Chapter 69
“Hello?” I called out, as I entered,
A young woman I’ve only seen once or twice emerges from the kitchen, wiping her hands on a plain apron.
“Miss Aria. You’re home. Mrs. Morales is at a charity luncheon. She said you should eat without her.”
“Where’s Kayla?” I ask, picking an apple from the table.
65 vouchers.
“Her mom is sick. She took the day off.” The maid, whose name think is Maria, replied shifting her weight from loot to the other. “I made sandwiches. They are in the fridge.”
“Thanks,” I murmured and walked into my room.
Once I was through with my assignments, I freshened up and dressed in a blue tank top and black bum shot. I wrapped a black fur coat around my body and went to the kitchen.
I grabbed some snacks and candies in a large bowl, and went to the library.
I pace around the shelves, my fingers trailing over the books.
I walked to another shelf and most of the books on it are related to history and sociology. As I turn, my elbow knocks against a thick, heavy volume, sending it tumbling from a high shelf. It lands on the floor with a thud, a small cloud of dust puffing into the air.
“Great,” I mutter, bending to pick it up.
The cover is a plain, dark green cloth with the title embossed in faded gold lettering: ‘Silenced Brilliance: A History of Powerful Women.’
I furrowed my brows in curiosity and sank into the nearest armchair, resting the heavy book on my knees. I open it carefully. The introduction speaks of women throughout history–inventors, scientists, writers, landowners–whose achievements were stolen, whose lives were cut short, or whose very existences were written out of history because they were too powerful, too intelligent, or simply because they owned something someone else wanted.
*****
I force myself to stand, my legs feeling wobbly. I carefully placed the book back on its shelf and walked out, taking the empty bowl along with me.
“There you are, sweetheart,” Robert says, as I walk down the stairs. “Maria said you were holed up in the library.”
“Yeah,” I say, managing a weak smile. “How was work?” I walk to Helen who is arranging a bouquet of white lilies in a vase, kissing her cheeks.
“Tiresome.” He groaned. “Where is your brother?”
“Still at school, practicing for the big gam…” A sound from the garage interrupted me. “Talk of the devil” I mumbled.
“Hey fams” Asher shouted as he walked in.
“How did you get home then?” Helen frowned looking between the and Asher.
“A classmate offered me a ride home.” I shrugged.
“That’s it. We’re going car shopping this weekend.” Robert said
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“Yes! Finally!” Asher whoops, as he opens the fridge door. “I’ve been sending you links for months, Dad. Are we thinking sporty? Practical? A glorious hybrid of both?”
Nothing for you, son,” Robert chuckles making Asher groan. He turns to me. “But for Aria, this is long overdue. You need your freedom. Your own wheels. No more relying on your brother’s hectic schedule or… last part.
well, anyone else.” He grumbled the
“A car? For me?” I repeat, stunned.
“Of course,” Helen says, turning from her flowers, “and a driver. We should have done this sooner.” She smil
“You look pale, darling. Did you have a difficult day?” Robert asked.
You have no idea. “Play rehearsals are just… intense,” I sighed.
Robert claps a hand on my shoulder. “We’ll find you something safe, reliable, and with a bit of girl style. How does that sound?”
“It sounds amazing,” I replied, with excitement “Thank you. Really. That’s… incredible.”
The morning sun is just rising when I hear a firm knock on my door.
“Aria, wake up”
“Robert?” I asked, yawning
“Yes, get up. We’re leaving in an hour. We have so much to do.”
I blink, still tangled in my sheets. “So much to do? For what? It’s still what? 7am?” I mumble, my voice muffled by my pillow.
“That’s classified,” he replies. “Dress comfortably. You’ll need shoes you can walk in.”
I sit up straight and stared at the door.
What exactly is he planning?
I freshen up and throw on jeans, a cream crop sweatshirt, and matching sneakers before heading downstairs. The scent of pancakes hits me first – fluffy, buttery, and warm.
Robert is already at the table, in a black button–down and casual slacks, scrolling through something on his tablet. His coffee sits untouched beside a neatly folded newspaper.
“Morning, sweetheart,” he says without looking up.
“Morning,” I reply, sitting down. “Where is Helen and Asher?”
“Still in bed.”
“Okay, you have to tell me. Where are we going?”
He finally looks up, “You’ll see.”
“Robert,” I groan. “That’s not fair.”
He sips his coffee, looking unbothered. “You’ll thank me later. Ear up first.”
I narrow my eyes suspiciously but pick up my fork anyway. “I know you said you want to get me a car, but isn’t it too early?
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Chapter 69
Are we going somewhere else?”
He laughs, actually laughs, shaking his head. “Don’t worry your lead, Aria.”
“So it’s?” I pout
He stands and grabs his keys. “Let’s go. You’ll ruin the fun if you keep trying to make me say it.”
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“Do I really need a car of my own?” I mumbled as we drove in. in still young.”
“According to your report from the hospital, you’ll be fifteen in a few months,” he corrects smoothly, steppin need one soon. And until then, you’ll have a driver. Now, come on. I have a meeting in two hours, and I want something you’ll actually love.”
I hurry after him, still stunned.
“Mr. Morales! And this must be the young lady,” a man said, his gaze sweeping over me before locking back onto Robert.”
“How are you doing Olaf?” Robert greeted.
“Pleasure as always.” He shakes my dad’s hand. “We received your call this morning. Right this way options for your daughter.”
–
I’ve lined up a few
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