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When the old man I had to marry for money took off his mask, I understood everything. | Twisted RST Stories | YouTubeToText
YouTube Transcript: When the old man I had to marry for money took off his mask, I understood everything.
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Summary
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A young woman, Aisha, enters into a marriage of convenience with a wealthy, ailing older man, Elias Thorne, to save her family from debt, only to discover a complex relationship that evolves into genuine love and mutual support, ultimately thwarting a conspiracy against them.
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Aisha Hayes stood by the window of her
small apartment in Atlanta, Georgia,
gazing at the gray sky, which seemed to
mirror her inner turmoil. Rain hammered
against the glass, the drops merging
into shapeless streams, much like her
life had dissolved into chaos over the
last few months. Welcome to Betty
Stories. I share new life stories here
every day, and I'd really appreciate it
if you hit subscribe and liked my video.
Now, let's jump back into my story. I'm
sure you'll love it if you keep
listening till the end.
Aisha, you still there? A weak voice
called from the next room? The
23-year-old sighed and adjusted a stray
strand of her dark hair. She had learned
long ago how to hide her true emotions
behind a smile. But today, even that
familiar mask threatened to crumble.
"Yes, Mom, I'm coming," she replied,
trying to sound cheerful. Her mother's
room smelled of medicine and stale air.
Lena Hayes lay in bed, her once full
face now drawn, her eyes dull with pain
and constant exhaustion. The illness had
been consuming her for almost a year,
and the family had no money for proper
treatment. I brought you some tea. Aisha
placed the cup on the bedside table and
sat on the edge of the bed.
How are you feeling?
Don't ask. Her mother tried to smile,
but it was closer to a grimace.
Where's your father,
Dad? He went to talk to those people.
Lena closed her eyes and a tear rolled
down her cheek. God, how did it come to
this? I told Marcus not to take money
from them. I told him. Aisha squeezed
her mother's hand. She remembered that
day 3 months ago when her father came
home with a wad of bills, money for her
mother's surgery, which they couldn't
afford. It had seemed like salvation
then, but the lone sharks were not the
type to forgive debt.
The apartment door burst open with a
crash, making both women jump. Marcus
Hayes stumbled into the room, and Aisha
knew immediately that the conversation
had not gone well. Her father's face was
ashen, his hands shaking. Dad, what did
they say? The man sank onto a chair and
buried his face in his hands. Silence
fell for a few moments, broken only by
the ticking of the old clock on the
wall. "We have one week," he finally
said, his voice raw. "One week to pay
back the debt. Otherwise, otherwise
what?" Aisha whispered, though her heart
already told her the news would be
terrible. "They'll take the apartment."
"And that's not even the worst of it.
What else?" "They said there's an
option." Marcus lifted his eyes to his
daughter, eyes full of pain and shame.
Their boss is a wealthy man. He saw you
once when he came here, and he's willing
to forgive the entire debt if you if you
agree to marry him." Aisha felt the
ground drop out from under her. She
heard the words, but her brain refused
to process them. "Are you serious?" she
choked out. "Dad, tell me this is some
sick joke. I would never." Marcus's
voice cracked. Aisha, I would never ask
this of you, but they said they said if
we don't pay, they won't just take the
apartment. They promised your mother
wouldn't live to see the end of the
month. Lena gasped, and Aisha felt
herself turned to stone. Fragments of
thoughts flashed through her mind, each
one more terrifying than the last. "Who
is he?" she asked, surprised by her own
calm. "His name is Elias Thorne. He's
nearly 60. They say he barely walks
after an illness, but he's incredibly
rich, influential.
Her father spoke without lifting his
eyes. We don't have a choice, sweetie.
The following days passed in a fog.
Aisha mechanically went about her
duties, caring for her mother, cooking,
cleaning, but inside a storm of
conflicting emotions raged. anger at her
father's foolishness, pity for her
mother, fear of the unknown future, and
worst of all, a sense of guilt that deep
down she blamed her parents for her situation.
situation.
On the third day, a man arrived from
Elias Thorne. He was tall, well-built,
about 40, and wore an expensive suit. He
looked so out of place in their dreary
apartment that Aisha almost laughed.
Almost. My name is Darius Powell, he
introduced himself, handing her a
business card. I'm Mr. Thornne's
assistant. He asked me to give you this.
Aisha took the envelope with trembling
hands. Inside was a photograph of a
mansion that looked like a palace and a
short note. This will be your home. I
promise you will want for nothing. And
Mr. Thorne is a man of his word, Darius
continued, watching her reaction. He
understands that the situation is
unusual, but he's prepared to provide
for not just you, but your parents, too.
Your mother will get the best doctors
treatment abroad if necessary.
And what does he get in return? Aisha's
voice was colder than she expected. I
need to know the truth. What does he
really want from me? Darius Powell
hesitated for a moment, choosing his
words. Elias Thorne is nearly 60. He is
gravely ill after a stroke. The left
side of his body is barely functional.
He walks with great difficulty, leaning
on a cane and a nurse's help. The
doctors give him a year, maybe two at
most. He has no heirs, no family. He is
alone. The man paused.
He wants to spend the rest of his life
not in solitude. He needs company, a
wife who will be by his side.
So, I'm supposed to be a nurse?
Bitterness broke through Aisha's voice.
A wife, Darius corrected. A lawful wife.
After his death, you will inherit his
entire estate. It is a substantial
fortune. Believe me, your family will be
set for life."
Aisha looked at her mother, who was
lying in the next room, having heard
every word of the conversation. Their
eyes met, and in Lena's eyes, Aisha saw
a plea and a readiness to give up
everything just so her daughter wouldn't
sacrifice herself. "I have conditions,"
Aisha said, surprising herself with the
firmness of her voice. "My mother's
treatment begins immediately. My
father's debt is completely enulled
today, and I want to meet him before the
wedding." Mr. Thorne, he prefers not to
show himself before the wedding, Darius
began, but Aisha cut him off. Those are
my conditions. Either I see him
beforehand or there's no deal. The
assistant pulled out his phone and
stepped toward the window, talking
quietly to someone. Aisha heard
fragments of phrases. She insists.
I understand. Okay, I'll tell her.
Finally, he returned. Mr. Thorne agrees.
Tomorrow at 3:00 in the afternoon, a car
will pick you up and take you to the
estate. He handed her another envelope,
this one thick.
This is an advance for your mother's
treatment. You'll receive the rest after
the marriage registration.
When Darius left, Aisha opened the
envelope. Inside was more money than she
had ever seen in her life. Her father,
who peered over her shoulder, turned
pale. God, Aisha, maybe we shouldn't.
We'll figure something out. No, Dad, the
girl said firmly. We won't figure
something out. We've run out of options.
Tomorrow I'll go and look at this man
and then I'll decide.
