Mia

I was sitting in my dad's study right now. The room felt unusually darker and colder today. The wood panelled room filled with bookshelves and a massive oak wood table sat in front of the large windows gave off a stressful vibe. I was sitting on the leather couch with my hands on my head, I could feel myself getting a headache. My dad was sitting on his huge black leather armchair while Officer Heron and Aryan sat opposite him, discussing the latest update. Ragnar and another cop who was probably 6'5 with many tattoos were also in a heated conversation.

Last night Aryan received another threat from an unknown number. This was getting out of control, who was this person and why was he obsessed with hurting Aryan so much.

When he received the text, he immediately forwarded it to all of us. Officer Heron instantly deployed some officers to keep an eye on Aryan while he was at the hospital and escorted him here safely when he was done with his shift. I looked at Aryan and I could tell he was extremely exhausted, he has been awake for more than 24 hours now. He needed to rest or he was going to fall sick or even worse collapse. I was so worried about him and I had to find a way to pull ourselves out of this sticky situation we are in right now.

Officer Heron informed us that they managed to catch Stephen and Kuna hiding in an old apartment downtown and after interrogating them, they revealed that the intruder last night has been in contact with them for the past one month and promised to pay them handsomely if they helped him, with all the stolen jewellery and cash he was going to raid from my house. The only unfortunate thing was that neither of them knew what he really looked like because he always came with a mask and the only description they could give is that he looked Chinese and he was a bit short.

"We need to get to the bottom of this. Mia and Aryan's safety is my top priority". My father spoke up.

"We've made some progress. We obtained some of the CCTV footage from the neighbours. We have a view from him parking his car on the other side next to one of the houses in the corner and were able to zoom in on the number plate and track that car right to an old abandoned warehouse. We will catch him soon". Officer Heron informed us.

" Aryan did you see anyone suspicious loitering on the hospital grounds or do you have any enemies we should be aware of?" My dad questioned Aryan.

"Not that I know off sir. We have many people coming in and out of the hospital, and some of them do get mad and argue with me at times but I don't think they would hold a grudge like this."

"Anyone could be a threat at this point, Aryan, and in this case we have to be really careful."Officer Heron advised him and I grew more worried. It was kind of obvious this perpetrator was after Aryan and not me and something told me he had a personal vendetta against him.

I tried to think of all the possible people who would want to hurt Aryan and then all of a sudden it struck me out of nowhere. The other day at the hospital after we came out from Annie Shen's room, I did see someone staring at us and when I looked at him, he looked away. Moreover, Karan's words came flooding in, some people might try to hurt Aryan if he signed the will. Shit how did I not think of this before.

"Yes that's it."I jumped up from the couch and everyone stared at me.

"Aryan, I know who might be trying to attack you."

"Who fio... I mean Mia?" He corrected himself.

"Annie Shen's relatives or someone who knows her."

"What no. That is impossible." Aryan didn't want to agree with me.

"Yes it is possible. Before I came to see you that day to discuss about Annie Shen will, I consulted with Karan first and he told me how if you signed it, people who are not too happy about it can try to harm you and on top of that, after our discussion with Annie and her lawyer, when we walked out of the room, I noticed someone on the far corner in a black hoodie staring at us and when I caught him looking at us, he turned away."

"Ms.Young, this information is great, now we have a lead."Officer Heron applauded me.

"Does this also mean Annie's life is in danger?" Oh Aryan you are always thinking about other people and never about yourself.

"We can assign some cops to stand by her door," Officer Heron suggested.

"Aryan, have you signed the will yet?" I looked at him.

"No, Avinash is still in the midst of amending it."

"Good, don't sign anything yet."

"Send me the will Mia."My dad asked me and I immediately took out my phone and forwarded the email to him.

I sent the old will to my dad and Officer Heron and explained to them about the changes Karan made that day. They both listened to me intently and once I was done, my dad and Officer Heron remained silent. I knew my dad was plotting something in his head and I hope it was a good one. We have to do whatever it takes to keep Aryan safe.

"Mia, call Karan and ask him to come here as soon as possible. Aryan, call Avinash and ask him if he is done with the will and tell him that, I want to meet him today." My dad instructed the both of us.

We didn't even hesitate. I quickly called Karan and informed him to come to my parents house and Aryan called Avinash and told him to come here.

Few hours later Karan, Avinash and my dad were in a deep discussion about the latest will while Aryan and I listened closely. Avinash has written the new will according to Karan's suggestion and he even helped Annie to set up a trust fund for Aryan where a portion of the money will be deposited into his account every 6 months and once all of the money is transferred to him, Aryan can do whatever he pleases with it.

"Annie has asked if a few of you could be part of the trustee." Avinash told us.

"I will be part of it as well as Mia and Karan."My dad stated firmly.

"Perfect, I will draw up a contract soon and then everybody can sign on it. I will inform Annie as well."

"Thank you Avinash" My dad stood up and shook his hand.

"Now Aryan, let's ensure, no one tries to harm you or Mia in the meantime. Mia, I am going to assign you your own personal bodyguard until we can clear up this matter and you have to continue staying here with us."

"Understood, how about Aryan?" I was praying he would allow Aryan to stay with me as well.

"Future son-in-laws are always welcome to stay, for as long as they want to." My mouth hung open when he said that. I can't believe my dad just openly stated that.

I looked at Aryan and his eyeballs almost rolled out of his sockets when he heard what my dad said.

"Sir......I."

"I know you two are dating, no need to explain yourselves. Now if you will excuse me I have to go and calm your mother down. She thinks we are all going to die". My dad got up from his chair unbuttoned his jacket and walked out leaving Aryan and me alone in the study.

'Well.... That.... was...."

"Awkward." I finished Aryan's sentence.

"Yeah. Your dad is really scary. You don't think he will tie me upside down and beat me right?"

"My dad has done many scary things before but I don't think he will beat you." I assured him.

"Incase if I go missing please inform Officer Heron that your dad might be the next suspect."

"Aryan." I whacked his arm and he laughed.

"Kidding, come here." He pulled me into a tight embrace and placed his chin on my head

"I don't think we can go to Japan."I informed him.

'Yeah, it's too risky."He agreed.

"I really wanted to go on a holiday with you." I pressed my face further into his chest, inhaling his scent in the process. I was upset that I couldn't go on a trip with him. He put so much effort and time into planning it and it all came crashing down.

"We can go after this whole problem is solved. I will cancel the ticket and hotel reservations. Hopefully I can get refunded." He chuckled.

"This sucks." I sighed.

A huge part of me was annoyed by this whole will thing. If only Annie thought of another person she could transfer all of her assets and properties to instead of forcing Aryan to take it, we wouldn't be in this mess.

I actually suggested another idea just now to all of them, like what if Annie transferred it all to a charitable organisation. However, according to Avinash she disagreed because she had donated a lot in her lifetime and she thinks if she gave them all the money, she is afraid they will be misused. Apparently there isn't another way around this unless Annie could think of someone else she would like to have everything transferred to.

"You need to get some rest before your next shift." I looked up at him and I could see that he was really tired. Dark circles were beginning to form under his eyes.

"Yeah, the last time I stayed up this long was when I had back to back exams in university."

"Come on, let's get you to bed. I will wake you up before your shift."

We went to my room and Aryan took a shower first then just crashed on my bed. He was out within seconds. I put a reminder on my phone to wake him up before his shift started. I bent down and kissed his head.

"I love you."