Binding Scars

Chapter 15

"Is she ready?"

Niles' voice caught her ears as she walked down the stairs, dressed yet for another event. He watched her walk toward him in a shimmering cherry dress just about right for the evening.

After his father left, Niles followed, but he didn't come home for a day and a half. She tried to put the conversation with his father back in her mind. The older man kept in touch and was going to be present at the event. He had told her so through a spy he had planted in his son's house. He was messed up, but then the whole underworld was. She was just a victim to it, a victim who had lost her mind and grew a particular obsession with Niles. They both seemed to be in the right place but were far from each other. They were emotionally far, but it was working whatever it was.

"I think I've gained some weight."

Her voice interjected, pulling him out of his stare to look at her. She wasn't working out and not on a diet, as someone who was used to keeping her weight in check. She felt like she was falling off and gaining more when she should be losing.

"I think you're beautiful."

Niles replied, lifting her chin.

"You made the dress look good. You're beautiful."

He said again, still keeping his eyes on her. She felt a guilt come in, but she pushed it to the back of her head and exhaled. They had been going over a few things in the past few hours, which she rehearsed during their drive to the venue.

It was a function, a networking event. Meeting associates and enemies to strike new deals and threaten. It could go wrong and everyone needed to be able to protect themselves.

Niles liked to attend these events because he enjoyed getting his hands bloody at the end, as long as the host didn't have any strict security details. Every man and woman died, whether at his mercy or anyone else's.

"Niles..." Her voice came out dry, as though she was still mentally preparing herself to speak.

He looked at her; they weren't driving themselves. He was sitting with her at the back, hand in hand, as though they were happily together.

"Uhm"

She cleared her throat, looking for a better way to say it, but there was none.

"Is...is she okay?"

He nodded without thought, as though he was expecting her to ask him.

"Is she happy?"

He didn't reply, instead he untangled their hands and  took out his phone.

"I just don't want her to be sad or in pain. I care for her, she's my sister."

The man looked at her again and she saw the need to explain what she meant.

"I just feel guilty that she ended up where she is. I'm not-"

"She's not happy."

He disturbed.

"She recently just tried to take her own life."

"Recently?"

"Three nights ago, but they found her on time."

She felt her heart break, her face became hot and a lump overcame her. She adjusted her sitting position, she numerously blinked looking up. She fanned herself going through all sorts of emotions.

"Don't ruin your makeup over this, she's fine."

She scoffed nodding and turning to face the window. The car ride became quiet until they reached their destination.