Chapter 6

AIDEN'S POV. “I think your mom should be at the Renders supermarket. She mentioned something about it this evening.” My father finally spoke after the failure to reach my mother's line. "Why didn't you think of that sooner?" I asked him, trying to keep my tone even. "I forgot," he admitted, and I headed for the door. "Where are you off to?" he called after me, but I didn't answer. "Just don't do anything rash. Be careful," he warned, but I paid him no attention. I met two bodyguards downstairs. "Come with me," I instructed, and they followed silently. We arrived at Renders supermarket in fifteen minutes, where we noticed a commotion. "Is that a car flipped over?" one bodyguard wondered aloud. "We should check it out," suggested the other. "Agreed. Let's go," I said, exiting the car with them trailing behind. Approaching the scene, I felt an odd premonition but dismissed it as just a car wreck. "Search for my mother," I directed one bodyguard, while the other accompanied me to the accident site. A crowd had formed around the vehicle. I pushed through, recognizing the car—it resembled my mother's, but it could belong to anyone. "Your mother isn't in the supermarket," reported the bodyguard upon his return. "Perhaps we're overreacting. She might be home by now," the second bodyguard suggested, and it seemed plausible. But as I turned to leave, I stumbled upon something—my mother's wallet and credit card on the ground. The realization hit me hard. The overturned car must be hers. "We're not leaving. Call an ambulance, now!" I ordered the bodyguards and dashed back to the accident. "Move!" I shouted, forcing my way through the crowd to the car, where I saw my mother's hand. "Call an ambulance! Mom!" I screamed in desperation. *********************** SELENA'S POV. At last, I managed to break free from my room, using a stick to force the door open despite Felicia's protests. "I've been trapped here for hours. He'll regret this," I thought furiously, finally bursting through the door. “How could you help him lock me in?" I yelled at Felicia. "I had no part in it, Ms.," Felicia replied, apologizing. "What's wrong with your boss? He can't just do as he pleases," I ranted as I descended the stairs. "Can I get you anything, Ms.?" Felicia offered. "No, leave me be," I said, exiting the apartment. Outside, the fresh air hit me as I shielded my eyes from the sun. Aiden will answer for today's actions, I vowed silently. Lost in thought, the ring of my phone snapped me back to reality. It was my mother calling—just what I needed amidst dealing with Aiden's antics. "Hey, mom," I greeted her. "You haven't called," she chided. "I apologize. How are you?" I asked, a bit abruptly. "I'm well. How's it going with Aiden?" she probed, and I could sense where this was heading. Part of me wanted to vent about Aiden's true nature, but I couldn't worry her. "Are you there?" her voice interrupted my thoughts. "Everything's fine with Aiden," I lied. "I have to go, mom." "So soon? You're leaving me behind for your new married life?" she joked, unaware of the truth. "No, it's not that. I'll call you back later. Look after yourself," I said, ending the call before she could delve deeper. She had no idea of the chaos that had unfolded in just a day. *********************** AIDEN'S POV. "Any news?" my father inquired as he entered the hospital corridor, and I could only hug him in response. "Nothing yet," I said, fighting back tears. "She'll pull through. She's strong," he reassured me, though his voice betrayed his worry. I leaned on him, seeking the comfort I found in my childhood. "May I speak with Mr. Aiden Evans?" a police officer requested, flanked by two colleagues. "That's me," I said, stepping forward to shake his hand. "Good day, Mr. Evans," he greeted. "We need to ask your mother some questions." Before I could respond, a doctor intervened. "She's too injured and unconscious to give any statement," the doctor informed us. "How long until she recovers?" my father asked, just as my phone vibrated with Selena's call, which I ignored. "Doctor, say something," I pressed. "It could be months, weeks, or even years for a full recovery," he explained. My phone buzzed again with another call from Selena. What does she want now? ************************* SELENA'S POV. His voice thundered through the call, "What's the issue with you?" "I can't tolerate this behavior much longer. I might just leave your place today," I snapped back. "Then leave. I don't care. It doesn't bother me," he retorted coldly. "Alright, farewell," I muttered, gathering my composure before returning to the room. Why am I still here? I'm done with all this absurdity. I feel trapped, unable to do anything. A single day here feels like an eternity. I packed my belongings, pondering my next destination. Returning to my mother's was out of the question; she'd only send me back. I needed to escape far from all this. *********************** AIDEN'S POV. Selena is unbearable. She seems to seek out arguments every time. "I'll grab us some coffee," my father offered, rising to his feet. "Thanks, Dad," I replied, watching him leave the hallway. Once he was gone, my phone rang, and annoyance crept over my face. In frustration, I answered, "What's your problem, Selena?" But the voice that responded wasn't hers. "Thinking about Selena, are you?" the stranger taunted. "Who is this?" I demanded, my concern apparent. "Just know, your wife Selena is next," the voice threatened, then hung up. "Damn it," I cursed. Who was this person? I had to act. I grabbed my keys and wallet, rushing out of the hospital without a word to my father. Nothing must happen to Selena. Not on my watch. ************************* SELENA'S POV. "You can't leave," Felicia implored as I headed for the door. "And why not?" I challenged, propping my luggage against the wall. "I'll lose my job if you leave. Please stay," she pleaded. But my mind was made up. "Felicia, I have to go. I can't bear being here with that despicable man," I exclaimed. "Ms, my job is at stake. You must stay," she urged, stepping closer. "I'm sorry, but I can't stay. Tell your boss to enjoy his affairs," I spat out disdainfully. "You're not leaving!" Aiden's voice commanded. "Boss, you're here," Felicia sighed in relief. "Aiden, don't you dare," I warned as he signaled Felicia to reach for my luggage. "I must follow orders," she apologized. As she touched my suitcase, I shoved it to the ground. "Enough, Selena!" Aiden shouted, leaving me shocked. "Felicia, leave us," he ordered, and she quickly disappeared. "You're not going anywhere," Aiden declared, approaching me. "Who are you to stop me? I refuse to be controlled by you. I can't stand being here," I protested, gasping for air. Before I could react, Aiden's arms wrapped around me, lifting me onto his shoulder. "Put me down! Let me go!" I struggled against his hold. Who does he think he is? I demanded to be released, but he remained silent and unyielding. It wasn't until we reached my bedroom door that he finally responded, kicking it open with his foot. In the midst of my attempts to escape his grasp, he tripped over a stool by my bed. Suddenly, we found ourselves tumbling onto the bed, our faces merely inches apart, as if poised for a kiss. All I could sense in that moment was the rapid beating of our hearts.