The Traps of Black Swan

The liveliness that appeared by the thought of cooking with his family vanished. Jordan didn't like the way Fiona was stressing repeatedly that she is seeking forgiveness. He doubted if she is truly apologetic or wants to show them as she is apologetic. 

Karsen and Connor were no different. They didn't like the fact Fiona dared to request entry into the mansion and repeatedly made a big hill out of a mousehole. 

Aaron didn't care about Fiona or her apology. Broken glass can never be assembled or molded to its original look. The cracks will keep reminding you that it was broken. Fiona already lost her face, gaining it back isn't as simple as asking for an apology.

The two ladies who were ready to bring each other down were giggling together so Aarvi could guess they were up to no good. Despite disliking that she had to scheme in the Rivas mansion, she was prepared and waited to see how they were going to shoot their feet.

Since they chose an apology, she knew it wasn't a simple apology by seeing them put on a grand show and Aarvi wasn't ready to hear the long fake words of apology.

Aarvi silently stood till Jordan permitted Fiona to apologize to her. 

She spoke before Fiona started her flowery words. She made sure to sound bossy but words didn't match her tone, "Pardon me for my coming words if they sound offensive. I don't think you deserve my forgiveness."

Fiona and Naomi probably were dancing triumphant in their mind for winning before they even started. They wanted to show Fiona has a big heart to apologize to the younger one with all due respect and show Aarvi as measly.

But their celebration was grand due to Aarvi directly getting offended. Jordan glanced at Aarvi, oddly feeling, it wasn't the end and Aarvi is too smart to talk that way.

Fiona looked down like a sulking child and spoke in a voice of a bullied one without waiting for Aarvi to complete, "I know I was too brash, I thought I could apologize and… sigh."

Shawn and Megan craved popcorn but waited for Aarvi to speak while Karsen and Connor were confused but Aaron felt alarmed realizing Aarvi's plan. He wanted to hold her ear and drag her to the kitchen.

Aarvi innocently raised her brows and continued her next set of words, "Ms. Knox, you are mistaken. We don't know each other and I don't bother getting offended by a stranger's words."

Shawn hoped the two ladies got the taste of real Aarvi Evans and to realize where they belong. Aaron was thinking if his analysis went wrong because Aarvi is one who apologizes to a stranger or a maid if by chance she makes small mistakes.

Naomi wasn't surprised by Aarvi's words because after so many years, Aarvi treated her like a stranger and never cared to befriend her. 

However Fiona felt it like an insult and tried to show herself more ladylike, "But I am taught to apologize for my mistake even to the stranger."

Shawn rolled his eyes looking at her and put on so much drama and mumbled, "I don't think your parents taught to put on a show each time."

Megan silently chuckled but slapped his arms to be quiet when all turned to him. Aaron pitied the lady for getting ready to be chopped by his girlfriend.

Jordan felt repulsive hearing Fiona's words. The more he heard her, his irritation and disgust towards her were increasing more and more.

Aarvi smiled which didn't reach her eyes but it was like a warning, "I appreciate it, Ms. Knox." Her tone was mocking to remind her about her behavior from last time.

Then she cut to the chase, "The one who you actually slandered is my boyfriend, you looked down on the nurture of the Rivas family. So if you are really repenting for your mistakes, apologize to the right ones."

Aaron knew she was going to do that. Shawn was celebrating for flipping the game around.

Karsen and Connor gave it a thought and agreed to Aarvi's hypothesis. Fiona had repeatedly called Aarvi a bitch who seduced Aaron climbing on his bed.

Doesn't that mean Aaron accepted the woman who used unscrupulous methods to enter the Rivas family? 

Jordan didn't let Fiona speak, "Why are we wasting time on this? Let's go." He didn't give her another chance to redeem herself. He walked towards the kitchen with the rest leaving two ladies befuddled.

Naomi gritted her teeth looking at Aaron pulling Aarvi's ear and the latter stuck her tongue out at him, "She is scheming."

However, Fiona calmed down from the turn of events how easily their game manipulated and earned contemptible gazes from the family. Her phrase was totally different, "Aarvi Evans is smart. She was prepared for our attack. Are you sure she is just a woman living by the grace of Aaron?"

