The Traps of Black Swan

Aarvi and Aaron entered a retro-styled cafe in a low profile. People were very busy to notice them. Both of their eyes brushed over the table and spotted the man they were meeting. They made their way towards them when the man's gaze fell on them.

Edward was the elder son of the Merton family, elder brother of Wade Merton who was in prison for attempting to kidnap Shea Morris. As far as they knew Father Merton or Chairman Merton and his younger son Wade Merton were evil whereas Edward, president of Merton international was a good, reasonable man.

When Aarvi guessed Mertons could be behind a fake attack on them and the kidnap of the Lane family, Aarvi's guess was Edward so here they were. The couple wanted to make sure Edward meant no harm to them else they might have to clean up the Merton family too.

Edwards was in casual unlike formals, suits presidents usually wear to show dominance. At the same time, Aaron had removed his blazer so he was in a pullover and trousers. Aarvi was in a pretty black dress that had white detailing. So they were able to mix up in public. However, the couple inevitably grabs attention, especially Aaron's stoic handsome face and well-built physique.

Edward identified them as he had been waiting for them. He didn't get up, he just pointed at the other side of the table for them to sit. Then he raised his hand, calling the waiter to the table. Aaron ordered coffee for himself, fresh juice for Aarvi, and Edward already had his coffee on the table. The silence had greater meaning than awkwardness.

Edward looked at the couple for a few seconds. He couldn't believe they wanted to meet him, instead of looking for him, they demanded him to be in Mocon without asking if he had any time. "Why do I have the honor to grab a coffee with the couple?"

Aarvi didn't respond and sipped her juice as if she had no idea what was going on there. Aaron placed his cup down, "President Merton pretends to be oblivious."

Edward caught the hint of sarcasm in Aaron's cold tone. He let out a short heart laugh and sipped his coffee, "I wonder how you got to know." Because even the kidnappers and attackers didn't know it was him.

Aarvi smirked behind the glass as she kept it back on the table. Although she had guessed as Merton, she wasn't overconfident with her analysis. Nevertheless, she was right. The dream her brain played in her mind was too accurate. 

Aaron bluntly accepted glancing at his wife, "I have a whip-smart wife." He was proud and also surprised at how accurate she was on her deduction.

Aarvi: "..."

Edward's words didn't need a response. Her shameless husband wouldn't mind showing her off if he feels like, hide her when he wants.

Edward paused briefly and glanced at Aarvi whose lips slightly pouted before it vanished as if she hadn't reacted at all. He hadn't completely believed Aarvi alone was attacking Leon. Now that he witnessed Aaron adoring and admiring his wife openly, he was sure Aarvi was more than what she looks on the surface. 

"I don't dare to doubt it." He accepted she got to know but he wasn't sure how she got to know. If she gets to know, will the cops get to know his actions? He wandered.

After a pause, he confessed, "I mean no harm to you."

Aaron didn't respond and silently waited for him to continue.

"I thought the charges on Leon Harmon will increase and he will stay in the prison," Edward added, looking at their expressionless faces. He didn't understand what they were thinking.

Waiting for them to get angry or anything, Edward lost to the battle of silence and continued, "Yes, I was behind the fake attack and the Lane family."

Aarvi asked this time, "Why?"

Edward's expression changed at the question. He looked displeased and angry, not at Aarvi. "Though my father is greedy, he never resorted to criminal activities. Thanks to Leon Harmon, our family lost peace and happiness." He was a family man and he hated the disturbance caused by Leon again and again. "He deserves to die in prison." He exclaimed.

Aarvi shrugged her hands under the table. She was telling Aaron as 'I told you.' The kind people endure a long time. But once they lose their temper, they could be vicious. Thankfully Edward was smart to know his reach and stayed safe.

Aaron placed the cup down as he sensed Aarvi's action. He probed the man who was cooling down, "You mean, you don't despise us." After all, he stole a project and Aarvi stole another project.

Edward understood the real reason behind their presence. His mood lightened as he smiled, "You were more capable than me and earned the Golden oil and gas project. We owe you an apology for what my father did." He paused and looked at serene beauty, "Instead of attacking our life or reputation, your wife taught us a lesson by earning a Global tech village project. She earned it with her capability and I failed." He accepted his defeat honorably.

Aaron didn't feel like Edward was lying anywhere. Edward was indeed a good man, a principled man, and a notable leader of Merton International. The intense air softened and the three had their drinks with their conversation turning to about the business.

When Edward was leaving, Aarvi assured him no cops would reach him and warned him to avoid such things. Edward was a friendly person, he laughed, taking her suggestion. He went to the airport and the couple went shopping.

They needed nothing particular to buy. They were making up for the dates they weren't going due to her identity being a secret in the past.

That evening all the couples, Aarvi and Aaron, Shea and Shawn, Tia and Dax, Mehak and Nikun, Zain and Zara had fun in the Highland club. The most enjoyed were still the three friends, vibing with Shawn's music.

The pictures of three friends jazzing next to the music system went viral that night. None could believe the woman who swore to destroy Leon was enjoying just like others. There will always be some to look down and comment on her actions but they didn't care. A person couldn't please everyone.

…..

Nevertheless, on Saturday more cases were woven around Leon. Zachary Barnes had gathered former owners of the small businesses Leon had stolen or cheated. Though it should be filed against Harmon industries, they blamed Leon for his atrocious behavior. Some demanded compensation and a few demanded a public apology.

Here Aeon, who was busy with company work, came ahead and apologized on behalf of the company. Then he arranged a meeting with each one to look into the cases carefully. He earned huge respect there. He was growing stronger each day and taking huge responsibilities.

Although Aarvi was planning to set up a small business for victim ladies Dylan had saved, Eliza asked Aarvi if she could take care of them. Aarvi had no issues. She passed the materials to Eliza. 

Under Harmon Industries, Eliza started detailed planning of a small-scale business discussing with those ladies. She was also planning to bring other ladies who had the same fate under different monsters or suffering in domestic violence.

Meanwhile, Aarvi continued to unravel Leon's scandalous life.

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