His eyes scanned the men closing in on him. Calm. Cold. Like he had already calculated everything.
Without wasting a second, he lifted his wrist slightly and pressed a hidden button on his watch—a silent signal his men would never ignore.
Then—the first man rushed at him.
Ryan moved instantly. Even with the pain shooting through his knee, he grabbed the stick mid-air and twisted it out of the man's hand, striking him back with force.
Another came from the side—Ryan turned, his movements sharp, precise, landing a hit that sent the man stumbling back.
His injured leg slowed him, but beneath the pain, a fierce determination burned-he refused to fall, knowing every second counted.
One after another, they came at him. And one after another—they fell. Groaning. Stumbling. Regretting.
They had thought he would be easy, injured and alone, but Ryan's mind was already racing-worried about Aria, even amid chaos.
Still—he was bleeding. His breathing grew heavier. His knee threatened to give out with every movement.
And then—the sound of engines filled the air. Fast. Powerful.
Multiple black cars pulled up, tyres screeching as they surrounded the area. Doors flew open, and men in suits stepped out quickly, alert, ready.
"Sir!" one of them called out.
The attackers froze. Their confidence disappeared instantly.
"… Let's go!" one of them shouted.
Within seconds, they scattered—running back toward the truck, disappearing as fast as they came.
Ryan didn't chase. He stood there for a second longer… then his balance shifted slightly. One of his men rushed forward immediately, catching him.
"Sir, you're hurt," he said urgently.
Blood stained his shirt, and his knee throbbed painfully, reminding the audience of his vulnerability despite his strength.
Another man stepped forward. "We need to get you to the hospital. Now."
Ryan didn't argue this time. He exhaled slowly. "Handle them," he said coldly.
His men nodded instantly. "Already on it, sir."
A few of them immediately got back into the cars, speeding off to chase the attackers. The rest carefully helped Ryan into one of the vehicles.
The door shut. And within seconds—they drove off fast, straight to the hospital.
Inside the car, Ryan leaned back slightly, his eyes closing for just a moment. But even now—even injured—his mind wasn't on the attack. It wasn't on the pain. It was on one person: Aria.
And the thought of her finding out… didn't sit well with him at all.
At the House 🏠
The night had fallen quietly, but nothing about it felt peaceful.
Aria moved restlessly through the House, her unease growing with every passing moment, making readers feel her deep concern.
She stopped near the couch, wrapping her arms around herself slightly. "…Why do I feel like this?" she whispered.
Ryan wasn't home. It was already late. And his phone—off.
That alone made her heart race. Ryan never switched off his phone. Never.
She had tried calling him so many times she had lost count. At first, it rang. Then it stopped going through completely. Now—nothing.
Her chest tightened. "No… something is wrong," she said softly, shaking her head.
She tried to calm herself down. Maybe he was busy. Maybe something came up. Maybe—
But none of it made sense. She slowly sat down on the couch after standing for so long, her legs feeling weak. Her eyes stayed fixed on her phone. Waiting. Hoping. Praying it would light up with his name.
Then—it rang.
Her heart skipped. She grabbed it immediately, not even checking the caller ID.
"Ryan?!" she answered quickly.
But the voice on the other end wasn't his.
"Hello… is this Ryan's relative?"
Aria froze. Her grip on the phone tightened instantly. "…Who is this?" she asked, her voice suddenly unsteady.
There was a slight pause on the other end. "This is from the hospital," the man said.
And just like that—her world stopped.
"…Hospital?" she whispered, her voice barely coming out.
"Yes," the man continued. "The owner of this number was brought in after an accident."
Aria's heart dropped completely. Her body went cold. “…No…”
Her hand began to tremble. "Is… is he okay?" she asked quickly, her voice shaking badly now.
"He's currently receiving treatment," the man replied. "You should come as soon as possible."
The call ended.
Aria stayed there. Still. Frozen. Her phone slowly slipped down from her ear. Her mind couldn't process it.
Ryan… Accident… Hospital…
Her breathing became uneven. “No… no, no…”
Her breath hitched, tears blurring her vision as panic overwhelmed her-every second without news felt like an eternity.
"Ryan…"
And without wasting another second—she grabbed her bag and ran out.
She rushed outside, her steps quick and unsteady, her heart pounding so loudly it felt like it might burst.
