In the dark, dusty chamber, Astrid stood with her head held low, her eyes darting between
The dungeon's musty air was disgusting and oppressive, and Aiden's eyes widened in shock as he took it all in.
The smell assaulted his senses, and he couldn't help but wonder how Astrid had become accustomed to this environment.
Astrid, sensing Aiden's discomfort, quickly attempted to divert his attention.
She gestured to the side, revealing a hidden compartment where the corpse lay. Her voice trembled as she begged, "Please, don't look there. It's...it's important, it shouldn't be shown!"
As the tension in the room mounted, Astrid's eyes then shifted towards a small, curious figure peeking from behind a dusty barrel.
With a warm smile, she introduced her daughter, Stella, who was no more than four years old.
Aiden's gaze softened as he took in the child's innocent face, her eyes full of curiosity and wonder.
Curiosity piqued, Aiden asked, "Is this your daughter, Astrid?"
Astrid's eyes welled up with tears as she nodded, her voice wavering. "Yes, Aiden. This is Stella, my daughter with Thomas..."
Aiden's heart sank as he processed the revelation that Astrid already had a child with Thomas.
The pain of realizing that the life they were supposed to build together had been shattered by the presence of another man washed over him.
His eyes clouded with disappointment and sadness, he struggled to find the words to express his feelings.
With a heavy heart, Astrid reached out to Aiden, her voice trembling as she explained, "I miss Thomas, and I need comfort. I need someone to be with me and Stella. I'm uncomfortable in the outside world."
Aiden could see the genuine anguish in Astrid's eyes, and despite the pain he felt, he couldn't deny the pain that still lingered within her.
In that moment, he decided to offer her a lifeline, extending an olive branch in the midst of the chaos.
"I can stay here with you and Stella," he said, his voice steady despite the feelings within him. "I understand that you're not comfortable in the outside world right now. This dungeon can be our sanctuary until you find your footing again."
Astrid hesitated, her doubts and insecurities threatening to consume her.
But as she looked into Aiden's eyes, she saw a glimmer of hope and compassion.
With a deep breath, she mustered the courage to say yes, accepting his offer.
Aiden's heart swelled with the desire to introduce his daughter, Alice, to Astrid and Thomas.
He believed that by bringing their children together, they could forge a new path forward, one that would help mend the broken connections between them all.
As Aiden suggested that she should go to the mansion to meet Alice, Astrid nodded in agreement with hesitation.
However, his words were accompanied by a hint of unease, as she couldn't help but worry about how this reunion would unfold.
Astrid's anxiety rose at the prospect of leaving the dungeon and facing the world outside.
She hesitated, her voice quivering as she brought up another concern. "Aiden, how is Eleanor doing?"
With a deep breath, Aiden reassured Astrid, "I'll make sure you get to meet Alice and see Eleanor. Let's take this one step at a time, and we'll figure out how to move forward together."
YOU ARE READING
Black Magic
Misterio / SuspensoA woman in the 19th century curses her husband with black magic, she doesn't know the exchange of that, it might end her whole bloodline.
