Amy

"Aaron!" I woke up sweating due to the nightmare. I looked around and saw that I was alone in my room and Aaron was gone.

Did he leave? He promised me that he won't leave. Did he find out? No, no, this can't be happening. This can't end like this. I have to tell him. I have to explain the truth to him.

I got up and went out quickly. I took a breath of relief when I saw him in the living room talking on the phone. He turned around and saw me. He quickly hanged up.

"Hey, you're up", he smiled slightly.

I ran to him and hugged him.

"Why did you leave me alone in the room? I thought..I thought you left", I told him.

"Left? I was just talking to the doctor. You were sleeping so, I didn't want to disturb you", he hugged me.

"Doctor? Why? Are you in pain?" I asked pulling away and looked at him with concern.

"No, I am fine. But, you cried a lot yesterday. I was worried if you got a panic attack or something. So, just wanted to make sure", he shrugged.

I gulped and said, "Aaron, I-"

"Ssh..Mel, come sit with me", Aaron told me and we settled on the couch.

"Look Mel, I....I didn't tell you everything yesterday to make you feel guilty about anything, alright? I just wanted you to know why I did what I did. I just wanted you to have a closure. I wanted to tell you everything since before my accident. But, I was not sure if you will trust me again. I took a chance when you asked about Julia. But, there is no reason for you to feel guilty. I was stupid enough to drag you into this. I was just too angry and I thought that I'd do everything to ruin him. I didn't realise I'll become just like him in the process. Sorry", he said as tears of guilt welled up in his eyes.

"No, Aaron. You are nothing like him. You are a sweet, caring, and loving person. That man is a sick bastard. You did it only because you were angry and hurt and wanted him to be hurt. But, he...he is impossible. Even an animal reacts when you harm them. I know you hurt me. But, I can understand you. I know that it is not your true self, whereas for him, it is who he is. There is a difference. You are nowhere close to him, okay? Don't you dare say it, "I told him as tears fell from my eyes again.

"Mel, I am honestly really sorry," he said sadly as tears fell from his eyes, and he held his ears.

"Why did you never tell me before about Julia, Aaron? You could have told me after we married," I asked him.

"Because I thought the plan wouldn't work if you knew that I want you to cry to Marcus about it. In fact, I made sure you never found out that I was Julia's brother. I told Dan, mom, and dad that I was not comfortable yet to talk about her with you. So, they, too, made sure to never mention her in front of you. Dan only came to know about my plan when you landed up in the hospital. Until then, he assumed that I had truly moved on and forgiven that bastard", he shrugged.

"Aaron, I never even talked to Marcus. I even told you that", I told him.

"Mel, every interview that he has ever given, he always says that he misses his sister and loves his sister to death", Aaron said making me flinch.

"He did? I didn't know", I gasped.

Marcus is one weird person. He never bothered in his life about his sister and yet, says all of this in front of media. What a bloody show off he is!

"That is because you have sworn against reading news", Aaron rolled his eyes, making me hit him.

"Ouch!" he exclaimed, "Anyways, I believed what I read."

"He is a bloody liar, Aaron," I scoffed.

"But, I had no reason to doubt him. After all, he knew what I was up to. He knows that I am Julia's brother, and I am here for revenge," Aaron said.

"What?" I screamed.

Marcus knew, and he never bothered to tell me anything? He knows everything, and yet, he decided to hide it all? What a selfish bastard!

"Yeah, don't know how he found out but, he knew about it even before our marriage. In fact, when I got to know I was surprised he never tried to dissuade you from marrying me but, then I thought maybe you fought with him and married me against his wishes, since he didn't even come to our wedding. But, I guess I should have thought better", Aaron frowned.

"Marcus never cared. When I told him I was marrying you, he just looked at me and then shrugged", I rolled my eyes.

"But, he had manipulated me otherwise. In fact, the day before our wedding, he had called me. He had said that even though you dont know about Julia, you were his sister. He was your hero, and you will never let anything happen to him. You will protect him just like you had helped him hide it all last time without even caring about what had actually happened."

"The fuck?! He said I was with him in this?" I yelled in shock.

"Yes, and I believed him because which brother would lie about his sister," Aaron shrugged.

