Main Carter Mansion — Kim’s Room 🛋️
The door slammed shut behind her with a sharp echo that filled the room, emphasising her shock. Kim didn’t move at first, her chest rising and falling, fists clenched, showing her internal turmoil.
Then she let out a frustrated breath and walked in. Her heels clicked against the floor, not rushed this time—measured, controlled—but the tension in her steps was obvious. She reached the bed and sat down, then immediately stood again like she couldn’t stay still.
“This is insane…” she muttered. Her hand went to her hair, pushing it back. “She’s pregnant.”
The words sounded more real when she said them out loud. Kim gave a short, bitter laugh. “Of all things…”
She turned, pacing slowly now, her thoughts lining up one after another. Aria… Ryan… That moment at the table…
Kim stopped. Her eyes hardened. “No… I’m not wrong.”
She grabbed her phone from the bed, her fingers tightening around it before dialling. The ringing felt longer than usual. Once. Twice. Then— A click.
“Kim…” Justin’s voice came through, low and steady. “You sound like trouble already.”
She took a deep breath before revealing, “Aria is pregnant,” knowing this would change everything for everyone involved.
Silence. Not the kind where someone is thinking of what to say— The kind where everything… stops.
“…what?” His voice was no longer calm.
Kim leaned against the edge of the table, watching her reflection faintly in the glass. “She’s pregnant,” she repeated, slower this time.
On the other side, there was a sudden noise. A sharp thud. Like something had been hit.
Justin didn’t speak for a few seconds, his silence heavy with unspoken doubt. When he finally spoke, his voice was strained, revealing his shock and concern.
Kim’s lips curved slightly, but there was no warmth in them. “Yes.” She pushed herself off the table and started walking again. “I wouldn’t say it if I wasn’t.”
Another silence. Longer now. Heavier. She could hear his breathing. Controlled… but not steady.
“That doesn’t make sense,” he muttered.
Kim stopped pacing. “It does,” she said. “You just don’t like it.”
No reply. She tilted her head slightly, listening. For once, Justin had nothing quick to say. That alone told her everything.
“So it’s true,” she added quietly. “You really care about her.”
“…don’t start that,” he said sharply.
Kim smiled faintly. There it was. She walked back to the bed and sat down slowly, crossing one leg over the other. “Then say something useful,” she said.
Another pause. Then his voice came back—lower, more controlled. “…does Ryan know?”
“Not fully,” Kim replied. “He noticed something, but he hasn’t figured it out yet.”
Justin exhaled slowly. This time, he forced himself to calm down. Kim could almost picture it— him standing somewhere hidden, trying to regain control.
“That changes the timing,” he said.
Kim’s eyes narrowed slightly. “Or it makes things easier,” she countered.
“No,” he said immediately. Firm. “It makes things complicated.”
Kim leaned back slightly. “Complicated for you,” she said.
Silence. Then— “…I’m not backing out,” he said. His tone wasn’t loud. But it was final.
Kim’s lips curved again. “I didn’t think you would.”
A faint sound came from his side like he was moving. Thinking. Planning.
“I move sooner,” he said after a moment.
Kim straightened slightly. “How soon?”
“Very soon.”
Her fingers tightened around the phone. “And Aria?”
A pause. This one shorter. More certain.
“She’s still part of the plan.”
Kim’s smile deepened, cold and dangerous, signalling her growing confidence and the threat she posed. Her expression made her intentions more ominous.
“And the baby?”
Silence. Long enough to matter. When he spoke again, his voice was quieter. “We deal with that when it becomes a problem.”
Kim let out a soft breath. Satisfied. She leaned back fully now, staring up at the ceiling. Everything was falling into place. Faster than she expected.
Her fingers traced lightly over the edge of her phone. “Looks like things just got more interesting,” she murmured.
Justin didn’t respond. But she could hear it— That quiet, steady breathing again. Not calm. Focused. Dangerous.
Kim closed her eyes for a second—a slow smile forming on her lips.
Aria… Ryan… This time, she wasn’t just watching. This time, she was part of it.
Next Morning 🌞
Soft sunlight slipped through the curtains, spreading gently across the room and resting on the bed where Aria lay. She shifted slightly under the sheets, her body still warm, still relaxed.
