Chapter 7

AIDEN'S POV. Our lips were mere breaths apart, and the pounding of our hearts was palpable as I drew nearer, cradling her face in my hands. There was an emotion in her eyes that I hadn't seen before. Just as I was about to close the gap between us, my phone's vibration disrupted the moment. "I need to take this," I said, reaching into my pocket. Selena shifted away as I saw my father's name on the caller ID and answered immediately. "Dad, what's going on?" I asked, propping myself up on the bed. "Your mother's condition is critical," he conveyed, sending a chill down my spine. "That can't be right. The doctor gave hope for recovery within weeks," I protested, rising from the bed. "Come to the hospital now," his voice trembled. "Hold on, Dad. I'm on my way," I assured him before ending the call and running a hand through my hair in distress. Selena, with a concerned furrow, asked, "What's happened?" "It's nothing," I snapped, my temper flaring. "Really? If you need help..." she offered, but I cut her off, pointing a finger at her. "I don't need your help, okay?" I shouted. "Great. So this is why you stopped me from leaving? To argue?" she retorted, standing up with an eye roll and a hand on her hip. "I would've let you go if it were solely my choice. I'm doing this to keep you safe," I explained, not wanting her to think I wanted her here. "Thanks, but I can take care of myself. I'm not a child," she snapped back, heading for the door and slamming it behind her. I made my way downstairs to speak with the security team. Shortly, Felicia arrived with three guards. "Good day, boss," they greeted in unison. "Ensure that under no circumstances does Selena leave the house. Understood?" I instructed. "Understood, boss," one guard confirmed. "Dismiss," I said with a snap of my fingers, and they left. "Sir, anything else?" Felicia inquired. "No, I have to get to the hospital; my mother's fighting for her life," I said. "I'm so sorry, sir," Felicia expressed her sympathy. "Thank you. Keep an eye on Selena for me," I requested, and she nodded in agreement as I departed for the hospital. ************************** SELENA'S POV. I muttered curses under my breath as I approached the locked living room door. "Ms. Selena, can I assist you?" Felicia materialized out of nowhere. Tired of her constant surveillance, I requested, "I need to step outside. Please open the door." "I'm sorry, but Mr. Aiden has instructed that you cannot leave," Felicia informed me, and I sighed in frustration. "Don't start this again, Felicia," I pleaded. "I'm sorry, but I must follow Mr. Aiden's orders. If you need something, I can fetch it for you," she offered, and I fought back tears, feeling like a prisoner in this house. "This is unbelievable," I exclaimed, retreating to the living room with Felicia trailing behind. "It's for your own good," she tried to reassure me. "Enough!" I yelled, breaking down in tears. "Ms., I shouldn't say this, but Mr. Aiden is upset because his mother is in the hospital," Felicia revealed, and my shock was evident. His mother is in the hospital… "Wait, what?" I inquired, taken aback. "Yes, miss. It seems quite grave," Felicia confirmed. That explains his sour mood. I thought he was always bitter, but this is extreme. "Where's my phone?" I muttered, patting my pockets in search of it. Felicia handed it to me, saying, "You forgot it in the bathroom, so I kept it safe for you." I took it from her without a word and immediately called Aiden. *************************** AIDEN'S POV. My phone rang, Selena's name on the display. Why must she always be so troublesome? Reluctantly, I answered, bracing for another argument. "Let's skip the drama," I said as soon as I picked up. "I didn't call to fight," she replied, her tone surprisingly soft. "What do you want then?" I asked. "How's your mother?" she inquired, and I couldn't help but sigh. "She's stable," I lied, not wanting to share too much. "I heard she's in the hospital," she said softly. "Loudmouthed Felicia told you. I see," I muttered. "I would have found out regardless," she replied confidently. "I'm sorry about your mother. I hope she recovers soon," she added sincerely. "Thanks. That means a lot," I said, and then she hung up. For once, we had a civil conversation. Thankfully, the doctors managed to stabilize my mother, though she remains in a coma. The incident with my mother kept replaying in my mind, leaving me to wonder who could have done this to her. "Aiden," Dave called out, snapping me out of my thoughts. "Hey, buddy," I greeted him as he sat down beside me. "How's your mom?" he asked. "The doctors are optimistic, but I'm still worried. I can't lose her," I confessed. "Does that letter from the bar have anything to do with her accident?" he probed. "No, it's unrelated," I lied. "Are you sure?" he pressed. "Absolutely," I assured him. The letter and the call were baffling, and the last thing I wanted was to delve into uncertainties. ************************** SELENA'S POV. (The next day) Reflecting on Aiden's behavior, I realized his concern for his mother was the cause of his actions. Rumors painted him as cold and arrogant, but his worry was evident. I understood now why he insisted I stay indoors—he was protecting me, even if I hated to admit he might be right. Descending to the dining area, I was greeted by an abundance of food. One perk of this house was the guaranteed three meals a day. I chuckled to myself as I sat down, served myself some hamburgers and fries, and began eating while admiring the nearby artwork. Then, a knock at the door. It couldn't be Aiden; he had his keys. I considered calling Felicia but decided against it. She deserved a break. Wiping my hands, I walked to the door and opened it to find a slender woman in a form-fitting black dress. "Good morning. How can I assist you?" I greeted her. Her next words left me reeling. "I'm Aiden Evans's true wife. How do you like that, you little brat?" she sneered. Seriously? What does she think she's doing? I refuse to be disrespected by anyone. "I intend to–" was on the tip of my tongue, but the woman interrupted. "Be quiet, or your life ends here," she threatened. I dismissed it as nothing serious. That was until she lifted her arm, the cold barrel of a gun pressed against my skull and her lips curled into a taunting smile, it dawned on me that she was dead serious. Who could this lady be? More importantly, what's my escape plan from this predicament? ____ Who is she, really? Could she be the enigmatic caller or the one responsible for the mishap involving Aiden's mother? Find out in the next chapter.