Aria wandered around the hospital premises, trying to clear her mind from the suffocating tension between her and Alexander. His gaze, filled with so much doubt earlier, still weighed heavily on her. She needed space, fresh air—anything to breathe a little easier. But just as she rounded a corner, she froze, her heart dropping at the sight of someone she least expected to see."Ethan?" she said in disbelief, her voice tight. He stood in her path, his lips curling into a smirk that made her skin crawl."Aria," Ethan drawled, stepping forward. "Long time, no see."Her heart raced with frustration. "Why are you stalking me again?" she demanded, crossing her arms defensively. "I’ve told you before, I have nothing to say to you. Leave me alone."Ethan chuckled, but there was no warmth in his eyes. "Stalking? Come on, don’t be so dramatic. I’m just here for what’s mine.""I don’t owe you anything," Aria snapped, turning to leave. But before she could take more than a few steps, Ethan’s hand
I returned to the hospital, trying to clear my head from the whirlwind of thoughts that had been clouding my mind since the meeting about the will. Something felt off, and I couldn’t shake the suspicion gnawing at my gut.I knew I was missing something, and I hated that feeling.As I made my way to the courtyard, A raised voice broke through my train of thought making my steps falter.Aria.Her voice carried a strain of irritation, sharp enough to pierce through the typical hospital noise. My jaw clenched, and a tightness coiled in my chest. Who was she talking to? My pace quickened instinctively, my body reacting before my mind had a chance to catch up, I rounded the corner, and there she was—facing a man who had his hands on her. That man…Ethan.Her ex-fiancé.I can feel my blood boil instantly. Ethan’s hand was wrapped around Aria’s wrist, his posture invasive and aggressive. Every nerve in my body surged with a protective instinct that i couldn’t suppress. Without thinking, my h
As Alexander hurried back into the hospital, a commotion reached his ears, coming from the direction of his grandmother’s ward. He quickened his pace, his steps echoing in the sterile hallway, while Aria struggled to keep up, her breath quickening with worry."All of you, get out!" Grandma’s voice echoed loudly from the ward, filled with frustration and anger. The door to her room stood slightly ajar, and Alexander could see objects flying past the entrance as if someone had completely lost control. Nurses ducked out of the way, retreating into the hallway to avoid the barrage. "What’s going on here?" Alexander demanded as he stepped into the chaotic scene. The room was a mess—pillows, blankets, even a small lamp had been hurled across the room. His grandmother sat upright in bed, her face flushed with anger, glaring at anyone who dared come near.Jessica, standing to the side with her arms crossed, quickly turned toward him, her face a picture of innocence mixed with desperation. "A
"Grandma, the people from the law firm are at home. They want to confirm the change of your will," Alexander said as he stepped closer to the bed."Oh, they are at home now? Tell them I will be there shortly," Grandma responded, her tone firm yet calm. She then turned her gaze to Aria, her expression softening. "My granddaughter-in-law, please come help me," she said, reaching out to Aria with a gentle smile.Aria quickly rushed to her side, instinctively offering her arm to support Grandma. The warmth in Grandma's voice made her heart feel lighter, but she couldn’t help feeling a bit uneasy about the ongoing tension surrounding the will.Alexander observed quietly from the side, his sharp eyes fixed on Aria’s movements. Inwardly, he mused, It seems she doesn’t know that Grandma is going to change her will... but how did Ethan find out about this? His mind raced with questions, but he kept them to himself for the moment.After a brief silence, Alexander spoke again, this time directin
As I left grandma's ward, a strange, uneasy feeling gnawed at me. Something wasn’t right. I couldn’t shake it off, like a weight pressing on my chest as I recalled grandma's words–’She once saved your life’.I was just about to call Aria when a nurse suddenly bump into me, her face pale.“Mr. Sinclair!” Her voice trembled. “Your wife… she’s been in an accident!”My heart stopped. “What? What happened?”“She fell down the stairs. There’s a lot of blood…”I didn’t wait to hear more. My legs moved on instinct, pushing past the nurse and racing towards the stairs.No, no, no…When I reached the stairwell, I froze at the sight before me.Aria lay at the bottom of the stairs, unconscious, her body motionless in a pool of blood. Her hair was matted with blood, staining the floor around her head. For a second, my vision blurred with panic.I rushed to her side, my hands trembling as I gently cradled her head, lifting it slightly off the ground. “Aria… Aria, wake up!” My voice was shaking, fil
Dr. Hensley walked in alongside his medical assistant, the air around them filled with the sterile scent of antiseptic and the faint hum of machines. He approached Aria’s bed; his demeanor was professional yet warm. “Good morning, Mr. Sinclair,” he greeted Alexander, his eyes flickering with a hint of optimism.How's she doing, Doctor?" Alexander asked, his voice tense but controlled, not betraying the storm of emotions brewing beneath the surface.Dr. Hensley checked Aria’s vitals, taking careful notes as he observed her steady but shallow breathing. A smile crept onto his face as he looked up. “She’s recovering fast, Mr. Sinclair. She should be awake any minute now.”Alexander gave a curt nod, his eyes never leaving Aria's face, a wave of relief washed over Alexander, but it was tempered by the gnawing worry that had haunted him since the incident. He had been waiting anxiously for news about her condition, and hearing that she was improving filled him with cautious hope.The doctor
