Chapter 307
Author’s POV
Monday morning dawned, the hospital room steeped in a peculiar atmosphere of calm tension. Aria woke to an empty space beside her, the lingering warmth on the sheets the only evidence that Aiden had been there before his early departure for the airport. She stared at the vacant spot for a moment, a pang of loneliness echoing in her chest, before reluctantly getting up to prepare for the day.
Downstairs, Lucy had already laid out a comforting breakfast. The weather today was pleasant, though a touch cooler than yesterday’s perfect warmth. Benjamin Jones’s test results were due this morning, and Aria needed to be at the hospital to discuss the surgery arrangements with his attending physician.
“Mrs. Carter, the forecast says there might be rain later,” Lucy said, handing her a neatly folded umbrella as Aria prepared to leave.
Aria took the umbrella, offering Lucy a grateful smile. “Thanks, Lucy! I’m off to the hospital! Won’t be back for lunch today I’m meeting Lillian p>
“Alright, drive safe,” Lucy replied, ever solicitous.
“Will do p>
Aria had left early, yet still managed to hit the tail end of rush hour, enduring a frustrating ten-minute crawl through the city center. Fortunately, she arrived at the hospital well ahead of schedule, easily finding a parking spot directly beneath Benjamin’s inpatient tower.
After several days of recuperation, Benjamin’s complexion had noticeably improved. He was alone in his room when Aria walked in. “Dad, where’s Charles?” she asked, immediately noticing his absence.
“I sent him to get some breakfast,” Benjamin replied, his gaze warm as he looked at his daughter. “I feel almost entirely recovered. Can’t I be discharged in a day or two p>
Aria knew precisely what he was angling for. She let out a small huff of amusement. “I doubt it. Your test results are out today, and they’ll likely schedule your surgery within the next couple of days. Don’t rush it p>
Just as she spoke, Dr. Lion, Benjamin’s attending physician, appeared at the doorway, gently tapping. “Excuse me, Mr. Jones, Miss Jones p>
“Dr. Lion, are my father’s test results in?” Aria asked eagerly, immediately rising.
Dr. Lion pushed his glasses up his nose, nodding. “Mr. Jones’s report shows no major issues. We can schedule his surgery within the next two days p>
“That’s wonderful! When exactly will it be p>
“You’ll be notified once the exact time is arranged. Just wait for the official notice,” the doctor said before politely excusing himself.
Aria turned to her father, a playful sternness in her voice. “See, Dad? You just need to relax and focus on getting stronger. Surgery in a couple of days, so be a good patient, okay p>
Benjamin couldn’t help but smile, a genuine warmth in his eyes. “Alright, Dad will listen to Aria p>
“Listening to me isn’t quite right. You should be listening to the doctor p>
“Fine, Dad will listen to Aria tell him to listen to the doctor p>
Aria laughed, a genuine, fond sound. “You’re teasing me again p>
She accompanied her father for a short walk around the hospital grounds. By eleven o’clock, the sky had suddenly turned a heavy, ominous grey. It looked like rain was imminent, so Aria quickly ushered Benjamin back to his room. Benjamin, also concerned about her driving in the rain, urged her to leave quickly.
Aria had just stepped into the elevator when one of the adjacent elevator doors opened, and a woman stepped out. Their eyes met for a brief, unsettling moment before the doors slid shut.
The moment his daughter was gone, Benjamin’s complexion, which had been so much better, immediately darkened. He looked at Charles, his mind racing to find a plausible excuse to send him away.
“Charles p>
Charles, who was just about to unwrap a new soup container to let it cool, turned at the sound of his name. “Yes, sir p>
“I’ve a sudden craving for cantaloupe. Could you perhaps go downstairs and buy me one p>
“Cantaloupe?” Charles repeated, a hint of surprise in his voice.
Benjamin nodded firmly. “Isn’t there a fruit shop across from the hospital? Get one from there, and ask them to cut it up for me before you bring it back p>
Charles, thinking Benjamin was simply tired of bland hospital food and craved something sweet, didn’t question it. “Of course, sir! I’ll go get it right away p>
“Go on. It looks like rain. Take an umbrella p>
“Yes, sir p>
Charles felt a pleasant warmth at Benjamin’s thoughtfulness, grabbed an umbrella, and left the room.
He’d barely taken a few steps down the hall when a striking figure the woman Aria had just passed in the elevator-walked directly into Benjamin’s room.
Benjamin looked at the woman with cold, hard eyes. “What exactly do you want?” The woman offered a calm, unsettling smile. “Aria just left, didn’t she p>
At the mention of his daughter’s name, Benjamin’s face went completely cold, his jaw clenching. “If you dare to harass Aria, I swear, you will regret it p>
The woman seemed entirely unfazed, letting out a soft, dismissive chuckle. “Then I suppose we’ll have to see about Mr. Jones’s sincerity wont we? She pulled out a small, elegant card and placed it on the table in front of Benjamin. “You clearly care deeply for your daughter. But don’t forget, I am also your daughter p>
Her expression suddenly hardened, turning cold and calculating. “If you don’t want
Aria to find out about this, I suggest you be reasonable. Here’s my card. Within three days, I expect to see your sincerity p>
Benjamin immediately snatched the card, tearing it in half with a furious rip. “You’re dreaming! I have only one daughter p>
“Suit yourself!” she shrugged, her indifference infuriating. “If you won’t acknowledge me, then we can go for a. DNA test right now! If the results confirm I am indeed your daughter then it won’t just be about money anymore p>
She leaned closer, her voice dropping to a menacing whisper. “Don’t worry, I have no intention of fighting Aria for anything. After aft, I grew up without a father; it makes now. But if you want to
no dite laying the loving
continue playing
protective father in front of your
precious daughter, then be prepared
to pay the price p>
“Get out! Get out of my sight!” Benjamin roared, his voice hoarse with rage.
The woman merely shrugged again, a faint, taunting smile playing on her lips, and calmly turned to leave the room. Benjamin clutched the bed railing, his hands trembling with impotent fury.