Chapter 28

Aiden's grip on Allison's hand tightened as they stood over their lifeless child in the clinic. The beeping machines now silent, the sterile air felt suffocating.

He dragged her out, into the car, and drove down the hillside. Allison's non-stop sobbing filled the vehicle.

Aiden stopped the car abruptly, yanking Allison out. Her cries echoed through the deserted hillside.

"Why did you bring our daughter there?" Aiden demanded, his voice cracking. "If not for you, she'd still be alive!"

Allison pleaded, "It was part of the plan... I did what you asked."

Aiden's laughter mixed with tears. "You call yourself a mother? Risking our child's life... never considering me... it's all your fault!"

Allison's voice trembled. "Blame Aria, not me. She threw the stick; if she hadn't, I wouldn't have fallen."

Aiden's expression darkened. "You want revenge? You'll pay for your recklessness."

He pulled out his gun, aiming at Allison.

"For betraying me... for killing our child... you have to die," Aiden whispered, his eyes filled with tears.

Two shots echoed through the night air. Allison's body crumpled to the ground.

Aiden stood, his eyes fixed on her motionless form. "You should have protected our child."

He turned, walked to his car, and drove away, leaving Allison's lifeless body.

The only sound was the fading hum of Aiden's car, disappearing into the darkness.

Back at the mansion, Leah and Leo paced anxiously, wondering where Jack was. The soft ticking of the grandfather clock echoed through the foyer, heightening their unease.

"Where could he be?" Leah asked, her brow furrowed.

Leo shook his head. "No idea. He said he'd be back with answers about the divorce."

Unbeknownst to them, a different drama unfolded elsewhere.

Mrs. Hilda bustled into the kitchen, her warm smile faltering as she answered the phone. "Hello?"

Jack's urgent voice crackled through the line. "Mrs. Hilda, it's Jack. Prepare food for Aria. She's been admitted to the hospital."

Mrs. Hilda's hands trembled as she clutched the receiver. "What's wrong, Jack?"

"The doctor says Aria needs to eat, both Aria and the baby is fine no need to worry . They survived," Jack reassured.

The line went dead. Mrs. Hilda's face lit up with relief.

"Thank God!" she exclaimed, tears welling up.

Leo and Leah rushed to her side. "What is it?" Leo asked.

"Aria's in the hospital," Mrs. Hilda shared, her voice trembling. "But she and the baby are okay."

Ivy, who had been quietly observing, spoke up. "I'm so happy! But... I haven't seen Daniel in four days. I'm getting worried."

Leah's expression turned determined. "We should all go to the hospital. We need answers."

Leo nodded. "Let's go."

As they prepared to leave, the mansion's tension shifted from anxiety to anticipation. The group's collective concern for Aria and Jack's situation unified them.

Mrs. Hilda's hands moved swiftly, packing a care package for Aria. The aroma of freshly baked cookies wafted through the air, mingling with the hope of reunion.

Jack pushed open the hospital room door, his heart heavy with concern. Soft, fluorescent lights illuminated Aria's serene face, her chest rising and falling with each gentle breath.

He approached her bedside, the beeping monitors and quiet hum of machines creating a soothing background melody.

Jack rested his head on Aria's stomach, his lips whispering to their unborn child. "Hey, little one. Daddy's here. You're safe."

He kissed Aria's forehead, his lips lingering on her soft skin.

Aria's hand stirred, her fingers twitching. Jack grasped them, his eyes locking onto hers as they slowly opened.

Confusion clouded her gaze, then memories of Liam flooded back. Pain and grief contorted her face, and tears burst forth.

"Jack..." she sobbed, her voice cracking.

Jack enveloped her in a comforting hug. "I'm here, Aria. You're safe. Our child is fine."

Aria's tears intensified, her body shaking. "Protect our child, Jack. Promise me."

"I promise, Aria. No harm will come to our child. I swear."

Aria's sobs gradually subsided, replaced by sniffles. "I need...some time alone, Jack."

Jack nodded, understanding. "I'll be right outside."

As he closed the door behind him, Aria's cries echoed through the hallway. She was still shouting Liam's name, her anguish piercing Jack's heart.

A nurse approached, carrying a medication tray. "I'll give her the sedatives."

Jack gently intervened. "Not now. She's...not herself."

The nurse nodded sympathetically. "I'll come back later."

Jack's eyes lingered on the closed door, his heart aching for Aria's pain.

Aiden pulled up to Jack's house, the moon casting long shadows across the deserted street. He killed the engine, his eyes fixed on the darkened windows.

He climbed out, his footsteps quiet on the pavement. The front door was locked, but Aiden didn't hesitate.

He scaled the tree, branches creaking beneath his weight. Aiden carefully broke the window to Aria's room, the shattering glass echoing through the night.

He slipped inside, gloves covering his hands. The room was dim, only the faint moonlight covering Aria's peaceful space.

Aiden hid the gun inside the cupboard of Aria's wardrobe, covering it with clothes. His movements were deliberate, calculated.

He removed his gloves, the soft fabric sliding off his hands. "This is just the beginning," he whispered, his voice barely audible.

Aiden gazed around the room, his eyes lingering on Aria's belongings. His expression twisted in a mix of anger and determination.

He turned, exiting through the broken window. The cool night air enveloped him as he dropped to the ground.

Aiden swiftly got into his car and sped away, the engine roaring to life. The darkness swallowed him whole. Aiden was happy that his plan is about to work.

The next morning, the nurse's gently administered the injection, and Aria winced slightly. Her worry for Jack resurfaced, mingling with memories of Liam's words: "Be happy, always."

Aria pushed open the hospital room door, wearing the crisp, white hospital gown. The hallway's fluorescent lights hummed softly.

Her gaze fell upon Jack, sitting on the floor, asleep. His head leaned against the wall, mouth slightly ajar. Aria's heart swelled with love.

She recalled Allison's words: "Jack's innocent... It wasn't him that night... ." Aria's thoughts whirled, confusion and understanding entwining.

Lost in reflection, Aria settled beside Jack on the floor. She rested her head on his shoulder, feeling his warmth.

Jack's gentle snores and the hospital's muted sounds lulled Aria into a tranquil state. Her eyelids fluttered closed.

As she sat there, Aria's thoughts clarified. She realized Jack's actions were motivated by protection, not betrayal.

The soft rise and fall of Jack's chest, the beat of his heart, reassured Aria. She felt safe.