Aria’s POV
The car sped through the traffic like it was trying to outrun the disastrous press we’d left behind at Voss Tower.
My chest tightened so bad that I could hardly breathe. Andre was finally awake after weeks of being in a coma because he got involved with the evil that had engulfed my life.
A mixture of joy and guilt crashed through in equal asure.
"I should have been there the mont he opened his eyes," I whispered, staring out the window, trying to avoid the pity in Lucian’s eyes."He’s been lying there because of and still yet I wasn’t there for him. When was the last ti I even had the chance to visit the hospital?."
Lucian’s grip on my hand was warm and steady, his thumb stroking gentle circles over my knuckles. "Hey, stop that. None of this is your fault. You fought like hell to keep him safe. Need I remind you that this woman sitting next to survived a crash, coma, kidnapping and is still to keep afloat when all odds are against her. Andre is awake and it calls for celebration not self judgent. Cheer up."
His voice was calm but I could feel the tension and the burden on his shoulders that he wouldn’t want to share.
He looked distracted like sothing was eating at him even now.
"You’re worried about the warrants," I said quietly.
He glanced at ,his eyes revealing everything he wasn’t saying. "I’m worried about you Aria. But let’s not dwell on that now. Your other husband is awake now so he’s all that matters at the mont."he teased
Marcus drove faster, weaving through traffic with practiced ease. I leaned my head against Lucian’s shoulder, letting his warmth seep into .
For a mont, the fear eased. We were together,Andre was awake but before I could finish that thought,the hospital ca into view, and my stomach flipped due to anxiety.
We practically ran through the lobby — well, I hobbled with my last strength while Lucian kept a steady hand on my waist. The nurses recognized us imdiately and led us straight to Andre’s room.
The door opened and there he was.
Andre lay propped up against the pillows looking pale and thin, but his eyes were open.
Those familiar warm brown eyes that used to tease about my terrible cooking.
He looked so fragile with the tubes still connected to his arms, but at least he was awake and I wasn’t going to complain about nothing else.
"Aria..." His voice was hoarse, barely above a whisper.
I broke down and tears flooded my eyes as I rushed to his bedside, ignoring the pain shooting through my lungs.
I dropped on the floor and grabbed his hand with my good one while being careful not to squeeze too hard.
"Andre... oh God, Andre. I’m so sorry. I’m so, so sorry." My voice cracked in-between every word. "I thought I lost you. You were in coma for—"
"Shh." He squeezed my fingers weakly, his own eyes glistening. "I’m fine Aria. I wasn’t going to die so easily,I haven’t even toured the world yet darling."
"Don’t worry. We’re working on dealing with that bastard that did this to you" I said trying to make him feel because knowing him,the joke was just a mask for the trauma he was going through.
I let out a small laugh but it soon beca mixed with the uncontrollable sobs.
Lucian stood back a little, giving us space, but I felt his presence like a shield behind .
Andre’s gaze shifted to Lucian, then back to . "Lucian.I don’t know if this might help but I think I rember so things about the crash.
The truck that hit us ca out of nowhere and when I tried to swerve, it was too late. But I got a chance to get a good look at the driver and strikingly it was a lady.
I’m sure it isn’t Mia because her scarf slid open for a second and it wasn’t her but the lady sure looked familiar regardless."
Lucian stepped closer. "You’re sure?"
Andre nodded slowly, wincing. "Not a hundred percent. Everything was blurry. One sure thing though,is that the lady is working for Ethan."
I broke down again, pressing my forehead to Andre’s hand. "He’s not getting away with this. I swear it. We’re going to make him pay."
Lucian placed a gentle hand on my shoulder. "We will but right now, you need to rest, Andre. The doctors said you’re still weak."
Andre gave a tired smile. "I’m not going anywhere. Go handle your empire, sis. I’ll be here when you get back."
"She doesn’t have to leave,you both need each other. You should just quit the chit-chat and rest for a bit. You both need it" Ethan said with a smirk.
I wiped my tears and stood but then I froze realizing I had forgotten my bag.
"Lucian,I left my bag in the conference room at the office. It has all my ID, phone charger and basically my entire life.I have to go back and get it."
Lucian frowned. "I have to go et Mike about the anonymous account guy. Apparently he is not the only one because more accounts keep popping up while he’s under hostage."
I shook my head, already reaching for my crutch. "I need my things, Lucian and Andre shouldn’t be alone right now. I’ll be quick — in and out. I promise."
He looked like he wanted to protest, but he saw the determination in my eyes,then he gave in. "Alright love,but take Marcus with you and text the second you’re back in the office. No detours please."
"Okay babe"
I leaned down and kissed Andre’s forehead, then turned and kissed Lucian softly on the lips. "I love you both. I’ll be right back."
The drive back to Voss Tower was swift. My mind raced with Andre’s words — who was this familiar lady working with Ethan that wasn’t Mia.
I stepped out of the elevator on the executive floor, the hallway was quiet now that the board eting had ended. My purse was exactly where I’d left it in the conference room. I grabbed it quickly, slinging it over my shoulder and turned to leave.
That’s when I heard Clara’s voice coming from her office, the door slightly ajar.
"Of course, Ethan," she said in a low tone. "I’ll gather whatever information I can about the stock purchase. Trust on this, please. Lucian and Aria still don’t suspect a thing. I’m the best card you’ve got in this ga."
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