Chapter 402: Protective shield

Oliver was still working in the living room when he noticed Ronnie running away, his face mortified while he glanced back once in a while. Before he could even question Ronnie about it, the man had vanished and Oliver could only blink in confusion wondering what had happened. However, there was no one around for him to question about it. So, he swallowed his words and went back to his work, arranging the schedule of the news agency.

He was so lost in his work that he did not realize Aria's return. Aria stealthily peeked inside and darted her eyes around her, trying to find Noah. Since the moment Noah had warned her about what lay ahead for her, her heart had been thundering in her chest and she could not help but worry for herself.

She knew Noah had controlled his desire for a long time and any time soon, all that he had for her would come gushing out. Now that it was actually happening, Aria did not know how to face the situation. Aria had seen Ronnie running out and she had deduced that Noah was back, her hopes of not wanting to see him washing away in the ocean. She could only pray for the man to have forgotten his words and wish for her well-being by the end of the day.

As soon as Aria's eyes fell on her father, they lit up, and a plan formulated in her mind. 'How could I forget about Dad? I can hide behind him, he will protect me from the big bad wolf. Yes, Dad, you are my savior.' Standing straight, she pushed her shoulders back and after putting on a brave front, she entered the mansion. Although she seemed to be at ease, she was not. This was Noah's mansion and she could never escape from him, not when she knew that at the end of the day, she would be sleeping with him on his bed.

"Dad," She chirped, trying to curb her anxiousness. She forced a smile trying to appear as normal as possible. But being the observant man he was, Oliver could detect the abnormality in his daughter and he narrowed his eyes at her. He observed her carefully without saying a word and his scrutinizing gaze was enough for Aria to force her eyes away from him.

"Is something the matter, Aria?"

"Nothing. Nothing at all. Why do you ask, Dad?" She blurted out at once, adding fuel to his suspicions, and he shook his head slightly.

"Why do I feel that you are behaving strangely? Did something happen?" Oliver could sense her uneasiness, especially when she wandered her eyes around them, looking in the direction that led to her room. He had a hunch about what might have transpired and why she was on tenterhooks.

Oliver smiled, shaking his head at the couple who seemed to be so badly in love. Their clingy behavior and fondness for each other made his resolve to move out of Noah's mansion stronger and he decided to do so as soon as possible.

"Aria, I have something to speak to you about," Oliver stated, removing his glasses and placing them on the table in front of him.

"Yes, Dad," Aria muttered absentmindedly, once again darting her eyes around the room, trying to find the man who had threatened to gobble her up. 

"I have decided to move out." Oliver came to the point directly and dropped the bombshell. But Aria was too lost in thoughts to comprehend his words clearly.

"Okay, Dad." She agreed without thinking, making Oliver stare at her in disbelief.

"Aria, are you even listening to what I am saying?" Oliver raised his voice and this time, Aria fixed her eyes on her father.

"Dad, did you say something?" Aria questioned, seeing her father's agitated face, pondering about it. 'What happened to Dad? Why does he look so vexed?'

"Aria," Oliver called out to her and he sighed lightly. "I said I am moving out from this mansion." This time, there was an obvious reaction from his daughter and Oliver's annoyance reduced a little, pleased by the look on her face.

"But why?" Aria scooted closer to her father and held his hand. Her thoughts cleared and she forgot about Noah's words altogether. "Did someone say something to you? Did Noah tell you to move out?"

"Not at all, sweetheart." Oliver faced her daughter and pushed a strand of hair behind her ear. "Noah himself asked me to reconsider my decision. However, it is I who is adamant about it."

"Why, Papa? Why do you want to move out?"

"Aria, this is Noah's house, your house. You are still young and have a lot to see. You need time for yourselves and my presence here will only hinder your personal space and privacy. It will only serve as an obstruction to your love life and I do not wish something like that happen." Oliver put forth his reasons in front of Aria and waited for her to digest his words.

"Look Aria," Oliver made her stare at him and smiled in assurance. "You and Noah are still a young couple. And I know how young couples prefer to stay alone. And," A mischievous smile made its way on his face. "You will thank me for it once things get heated up," Oliver smirked, and immediately at once, Aria blushed, shying away in embarrassment. She was rendered speechless and she did not have the courage to face her father.

"But Dad," Aria faced him once again when she remembered the danger that was lurking around. "Where will you be staying, with Ivy?"

"No. Why will I stay with Ivy when she is having her time with Joshua?" Oliver's smile widened and Aria rolled her eyes at her father's cheekiness.

"Then, you are not allowed to leave from her. I am not allowing you to stay alone, especially when we know that it is unsafe for you." Aria declared, thinking about all possible dangers her father had to face when his truth came before the enemy.

Oliver chuckled seeing his daughter's stern face and he shook his head. "Don't worry, dear. Noah wants me to stay with Ian for the time being. If things go well, maybe I'll be staying with him."

"That sounds fair," Aria nodded. 'If Dad is going to stay with Ian, I am sure he will be safe. I can trust Ian with Dad's life just like before. He will take care of him for sure.'

Aria's thoughts slowly changed directions when a realization hit. 'In that case, Dad will be moving out soon. There is no way Noah will stop himself, especially when the opportunity is presenting itself before him and I cannot use Dad as my shield to protect myself. Then...' Aria shivered thinking about all possible scenarios where Noah would eat up. 'No.' She screamed in her and shook her head frantically, her strange actions making Oliver look at her weirdly.

"What happened to you?"

"Nothing Dad. Nothing at all. Umm, Dad, when have you decided to move out?" Aria queried carefully, hoping against hope that it would not be any time soon.

"Why? Are you that desperate to send me away?" Oliver gave her one teasing look and Aria gave him an annoyed squint.

"Dad," She cried out in dismay.

Oliver chuckled seeing her pout and puffed up face. "Noah has promised me to speak to Ian. If things go well, I will move out in a day or two." Oliver's words were like a thunderbolt to the poor girl and sat stunned in her seat.

There was only one thought in her mind. 'I am dead now. Noah will eat me up daily for sure.'