The Tyrant's Pet

Abel's initial interest in Aries wasn't because she was beautiful or smart or there was anything special about her. What made him take her in as his pet was because of the situation and the place; his mood at that time as well. But other than him, other people like Dexter were only curious about her. 

Dexter's interest in her was because she was smart. She picked up things quite fast.

That was why, when he told her he must fool everyone in the manor, Aries spent hours mulling over his words. And then it hit her. 

She didn't have to make others believe her. She only needed to make Dexter believe she was Daniella.

It was ridiculous, but not impossible.

People would look at the two of them and would instantly tell they didn't resemble each other. But if she changed her hair color and add a bit of glamour to her usual appearance, they would have similarities one way or another. 

Not that all siblings looked like each other. So, they could use that as an excuse. BUT, changing her appearance would never be enough. 

What she truly needed to change was how the marquess looked at her. If Dexter looked at her as if she was truly his sister, then who would question their relationship? Who would question her identity if Dexter himself believed she was Daniella?

It might not be the moral thing to do, but Aries was determined to take advantage of Dexter's grief. Well, not that this plan was 'pure' evil. After all, she also lost her family and everyone dear to her. So, she didn't have any other plans than make him believe she was Daniella. She would treat him sincerely, like a real family.

"What now?" 

Dexter straightened his back, sitting behind the desk in his office in his home. His eyes fell on Aries, sitting on the settee and just digging a hole in his forehead with her stare. 

"Nothing?" Aries feigned innocence as she shrugged, eyebrow raised. 

"Why are you even here? I had already procured the thing you asked for your hair." He pinched the space between his brows, leaning against the desk. "Didn't I show you your own study? Why... do you keep following me wherever I go?" 

"I'm not following you. I'm enjoying some tea and I find this place more peaceful." Aries bit her tongue, knowing the study he had first shown her was just as silent as this place. Actually, the entire manor was silent since the servants were trained to hold their tongue since Dexter doesn't like unnecessary noises. 

"This is the third day..." he grumbled, regretting ever agreeing to Abel's plans for her. "Please leave once you're done drinking your tea. You're distracting me."

"Alright." Aries smiled. What she did next left him flabbergasted, though. Aries reached for the bell, and the maidservant on standby immediately knocked and opened the door to answer her call. 

"The tea had gone cold, but that's alright. Replace it with a cool refreshment instead."

"Yes, my Lady."

While the maid placed the tea set back on the tray, she cast Dexter a smile. The latter could only let out a deep sigh before shaking his head. 

For the past three days — the next day Aries arrived in the stronghold — she kept following him. Although she wasn't doing anything major and kept her distance, he wasn't used that someone was following him. 

"Just go somewhere," he muttered, trying to refocus on reviewing the documents he needed to sign. "And stop bothering me."

"How am I bothering you?" 

Dexter took a deep breath as he raised his gaze to her. "I can hear you breathing." 

"..." Aries pressed her lips into a thin line before she narrowed her eyes until they turned into a glare. 

What was wrong with her breathing? It was not like she was breathing loudly! Not just Dexter, but it reminded her that Abel used the same excuse in the past, albeit for a different reason. 

"Leave once you finished your refreshment." He waved, shaking his head as he peeled his eyes away from her. Dexter tried to refocus his attention on his work. He didn't even bother when the servant returned with a tray of refreshments and snacks. 

To his dismay, while the refreshments were being served, Aries spoke. His brow twitched as he slowly set his eyes back to her.

"My lady?" the maid furrowed her brows as she doubted her keen ears as well. 

"I said, put it in a pitcher. A huge one and fill it with this juice." Aries smiled, ignoring the aloof marquess. "I'm a little thirsty."

"A — Daniella," came out a stern voice as his eyes darkened.

"Brother, why did you ask me to return in here if you see my presence as an eyesore?" she snapped even before he could speak further, letting the servant hear her disappointment. "You should've let me rot in that place if you can't even spend a tea with me."

Aries huffed, keeping her voice modest but her eyes full of frustration. "Put this away. I will return to my chambers at once." 

"Ye — yes, my lady." The maid stammered, a bit taken aback as she carefully tiptoed back while Aries assisted herself up. This was the first time someone spoke like this to the marquess in this place, so it was truly a little shocking. 

"Dani." 

Aries stopped by the door and looked back at him. "My apologies if I bothered you, my Lord. I will try to live as quiet as a dead rat and avoid your way. Have a good day." She tilted her head down slightly, turning her back against him, and never looking back as she walk away. 

Aries kept her shoulders and chin up, back straight, and solemn expression halfway to her quarters. But when she was certain no one was around, the side of her lips curled up. 

'I got a good reaction from that servant,' she thought, treading carefully through the hallway. 'Even Marquess Vandran looks a little taken aback. This will be easier than I thought.'