Her eyes opened slowly. For a moment, she didn’t move. Just breathing. Just feeling the quiet.
Then she turned her head. Ryan was already up. Dressed. Clean. Standing near the mirror, adjusting his watch with calm precision like nothing ever caught him off guard.
Aria watched Ryan, feeling a mix of concern and hope. “Good morning,” she said softly, sensing the seriousness in his tone.
Ryan paused, just for a second. Then he looked at her. And something in his expression shifted. Not dramatic. Just softer.
“Good morning,” he replied.
He walked toward her slowly, his gaze steady, studying her face like he was checking something only he could see. He stopped beside the bed. Close enough.
“You need to get ready,” he said, calm but firm.
Aria raised a brow slightly, still half-covered in the sheets, her hair falling loosely around her shoulders. “So serious… this early?” she murmured, a hint of teasing in her tone.
Ryan didn’t react to the teasing. “We’re going to the hospital,” he said. A small pause. “For a check-up.”
Aria looked at him properly now. Her smile didn’t disappear. “You’re still worried,” she said softly.
“I didn’t stop,” he replied. No hesitation. No denial.
Aria pushed herself up slowly, the sheets sliding down slightly as she sat. “I told you… I’m fine,” she said, her tone calm, almost gentle.
Ryan’s eyes stayed on her. Sharp. Focused. “And I said we’re going,” he answered. Simple. Final.
Aria held his gaze for a moment longer. Then she exhaled lightly. A small smile returned. “Okay,” she said.
She swung her legs off the bed and stood up, moving past him toward the bathroom. Her steps were slow, unhurried. Ryan turned his head slightly, watching her as she walked away. Still alert. Still not convinced.
Aria reached the door, then paused. She turned back just enough to look at him over her shoulder. A faint, playful smile touched her lips. “You’re really not letting this go, are you?”
Ryan met her eyes. Not even a second of doubt. “Not a chance.”
Her smile widened just a little. Then she disappeared into the bathroom. The door closed softly behind her.
Ryan stayed where he was. Silent. Still. His jaw tightened slightly as his eyes rested on the closed door. Waiting. Thinking. And not planning to take any chances.
Doctor’s Office 🏥
The hospital was quiet. Clean. Controlled.
Ryan walked in first. Aria followed beside him. Nurses straightened immediately. Staff moved faster. Eyes turned. Respect. Attention.
The doctor stepped out of his Office the moment he saw Ryan. A wide smile spread across his face. “Sir,” he greeted quickly, walking toward him. He extended his hand. “Why didn’t you just call me to come to your house?” he said, almost laughing lightly. “I would have come without second thoughts. You didn’t have to bother yourself coming here.”
Ryan shook his hand briefly. “I prefer this,” he said.
The doctor nodded immediately. “Of course, of course.” His eyes shifted to Aria. His expression softened. “And this must be…?”
“Aria,” Ryan said.
The doctor gave a polite nod. “Please, come in.” He stepped aside and gestured toward his Office.
They walked in. Ryan stayed close to Aria. Always just a step away.
The doctor moved behind his desk, then quickly came around again, choosing to stand closer instead. More attentive. “Please, have a seat,” he said.
Aria sat down calmly. Ryan stood beside her for a second… then sat next to her. Close.
The doctor picked up a file. His tone shifted. Professional now. “Alright,” he said gently, looking at Aria. “Tell me, how have you been feeling?”
Aria thought for a moment. “I’ve been fine,” she said. “Just… a little off yesterday.”
The doctor nodded. “Any nausea before yesterday?” “Not really,” she replied. “Dizziness?” “A little.”
Ryan’s eyes moved to her immediately. She didn’t look at him.
The doctor continued. “Loss of appetite?”
Aria hesitated slightly. “Not exactly… just certain smells.”
The doctor made a small note. “Like food?” She nodded.
Ryan leaned back slightly. Silent. But watching everything.
The doctor smiled faintly. “Alright,” he said. “Let’s run a few tests just to be sure.” He turned toward the nurse outside. “Prepare the lab,” he said.
