Tell Me A Secret

Chapter 21: Unveiling the Truth

As the jet soared through the night sky, carrying us away from the chaos and danger we had left behind, I found myself sitting alone in one of the plane seats, contemplating the whirlwind of events that had unfolded. Harry's steady breathing from the bedroom reassured me that he was resting, still in pain, but at least out of immediate danger.

My mind raced with questions, doubts, and a growing sense of unease. Who were these people chasing us? What did they want from me? And why were Niall, Louis, Liam, and even Harry risking their lives to protect me?

Lost in thought, I barely noticed Niall quietly entering the cabin, his expression soft yet determined. He took a seat across from me, his eyes meeting mine with a mixture of concern and resolve.

"We need to talk," Niall said, his voice low but firm.

I nodded, signaling for him to continue.

"We've been keeping secrets from you, Avery," Niall began, his tone heavy with remorse. "And it's time you knew the truth."

I felt a knot form in my stomach, a sinking feeling of dread washing over me. What secrets could they possibly be keeping from me? And what truth awaited me now?

Niall took a deep breath before speaking again. "You're not just an ordinary girl, Avery. You're part of something much bigger than you realize."

I furrowed my brow, trying to process his words. "What do you mean?"

Niall leaned forward, his gaze intense. "Your family, the Highland family, they're not just wealthy business owners. They're deeply entrenched in a world you never knew existed—a world of power, influence, and danger."

My heart pounded in my chest as Niall's words sank in. "But why? What does this have to do with me?"

Niall's expression softened, sympathy flickering in his eyes. "Your father, Mr. Highland, he's not just a businessman. He's a key player in a organization that operates in the shadows, pulling strings, making deals, and protecting their interests at any cost."

I felt a wave of disbelief wash over me. My father, a part of some dark organization? It seemed too far-fetched, too surreal to comprehend.

"And you're telling me that I'm somehow involved in all of this?" I asked, my voice trembling with uncertainty.

Niall nodded solemnly. "Yes, Avery. You're not just a pawn in this game. You're a crucial piece of the puzzle, one that everyone is trying to control."

My head spun with the weight of Niall's revelations. It was like a veil had been lifted, revealing a hidden world of danger and intrigue that I had never known existed.

"But why me?" I whispered, my voice barely above a whisper.

Niall's gaze softened, his eyes filled with compassion. "That's what we're still trying to figure out. But one thing's for certain—we won't let anyone harm you. We'll protect you, no matter what it takes." he says while walking out of the cabin, leaving me alone with my thoughts.

As the hours passed and the jet continued its journey across the dark night sky, I found myself restless, unable to shake the weight of Niall's words. Each word he spoke felt like a crack in my heart that I thought I knew, revealing glimpses of a hidden reality that lurked just beneath the surface.

I paced, the soft hum of the engines providing a backdrop to my turbulent thoughts. The events of the past few days played out in my mind like a surreal montage—a kidnapping, a shootout, and now, the unsettling truth about my family's involvement in a world of shadows and secrets.

I couldn't help but wonder—what else had my parents kept hidden from me? What dark secrets lay buried in the depths of our family's history, waiting to be unearthed?

Lost in my thoughts, I barely noticed the sound of footsteps approaching from behind.

"Avery, there's something else you need to know," Niall said, his voice low but urgent.

Niall took a deep breath before continuing. "Your family's connection to this underworld—it runs deeper than you realize. And there are forces at play that will stop at nothing to exploit it."

I felt a chill run down my spine at Niall's words. "What do you mean?"

Niall stepped forward, his gaze unwavering. "Your parents—they weren't just involved in this world. They were its architects, its puppet masters. And now that your mother is gone, there are those who see you as her heir, their successor."

I felt as if the ground had been pulled out from beneath me. My parents, architects of a world of shadows and secrets? It seemed impossible, inconceivable.

"But why me?" I whispered, my voice barely above a whisper.

Niall's expression softened, sympathy flickering in his eyes. "Because you're their daughter, Avery. You carry their legacy, their blood. And there are those who will stop at nothing to control you, to wield you as a weapon in their quest for power."

My head spun with the weight of Niall's revelations. It was like a nightmare come to life, a twisted web of lies and deceit that threatened to consume me whole.

I nodded, a newfound sense of determination coursing through me. Whatever secrets lay hidden in my past, whatever dangers lurked in the shadows, I knew one thing for certain—I wouldn't let fear dictate my fate.

Determined to find consolation amidst the chaos, I rose from my seat and made my way to the bedroom where Harry lay, his wounds a stark reminder of the dangers we faced just earlier.

Pushing open the door, I found Harry propped up on the bed, his eyes closed in a resemblance of rest. But I could see the lines of pain etched on his face, the strain of his injuries evident even in repose.

"Harry," I said softly, crossing the room to his side.

He stirred at the sound of my voice, his eyes fluttering open to meet mine. Despite the pain etched on his features, there was a warmth in his gaze, a flicker of reassurance that washed over me like a comforting embrace.

"Avery," he murmured, his voice hoarse but filled with sincerity. "Are you okay?"

I nodded, a lump forming in my throat as I took in the sight of him lying there, battered and bruised but still so achingly alive.

"I'm fine," I said, forcing a smile despite the heaviness in my heart. "But what about you? How are you feeling?"

Harry's lips quirked into a smile, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I've been better," he admitted chuckling, his tone laced with a hint of amusement. "But I'll survive. Always do."

I reached out to brush a strand of hair from his forehead, my touch gentle against his skin. "I know," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

Harry's gaze held mine, his eyes searching, probing, as if seeking something beyond the surface. "Know what, Avery?"

But I left him with no words...

Tears welled in my eyes, a swell of emotion threatening to overwhelm me. In that moment, amidst the chaos and uncertainty, I knew one thing for certain—Harry would always be there for me, a beacon of light in the darkness, a steadfast protector in a world gone mad.

Hey guys, I know its been so long but I wanted to update because I'm off on summer break so I can put more time and effort into this story! Hope you all are still reading on and liked this chapter. Much more to come, see ya next chapter!! ~T