Aisha couldn't sleep that night. She lay
staring at the ceiling, thinking about
how quickly life could change. Just a
month ago, she was an ordinary girl with
ordinary dreams, finding a good job,
meeting a nice person, starting a
family. Now she was preparing to sell
herself to save her parents. A black
sedan arrived exactly at 3:00. Aisha put
on her best dress, a simple dark
burgundy one she had saved for special
occasions. The irony of the situation
did not escape her. She was dressing up
to meet the man who had essentially
bought her. Her mother cried as she saw
her off while her father stood apart,
unable to meet her eyes. Aisha hugged
Lena and whispered, "It's going to be
okay, Mom. I promise it was a lie, and
they both knew it." The drive to the
estate took about an hour. The car drove
outside the city limits, winding along
narrow roads between fields and groves
until it turned into tall gates with
gilded flourishes. Beyond the gates, the
grounds opened up more like a park than
a yard, with perfectly manicured lawns,
fountains, and avenues of old trees. And
in the center of all this splendor,
stood the mansion, a three-story
building with columns and balconies that
took her breath away. Darius Powell met
her at the entrance.
Welcome," he said with a strange smile.
"Mr. Thorne is waiting for you in the
library. Please follow me." Inside, the
mansion was even more impressive. Marble
floors, crystal chandeliers, paintings,
and gilded frames on the walls. Aisha
felt as though she had stepped into a
museum. Their footsteps echoed in the
spacious corridors. The library was on
the second floor. Darius opened the
massive oak door and stepped aside,
letting Aisha enter first. The room was
huge with walls lined floor to ceiling
with books. Near the window, seated in a
chair with his back to the door, sat a
man. Aisha could only see his
silhouette, broad shoulders and gray
hair. "Mr. Thorne, your guest," the
assistant announced and left, closing
the door behind him. A heavy, oppressive
silence fell. The man did not turn and
Aisha didn't know what to do. Approach
or wait. Finally, she took a few steps forward.
forward.
Hello. Her voice was quieter than she
intended. Come closer. A deep voice
commanded. I want to see you. Aisha
slowly walked around the chair and
stopped. Before her sat a man whose face
was concealed by a strange half mask
that covered the upper part of his face
and one eye. Only his chin covered in
gray stubble and his thin lips were
visible. His left arm lay lifelessly on
the armrest, while his right hand rested
on the pommel of a cane. "Don't be
afraid," he smirked, noticing her
reaction. "The stroke spared neither
body nor face. The left side is
paralyzed. The face is distorted. An
unpleasant sight, I agree. That's why I
wear this mask." Aisha swallowed. His
voice was strong, inconsistent with the
image of a frail patient. "Sit," he
nodded toward a chair opposite him. "I
imagine you have questions." "Why me?"
Aisha blurted out, sitting down. "You
have so much money. You could hire
anyone by any company. Why force me to
marry you?" Elias Thorne was silent for
a few seconds, as if considering his
answer. because you won't come to me out
of greed," he finally said. "You aren't
here because you want my money for
yourself. You are here for your family.
That speaks volumes about your
character." He paused. "My whole life,
I've been surrounded by people who
wanted something from me. Money,
connections, influence, not a single
person who was with me just to be with
me. And you think I will be with you
just to be with you?" Aisha couldn't
hold back. "You just said yourself that
I'm here for my family." "Yes, but at
least you are honest about your
motives," he replied. "And I know you
won't betray me. Your loyalty to your
family is a guarantee that you will
fulfill your part of the bargain." "What
part exactly?" Aisha asked. "What do you
want from me?" Elias Thorne struggled to
his feet, leaning heavily on his cane.
He was indeed barely able to stand, his
left leg dragged across the floor. Just
be near me, he said tiredly. Dine with
me. Talk to me. Read me books. Create
the illusion that I have a family, that
I am not dying alone. He turned toward
the window. That's all. Aisha looked at
the stooped figure by the window and
felt a strange mix of pity and
revulsion. pity because he was a dying,
lonely man. Revulsion because he used
his wealth to buy company without asking
what she wanted. "And if I refuse," she
asked softly. "If I stand up right now
and leave,"
Elias Thorne turned and his single
visible eye flashed with something like surprise.
surprise.
Then the money I gave for your mother's
treatment will have to be returned, and
your father's debt will remain. I won't
hold you by force. The choice is always
yours, Aisha."
She stood up and approached the window,
standing beside him. From here, there
was a beautiful view of the garden,
bathed in the pre-sonset light.
Somewhere beyond those high walls was
her old life. The small apartment, the
sick mother, the guilt-ridden father,
poverty and hopelessness.
"When is the wedding?" she asked without
taking her eyes off the window. "In one
week, a quiet ceremony, only the bare
necessities, no celebrations, unless you
object." "I don't object," Aisha turned
to him. I have one more condition. I'm
listening. I want to continue visiting
my parents regularly, and I want them to
be able to visit here when mom feels
better. Elias Thorne nodded. Of course,
this is your home now. You can invite
anyone you wish. He took a few steps
toward the door. Each step was a visible
effort. Darius will show you the rooms.
You can choose anyone you like, except
mine. Your belongings will be brought
tomorrow. Wait. Aisha stopped him. I
haven't given a final yes yet. The man
turned and his lips curved into a
semblance of a smile. But you've already
made your decision. I can see it. He
opened the door. Welcome to the golden
cage, Aisha. When the door closed behind
him, the girl sank back into the chair
and covered her face with her hands.
There were no tears. She had seemingly
cried them all out in the last few days.
Only emptiness and exhaustion remained.
Darius Powell appeared about 10 minutes
later and led her through the mansion.
There were so many rooms that Aisha lost
count. Living rooms, dining rooms,
billiard rooms, a gym, a winter garden.
The bedrooms were on the third floor. An
entire suite of rooms with high ceilings
and huge windows. This part of the
estate is entirely at your disposal, the
assistant explained. Mr. Thorne occupies
rooms on the first floor. It's difficult
for him to use the stairs. You may
choose any bedroom. Aisha stopped by a
room in the corner of the building. The
windows offered views of the garden on
one side and the woods on the other. The
room was bright and spacious, the
furniture substantial but not ostentatious.
ostentatious.
This one, she said, an excellent choice.
Darius approved. Someone used to live
here. He stumbled. Never mind. Tomorrow
I'll arrange for your personal
belongings to be brought here. And now
allow me to escort you to dinner. Mr.
Thorne expects you in the small dining
room at 7:00. Left alone, Aisha walked
to the window and leaned her forehead
against the cool glass. Down below, a
gardener was clipping hedges, a
peaceful, ordinary scene. But inside
Aisha, everything was turnurning. She
remembered Elias Thorne's words about
the golden cage, how accurately he had
put it. Everything was here. Wealth,
comfort, safety, everything but freedom.
At 7:00 that evening, she went down to
the small dining room. The small room
was the size of their entire apartment.
A long table was set for two people at
opposite ends. Elias Thorne was already
seated in his place. The mask still
concealed his face.
"Please sit," he gestured to the seat
opposite. Dinner passed in an oppressive
silence. Aisha barely touched her food,
though the dishes were exquisite. Elias
Thorne ate slowly, awkwardly handling
his fork with his right hand. Tell me
about yourself, he finally said. What
did you do? What do you like? I worked
at the public library, Aisha replied
shortly. I love to read. What kind of
books? Classics, DSTvski Toltoy. I read
modern fiction, too. We have a large
library here, he noted. You can take any
book. I love to read, too, but my sight
is failing now. It would be pleasant if
you would read to me aloud sometimes.
