Chapter 4

THE NEXT DAY, Aiden and Samantha were discharged from the hospital. They need to fix the arrangements for the funeral of Geneva and Ernesto. They also called the driver's family and they just gave them money and shoulder all the expenses from his burial. The same goes for the family's pension due to the long service of the driver.

Geneva's burial, on the other hand, did not last long. They also did not do the traditional burial, but they cremated Geneva's body. That's what she wants according to her mother's lawyer. They laid her ashes on the most expensive and antique base present in their mansion. Also according to her mother's command, that is to use and store her ashes.

Until her death, her mother still had the authority. But Samantha doesn't mind that anymore, her mother is now gone.

A few days have passed but Aiden and Samantha have no trace of emotions in them. It seems that the influence of Geneva's formation on their personality was really strong.

And since they also need to talk about the abrupt change that will happen in their lives with the loss of Geneva, they decided to talk in the study room.

And Samantha felt a strange feeling. She feels more relaxed now and not nervous. Geneva is gone. They are facing each other now and the only difference is that Geneva is no longer in the position of authority. They are free to talk like normal people without Geneva's eyes.

Aiden faked a cough and started the subject. "I decided to continue maneuvering the company, Samantha. I will replace the position left by mama. In our current situation, I should handle that because we both do not want to waste the business and the hardships of your family." he said.

Samantha sees nothing wrong there. Even though Aiden and she won't get married, she is sure that she will not take care of their company. She had no interest there. It would be better if Aiden really handled it. It's just a bonus that she became his wife.

"That's good, Aiden. I, on the other hand, decided to follow my mommy's instructions to resign. But not to stay here at home and be a tutor. I would like to study again, but in the field I want, Designer. I was able to search for a good school. And I chose to study in the UK. At the University of the Arts London. I also talked to Atty. Suarez about fixing my passport and VISA. Even everything I will need there,"

Aiden was obviously surprised by what she said, but he did not let her notice that because he did not want Samantha to think that he was like Geneva who would question her. Aiden wanted to say something but Samantha preceded him.

"I only have one request," she said.

"And what is that?"

"A-About us," Samantha cannot meet Aiden's gaze.

Aiden's eyebrows rose slightly and his face became formal. But before the man could speak, Samantha immediately continued what she was going to say.

"B-Because... I t-thought, mommy just died. It doesn't seem right to have a baby at this time. And if I leave here pregnant, I will have a hard time studying abroad especially since I am alone there. So maybe we can postpone our marriage first? I mean, can we just continue when I come back from the UK? Mommy's request can wait... aside from that we are still married..." Samantha wanted to be proud of herself because she literally said those words. She never dared to say what was on her mind before.

Just now.

A few minutes of silence prevailed. Samantha's nervousness is over and her palm is getting cold with Aiden's possible reaction.

He stared at her first before sighing.

"For how long, Samantha?"

"M-Maybe only two years. And... d-do not worry. I will always call here and check things. I will go home during the holidays and take vacations here..." she added.

Aiden sighed again and nodded. "Okay. There is nothing wrong with your plan. I hope you will keep your promise. I also have things I want to do but I think the company is more important especially since many employees depend on me now. We can postpone what mama wants,"

Samantha felt the big hollow blocks that had hit her chest disappear with what he said. He will not stop her. After all, she's relieved that Aiden didn't get their mother's character and authority.

Aiden is still a human too, like her.

~

IT'S FOUR AM in the morning. Aiden opened his eyes. As usual, he got up automatically. He did everything he used to do. Without thinking and blinking twice.

When he came out of his room, he glanced at the door of Samantha and his mother's room. Only then did Aiden recall his new situation.

His mother is now gone. And just yesterday Samantha flew to the UK. He is alone now. He was stunned for a few seconds.

Oh, why did he bother to wake up so early? Who else would wake him up and say it's breakfast time?

He saw one of the housemates cleaning the display rack. "Rose," Aiden called the attention of the young girl.

"Yes, sir?" the girl replied as she approached him.

"Please tell Mother Lucy and others in the kitchen, from now on, it's up to them to what food will be cooked for the whole day. Just prepare a sandwich and juice for me, please. Also, tell them, this is how our new daily routine for every day. Even in budgeting and buying groceries, I'll leave it to them. I'll just give them the budget every week. If you guys want to request something just tell me. Is that clear? " Aiden said one after another.

"Really, sir?" Rose's eyes widened and her face seemed unbelievable to what she heard.

"Didn't you understand?" Aiden asked.

"I... I get it, sir. I'm just surprised. All right, I'll tell them." And Rose left quickly.

Aiden returned to his room. He closed the door. But even when he lay down on his bed, he could not restore his sleep and his spirit was still awake.

"What am I going to do now?" he asked himself.

He is no longer drowsy. His body has long been accustomed to waking up at this time. Even if he goes to bed again, he can't go back to his sleep anymore.

He thought of leaving his room and walked down the hallway connecting the large terrace. When his mother Geneva, was still alive, he only came to the terrace when the old woman called him and wanted to say something. He didn't want her to think that maybe he was just planning to watch Samantha there. He knew that Samantha often spent her hours daydreaming here.

Aiden took a deep breath. He filled his lungs with fresh air. He is saddened by the loss of Geneva. Geneva was still a good mother to him. She provided him everything. He was dressed by her and he was thankful he would not suffer anymore from poverty. But, the good feeling will not be taken away from him either. Only now has he become free like this.

Only now has he tasted freedom. Freedom to do what he wants. Freedom to think. Freedom to feel something. To be a normal person. For almost 25 years of his existence here, only now has he really escaped from his own cage. He was 7 years old when he was adopted by the Anderson couple.

But Aiden was shocked by that idea. For him, the thoughts that are running through his mind is already a rebellion. And if he is experiencing this freedom now, what was his condition then? Samantha and his condition back then?

For the first time, Aiden saw under his new perspective his former situation. His knees weakened. He immediately grabbed the table there. And from there, while waiting for the sun to rise, Aiden Parker fell into intense thought. He is thinking deeply. He recalled every moment he remembered in his life.

He may be lucky because his life was comfortable, but his memories were somewhat sad... and depressing. And only now did he think, for so long he had denied himself from the truth. For a long time, Samantha and he lived in the shadow of Geneva. Under her authority hand-cuffs.

But now, their mother is now gone.

He remembers Samantha and their marriage. Aiden's heartbeat drummed like crazy. He felt a new resurrection. An excitement. Two years. It will be just two years and Samantha will return to him and in their home. In his arms, without Geneva. Without Geneva's eyes. Samantha and he can now be the person they wanted to be.

And of course, when his wife comes back, the situation here should be much better than before. Every second count. And he should not waste any minute. How fast time passes. And it should be used for significant things.

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