Kapitel 21: 1999

1999

MARGARET POV

As I stood in front of the mirror, meticulously styling my long, raven-black hair, I couldn't help but reflect on the tumultuous years that had passed. The memories of my past still lingered, like the faint scars on my heart, but I had finally found solace in the present. The pain had transformed into a humorous anecdote, a reminder of my resilience.

Today was a special day—my mother's birthday—and I was determined to make it unforgettable. I had planned a surprise performance at the lavish party being held in our opulent mansion. As I applied a final touch of lip gloss, my door swung open, and my mother and sisters sauntered in, resplendent in their elegant attire.

"You're still primping?" my older sister teased, raising an eyebrow.

"I want to look radiant, after all," I replied with a smile, my eyes sparkling with excitement. "You all go ahead; I'll join you shortly. I promise not to keep our mother waiting."

My younger sister, now a stunning 23-year-old, chimed in, "Her hair looks healthier than mine!" She pouted playfully, her eyes gleaming with sibling rivalry.

My mother's warm voice interfered. "That's enough, dear. Margaret, take your time. If you're not feeling up to performing, it's perfectly fine. Just be happy and comfortable."

I nodded, my heart swelling with gratitude for my family's unwavering support. As they left the room, I took a deep breath, my nerves tingling with anticipation.

************************************

I emerged from the building, resplendent in my silver gown, jewels adorning my neck and ears. As I stepped into the evening light, I beheld my family seated across from me, the guests entranced by the singer's soulful melodies. The performers had set up near the fountain, creating a mesmerizing spectacle without overpowering the ambiance.

As the applause subsided, the singer handed me the microphone, and I took my place at the forefront. My heart raced with excitement, my voice steady as I dedicated the next song to my mother, the incomparable Donna George. The crowd erupted into applause once more, and I launched into a sultry jazz performance, my eyes locking onto a familiar face in the crowd—Aaron, the last person I expected to see and the one who had left a bitter taste in my mouth during our last encounter.

Our gazes remained entwined throughout my performance. I finished my set to thunderous applause, my heart still reeling from the unexpected encounter. As I made my way to my family's table, I passed by Aaron's side, our eyes never breaking contact, the air thick with unspoken words.

************************************

As the party wound down, the guests lingered, engrossed in business discussions. My mother chatted with a group of ladies, while my sisters and I sat across from them, observing the scene.

I kept my eyes fixed on Aaron, who was networking with other businessmen.

My younger sister whispered, "I haven't seen him in years. He's been absent from Mom's birthday parties; wonder what changed his mind."

My older sister added, "He's charming but seems reserved, and I heard he's still single, never been linked to anyone."

My younger sister chimed in as she saw Ace. "And there's his bodyguard, Ace—I think they're partners."

I chuckled, "I don't know Ace, but Aaron's not what you think he is." I glanced at him, and our eyes met briefly before he looked away.

My sisters pressed me for details: "How do you know him, Margaret?"

I hesitated, "We've crossed paths before... but our last encounter didn't end well."

My older sister nodded. "He's leaving."

I watched as Aaron walked towards his car, and my younger sister encouraged me, "Make this meeting a smooth one, then."

I nodded, stood up, and hastened to catch up with him. "Mr. Liam!'?" I called out, just loud enough.

Then he stopped, turned, and our eyes met once more. I was glad that we had to speak again, but then he got into his car and drove away with his entourage."

************************************

AARON POV

As I looked ahead, the driver's steady hands guided the car through the night.

Ace sat beside him, his eyes fixed on the road. "Sir, that was Margaret Adrian," he said, his voice low and even.

I didn't respond, my gaze fixed on the darkness outside.

Ace turned back to me, his eyes searching. "She called out to you, sir. I thought you wanted to talk to her, especially after what she's been through."

I kept my eyes closed, my mind racing. "That's my own matter, Ace." I said finally, my voice firm but measured.

Ace was right; I had been eager to see her again and to talk to her, but my pride held me back. I had heard about her struggles, her journey through rehab and mental health struggles, and I pitied her.

When I saw her at the party, singing, I felt a strange sensation—pity, perhaps, or maybe something more. I should have spoken to her when she called out to me, but my grudges got the better of me.

We arrived at my residence, a humble abode compared to the one in Country A but still cozy.

I retreated to my room, indulging in a refreshing shower.

As I emerged from the bathroom, wrapped in a towel, I was taken aback by the sight of Margaret Adrian reclining on my bed, her silver dress shimmering in the dim light.

"Oh great, I'm imagining her now."

My mind raced as she sat up, her eyes locked onto mine.

"'I thought you'd be in there forever, Aaron. And wow, you have a great body, Mr. Liam," she said, her voice seductive.

It speaked. I was stunned, my imagination running wild. I dropped my towel and opened my closet, reaching for my nightwear, but her hands encircled my waist, pulling me back.

I felt a jolt of electricity as our bodies touched, my imagination blurring the lines between reality and fantasy.

Then she stood in front of me. "'Good timing, Aaron. I want to get hot tonight, as the night is cold," she whispered, her lips inches from mine.

I was lost in the intensity of the moment, my mind struggling to distinguish between dreams and reality.

"Don't you want to lay your hands on me, Aaron Liam?" She asked, her eyes gleaming with a sly smile.

I succumbed to the allure, my imagination running wild. "I want to," I replied, joining her in the bed, our bodies entwined in a passionate embrace.