Chapter 285
Aria’s POV
Aiden pulled me close with one arm, looking down at me. “Are you tired p>
I shook my head despite standing for hours at the hospital. “Not tired p>
My betraying body disagreed as a yawn escaped. Heat crept up my neck as I admitted, “Just sleepy p>
Of course I was. My body clock typically had me in bed by ten, scrolling through my phone for a few minutes before drifting off by 10:30. Now it was already 1:30 in the morning, and my limbs felt like lead.
Aiden slipped his car keys into his pocket then bent down, scooping me up into his arms before I could protest. I gasped, quickly wrapping my arms around his neck for stability.
He carried me upstairs to our bedroom, where the rumpled sheets still showed evidence of our passionate encounter before we’d rushed out. My cheeks warmed at the memory as he set me gently on the mattress.
Removing his watch, Aiden leaned down and pressed his lips against mine. “Change into something comfortable and get some sleep p>
I nodded, watching as he headed downstairs. Dragging myself to the walk-in closet,
I changed into pajamas, my gaze lingering on our discarded clothes in the hamper. The sight made my skin tingle with remembered pleasure.
Fatigue washed over me in waves, bringing another round of yawns. I shuffled to the bathroom to brush my teeth. When I emerged, Aiden was waiting with a glass of water.
I took a few sips of the warm liquid before crawling into bed. “What about you?” I asked, fighting to keep my eyes open.
“I’m going to change,” he said, turning off the main light and leaving only the soft glow of the bedside lamp.
I mumbled something incoherent in response, my head sinking into the pillow. Sleep claimed me almost instantly.
Dad’s sudden health scare left me shaken. That night, my sleep was restless, plagued by a terrible nightmare. In my dream, Dad was already gone by the time Aiden and I reached the hospital. I never got to see him one last time, just screaming “Dad!” at his lifeless body on the gurney.
Tears leaked from the corners of my eyes. My chest constricted painfully.
When I finally opened my eyes, the dim light in the room left me disoriented. Fully awake now, I realized it had just been a nightmare. Morning had arrived, and Aiden was already up.
The floor-to-ceiling windows on the balcony were partially open. The breeze stirred the curtains, allowing slivers of sunlight to penetrate the room.
I sat up, wiping the dampness from my face. The memory of the dream made my heart ache. Not caring that the water on the nightstand had gone cold, I grabbed the glass and took a gulp. The shocking chill pulled me fully from the nightmare’s grip.
I reached for the remote and opened the curtains completely. Bright morning light flooded the room, bathing everything in a warm glow.
Checking my phone, I was surprised to see it was nearly 9 AM. Despite sleeping until nine, my head felt foggy after our late night-my body wasn’t used to such a schedule.
Thoughts of Dad in the hospital spurred me into motion. After just a few seconds of collecting myself, I headed to the bathroom to wash up.
When I came downstairs, Nanny Eleanor rose from the sofa. “Mrs. Carter, would you like breakfast now p>
I nodded, pouring myself a glass of warm water at the kitchen island before carrying it to the dining area.
Eleanor had already set out breakfast-a delicate fish chowder that smelled divine.
“Thank you, Eleanor,” I said, taking a seat.
“What would you like for lunch, Mrs. Carter?” she asked.
I shook my head. “Actually, don’t worry about it. My father’s in the hospital, so I’ll be heading there today p>
I’d initially wanted to ask her to prepare some soup, but then remembered our housekeeper at Dad’s place would have already made something.
Hearing about Dad, Eleanor’s face filled with concern. “Is Mr. Jones alright? Would you like me to make some soup for you to take to him p>
I smiled appreciatively. “No need. Our housekeeper at home probably started
cooking early this morning. But thank you p>
“It’s no trouble at all, Mrs. Carter. Just let me know if you need anything else p>
“I will p>
When people treat you well, staff like Eleanor naturally want to go the extra mile.
After breakfast, I drove to the hospital. The place was bustling during daytime hours, and I struggled to find parking.
The room where Dad had been admitted yesterday was still private he was the only patient there. When I entered, Trudy was just delivering soup. She looked up and smiled.
“Miss Aria,” she greeted me.
It had been a while since Trudy had seen me, and she gave me a thorough once- over. Satisfied that I looked healthy and hadn’t lost weight, she asked if I wanted some soup.
“No thanks, Trudy,” I declined, having just finished breakfast.
Seeing me arrive, both Trudy and Charles tactfully found excuses to leave the room, giving Dad and me privacy.
I looked at my father lying in the hospital bed and remembered my nightmare. The tightness returned to my chest.
Sitting in the chair beside his bed, I asked, “Dad, how are you feeling today p>
“Much better. I think I could go home today,” he replied.
I shot him a disapproving look. “Don’t you dare try to leave today! The doctor told me last night you need a heart stent p>
Dad smiled. “Of course I know about the stent, but that procedure won’t happen immediately. Should I just lie around in the hospital for days? Look at me—I’m fine now p>
I wasn’t buying it. “I’m going to find your doctor and discuss the stent procedure.
We’re getting this taken care of this week p>
Dad relented easily. “Alright, alright. Whatever you say, princess p>
He studied my face. “Did I scare you last night p>
His question made my eyes sting with unshed tears. “You know you did! Who were you talking to on the phone that got you so upset you collapsed? Tell me, so I can give them a piece of my mind p>
I followed his lead, hoping to discover who had called him.
But Dad wasn’t a successful businessman for nothing. He easily deflected my question.
“What are you talking about?” he chuckled. “I wasn’t upset—I was overjoyed p>
I scoffed. “What news could possibly make you so ‘happy’ you passed out p>
“Your Uncle Nicholas is finally being transferred back home. Before the year ends, his whole family should return p>
My uncle had been relocated to
another state over twenty years ago,
then to Sea City five years back. My older cousin had been stationed at a westem border.
defense post for over a decade, while my other
cousin spent most of his time
abroad.
My eyes brightened at Dad’s news. “Really? Is Owen coming back too p>
Despite not seeing them often, I had
fond memories of visiting Uncle
Nick’s home as a child. Both cousins
would take me out for treats and
adventures, unul high
이
spend a month of every winter break
at their house, with Aunt Patricia
cooking all my favorite foods. They adored me, treating me like a precious treasure.
After Owen joined the military, I rarely saw him. Lucas frequently traveled internationally-sometimes our paths would cross during my overseas performances, or I’d visit him if he was stationed nearby after my competitions. But with his recent promotion, even Lucas had become increasingly busy.
It had been over two years since I’d seen any of them, so this news naturally delighted me.
Dad smiled at my excitement but then sighed. “I’m afraid I’ll have to disappoint you -neither of your cousins is coming back yet p>
My smile dimmed a bit, but I brightened again. “Well, seeing Uncle Nick and Aunt Patricia will be wonderful too p>
Dad’s expression grew serious. “Your uncle and aunt will probably want to settle some scores with the Whitaker family p>