NABC Chapter 139 She would be free.
Chapter 139 She would be free.
Ryan's brows furrowed, and his jaws clenched in frustration every time he typed the name 'Winslow' in the search bar, only to come up with scattered, unrelated information. He couldn't find anything substantial about the man Arwen had married —just the faint trace of an old, not very common surname with no links to someone significant enough to be part of Arwen's world.
His fingers drummed against the table as he scrolled through page after page, his impatience already flaring. Who was this 'Winslow'? What did he do? How did he manage to lip into Arwen's life?
Ryan couldn't fathom that someone unremarkable would catch Arwen's attention. But if he is not unremarkable, then why couldn't he find anything about him?
The Quinn family was highly respected, with envied social and business connections. If Arwen chooses someone, he has to be meaningful.
With a sigh of frustration, Ryan clicked on a phone icon and dialled a number. After a few rings, the call was answered.
"It's me," he said sharply. "I need you to find out about someone."
There was a small pause on the other end, but soon the person replied. "Sure, Sir. Send me the details and I will soon get you all the information you need."
"Good. I will wait for you to reach me soon," Ryan said before hanging up the call. Once done, he stared at Arwen's profile picture on the screen and gritted his teeth, feeling the bitterness inside. "Arwen, you can't marry someone on a whim. You can't. You better have good reasons for it."
***
Arwen stared at him. His warmth felt like a steadying presence amid the storm of emotions her mother always stirred up. Under his unwavering gaze, she felt a flicker of her strength return.
He was right. Over time, she had begun to feel suffocated around her mother, There was no comfort, no love, no embrace that a mother would usually offer her daughter —only a longing that she had constantly tried to fill by tirelessly fulfilling her mother's every wish. Yet never was able to bring her the satisfaction —never was able to get praise.
"You are right," she said softly. "Expectations do limit people. They have limited me for so long ... always making me feel like I am not enough if I don't meet them. But I have learnt my lesson."
Aiden brushed a thumb over her knuckles, his eyes filled with understanding. "It's time to let go of those expectations. To stop carrying the weight."
Arwen nodded and her shoulders relaxed as his words sank in. It felt good to hear someone tell her that it was okay to not fit into the mold her mother had set for her. She had spent so many years tangled in that web, trying to be perfect, to never disappoint. But with Aiden beside her, she could finally see that perfection wasn't the answer —it never was. Maybe it was just stubbornness that her mother passed on to her, and for all these years, she hadn't been able to let go.
But finally today, she would be free.
"Madam, we have arrived at the Quinn Villa. Do you want me to drive in?" Neil asked, and Arwen turned to look outside the car. The gates looked intimidating, but suddenly the anxiety she had been feeling earlier was gone.
"No, it's fine. I will get down here," she replied, turning back to Aiden. Pulling her lips into a soft smile, she reasoned, "You are already late for work. Now, don't delay it more."
Aiden nodded to her, and she smiled before turning to open the door. But just as she was about to push it open, she turned in one swift motion to give a quick peck on Aiden's cheek. Her kiss was full of gratitude. "Thank you," she said, and then without saying more, she stepped out, closing the door after her.
As the window rolled down, she kept her smile and said, "See you later in the evening then."@@@@