I gulped nervously and waited for him to continue.

Aaron sighed and said, "Anyways, after our marriage, I started harassing you just like he harassed my sister. Obviously, I could never bring myself to abuse and rape like he did. So, I started making you do all the household work. I also stopped you from working like he stopped my sister from studying. Aside from this, I started my plans to ruin his business as well. The companies wouldn't sign new contracts with him since I have a better position in market and I declared a policy that if they wanted to do business with me than they had to sever their ties with Lawson Enterprise. He started losing business because of me and he couldn't bear it. He started calling me saying that he wants to do business with me. I kept avoiding him as I thought that he probably wanted to discuss you. The first time I had a doubt was when you said that you didn't speak to him for months and that you didn't know he was in New York. But then, I thought you were lying because just a day before in an interview he said that he spoke to you in the morning. Then, my doubt grew stronger when you said you didn't know that he spoke to me because he told me that you told him about my plans to ruin him."

"Bloody liar", I muttered.

"He started blackmailing me that day when I called him from my office. He said that if I don't stop my interference in his business, then the consequences will be bad. Remember that day in office? That day when I yelled really bad and then your long lost friend asked you to check on me?" he asked me.

"Yes, you got all angry on me. Wait, you were angry because of him?" I asked shocked.

"Yes, I thought he had sent you to rub salt on my wounds. He was blackmailing me that day," Aaron looked lost in thought.

"What did he do?" I asked through my clenched teeth.

"Remember I told you that someone tried to set Kingston House on fire on purpose?" Aaron looked at me sheepishly.

"No", I breathed wide eyed.

"Yes, it was done by Marcus Lawson. I found out the day mom and dad left", Aaron bit his lip.

"That phone call you got. That is why your mood changed suddenly. Is that why you yelled at me?" I asked with a frown.

"Yes, I was pissed to think that you could agree to something like that. But, after I cooled off, I realised that there was no way possible on earth that you would even think close to hurting mom and dad. So, I understood that he has been lying all along and you are not involved with him at all. You were speaking the truth when you said that you are not close to him", Aaron nodded.

"Bloody hell. I will kill that man. How dare he? Aaron, I love mom and dad. I could never-"

"I know, Mel. I just said that. I trust you", Aaron smiled.

"I am glad you do," I smiled back.

Aaron looked at me and averted his eyes slightly. I realised that he was still hiding something.

"Is there anything else I should know?" I asked him.

"Remember I told you that police couldn't find out what caused my brake failure?" he asked me.

"Yes," I nodded.

"Well, I put some men to investigate too. They found the other truck driver two days ago. They confronted him and confirmed that Marcus Lawson paid him to break my car and to hit my car whenever he could get a chance. "Aaron looked at me.

"What the bloody fucking hell?" I yelled.

"Yup, luckily there was the other truck driver who called 911. Also, those 'Hope you know it is me.' flowers were from him, as if taunting me."

I clenched my fist to stop myself from hitting something. I will kill Marcus. I swear. How dare he try to kill mom and dad? And Aaron? How the bloody hell can he think about hurting Aaron? Aaron could have died in that accident. He is such a bastard. I can't believe he can get this low.

"One more thing, Mel", Aaron said looking at me.

"What? What else did he do?" I gritted.

"Nothing. It is not about him. It is about me. I...", he said and my heart started beating faster.

"What?" I breathed out,

"I don't want this revenge anymore, Mel", Aaron said looking at me in the eye and I gasped.

"Why? Why now?" I whispered softly.

"It has been eight years, Mel. I've had enough of this. I am tired now. In this process of revenge, I made a lot of mistakes. I almost lost my life, mom and dad. More importantly, I almost lost you, Mel. The minute I understood that you are not involved with him, I realised that Marcus Lawson loves only one thing in the world and that is himself. This has become a never ending cycle and doing anything else will only cause pain to all of us. Julia is gone and nothing will get her back. She deserves justice and that bastard will pay for his sins one day. But, he...he is still your...your...I know that anything I do to him anymore will hurt you too and I am done hurting you. I have already hurt you way too much, and I can't bear to cause you anymore pain. I can't do that to you knowing that you have nothing to do with any of it at all. So, I am dropping any plan of revenge I have anymore," he said in all seriousness.

