Aria stepped into the room, the soft glow of the evening casting a warm ambiance.
Her gaze fell upon Jack, sleeping peacefully in his wheelchair.
A tender smile spread across her face as she approached him.
"Jack," she whispered, her hand gently shaking his shoulder.
Jack's eyes fluttered open, his gaze locking onto hers.
"Aria," he murmured, his voice laced with sleep.
As he reached for her, Aria's heart skipped a beat.
His hand enveloped hers, pulling her close.
Their faces inches apart, the air thickened with tension.
Aria's pulse quickened, her lips almost brushing his.
But she hesitated, her emotions still raw.
Gently, she pushed him away, her eyes searching his.
Jack's smile never wavered.
"Being in this chair doesn't stop me from loving you," he whispered.
Aria's cheeks flushed, her heart swelling.
Together, they transferred Jack to the bed.
Aria tucked the sheets around him, her fingers brushing his.
Fluffing his pillow, she ensured his comfort.
As Jack settled in, Aria retreated to the chair.
The mirror beckoned, its reflection revealing her weary face.
The bandage on her head seemed a stark reminder.
Aria removed it, replacing it with a fresh one.
Her hand drifted to her stomach, a pang striking her heart.
Memories of their lost baby flooded back.
Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes.
Aria composed herself, her gaze falling on Jack.
He slept peacefully, unaware of her turmoil.
She turned back to the mirror, her eyes locked on her reflection.
The singlet clung to her frame, revealing the bandaged stomach.
Aria's fingers trembled as she unfolded the fabric.
The scars and tears beneath made her wince.
Dr. Thompson's words echoed in her mind.
Gently, Aria applied the medicine.
Rubbing it into the wounds, she winced.
The pain still lingered.
Aria rewrapped the bandage, securing it snugly.
After wearing her shirt, she returned to bed.
Slipping under the blanket, she closed her eyes.
The darkness enveloped her.
Jack's gentle breathing reassured her.
Aria's thoughts drifted, memories and emotions swirling.
Sorrow, Loss and love.
The trio entwined, a delicate balance.
As she drifted off, Aria's hand found Jack's.
Together, they rested.
Morning sunlight streamed through the dining room windows, casting a warm glow.
Mrs. Hilda bustled around the table, serving breakfast with a warm smile.
Aria pushed Jack's wheelchair, her eyes shining with happiness.
As they reached the table, Aria helped Jack settle in.
She served his food, her hands brushing his.
The room fell silent, awaiting Leo's announcement.
Leo stood, his eyes locking onto Leah's.
"I have something to say," he began.
Aria and Jack exchanged a curious glance.
"I've been thinking...about the wedding," Leo continued.
Aria's eyebrows rose, Jack's grip on his fork tightened.
"I want to cancel it," Leo said, his voice firm.
The room gasped.
Aria shot up from her seat, concern etched on her face.
"Why, Leo?" she asked.
Leah's voice trembled.
"If we hadn't sent you and Jack to get the engagement ring...the accident wouldn't have happened."
Jack's gaze met Aria's, his eyes filled with understanding.
Aria's eyes welled up, but she held back tears.
"No matter what," she said, her voice steady.
"Your engagement will still happen tomorrow night."
Jack nodded, his jaw set.
"I sent Daniel to get our ring. We've already bought it."
Leah and Leo exchanged a hopeful glance.
Leah's gratitude spilled out.
"Thank you guys thank you so much.."
But Jack interrupted, his voice gentle.
"No need to worry. The engagement will go smoothly this time."
The tension dissipated, replaced by warmth.
Mrs. Linda, eager to reconnect, spoke up.
"Jack, dear, I made your favorite - rice."
But Jack's gaze bypassed her, focusing on Mrs. Hilda.
"Thank you, Mrs. Hilda," he said, taking the tray from her.
Aria noticed the subtle snub.
Wondered why Jack still held back from his mom.
She filed the question away, for later.
As breakfast resumed, the atmosphere lightened.
Laughter and chatter filled the room.
Aria's thoughts lingered on Jack's actions.
The distance between him and his mom.
The morning sunlight danced across the dining room, casting a warm glow.
Mrs. Hilda's culinary mastery filled the air, tantalizing taste buds.
Aria and Jack shared a tender glance, their hands touching.
Leo, still shaken from his earlier announcement, fumbled with his utensils.
Leah giggled, playfully snatching his fork.
"You're more nervous about the wedding than I am!" she teased.
The room erupted into laughter.
Daniel, seated at the far end, quipped, "I'm more nervous about the speech Leo will say to Leah hope it will be a good one!"
Ivy chuckled, nudging him. "You'll be fine, Leo. Just don't trip on the way to the altar."
Leo feigned offense. "Hey, I'm a pro! I've practiced my 'stride-and-smile' in front of the mirror."
Aria snorted, nearly spitting out her coffee.
Jack chuckled, his eyes crinkling.
Even Mrs. Linda couldn't help but smile.
Mrs. Hilda, pleased with the lighthearted atmosphere, announced, "Time for dessert! My famous chocolate cake!"
As she presented the decadent treat, Jack's eyes widened.
"Aria, did you know Mrs. Hilda's cake is the reason I woke up this morning?"
Aria playfully rolled her eyes. "You're such a sweet-tooth."
Leo stood, pretending to clear his throat.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I'd like to make another announcement."
Leah's eyes sparkled. "What now?"