Aisha nodded without meeting his eyes.
After dinner, Aisha returned to her room
and stood by the window for a long time,
looking into the darkness. The stars in
the sky seemed distant and cold, like
her new life. She tried to imagine
living here permanently. that this was
her home, but the thought wouldn't
settle in her mind. In the morning, she
was awakened by a knock on the door. A
woman in her 50s, wearing a strict gray
dress, stood on the threshold. "Good
morning," she said with a slight accent.
"My name is Esther. I am the
housekeeper. Mr. Thorne asked me to tell
you that breakfast is served at 8. Your
belongings have been delivered. I
arranged for them to be placed in the
dressing room."
Aisha walked into the dressing room and
stopped at the threshold. Her modest
suitcase of clothes was lost among the
new dresses, suits, and shoes.
Everything was expensive, highquality,
clearly chosen to fit her size. "Where
did this come from?" she asked,
bewildered. "Mr. Thorne arranged it,"
Esther shrugged. "He said a wife should
look the part. If anything doesn't fit,
tell me, and we<unk>ll exchange it."
Aisha ran her hand over a silk dress.
She could only have dreamed of such
things before. Now she had an entire
wardrobe, but it brought her no joy.
Every dress was a reminder of the price
she had paid. The following days blurred
into a monotonous routine. Breakfasts
and dinners with Elias Thorne conducted
with polite but strained conversation.
Long hours in the library where she read
aloud to him, solitary walks in the
garden. Elias Thorne did not insist on
her constant presence. He gave her
freedom, but that freedom was elucory.
She was still in a cage, even if it was
gilded. She was surprised that Elias
never once attempted to get physically
close to her. He maintained his
distance, always polite and proper.
Sometimes she caught his gaze, the
single eye visible from behind the mask,
looking with a kind of melancholy, but
he would immediately look away.
On the fourth evening, while Aisha was
reading him a story by Czechov, he
suddenly interrupted her. Are you
unhappy here? It wasn't a question.
Aisha closed the book and looked at him.
What did you expect? That I'd be
ecstatic? No. He sighed heavily. But I
hoped that in time you would at least
grow accustomed to life in captivity. To
selling myself? Bitterness broke through
her voice. You saved your family, he
countered. It's not a sale, it's a sacrifice.
sacrifice.
There's little difference. Aisha stood
up. May I go? I'm tired.
Elias Thorne nodded and she headed for
the door, but his voice stopped her.
Aisha, I know what you think of me, and
maybe you're right, but believe me, if I
had had any other way, he fell silent.
Good night. She left without replying.
In the corridor, she ran into Darius
Powell. "How is he feeling?" the
assistant asked. "Tired?" Aisha answered
curtly, trying to pass him, but he
detained her with a question. "Do you
know why he wears the mask constantly?
He said his face is paralyzed after the
stroke." Darius looked at her strangely.
"Yes, of course. That's the only
reason." He nodded and left, leaving
Aisha perplexed. "What did he mean? The
wedding took place exactly one week
later as Elias Thorne had promised, a
small ceremony at the county clerk's
office without guests or celebration.
Only the two of them, Darius Powell as a
witness and some elderly woman Aisha
hadn't seen before. Elias Thorne arrived
in a formal black suit, leaning on his
cane. The mask still concealed half of
his face. Aisha wore a simple white
dress, one of the new additions to her
wardrobe. She couldn't bring herself to
look in the mirror before leaving. The
ceremony was short and joyless. When the
clerk pronounced them husband and wife,
Elias Thorne did not attempt to kiss the
bride. He simply took her hand. His palm
was surprisingly warm and dry. He
whispered, "Thank you." Aisha didn't
answer. A lump in her throat kept her
from uttering a word. After the
registration, Darius Powell drove them
back to the estate.
On the way, Aisha stared out the window,
not seeing the passing scenery. She was
now officially Mrs. Thorne. She suddenly
realized she didn't even know her
husband's last name. "What is your last
name?" she asked, breaking the silence.
Elias Thorne smirked. "Thorn?"
And now it's yours. It sounds ironic,
doesn't it? Thorns are hardly a symbol
of loyalty and love, but for us. He
didn't finish the sentence, but Aisha
understood. They had a contract, a deal,
but certainly not love. That evening,
Esther appeared in Aisha's room with a
tray. Mr. Thorne asked me to tell you
that dinner will be in his quarters, the
housekeeper said, placing the tray on
the small table. He expects you at 9:00
this evening. In his quarters, Aisha
repeated, her heart beating faster. But
we always dine in the dining room. Today
is a special day. Esther avoided her
gaze. The wedding, after all. When the
housekeeper left, Aisha sank onto the
bed. Her hands were shaking. She knew
this moment had to come, but she was
still unprepared. All day she had
convinced herself that Elias was too
sick, too frail for conjugal relations.
But what if she was wrong? At 9:00,
gathering all her resolve, she went down
to the first floor. Elias Thorne's rooms
were in the east wing of the mansion,
where she had never been before. The
corridor was dimly lit. Shadows danced
on the walls. She knocked on the massive
door. "Come in," his voice called out.
The room was unexpectedly modest. A
large bed with a dark coverlit, a few
armchairs, bookshelves, a lit fireplace.
A small table was set for dinner for two
with candles, wine, and exquisite
dishes. Elias Thorne stood by the
fireplace, still wearing his mask. He
turned as he heard her steps. "Don't be
afraid," he said, as if reading her
mind. "I won't. I just asked you to have
dinner. Traditionally, a couple spends
their first night together, but I
understand that would be too much for
you." Aisha felt a wave of relief
immediately replaced by shame. She sat
down at the table, avoiding his eyes. "I
wanted to talk about the rules of our
life together," Elias Thorne continued,
taking a seat opposite her. "You are
free to do whatever you want. Meet
friends, travel wherever you wish. The
money is at your disposal. I have no
intention of controlling you." "Then why
all this?" Aisha blurted out. "If you
don't need a real wife, why the
marriage?" Elias Thorne poured wine into
two glasses. I need company, he said
simply. Someone who will be here in this
house. Someone I can talk to in the
evening. Someone who will be near when
the end comes. He fell silent, gazing
into the fireplace. You can't imagine
how terrifying it is to die alone.
There was such sorrow in his voice that
Aisha felt an unexpected pang of pity.
"Tell me about yourself," she requested.
"Who are you? Where did the money come
from? Why are you alone?
Elias Thorne was silent for a long time,
then sipped his wine. "A long and sad
story. I'm sure you don't want to hear
it." "I do," Aisha insisted. "If we are
husband and wife now, I should at least
know who I'm living under the same roof with."
with."
Elias Thorne leaned back in his chair.