"Ryan…" she whispered under her breath as she looked around desperately.
Before she could take another step, two of Ryan's men approached her immediately.
"Ma'am," one of them said respectfully.
Aria stopped, her eyes wide, already filled with panic. "Where is he?!" she asked quickly. "Take me to him right now!"
The men exchanged a brief look. Then one of them stepped forward. "Sir is at the hospital," he said calmly. "He's receiving treatment."
Aria shook her head immediately. "Then why are we still standing here? Let's go!" she said, already moving toward the car.
But the man gently stepped in front of her. "Ma'am… please," he said carefully.
Aria froze. "What?"
"Sir gave instructions," he continued. "He said you should stay home."
Her expression changed instantly. "…What?"
"He doesn't want you to worry," the man added. "He said he'll be fine."
Aria stared at him like she didn't understand what he was saying. "Stay… home?" she repeated slowly.
"Yes, ma'am."
Her chest tightened painfully. "Are you serious right now?" she asked, her voice rising slightly.
The men remained calm. "It's his order," the other one said.
That made something in her snap. "Order?" she echoed, almost laughing in disbelief. "He's in the hospital, and you're telling me to stay home because of an order?!"
Her voice shook, filled with both anger and fear. "I need to see him!" she said, her eyes filling with tears. "I don't care what he said, I'm going!"
She tried to move past them again, but they didn't budge.
"Ma'am, please don't make this difficult," one of them said, still respectful but firm.
Aria's hands clenched tightly. Her breathing became uneven again. "Move," she said, her voice low now.
They didn't.
Tears slipped down her cheeks. "Please…" she whispered this time, her voice breaking. "I just want to see him…"
The men hesitated slightly. Just for a second. Because they could see it—the fear, the desperation. But still—they stood their ground.
"Sir will come back safe," one of them said softly. "You have our word."
Aria shook her head slowly, tears falling freely now. "That's not enough…" she whispered.
Because no matter what they said—her heart wouldn't calm down. Not until she saw him.
Aria's hands clenched into fists as her anger boiled over.
"No! I don't care what he said!" she shouted, her voice echoing across the driveway. "I'm going to him! I'm his—his girlfriend! And no one—no one—tells me I can't see him!"
The two men froze for a second, taken aback by the intensity of her words, her fear and determination all mixed.
"… Ma'am…" one of them began, but she cut him off with a glare that could burn steel.
"I said let me go!" she snapped, stepping forward as her chest heaved.
After a tense moment, the men exchanged a look—and slowly, carefully, they stepped aside.
"Alright," one said finally, raising his hands slightly. "We're letting you go. But… we insist you let us accompany you. It's safer that way."
Aria's eyes narrowed, but she swallowed, knowing they were right. She couldn't drive herself in this state.
"Fine," she muttered, her voice still sharp. "But hurry!"
Within minutes, they were speeding through the streets in a sleek black SUV, the city lights blurring past. Aria's heart wouldn't stop hammering in her chest. Every second felt like an eternity.
"Where exactly is he?" she asked breathlessly, gripping the edge of her seat.
"He's in the private wing," one of the men said calmly, trying to soothe her panic. "Follow me, ma'am. We'll get you to him safely."
The car pulled up to the hospital entrance. The automatic doors slid open smoothly, revealing the bright lights and the soft hum of activity inside.
Aria almost bolted out of the car, but the men gently held her back.
"Ma'am," one said, placing a firm but reassuring hand on her shoulder, "this way. We'll guide you."
Inside, the sterile smell of antiseptic hit her nose. Her heart pounded even faster. They walked briskly down a quiet corridor, their footsteps echoing lightly. Nurses and doctors glanced up but didn't stop them—they must have known.
Finally, one of the men stopped in front of a door with a small window.
"Here," he said softly. "Sir is inside. Take it slow, ma'am. He's stable, but… he's badly hurt."
Aria's hand shook as she reached for the door handle. Her mind raced. Her Ryan… her Ryan was inside, hurt… and she had to see him now.
With a deep breath, she pushed the door open and stepped inside.
And there he was. Lying on the bed, still and pale, but alive.
Her heart skipped a beat, and without thinking, she ran to his side.
"Ryan!" she cried, throwing herself onto the bed and clutching his arm.
He stirred slightly, opening one eye to glance at her.
