{You just saw the calm break. Lucian Valle wasn't saving Aria — he was claiming her. That wasn't kindness in his eyes… it was ownership dressed like protection. The world saw a CEO tonight, but what they'll remember is the devil beneath the suit. Cassian learned it the hard way — you don't touch what's his and walk away breathing the same. Last chapter wasn't the end of a fight. It was the start of a war… and Lucian Valle just declared it with a smile.} -THE AUTHOR
Lucian's POV-
We reached the hospital.
"Let's go", I pulled her out from the car.
"Ah! ouch!!!", she shouted.
God!! My ears!!!!!!!!!!!!
"Do you really think I can walk!", she looked towards me with puppy eyes.
"You are heavy.", I said sarcastically.
"I am not!!!!!!!!", she shouted, grabbing everyone's attention.
"Fine, step out slowly. I'll carry you.", I said.
She pushed her legs down. I held her in my arms and carried her in.
I placed her in the bed, and soon the nurse entered.
"Ms. Sinclair, Right?", the nurse asked amused.
"Yeah! Now, please put the bandages on the wounds.", I ordered.
The nurse quickly completed everything...
"Sir, she is alright, you can take her back.", the nurse smiled.
"Thanks", I forced a smile back.
"Let's go.", I picked her up and moved out.
I placed her in the car and sat in the drivers seat.
"Where were you and how did you know where I live?", she asked me clearly frustrated.
This girl! I helped her, fought for her and now she is questioning me. Seriously!
" I was just driving around and then encountered the area you live in. I stopped by, to drink some soda and then...all this happened.", I replied, trying to avoid eye contact.
I knew she had a lot questions, I had never planned to show up here but I was forced to do so...
"Fine, whatever. I will not bother you. So, who else knows that you here?", she asked me but she was looking outside the window.
"Jayden, only he knows about it except you and please don't tell anyone, I have to go back tomorrow.", I requested.
"Fine.", she replied.
"Who was those 2 men, who pushed you?", I asked her.
She stayed quite but then her phone rang...
She talked to someone on the phone and suddenly...
"What? No, Aunty! Please, please, I am sorry...", she cried.
But the call ended...
I stopped the car and looked towards her...
Her cheeks were wet, eyes swollen.
"A-Ar-Aria?" I whispered. It felt heavy, I had never seen her cry so badly.
"Gra-grandma, she refused to bring her back!", she said and cried even louder.
"Stop crying! I'll help you, you are not weak. Tell me where is your grandma?", I asked her and wiped her tears.
"My grandma has 2 daughters, eldest- Nilia and youngest-Ema. My grandma likes to live with her youngest daughter whereas I live with the eldest one. Aunt Ema is the mother of Cassin Crowe. That guy. She did not like grandma being there so she sent her faraway, in Scotland.", Aria paused and looked towards me.
"Because you fired my uncle, he refused to help Aunt Nilia to look for grandma!", she shouted and hugged me.
Wait! What?
I pulled her towards me, wiped her tears.
"Scotland but where?", I asked and held her chin.
"Scotland, Fort Williams, there is a rehab center opposite to the Lochvalen Villa as informed by Aunt Ema.", she sobbed.
Wait! Isn't it where that bastard's location is? Lysander Valle?
I pulled her close..."Aria, pack up. You are comin with me tomorrow.", I said.
"What but..."
I cut her off in between.
" Believe me, I promise, you will be the one to bring her back."
I dropped her at her home. The flight was at 6 in the morning.
I called Stella.
[ What! Remembered me now? Huh!] she shouted.
"Aria is coming, prepare for her stay, IN THE VALLE ESTATE ONLY!", I ordered.
I hanged up immediately before she could ask something rubbish.
IN THE MORNING-
I woke up early, prepared and packed.
I drove to Aria's home. She was standing outside, and her dress was...
She was wearing a flowy white off-shoulder maxi dress that swayed with every step, the soft fabric catching the breeze like waves on the Aegean. The dress clung just enough at the waist to hint at her silhouette, then floated gracefully down to her ankles, brushing lightly against her strappy tan espadrilles.
Her golden hoop earrings and delicate layered necklaces caught the sunlight, adding tiny flashes of sparkle every time she moved. Loose, effortless waves framed her face, the wind teasing strands around her shoulders. To complete the look, she had a wide-brimmed straw hat perched jauntily on her head, giving her an air of playful sophistication.
She sat in the car...
"Let's go." she said, and winked.
But then...
Her phone rang...
[Adrian calling]
Why? Why is he after her? Mentally unstable?...