Moments later— Aria stood. Ryan stood with her instantly. “I’ll be right here,” he said. His voice was low. She gave a small nod.
The nurse guided her out. Ryan didn’t sit back down. He remained standing. Still. Watching the door close.
Minutes passed. Slow. Heavy.
The doctor glanced at him. “Sir, there’s no need to worry too much,” he said carefully.
Ryan didn’t look at him. “Just make sure everything is checked,” he replied. His tone was calm. But firm. Nothing missed. Nothing ignored.
Outside— Aria sat while the nurse prepared the equipment. A blood sample was taken. Gentle. Quick. Then another test. Careful. Routine.
Inside the Office— Ryan’s patience was thin. His eyes remained fixed on the door. Waiting. Every second stretching longer than it should.
Until finally— The door opened again. Aria stepped back in. Calm. Composed.
Ryan’s eyes were on her instantly. Scanning. Checking. “Done?” he asked.
She nodded. “Done.”
He didn’t relax. Not yet.
The doctor stepped forward. “We’ll have the results shortly,” he said.
Ryan gave a small nod. Then looked back at Aria. Still watching. Still not at ease. Not until he knew.
Moments Later ❤️
The room was quiet again. Aria sat calmly, hands resting on her lap. Ryan stood beside her, still watching, still alert.
Then— His phone rang. The sound cut through the silence.
He glanced at the screen. His expression didn’t change, but his eyes sharpened slightly. He leaned down. Pressed a soft kiss to Aria’s cheek. “I’ll be back,” he said quietly. “Let me take this call.”
Aria nodded. “Okay.”
Ryan stepped out of the room. The door closed behind him.
Silence returned. Aria remained seated. Calm. Unbothered.
A few moments passed. Then the door opened again. The doctor walked in. A smile already on his face. A file in his hand.
He stepped forward and sat down across from her. His eyes moved around briefly. “Where is Mr Carter?” he asked.
Aria looked at him. “Oh… he stepped out to take a call,” she said. “He’ll be back in a minute.”
The doctor nodded. Still smiling. He opened the file slowly. Flipped a page—his expression pleased.
Aria watched him. Curious now.
Then— Her phone buzzed—a sudden sound in the quiet room.
She glanced down. A message. From an unknown number.
Her brows pulled together slightly. She opened it. And read—
“Mr Ryan Carter has been hit by a car, come outside quickly.”
For a second— Everything froze. Her fingers tightened around the phone. Her heart skipped. Her breath caught.
“Ryan…?” she whispered under her breath.
The doctor looked up. Concern replaced his smile. “Is everything alright?”
Aria stood up suddenly. Her chair moved back sharply. “I—I need to check something,” she said quickly. Her voice no longer calm.
The doctor frowned slightly. “Miss Aria—”
But she was already moving. Fast. Her steps quick. Her heart racing. The message replaying in her mind. Over and over.
She reached the door. Her hand gripping the handle tightly. Then pulled it open— and walked out.
The hallway blurred as Aria ran. Her breath came fast. Uneven.
“Ryan…” The name kept repeating in her head. Louder. Her vision shook slightly as fear settled deep in her chest.
Then— A man rushed toward her, out of nowhere.
“Ma’am!” he called urgently.
She stopped just for a second. He pointed ahead. “This way—this was where it happened!” His voice rushed. Panicked.
Aria didn’t think. Didn’t question. “Is he okay?!” she asked, her voice breaking.
“Come quickly!” he said, already turning.
She followed him. Fast. Her steps unsteady now. Tears filled her eyes. She wiped them quickly. But more came.
They reached outside. The sunlight hit her suddenly. Blinding for a second. Her heart pounded harder. She looked around quickly. Searching.
“Where is he?!” she cried.
The man pointed ahead. “There—”
A huge van stood nearby. Dark. Tinted windows. The engine already running.
Something felt off. Just for a second. A small hesitation. But fear was louder.
“Ryan…” she whispered again.
She stepped closer. Closer—
Then— Everything changed.
The man’s hand shot out. Grabbing her arm. Hard.
Aria gasped.
Before she could react— The van door slid open. Rough. Fast. Two men stepped out. No warning. No hesitation.
They grabbed her.
