Chapter 3 THE PLAN

Aiden's POV

I had already been to the airport once, but now I was going back there again. This time, I wouldn't leave until I found her. My heart pounded with a mixture of frustration and worry.

"Damn it, Princess, where the hell are you?" I muttered under my breath, gripping the steering wheel tighter.

As I reached the airport, I noticed a crowd gathered near the exit. My instincts screamed at me to check it out. I quickly pulled the car to the curb, got out, and pushed my way through the crowd. My eyes went wide as I saw her-Lara, lying unconscious on the ground. My heart sank. For a moment, everything else around me blurred. All I could think of was her.

I rushed over, dropping to my knees beside her, cradling her head gently. "Baby! Hey, angel, wake up," I called out, trying to keep my voice steady, but fear crept in.

People stared, their concerned murmurs barely registering as I cradled her head in my lap. I could hardly breathe, my heart pounding louder than the crowd's whispers. It was clear they were worried, but all I could focus on was Lara. The way her chest rose and fell-if it even did-was the only thing that mattered right now.

Someone call for help!" I yelled, but it was clear that all I wanted was to get her out of there.

I gently lifted her in my arms, her head resting limply on my shoulder. She felt so light, so vulnerable, and it scared me. I didn't waste another second. I carried her to my car, carefully laying her in the backseat.

I dialled my doctor on the way, my voice sharp with urgency. "I need you at my place. Now."

Driving back, I kept glancing at her in the rearview mirror, her face pale, eyes closed. I felt a pang in my chest. How could I let this happen? I should've found her earlier. I should've known.

As soon as we reached my house, I rushed her inside my room and placed her on my bed. The doctor arrived soon after, and I watched anxiously as he checked her. Each second felt like an eternity.

"It's nothing serious," the doctor finally said, and I let out a breath I hadn't realized I was holding. "Just stress."

I looked down at her, my heart aching. "She'll be okay?" I asked, needing the reassurance.

He nodded. "It's not serious. She just needs to rest and eat. Her stomach is empty, which probably contributed to her fainting."

As the doctor left, I sat beside her, brushing a strand of hair away from her face. I felt a mix of emotions-relief, anger at myself for not being there sooner, and a protectiveness that burned fiercely inside me.

I hurried towards the kitchen to prepare something for her before she regained consciousness.

Lara's POV

As soon as my uncle stepped out, I slowly opened my eyes, the darkness of the night surrounding me. My heart raced as I recalled my plan. I had deliberately gone to the airport and acted like I fainted.

His voice message echoed in my mind:

"Baby, where are you? I'm heading back to the airport. I won't leave without finding you. Just... Please be safe.""

Hearing him call me "baby" sent a flutter through my chest. His worry wrapped around me like a comforting blanket, intensifying the guilt I felt for putting him through this.

No offence, but I had to. I simply didn't know how to explain myself.

Suddenly, the door opened, and my uncle walked in, balancing a tray filled with food.

"That was fast," I mumbled to myself, surprised he had returned so quickly.

When he saw me awake, relief washed over his face. "Princess, you're awake!" he exclaimed, and I felt my heart flutter at the sight of his smile.

I nervously bit my lower lip, trying to think of what to say. "Uncle Aiden, I'm sorry. I-"

He cut me off, his voice gentle but firm. "Forget about it, baby. Just eat your food." He set the tray down beside me, filled with a warm bowl of soup and some bread.

He sat close to me, leaning in slightly as he asked, "Can I feed you?"

Okay," I replied almost immediately, unable to hide the smile creeping onto my lips.

Warmth spread through me as he fed me, but when the soup touched my tongue, I realized too late that it was still hot. "Ouch!" I exclaimed, pulling back as the burn tingled painfully.

"Are you okay?" My uncle asked, concern etched on his face. He quickly reached for a glass of water and held it to my lips. I drank eagerly, relief washing over me.

His fingers brushed against my lips, lingering there as he caressed them softly, his touch sending shivers through me. "You need to be careful, baby," he murmured, his voice low and gentle. "Are you alright?"

In that moment, the world around me faded. My heart raced as I met his gaze, the air was thick with unspoken words and an undeniable tension. I felt a warmth spreading through me that had nothing to do with the soup or the burn.

Aiden's eyes searched mine, and I could see a flicker of something deeper, something that made my breath hitch.

My gaze shifted to his lips, anticipation building in me. I leaned closer, my hand slowly moving to caress his Jawline.