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.