Chapter 35

Tasha was washing her face, the cool water soothing her skin.

She decided to look in the mirror.

As she lifted her gaze, her eyes widened in terror.

Aria stood behind her, reflection staring back.

Tasha spun around, her heart racing.

Aria held her neck tight, dagger poised close to her neck.

The other two women who were part of Tasha's plan ran away.

Aria's grip remained firm.

"Did you think you could hurt me?" Aria's voice was low and menacing.

"So you planned to hurt my child?"

Tasha pleaded, her voice trembling.

"Let me go, Aria."

Aria's hold tightened.

"Apologize, confess what you did, in front of everyone."

Tasha's eyes darted around the room.

"Please."

Aria released her, dagger still pointed.

"Confess."

Tasha took a deep breath.

"I'm sorry... I pushed Aria."

The room fell silent.

The crowd began to murmur among themselves.

One person spoke up.

"She should be stoned."

The crowd agreed.

Stones began to fly.

Tasha cried out.

Aria stepped back.

The dagger remained clutched in her hand.

The crowd continued to stone Tasha.

"How could you try to kill a pregnant woman?" they chanted.

Tasha broke into tears.

Aria's eyes filled with tears.

She placed her hands on her stomach.

"I've gotten the justice I deserve."

The officers arrived.

"Everyone, leave."

The crowd dispersed.

An officer grasped Tasha's wrist.

"Time for punishment."

Tasha was led away.

Aria returned to her jail cell.

She lay down.

Thoughts of Jack filled her mind.

She wondered if everyone was doing fine.

Mrs. Hilda stood at the stove, lost in thought as she stirred the boiling rice.

Sara, the maid, noticed her distraction.

"Mrs. Hilda, is everything okay?" Sara asked.

Mrs. Hilda hesitated.

"What if the family finds out I'm not Jack's real mom?" she whispered.

Sara's eyes widened in shock.

"You're not Jack's...?"

Mrs. Hilda nodded.

"Jack knows, but he's asked me to keep it a secret."

Sara's curiosity got the better of her.

"Who are Jack's real parents?" she asked.

Mrs. Hilda's voice barely above a whisper.

"Mrs. Linda is Jack's real mom, and Mr. Edward is his real dad."

Sara's eyes remained wide.

"I had no idea," she breathed.

Mrs. Hilda's expression turned determined.

"I will tell everyone the truth , after the case has been resolved."

"I'll tell Jack when to reveal the truth to the family."

Sara nodded.

"That's a good idea, Mrs. Hilda."

Mrs. Hilda carried the bowl of boiled rice upstairs.

Sara watched her go.

The weight of the secret settled upon her.

She didn't know if she could hide the truth about who Jack's real parents are.

Leah decided to follow Leo to Jack's room, so she could witness him hand over the evidence.

Leo knocked at the door.

"Come in," Jack called out from inside.

Leo opened the door and entered, Leah following closely behind.

Jack was sitting at his desk, and to Leo's surprise, Mrs. Kim, the famous lawyer, was seated beside him.

"Leo, Leah, this is Mrs. Kim," Jack introduced.

Leo's eyes widened in admiration.

"Nice to meet you, ma'am," Leo said, extending his hand.

Mrs. Kim smiled warmly.

"Likewise," she replied.

Leo handed Jack the brown envelope containing the evidence against Aiden.

"This is it," Leo explained.

Jack took the envelope and handed it to Mrs. Kim.

Mrs. Kim nodded, her expression confident.

"I'll be at the station tomorrow morning," she assured.

With the envelope securely in hand, Mrs. Kim stood up.

"I'll take my leave now," she said.

"Goodbye," she bid, exiting the room.

As the door closed, Jack's face lit up with relief.

"Aria will finally be released," he exclaimed.

Daniel walked into the room, his hands tucked into his pockets.

"We're not alone in this," he said reassuringly.

Ivy followed, her smile radiant.

"Together, we'll help in any way we can," she added.

Jack's grin broadened.

His plan was falling into place.

Leah spoke up.

"What are families for? We help each other," she said.

The group shared a warm embrace.

"We're in this together," Jack said.

"I'll protect my family, and Aria, from any danger," he vowed.

The room resonated with unity and resolve.

Together, they would overcome any challenges ahead.

Aria sat on the floor, her mind consumed by thoughts of the recent events. She was lost in her own world, unaware of her surroundings.

Two women approached her, their footsteps echoing through the room. They introduced themselves, their voices breaking the silence.

"Hello," Sophia said, her tone friendly. "My name is Sophia, and this is Rachel."

Aria looked up, her gaze meeting theirs. She nodded slightly.

"I'm Aria," she replied, her voice soft.

Sophia smiled warmly.

"You're brave," she said. "We want to be your friends. What you did took a lot of courage."

Rachel nodded in agreement.

"That wicked Tasha got what she deserved," Rachel added.

Aria's expression remained neutral. She stood up, her movements deliberate.

"Leave me alone," she said firmly, her voice clear. "I don't want your praises. I did what I had to do to get justice."

She paused, then stood up, turning to face them.

"I won't let wrongdoers walk freely," she continued. "That's all."

Sophia's smile faltered, but she recovered quickly.

"Of course," Sophia said. "We understand."

Rachel placed a tray of food on the table.

"Eat," Sophia urged, her voice gentle. "Don't forget the little one inside you. You need to keep your strength up."

Aria watched them, her expression unreadable.

The women lingered for a moment before turning to leave.

As they walked away, Aria whispered to herself.

"I trust no one."

But she knew she had to eat. For the baby's sake.

Aria sat down, her movements slow.

She picked up a spoon and began to eat.

The food tasted bland, but she forced herself to swallow.

She drank the water beside her, feeling the cool liquid soothe her parched throat.

Aria stood up, her thoughts drifting back to Aiden.

What was he up to now?

Plotting revenge?

Or already in hiding?

Aria's eyes narrowed.

She'd stay vigilant.

Protect herself.

And her unborn child.

The silence enveloped her once more.

Aria's gaze remained fixed on the distance.

Her mind racing with possibilities.