He
Jack woke up, his mind racing with thoughts of Aria. He lay in bed for a moment, unable to shake off the feeling of restlessness.
Finally, he threw off the covers and rose, pacing to the mirror. He gazed at his reflection, his eyes troubled.
"Aria, how are you holding up?" he whispered, concern etched on his face.
A gentle knock broke the silence.
"Come in," Jack called out.
Mrs. Hilda entered, a warm smile on her face. "Good morning, Jack. I brought your tea."
She set the tray down on the table, and Jack's eyes met hers.
"Thank you, Mrs. Hilda," Jack said, his voice subdued.
Mrs. Hilda lingered, sensing Jack's unease. "Is everything alright, dear?"
Jack hesitated before speaking. "Mrs. Hilda, I need a favor. Can you prepare a lunch box for Aria? I want to take it to her at the jail."
Mrs. Hilda nodded sympathetically. "Of course, dear. I'll get right on it."
She turned to leave, but Jack's voice stopped her.
"Mrs. Hilda?"
"Yes, Jack?"
"Thank you. This means a lot to me."
Mrs. Hilda smiled. "You're welcome, Jack. We'll get through this together."
With that, she headed to the kitchen, leaving Jack to his thoughts.
Jack retreated to the restroom to freshen up. After his bath, he dressed and joined Mrs. Hilda, who was waiting by the door with the lunch box.
"Let's go," Jack said, his voice resolute.
Mrs. Hilda settled into the back seat, and Jack drove off toward the police station.
The silence between them was filled with worry for Aria's well-being.
Leo adjusted his tie, checking his reflection.
Leah entered the room, concern etched on her face. "Leo, what's the update on Aiden's case?"
"The evidence will take two weeks," Leo replied.
Leah's eyes widened. "That long?"
Leo nodded. "I also received a call from Jack. He needs a lawyer for Aria's case."
Leah's expression turned determined. "What can we do to help?"
Leo's voice softened. "You shouldn't get involved, Leah. Take care of the house."
Leah nodded reluctantly, hoping everything would work out.
"I'll handle it," Leo reassured her. "Jack and I will get Aria out."
Leah smiled faintly, trusting Leo's capabilities.
With a final glance, Leo headed out to tackle the day's challenges.
Leah watched him leave, she began to worry about Aria and Jack
Aiden's anger still simmered, his mind consumed by last night's events. He dialed a number, his eyes narrowing.
The woman, still in her jail attire, answered discreetly.
"Yes?" she whispered.
Aiden's voice was low and menacing. "You failed. Aria's still alive."
The woman's gaze darted around, ensuring no one listened.
"I'm sorry, sir. She was stronger than we thought."
Aiden's tone turned icy. "I don't pay you to make excuses. Finish the job."
The woman nodded, though Aiden couldn't see her.
"Don't worry about the money. Just get it done."
"Yes, sir," she replied, her voice barely audible.
She ended the call, hiding the small phone in her pocket.
With a calculated glance, she merged back into the jail's morning routine.
Her eyes locked onto Aria, a silent vow of malice forming.
The game was far from over.
The three women who attacked Aria saw her carrying firewood, while the rest of the prisoners were busy with their work.
The woman who had handed Aria the poisoned water, and was refused, walked towards her.
"Hi, my name is Tasha," she said, introducing herself.
Aria didn't care and continued her morning routine.
The officer was guarding every corner of the doors in the prison.
Aria angrily turned, dropping the firewood.
"You shouldn't mess with me," she warned. "I know Aiden sent you."
She pointed at the other two women.
"Stay away and mind your business," Aria said, walking away.
Then, with annoyance, Tasha pushed Aria.
Aria fell, hitting her head on the stone floor.
Her head began to bleed.
Aria lost consciousness.
Suddenly, everyone gathered.
The other two women smiled and immediately pretended to shout for help.
"The officer needs to come!"
"He needs to see this!"
Tasha moved back, hiding in the crowd.
The three women pretended to be innocent, blending in with the other prisoners.
One of the officers immediately called for 911.
"Aria needs medical attention, now!" he yelled.
Aria was rushed to the hospital.
While they were driving, oxygen was placed around her nose.
Her eyes blinked open.
Then she closed them again.
The nurse reassured her.
"Don't worry, everything will be fine."
Aria remained unconscious.
The nurse's voice was filled with concern.
"We need to get her stabilized as soon as possible."
The ambulance sirens continued to wail.
Jack pulled his car up outside the prison gates.
Mrs. Hilda emerged, holding a lunch box.
She stood beside Jack as an officer approached.
"Who have you come to see?" the officer asked.
"Aria," Jack replied.
The officer's expression turned somber.
"I'm afraid Aria's been admitted to the city hospital."
"What happened?" Jack demanded.
"We're not sure," the officer admitted. "We found her on the floor, bleeding."
Mrs. Hilda's eyes widened in shock, and she dropped the lunch box.
"Which hospital?" Jack asked urgently.
"City Hospital," the inspector replied. "It's just a few blocks from here."
Without hesitation, Jack rushed back into his car.
Mrs. Hilda followed suit.
Jack sped away from the prison.
The city hospital was their destination.
Mrs. Hilda's worried eyes fixed on Jack.
"What could have happened?" she whispered.
Jack's jaw clenched.
"We'll find out soon."
Ivy arranged the living room chairs, meticulously adjusting the cushions. She stepped back to admire her handiwork, satisfied.
Next, she flipped on the TV and air conditioning, seeking relaxation after a long day.
As she headed to the kitchen to grab a snack, Aria's name caught her attention.
"...Aria has been admitted to City Hospital," the news anchor said.
Ivy's curiosity got the better of her, and she walked back to the TV.
She watched footage of Aria being loaded into an ambulance, her expression unreadable.
Ivy rolled her eyes. "Always something dramatic on TV."
"Can't people mind their business?" Ivy muttered to herself, shaking her head.
She turned off the TV, dismissing the news.
Daniel observed Ivy from afar, concerned.
She'd changed; once kind and caring, now arrogant and dismissive.
He longed to revive the Ivy he once loved.
As Ivy cleaned the kitchen table, her movements efficient and precise, Daniel approached.
She smiled, noticing him, but returned to her task.
Daniel watched her, his eyes filled with nostalgia.
He remembered when Ivy would care deeply about others' struggles.
Now, she seemed numb.
Daniel's heart ached.
He wanted to bring back the compassionate Ivy.
Daniel cleared his throat, breaking the silence.
"Ivy."
She turned, her eyes meeting his.
Daniel hugged her from behind, his arms wrapping around her waist.
"I've missed spending time with you," he whispered.
Ivy pushed him away, her expression startled.
"What are you doing?"
Daniel pulled her close, his eyes locked on hers.
"It's time we reconnected, like we used to," he whispered.
Ivy's resistance melted.
She felt the warmth of his embrace.
Daniel swept her into his arms, carrying her upstairs.
"Let's make up for lost time," Daniel said, his voice filled with affection.
Ivy smiled, eager to recapture their lost moments.
As they ascended, Ivy's thoughts drifted to Jack and Aria, as she was worried about them.
For a fleeting moment, she wondered what had happened.
But Daniel's gentle touch erased her concerns.
Daniel shut the door behind them.
Ready to spend every moment with her.