Chapter 40

Aria stood at the kitchen counter, surrounded by the warmth and familiarity of Mrs. Hilda's baking. The sweet aroma of fresh cookies wafted through the air, transporting her to a place of comfort and tranquility. As she measured out ingredients, Jack's arms enveloped her from behind, his chest pressing against her back.

Aria's heart skipped a beat. She felt his warm breath on her neck, sending shivers down her spine. Her eyes met Mrs. Hilda's, who was busy mixing a batter, a hint of a smile playing on her lips.

"Mrs. Hilda's watching," Aria whispered to Jack, her voice barely audible.

Jack's hold tightened, his fingers interlocking across her abdomen. He turned her around, his hands sliding to her waist, pulling her close. Aria's pulse quickened as their bodies aligned.

"So?" Jack teased, his voice low and husky. "Let her watch."

Aria's cheeks flushed, her eyes locked onto Jack's. The air seemed to thicken, charged with anticipation. Just as Jack leaned in, his lips inches from hers, Mrs. Hilda's laughter broke the spell.

"Alright, you two! Enough!" she exclaimed, her voice tinged with amusement.

Aria and Jack sprang apart, their faces aglow with laughter. They exchanged a knowing glance, the tension between them palpable.

Mrs. Hilda chuckled, her eyes twinkling. "Go upstairs. You must be tired."

Aria nodded, still smiling. Jack took her hand, his fingers intertwining with hers. Together, they left the kitchen, the warmth and laughter lingering behind them.

As they climbed the stairs, Aria felt Jack's gaze on her. She turned, meeting his eyes.

As the afternoon sun cast a warm glow through the windows, Jack gently reminded Aria, "It's time for your medicine." He held out the small container, the pills nestled inside a reminder of the ordeal she had endured.

Aria nodded, her smile soft and compliant. She knew the doctor's words by heart: the poison would leave her weak for a few days, but with rest and care, she would recover. Jack's concern etched on his face, and she reassured him, "I'll be fine."

Jack's eyes lingered on hers, his expression a mix of relief and lingering worry. He took her hand, his fingers intertwining with hers as he guided her to her room. The space was bathed in a soothing calmness, the soft sunlight filtering through the curtains like a gentle caress.

As they reached the bed, Aria felt a wave of fatigue wash over her. Jack helped her settle onto the plush mattress, arranging the pillows to support her back. He handed her the medication and a glass of water, his movements attentive and gentle.

Aria took the pill, the small action requiring more effort than she expected. She sipped the water, feeling the cool liquid soothe her parched throat. Jack's care was a balm to her soul, and she smiled, grateful for his unwavering support.

With the medicine taken, Jack tucked the blankets around her, his touch tender. "Rest," he whispered, his voice a soft command. Aria's eyelids drooped, the weight of her exhaustion finally overwhelming her.

As she drifted into sleep, Jack sat beside her, holding her hand and watching over her. His eyes never left hers, his gaze a vigilant protector, ensuring her safety and well-being. The room fell silent, the only sound the gentle rise and fall of Aria's chest.

Leah smoothed the wrinkles from Leo's bedspread, lost in thought. Suddenly, strong arms enveloped her from behind. Leo's warm breath caressed her ear.

"Hey, beautiful," he whispered.

Leah's heart skipped a beat. She turned, melting into his embrace.

"We didn't have a proper wedding, did we?" Leo said, his eyes sparkling.

Leah's smile faltered, memories of their secret ceremony resurfacing.

"No, we didn't," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

Leo's grip tightened.

"Let's remarry, Leah. This time, we'll tell the family. We'll celebrate like we should have the first time."

Leah's face lit up. "Yes!" she exclaimed, hugging him tightly.

Leo chuckled, spinning her around.

"I'll go tell Jack. He'll be thrilled."

Leah nodded, beaming.

As Leo released her, Leah's eyes shone.

"I love you," she whispered.

"Forever," Leo replied.

With a quick kiss, Leo strode out of the room, leaving Leah radiant.

She floated back to the bed, her heart full.

A grand wedding.

