Chapter 3 - Clever

Aiden watched as his grandmother fussed over Serena, even peeling an apple for her. He sighed deeply, running a hand through his hair in frustration. This woman had definitely charmed his grandmother, which was dangerous enough. 

But what really bothered him was the doctor's diagnosis. Serena had lost her memory due to the injury that put her in the coma in the first place. Could it be true?

The first thing he had to do would be to find out how she had landed in a coma in the first place.

Aiden was wary. He found it difficult to believe that the young woman deftly navigated the situation despite the amnesia. 

What would she be like if she had her memories? Shaking his head at the curious thought, Aiden decided that he would deal with that later. For now, he had a different problem.The said problem was now hugging his grandmother...

***

Serena sighed as Grandma left the room and turned her eyes to the apple. The old woman was so sweet and loving. Meanwhile, Aiden Hawk, her icy husband, was staring at her as if he wanted to freeze her. She shuddered.

Her eyes widened in shock when he walked over to lock the hospital room door with a click.

"What are you doing?" she asked shakily. She did not like the look on his face.

He raised a brow and smirked, raising the corner of his mouth. "What do you think I'm doing?"

"Why… why did you lock the door?"

"My wife...You've woken up after so long. Of course, I have to spend some time with you undisturbed..."

Serena watched him as he walked towards her, his presence seemingly filling the room. Her heart almost threatened to leap out of her chest...She wanted to jump off the bed but her legs were useless and she had no strength...

"S.. Stop right there..Or else!"

Her stammered threat did nothing to stop him. He leaned over her…, causing her to lean back, ultimately falling onto the pillow. He placed his hands on each side of her head, trapping her beneath him. She gulped. 

His smirk widened, eyes glinting with unreadable emotion. "Or else what, Serena?"She swallowed hard, her throat dry. "Or else... I'll scream."

Aiden chuckled softly, the sound vibrating through the cramped space between them. "I doubt that would do you any good. People would think it's just part of our... reunion."

Her breath hitched as he came closer, his scent—clean and sharp—overwhelmed her senses. Da*n it! This Iceman even smelled good... Her pulse quickened, and she wondered what he would do and if she should punch him for it...

And then his face was so close that she could feel his breath on her skin... She felt him turn his head and gulped..

"Well, that was quite a performance you put on, in front of my grandmother, Serena," he finally spoke in a low voice edged with sarcasm. Her breath escaped her in a whoosh as she heard him speak and move back.She could breathe again.

Putting on her most innocent expression, she looked into his dark eyes and answered, "Performance? I don't know what you're talking about. I was just being honest." 

She knew convincing this man to help her was going to be difficult. But she had to try!

"Honest?" he echoed. "You lied about not remembering your name, and you manipulated my grandmother. That is your honest self? What game are you playing, Serena?"

To buy herself some time, she took another bite of the apple, which was almost crushed in her hands and chewed thoughtfully before responding. 

"Aiden, my dear husband, you have to understand. I've been through a traumatic experience. I woke up to find myself in a strange place, with strange people. I did what I had to do to survive. Doesn't mean I intend to hurt the old lady.'

"Survive?" Aiden scoffed. "All you need to survive is to sign the divorce papers and go away with your parents. I won't even ask for the money back! But you will not involve my grandmother in your games!"

"Those people are not my parents!" Serena spoke with authority while Aiden raised an eyebrow," I thought you had no memory?"

"I do not! But I can guarantee you that those people are not my parents!"

Aiden narrowed his eyes, studying her closely. "And how can you be so sure?"

"Because," she said, her voice steady and confident, "When I look at them, I feel nothing. No recognition, no connection. If they were my parents, wouldn't I feel something? Also, didn't you hear what they said? Which parents offer to kill their daughter for money? And look at the way they ran away when I woke up! If they were my parents, wouldn't they have stayed?"

Serena looked down as tears welled up in her eyes. She raised her head and looked at him," I don't know why you married me or why you wanted me dead. But I am alive now. And I want to stay that way. So, Aiden Hawk, if you help me, I'll do whatever you want."