Master of the House

“Wake up, Aria. Wake up.” John’s voice was urgent.

“What’s wrong?” she asked, sitting up and clutching the blanket around herself.

“I checked my phone. Your sister called five times. She texted too—your father is coming to see you.”

“WHAT?!”

Aria’s face drained of color. “Dad’s coming home…?” Her hands began to shake against the blanket.

John frowned. “Aria, what’s wrong? Why are you shaking like this?”

“My dad…” she whispered. “You don’t know what kind of man he is. What he’s capable of.”

“Are you really that scared of him?” John asked carefully. “Why? Did he ever do something to you?”

She shook her head. “No. But no one knows him better than I do.” She got out of bed and started dressing, her movements rushed and tense.

Is he really that frightening? What does she mean by ‘what he’s capable of’? Maybe he belongs on my list of suspects.

*****

They stopped near the mansion, where the paparazzi were still camped outside.

“God damn it,” John muttered. “Don’t they have anything better to do?”

“Bunch of jobless campers waiting for the perfect shot,” Aria said, pulling her hoodie low over her face.

The moment they stepped out of the cab, cameras flashed wildly. John held the crowd back as Aria slipped through the gates.

“Was that Aria?” one of them whispered.

“I think so. Wasn’t that her bodyguard?”

“She wasn’t wearing a hoodie yesterday. Did they spend the night together?”

“Idol and her bodyguard?”

“That’s the story of the decade. Keep watching.”

*****

Near the front door, Aria slowed and reached for John’s hand.

“Last night was perfect,” she said softly. “I haven’t enjoyed myself like that in a long time.”

John nodded. “Yeah. The theme park and the movie were nice.”

“Oh?” she teased. “So those were the highlight for you? Didn’t know you were a player, John.”

“Aria,” he said quietly, “I’m your bodyguard. We shouldn’t be doing this. If people find out, losing my contract will be the least of our problems.”

She leaned in close and whispered in his ear, “If that happens, then I’ll just hire you as my husband.”

Before he could respond, she kissed him and walked ahead. “Girl…” John muttered.

She turned around, stuck out her tongue, and flashed him a finger heart.

*****

The front door opened.

Rina stood there, arms crossed. “Where the hell were you two last night?”

“Having fun,” Aria replied casually.

Rina’s eyes narrowed. “I’m not just your manager. I’m your sister. What were you doing?”

Aria walked past her toward the stairs. “Are you sure? Cause you sound like a mum too.”

“ARIA!” Rina snapped.

Aria turned back. “Fine. I’ll tell you—just know it was a long, hard night, and I enjoyed every bit of it. Want the details now? Cause my body’s really sore, and I want to shower before Daddy arrives.”

“That’s disgusting,” Rina said sharply. “Don’t talk like that again. Dad’s on a flight right now. Get ready.”

“I will, Mum,” Aria shouted back as she disappeared upstairs.

Rina rubbed her forehead. “I can’t deal with this girl.”

John quietly tried to slip away.

“Where do you think you’re going, Mr. Mercer?” Rina said.

Uh-oh.

She stepped closer. “Is this how you ‘make people feel better’?”

“Nothing happened,” John said evenly. “We had a drink. Watched a movie.”

Rina raised her index, inches from his face. “You’re a terrible liar. I can read it all over your face. You know what happens if I report you to your agency.”

She sighed. “I’m letting this go, just this once, because she’s back to her usual self. But next time, I won’t be merciful.”

John nodded silently as she walked away.

These two are a living polygraph.

*****

Aria went into her room and collapsed face-down onto the bed.

“I can’t believe I did that…” she muttered.

She pressed a hand to her chest, feeling her heart race.

“So this is it. My heart really has opened to John and I was feeling cold towards Ryo.”

Then her thoughts drifted back to last night. Her face burned. She bit her lip, rolled onto her back, covered her face with both hands, and kicked her legs rapidly against the mattress.

“Ugh—stop thinking about it!” she groaned.

*****

Hours later, everyone stood by the front door, waiting.

The doors opened and Samuel Kingsley stepped inside.

He was tall—about 6’3” (190 cm)—with broad shoulders and a powerful frame. His gray hair was neatly styled, his face clean-shaven and sharp. For someone in their late fifties, he's in great shape.

The maids bowed in unison.

“Hello, everyone,” Samuel said calmly then looking at Aria and Rina. “My children… I’ve missed you greatly.”

“Daddy!” Aria ran to him and wrapped her arms around his waist. “I missed you too.” She kissed him on the cheek.

“Oh, Aria,” Samuel said warmly, holding her close. “My beloved daughter.”

Aria, contradicting as always.

Rina approached more slowly. “Welcome home, Father.”

“Rina.” Samuel opened his arms, pulling her in and kissing her forehead. “Come closer, child.”

“I truly have missed you both.” He released them both, then turned his attention to John.

“Mr. Kingsley,” John said, straightening. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

Samuel raised a hand. “The pleasure is mine, Mr. Mercer.”

They shook hands. Samuel’s grip was firm—unyielding.

His hand is as hard as stone.

“I have great respect for those who put their lives on the line in service to their country,” Samuel continued. “And you have saved my daughter’s life more than once. I am indebted to you—and to your agency.” He smiled faintly. “Be sure I give special treatment and care to those who stand on my good side.”

“Thank you, sir,” John replied. “I was only doing my job.”

“I’ve had a long flight,” Samuel said. “If you’ll excuse me, I’ll join you all after I rest.”

They bowed as he walked toward the master bedroom, where Al stood waiting. “Al,” Samuel said warmly. “How are you, old friend?”

“As well as you, Master,” Al replied with a bow. “Your room has been prepared. Fresh sheets.”

“Thank you. I appreciate it.”

Rina headed toward her office. John and Aria lingered near the hallway.

John watched Samuel disappear into the bedroom. “Al cleans your father’s room?” John asked quietly.

“Yes,” Aria replied. “He’s the only one allowed in there.”

“Why?”

“Officially?” she said. “Because he’s the most trusted servant in the house.” She lowered her voice. “Unofficially… because of his safe.”

“Safe?” John echoed.

Aria nodded. “When we were younger, we used to run around his room trying to find it. Like hunting pirate treasure.”

John smirked. “Is that where he hides the candy?”

She laughed. “You’ll have to ask Rina. It was her idea. She asked me help her look.”

“Did she find it?”

“I don’t know,” Aria said. “She mentioned finding something once… then never brought it up again.”

She shrugged. “You know how I feel about my dad.”

“Interesting,” John said.

“What is?”

He deflected smoothly. “So much for being afraid of him. You jumped right into his arms.”

“That’s how I deal with things,” Aria replied. “If something bothers me, I face it head-on.”

John raised an eyebrow. “I don’t think that quite applies here—but sure. Good for you, girl.”

“Are you making fun of me now, John?”

He reached into his pocket. “I’m going out for a smoke. I’ll be back.”

“Okay,” she said softly. “We’ll see each other again, John.”

As he stepped outside, John exhaled slowly.

So many questions. So few answers. The more I learn about this family… the more questions I start to have.