Chapter 4 Aiden's dilemma

Dr. Norwell stared at Aiden in shock. "You want to get married to someone you don't know?" Norwell said.

Aiden's expression was sympathetic but firm. "It's the only way to save her life, and after all, her blood was taken to save mine," Aiden replied.

"Are you really doing this?" Norwell's voice wavered.

"I will marry her," his voice steady with resolve.

*******

The wedding process was sealed.

In the presence of the hospital chaplain and two nurses, Aiden and Valentina were married in the hospital room.

Aiden's hands shook as he held her, feeling the coldness of her skin. He whispered a promise to himself to help her, even if he didn't know her.

"By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife," the chaplain said quietly.

Aiden leaned down gently, brushing a kiss against Valentina's forehead, feeling a strange connection formed between them.

The doctor nodded. "We will prepare her for the surgery immediately."

As they wheeled Valentina away, Aiden felt a mix of anxiety and hope. He had made a decision that would change both their lives forever.

Aiden followed Dr. Norwell to his office to sign all the necessary documents.

After that, he left NovaCare Hospital. Aiden sat in the owner's head office, Audi A8, as his driver drove him away.

As Aiden was trying to assimilate everything that had just happened and also adjust to his new life, the outside world intruded.

The news of his secret hospital wedding had somehow leaked, and by the time he got home, it was all over the media.

The headlines screamed from every newspaper and website, "Aiden's Secret Wedding. Who is the Mystery Bride?"

Aiden was shocked. Almost dead, a wedding that hadn't even been an hour.

Aiden's phone buzzed constantly with calls and messages from friends and colleagues.

He dropped his phone on the bed and was about to take off his shirt when his mom's call came in. He hesitated for a moment before answering, leaving his shirt halfway buttoned.

"Aiden, what is going on?" Mrs. Raynor's voice was a mix of fury and concern. "How could you get married without telling anyone?"

"Mom, I can explain," Aiden began, but she cut him off.

"You better come over right now and explain everything," she demanded. "This is a public image and reputation disaster, and as your mother, I deserve to know what's happening."

Aiden sighed, knowing there was no escaping the confrontation. He buttoned his shirt back and headed to his parents' house at Reynolds Mansion. When he arrived, his mother was waiting for him, arms crossed and eyes blazing.

"Start talking," she said.

Aiden took a deep breath and explained the entire story around him marrying Valentina. His mother listened, her expression softening as he spoke.

"I didn't have a choice, Mom," he said finally. "It was the only way to save her."

His mom shook her head. "You always have a way of finding yourself in the most extraordinary situations, Aiden, but this is something else.

We will have to manage the media fallout carefully."

Aiden nodded, relieved that she was at least willing to help. "Thank you, Mom. I know it's a lot to take in."

She sighed, giving him a hug. "Just promise me you'll be careful. I don't know how your dad will take this. This lady, she's part of your life now. Let's just hope she survives."

As Aiden left the house, he felt the weight of his decision.

**********

Days passed in a blur of waiting and worry. Aiden visited Valentina every day, feeling a growing sense of responsibility for the woman whose life he had saved.

Finally, one morning, Valentina's eyes fluttered open. Aiden, sitting beside her, immediately called for the doctor.

As the medical team checked her vitals, Valentina looked around the room. She saw a drip stand and a nurse staring at her constantly. She looked to her right and saw a handsome guy.

"What's wrong?" the nurse asked, but Valentina didn't reply. She closed her eyes again.

"Where am I?" she asked, her voice weak.

"You are in the hospital," Aiden said gently. "You were in an accident."

She frowned, furrowing her brow as she tried to piece together her fragmented thoughts. She remembered that night when they were chasing her, her body began to shake.

"What is going on?" Dr. Norwell asked as Aiden held Valentina's hand.

"It's fine, just calm down," he said, trying to soothe her.

"No, he's going to kill me this time if he finds me here. You should have just left me to die," she exclaimed as tears rolled down her cheeks.

"You don't have to worry about anything because I'm here with you," Aiden replied, fully knowing she had gone through a lot.

"Is this not Aiden, the owner of Starforge Company? And why is he holding my hand? What's going on here? Someone should explain to me, please," she thought as she stared at him constantly. "I'm Valentina and you... no wait, I know you, but I don't know what you're doing here," she said as she removed her hand slowly.

Aiden took a deep breath, knowing the truth would be difficult to explain. "My name is Aiden. We... we got married so I could consent to your surgery. It was the only way to save your life."

Valentina's eyes widened, shocked and confused. "Married? But I don't know you personally."

Aiden nodded, his expression earnest. "I know it sounds crazy, but it was the only option. I couldn't just let you die."

Tears welled up in Valentina's eyes as she tried to process the overwhelming situation. "I don't remember anything about my life.

I don't even know who I am. All I know is that someone is after my life."

Aiden reached out, taking her hands gently. "We will figure it out together. You are not alone in this."

As they were discussing, Mr. Reynolds barged in.

"Why do you always..." He stopped after setting his eyes on Valentina. "What?" His facial expression showed how shocked he was.

"Aiden, don't tell me this is the person you got married to. Do you know whose daughter you are dealing with?"

Mr. Reynolds yelled in anger and disbelief, which made Aiden more scared.

"Follow me now." Mr. Reynolds ordered as he opened the door and Aiden followed, assuring Valentina that he would be right back.

Valentina nodded slowly in a shocked state. She laid gently on the bed.

"You are in huge trouble now. She is William Cloud's daughter. How did you come across her, Aiden?" Mr. Reynolds exclaimed regretfully.

"What?" Aiden's heart began to race. A cold sweat broke out on his forehead.

"You are on your own now, son," Mr. Reynolds said and left.