"I promise not to cancel the wedding again," Leo declared, grinning.
The room exploded into laughter.
Aria leaned over, whispering to Jack, "I think we're in for a drama-free day."
Jack smiled, squeezing her hand.
As they savored Mrs. Hilda's cake, the morning sun shone brighter.
Laughter and love filled the air.
Daniel's gaze settled on Aria's face, bathed in the warm light of the dining room.
Her smile, a gentle curve of her lips, stirred something deep within him.
He felt a sense of relief wash over him, seeing her eyes sparkle.
The shadows that had haunted her face for days seemed to recede.
Aria's eyes wandered, taking in the laughter-filled room.
Leo's booming chuckle, Leah's giggles, Mrs. Hilda's warm smile.
Each face etched with joy, radiating warmth.
Aria's gaze returned to Jack, his eyes crinkling at the corners.
Their hands touched, fingers intertwining.
A jolt of connection ran through her, gratitude swelled in her chest.
For this family, for their love.
Aria's thoughts whispered a silent prayer.
She didn't want to lose anyone one of them.
The fear flickered, a fleeting shadow.
But Jack's squeeze reassured her.
Leo's laughter boomed again.
"...and then Leah's dress got caught on the door handle!"
Leah playfully rolled her eyes.
"That was one awkward moment!"
Aria's lips twitched.
Mrs. Hilda chuckled.
"I remember when Jack got his tie stuck in the toaster."
Jack's face flushed.
"That was one time, Mrs. Hilda!"
Aria's giggles merged with the others.
The room vibrated with laughter.
Tears pricked at the corners of Mrs. Linda's eyes, she was so happy that she is seeing her son smile again.
The moment hung, suspended in time.
Love and joy entwined, Aria's smile deepened.
Daniel's heart swelled.
In this instant, sorrow seemed distant.
As they lingered around the table.
Smiles never faded.
Laughter never ceased.
The woman in the veil stood outside the mansion's gates, her ears tuned to the laughter carrying on the breeze.
Her eyes narrowed, a cold calculation settling in.
"It will be their last," she whispered, turning back to her car.
She drove to the prison, determination etched on her face.
Slipping through the back door, she moved with stealth.
Two police officers guarded Sara's cell, oblivious to the danger.
The woman's veil hid her face, but not her intent.
With swift precision, she stabbed the officers.
Their cries echoed down the corridor.
Keys clinked as she claimed them.
Sara's eyes lit up as the cell door opened.
"Thank you, boss," Sara exclaimed.
But the woman's veil concealed a sinister smile.
"You know too much, Sara."
The woman's grip tightened on Sara's neck.
A stab to the stomach, followed by another.
Sara crumpled, her eyes wide with shock.
The woman knelt beside her.
"You failed in the instruction I told you to do, Sara."
Sara's weak whisper: "I'm sorry..."
The woman's response: "Jack and Aria are still alive."
With those words, she vanished into the shadows.
Inspector General Jameson arrived, surveying the carnage.
Two officers dead, Sara's life slipping away.
He phoned Daniel, his voice grim.
"Daniel, we have a situation. Sara's been killed."
Daniel's face fell as he entered the dining room.
"Everyone, I need to tell you something."
The laughter ceased.
"What is it?" Aria asked.
"Sara's dead," Daniel announced.
The room froze.
"Inspector General said a woman in a black veil killed her."
Jack's eyes narrowed.
"And the officers guarding her cell."
Aria's hand flew to her mouth.
"How did she escape?" Leo asked.
"They couldn't catch her," Daniel replied.
"She vanished into thin air."
The room plunged into silence.
Jack's eyes drifted, lost in thought. The faintest glimmer of memory sparked within them. His gaze snapped back into focus, locking onto Aria's concerned face.
"The woman in the veil," he whispered, his voice barely audible.
Aria's brow furrowed. "What about her?"
Jack's eyes clouded, memories resurfacing. "The accident...she's the one who shot me."
Aria's breath caught. "The same woman?"
Jack nodded, his jaw clenched. "I only saw her running away...the black veil covered her face."
Aria's face paled, her thoughts racing. The room seemed to fade into the background as she processed the revelation.
Jack's voice brought her back. "She's the mastermind, Behind the accident."
Aria's eyes flashed with anger, her mind racing with the implications. Memories of her lost baby, flooded her thoughts. Her gaze locked onto Jack, sitting in his wheelchair.
"Whoever this enemy is," Aria declared, her voice low and steady, "we have dealt with Aiden before." Her voice trembled, but her resolve hardened."together we will make sure to protect our family."
The room fell silent, the only sound the quiet hum of the air conditioning. Mrs. Hilda's eyes shone with pride as she gazed at Jack. "You're not alone in this fight, Jack."
Daniel stepped forward, his voice filled with conviction. "Aria, you're not alone either. We're in this together."
Aria's shoulders squared, her eyes blazing with determination. "We'll end this game."
Leo nodded, his face set. "Together."
The family united, their faces reflecting their resolve. Mr. Edward's voice whispered, barely audible, "We'll get through this."
As one, they stood, facing the unknown. Their determination formed a palpable bond, a sense of unity that would carry them through the battles ahead.
Aria's eyes never wavered. "We'll bring her to justice," she vowed, her voice unwavering.
For Jack, and For their family.
The veil of fear lifted, replaced by a steely resolve.
The battle ahead would be fierce.
But together, they would win.