The lines appeared between Naomi's brows. They got no information about Aarvi so doesn't that mean she has no special identity either?

"What do you mean?" Naomi asked if in case Fiona knew anything.

Fiona crossed her arms and faced Naomi. She spoke about her analysis in complete seriousness, "Who are we? The Knox and the Fisher. What is your and my qualification? Masters in our own field. Do you think an ordinary girl could be confident facing us just because she has a man behind her?"

Naomi stilled. Maybe in the past or present as Aaron's girlfriend, she always witnessed the confidence and nonchalance in Aarvi. They have seen many socialites thinking many times before talking to them, much less offending them.

Fiona continued after a pause, "If you want to drown, why are you planning to drown me first? Naomi Fisher, back off when they are treating you good else you will lose your face worse than me." 

After warning, she grabbed her handbag and wore her sunglasses. She glanced at Naomi once, then she left with a determination of never stepping into the Rivas mansion again.

It's been more than three years since Naomi was watching Aarvi and her recovery. If her real identity is Aarvi Evans, why didn't she return to her family and friends? Naomi is well versed in the socialite circle, she wouldn't have missed seeing Aarvi if she was one in them. If Aarvi really forgot about her past, how could she be any special in just two years?

Naomi didn't believe Fiona's opinion and strode to the kitchen without considering her warning.

She entered the european gourmet kitchen to hear everyone chuckle excluding Aria and Aaron who had faint smiles. She was surprised to see Jordan laughing wholeheartedly while Aarvi was helping him folding his sleeves.

She had spoken to Jordan countless times, spent time with him but she never found him as lively as he was now. 

She saw Megan enjoying sitting on the high barstool with bowls of spiced nuts while each man was prepping and Aarvi helped them fetch things.

It was a sight to behold and Aarvi didn't look like was a new member despite she looked too calm, less talkative, and hardly smiled. 

Naomi wanted to enter inside and also leave but she chose to enter and offered help, "Grandfather, may I help you?" She asked cheerfully.

Jordan shook his head as he didn't have anything that needed help with. Shawn, who was preparing the salad, smirked evilly, "Sister Naomi, why don't you julienne carrots for me?"

Naomi was excited hearing her name but was troubled hearing julienne. She washed the carrots and started to cut the carrot into short, thin strips very carefully.

Aarvi and Megan shook their heads resignation for Shawn's antics, "Doctor Fisher, why don't you rest with Aunty Megan? I will help him."

Megan added, "Yeah, you were saying you were feeling weak."

Naomi glared at Aarvi without hiding her dislike towards her while Aarvi was on her signature serenity. Naomi thought to have good talk and fun with Megan but saw her gaze, she turned to see Aarvi julienne a carrot in a matter of seconds and continued with the rest of the carrots like a professional.

She also noticed Jordan impressed by the small helping hand of Aarvi to them as she actively went around in the kitchen.

'Am I making a mistake?' Naomi thought to herself and then shook her head to disperse her thoughts. 

Whereas Aarvi's eyes were on Jordan who was so efficient without matching his age. Undoubtedly, she was admiring Jordan in the kitchen which obviously didn't go unnoticed by the rest.

While talking, Aarvi got to know they used to cook together from the time Connor and Karsen were young kids. Jordan's wife didn't know much about cooking so Jordan used to cook most of the time when they didn't have maids.

Later days, everyone became busy with their life, the Rivas grew tremendously, Jordan's wife made sure to spend time together in the name of cooking which had almost stopped when Aaron and Shawn went abroad.

Hence this was the first time after nine years, they are back to cook together, and coincidentally, it started with a new member, Aarvi.

Connor caressed her head when he was shifting a dish to the dining table, "Ariel used to run around and help us like you. Now you have fulfilled her place." He said affectionately.

All the while, they had unknowingly ignored Naomi's presence because they were narrating to Aarvi as she is new to the family but Naomi had no idea about it either.

Fuming, Naomi had lunch while the rest happily had lunch looking at the dining hall filled.

'Aarvi Evans, you can't win against me in the next.' Naomi thought to herself glowering at Aarvi as she planned to win Jordan's favor.