His fingers clenched the glass. The fire
in the fireplace cast strange shadows on
his figure, making him look like a ghost
from the past. I was born into a poor
family, he began. My father drank. My
mother worked two jobs to feed my
brother and me. I understood from
childhood that if I wanted to achieve
anything, I'd have to fight my way up. I
studied hard, went to college, worked
wherever I could. He paused. And then
came the big boom. Chaos, opportunities,
risks. I took a risk, took out a loan,
started a small business. I got lucky.
The business took off. Then another and
another. After 10 years, I was wealthy.
After 20, very wealthy.
And were you alone all that time? Aisha
asked. No. Bitterness entered his voice.
I was married. Celeste. She was
beautiful, smart. I thought I loved her.
We married when I was 35. We had a
daughter. Aisha flinched. a daughter.
So, he had a family. "What happened?"
she asked softly. I was too busy with
business. Elias Thorne looked into the
fire without blinking. Constant travel,
meetings, deals. I thought I was
providing for them, giving them the very
best, but in reality, I was just absent.
Celeste felt lonely. And then she met
another man, my former business partner.
His voice grew harsh. They had an affair
behind my back for an entire year. When
I found out, I caused a scene. Celeste
took our daughter and left with him. And
your daughter? How old was she? 12. Her
name was Zoe. He clenched his fist. I
tried to fight for her, but my wife
turned the child against me. She said I
abandoned them, that money was more
important to me. Zoe stopped talking to
me. And then then there was the accident.
accident.
Aisha froze, sensing something terrible.
Celeste and her new husband were
driving. Zoe was with them. A drunk
driver crossed into oncoming traffic.
Elias Thorne fell silent and Aisha saw
his hand tremble.
All three died instantly. Zoe was 16.
"I am so sorry," Aisha whispered. And
for the first time, her sympathy was genuine.
genuine.
After that, I shut everyone out. Elias
Thorne continued, "I immersed myself in
work even more. I built this estate. I
thought I would create some kind of
family nest here where I could bring my
grandchildren someday. Foolish, right?"
He smiled bitterly. And then the stroke
happened. The doctor said, "Stress,
overwork, age. I found myself chained to
this trap of a body, half of which
doesn't work."
Aisha looked at him and something
shifted inside her. This wasn't just a
rich old man who bought a young wife.
This was a broken man who had lost
everything that mattered. "That's why
you wear the mask," she said. "Not just
because of the paralysis." Elias Thorne
nodded. "I don't want to see pity in
people's eyes. It's enough that I see it
in the mirror every morning." They sat
in silence, broken only by the crackling
of wood in the fireplace. Aisha pondered
what she had heard. Her own pain hadn't
vanished, but now she understood that
Elias was suffering too. "The room I
chose," she said suddenly. Darius Powell
started to say someone lived there
before. "Was it Zoe?" Elias Thorne
flinched as if struck. "Yes," he
managed. "I furnished it, prepared it
for my daughter's arrival, hoping she
would visit me someday, but she never
came. After her death, I ordered the
room closed. No one entered it for
almost 7 years. Should I choose another
one? Aisha offered. No, he answered
sharply. On the contrary, let there be
life in that room again. Let it not
stand as an empty mausoleum. He stood
up, leaning heavily on his cane. It's
late. You should go rest. Aisha stood,
but lingered at the door. Mr. Thorne,
thank you for telling me. I truly am
sorry. It's all in the past. He waved
her off, but she could see how tense his
shoulders were. Good night, Aisha. Aisha
went up to her room and couldn't sleep
for a long time. Elias Thorne's story
haunted her. She imagined the small Zoey
who lived within these walls only in her
father's dreams. The girl who never knew
she had a home waiting for her return.
In the morning, Aisha woke up to the
sound of rain. Gray drops drumed against
the glass, turning the garden outside
into a blurry watercolor. She got
dressed and went down to breakfast, but
Elias was not at the table. "He's not
feeling well," Esther explained, pouring
her coffee. "The doctor is with him now.
He said he should feel better by lunchtime."
lunchtime."
"Is it serious?" Aisha asked, surprised
by her own concern. "An exacerbation.
It happens after stress or overexertion.
The housekeeper shook her head.
Yesterday was hard for him. The wedding?
Talking about the past. Aisha felt a
pang of guilt. Can I visit him?
Esther raised her eyebrows in surprise.
Of course. You're his wife now. Just
wait until the doctor finishes his examination.
examination.
Aisha spent the morning in the library
trying to read, but her thoughts
constantly returned to Elias.
Around noon, Darius Powell appeared. Mr.
Thorne asks you to come in if you don't
mind. She followed him to her husband's
quarters. Elias Thorne was lying in bed,
pale, but he still hadn't removed the
mask. Seeing Aisha, he tried to raise
himself, but she gestured for him to
stay. Lie still. How do you feel? I'll
live. He smiled faintly. I'm sorry I
ruined your first day of marriage.
Nonsense. Aisha pulled a chair closer to
the bed and sat down. You need to rest.
Maybe I should read something to you.
Elias looked at her in surprise. You
don't have to. I know, but I want to.
She picked up the book on the bedside
table, a collection of Czechov's short
stories, and began to read. Her voice
was calm and melodious, filling the
room. Elias Thorne closed his eyes, and
for the first time in days, the
expression on his face became peaceful.
She read for about an hour. When she
finished the story, she saw that Elias
was asleep. She quietly stood up,
preparing to leave, but his voice
stopped her. "Don't go, please." Aisha
turned around. He hadn't opened his
eyes, but his hand was slightly
outstretched toward her. "Just sit here.
I feel better when you're near. She
returned to the chair and they sat in
silence. The rain outside grew heavier,
turning into a downpour. The fire
crackled in the fireplace. And in that
quiet, Aisha suddenly realized that she
didn't feel as burdened as before.
Something had changed after yesterday's
conversation. That evening, when Elias
was better, they dined together in his
room. He ate little but was in a better
mood. your mother," he said between
courses. Darius arranged it with the
clinic. "She'll be brought in for a full
diagnostic exam the day after tomorrow.
The best specialists." "Thank you."
Aisha felt tears welling up. "You can't
imagine how much this means to me. I can
imagine." He took a glass of water.
Family is the most precious thing. I
realized that too late. But you still
have time. You have your whole life
ahead of you. You do, too. Aisha
countered. Doctors can be wrong. Elias
Thorne smiled sadly. My dear, I've
already made peace with it, but I'm
grateful to fate for sending you to me,
if only at the end. They stayed up late
together talking about everything and
nothing. Elias shared stories from his
youth, and Aisha spoke about the library
where she worked and the books she
loved. And with every passing minute,
the wall between them grew thinner. When
Aisha returned to her room, it was past
midnight. She lay in bed and closed her
eyes, but sleep wouldn't come. Elias
Thorne's voice echoed in her head. I
feel better when you're near. Such a
simple phrase, yet so full of loneliness.
loneliness.
Then she heard a scream. Aisha sprang
out of bed and without hesitation rushed
down the stairs. The cry came from
Elias's quarters, desperate, full of
pain. She flung the door open and froze
on the threshold. Elias Thornne was
lying on the floor near the bed, curled
up in agony. The mask had slipped off to
the side, revealing part of his face.
