Chapter 7
Aaron felt inexplicably that something was missing in his life, something tiny yet crucial Even the numerous and complex work tasks, the increasingly fierce infighting in the Jones family, and Amy’s affectionate flattery couldn’t fill that little void.
The moment he realized it was Rachel. Aaron was undoubtedly shocked.
He instinctively wanted to deny it, but the sudden intense headache felt like a strong protest from his soul, leaving him restless.
Lost in thought, Aaron opened his chat window with Rachel and gently scrolled up. It was already the fifth time that day.
Rachel particularly loved sharing all the fun and interesting things in life with him. Even without any response, she never tired of it. But all this came to an abrupt halt half a month ago, the day Rachel deliberately tampered with Amy’s car brake system.
“Grandpa is old. The feelings between you young people, Grandpa neither understands nor can figure out. Grandpa knows you don’t remember Rachel anymore, don’t want to marry her… Aaron, listen to Grandpa’s advice. Rachel is a good girl. Don’t always bully her; treat her well.”
Inexplicably, Aaron recalled what the old man had said to him at Ryan’s traditional birthday feast, and his head started hurting again.
The mere thought of Rachel now gave him a splitting headache.
11
‘……To the Scott residence.”
Aaron pressed hard at his temples, the words escaping him before he realized it.
Only when the car stopped at the Scott villa’s entrance did Aaron grasp what he’d just said.
“Aaron’s here for Amy, right?
Amy went to pick up her father. She’ll be home within half an hour.”
Donna greeted Aaron with excessive enthusiasm, but froze momentarily upon hearing he sought Rachel. She immediately launched into theatrical sobs.
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“That ungrateful child Rachel vanished! Over two weeks without a word! She even quit her job behind our backs…… How heartbreaking!
So utterly thoughtless!”
“Vanished?”
Aaron echoed in confusion.
“Probably off playing around. That girl’s always had a wild streak!
She’ll crawl back once she’s broke and tired of fun.”
Donna’s tone dripped with indifference.
Aaron knew Rachel’s position in the Scott household was awkward, but never imagined her own mother would dismiss a two–week disappearance so casually.
“May I see Rachel’s room?”
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…… Of course.”
Though visibly puzzled, Donna eagerly led Aaron upstairs.
Rachel’s room was right next to the servants‘ quarters on the first floor. At barely 15 square meters, it wasn’t much larger than their rooms. Standing at the doorway, you could take in the entire space at a glance–furnished like a budget hotel room with no extra decorations, clearly just a temporary arrangement.
Aaron had seen Amy’s room before. It was easily ten times the size of Rachel’s, decorated in the latest understated yet exquisite style. Every lamp, ornament, and decorative piece had been meticulously chosen to match Amy’s tastes perfectly.
Donna clearly noticed the stark difference between her daughters‘ rooms too. Flustered, she launched into her usual excuses: Rachel wasn’t close to her, never treated this place like home. Then she pivoted, gushing about how thoughtful and well–behaved Amy was. Listening to her ramble made Aaron’s headache pound harder. He simply stepped inside Rachel’s room.
His eyes immediately landed on two wooden hand–carved keepsakes on the table by the window–ones he swore he’d seen before.
He picked one up casually, and Rachel’s face suddenly flashed through his mind. A younger
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version of Rachel, her cheeks still soft with baby fat.
“Thank you, Alex. I love it.”
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Young Rachel gazed up at him, eyes brimming with adoration and shyness, then rose on tiptoe to press her lips against his.
Aaron instinctively curved his lips upward.
But the next instant, agony exploded in his skull with unprecedented violence–as if someone were attempting to saw through his cranium with a buzzsaw.
Aaron knew he should stop recalling Rachel immediately, yet he stubbornly wanted to see
more.
He fought desperately against the intensifying headache and dizziness, teeth clenched until the metallic taste of blood flooded his mouth. Just before Aaron completely blacked out, Donna’s terrified scream pierced the air.
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