The Traps of Black Swan

Aarvi woke up before lunchtime. Aaron had promptly listened to her and took a rest, cuddling her. Looking at him sleeping peacefully, Aarvi had to control herself from thinking of sleeping again or waking him up doing something mischief.

She had some work before he woke up. Pecking on his cheek, she carefully slid off his arms and got off the bed. The mansion was in complete silence when she went to Ariel's room. Ariel had a big wardrobe and Ariel's choice was opposite to Aarvi's. So the black and dark colors were too few and had numerous colors.

Aaron had already arranged for her needs but she wanted something different. Browsing through the collection she selected the one that picked her interest.

She returned to Aaron's room, used his bathroom where her toiletries were arranged. After a quick shower, she silently left the room without disturbing Aaron.

She was at the stairs when she saw joyless and pensive Jordan walking out of his room. He stiffened at the sight of her.

Looking at him, Aarvi realized she really wasn't angry at him. She knew Jordan would do anything if it's for Aaron or any of the family member's safety. Growing up with a family who never cared about her, Jordan's concern and love of his family was something she longed for so she was glad he focused on keeping Aaron safe.

Upon that, Jordan gave up the career he loved, his wife was punishing him for so long years. From the time Aaron was longing for her, Jordan was also longing for his wife. Both were in pain when she was the one who forgot everything and lived freely.

Probably she would have grown up and stayed protective under Aaron if they were together. She wouldn't have known the cruel world and be the innocent who would be helpless in major troubles.

Today, whatever she was, it had a contribution from the past. It did hurt her thinking of Aaron waiting to return to her, loving her from afar, when she lived without identifying him. For that, she won't be able to forgive Jordan and also herself.

In the end, everything was to protect Aaron. Even though Jordan wasn't regretting keeping Aaron away, he was guilty of how his decision and words caused her pain, and that in turn was hurting Aaron. So she would do anything to keep Aaron with the Rivas family and she wouldn't treat Jordan with hostility.

Jordan, who had held his breath, breathed out in wonder when Aarvi reached him and wrapped her arms around him. "Grandfather Jordan, everything will be alright. Let's make it better." Her calming voice immediately put his heart at ease.

Jordan patted her back before she stood back, "It's alright if you are angry."

Aarvi shook her head hearing his gently weak tone. She held his arm as both went downstairs, "One who suffered the unfairness most, all these years is Aaron. I was weak to handle myself, you were panicked about the situation but what was his mistake?... Loving me? Being dutiful to you? So if I think of him, not just you, grandfather Rivas, I can't forgive myself either."

Hearing her view, Jordan blamed himself more. In that emergency, probably he should have just thought of the current problem but he assumed they might attack again so he sent Aaron to a different country. Now thinking back, there were numerous solutions to the same problem, then all that came to his mind were negatives and problems which might happen so he got only one solution.

One important thing he liked about Aarvi, she didn't lie to him. She was true to herself and him revealing she couldn't forgive him. Despite that, she kept it aside and treated him the same.

"Why am I the last one to know you?" He remarked turning to her after alighting the steps. His hand caressed her head, "I won't blame the situation, neither you. I know I wronged you all, I will try to be rational. Let's make up for whatever we have lost."

Aarvi chuckled as she nodded. Both turned to the living where Shea had spread out her books on the center table, she paused with the rest to look at them.

Shawn cued her with an OK sign signaling her, everything was ready as she had asked for the preparation. Aarvi flashed a cheeky smile before looking at the other three elders.

"Tomorrow is a party, why are you three moody… I mean tensed?" Aarvi questioned as she sat next to Shawn.

Shea first spoke, "Aarvi, you look so beautiful. Whatever you are wearing, you look classy and elegant." She turned to Megan, "Don't you think, Aunt Megan?"

Megan nodded at Shea before smiling at Aarvi. "Ariel and Gigglemug give different vibes."

Connor hummed, looking at Aarvi and Shawn conversing in signals of their hands. "Ariel was like a little princess..." Ariel often likes pinks and peaches with floral and lace a lot.

Shawn wrapped his arm around Aarvi's neck and completed Connor's words, "My Little Heart is a Queen. She aces everything." He lifted everyone's spirits.

All chuckled while Aarvi was speechless. She didn't know her black dresses were so impactful that, if she wore a different color, it was so noticeable.

Aarvi tried to lighten their inner turmoil, "Give some time for Aaron but if you guys are sad or tense, his mood will definitely worsen."

They wanted to know how Aaron was as he hadn't spoken to anybody when he entered carrying, sleeping Aarvi. Hearing Aarvi, they were glad Aarvi could speak with him so they nodded.

"By the way, why is the feast at home for lunch?" Karsen lifted his head from the laptop.

Shea's ears perked up to the words, faced Aarvi. "Are you guys really getting married today?" She sounded excited and brought surprised smiles to others' faces.

Shawn, who already knew that, slapped his forehead. He had thought it would be a surprise for the elders. "This girl lets out the secrets without waiting for a response." He wanted to say there was a surprise.

Shea bit her tongue sheepishly grinning at them. Anyway, Aarvi responded differently, "Depends on Aaron." She wasn't sure about his mood.

-----

Aaron had completed his urgent office work before he had gone to bed. When he was half awake, he tried to embrace Aarvi and realized she had replaced herself with a pillow. While yawning he noticed something written on his palm.

[I will be waiting for you.]

Waiting?

Aaron had no idea where she was waiting for him. One thing he understood from it, he has to get fresh quickly.

He quickly went to get ready without knowing how long she might be waiting. After a shower, he saw that she had taken out clothes for him and they weren't casuals, rather, they were formals but his vest and blazer were missing.

He was about to fold his sleeves, cufflinks came into his view. Thinking what she was up to, he wore the cufflinks and shoes that she had prepared.

When he went downstairs, he found nobody around. Not even maids or the butler who always made sure everyone was attended. His eyes fell on a car that was right at the entry to the main door.

Assuming Aarvi was trying to lighten his mood with a surprise, he went ahead to the car, hoping to find some clues about the destination.