His overturned cane lay beside him. "Mr.
Thorne," Aisha rushed to him. "What
happened?" "I fell," he forced out
through clenched teeth. I tried to get
to the bathroom. My leg gave out. "Don't move.
move.
She grabbed the phone she saw on the
nightstand and dialed the number saved
under the name Darius. The assistant
answered after the third ring, his voice
groggy. Come immediately and call a
doctor. Mr. Thorne has fallen. While
they waited, Aisha cautiously helped him
sit up, leaning his back against the
bed. Elias Thorne was breathing heavily,
his face contorted with pain. The mask
was now dangling from its cord, fully
exposing his face. Aisha saw him
completely for the first time. The left
side was indeed paralyzed, the eyelid
drooping, the corner of his mouth frozen
in an unnatural position. But that
wasn't what made her hold her breath.
Even through the traces of illness,
through the gray hair and wrinkles, she
saw features that seemed vaguely
familiar. something in the shape of his
cheekbones, the line of his jaw, the set
of his eyes.
Don't look. Elias Thorne tried to turn
his head, but Aisha gently stopped him.
It's okay. You know I'm not squeamish.
She took a towel from the armchair and
carefully wiped the sweat from his forehead.
forehead.
Where does it hurt the most? My leg. I
think I twisted my ankle.
10 minutes later, Darius Powell rushed
in, followed by the doctor, an elderly
man with gray temples and tired eyes.
While the doctor examined Elias, Aisha
stood aside, but had no intention of
leaving. "A sprain," the doctor
confirmed. "A severe bruise. We need to
immobilize it. Several days of bed rest
are essential. I'll manage," Elias
began. But the doctor interrupted him.
"You need help. constant help. You
cannot be alone, Mr. Thorne. In your
condition, any fall could end up much
worse. He has me, Aisha said, surprising
even herself. I'll take care of him. The
three of them, Elias, the doctor, and
Darius stared at her. Aisha, you don't
have to, Elias began, but she raised her
hand. I am your wife officially, and
wives care for their husbands when they
are sick, so don't argue. The doctor
nodded approvingly and began giving
instructions. Aisha listened intently,
memorizing every word. When the doctor
and Darius Powell finally left, she
helped Elias move on to the bed. "Why
are you doing this?" he asked softly as
she covered him with a blanket. "We both
know this isn't a real marriage."
Aisha sat on the edge of the bed. Maybe
it's not real in the usual sense, but
you helped my family. You gave my mother
a chance to live, and I can't just stand
by when you're in pain. Elias Thorne
looked at her for a long time, and
something like tears shone in his
visible eye. "You are amazing," he
whispered. Zoe would have been just as
kind, just as compassionate.
"Tell me about her," Aisha requested.
"What was she like?
And Elias Thorne told her about the
little girl with pigtails who adored
reading fairy tales, about how she
dreamed of becoming a doctor, about her
laughter that sounded like bells. He
spoke and tears streamed down his face,
no longer hidden by the mask. Aisha held
his hand and listened in silence. And
later, when he fell asleep, exhausted by
pain and memories, she remained sitting
near him, not in her luxurious room on
the third floor, but here in the
armchair by his bed. In the morning, she
woke up to someone covering her with a
throw blanket. Opening her eyes, she saw
Esther. "You sat up all night." The
housekeeper shook her head. "Go wash up
and change your clothes. I'll sit with
him." But as soon as Aisha stood up,
Elias opened his eyes.
You're here. A sound of relief was in
his voice. I'm here. She nodded. And I'm
not going anywhere. The following days
were hard. Aisha hardly left Elias's
side, helping him with everything. She
read him books, brought him meals,
helped him move, and with each day,
their bond grew stronger. A week passed
since Elias's fall. Aisha had grown used
to the new routine. She spent most of
her time with him, and it no longer felt
like an obligation. Elias turned out to
be an unexpectedly interesting
conversationalist. He had traveled
widely, knew several languages, and
understood art and literature. Behind
his gruff millionaire mask was a highly
educated and sensitive man. That day,
Aisha was scheduled to visit her mother
at the clinic. The examination showed
that surgery was possible, and it was
scheduled for the following week. Her
mother looked better. Hope was working
wonders. "How is he?" Lena Hayes asked
when they were alone. "Your husband?"
Aisha pondered the question. "He's not
who I imagined. He's a good man, Mom.
Just very lonely and unhappy." "Do you
love him?" her mother asked gently.
"No," Aisha answered too quickly. "I
mean, I don't know. It's not love in the
usual sense, but I'm not indifferent to
what happens to him, and it's not hard
for me to be near him anymore.
Lena took her hand. You know, Aisha,
love comes in different ways. It doesn't
always strike like lightning, like in
the romances. Sometimes it grows slowly
from care, from understanding.
Maybe what you feel is the beginning of
something real.
Returning to the estate that evening,
Aisha found an unusual stir. An
unfamiliar car was parked at the
entrance, and in the hall she bumped
into a tall man in his 50s wearing an
expensive suit. "And you must be Elias's
new wife," he said with an unpleasant
smirk. "Well, I have to hand it to my
brother. He always had excellent taste."
Aisha stopped dead in her tracks.
"Brother, excuse me, I didn't introduce
myself." The man extended his hand.
Silas Thorne, Elias's younger brother,
though I prefer to say the less
fortunate one. Ill-concealed envy was in
his voice. Aisha shook the extended hand
coldly. Mr. Thorne didn't mention you
were coming. He didn't know. Silus
Thornne smirked. I decided to pay my
brother a visit. Found out about his
hasty marriage and thought I had to
congratulate him. Where is he, by the
way? in his quarters. But he shouldn't
be disturbed. He recently fell. "I know,
I know," Silas interrupted. "Daras told
me everything. His body is completely
failing now, huh?" He walked past her
toward the stairs. "Don't worry. I won't
tire him out." Aisha wanted to stop him,
but at that moment, Elias's voice called
from his room. "Let him in, Aisha. He
won't rest otherwise."
Silus Thorne entered his brother's room,
and Aisha remained in the corridor, but
the door didn't close completely. She
involuntarily overheard the
conversation. "Well, well, brother."
Silas's voice sounded mocking,
completely gone downhill. "Or is this
another performance?" "What do you want,
Silas?" Elias's voice was weary. "Can't
a relative just visit? I found out you
married a girl young enough to be your
granddaughter. Bought yourself a nurse.
Watch your language. And what's wrong
with that? Silas laughed. We both know
the truth. You paid for her like a
possession. Just as you bought
everything in your life, business,
connections, even your first wife.
Celeste didn't marry me for money, Elas
countered. But uncertainty was in his
voice. Keep telling yourself that, but
we both know she didn't love you. And
you know what's funny? Neither did Zoe.
Your daughter hated you, Elias. She told
me so. Silence fell. Aisha pressed her
hand to her mouth to keep from crying
out. You You saw Zoe? Elias's voice
trembled. Of course. Celeste called me
after your breakup. We met. She wanted
advice on how to handle you, and Zoe was
with her. Sweet girl. Too bad she died.
