Chapter 3 Jasper

• Aria finally arrived home, not able to explain to herself why she’d trusted Lucas and found solace in him, a total stranger.
• Her mind couldn't stop thinking about the handsome guy she’d just made her bodyguard. Huge smile plastered her face as she walked into her living room. She’d never believed she would finally find someone who could put her troubled heart to rest.
• “Why would a CEO miss an important meeting?” Desmond, her Uncle, cuts her off her excitement, bringing her back to reality.
• Her heart skipped when her eyes met with Jasper, who sat beside Desmond on a sofa.
• “I know you are the CEO, but I can't watch you behave so irresponsibly,” Desmond yelled.
• Desmond was the eldest son of the Crawford extended family, he was the best icon of evil and wickedness, also filled with greed, and could do anything to get what he wanted.
• Aria was born into the Crawford extended family, the third richest in North America. They own lots of companies, but the largest was HillStone Enterprises, which was one of the leading companies in the country. The Crawfords were always embroiled in a battle for control. Aria’s father was the second son but was made the chairman, because of his intellectual and intelligent nature. This made him the center of hate and envy from the rest of the family, especially from his elder brother, Desmond.
• Aria, alongside her parents, was in a planned ghastly accident, which took the lives of her parents, but luckily she survived. She was made the chairperson because her father had willed everything to her before his death. This made her extended family hate her so much, and her life was always threatened by unknown sources. She knows her extended family hated her, but couldn't imagine the lengths they could go to strip her of her position.
• Aria scanned her eyes at the faces in her living room, one after the other. She felt trapped, her heart pounding faster as she clutched her fists, trying to put herself together.
• The last thing she’d wanted was to appear weak in front of them; her uncle, Desmond. His wife, Susan. Aria’s husband, Jasper, and her aunt, Linda.
• The scene of Jasper's conversation flashed back into her mind, but she couldn't say a word about it. She’d already known no one would believe her. She was alone in this lonely world, surrounded by wicked and evil people.
• “If not for your precious husband, who had informed the family that you had run away for no reason, we wouldn't have known what was going on,” Linda commented.
• “The Crawfords are known for their well-behaved characters. Don't drag this family name into the mud,” Desmond added, picking up the glass of whisky in front of him, and taking a sip.
• Aria sighed, “I went to get fresh air.” She mildly spoke, her angry gaze not leaving Jasper.
• Desmond stood up and walked up to her. “Don’t burn my late brother’s hard work to ashes.” He sneered at her, his nose wrinkled in disgust.
• She nervously gulped down her spit.
• “Make sure to be the good daddy’s girl you are, and don't forget to feed your husband, he looks thin.” He snapped and walked away. The rest stood up and followed behind, leaving Jasper and Aria.
• Aria stared right at Jasper, as her face contorted with rage. “Why did you do it?” She retorted.
• Jasper stood up and moved toward her, “What are you talking about, love?” His voice came out tender and perfect.
• “You sent gangs to kill me,” tears filled her eyes.
• Jasper’s mouth hung open in a perfect “o” shape, shaking his head in confusion, “What are you talking about, Aria? What gangsters? Why would I want to kill my wife?” He held her by the wrist and looked her straight in the eyes, “What is going on, love? Please talk to me.”
• Aria’s lips quivered, “I overheard your phone conversation. You vowed to kill me.” She burst into hot tears.
• Confusion plastered on Jasper’s face, “No… my love. That conversation was not about you. I’m very sorry for making you feel this way.” Pulling her closer to himself, and her teary eyes met with his.
• He brushed the tears from her cheeks with his thumb, his expression full of compassion. “I’m sorry, Aria, I didn't inform you earlier. My sick dad was almost poisoned by his caregiver. The news came as a shock to me, and I promised to kill her soon as a result of anger,” he smiled, “It's funny how she has the same name as you.” Jasper explained as he warmly embraced Aria and led her into the bedroom.
• He helped her to sit on the bed, “I will prepare warm water for you.” A big smile ran through his face. Jasper’s feet darted into the bathroom and in a few seconds, he came back to Aria. “Everything is ready, go have your bath, my love.”
• Aria stood up, walked into the bathroom, and had a warm bath. When she was done, she threw a light pink cotton robe on her body, and they both kissed good night.
• Jasper went back to the living room.
• Aria crawled into the bed, and within minutes, she was fast asleep.
• Suddenly, her body thrashed and jerked on the bed as if she was fighting against unseen forces. In an unrecognizable world, she found herself surrounded by people. A man stood in front of her with a blinking sharp sword, “Please, don't kill me,” she begged. But they all laughed at her.
• She struggled to see their faces, but it was blurry.
• “Alpha Damien, please spare my daughter's life,” a man bonded with chains pleaded, but his head was immediately separated from his neck.
• Her heart raced faster as the said Alpha Damien, approached her with the sword stained with blood, and struck her stomach.
• Aria snapped upright in bed, her heart beating in her chest. She was dripping in sweat, her breath coming in a short gasp. She gingerly felt the scar on her stomach, tracing its shape with her trembling fingers.
• Suddenly, it started to sting, as if it were freshly cut, a little blood dripping out of it.
• She softly screamed as a wave of pain stabbed through her body.
• “Not this again,” she wept.