Family.

Love.

Everything she'd ever wanted.

Leo's footsteps echoed down the hallway.

Leah's smile grew.

Their new beginning was unfolding.

Beautifully.

Mrs. Hilda stood at the kitchen sink, her hands moving automatically as she washed the dishes. Her mind, however, was elsewhere.

"When should I tell Jack?" she murmured to herself, her brow furrowed in concern.

The news about his real parents coming soon weighed heavily on her.

She had promised to keep the secret, but the burden was growing.

Jack's life was already complicated.

Aria's recovery.

Leo and Leah's remarriage plans.

How would he react to this revelation?

Mrs. Hilda sighed.

She needed Jack's permission before sharing the news with the family.

But how could she broach the subject without upsetting him?

The dishes done, Mrs. Hilda dried her hands.

She gazed out the window.

Lost in thought.

The afternoon sunlight cast long shadows.

The trees swayed gently.

But Mrs. Hilda's mind remained turbulent.

Timing was everything.

She must find the right moment.

To reveal the truth.

Here's the rewritten scene:

Leo burst into Jack's room, a wide grin spreading across his face.

"Hey, man!" he exclaimed.

But Jack's finger shot up, signaling silence.

"Not so loud," he whispered. "Aria's sleeping."

Leo's eyes darted to the adjacent room.

He nodded, smile still plastered.

"Got something to share," Leo said, voice hushed.

"What is it?" Jack asked.

Leo's grin deepened.

"Leah and I are married."

Jack's eyes widened.

"No way!" he whispered.

Leo nodded.

"We want to remarry, Properly this time."

Jack's face lit up.

"I'll make your wedding epic!" the Engagement will be held tomorrow night."

I'll take care of everything."

Leo beamed.

"Tell Leah?" he asked. Jack nodded. "Go! Share the news."

Leo hurried out.

Jack's smile lingered, Happy for his friend, love was in the air, He glanced at Aria as she was sleeping.

Soon, it would be their turn.

But for now.

He'd make Leo and Leah's union unforgettable

Aria's peaceful slumber was shattered by a haunting dream. She felt a surge of panic as she was torn from her baby's side, the tiny form ripped from her arms. The scream that escaped her lips was raw and primal, echoing through the room.

Jack was instantly alert, springing from the couch to her side. "Aria, what's wrong?" he asked, his voice laced with concern.

Aria's eyes were wild, her face etched with fear. She clutched her stomach, as if holding onto something precious. "It was just a dream," she stammered, her voice trembling.

But Jack knew better. He saw the terror in her eyes, the desperation that still lingered. "Tell me," he coaxed, his voice gentle.

Aria's words spilled out in a ragged whisper. "My baby...they took my baby away from me." The tears that followed were uncontrollable, streaming down her face.

Jack enveloped her in a warm hug, holding her close as she shook. "Nothing like that will ever happen," he soothed, his words a promise. "We'll keep our baby safe. I'll always be here to protect you both."

Aria's sobs slowly subsided, her body relaxing into his embrace. Jack handed her a glass of water, and she sipped it gratefully, her eyes never leaving his.

As she composed herself, Jack's gaze lingered on her face, etching every feature into his memory. He knew the depth of her fear, the primal instinct to protect their unborn child.

Finally, Aria whispered, "I'll be fine."

Jack nodded, releasing her from his hug. He returned to the couch, lying down with his eyes closed, but his mind was far from rest.

Aria stood, her eyes drawn to the window. The sky's tranquility calmed her racing thoughts. She gazed out at the serene landscape, her heart slowly steadying.

As she stood there, a vow formed on her lips, a promise to herself and her unborn child. "I won't let anything happen to you," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Jack's eyes flickered open, watching Aria's silhouette against the window. His heart swelled with love and concern, mingling together in a potent mix. He pretended to sleep, but his thoughts lingered, guarding his family, forever vigilant.

The room fell silent, the only sound the gentle rise and fall of their breathing. Yet, in this quiet moment, a profound connection existed, a bond forged from love, fear, and the unshakeable promise to protect one another.