There was not a shred of regret in
Silus's voice. But you know what? She
asked me why her father was so cold, why
you were never there for her. She cried,
"Alias, your daughter cried because of
you." "Get out," Elias whispered.
"Please get out." "One more question,
brother. Have you changed your will in
favor of your young wife yet?" he
paused. "Or does she still not know that
the inheritance promised to her still
needs to be formally arranged? I wonder
what would happen if you didn't manage
to do it. The old will in my name is
still valid.
Aisha froze. The will. It hadn't been
changed yet.
I plan to rewrite it this week, Elias
said. I've already arranged it with the
notary. You plan to, Silas mimicked. But
you haven't rewritten it yet. And given
your health, you might not make it.
Think about that. and how your sweet
little wife might be wasting her time on
a dying old man. He walked out of the
room and ran straight into Aisha in the
corridor. He smirked eavesdropping. It's
fine. Now you know the truth. My advice,
hurry him up with the will or you might
be left with nothing. Aisha watched
Silas walk away, feeling everything
churn inside her. His brother's words
echoed in her head. Hurry him up with
the will. you might be left with nothing.
nothing.
She slowly entered Elias's quarters. He
was sitting on the bed with his back to
the door. His shoulders were slumped.
The mask lay on the nightstand. He had
stopped wearing it around Aisha after
the night he fell. Hearing her steps, he
didn't turn around. You heard
everything. It wasn't a question. Yes.
Aisha walked closer. Is it true the will
is still in his name?
Elias Thorne sighed heavily and finally
turned to her. His face, distorted by
the paralysis, looked especially sad in
the dim light of the evening lamps.
Yes, I drew it up years ago when Silas
and I were still on normal terms. After
Zoe's death, I just didn't see the point
in changing it. There was no one left to
leave the fortune to. He looked at her.
When you agreed to marry me, I
immediately told Darius to contact the
notary. I wanted to transfer everything
to you. Why didn't you do it? The notary
was out of town. He won't return until
the day after tomorrow. I was going to
tell you, but he stopped. I was afraid
you'd think I was trying to buy your
affection, that money was all I could
offer. Aisha sat down on the stool next
to the bed. Her thoughts were racing.
Darius had promised her the inheritance
even before the wedding. So Elias really
had planned to change the will from the
very beginning. But what if he didn't
make it? What if something happened
before the meeting with the notary?
What are you thinking about? Elias
Thorne asked softly. I'm thinking Silas
is right, she admitted. I truly agreed
to this marriage because of the money.
Not for myself, but still because of
money. That makes me no better than the
people you call the buyers in your life.
No, Elias Thorne countered sharply.
You're not like that. Silas said those
things intentionally to cause trouble
between us. He is envious and greedy. He
always has been. I helped him, gave him
money for his business, bailed him out
of debt, but he always wanted more. He
wanted what I had, but he didn't want to
work for it. He said, "You bought
everything in life, even Celeste."
Elias Thorne closed his eyes and a
grimace of pain crossed his face. Maybe
he's right. Maybe I really did think
money solved everything. I showered
Celeste with gifts, bought her a huge
house, an expensive car. I thought that
was love. Giving a person everything
they wanted. But I forgot the most
important thing to give her myself, my
time, my attention. He opened his eyes
and looked at Aisha. With you, I don't
want to repeat that mistake. I don't
want only money between us.
But we already had a deal. Aisha felt
her voice tremble. You bought me. You
paid for my company. Isn't that the same
thing? At first, yes, Elias admitted.
But now, Aisha, tell me honestly. When
you sat by my bed the night I fell, when
you read me books, cared for me this
past week, did you do it only because I
paid for your mother's treatment? or was
there something else? Aisha remained
silent. She didn't know what to answer
because she didn't fully understand her
own feelings. When she cared for Elias,
it wasn't a burden. Moreover, she
worried about him. She was concerned
when he was unwell. But was it love or
simply pity for a lonely, sick man?
I don't know, she finally admitted.
I truly care about what happens to you,
but I can't say I love you. That would
be a lie. I'm not asking for love. Elias
Thorne reached out and gently covered
her hand with his. I'm just asking you
not to leave, to stay with me until the
end, and not because of the money, not
because of the will, but simply because
I feel better when you're near." Aisha
looked at their joined hands. His palm
was warm. His fingers gently squeezed
her hand. And in that touch, there was
nothing demanding, nothing insistent,
only a request and hope. "All right,"
she whispered. "I'll stay." They sat
like that for several minutes in
silence. Then Aisha cautiously withdrew
her hand. "You need to rest, and I I
need to think." She left the room and
went up to her own. All night she
couldn't sleep, tossing and turning,
replaying the conversation with Elias
and Silas's words in her head. By
morning, she had made a decision. At
breakfast, she told Elias, "I want you
not to change the will." He dropped the
fork he was about to use to eat his
omelette. "What?
Don't change the will in my name," Aisha
repeated firmly. "I don't want money
hanging between us. I don't want to
think about the inheritance every time
you feel unwell." And I don't want you
to think I'm only here for that reason.
Aisha, this is insane. Elias Thorne
shook his head. You married me on the
condition that you would receive
security. I can't. You can. Aisha
interrupted him. You owe me nothing. Mom
is already receiving treatment. Dad's
debt is closed. That's enough. The rest
is only if I truly deserve it. not as a
contract wife, but as she paused,
searching for words, as someone you
genuinely held dear.
Elias Thorne looked at her for a long
time, and tears glistened in his visible
eye. "You are amazing," he whispered.
"Absolutely amazing."
"I just don't want to live with the
thought that I'm waiting for you to die
for money," Aisha confessed. What you've
already done for my family is enough.
And if if you still want to leave me
something, only do it when you are
certain I deserve it, not before.
Darius Powell appeared in the doorway.
Mr. Thorne, the notary became available
sooner. He can come this evening if
that's convenient for you. Elias and
Aisha exchanged glances. He raised an
eyebrow questioningly, and she nodded.
The decision was made.
"Tell him I've changed my mind," Elias
Thorne told the assistant. "I won't be
changing the will."
Darius Powell looked at both of them in
surprise, but remained silent, just
nodding and leaving. The following days
passed in a strange tension. Aisha felt
that her decision to refuse the will had
changed something between her and Elias.
He looked at her differently with a kind
of reverence and tenderness that hadn't
been there before, and she herself found
herself missing him more often when he
wasn't around.
Her mother's surgery was successful.
Aisha spent the entire day at the clinic
holding her father's hand, who was
beside himself with worry. When the
surgeon came out of the operating room
and reported that everything went well,
Marcus Hayes burst into tears and Aisha
felt the weight that had been crushing
her for months finally lift from her
shoulders. That evening, she returned to
the estate, tired but happy. Elias
Thorne was waiting for her in the
library, and when she shared the news,
he truly smiled despite his distorted
face. I'm happy, Aisha. Very happy for
you and your family. It's all thanks to
you. She sat down next to his armchair.
