It flows in my blood and creates an itch under my skin.

I don’t give in to it.

My fear won’t consume me.

To say Jonathan is intimidating would be the understatement of the century. He’s not only intimidating, but he’s also able to crush me with one word.

He’s able to turn my life into a living hell.

I choose you.

Aiden’s words explode in my chest like fireworks.

Aiden chose me. Jonathan wouldn’t scare me anymore.

The other time, I shrunk behind Aiden, but today, I stand right beside him and stare at Jonathan and Silver head-on.

They don’t scare me.

I might not have figured out all of my past but I will. I choose to do it with Aiden by my side.

It’s not only my past.

It’s our past.

As if in tune with my thoughts, Aiden grabs my hand and interlaces our fingers together.

I smile up at him and he gives me a small nod.

Together.

We’re in this together.

“I thought Levi told you that you’re not welcome in this place,” Aiden deadpans at his father before he directs his attention to Silver. “You, too, Queens. Leave.”

“Slow down, now.” Jonathan appears calm. Too calm. It’s the type of calmness Aiden shows before striking.

Maybe he learnt that tactic from his father.

He’s like a predator stalking his prey; he’ll stop at nothing before eating it alive.

“Let go of that hand,” Jonathan tells his son.

Aiden tightens his hold in response.

Something in my chest is set free.

When I first saw Aiden in RES, there was a prisoner who tried to claw his way out.

That prisoner is now free.

Unlike that time, Aiden isn’t out to destroy me.

No.

He’s protecting me as he promised.

Who knew there would be a day where Aiden King would be my knight in shining armour?

Jonathan’s attention slides back to me. “How about you, Steel?”

I don’t miss the way he nearly snarls my name.

I jut my chin. “Steel or not, I wasn’t born to take orders from you.”

“Interesting.” Jonathan’s dark gaze shifts from me to Aiden and back again as if he’s trying to read between the lines. Or he’s searching for weakness like Aiden usually does.

The entire time, Silver remains slumped in her seat without even lifting her gaze. It’s like she was forced to come here.

“Do you know that your parents kidnapped my son and tortured him for ten days?”

His casual words are like stabbing a knife straight through my heart.

“She knows,” Aiden remains calm, not showing any emotion whatsoever.

“I assume she also knows that you lost your mother because she was trying to find you.” Jonathan leans forward. “What type of monster are you to still hold on to my son after all that?”

My breathing turns shallow, and a part of me believes him.

That part also thinks that Aiden must only see Ma when he looks at me.

His torturer.

His hell.

His monster.

I internally shake myself.

Jonathan can try his best, but I won’t fall for his games.

Aiden and I didn’t start like some fairy tale, but our dark past isn’t everything we are either.

No one has the right to get between us — Jonathan included.

“The past won’t define us,” I tell him. “We have the future ahead of us.”

“Are you certain about that?” Jonathan tilts his head to the side, meeting Aiden’s gaze. “Does she know why you’re alive?”

“Jonathan,” Aiden says with clear menace.

“Yes, that’s the right look, son” Jonathan smiles. “Unfortunately, you have no chances left with me. I offered you one and you refused it. Now, it’s my turn to play.”

“What is he talking about?” I frown at Aiden.

“You said you have your future ahead of you, but here’s the thing, Steel, you have no future with Aiden.” He stands and offers his hand to Silver who takes it reluctantly. “Because he’s already engaged to Silver.”

My blood pumps harder in my veins as my gaze bounces between Silver, Jonathan, then back to Aiden.

His jaw tightens, but he says nothing.

“Is that true?” I whisper.

This must be a joke.

Jonathan and Silver planned this to make me feel insignificant.

Aiden will throw the joke right in their faces.

He’ll tell me it’s all a ploy and that he only belongs to me.

He’s mine.

I stare at him for long seconds, but he’s not saying anything.

Why isn’t he saying anything?

“It’s a lie, right?” My voice is barely audible.

“You’re the only lie in this game, Steel.” Jonathan smiles. “Silver has always been the queen to the King’s name.”

No.

He must be joking.

He has to.

Why isn’t Aiden saying anything? He doesn’t lie so if he denies it, that should mean they’re liars.

Unless… he’s not denying it because it’s the truth.

The bell rings. Silver pulls her hand from Jonathan’s, “I’ll get it. It must be Cole.”

And then she’s running towards the door.

I continue watching Aiden who still hasn’t broken eye contact with his father.

“Aiden…?”

“Tell her, son.” Jonathan taunts. “She deserves to know that she’s been a game all along.”

“What are you doing here?” Silver’s voice comes from the front door.

Knox walks inside accompanied by a middle-aged tall man.

The smile drops from Jonathan’s face.

“Knox, what are you…?” I trail off when I focus on the man’s face.

He’s dressed in a black suit that clings to his body just like in my memories.

The high cheekbones. The square jawline. The dark brown eyes. The chestnut hair.

It’s him.

This isn’t a dream or a nightmare.

It’s really him.

His deep, familiar voice drifts all around me like a lullaby from my childhood. “Happy birthday, princess. It’s time for us to go home.”

“D-Dad?”

* * *

THE END