Aria slowly opened her eyes, taking in her surroundings. The glaring white ceiling was the first thing she noticed, followed by the steady beeping of the monitor beside her. The sterile smell of disinfectant lingered in the air, a sharp reminder of where she was. Her vision blurred momentarily as she tried to adjust to the bright lights, blinking several times before her eyes finally began to focus.The effort to open her eyes fully left her feeling drained, her body still weak. She tried to sit up, but her muscles refused to cooperate, and she collapsed back onto the bed with a thud. A sharp pain pierced her head, forcing her to raise her hand instinctively to her forehead, only to find it wrapped in bandages. And then it hit her—the memory of Ethan, his threatening words, the struggle, and the fall. Her heart raced at the recollection.Turning her head slowly, she noticed a figure slouched against the couch near her bed. His head was tilted slightly, eyes closed, his features soften
"Alexander, I didn't mean to hurt Grandma," Aria said softly, her hand still holding his. Her voice was shaky, the guilt and fear clear in her eyes as she gazed up at him. Alexander's eyes flickered to where her fingers were wrapped around his hand, and for a moment, there was something unreadable in his expression. Clearing his throat, he looked back at her, causing Aria to realize what she was doing. She quickly pulled her hand away, her face flushing with embarrassment."Please, can you give me another chance?" she asked, her voice wavering. Her fingers fidgeted nervously in her lap as she awaited his response. "Let me continue to take care of Grandma."Alexander regarded her for a moment before speaking, his tone steady but distant. "Just rest and focus on your recovery. Someone else is taking care of Grandma for now." He paused, his gaze softening slightly. "Let the chefs handle her meals. You don't have to do everything yourself."Aria's heart lifted with hope. ‘Does that mean I
Ethan couldn’t wait any longer. He was supposed to meet up with the goons who would join him to get Aria. There was no way he would be able to pull it off without their help. He told the driver to drive off. There was no need figuring out where Aria was staying, they would pick her off from the cemetery. He met with the guys at a small motel, they were three in number including himself. “The lady in question is a very important cargo. We do not need any scratches on her, your job is simply to grab her and we make a getaway. Then we meet up with the second one. Okay?” “Okay boss. So the lady now is the main one right?”“Yes. That’s exactly what I said. Isn’t it? Keep your head in the game. And you wonder why other people get the jobs and not you. You gotta learn to use your brain.” They had already picked up the truck they would use in the kidnap. “Let’s go boys, it’s a stake and take” one of the guys said.***Aria arrived at the airport and went out to her rented car. It was big
“So do you have the full story for the job? Remember if anything goes south, just let me know…” Ethan stated. “Yeah. I think I’ve got everything. I’m ready for the job.” Frieda mentioned. Dr. Hensley walked into the room where Ethan was seriously last minute prepping Frieda. “Let’s pray that’s true because you’re the missing piece in our puzzle. Our ultimate weapon and the one in whom the entirety of my work rests on.” He shuffled around the lab and brought out five tiny spray bottles, they could fit in small purses. He handed them over to Frieda. “Hopefully, you don’t get to use them all. Spray once behind each ear, the nape of your neck and your wrists. That should cover it.” Frieda nodded. She kept the bottles in her purse. “So, we’re sorry we need to go through such measures but it is all for the success of the project.” Ethan said to Frieda.Frieda and Ethan left the lab, leaving Dr. Hensley alone. As they drove to the bus station, Ethan and Frieda talked about the plan som
Mandy stepped off the plane in the bustling airport, moving out with purpose. Her fancy heels clicking against the floor of the airport, her presence commanded attention and her features and face gave her an air of authority. She grabbed her luggage and headed outside, she flagged down a cab. “Take me to Regius Hospital please and quickly. I’m in a bit of a hurry.” She said, her face expressionless. The cab driver looked at her through the mirror, their eyes meeting for barely a couple of seconds before he looked away. “You look like some of those old surgeons who come here for some consultation or the other. I wish I could…” “I’ll stop you there, I don’t appreciate the chit chat. Just get me to my destination, quickly and quietly. No talk about the weather, your family, my family or anything apart from instructions. This is not a therapy session.” She adjusted her dress suit as the cab driver nodded. The cab man weaved through the city, after a brief ride, the cab pulled up to t
