Kim’s words bring back what Tara told me some time ago. She said Silver isn’t interested in Aiden but does her best so everyone knows he’s hers.

Tara also mentioned rumours has it that Silver has a secret boyfriend and is camouflaging him by using Aiden as a front.

If that’s the case, then Silver runs a lot deeper than I thought. What’s her endgame exactly?

Not that I care.

It’s not Silver who matters. It’s the fact that Aiden hid his engagement to her knowing full well how much his history with her bothered the living bejesus out of me.

“I really don’t want to do this, but I can talk to her if you like?” Kim asks with a careful tone.

“Thanks, but you don’t have to.” I drag her with me by the arm. “Come on, let’s find Knox.”

“And Teal!” she squeals. “I’m super excited to meet Knox’s twin sister. I’m sure she’s as fun as him.”

Since I told Kim about Knox having a twin, she’s been dying to get to know her.

“She’s special, yes, but she’s nothing like him,” I say.

We spend a few minutes parading between the tables.

The classical music stops. Tristan Rhodes clinks a fork against his glass of champagne, commanding the entire room’s attention.

The residual chatter comes to a screeching halt.

Kim and I freeze in place. Knox joins us, stuffing his face with scones.

He offers us one, then grins when neither of us accepts. “More for me.”

“Where’s Dad?” I ask.

Knox motions ahead. Sure enough, Dad stands in the front row, but he’s not alone.

Jonathan and Aiden King are beside him.

What…?

The urge to go and stand by his side overwhelms me. I should be beside my father just like Aiden is beside his.

A sense of calm falls over me when Teal inches closer to Dad. I can feel her determination all the way from over here.

Go, Teal.

“Ladies and Gentleman.” Tristan’s voice commands the entire hall. “We are honoured to have you here. Your donations for the orphans’ association are bound to save lives and offer hope for people without any.”

He goes on to talk about the association and the number of children they’re helping. I steal a glance at Aiden, but he appears completely engrossed in the speech. His poker face is strapped in place; his demeanour screams calm.

I can do that, too. I can act as if nothing happened.

Tristan raises a toast to the money raised tonight then continues, “I would like to take this chance to thank everyone who participated in the growth of the Rhodes Conglomerate. We have enormous plans for the future. For that, we have recruited two of the best companies as potential partners.”

Tristan tips his glass in Dad and Jonathan’s direction. “Mr King, Mr Steel. May the best one win.”

Everyone raises their glasses, Dad and Jonathan included.

The look in their eyes can only mean ‘Game on’.

Aiden spins around and his cloudy eyes meet mine. He doesn’t have to search for me as if he knew exactly where I stood. Even though his expression is unreadable, I’m almost sure that his thoughts match mine.

The real war has started.

10

Aiden

Past

I pace the length of the basement as far as the chains would let me.

They rattle behind me, their heavy clink is the only sound surrounding me in the looming darkness.

No idea if it’s night or day. Back home, I associated the dark with nighttime, but there doesn’t seem to be a sense of time in this place.

The red woman didn’t show up.

I’m never sure if she’ll hug me or hit me across the face, telling me to bring back her son.

There’s also the girl who looks like a doll — Elsa. It’s been a long time since she came by.

Time here is so messed up. It feels as if I’ve been trapped for two months.

Maybe it’s less. Maybe it’s more.

Mum used to say that when you’re free, time flies by, but it becomes long when you’re trapped. I didn’t understand her back then, but now I do. Time is weird that way. Time is endless and short all at once.

The door slowly creaks open. I come to a halt, the chains slowly hissing to a stop, too.

It’s the girl.

The red woman wouldn’t open the door slowly, she’d barge in, sometimes startling me from sleep.

Elsa’s small footsteps echo in the empty basement. She brings light with her — and it’s not only because of her torch.

It’s her entire presence. Her little bunny shoes and her tiny sleeping dress.

She smells of marshmallow, honey, and the beginning of spring. If light has a smell then Elsa is it. Just like Mum smells like warmth.

Sometimes, I wonder if I’m talking to imaginary people like Mum. I thought of Silver and Kimberly’s dolls and then brought them to life so I can stay calm.

Dad says to always stay calm. Emotions can be my downfall. Just like my mum. He says she feels too much, and that’s why she cries a lot.

I think she cries a lot because he doesn’t feel enough.

Elsa tiptoes close to wrap the blanket around my shoulders. Since I’m taller, she strains and huffs in frustration, blowing on her golden strands.

My lips twitch as I lower myself so she can properly do it. She grins with triumph and drops her bag on the floor. There are a sandwich and a bottle of juice today.

“I did them behind Uncle Agnus’ back.” She puts a finger on her mouth. “Don’t tell him.”

I sit on the cold floor and take a bite of the sandwich. It’s filled with bacon, ham, and all sorts of cheese.

Elsa likes putting cheese everywhere. I don’t really care for it, but I eat anyway.

The red woman only gives me water, if it weren’t for Elsa, I would’ve starved.

“Thank you.” I swallow my first mouthful.

“If you want to thank me, tell me your name.”

She crouches in front of me, crossing her arms over her knees and leaning her head on her arm.

It’s become a habit of her to watch me like that.

Like I’m an alien.

I chew on my next bite slowly, thinking about her words.

Dad always says to never give my name to someone with bad vibes. Elsa doesn’t give bad vibes, but she lives in a place that does.

The red woman looks so much like her, too. Maybe one day, she’ll be the same.

Elsa frowns. “Why don’t you tell me your name? I told you mine.”

I remain silent.

“I’ll just call you Grey Eyes then.” She grins as if she came up with the most unique nickname.

“I had a teddy bear named Ted, but I had to give it to two children like you. If I still had it, I’d give it to you.”

I continue chewing silently.

“If I can’t find the keys that open your cuff, I’ll tell Daddy when he comes back. He’ll save you like he saved them.”

Still, I say nothing. One, I’m hungry. Two, I like it better when she talks. Her voice is like a classical melody, soft, elegant, and… peaceful.

“How old are you?” she asks.

“Eight.”

“I’ll also be eight soon.” Her missing tooth shows when she smiles big. “We can be friends.”