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.