Chapter 3 (The unwelcomed truth)

She was rooted to the spot, ghostly pale.

"Au...Rora," she sputtered, still not believing it was me. Surprise hinted in her eyes. I smirked and straightened myself, my gaze running over her. She wasn't looking bad. What did I expect when she was literally the most lovable, doted-on daughter of the Russell household? She looked stunning, as always, while I looked... hmm... battered by life. Merely looking at her caused my anger to boil over again.

She was the last person I expected to see. In fact, she was among the people I never prayed to set my eyes on again in this life.

Months of returning to this city, I made sure to keep a low profile and avoided the Russell family like a plague, but fate seemed to be making a fool of me. Not only did I meet Jax today, but I also bumped into this manipulator, wicked, cunning, and heartless girl. Anything worse than those is what she is.

Growing up wasn't so good. My mom and dad always quarreled almost every night, but things got drastic when Dad brought in his side chick, the woman he was having an affair with, into the house with her daughter, Helena. It was terrible. The worst you could think of. I had only my mom and my little sister, Camilla, but after her accident that landed my mother in a coma, my life lost value.

I remembered pleading for them to assist me, to save my mother, but they proposed a condition, and that condition was Helena's idea. Either their offer to help or I cut ties with Jax. It was stupid. But I had to. My mom was the only one I had, but what happened later? After doing as they said and relocating to Germany, where they flew my mother, only to discover that they lied to me... They deceived me. They just kept my mom there, doing nothing. Their part of the bargain, they never kept to it.

They froze all my accounts, blocking me in every part so I could never reach them. I went through hell. I suffered.

And that's when I even found out I was even pregnant. I went through hell, anything worse than that.

And now, here she is, standing and looking all beautiful and sophisticated. While I go through rough patches every day just for crumbs.

Her shock disappeared, and disgust clung to her eyes, darkening her expression. "How did you get back here?" she cut in sharply.

I smiled and cocked a mock brow. "You think without the Russell's support that I'm going to die? You think by freezing my accounts that I can't get back?"

"You look dead already." Her eyes trailed down on me.

I breathed sharply, biting back the urge to slap her across the face. Instead, my smirk widened, not giving her the reaction she wanted. "At least I'm still on my feet and back in your face!"

Her eyes grew wide, and she bit out immediately. "Why the fuck are you here?"

I frowned.

Why did she suddenly sound scared? And besides, what was she doing here? She couldn't possibly be working here, right?

"You shameless whore. When did you get back to the city, and what the hell are you doing in here?" She censured harshly, jerking me out from my thoughts, and rage coursed down my veins. "And what right do you have to question me?"

Her long lashes fluttered in shock at my outburst; years ago, I never raised my voice or talked back to her unless I wanted to incur Mr. Donald Russell's wrath that day. A man not deserving of the father title in my life.

She was about to snap back when footsteps echoed from behind. We both stilled. She looked up, and I noticed how a wide grin spread across her face instantly, piquing my curiosity. I spun around to find Liam, but behind him were those piercing green eyes. He looked irritated, bored. Jax's sharp gaze swept between us, and he bristled.

"What the fuck is all this noise?"

"Babayyy!" Helena exclaimed and shoved me aside immediately. She hurried to stand beside Jax with a pout. And my eyes went saucer-wide.

Baby? The word repeated in my head like a drum, turning my legs into jelly as the reality sank in.

They are dating? I waited for Jax to react, but he didn't. His reluctance to step away or even denounce the words proved her words right. They are together. The truth hurts. I felt my heart breaking.

Now, Helena's sudden suggestion that I leave Jax started to make sense. I thought she had done that then to hurt me, yes she'd hurt me but this.... She never failed to show her distaste towards Jax years back so how was this possible?

I mean the two of them, a thing.

What's going on?

I was paralyzed with shock. I couldn't move.

"Baby, so sorry. It's just that I was surprised to see her here again." She clutched Jax's arms and flashed me a dirty look. The closeness ate at me deep. She smirked, looking back at Jax with that tender look. "I was just concerned to see her back looking weird and tattered. Is her rich boyfriend suddenly not taking care of her?"

Rich boyfriend? What did she feed Jax with? Which boyfriend is she talking about? I didn't have the time to process what she just said when Jax's sharp tone sliced through my reverie, like a dagger to my thoughts, piercing my heart.

"I told you to go to your space, but you're already causing a fuss. Does this look like a marketplace to you? I know you don't know where you are, but..." he snapped sarcastically, and Helena chuckled, enjoying it. While every single word cut me deep.

"...just another misconduct, and I will personally deduct it from your salary. Now, get out!" He glowered, and the smile faltered off Helena's face, leaving her stunned.

"She works here?" She gasped in disbelief. Jax ignored her and turned, walking back to his office. Helena shot me a hard, displeased glare and turned, chasing after Jax. Her heels clicked against the tiles loudly. "Baby, wait."

"Babyyyyy!"

Hearing those words from her caused an agony to rip through me, leaving me feeling like I'd been stabbed repeatedly in the chest at everything happening. And before I knew it, my gaze became wet, turning glassy as I watched their retreating figures. Liam stepped forward and cleared his throat, but it felt distant in my ears.

My heart was crushing, heavy with sorrow.

"Let me show you to your spot," he said, but I remained numb. "Hello," he waved his hand in my face, jolting me back.

I flinched.

"Are you okay, Miss Aurora?" I looked at him and quickly diverted my gaze to hide the tears and pain in them. "Ye...yes," I managed to nod.

"Okay," he replied, his voice soft and warm. He gave me a concerned look and pointed to the elevator. "I need to show you where you'll be staying." I nodded again.

He gave me another concerned glance and started heading to the elevator. I trailed behind him.

No matter how much I told myself to focus on the salary here, a thousand knives seemed to be twisting in my chest. It was hard; the pain was tearing me apart from the inside. Stepping into the elevator, a tear dropped down my cheeks.

It's obvious he now resents me so much. He could never look at me the same way just like years ago but what about Aria? I think it's best to keep her hidden from now on.

Moreover, it's not like he's going to believe that she is his.