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CHAPTER -37 Piecing Together the Puzzles of the Past

AUTHOR'S POV

After the party, Alaric is sitting in a dimly lit bar with Ian, drinking continuously. Ian watches his friend with concern and finally tries to intervene.

"Dude, please stop it. You've already had too much to drink," Ian says, placing a hand on Alaric's arm.

"Don't interrupt me!" Alaric yells at Ian, his eyes filled with frustration. "I'm fed up with my life. My parents don't even value my decisions. All because of their greed, I'm suffering so much. They were never there for me when I needed them the most. What was my fault, Ian? You are always with me. Tell me, what did I ever do wrong to someone? I just wanted them to respect my one decision. But all they want is this marriage."

Ian feels bad for his friend and can sense the depth of Alaric's suffering. He checks the time; it's almost 1 o'clock. "Come on, dude, let's leave," Ian says gently.

Ian helps Alaric to stand and supports him as they walk out of the bar. Alaric is unsteady on his feet, leaning heavily on Ian. Once outside, Ian helps Alaric into his car and calls Alaric's driver to pick up Alaric's car from the bar and drop it off at his penthouse. Ian slides into the backseat next to Alaric.

During the ride, Alaric continues to babble, his words slurring together. "Ian, why don't they understand me? I worked so hard to make this company successful. I wanted tonight to be about our achievements, not some forced marriage announcement."

"I know, Alaric," Ian says softly, trying to comfort him. "You have every right to be upset. But you need to calm down. We'll figure this out."

Alaric leans his head back against the seat, tears forming in his eyes. "I feel so trapped, Ian. I don't want to marry Mia.

Ian places a reassuring hand on Alaric's shoulder. "We'll sort this out. But you need to be in a better state to make any decisions. Rest tonight, and we'll talk tomorrow."

They arrive at Alaric's penthouse, and Ian helps him inside. Alaric collapses onto the couch, exhausted and emotionally drained. Ian covers him with a blanket and sits nearby, watching over his friend.

IAN'S POV

By seeing Alaric in such a state, I feel very bad for him. He doesn't deserve this. I promise you, brother, I will solve everything. I quietly leave Alaric's penthouse and message Mr. Wilson, requesting a meeting tomorrow morning at 10 AM at Estella's House. It's been a week since he gathered all the details. Determined to help my friend, I get into my car and drive to my mansion.

The next morning, I wake up early, preparing for the meeting. My thoughts are filled with ways to help Alaric. I arrive at Estella's House a little before 10 AM.

I rang the doorbell, and it was Estella who opened the door. "Oh hey, Ian, good morning. Come inside," Estella replied.

"Good morning, Estella," I said as I stepped inside and sat down on the couch. "I just wanted to let you know that Mr. Wilson will be here in a few minutes. He may have found something."

Estella nodded her head, looking hopeful. "I hope so. Ian, do you want anything while we wait for him?"

"Could I have a coffee, please?" I asked.

"Of course," Estella nodded and went to the kitchen. I sat there, waiting for Mr. Wilson, feeling a mixture of anticipation and anxiety. The doorbell rang, and Estella called from the kitchen, "Ian, can you please get that?"

"Sure," I replied, walking towards the door. As I opened it, I was taken by surprise when someone shouted and hugged me tightly.

"Hey, Ella-Bella! I'm back!" I could easily recognize who it was. Of course, it could only be Charlotte.