Mandy stepped off the plane in the bustling airport, moving out with purpose. Her fancy heels clicking against the floor of the airport, her presence commanded attention and her features and face gave her an air of authority. She grabbed her luggage and headed outside, she flagged down a cab. “Take me to Regius Hospital please and quickly. I’m in a bit of a hurry.” She said, her face expressionless. The cab driver looked at her through the mirror, their eyes meeting for barely a couple of seconds before he looked away. “You look like some of those old surgeons who come here for some consultation or the other. I wish I could…” “I’ll stop you there, I don’t appreciate the chit chat. Just get me to my destination, quickly and quietly. No talk about the weather, your family, my family or anything apart from instructions. This is not a therapy session.” She adjusted her dress suit as the cab driver nodded. The cab man weaved through the city, after a brief ride, the cab pulled up to t
“Mom, you can open your eyes now.” Jessica whispered. “Where’s your father? Is he gone?” Janet asked as she pulled away the oxygen mask once again. “Yes. He said he would get some help to come here with some food and all.” Jessica replied. Janet knew there was only so much she could tell her daughter, the less she knew the better for her future. There was only one other person in her life who knew exactly what to do in situations like this and it was her sister. “Call home and make sure the help gets me my phone. I need to call your aunt.” Janet instructed. “Okay. But you haven’t told me the plan yet. How do we win Alexander back when Aria is strongly in the way?.” Jessica questioned. “Just do what I asked. The plan isn’t set in stone yet and the less you know the better for you. Just concentrate on what we tell you and try not to do anything else.” Janet responded. Jessica left the room to call the house staff to tell them what to bring to the hospital. *** Ethan walked into
“What are you doing?” Aria whispered, her voice trembling as her palms rested against Alexander’s firm chest, their proximity sending a ripple of heat through her body.“You know exactly what I’m doing,” Alexander replied, his tone low, teasing yet filled with undeniable intent.Aria froze, her breath catching as Alexander reached up, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face. His fingers grazed her cheek, lingering for a second longer than necessary, and the warmth of his touch ignited a storm of emotions within her.“I like your body massages, maybe we'll schedule some more in the future,” he said quietly. He took a deep breath so he could soak up her scent. “You do seem rather… relaxed.” Her voice trembled a bit. “I kind of get that feeling every time I’m around you whether you’re giving massages or just sitting there.” He whispered. Aria realized his face was getting closer to hers, he chuckled softly when he saw her close her eyes in expectation of the kiss to come. Alexa
On the drive back to the house, Lucas tried hard not to discuss his feelings with Alexander about Jessica and her mother. He got a call. “Hello.”“Sir, Ethan won the case. He’s been set free.” The voice on the other end of the call said. “How did that happen? That case was pretty straightforward. He should be in jail by now.” Lucas replied. Alexander listened in trying to pick off exactly what they were discussing. “Yes sir. He had a damned good lawyer. I was a bit surprised when the lawyer came in saying she was representing Ethan. You may know her, it’s Gabriella Cornell, the big leagues.” “He couldn’t have gotten someone like that without help. Try to figure out exactly why she would represent him.” Lucas said. “Okay, sir. I’ll get back to you with any information I find sir.” “Yeah. Thank you” Lucas said before dropping the call. “Who was that?” Alexander asked. “Sir, that was Carlton, our guy at the D.A.’s office. He says that Ethan got an exceptional and expensive lawye
Anderson and Jessica rushed Janet to the hospital, Anderson, frantic as he called nurses, doctors and interns to the aid of his wife. “Mom, what’s wrong? Are you having a heart attack?” Jessica asked, even as the nurses got her in a bed and rushed her into a hospital room. “I want my daughter with me..” Janet said, with a fake pain in her voice. Jessica went into the room with her. Watching as they placed an oxygen mask on her face to help her breathe better, she gripped her mother’s hands genuinely scared about what may be happening. “Mom, you’re gonna be okay… the doctors will make sure everything’s fine. They’ll do their jobs.” Janet squeezed her hand tightly but Jessica didn’t understand what was happening. As soon as the doctors plugged her into the machine, they realized that her vitals were stable. Medically, there was nothing wrong with her. They asked to take blood to run some tests. As soon as the last nurse was out the door, Janet took off the oxygen mask from her face
On the drive to Jessica’s family home, Lucas knew he would have to make sure that nothing like that happened again. He was going to put a stationed guard with Alexander at all times to keep Jessica and any females away. He couldn’t believe they were back to this time, when people were always triggering Alexander’s phobia. He also wondered what exactly Alexander had in mind for Jessica. “Young Master, if I may ask, why exactly are we going to Miss Jessica’s residence? I could just call the police and she’ll be arrested.” Lucas said. “No. Jessica is foolish, impulsive and everything wrong but they aren’t like the average family. Her father is also wealthy and they probably have their own assets to protect. I do not wish to cause any damage to her family’s image, at least for old times sake. We will use this to our advantage.” Alexander said. “If you say so, Young Master.” Lucas replied. ***Aria went back into the house to find Grandma, she found her at her reading spot. “Grandma,