Chapter 59

Allison's gaze locked onto Jack's, her eyes narrowing. "What's troubling you?" she asked, her voice soft.

Jack's jaw clenched, his eyes drifting away. Allison's fingers brushed against his arm, a gentle prompt.

"I shouldn't have let Aria win," Jack muttered, his words barely audible.

Allison's grip on his arm tightened. "You're with me now," she whispered.

Jack's eyes snapped back to hers, his expression intense. "I should have always been with you."

Allison's face softened, her lips curving into a gentle smile. "We've overcome so much already."

Jack's gaze dropped, his voice laced with regret. "Aiden... our child."

Allison's smile faltered, but she recovered quickly. "We'll create new memories, Jack. Together."

His eyes flashed with determination. "She's endured too much. I'll make sure she pays."

Allison's fingers intertwined with his. "We'll take care of her, together."

The air thickened with tension as Jack's gaze bored into Allison's.

"You planned that accident," Jack stated, his voice low.

Allison's smile grew wider. "I had to make it believable."

Jack's eyes narrowed. "And do u remember the accident you caused ... you made sure I wasn't hurt."

Allison's laughed looking at Jack and whispered. "I protected you, Jack."

Their faces drew closer, their breath mingling.

"No more secrets," Jack whispered.

Allison nodded smiling.

Jack pulled out a worn leather map from his pocket and unfolded it, spreading it across a nearby surface.

Allison's gaze followed his movements, her interest piqued.

"This is the layout of the kingdom's eastern wing," Jack explained, his finger tracing the intricate pathways. "Aria and Lucas will likely pass through here on their way to the castle."

Allison's eyes scanned the map, her mind racing with strategies.

"We can ambush them at the old windmill," Jack suggested, his finger tapping the location.

Allison's brow furrowed. "Too obvious. They'll expect that."

Jack's smile grew. "That's why we'll set up a decoy ambush there. Meanwhile, our real team will be waiting here." He pointed to a narrow passageway.

Allison's eyes lit up. "Brilliant."

As they pored over the map, their conversation turned to tactical details: troop placements, escape routes, and contingency plans.

Their collaboration was seamless, a well-oiled machine forged from months of secret communication.

With each passing moment, their scheme took shape, a complex web of deceit and betrayal.

The dimly lit warehouse seemed to shrink, suffocating its captives. Mrs. Hilda's gaze frantically swept the space, taking in the desperate faces.

Ivy, her swollen belly straining against the restraints, whimpered silently. Daniel's eyes locked onto hers, his face contorted in anguish.

Leah and Leo exchanged tear-filled glances, their mouths gagged with cloth. The once-vibrant colors of their clothing now seemed dull and faded, mirroring their hope.

A ticking time bomb, ominously visible, counted down their final moments.

Ivy's trembling hand rested on her belly, as if shielding her unborn child from the horrors surrounding them.

Daniel strained against his restraints, desperate to reach Ivy.

A cruel laugh echoed through the warehouse. "You're all going to die," one of the men taunted.

Mrs. Hilda's tears fell unchecked.

The second man sneered, "Jack, the kind-hearted soul, is our mastermind. Who would have thought?"

The other captives exchanged disbelieving glances.

"No one is coming to save you," the second man declared, his words dripping with malice.

Panic set in as the reality of their situation sunk in.

Desperation fueled their struggles against the restraints.

Time was running out.

Aria leaned on Prince Lucas, still feeling weak. "Why did you save me?" she asked, curiosity etched on her face.

Lucas's eyes sparkled. "I come from a far-off kingdom. My parents, King Robert and Queen Caroline, rule with wisdom. I'm here to uncover the threat against them."

As Lucas spoke, Aria's gaze drifted to his lips, her thoughts tangled in emotions.

She snapped back to reality, her cheeks flushing. "Stop talking."

Lucas decided to tease Aria.

Lucas chuckled. "I'm searching for a wife, someone like you. Would you consider being my queen?"

Aria's laughter turned to embarrassment. "You must be joking!" She slipped on the muddy ground, but Lucas caught her waist.

His smile sent shivers down her spine. "I think you've fallen for me, but won't listen to your heart."

Aria pushed him away. "Leave me alone."

Lucas looked at Aria and saw that she has been through a lot and does not want to bother her, he turned to leave.

Lucas bowed. "Thank you for saving my life, Aria."

As Lucas walked away, Aria's thoughts returned to Jack's betrayal. Memories of his deception flooded her mind.

Then, she recalled Lucas's selfless act – saving her from the snake.

"All this can't be a coincidence," she whispered. Fate brought them together.

Aria's heart confessed what her mind denied – she loved Lucas.

Without thinking, she ran and hugged him from behind.

Prince Lucas turned, his eyes locking onto Aria's. Gently, he cradled her cheeks in his hands.

Aria's smile blossomed, her eyes shining with vulnerability.

"I love you," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Lucas's thumbs caressed her skin, his gaze melting with affection.

"I've been denying it for so long," Aria continued, her voice strengthening. "But I can't anymore."

With tears brimming, Aria wrapped her arms around Lucas, pulling him close.

"I'll go wherever you go," she vowed, her voice muffled against his chest.

Lucas's embrace enveloped her, his heart beating in sync with hers.

"I love you too," he whispered, his lips brushing against her ear.

As they held each other, the world around them melted away.

Aria's phone pierced the forest's tranquility, its ringing shrill and insistent. Lucas's gaze met hers, inquiring.

She hesitated, then answered, her voice measured. "Hello?"

The words spilled from the receiver like venom, each one striking Aria's face with escalating dread. Her eyes widened, and her lips parted in a silent gasp.

Lucas's attention sharpened, his brow furrowing. "What's wrong?"

Aria's voice barely escaped her lips. "It's Jack."

Lucas's expression darkened, his jaw clenched.

Jack's voice, laced with malice, dripped through the phone's speaker. "You think you can leave me, Aria? You'll pay for that mistake. Everything you love will burn."

Aria's face crumpled, her eyes welling with tears. Memories of Mrs. Hilda's warm smile, Ivy's laughter, and Daniel's kindness flooded her mind.

The call ended abruptly, leaving Aria shattered. She sank to the forest floor, her body racked with sobs.

Lucas knelt beside her, his anger and concern etched on his face. He gently pried the phone from her fingers.

"He shouldn't dare harm your family," Lucas growled, his voice low and menacing.

Aria's tears flowed unchecked, her body trembling.

But as she wept, a spark within her ignited. She recalled Jack's words: "You have 5 minutes to say goodbye."

Aria's gaze snapped to Lucas, determination burning within her.

"Lucas, I remember the address Jack mentioned – a warehouse. We can still save them!"

Lucas's eyes locked onto hers, hope flaring.

Without a word, they rose, hands intertwining as they hailed a taxi.

The ride was a blur, Aria's mind racing with worst-case scenarios. Lucas's grip on her hand remained steadfast.

As they sped toward the warehouse, time seemed to slow, each passing second weighing heavily on their fate.