"…Aria," he muttered, his voice hoarse but unmistakable.
She pressed her forehead against his, tears streaming freely. "I thought I… I thought I lost you," she whispered, shaking.
Ryan's lips curved into a faint, tired smirk. "You didn't," he said softly, his hand finding hers. "You never will."
And in that moment, all the fear, anger, and panic melted into relief. She had made it. She was with him. Safe… for now.
Aria knelt beside his hospital bed, her hands clutching his arm. Tears fell freely down her cheeks.
"I'm so sorry, Ryan… I wish I were the one in this bed instead of you. I shouldn't have let this happen," she whispered, her voice breaking. "I promise I'm not going anywhere. I'll stay with you all night."
Ryan slowly lifted his head, wincing as pain shot through his knee. His eyes met hers—cold, sharp, but softening just slightly at the edges.
"Aria…" he said, his voice firm, controlled, even though it was hoarse. "No. You're not staying here all night. You'll get exhausted. You need to rest. I can handle this."
"But Ryan… I can't just leave you here!" she protested, her hands gripping his a little tighter. "You're hurt… and I just want to be here for you!"
He reached out and gently, but firmly, pushed her hands down. "No," he said, his tone leaving no room for argument. "I don't want you falling asleep sitting here, or passing out from worry. You're not some soldier, Aria. You're human. And right now, that means you need sleep."
Her lips trembled, tears still streaming, but she knew when he meant business. She sniffled and nodded reluctantly.
"Just… promise me you'll come back first thing in the morning," she whispered, resting her forehead lightly against his arm.
Ryan's lips curved into a faint smirk, despite the pain. "I'll be fine until then. And I expect you rested. No excuses."
Aria exhaled slowly, wiping her tears. "Fine… but only because you said so," she murmured, standing reluctantly.
He gave a faint nod. "Good girl. Now go. I'll see you tomorrow. And don't worry—everything else, I've got it handled."
With a heavy heart, she finally turned and left the room, knowing he was serious but already planning how she'd sneak back in the morning to check on him again.
The Next Morning ☀️
Justin sat in his chair. Furious. Eyes dark. Fingers tapping the desk like a warning.
"Why didn't you finish him?!" His voice cracked with rage.
The man before him stuttered. "I… I tried, sir—"
Justin slammed his hand on the desk. "TRIED?!"
"Alone. Vulnerable. And you failed. You failed ME!"
Some of his men were caught. That meant Ryan would find out. And when Ryan found out… it would be the end. The plan. His revenge. All of it.
He leaned forward, eyes sharp. "Do you understand why I can't forgive this? Ryan—my cousin—he took her. Aria. THE woman I love. And now… now you almost gave him the upper hand. Almost."
The man's hands shook. Sweat dripped down his temple.
Justin's jaw tightened. "Do you hear me? NEVER. AGAIN. Fix this. Or regret it. I swear you will regret it."
He leaned back, eyes burning. Ryan hadn't just survived. Ryan had won.
And Justin… he was scared. Because Ryan wasn't just a cousin; he was something Justin could never beat. Never touch. Never break.
And that… terrified him.
Hours Later
Aria sat beside Ryan on the bed. She fed him carefully, spoon by spoon. Her eyes never left his face. He winced sometimes, but smiled when she caught his gaze.
They laughed quietly. They whispered. They shared little jokes as if it were just the two of them in the world. Aria's calm voice, soft and warm, made the room feel safe. Even Ryan, cold and dangerous to everyone else, felt at peace.
The door slammed open.
Ryan's mother rushed in. Her face was pale, panic etched deep into every line.
"Oh, my baby! What happened? 😢"
She flung herself onto the bed, clutched him, shook him gently, and whispered frantic prayers. Tears fell freely.
Her eyes snapped to Aria. "And you… what are you doing here?"
Suspicion and anger cut through her words.
Ryan's father stepped forward. "Honey, this is not the time for that," he said, firm but calm, trying to keep the storm from exploding.
Aria froze. Her hands twitched nervously. Ryan reached for hers under the blanket. He squeezed it gently—a small gesture, but it gave her courage.
Ryan's mother brushed his hair from his forehead. "My poor baby… I can't believe this happened," she whispered, tears still falling.
His father cleared his throat. "We need to stay calm. Ryan, rest. We're here. You'll be fine."
