Chapter 449
448
At that moment , Orlando was torn about Aria . In his eyes , she absolutely had to pay for Sara’s death – yet she saved Rachel .
Rachel also wanted to stay with Aria .
Things were getting trickier .
Rachel stared straight ahead . “ You want to harm Aria , so does Olivia . If I volunteer to go to her side , you have no reason to refuse . ”
“ Orlando , you need to figure something out . Or else … I’ll side with Olivia . ”
Just then , the light turned red . Orlando slammed on the brakes and whipped his head around to stare at her in shock . “ Are you threatening me ? ”
She said , “ I’m just fighting for my own way out . If I find it , I live . If not , I die . ”
Having stared death in the face , Rachel refused to simply exist – she was determined to fight for her own survival .
Orlando tightened his grip on the steering wheel . After a long pause , he sighed . “ I’ll figure something out . ”
Back home , Owen handed his phone to Aria . “ I’ll handle dinner , ” he said .
“ Okay . ” Aria nodded .
After Lily went to shower , Aria fetched a bottle of pills from her room . Once Lily was ready , Aria handed them her and said gently , “ Take one before bed . ”
Lily took the pill and , without thinking , hugged Aria . “ I’m so sorry , Aria .”
Aria gently stroked her head and said , “ What are you apologizing for ? You’ve done nothing wrong. ”
Lily said softly , “ I lied to you . ”
When Rachel reached out , Lily sensed something was off , but she decided to keep the appointment and take the chance .
Somehow , she just knew Rachel wouldn’t hurt her .
Since Aria saved her , she wanted to help Rachel too .
“ Sweetie , ” Aria said cheerfully . “ If you hadn’t gone to see Rachel , none of us would have known she was suicidal . With the SATS coming up , something like this could have affected so many people at school . ”
“ Besides , Rachel is like family to me . By saving her , you helped me and did Larkridge High School a huge favor . ”
Lily looked up hopefully , “ Really ? ”
Aria smiled and said gently , “ Really , you did great . You’re such a kind – hearted girl .”
Lily felt all the tension melt away . “ Aria , mind if I call Rachel ? ” she asked .
Aria smiled indulgently . “ You two are close friends . Of course you should talk . Go on . ”
Lily went back to her room .
Aria watched Lily’s retreating figure . Her smile slowly faded . Sinking into the sofa , she let out a quiet sigh , Rachel’s haunted eyes lingering in her mind .
She never imagined Rachel was Pearl .
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Olivia … the Wolfshade Syndicate ….
Aria thought it was time to talk this through with Russell .
After dinner , Aria kept Lily company until nine . “ Time for bed ? ” she asked .
“ Guess it’s bedtime . Good night , Aria , ” Lily said .
Lily paused at her bedroom door , then suddenly turned around , her eyes sparkling with curiosity . “ Aria , are you with Owen ? ”
Aria smiled softly . “ Yes . ”
“ Am I the first to know ? ” asked Lily .
“ Yeah , you are , ” Aria said with a smile .
“ Wow ! ” Lily exclaimed , her excitement showing . “ So you two were dating in secret all along ? Now I can finally enjoy Owen’s cooking without feeling guilty ! ”
Seeing that Lily still had time for chitchat , Aria felt relieved and smiled . “ Go ahead and eat your fill , ” she said indulgently .
Lily grinned and waved . “ Alright , I’m off to bed
now .
Night , Aria ! ”
Aria smiled . “ Good night . ”
Lily skipped into her room , her back completely carefree .
Aria couldn’t help but smile as the thought came to her .
‘ How could I forget ? This girl witnessed me kill someone when she was just a kid – no wonder she’s got nerves of steel . ‘
After showering , Aria turned her back to the mirror and caught sight of the scars there . The image brought Rachel’s facial scar to mind , and she paused in contemplation . Wrapping a towel around herself , she stepped out of the room .
She had just picked up the ointment when her phone buzzed .
[ Still awake ? Just remembered something I need to talk
you about . ]
Aria texted , [ Come straight to my room – need your help with something . Lily’s asleep , so keep it down . ]
The scar was on her back – always a pain to reach when applying ointment herself . Since Owen was coming over , she might as well have him help .