I just stared at him to see any signs of lies. I have realised that he averts his eyes everytime he is lying. But, he didn't do it. He just kept staring at me and I understood that he meant every word of what he said.

"I am very, very sorry for everything I did to you. Sorry for making you cry so much. Sorry for leading you to an almost death. Sorry for everything", he said with a guilty look.

"Aaron, I know it is not easy to see a loved one dead because of someone else and I am glad you came to your senses about this whole revenge before it could have caused you or me further damage. I can understand you but, you have also hurt me a lot. I want to move on from it and time will heal everything. For now, I can just tell you that I don't hate you anymore, but it will take a while for me to forget all the sad memories of those three weeks," I smiled at him.

I observed that his eyes slowly averted to my lips and he slowly leaned forward. But, before he could do anything, I turned my face away.

I know that he is not at fault and that he doesn't deserve me hating him, which I definitely don't. I mean a man tortured and killed his sister, tried to murder his parents and him. His father helped him cover it up and he is living a happy, peacefull, guilt free life while his entire family suffered. What would I have done if I were in his place? I would have hated the man and his family too. I would have wanted to avenge it, too by hook or crook. It doesn't make it any different for him just because he is a man.

But, he still cheated, and I will never forget that. I know that he wanted to avenge his sister. Cheating for the cheating. But, I still can't push myself to forget that. I don't want to lose him at this moment but, I am not ready for that leap of faith. I will not jump back to him just like that. I will eventually forgive him for everything, but never for this.

"Mel, I...", he said with a frown.

"You what Aaron?" I asked looking at him.

"Mel, I think that you...should go and get fresh. I will make waffles for us. You haven't eaten anything since last evening", he said and hurried to the kitchen.

I sighed and just shook my head. I thought he understood me this time too and would say that he is sorry for it or something. But, guess I was wrong. I got up and went to freshen up.

I got dressed and came back to see that Aaron was setting up the table already.

"It smells good in here", I smiled.

"Well, I would be sad if the only thing I can make wouldn't smell good", Aaron chuckled and sat opposite to me.

I looked at him as I thought about what this man has been through. After everything, he still believes in goodness and helping others. Most people would blame god and become the worst beings.

"Dig in", Aaron said as he ate.

"Aaron?" I asked after we ate silently for a while and we were almost done.

"Hmm?" he looked up chewing.

"Do you...do you regret everything?" I asked him.

He kept his fork down and sighed, "Mel, I am sad about everything I did to you. I apologise from my heart but, I don't regret making the plan because back then, I didn't know you. I didn't know that you were so amazing and not involved in any of it. I know this may sound harsh but, I did what I did for my sister. I can't be sorry for wanting to bring justice to my sister or wanting to avenge her. She didn't deserve any of it. I did it as a brother and I don't think I can ever regret it. The only reason I feel sorry about it is that in the process of bringing justice to Julia, I did injustice to you. In the plan of punishing that bastard, I broke your heart and hurt you, and you didn't deserve it either. So, I am extremely gravely sorry for everything I did to you, but I don't regret wanting to hurt Marcus Lawson."

"No, I don't mean that. Do you regret marrying me? Like your plan didn't work, right?" I asked him with a sad smile, praying that he will say no.

He looked at me with surprise and then just kept staring at me.

"Mel, I..."

"You?" I prompted when he didn't say anything for a few minutes.

"Actually, I.."

"What is it?" I asked again.

"Mel, actually, I-"

Just than the bell rang.

I swear I felt like killing the person outside.

"I'll..I'll check", Aaron said clearing his throat and went to open the door.

I was almost done and now I didn't feel like eating more so, I kept my dish in the sink and washed my hands.

"What are you doing here?" I heard Aaron say.

I walked out wondering who it could be. I stopped dead in my step as I saw who it was.

"Hello, Amy", sang Jasmine.

My fist clenched as I averted my eyes trying to control myself. Aaron walked to me and stood next to me.

"I didn't call her here, Mel. I swear I didn't", Aaron told me.

"Yup, he didn't but, I had to see him so I sneaked into the building", Jasmine said.

