Breaking Free, Loving Again -The Flash Marriage with Mr. CEO

Zenith expected it to happen, but this soon —she hadn't thought.

Her brows furrowed in a frown as she continued, "Officer Davies has been investigating the case. For now, he has taken her for the investigation, but we didn't act in time, we won't be able to help her later."

If they had to act in favour of Delyth, it had to be at this moment itself.

Otherwise, later, they would be able to save her, no matter what they do.

Ryan stared at her and slowly tucked his hand in his pockets. "And why do you think I would do anything to help her? Did you not hear what I said earlier?"

Zenith paused. Nodding, she accepted. I heard you, but I thought it was just to make sure that Ms. Ember understands the need of the situation and agrees to leave the country willingly. After all, you promised —"

"I promised Zeke, and I have already fulfilled it by helping her grow all this time," Ryan interrupted her, his brows furrowing deeply. "I have unburdened myself and no longer have anything to get bothered by. Let her fend for herself."

Zenith was taken aback. Although she had heard him say all this in front of Delyth as well, she didn't think he was being serious about it.

"What's wrong?" Ryan asked when he saw her in a daze. "You think I am being cruel?"

She shook her head. "You aren't being cruel," she said, her voice soft but filled with belief. "You are, for once, not being cruel to yourself."

Their gaze locked, and neither of the two spoke.

————

Meanwhile, on the other side —

Arwen finally returned home. As she walked in, she noted the time on her watch. Although she hadn't returned early, she wasn't late either.

Mr. Jones approached her and greeted, "Madam, you are back?"

Arwen nodded with a small smile, asking, "Has Aiden returned?"

The butler shook his head. "Not yet."

"They must be on their way back," she assumed. "It's fine. Let them come back. Until then, I will go and get freshened up."

Mr. Jones nodded. "The maid has already prepared the bath for you."

"Thank you, Mr. Jones," she appreciated with a smile before turning to walk away.

Taking the stairs, she was about to turn in the direction of her bedroom when a sound caught her attention. And she turned to look the other way —the way that led to the study.

Apart from Aiden and her, no one was allowed to enter. Even the maids stepped in to clean under the strict watch of Mr. Jones. Then how come today, someone was there without their knowledge?

Frowning at the suspected intrusion, she walked to check. Taking just a few large strides, she soon reached the study. Pushing the door, she stepped inside only to see Selene close to the desk —her hands on her diary.

Arwen's fingers clenched, and without a word, she walked further in, closing the distance and then taking away what belonged to her.

"Ms. Martin, may I ask what you are doing here?" her tone was polite. She didn't intend it to be polite. She wanted it sharp and reproaching, and it was exactly that.

Selene hadn't expected her to appear. But seeing Arwen close to losing her calm felt satisfying. "I was just looking around. I hope you didn't mind." Her eyes trailed to look at the old diary that Arwen had snatched from her hand.

She didn't know what was in it? But given how protective Arwen looked of it, she could tell it was important to her.

"I do mind, Ms. Martin," Arwen said, not caring to carry the pleasantries. "I mind when people intrude into my privacy without seeking any permission."

"Your privacy?" Selene repeated. "I thought this was Aiden's study."

Arwen paused for a moment and realized she was uselessly getting hyper. Taking a deep breath within, she confused herself and looked back into the eyes of Selene.

"You thought it right," she nodded with a smile. 'But amid thinking all that, you forgot who I am." She paused for a brief second, adding, "I am his wife. And I don't just share his life; I share his everything. Even this study. And apart from me, no one else holds the same right. Especially not a guest. So …"

She stepped a step to the side and gestured her out of the room. "You can leave first."

Selene's jaw clenched, and she stared at Arwen begrudgingly. "Arwen, what are you doing this?" she asked through gritted teeth. "You clearly know what identity I hold."

"What identity do you hold?" Arwen crossed her arms and looked at her as if asking her to tell her. "Don't tell me it's the girl he used to love before. You already told me that, and I told you it doesn't matter because he is now my husband. Both his present and future belong to me."

Selene's fingers clenched, but she forced a smile on her lips. "Do you really believe that?"

"Of course," Arwen replied, "But if you think I don't, just go back and revisit how Aiden has treated you all this while, you will realize that I have no reason not to believe it."

Selene felt the urge to slap her across her face, but she held herself back. Not at the moment. She believed that she would get the chance later.

She forced a weak smile to curl up her lips. "You don't know Aiden," she said, and Arwen watched her. "He acts indifferent when he is upset. And even right now, he is upset."

"Oh, is it?" Arwen smirked. "Sorry, I didn't know this because he never gets upset with me —not even when I lose all my calm around him and end up saying something that hurts him."

"Arwen —"

"Ms. Martin, I can see what you are trying to do," Arwen interrupted her, her tone sharp enough to pierce her soul. "And I would suggest, kindly save it. Otherwise, you know, he agreed to let you stay here just because I said so. And if I get upset and he comes to know that you are the reason behind it, nothing would stop him from …" throwing you out.

She didn't complete her words, but it got delivered well to Selene, given how her jaws clenched and teeth gritted.

Selene glared at her one last time before she finally moved to walk past her.

Arwen didn't turn around to see her leave. Rather, she just stood with her back towards the door.

Selene stopped in the middle of her steps and turned to look at her, her eyes glinting with maliciousness that she had been hiding just beneath.

She had thought to wait for some time before acting on her plan, but Arwen's arrogance and confidence were just breaking every shred of her patience.

She shook her head to herself. No, she can't wait any longer. She can't see Arwen acting arrogant every time. She simply can't …

In that moment, she finally decided. And hiding a smirk, she called, "Arwen!"

When she saw her turn, she continued, "Believe it or not —you are nothing, but just a substitute in his life."