Arya's POVEveryone stared at the door with anticipation, including me. I wanted more than anyone to see who was going to walk through that door. This was certainly the last trick my lawyer had up her sleeve and from the look of things. It was our golden ticket to winning the case. The bright smile on her face was warm, unlike her usual smirk that sent chills down the spine of the other lawyer. I shifted my gaze from her and locked it on the opening doors. The wooden two-way doors spread apart to reveal the much eagerly awaited arrival of the testifier. I knew it couldn’t be any of my friends because my lawyer Natalia, had briefed me on how Andrew would destroy their testimony so both Bella and Emily were out of the picture. With them out I didn’t have much hope for anyone else. Even when I suggested getting the butler of Andrew’s household to testify as a witness of the domestic violence, she pointed out why that couldn’t be done. It’s a risky cause that would cost him his job,

Arya’s POVThe colorful lights paraded around the streets weren’t compared to the bubbles of happiness that formed in my heart. I usually dreaded the cold of snow during this time of the year but in this very moment I never wanted it to end. If the cold air of winter could bring so much peace into my heart, amidst the storm raging outside then I never wanted it to stop.I stood watching Melissa cradle Aiden in her arms and the little one had never looked more excited to be carried by someone. ‘This is it…’ I mentally motioned, the love of a family. I thought Aiden wouldn’t live a day in this blissfulness but here he was basking in the happiness that comes with a Grandma’s love. I never got to experience that because Melissa’s parents died before I was born and Andrew never let me see his parents. All I had was my mother’s love and it was enough for me but I wanted Aiden to experience more…He shouldn’t suffer the same fate as me but sadly I might not be able to fulfill that promis

Without a word Klaus grabbed Bella’s hand and led her outside. She couldn’t help but think, wasn’t she the one who came to drag him out? How did she end up being dragged instead?He released her hands in front of his car and ruffled his wet hair against the cold air. “Aren’t you cold? Why did you get soaked?”She asked out of sheer concern but deep down she wasn’t complaining about the view he was feeding her lustful mind. It wasn’t bad enough his shirt stuck to him like tissue but a few buttons were undone to reveal his protruding chest. No straight woman could remain a nun when faced with this temptation yet she tried to peel her eyes off and focus it on his face but his face wasn’t any better!The base of his hair was turning black and because it was wet it appeared darker with the blonde tips that dripped off stray water droplets. “I’m fine, I needed to wash off the tipsiness”.“A-alright…” she stammered and it finally dawned on her, just how flushed she was at the though

The tension in the room immediately tightened, Lucious’s focus was now on Arya. Juliet’s words seemed to do the trick and he began his questioning.“Is this true?…”Of course, his question was met with no reply, of all the times Arya would be in the right state of mind to answer that, right now was definitely not the freaking time!“Are you going to keep avoiding me even if I’m right here? I saw the news and wanted to check in with you but you never answered the phone. So it really was you, Arya”His tone had a tinge of sadness lurking underneath its solemn feel but Arya heard none of this, in fact, she hadn’t spared Lucious a glance the entire time, her gaze remained fixed on Juliet.“I’ve brought the documents, hand over Aiden or there will be serious consequences!” The shakiness of her voice came from her boiling anger, she was so mad it felt like she would explode in rage but Juliet kept adding fuel to fire!“I didn’t know you had hearing impairments… Come tomorrow at noon to

“Nicklaus…drop your gun”Arya’s voice cracked but it was audible enough. Her eyes on the other hand were no longer sharp and full of life. It looked like a drawing with no emotions.Just desperation clouded her mind, she was at that point where selling her soul to the devil didn’t sound like a bad idea. Anything would do to get through this nightmare, “Please, just listen to me!” She screamed out in pain, her breathing was haggard and slowly Nicklaus lowered his hands and tossed his gun aside.“Very good, I knew you’d be useful in taming this beast. Now, hand over the ledger”All eyes rested on Nicklaus right now, amongst those eyes were Arya’s shocked gaze. Was she referring to the same ledger that got Luke killed? A shudder ran through her spine, she knew it was very important to Nicklaus, what if he doesn’t give it up and Aiden ends up paying with his life? After all, she hid him from Nicklaus all this while.What if he resents her for it and as retribution he lets Aiden,