When none of us spoke, she continued, "Aaron darling, did you know this girl got a restraining order against me?"

"Restraining order?" I asked surprised.

"Yes, restraining order. Stop acting innocent. I know why you did it. Aaron, she did it so that I couldn't get into this house or your office and have no way to tell you that you are going to be a father", Jasmine smiled and my heart sank.

"Father?" Aaron asked with his eyebrows raised.

"Yes, darling. I am five months pregnant", she smiled.

My heart sank and I felt the most out of place in my life I has ever been. Here, I was asking Aaron if he regretted marrying me hoping he'd say no and there she was. Once again, Jasmine Trent ruined my life. I started walking away before tears that were blinding me would fall from my eyes.

But, before I could take another step, Aaron held my hand tightly, holding me in place.

"Ms. Trent, I think you are mistaken", he told her.

"No, Aaron-"

"Don't even try, Ms. Trent", Aaron cut her off.

"What are you saying? Why are you saying things like this? I am telling the truth. I am really pregnant", Jasmine cried and pointed to her swollen belly.

"Yes, you are but, I am not the father, Ms. Trent", Aaron told her with a frown.

I tugged at my hand but, he just tightened his grip. Why is he doing this? It is between them. I should go.

"Of course, it is. Who do you think I am? A slut?" she yelled making me scoff.

"I am not planning on insulting you, Ms. Trent, but if you say so", Aaron said making me chuckle.

"How dare you? It is your baby, okay? Did you forget that night?" Jasmine yelled.

"Yes, I think I did. But, let's refresh. Why don't you tell me what happened?" Aaron asked me.

"Wh..what?" Jasmine looked at him with confusion mirroring my face.

"Yes, Ms. Trent. Why don't you tell me?" Aaron asked walking towards her taking me along with him.

Seriously? Is this why he stopped me? So, that they can discuss their love making in front of me.

"Well, what do you want to know?" she asked getting nervous.

"What were you wearing that night?" Aaron asked.

"My green dress", she said confidently.

"What was I wearing?" Aaron asked.

What the fuck is going on?

"Shirt, I think", she said.

"Where did we meet?" Aaron asked her.

"At the bar", she answered.

"Then? What did we do?" Aaron asked.

Discuss your life with her. Let me go, Aaron.

"We came here and then, she created a scene and we went to your room", she said frowning.

"Then?" Aaron asked her.

"Well, you know. We...we kissed and then....you peeled my clothes off....and then, you-"

"Wrong, I gave you a drink", Aaron cut her off.

"Yes, of course. I forgot. Then, we..we kissed and did it. We loved it so much we did it a couple of times that night and then...then we woke up in each others arms the next morning before you left to office", Jasmine said and I frowned.

How is it possible? Aaron was at the hospital with me that night. It means she is lying but, why?

"You are just a bloody dumb liar, Ms. Trent. Nothing happened that night", Aaron told her with a straight face.

"What do you mean?" Jasmine asked, her shocked face mirroring mine.

"I mean what I said. Nothing happened between us. How could you even think that I will cheat on my wife with someone like you? That drink I gave you had a sleeping pill. You drank it and you slept in a matter of seconds. Next morning, my secretary woke you up and you were out of the house before I returned. How can you carry my child if I didn't even touch you that night?" Aaron glared at her.

That's why Martha...Oh god! It makes so much sense now.

I smiled a little and Jasmine yelled, "You are lying!"

"I am not. The father of your baby is not me. It is some other person who you had a one night stand within the same time frame", Aaron told her.

"Aaron I-"

"Leave, Ms. Trent before I call the police", Aaron told her.

"How can you do this? I will go to the court", Jasmine yelled.

"Do whatever you want. But, just remember one thing, you have nothing on me", Aaron glared at her.

When none of us said anything for a minute, Aaron spoke again, "Actually, you aren't even supposed to be here. You have a restraining order of staying out of a ten mile radius from my wife. So, handing you over to the cops shouldn't be difficult."

"You can't do that!" Jasmine yelled.

"I can unless, you do something I want", Aaron told her.

"What do you want?" Jasmine asked.

"Apologise to Amy", Aaron told her making my face turn to him in a whiplash.

"What?" she