Chapter 30

The next morning, the mansion's grand entrance bustled with warmth and excitement. Mrs. Hilda flung open the doors, her bright smile welcoming Aria and Jack.

"Aria, dear, it's lovely to have you home," Mrs. Hilda said, embracing her.

Aria's eyes sparkled as she stepped inside, Jack's hand securely holding hers. The warmth of the mansion enveloped them, filled with the scent of freshly brewed coffee and baked goods.

Leah and Leo approached, beaming with smiles. "Aria, congratulations!" Leah exclaimed, her voice sincere.

Aria's face lit up with forgiveness. "No grudges, Leah. We're family."

Leo nodded in agreement. "We're here for you, Aria."

Sofia, standing nearby, offered a gentle smile.

Jack leaned in, his voice low. "I'll grab those files from my room. I'll be right back."

Aria nodded, her eyes locked on his.

As Jack ascended the stairs, Aria turned to Leah and Leo. "Let's catch up. I've missed you both."

Their laughter and chatter filled the foyer, a sense of unity and love rejuvenating the space.

Upstairs, Jack retrieved the files, his thoughts drifting to Aria. He couldn't wait to spend the rest of his life making her happy.

Meanwhile, Aria joined Mrs. Hilda in the kitchen, surrounded by the comforting aromas of baking. Sofia sat beside her, sharing stories of Jack's childhood.

The warmth of the mansion, filled with loved ones, enveloped Aria. She knew she was home.

Aria excused herself to use the restroom, but her mind wasn't on the celebration. She felt a sense of unease as she climbed the stairs.

As she reached her room, her heart sank. Shattered glass littered the floor, and her window gaped open, the cool night air seeping in.

Aria's foot instinctively moved forward, but she misstepped, her foot slicing through the glass. She cried out, her body tilting backward.

Jack appeared in an instant, catching her. "Aria, careful!" His voice was laced with worry.

He helped her up, his eyes scanning the room. "Someone's broken in. Stay back."

Aria's gaze fell on a wristwatch on the floor. She discreetly picked it up, her mind racing. The watch belonged to Aiden; she remembered the distinctive design from their past encounters.

Fear gripped her. Why was Aiden in her room?

She hid the watch in her palm, resolving to keep this secret from Jack. She couldn't risk endangering his life.

"Aria, are you okay?" Jack asked, his brow furrowed.

"Fine," she said, forcing a smile. "Just call the repairman tomorrow, please."

Jack's eyes lingered on hers before nodding. He pulled her close, his warmth enveloping her.

"Move to my room tonight," he whispered, his breath against her ear.

Aria laughed, attempting to deflect. "We're not married yet."

Jack's smile was mischievous. He pulled her waist closer, raising her hand. A small box opened, revealing a stunning ring.

"Aria, will you marry me?"

Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes as he slid the ring onto her finger.

"Yes," she whispered, her heart overflowing.

He then Hugged her promising to be with her always.

Here's a rewritten version with added emotional depth and sensory details:

As they entered Jack's room, he swiftly noticed the crimson stain on Aria's left foot. His expression turned concerned.

"Aria, sit down, you're hurt," Jack said gently, guiding her to the bed.

Aria winced, her weight unevenly distributed on her injured foot. Jack swiftly retrieved the first aid box from the drawer.

"Let me take care of this," he whispered, his fingers carefully cleaning the wound.

Aria's eyes never left his as he applied medicine and wrapped a bandage around her foot. His touch was tender, soothing.

Jack helped Aria lie down, covering her with a plush blanket. "Rest, you're safe now."

"I'm sorry," Aria whispered, her voice barely audible.

"Shh, no apologies," Jack replied, his lips brushing against her forehead. "You're going to be okay."

With a gentle smile, Jack mentioned, "Since we're not fully married yet, I'll sleep on the couch."

Aria nodded, her eyelids already drooping. Jack's heart swelled with love.

As he turned off the light, Aria's soft breathing filled the room. Jack's thoughts turned to protection.

"How can I keep you and our unborn child safe?" he wondered, his mind racing.

He thought of Aiden, the broken window, and the wristwatch. The danger was real.

Jack's resolve hardened. He would do everything to shield Aria and their future.

Ivy was wondering where Daniel is, she was sitting in her bed worried, when, Mrs Hilda brought a cup of coffee for her, she said she was worried about Daniel, then Mrs Hilda assured her that Daniel is doing well and fine.

Ivy kept wondering. She looked at Daniel's picture, hoping nothing had happened to him. She decided to go to the kitchen to eat but felt Daniel was back, though she didn't know where he was.

She went back upstairs, worried about him. Leo, passing by, saw Ivy crying and assured her Daniel was safe. "Don't worry," he said.

Ivy hugged Leo tightly, tears streaming down her face, desperately hoping Leo's words were true.

Leah passed by, saw them hugging, and stormed into the room. She yanked Leo away and slapped Ivy's face.

"How dare you!" Leah shouted.

Leo's anger flared. "Leah, stop! It's a misunderstanding. I was just comforting Ivy."

He dragged Leah aside, his voice firm. "I'm faithful to you, always. Don't let jealousy consume you."

Leo turned to Ivy, apologetic. "I'm so sorry. Leah can be annoying sometimes."

Ivy turn to face him, "do I look like I care, look I'm worried about Daniel, you both should get out of my room, right now!"

Leo looked at Leah angrily, and held her hand tight, and walked out of the room.

Ivy shook her head, unconcerned. Her mind remained fixed on Daniel.

Aria woke to the warm glow of sunset casting a golden hue through the window. She stretched, realizing she'd overslept. The softness of Jack's breathing beside her stirred a gentle smile.

As she approached him, the floorboards creaked beneath her feet. Jack's eyes fluttered open, and he smiled, his voice laced with sleep.

"Hey."

Just then, a knock at the door broke the tranquility. Jack swiftly sat up, his expression alert. Aria's eyebrows arched in surprise.

Sofia stood at the threshold, her eyes downcast. "I came to apologize... for Daniel, for switching the papers. I was wrong."

Aria's gaze softened, and she nodded. Jack's expression mirrored hers.

"We've already forgiven you, Sofia," Jack said gently.

Sofia's face crumpled, tears welling up. "May I...?" she asked, her arms open.

Aria and Jack exchanged a glance before embracing Sofia. The scent of Sofia's perfume mingled with the warmth of their reunion.

After Sofia left, Jack shut the door and turned to Aria, his eyes sparkling. Aria's smile matched his.

In a playful swoop, Jack chased Aria, laughter filling the room. She darted, her bare feet pattering against the floor. But suddenly, she froze, clutching her stomach.

"Aria?" Jack's voice tightened with concern.

She doubled over, her face pale. Jack rushed to her side, guiding her to the bed.

"What's wrong?" he asked, his brow furrowed.

"The baby..." Aria's voice barely whispered.

Jack's expression gentled. He placed his head on her stomach, listening. A soft smile spread across his face.

"Don't worry," he whispered, enveloping her in a reassuring hug.

As they held each other, Aria's thoughts drifted to Aiden. "What about him? We can't let him get away."

Jack's jaw set. "I've figured out a plan to expose him. I'll tell you later."

Unbeknownst to them, Aiden sat in his car, the city lights casting long shadows. His smile twisted