Chapter 9

Aria wiped away her tears and took a deep breath before heading to Liam's office. She needed answers about Daniel's disqualification. Jack watched her go, his mind still reeling from the flashback. He remembered the day Aria was stabbed, and how he felt helpless. He was grateful she survived, and he wanted to support her now.

Aria entered Liam's office, her determination evident on her face. "Liam, I need to know why Daniel was disqualified," she said, her voice firm but controlled. Liam looked up from his papers, a hint of surprise on his face. "Aria, I—"

"Please, just tell me," Aria interrupted, her eyes welling up with tears again.

Liam sighed and leaned back in his chair. "Daniel was disqualified because he broke the rules, Aria. I'm sorry."

Aria's face fell, but she didn't give up. "What rules? He was trying to help me, just like Jack."

Liam's expression turned stern. "I know, but that's not the point. The point is that he compromised the competition. I have to be fair to everyone."

Aria felt a surge of frustration but tried to remain calm. "I understand, but can't you make an exception? Daniel's a good person, and he didn't mean to hurt anyone."

Liam shook his head. "I'm sorry, Aria. My decision is final."

Aria left the office, feeling defeated but not giving up. She knew she had to find another way to help Daniel. Jack was waiting for her, concern etched on his face. "Hey, how did it go?" he asked, as Aria approached him.

Aria took a deep breath before answering...

"It didn't go well," Aria said, shaking her head. "Liam said Daniel broke the rules and that his decision is final."

Jack's expression turned determined. "We can't give up, Aria. We have to find another way to help Daniel."

Aria nodded, feeling a surge of gratitude towards Jack. "I know, but I don't know what to do."

Jack thought for a moment before speaking. "Let's talk to the others, see if they know anything or can help us come up with a plan."

Aria nodded, and together they headed to the common room, where they found Andrew, Allison, and Ivy discussing their own strategies for the competition.

"Hey, guys," Jack said, getting their attention. "We need to talk about Daniel."

The group fell silent, and Aria explained the situation. Andrew's face lit up with an idea. "I think I can help. I've been reviewing the rules, and I found a loophole."

Aria's heart skipped a beat. "What is it?"

Andrew smiled. "If we can prove that Daniel's actions were done with good intentions and didn't actually harm anyone, we might be able to appeal the decision."

The group erupted into a flurry of discussion, brainstorming ways to prove Daniel's intentions and gather evidence. Aria felt a glimmer of hope for the first time since Daniel's disqualification. Maybe, just maybe, they could find a way to help him after all..

Aria's eyes widened in shock as she revealed the truth to Jack. "Sofia was the one who tampered with Daniel's results," she said, her voice trembling with worry. "We checked the CCTV cameras, and she was seen entering Liam's office"

Just then, Daniel appeared, his bag slung over his shoulder. "Hey guys, I'm leaving," he announced, a hint of a smile on his face.

Aria rushed to him. "You saved my life, Daniel. You donated your blood to me when I needed it most."

Daniel's expression softened as he wiped away her tears. "It was Jack who pleaded with me to help you, He went around the hospital, screaming for help, and called the team for blood testing. He begged me to save your life, and my blood group matched."

Aria's gaze shifted to Jack, her eyes filled with gratitude. Daniel continued, "The person you should be thanking is Jack."

Aria smiled, "no, I should be thanking both of you, you guys saved my life, and I'm really thankful."

With that, he turned and left the hall, leaving Aria and Jack behind. Aria's eyes met Sofia's, and she slapped her across the face. "How could you do that to him?" she demanded.

Jack quickly intervened, holding Aria back. Sofia sneered, "Because he doesn't deserve to stay here. I've had a crush on him since childhood, and I followed him here. When I found out he liked Ivy, I used Andrew to make him think I didn't have feelings for him."

As Sofia smiled smugly, Ivy's slap sent her reeling. "How dare you!" Ivy shouted, tears streaming down her face. "You'll pay for what you did to Daniel!"

Aria's eyes blazed with anger, but Jack's grip on her hand held her back.

The room fell silent, the tension palpable. Aria's gaze never left Sofia's face, her anger and hurt simmering just below the surface. Jack's hand tightened around hers, a silent offer of support.

Sofia's smile faltered, her eyes darting around the room. She knew she was beaten. The consequences of her actions would be severe. As the reality set in, her face crumpled, and she burst into tears.

But Aria felt no pity. Sofia's betrayal had hurt too many people. She turned away, her eyes meeting Jack's. His expression was soft, his eyes filled with understanding.

"Let's get out of here," he whispered, leading her away from the drama.

As they walked, Aria felt a sense of closure. Daniel was gone, but she knew he was following his dreams. Sofia would face the consequences of her actions. And Jack would always be there for her.

As they walked away from the drama;

Aria felt dizzy. Her head was spinning and her vision was blurry. She tried to stay upright, but her legs felt weak. She put her hand on her stomach, feeling the stitches from the doctor.

Jack called out her name, feeling worried.

She turned to look at him, but before she could say anything, she fainted. Jack caught her and carried her to her room. He searched everywhere for her medicine, finally finding it in a small white leather case.

"What are you doing, Jack?" Allison asked, her voice laced with concern.

But Jack was furious. He dragged her hand away from Aria's medicine, his eyes blazing. "She's in pain, Allison. I need to get her medicine."

Allison's face fell, but Jack didn't notice. He was too focused on Aria.

"You're always so quick to help her," her voice rising. "It's obvious you have feelings for her."

Jack's expression turned cold. "This has nothing to do with feelings, Allison. Aria needs help."

But Allison wouldn't let up. "I can't keep doing this, Jack. I can't be in a relationship where you're constantly drawn to someone else."

Jack's anger boiled over. "Maybe that's because you're not the one I want to be with."

Allison's eyes welled up with tears. "Please, Jack..."

But Jack's heart was resolute. "You're not even a fraction of the person Aria is. I can't like someone like you."

Allison's face crumpled, and she turned to run, tears streaming down her face. "I hate you, Jack... I hate you"

As the door slammed behind her, Jack felt a weight lift off his shoulders. He knew he'd made the right choice. Aria was the one he wanted to be with, and he wouldn't let anyone come between them again.

He gave Aria two yellow pills and some water. Then he helped her lie back down, carefully opening her top to look at the stitches.

He applied some ointment, his eyes welling up with tears. "You're always worrying about others, fighting for what's right," he said, his voice shaking. "But you forgot to take good care of yourself."