Chapter 5 – Three Packages!
“It’s time to go, Aria!” Mira called from downstairs.
I poked out my head and smiled a bit, “I don’t want to make you late. You all go ahead, I’ll catch up.”>
Mira and Austin looked reluctant to leave and I knew it was because of their evil plan.}
“Let’s go, she can use a cab,” my father snapped impatiently.”
Mira smiled lovingly at me, “I’ll be waiting for you, Aria.”
Then they left. I waited until the car drove out of the compound before I let out a breath.
Then I grabbed all the pictures and gifts Austin has given me over the years and threw them into the trash.
I called a delivery guy and handed him the three boxes.
“Make sure you deliver this by 8 PM. If they don’t open it then open it for them,” I ordered.
The delivery guy nodded as he pocketed the money I gave him and left.
I pulled out the box that had all my designs and I smiled softly.
There was no need to hide them anymore, not when the world was willing to pay a fortune to see them.”
My phone beeped and a message popped up on the screen.
“I’m downstairs.”
I grabbed my box and went downstairs smiling as I entered the Limousine that was parked downstairs.}
“Good evening, Mistress, the boss has ordered that we bring you to the airport. His private jet awaits,” the driver said.”
I smiled and nodded as I relaxed in the seat and sipped a glass of wine that one of the guards served me.
With a small smile on my lips, I watched the night sky as the car drove me to the airport.
When we arrived at the airport, my phone started buzzing non–stop as numerous messages and calls kept coming in from Austin.
Where are you, Aria?‘
‘Don’t get me upset, Aria‘
‘Aria, don’t ruin tonight with your drama.’{
‘I said I’m sorry, okay? Let’s just get through this party.“}
‘Pick up your fucking phone, Aria. I swear if you make a scene—‘§
‘Where the hell are you?‘
I silenced the phone and smiled faintly.
By the time I got through security and was led into the private jet, Austin had called fifteen times. Sent eight messages.}}
The final one blinked on my screen:
‘You’ve gone too far. If you don’t show up tonight, it’s over.‘”
1 chuckled as I sat down on the luxurious seat while I was flanked by a series of air hostesses who were ready to attend to my every need. One tap on my tablet, and the hacked feed of the gala lit up my screen. Front row to the chaos.
The ballroom was filled with warm lights, soft music, and flutes of champagne.D
Everyone was dressed in their best. Cameras flashed. Laughter echoed.
Mira stood by Austin’s side in a sleek red gown that clung to her like a second skin. She looked radiant &
Austin kept glancing around the hall. His smile was tight, strained.”
“Where is she?” Mira whispered behind her painted lips.
“She’ll come,” he muttered. “She wouldn’t miss this.”
But I already had.
Austin checked his phone again. No texts. No answers.
“I told you to make sure she showed up,” he snapped under his breath.
“I gave her the dress and the invite. I even apologized–what more do you want me to do?”
His jaw clenched. “She was supposed to be here.“8
Then the staff wheeled in three gift boxes, neatly wrapped, topped with silver bows. A note sat on the first one in familiar handwriting: For my husband and sister.
Happy celebration
–
Aria.£
Austin’s entire body tensed.
Mira blinked. “She sent gifts?”
A delivery guy stepped forward with a note card, “Miss Aria said to deliver these at exactly 8 PM.”
Austin’s fingers curled around the card. He tore it open.
11:59 PM
Congratulations.
You’ve earned everything coming to you.
-Aria
“What the hell is this?” he whispered.\
Mira was already pulling at the first ribbon, impatient.
The lid lifted.}
Inside: an envelope.
Austin opened it–and froze.
Divorce papers. Signed. Final. Witnessed. Stamped by the court.”
He staggered a step back. Mira’s hand flew to her mouth.
Whispers rippled through the room.
“Divorce?”
“Wait… I thought Mira was his wife?“>
“I thought Mira was his fiancée–“>
The second box was opened.}
Another envelope. And something heavier.”
Austin pulled out a folded ultrasound photo.
And a sealed plastic container holding the remains of what the hospital returned to me after the surgery.“]
The label read:0
Patient: Aria Harrington
Procedure: Emergency Termination / Internal Bleed
Four months gestation!
Mira’s hand flew to her mouth.
Austin staggered back.
The crowd was stunned into silence.
“What… what is this?” someone whispered.
But it wasn’t over.
The third box remained.
The lid opened slowly.
And then–0
Everyone gasped.
Austin froze and Mira turned pale.