“Hey—!” Her voice broke. She struggled instantly. “Let go of me!”
Her hands pushed against them. But they were stronger. Faster. One of them covered her mouth. Muffling her scream.
Her eyes widened in fear. Tears spilt freely now. She kicked. Fought. Tried to pull away—
But they dragged her closer.
“Ryan—!” Her voice came out weak against the hand over her mouth.
No one came. No one saw.
The van door stayed open. Waiting. They shoved her inside. Hard. Her body hit the seat.
The door slammed shut immediately. Loud. Final. Locked.
The engine roared louder. And within seconds— The van sped off. Fast. Disappearing into the road.
Leaving nothing behind. Just silence.
Later — Doctor’s Office
The door opened. Ryan walked in. Calm steps. Controlled expression.
His eyes moved immediately to the chair. Empty.
He stopped. Silence. Then slowly— He looked around the room.
“…Aria?”
No answer.
He turned back slightly. The doctor was still inside, standing near the desk, waiting patiently with the file in his hand.
Ryan’s gaze sharpened. “Where is she?”
The doctor blinked. Confused. “I thought she came out to meet you, sir…” He paused, trying to recall. “She received a text… and left in a panic.”
Ryan didn’t move. Didn’t blink. Just stared at him.
The air in the room changed instantly. The doctor straightened slightly, sensing it now.
“Sir—she looked very distressed,” he added quickly.
Ryan’s phone was already in his hand. He dialled. Once. No answer. Again. Still nothing.
His jaw tightened. He turned sharply toward the door.
Then— The doctor spoke again, slower this time. “There’s something else, sir…”
Ryan stopped. Didn’t turn fully. Just waited.
The doctor hesitated. Then opened the file. “…the tests are complete.” A pause. “She’s pregnant.”
Silence. Heavy. Final.
Ryan’s grip on his phone tightened. The screen cracked slightly under pressure.
For the first time— His calm broke.
“Say that again,” he said. Low. Dangerous.
The doctor swallowed. “She is pregnant, sir.”
Ryan didn’t move for a second. The silence stretched.
Then he turned. Slowly. His eyes darker now. Sharpened. Focused. Cold. Absolute.
Then he walked out.
Ryan stepped out of the hospital building. The air outside felt different. Wrong.
He slowed down. Eyes scanning immediately.
“…Aria?”
No answer.
He walked faster now. “Aria!”
His voice rose. Sharp. Controlled at first. But tightening.
“Aria!”
Nothing. Silence. Too much silence.
His breathing changed. Faster.
He moved toward the parking area. Looking between cars. Turning corners. Checking every space.
“…Aria, stop playing.”
No response.
His hand went to his phone again. Dialed. Still nothing.
He stopped walking. For a second. Just a second.
Then— He saw it.
Near the edge of the pavement. Something small. Shiny.
His steps slowed.
“…no.”
He bent down. Picked it up.
An earring. Aria’s.
His fingers closed around it instantly. Tight. Too tight. The metal pressed into his palm. But he didn’t feel it.
His face went still. Completely still. No expression. Just blank shock.
Then— Slow realisation.
His breathing stopped for a second. “She was here…” he whispered.
His grip tightened. Knuckles whitening. His eyes darkened instantly.
The calm was gone. Every trace of it. Gone.
“She was here…” he repeated, lower now. His voice broke slightly on the last word.
He looked around sharply. Like seeing the world differently now. People. Cars. Noise. All meaningless.
His phone rang again in his hand. He didn’t even look at it. Just closed his fist around it. The screen cracked fully this time.
“…you took her.”
His voice dropped. Cold. Deadly calm.
A passing nurse slowed down, sensing something wrong. Ryan didn’t notice her. Didn’t see anyone.
Only the space where Aria should’ve been.
His jaw tightened. His eyes lifted slowly. Dark. Focused. Dangerous.
“She’s carrying my child…” he said quietly.
A pause.
Then his expression changed completely. Not panic now. Something worse. Controlled rage. Final decision.
“…you’ve just signed your death sentence.”
He turned sharply. Already moving. Fast. No hesitation. No fear.
Only one thought left in his mind. Find her. And destroy anyone who touched her.