"…she's missing."
---
The words didn't register at first.
---
Aria blinked.
Once.
Twice.
---
"What… did you just say?"
---
The room felt like it had tilted.
---
The man swallowed slightly under Ethan's gaze.
---
"Your mother is no longer at the hospital," he repeated carefully. "Security says she was taken about an hour ago."
---
"No."
---
The word came out instantly.
Broken.
---
"No, that's not possible," Aria shook her head, backing away. "She's sick—she can't even walk properly—who would take her?!"
---
No one answered.
---
Because deep down—
They all knew.
---
Aria turned slowly toward Ethan.
---
Her heart pounding violently.
---
"This is because of you."
---
Silence.
---
"You said you'd protect her," she continued, her voice rising with panic. "You said if I signed, she'd be safe!"
---
Ethan's expression darkened.
---
"I said I'd make sure she lives."
---
Her chest tightened.
---
"That's not the same thing!"
---
Before he could respond—
---
A phone rang.
---
Sharp.
Loud.
Terrifying.
---
Everyone froze.
---
Ethan pulled his phone out slowly.
---
Unknown number.
---
He answered.
---
"Yes."
---
Silence filled the room.
---
Then—
A voice.
Distorted.
Calm.
---
"Congratulations on your marriage, Mr. Blackwood."
---