you’re not leaving. Aria already gave her word about you staying, and it wouldn’t look good if she took that back. Consider this... advice. You should learn to listen more.”

His grip loosens slightly, and for a moment, I consider pushing him away. But instead, I ask, “Why? Why shouldn’t I roam around at night?”

Remo’s gaze is hard as he takes a step back, his words chilling. “Because the devil goes out hunting at this time.”

With that cryptic remark, he turns and walks away. I stand there for a moment, trying to process the meaning behind his words. Then I hear him pause at the door to the study. He’s going toward the room Aria hinted at—the one she called a mystery.

I can’t let him reach that door. I need to know what’s behind it. If Aria’s plan is going to work, I need to stall him.

But fate isn’t on my side. As Remo reaches for the door handle, his phone rings, and he steps back into the office, closing the door behind him.

I breathe a sigh of relief, but it’s short-lived. I overhear part of his conversation, and it leaves me with more questions than answers.

“No. I don’t trust any other place than this house,” Remo says, his voice muffled through the door but sharp.

“Fine. April 20th... Done.”

I strain to hear more, but the conversation shifts.

“Yes, this place. We’ll confirm the deal. Same time.”

Before I can gather any more information, footsteps approach, and I quickly run back to my room. I pass Aria on the way and motion for her to follow me.

Once inside, I lock the door and sink onto the bed. The events of the past day weigh heavily on me, my heart racing as I try to make sense of it all. The secrets, the tension in the house, Remo’s cold behavior—what is happening here? And what’s behind that mysterious door?

---

The next morning comes too quickly. Bright sunlight pours into my room, pulling me from restless sleep. I blink, disoriented, and glance at the time. 7:30 AM.

Groaning, I drag myself out of bed. Exhaustion clings to me, but I need to prepare for whatever Aria and I are about to face.

I choose a cute summer dress I bought with Aria, one I’ve been excited to wear. A quick touch of lip gloss and a spritz of perfume, and I’m ready. My stomach grumbles in protest as I descend the stairs, hoping food will help calm my nerves.

In the dining hall, Remo sits at the head of the table, engrossed in his phone and sipping coffee. Aria is nowhere in sight.

“Good morning,” I say quietly as I sit down.

Remo glances at me, offering nothing more than a curt nod before returning to his phone. The atmosphere is as tense as ever.

I pour myself a cup of coffee and fill my plate with oats and fruit, avoiding his gaze. I don’t want to engage in conversation. Anything to keep my nerves steady.

Moments later, Aria enters, greeting us before sitting across from me. Our eyes meet briefly, and I offer a small smile. I make a mental note to ask her what she saw behind that door, but now isn’t the time.

Aria breaks the silence. “Bro, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have reacted like I did last night. It’s not your fault that Dad put you in charge of us. I know it’s for our safety, and I shouldn’t have been selfish. I’ve been so angry, feeling helpless, and weak. I don’t understand why I wasn’t allowed to stay in my own house all these years. Are you hiding something from me? If you are, you can tell me. I won’t judge you. But if I find out from someone else, my trust in you will be broken. You know I trust you with my life, and I hope it’s the same for you.”

Her voice cracks, and I see tears swimming in her eyes.