The next morning, the family returned home from the hospital, but Jack's absence was palpable. Allison, cleared by the doctor to take her child home, clutched her baby tightly, seeking comfort. Mrs. Hilda, Jack's mother, attempted to welcome her, but the warmth was lost without Jack by her side.
Just then, Aiden walked in, his eyes locked on Allison. "As the child's father, I'll stay by her side," he declared, his tone assertive.
Allison's eyes flashed with anger, and she swiftly retreated to her room, baby in tow.
Aria's curiosity piqued, she wondered what Aiden was plotting. A sly smile spread across her face as she recalled the incriminating footage of Aiden killing his mother.
"I need to change," Aria said to herself, heading upstairs.
As she reached the top step, Daniel approached her, his expression serious. "Aria, we need to talk."
"What's on your mind, Daniel?" Aria asked, her eyes locked on his.
"I saved you from falling yesterday," Daniel said, his eyes warm with concern.
Aria smiled, gratitude shining in her eyes. "I remember, Daniel. You're a true friend when I need one. And I need your help now."
Daniel nodded, his expression serious. "Tell me how I can help."
"Not here," Aria whispered, glancing around cautiously. "Come to my room."
In her room, Aria closed the door behind Daniel. "I was at the warehouse where Aiden tried to harm me. He killed his mom, and I saw everything. The CCTV camera caught it all. I need to retrieve the footage."
Daniel's face darkened. "You don't have to go there yourself and put yourself in danger. I'll go to the security office."
Aria's relief was palpable. "Thank you, Daniel." She handed him her cell phone. "Install the footage on this."
Glancing at the clock, Aria's determination hardened. "Aiden, you ruined my plans, now it's my turn to expose you. I need to find your dad; only he can help me."
Aria's thoughts racing, she realized Aiden might have imprisoned his dad at the warehouse to keep him silent.
Jack came to his room and handed Allison the divorce papers, his expression resolute. "I've already signed. It's all your fault Aria and I separated, leave now, before I lose control."
Allison's eyes blazed with anger as she signed the divorce papers. "You'll pay for this, Jack. Aria will suffer."
Seeking revenge, Allison decided to join forces with Aiden.
Aria stood by her bed, clutching her white bag, ready to leave. The soft glow of the table lamp cast a warm light on her tense features. The room was quiet, except for the faint hum of the air conditioner.
Just as she reached for the door handle, Jack burst in, closing the door behind him. The sudden movement made Aria jump, her heart racing.
"Le's dance," Jack slurred, his eyes glassy and unfocused. He staggered towards her, his footsteps uneven.
Aria's eyes widened, her face flushing with surprise. She took a step back, her free hand rising to her chest. "Jack, you're drunk," she said, her voice firm but laced with concern.
Jack's smile faltered, his lips curling into a sloppy grin. "I don' care," he slurred, his words running together. He grasped for her hand, his fingers closing around her wrist like a vice.
Aria shivered as Jack warm breath toughed her skin . She tried to pull away, but his grip tightened. "Let go, Jack," she warned, her voice rising.
The sound of his stumbling footsteps echoed through the room as Jack pulled her closer. Aria's eyes darted around the space, searching for an escape.
As they swayed to the imaginary music, Aria's thoughts whirled. Memories of music school, their laughter, and the pain of his deception flooded her mind. Her vision blurred, and for a moment, she was back in the past.
Jack's slurred words cut through her reverie. "Remember music school? We danced, unaware of our feelings."
Aria's gaze snapped back to Jack's face, her eyes filling with tears. "The only thing I remember is the pain," she whispered, her voice trembling.
With newfound determination, Aria pushed Jack away, her hands flat ag
But Aria was already out the door, closing it firmly behind her.
Jack slid to the floor, his back against the bed, a sly smile spreading across his face. "I'll win your heart, Aria. At all costs."
As darkness fell, Mrs. Hilda had laid out dinner in the dining room, but the tension was palpable. With no one approaching the table, she decided to cover the food, waiting for the others to come and eat.
Meanwhile, in another room, Aiden's frustration boiled over. "Why have you brought me to this abandoned building? I thought you wanted to reunite me with my child."
Allison's smile was icy. "She's my child too, and I'll decide when you see her. But I need your help." Her eyes locked onto Aiden's. "One condition: you must get rid of Aria."
Aiden's curiosity piqued, he asked, "What's in it for me?"
Allison's smile grew wider. "You'll see your child, but only if you cooperate."
Aiden agreed, his mind racing with plans.
As Allison drove away, Aiden burst into laughter. "She thinks she can use my child as leverage?" He scoffed. "I'll take my child and disappear after I've done what I need to."
Aiden's smile was sinister as he walked to his car.
Jack noticed his mother eating alone and joined her. The conversation turned to Aria and the child she carried. Jack's expression remained stoic, but he reassured his mother, "Don't worry, I'll win Aria back."
Meanwhile, Aria searched the empty house, worried because the door was locked and Aiden's father was nowhere to be found. As she pondered her next move, she spotted Jack and his mother eating in the dining room. Noticing the covered food still on the table, Aria decided to join them.
However, the memory of Jack's intimate proximity in her room earlier made her hesitate. She turned to leave, but Jack stopped her.
"You need to eat," Jack said, his eyes locking onto hers. "I know you're avoiding me because of this morning. I was drunk, okay? It didn't mean anything."
Aria's anger flared. "Whether I eat or not is none of your concern."
Jack's grip on her arm tightened. "At least think about the child you're carrying."
Aria's hand instinctively went to her stomach. Jack's words struck a chord. She relented, taking a seat to eat.
As Jack stood to leave, Aria noticed Austin's absence. "Where's Austin?" she asked Mrs. Hilda.
"He went out for a while," Mrs. Hilda replied.
Mrs. Hilda's observant gaze lingered on Aria. "You seem...close to Jack again," she said gently.
Aria shook her head. "There's nothing between us."
Mrs. Hilda's expression turned knowing. "Aria, I think you're denying your feelings. You still care for Jack deeply."
Aria's eyes flashed with defiance. She dropped her spoon, took a sip of water, and replied, "You're wrong, Mrs. Hilda. My heart belongs to Liam. He saved my life, and I pray he's still alive." Her voice trembled. "Jack's efforts are futile. He'll never win me back."
With that, Aria pushed her chair back, stood up, and left the dining room, ascending the stairs with determination.