Aria leaned closer. "I'm right here, Ryan. You're going to be okay. One step at a time."
Ryan chuckled faintly, pain and charm mixed in his voice. "I'm lucky… I have you," he murmured.
His mother sniffled. Her lips twitched, just a little. Wariness lingered in her eyes, but a faint hint of acceptance was there too.
Outside the room, Katy peeked in. Her face was full of worry, but also relief. She didn't speak; she just stayed close, ready to protect Aria if needed.
The machines hummed steadily. The tension lingered, but the room felt safer now. Ryan's parents stayed close, vigilant but calmer. Aria never left his side—quiet, unwavering.
For a moment, the storm paused. Ryan could breathe. He wasn't alone. And neither was Aria.
Nightfall 🌚
The ward was quiet, almost too quiet, except for Ryan's soft laughter that filled the space like a small spark of warmth.
Aria leaned over him, teasing relentlessly, her fingers brushing his arm as she grinned, bold and fearless, like nothing in the world could scare her.
The door opened slowly, and Ryan's mother stepped inside, her eyes narrowing sharply as they locked onto Aria with suspicion and something darker beneath it.
"Can I talk to you outside for a moment?" she asked, her voice smooth but carrying an edge that made the air in the room feel heavier.
Ryan's gaze snapped to her instantly, sharp and dangerous, his voice dropping low with warning as he said, "What do you want to tell her? I swear, if you make her sad or upset, I won't forgive it."
His mother rolled her eyes, a flash of annoyance crossing her face as she tried to sound calm, "Calm down. I want to talk. Nothing else. That's all."
Aria didn't flinch, not once, her fearless smile unwavering as she leaned closer to Ryan, her voice steady and full of confidence, "I'll be fine, baby. I'll be back soon. Don't worry about me."
Ryan's eyes softened slightly, relief mixing with admiration as he watched her, knowing that even in front of his mother, she wouldn't bow, she wouldn't back down.
Bold. Fearless. Unshakable. Right there by his side.
No one could take that from her. No one could change it.
Outside 🍃
Outside, they stood face to face.
The cool night air wrapped around them, but the tension between Aria and Mrs Carter was scorching.
Mrs Carter's eyes studied Aria. Slow. Precise. Measuring every move.
Aria didn't flinch. She met her gaze head-on, fearless, unwavering.
For two long minutes, no one spoke. Just the distant hum of the city, the faint rustle of leaves. Aria's chest tightened slightly, but she refused to back down.
Finally, Mrs Carter spoke. Her voice was sharp, but steady.
"You are so stubborn, little girl."
Aria raised an eyebrow, a hint of a smirk playing at her lips. She said nothing, letting Mrs Carter continue.
"After everything I said at that party… all my warnings… you still chose to stay with my son."
Aria's lips curled into a small, confident smile. "I didn't choose him because I had to," she said softly, steady. "I chose him because I wanted to. And I'm not going anywhere."
Mrs Carter's eyes narrowed, lips pressing thin. A flicker of frustration passed across her face.
"And yet… there is nothing I can do," she admitted finally, almost with a sigh. "He loves you. I support him. Even if it pains me to admit it."
Aria tilted her head slightly, fearless, unshaken. She stayed silent, letting the words sink in.
Mrs Carter ran a hand down her face, the mask of anger slipping briefly to reveal… something else.
"Even his father sees nothing wrong with this," she continued. Her voice softened. "But who am I to judge? Young girls… they fall in love. They fight. They risk everything."
Aria's eyes didn't waver. Her jaw was firm. Her smile was calm, almost teasing.
"I'm not here to risk anyone's approval," she said. "I'm here because I care about him. And that's enough."
For a moment, Mrs Carter's glare faltered. The night seemed to pause.
"You… thank you," she said, finally, with quiet weight. "For caring for my son. And… welcome to the family. I'm doing this for him. For his happiness. Not for me. Not for pride. Only for him."
Aria nodded, but didn't bow. Her eyes sparkled with fearless defiance.
"You don't have to like me," she said, voice calm but strong. "But I'm not going anywhere. And I'll make him happy. That's all that matters."
Mrs Carter looked at her, studying her again. There was still wariness there, yes. But something had shifted.
A truce. Fragile, but undeniable.
And for the first time, the cold night felt… quieter, like the storm between them had paused, just for a moment.