If it weren't for you, mom wouldn't have
lived to see the surgery. Then I did at
least one thing right in this life. He
took her hand in his. You know, I've
been thinking about what you said about
the will. And I want you to know I'll
still take care of you. Maybe not
through the will, but there are other
ways. A trust fund, for example. Silas
won't be able to contest that. Mr.
Thornne, please," he squeezed her hand,
"allow me to do this, not because you're
my contract wife, but because you've
become dear to me, very dear, and I
cannot allow you to be left with nothing
after my death, while Silas swims in
money." Aisha looked into his eyes and
saw such sincerity that she couldn't
refuse. "All right, but only a
reasonable amount, not the entire
fortune. Deal?" Elias Thornne sighed
with relief. They sat in the library
late into the evening talking about
books, about life, about dreams. Elias
spoke of the places he had been, the
countries he wished he could show Aisha
if his health allowed. She listened,
imagining those journeys, and sadly
realized they would never happen. "What
are you thinking about?" Elias Thorne
asked, noticing her sad gaze. "I'm
thinking it's unfair. You know so much.
You've seen so much and now you're
confined to this house, this chair. She
paused. You dreamed of showing me the
world, but we both know that's
impossible. Not everything is lost.
Elias Thorne smiled unexpectedly. I have
an idea, but it's a surprise. You'll
find out tomorrow. The next morning,
Aisha woke up to a knock on the door.
Esther brought a tray with breakfast and
smiled mysteriously.
Mr. Thorne asked me to tell you to dress
warmly and come down to the main
entrance at 10:00. "What's happening?"
Aisha asked, intrigued. "You'll see."
The housekeeper only smiled enigmatically.
enigmatically.
Exactly at 10:00, Aisha went downstairs.
Elias Thorne was waiting for her at the
entrance, dressed in a warm coat and
leaning on his cane. Darius Powell stood
nearby. "We're going for a ride," Elias
announced. I want to show you a place.
They got into the car, a spacious SUV
with comfortable seats, and drove off.
The journey took about an hour. Aisha
watched the scenery passed by the
window. Fields, groves, small towns.
Elias was silent, but a smile played on
his face. Finally, they pulled up to a
small lake surrounded by woods. The
shore was scattered with colorful autumn
leaves. The water was calm and clear,
reflecting the sky. Right by the water
stood a wooden gazebo with a view of the
lake. "This is my favorite spot," Elias
said when they got out of the car.
Darius helped him reach the gazebo. "I
bought this land years ago. I wanted to
build a house here, but I never got
around to it. And then the stroke
happened, and I decided I wouldn't
return here." "Too far, too difficult
with my health." "So why did we come?"
Aisha asked, sitting down next to him on
the bench in the gazebo.
Because I realized, if not now, then
never. Elias Thorne looked at the lake.
I can't show you Paris or Rome. I can't
take you to the mountains or the sea.
But I can share what is precious to me.
This place, this beauty.
Aisha felt a lump in her throat. She
looked at the lake, at the trees
reflected in the water, at the quiet,
peaceful scene around them, and
understood that it was truly beautiful,
perhaps even more beautiful than foreign
sights. "Thank you," she whispered.
"This this is a truly special place."
They sat there for more than an hour,
simply enjoying the quiet and the peace.
Elias Thorne talked about how he found
the lake, how he dreamed of building a
small home for his family here. Aisha
listened and imagined what his life
could have been like if things had
turned out differently. On the way back,
Elias Thorne dozed off in the car,
resting his head on Aisha's shoulder.
She sat motionless, afraid to wake him,
and looked at his face. even distorted
by paralysis, it now seemed familiar to
her. Once she had only seen an old, sick
man who bought her. Now she saw a person
with a broken heart who was trying to
find some warmth before the end. And she
suddenly realized that she had fallen in
love. Not passionately, not madly, but
quietly, deeply, truly. The thought
shocked and frightened her at the same
time. She had fallen in love with a
dying man, a man who had so little time
left. That evening, while Elias Thorne
was resting after the trip, Esther
knocked on Aisha's door. The
housekeeper's face was troubled. "We
have a problem," she said softly. "I
overheard Darius Powell's phone
conversation. He was talking to Silas
Thorne about Mr. Thorne's health, about
him leaving the house today. Silas asked
when this end might come, and Darius
replied, "Soon. Very soon." Aisha went
cold. "You think? I don't know what to
think." Esther shook her head. "But I
don't like what I heard. Darius Powell
has worked for Mr. Thorne for 20 years,
but he's also well acquainted with
Silas. And if the will is still in the
younger brother's name," she didn't
finish the sentence, but Aisha
understood everything. We have to warn
Mr. Thorne. Warn him of what? The
housekeeper threw up her hands. We have
no proof, just suspicions. And Mr.
Thorne trusts Darius as he trusts
himself. Then I'll be more watchful,
Aisha said decisively. I won't leave his
side for a moment. For the next few days
she indeed barely left Elias Thorne's
side. In the morning they had breakfast
together. During the day, she read to
him, or they simply talked, and in the
evening, they had dinner. Darius Powell
tried to draw her away several times
under different pretexts, some documents
to sign or to talk about decorating her
room. But Aisha always found a reason to
stay with Elias. She saw the assistant
frown, saw the irritated glances he
threw her way, but he said nothing, did
not insist. Maybe Esther was mistaken.
Maybe the conversation was harmless.
But then something happened that
dispelled all doubts. It happened a week
after the trip to the lake. Aisha came
to Elias Thorne with his morning tea as
she did every day. He was sitting in his
armchair by the window holding a
document. His face was deathly pale.
"What's wrong?" Aisha asked, alarmed.
Elias Thorne silently handed her the paper. It was a print out of a bank
paper. It was a print out of a bank transfer. A very large sum had been
transfer. A very large sum had been moved from his account to an offshore
moved from his account to an offshore account 3 days ago, and the signature on
account 3 days ago, and the signature on the transfer document was his, Elias's.
the transfer document was his, Elias's. I didn't do this, he whispered. Aisha, I
I didn't do this, he whispered. Aisha, I did not sign this transfer. I never even
did not sign this transfer. I never even saw this document. Aisha looked at the
saw this document. Aisha looked at the signature. It was indeed very similar to
signature. It was indeed very similar to Elias Thorne's handwriting, which she
Elias Thorne's handwriting, which she had seen many times. But there was one
had seen many times. But there was one detail, the last letter of the surname.
detail, the last letter of the surname. Elias always drew it with a distinctive
Elias always drew it with a distinctive flourish. Here, the flourish was
flourish. Here, the flourish was missing. It's a forgery, she said.
missing. It's a forgery, she said. Someone faked your signature and stole
Someone faked your signature and stole the money. Darius, Elias Thorne gasped.
the money. Darius, Elias Thorne gasped. Only he has access to my accounts. Only
Only he has access to my accounts. Only he could have done this. At that moment,
he could have done this. At that moment, the door burst open and Darius Powell
the door burst open and Darius Powell himself appeared on the threshold. In
himself appeared on the threshold. In his hand was a handgun. "What a shame
his hand was a handgun. "What a shame you discovered this so quickly, Mr.
