2.(What the ** happened?)

Even in my unconcious state, I could still feel myself thightly held in a warm embrace. This particular cologne of flowers and wood, I could identify anywhere, even in deep slumber.

My brows arched in pain as I tried hard to fight darkness to get back to my beloved who was waiting for me.

He never gave up on me, he was always there 'my sweet sweet Jayden'.

At long last, the battle ended because I conquered.

My eyes tried to adjust with the overly bright light that greeted me, I could hear faint murmur and sob of someone I was quite familiar with but all this didn't matter because I was greeted with Jayden's breathtakingly handsome face hovering above mine the moment my eyes fluffed open.

He was worried as hell, afraid even, I could see it in his eyes even though he tried to hide it. I understood him. He was the man after all.

"Jayden", I called out hoarsely, my throat felt parched as it cried for water, "Water". I finally breath out, happy with my little success because I was as weak as hell.

I watched him carry out my order quietly as I tried to discern were I was to only realise I was in a hospital. My right hand was attached to a drip and left hand which was thightly held by his strong and rough hands.

A million words couldn't describe how I've missed him. He was my everything after all.

Jayden was caring as always, he adjusted my head on the pillow making sure I was comfortable before helping me drink the lukewarm water. I was so thankful that I wondered what I would have done without him.

My hands were aching to touch him and that I did.

I slowly but tenderly caress his soft cheek just the way he likes it and as always he responded, caressing his palm against the back of my hand.

"You scared me to death, love". He whispered only for me to hear and I smiled, guilty that I made him worry.

"oh dearie!, we were so afraid that something happened to you, even I, was in tears because I thought you wouldn't be able to make it. There was so much blood Aria, just what the hell happened?"

. I felt the light squeeze on my left knee and I jerked out in reflex. I knew that voice, this voice that I will never be able to forget even if I wanted to. What was Jayden's mom doing here?.

I slowly lifted my eyes to stare at her because I was afraid she will rampage, afraid she will get mad at me and call me disrespectful. I was shocked to see the small smile etched on her perfectly curved face, what was going on?. Jayden's mom had never smiled at me once before, I was scared, puzzled and speechless 'What the hell changed Aria' I asked my self.

"Don't be scared dear, it's me, Ella Cooper, your husband's mother, not a ghost".

I tried to smile back, afraid she might deem me arrogant If I didn't. My eyes moved to stare back at Jayden, obviously for an explanation.

Something here wasn't right and I could feel it in my guts. "She's changed love". Jayden replied to my quiet question with a thight smile and my eyes narrowed at his word.

'Jayden wouldn't, no, he would!. He could go as far as threatening Ella to cooperate for my fast recovery and even though she doesn't like me, she had to comply because my Jayden was also her son.

I smiled brightly startling the both of them as I tried not to expose their lie, his lie. I could as well enjoy the peace and quiet for now.

"How are you faring dearie?". Ella was at my other side caressing my black hair affectionately which I find uncomfortable as I tried not to squirm.

"Do you know how worried Alena was, that poor girl stayed up all night crying her eyes out and refused to let you out of her sight. I only managed to send her off to get you some fruits. she's such a sweet girl, right Jay?"

My heart quickened it's pace the moment I heard that name and my hand thightened its grip on Jayden absentmindedly.

"Love are you alright", I could hear the worry in his tone and I smiled in return to lessen his burden, "Yes mom, she is a sweet girl". He said referring to the question Ella had thrown earlier and my brows squeezed in utter displeasure at his response.

"Alena is not sweet, she is nice". I blurted out, my eyes shooting daggers at Jayden because I was angry he had acknowledge Alena in my presence, supporting his mom as always. I noticed the stare he threw at me, he was confused by my weird behaviour and strange words.

'Yes!, it was indeed strange'. I had always been the one yapping to him about how Alena was so nice, loving, caring and... now I hated the word-sweet. Knowing my past self when I haven't come to realize how deceitful she could be, I would have agreed with Jayden nonetheless and could have smiled in glee, but not now, not ever.

"Are you okay dearie". Ella asked me still caressing my hair like the 'affectionate mother she truly was'. I wanted to shout at her and yell like a maniac, 'I am no fool, you could quit it' but I couldn't because it will hurt Jayden and knowing myself I would not be able to bear the thought that I was the cause of it.

But that didn't stop the anger that was bubbling in my chest and I reached out to stop her hands that was touching my hair in the softest way possible.

"Um, I am okay, you really don't have to". I said, my voice coming out stretched because I was irritated. My eyes searched hers and I shivered at the storming rage building inside of it. Ella had then replied with a thight smile 'It's okay dearie' which I knew was not. I could see how she was holding herself from storming, "Excuse me".

I watched her exit the room, her shoulders stiff but her head still held high. Even though I hated this woman I admire her too; she was strong and capable and wasn't a weakling. She was my role model. The room was back to being quiet. I didn't like quiet at all, it was suffocating.

"Love"

"Mhm".

I fumbled with the plain transparent green cloth refusing to look him in the eye. I would break down the moment I stare at those captivating balls, I didn't want to break my resolve. I was still angry though.

"Is anything the matter?, did I do something wrong?". He said taking my hands back in his that I had released the moment Ella's filthy hands touched my hair. I felt him kiss it softly and my heart swelled in bitter happiness.

"No Jayden, baby you did nothing wrong to me, I was just uncomfortable around Ella. I'm sorry babe but she was just too nice that it frightened me", I inhaled deeply as he waited for me to continue. "Ella has never been nice to me, she is anything but nice". I whispered softly hoping he wouldn't catch what I said but he did.

Jayden was always attentive. I didn't know why but with him around I couldn't control my emotions. My eyes glistened due to my unshed tears. I would never get over Alena's betrayal. "Ssh sweetheart, cry all you want cause that doesn't make you weak".

He patted my head like a doting father and I burst out in an uncontrollable cry in his warm embrace. God!, this man was the real meaning of life, my life. I couldn't be more grateful that I found my way back in his arms, that I cheated faith and he was here with me unscathed.

"I love you Jayden". I whispered and he kissed my forehead in return. "I love you more".

This felt like a dream. It was calmly peaceful as we held each other leaving both our worries and fear behind. All my pain didn't matter as long as I was with Jayden, neither did Ella or Alena as they could both go to hell for all I care.

"Aria"

"Hm"

"What the fuck happened during our wedding?".