46. Chapter 46

Chapter 46

-Alison-

I had acted on pure instinct when that man came charging down the hallway. Despite the fear gripping me, I knew I had to act fast. Remembering the training Jared had given me, I waited for the right moment, ensuring I couldn't miss. With a fierce warrior scream, I lunged forward and fired. His surprise was evident as his blood splattered, momentarily stunning me. For a moment, I stood in shock as his body collapsed with a resounding thud. It wasn't until I heard the commotion downstairs that I snapped back to reality and followed the noise.

Yet, I never expected the confrontation to unfold this way. Seeing Jared and Vince together, I assumed Jared held the upper hand. Never did I imagine Vince would grow so desperate as to aim the gun at Jared. His words cut deep, revealing his true anguish: I had taken what he believed belonged to him. I wasn't the only one drawn to Jared's enigmatic allure. What was it about this innocent boy that captivated so many? Though I couldn't quite articulate it, one thing was clear: I refused to let anyone else dictate our fate.

But would Jared survive? Despite the successful surgery, his sudden crash on the table left him in intensive care. I remained steadfast by his side, watching over him tirelessly. Even in his coma, I ensured he was comfortable, surrounded by vibrant flowers and my signature scent. Unsure of what more I could do, I cooperated with the police inquiries after they discovered I was alive.

Though my story seemed far-fetched, I painted Jared as my hero, knowing they couldn't comprehend the depth of our connection. With each passing day, the reporters clamored for my story, but I refused to leave Jared's side, avoiding the spotlight. Days turned into a week, and as I nodded off in my chair one evening, I was jolted awake by a sound. Turning my head, I came face to face with the last person I expected to see.

"Astrid," I growled, my voice laced with anger.

She smiled at me, a sly grin dancing on her lips. "Hello, Alison. You're still alive," she said, her tone dripping with indifference.

"So are you," I snapped back, my frustration obvious.

"That I am, and growing," she remarked, her hand resting on her still rather flat stomach.

"What are you doing here?" I snarled.

"Just collecting what is mine," she stated matter-of-factly.

"What?" I exclaimed, jumping up from my chair in disbelief.

"I said—"

"I heard, and do you really think I'm going to let you take him?" I interjected, my voice trembling with defiance.

"Alison, he doesn't belong in this world, and it won't be long before the police want to know more about this person who has been missing for over a decade suddenly showing up with the beautiful Alison Brown. I am merely saving him from all the trouble as a wife should," she explained calmly, her words sending shivers down my spine.

"You're not his wife!" I retorted vehemently.

"On paper I am, and I am going to ensure my future, my child's, and Jared's," she declared with chilling conviction.

"Why?" I demanded, my confusion and frustration reaching a boiling point.

"Because we are linked whether we like it or not, and he could easily take me down with him," she said, her tone betraying a hint of fear.

Suddenly, Astrid gestured to a group of men who began preparing Jared for transportation, even some wearing doctor's coats.

"No!" I shouted, lunging forward in desperation.

But Astrid's men restrained me, pushing me back into my chair and holding me down as I struggled against their grasp.

"Jared!" I screamed, tears welling up in my eyes. "No, you can't take him!"

They began wheeling him out of the room, their actions swift and purposeful.

"No!" I cried out, my voice echoing in the empty space.

"Goodbye, Alison," Astrid said coldly as they disappeared from sight. "Be glad I don't kill you, but should you pose a threat to my family, I will come back for you."

"You can't do this! Astrid!" I yelled after her, my cries falling on deaf ears.

As I continued to struggle against the hands of Astrid's men, one of them produced chloroform, quickly subduing me and plunging me into darkness.

When I regained consciousness, surrounded by medical staff, the realization hit me like a ton of bricks. Jared was gone, and there was nothing I could do to bring him back. I cried out in anguish, my heart breaking at the thought of losing him forever. Despite the attempts of the medical staff to calm me down, my grief consumed me entirely, leaving me shattered and inconsolable.