As morning light filtered through the bars, casting a pale glow over the cell, Sofia and Racheal entered with a tray of food, the aroma of stale bread and lukewarm soup wafting through the air. Aria's eyelids fluttered open, her gaze foggy from the lingering dizziness.
"Sofia's gentle voice broke the silence. "Aria, wake up. It's morning."
Aria's limbs felt heavy, her body protesting as she struggled to sit up. She planted her feet firmly on the cold concrete floor, the chill seeping into her bones. The women's concerned expressions blurred together as she swayed, her vision wavering.
With a Herculean effort, Aria pushed herself to stand, her legs trembling beneath her. She staggered to the metal sink, the water splashing against her face like a slap, shocking her awake. She cupped her hands, splashing water onto her face again and again, the cool liquid reviving her.
As she lifted her head, water droplets clung to her eyelashes, sparkling like tiny diamonds. Her gaze locked onto Sofia and Racheal, their faces etched with concern.
"What do you want?" Aria asked.
Sofia smiled warmly. "We brought food, Aria. You need to eat."
Aria's expression hardened, her jaw clenched. "Leave it. I don't need your help."
Racheal stepped forward, her voice soft. "Ma'am, you should eat for your baby's sake."
Aria's eyes flashed, her voice icy. "I know. Now leave."
The women hesitated, exchanging uncertain glances before departing, the tray clattering softly as they left.
Aria's gaze settled on the food, the smell of stale bread and soup now overpowering. She glanced across the cell, her eyes locking onto Aiden's sleeping form. A shiver ran down her spine.
But her thoughts turned to her unborn child, and the battle ahead. She needed strength.
Aria sat, the metal bench creaking beneath her. She picked up a spoon, the cool metal comforting in her hand. The first bite of food tasted bland, but she chewed, swallowed, and took another. The water quenched her thirst.
With each bite, her resolve solidified. For her child, for herself, she would fight.
Jack stood before the mirror, adjusting his black tie.
His reflection showed a determined man.
Dressed for battle.
In another room, Leah applied finishing touches.
Leo burst in, grinning.
"Hurry up!" he teased.
"Why the makeup?"
Leah's eyes narrowed.
"Are you laughing at me?"
Leo's smile softened.
"No, you're fine with or without.
Come on!"
He exited, leaving Leah smiling.
At his subtle compliment.
Downstairs, the family gathered.
Daniel, Ivy, and Sara had already left.
Leah and Leo joined them.
Mrs. Hilda sat patiently.
In the front seat.
Awaiting Jack.
He emerged, handsome.
In his tailored suit.
Confidence radiated.
From his stride.
As he entered the car.
Started the engine.
Drove off.
To the courthouse.
To support Aria.
And fight for justice.
Officer Nat entered the cell, carrying two bundles of crisp, clean clothing.
"For you both," he announced.
Aria's gaze fell on the pristine white gown.
"For the courtroom," Nat explained.
"You need to look presentable."
Aiden received a matching white browser and blue top. Aria took the gown and Retreated to the corner to change into the soft fabric. After she had changed She smoothed, Her hair. She looked at Her reflection in the metal mirror. A faint glimmer Of determination. Aiden emerged, Freshly dressed.
His eyes locked, Onto Aria.
Their gazes clashed, briefly. The Inspector General, awaited outside.
"Time to go," he said.
Aria and Aiden Followed, To the waiting Jeep. Its engine, Roared.
As they drove off, through the prison gates.
Towards, The courthouse.
The courthouse buzzed with tension as Mrs. Lila smiled, relieved everyone had arrived. Jack's lawyer, Mrs. Kim, and Mrs. Lila's lawyer submitted evidence to the judge. Witnesses Jack had found, who knew Aiden's dark past, testified. Aiden's father delivered the final blow, exposing Aiden's crimes, including beating his ex-wife Isa.
Mrs. Lila's eyes widened as she discovered Aiden murdered her daughter Allison.
Aria exchanged a triumphant glance with Jack and the family.
The judge declared Aria innocent and ordered her release. Aiden would face justice for his crimes.
Aiden shrieked, "No! It's not possible!"
Mrs. Lila, enraged, slapped Aiden's face.
Aria smiled, freed from her handcuffs. She approached Aiden, her hand connecting with a resounding slap.
"You deserved it," she said, her voice firm.
Aria turned to Mrs. Lila, her anger still simmering.
"I respect you, but you were wrong to side with him, Aiden trucked you and you fell for it."
Mrs. Lila burst into tears.
Jack rushed to Aria, embracing her tightly.
But Aria's smile faltered. Dizziness overwhelmed her.
Aiden's smile hinted at satisfaction.
Jack caught Aria by the waist as her knees buckled.
"Aria, open your eyes!" he pleaded.
Unconscious, Aria's body went limp.
The family gathered, worried.
"Call an ambulance!" someone urged.
As the officers grasped Aiden's arms, their firm grip biting into his skin, he felt a surge of resistance fade from his body. They dragged him away, his feet stumbling over the pavement, the sound of his shoes scraping against the concrete echoing through the air.
The warm sunlight beat down on his face, a stark contrast to the darkness that had consumed him moments before. Aiden twisted, craning his neck to catch one last glimpse of the ambulance. Its doors swung open, revealing Aria's fragile form being carefully loaded inside.
For an instant, their eyes met, or so he thought. Aria's face was pale, her eyelids closed, but a faint flutter in her chest reassured him. Relief flickered across his face, a mix of emotions warring within. Despite his defeat, he smiled, a small, wry smile.
The officers pushed him into the waiting Jeep, its metal door clanging shut behind him. The interior was dim, the air thick with the scent of worn leather and stale air. Aiden settled into the darkness, his eyes adjusting slowly.
Through the window, he watched as the ambulance doors closed, and the vehicle pulled away, its sirens muted. The trailing cars followed, a procession of worried faces and anxious eyes.
The Jeep's engine roared to life, and they drove off, leaving the courthouse behind. Aiden's smile lingered, a small victory in defeat, then suddenly, the car engine was not working, the driver informed the two officers. Aiden was handcuffed to the Jeep, window handle, and was struggling to break free. Then suddenly the driver decided to dudge the tree in front of them and they Jeep, fell into the deep leaves down, the road and an explosion erupted, the car caught fire.
The police car transporting Aiden vanished into the distance, its taillights fading from view. Suddenly, a burst of flames engulfed the vehicle, illuminating the darkening landscape.
Flames licked the windows, consuming everything within.
Aiden's screams were drowned out by the roaring inferno.
The inspector general rounded a bend, his eyes widening as he took in the blazing wreckage.
"Call the fire department!" he yelled to his driver.
Grabbing his phone, he dialed Jack's number.
"Jack, it's the inspector general," he said, his voice grim.
"Aiden's car caught fire."
"Where?" Jack's voice was alert.
"About a mile from the courthouse."
"It's...it's too late, Jack."
"Aiden didn't make it."
The line fell silent.
Jack's world narrowed to a single thought: Aria.
He needed to tell Aria.
To hold her.
To keep her safe.
"Thank you, Inspector," Jack said finally.
"I'll inform the family."
Jack ended the call.
His eyes sought out Aria's hospital room.
He took a deep breath.
And stepped forward.