you discovered this so quickly, Mr. Thornne," he said coldly. "I was
Thornne," he said coldly. "I was counting on having more time." Aisha
counting on having more time." Aisha instinctively stepped forward, shielding
instinctively stepped forward, shielding Elias. Her heart pounded so hard it felt
Elias. Her heart pounded so hard it felt like it would jump out of her chest.
like it would jump out of her chest. "Darius, what are you doing?" Elias
"Darius, what are you doing?" Elias Thorne's voice trembled, not from fear,
Thorne's voice trembled, not from fear, but from the pain of betrayal. "20
but from the pain of betrayal. "20 years! 20 years you were by my side. 20
years! 20 years you were by my side. 20 years I was your shadow!" the assistant
years I was your shadow!" the assistant shouted, his face contorted. 20 years I
shouted, his face contorted. 20 years I carried out your every whim, smiled,
carried out your every whim, smiled, bowed. You didn't even notice me as a
bowed. You didn't even notice me as a person. I was just a function, a tool.
person. I was just a function, a tool. And Silas Thorne, he offered me a share.
And Silas Thorne, he offered me a share. Real money after your death. All I had
Real money after your death. All I had to do was help it happen a little
to do was help it happen a little faster. You wanted to kill him? Aisha
faster. You wanted to kill him? Aisha whispered. Didn't want to. I want to,
whispered. Didn't want to. I want to, Darius corrected coldly. Today, right
Darius corrected coldly. Today, right now, an accident. The old man fell down
now, an accident. The old man fell down the stairs. No one will prove anything.
the stairs. No one will prove anything. And tomorrow, Silus Thorne inherits
And tomorrow, Silus Thorne inherits everything and I get my cut. And me?
everything and I get my cut. And me? Aisha asked, trying to buy time. What
Aisha asked, trying to buy time. What about me? You were a witness. Sadly, you
about me? You were a witness. Sadly, you tried to help your husband and fell too.
tried to help your husband and fell too. A tragedy. Elias Thorne tried to stand
A tragedy. Elias Thorne tried to stand up, but Darius aimed the gun directly at
up, but Darius aimed the gun directly at him. Sit down. At that moment, the door
him. Sit down. At that moment, the door behind Darius Powell flew open, and
behind Darius Powell flew open, and Esther burst into the room with a heavy
Esther burst into the room with a heavy candlestick in her hands. The blow
candlestick in her hands. The blow landed precisely on the back of his
landed precisely on the back of his head. Darius grunted and collapsed onto
head. Darius grunted and collapsed onto the floor. The gun fell from his hands.
the floor. The gun fell from his hands. "I heard," the housekeeper panted. "I
"I heard," the housekeeper panted. "I heard and called the police. They're
heard and called the police. They're already on their way." Aisha rushed to
already on their way." Aisha rushed to Elias. He was sitting pale in shock. She
Elias. He was sitting pale in shock. She hugged him and he clung to her like a
hugged him and he clung to her like a child. It's over, she whispered. It's
child. It's over, she whispered. It's all right. I'm here. The police arrived
all right. I'm here. The police arrived 10 minutes later. Darius Powell was
10 minutes later. Darius Powell was taken away in handcuffs. It turned out
taken away in handcuffs. It turned out that Esther had already contacted the
that Esther had already contacted the bank and blocked the transfer. The money
bank and blocked the transfer. The money remained in Elias's account. and the
remained in Elias's account. and the recordings from the surveillance cameras
recordings from the surveillance cameras installed in the mansion showed Darius
installed in the mansion showed Darius forging the signature. Silas Thorne was
forging the signature. Silas Thorne was also arrested. The correspondence on
also arrested. The correspondence on Darius's phone was full of evidence of
Darius's phone was full of evidence of their conspiracy. Three months passed.
their conspiracy. Three months passed. Aisha was sitting in the same gazebo by
Aisha was sitting in the same gazebo by the lake where they had visited with
the lake where they had visited with Elias. He sat beside her, but without a
Elias. He sat beside her, but without a cane. The rehabilitation, which began
cane. The rehabilitation, which began after Darius's arrest, yielded
after Darius's arrest, yielded unexpected results. It turned out that
unexpected results. It turned out that some of the symptoms were exacerbated by
some of the symptoms were exacerbated by medication that the assistant had
medication that the assistant had secretly been administering. Without
secretly been administering. Without those additives, Elias began to recover.
those additives, Elias began to recover. "What are you thinking about?" he asked,
"What are you thinking about?" he asked, taking her hand. "About the strange
taking her hand. "About the strange journey we had to take." Aisha looked at
journey we had to take." Aisha looked at his face. The paralysis hadn't vanished
his face. The paralysis hadn't vanished completely, but it was significantly
completely, but it was significantly reduced. He no longer wore the mask. "We
reduced. He no longer wore the mask. "We started as strangers, bound by a
started as strangers, bound by a contract," Elias finished. And now, now
contract," Elias finished. And now, now we're family. A real family without
we're family. A real family without contracts or conditions.
contracts or conditions. You know what's funny? Aisha smiled. On
You know what's funny? Aisha smiled. On our wedding night, I thought that when
our wedding night, I thought that when you took off your mask, I would see a
you took off your mask, I would see a monster. But I saw a person. Just a
monster. But I saw a person. Just a person who needed love.
person who needed love. And you gave me that love.
And you gave me that love. Elias Thorne leaned in and kissed her
Elias Thorne leaned in and kissed her gently, carefully. the first real kiss
gently, carefully. the first real kiss in all their months of marriage. In the
in all their months of marriage. In the distance on the shore of the lake,
distance on the shore of the lake, builders were laying the foundation for
builders were laying the foundation for the house, the very one Elias had
the house, the very one Elias had dreamed of. Now it was no longer a
dreamed of. Now it was no longer a dream, but reality, their future. And in
dream, but reality, their future. And in Elias Thorne's jacket pocket was a new
Elias Thorne's jacket pocket was a new document, a will that transferred his
document, a will that transferred his entire estate to Aisha. not because she
entire estate to Aisha. not because she was his contract wife, but because she
was his contract wife, but because she had saved his life and more importantly
had saved his life and more importantly given him love. I'm really glad you're
given him love. I'm really glad you're here and that I could share my story
here and that I could share my story with you. If you liked it, show me by
with you. If you liked it, show me by liking the video and subscribing to my
liking the video and subscribing to my channel. Let's see how many of us there
channel. Let's see how many of us there are. Write in the comments which city
are. Write in the comments which city you're watching from and what time it
you're watching from and what time it is. I'm so curious to know where all you
is. I'm so curious to know where all you wonderful people are tuning in from. If
wonderful people are tuning in from. If you want to support me a little extra,
you want to support me a little extra, you can also send a small donation. I
you can also send a small donation. I share new life stories for you every
share new life stories for you every single day. And now, two of my most
single day. And now, two of my most popular stories will pop up on the
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