Aria's smile lingered as she gazed at Jack, his eyes fixed on the road ahead. But his grip on the wheel tightened, his knuckles whitening. "What's wrong?" she asked, her voice tinged with concern.
"Brakes aren't working," Jack gritted, his jaw clenched.
Aria's eyes widened, alarm spreading across her face. She turned to Jack, her mind racing.
A truck loomed behind them, its headlights casting an ominous glow.
Jack's hand shot out, clasping Aria's. "Hold on!" he warned.
The truck slammed into their car, metal crunching, glass shattering. Aria's world shattered with it.
She fled from the wreckage, her body propelled by instinct. Her stomach hit the ground hard, the impact knocking the wind from her lungs. Rolling, her head struck stone, a blinding pain exploding through her skull.
Pain screamed through her, a primal cry. Her hand cradled her stomach, protectively. Tears streamed down her face, mingling with the dirt and debris.
"Jack!" she screamed, her voice hoarse.
Jack stumbled out, badly injured. He dragged himself toward Aria, his movements slow, labored.
As he reached her side, a figure emerged from the shadows. A woman in black, her face obscured by a veil. Her eyes gleamed, cold, calculating.
Gun raised, she took aim.
Jack's legs buckled, bullets tearing into his flesh. He fell, his body crashing to the ground.
Aria lay still, unconscious.
The woman stood, gun still clutched in her hand. Her gaze flicked between Jack and Aria, a hint of satisfaction in her eyes.
With a swift motion, she turned, disappearing into the darkness.
Jack's vision blurred, his thoughts fragmenting. He turned to Aria, his eyes drinking in her still form.
"Aria..." he whispered, his voice barely audible.
Darkness claimed him, pulling him under.
The silence was oppressive, punctuated only by the distant hum of the truck, fading into the night.
Leo's smile spread wide as he gazed around the room, transformed into a soft pink haven. Leah stood beside him, her eyes shining.
"For Jack and Aria's little one," she whispered, her voice filled with excitement.
Leo's eyes sparkled. "I wanted it to be a surprise, for when they return with the ring."
Leah's face glowed. "It's perfect, Leo. You've thought of everything."
Baby clothes, toys, and furniture filled the room, each item meticulously chosen.
Mrs. Hilda entered, her face aglow. "Oh, it's beautiful! You two have outdone yourselves."
"Thank you, Mrs. Hilda," Leo said. "We wanted to make it special."
Mrs. Hilda's eyes lingered on the nursery. "You've made it a look so beautiful. Aria and Jack will be overjoyed."
"Time to get ready," Mrs. Hilda reminded. "Guests are arriving."
Leo nodded.
Leah's gaze met Leo's, love shining between them.
"Shall we?" Leo asked.
Leah smiled.
Together, they left the nursery, ready to celebrate their own engagement.
The room remained, a secret haven, awaiting Jack and Aria's return.
The crowd swelled, a sea of concerned faces stretching out like a canvas of worry. One person stood apart, fingers flying across their phone's keypad as they dialed for help. The words "ambulance" and "hurry" hung in the air, urgent and pleading.
Sofia's car slowed to a stop, curiosity getting the better of her. She pulled over, joining the throng of onlookers. Her eyes scanned the scene, drinking in the details.
Aria's limp form lay on the ground, a stark contrast to the vibrant woman Sofia knew. Blood seeped from her wounds, staining the pavement. Jack's still body lay beside her, his face pale and drawn.
Sofia's breath caught in her throat. Her hand instinctively rose to her mouth, as if to stifle a cry.
The ambulance's sirens pierced the air, growing louder with each passing moment. The vehicle screeched to a halt, its doors bursting open to disgorge two paramedics. They sprang into action, stretchers at the ready.
"Careful, careful," one paramedic murmured, as they lifted Jack onto the stretcher.
Aria was next, her fragile form cradled with equal care.
Sofia's anxiety spiked, her heart racing with every passing second. She pushed through the crowd, her voice rising above the din.
"I know them!" she exclaimed, her words tumbling out in a rush.
The paramedics exchanged a fleeting glance.
"Ma'am, please—"
"I have to come with you," Sofia insisted, her tone firm.
The paramedic's expression softened.
"Get in, but stay out of the way."
Sofia nodded, already moving toward the ambulance.
As she climbed inside, her eyes locked onto Aria's pale face. Jack's still form lay across from her, a mirror image of concern.
The ambulance doors slammed shut, sealing them inside. Sirens wailed, a cacophony of sound that echoed through Sofia's mind.
The vehicle sped away, leaving the crowd and chaos behind.
Inside, Sofia's thoughts swirled.
What happened?, How did all these happened, she wondered to herself.
The questions hung in the air, unanswered.
Only the steady beep of the medical equipment and the occasional murmur from the paramedics broke the silence.
Sofia's gaze remained fixed on Aria and Jack, her heart aching with every passing mile.
Daniel's thoughts swirled, consumed by guilt and regret. Aria's face haunted him, her trust and friendship now tainted by his secret. He couldn't shake the feeling that he had betrayed her.
With a heavy sigh, he reached for his phone, dialing Aria's number. The rings echoed through the silence, each one a reminder of her absence. No answer.
Worry crept in, his mind racing with worst-case scenarios. Where was she? Why wasn't she answering?
Ivy noticed his distress, her brow furrowed with concern. "Daniel, maybe you should try calling Jack."
Before he could respond, Mrs. Hilda's voice echoed through the hallway, her tone warm and inviting. "Everyone, it's time! The engagement party is about to start!"
Ivy nodded, and together they descended the stairs, their footsteps merging with the murmur of the guests.
The room was abuzz with chatter, the air thick with anticipation. Leah's anxiety was palpable, her eyes darting toward the door. "Leo, the ring hasn't arrived yet."
Leo reassured her, his smile calm. "Don't worry, it'll be here."
Daniel's phone rang, shrill in the silence. Sofia's name flashed on the screen. He hesitated, his heart sinking.
"Sofia? What's wrong?" he asked, his voice cautious.
Sofia's words tumbled out, urgent. "Daniel, it's Aria and Jack. They've been in an accident. They're at City Hospital."
The room around Daniel dissolved. The sounds, the faces, everything faded into the background.
The phone slipped from his fingers, his hand numb.
Tears streamed down his face, hot and unchecked.
"Aria and Jack...they've been in an accident," he stammered, his voice cracking.
The room froze, time suspended.
Leah's scream pierced the air, a sound of raw anguish.
Ivy's eyes welled up, her face crumpling.
Mrs. Hilda's face sagged, her eyes brimming with tears.
"Everyone, please leave," Daniel managed, his voice barely above a whisper.
Guests scattered, murmuring condolences, their faces somber.
The family remained, shock and fear etched on their faces.
Daniel's voice cracked again. "We need to go. Now."
Together, they rushed out, leaving the party and its joy behind.
The hospital beckoned, its unknowns terrifying.
As they sped away, Daniel's heart ached, his thoughts consumed by Aria.
Aria, forgive me.
Please be okay.
The city lights blurred outside.
Their lives, once filled with laughter and promise, now hung in the balance.
Only one thought mattered: Aria and Jack's safety.