A LOVE UNBOUND

Chapter 10: Siya's Decision

AUTHOR POV:

The morning light filtered through the hospital window as Siya woke up, her body aching but her resolve even stronger. She knew that everything that had happened-the lies, the manipulation-wasn't just a result of Aryan's confusion but of Jennifer's relentless scheming. Today, she made a decision: she would gather every piece of evidence against Jennifer. She wasn't just going to protect herself but her children-Advik and her unborn baby.

Lost in her thoughts, her phone suddenly rang. She picked it up and saw it was Advik calling. Her heart softened as she answered, greeting him with warmth, "Good morning, my love! Where are you, sweetheart?"

"Mummy... I'm at the stairs... of your room's floor," Advik said in a small voice.

Siya's heart leapt as she quickly left her hospital bed and hurried to the stairwell. But as she reached it, her heart sank when she saw Jennifer standing with him. She forced herself to ignore Jennifer and knelt down, smiling as she looked into her son's eyes.

"Advik, my dear, how are you feeling?" she asked gently, reaching out to him.

He looked at her with hesitant eyes, avoiding her gaze. "Mummy, are you having... another baby?"

Siya's eyes lit up with excitement, thinking her son might be thrilled at the idea of a sibling. "Yes, sweetheart! Isn't that wonderful? You'll have a little brother or sister to play with."

But to her dismay, Advik's face darkened, and he shook his head. "I don't want a baby, Mummy. If the baby comes... you won't leave Daddy. And then... Jennifer Aunty won't be my new mommy..."

Siya's heart shattered at his words. She rose, standing up straight to face Jennifer, her voice filled with barely contained anger. "Why are you doing this, Jennifer? My son is innocent, and so is my unborn baby. I'm already leaving Aryan; I don't want him. But please... don't drag my son into your games."

Jennifer smirked, crossing her arms with a mocking expression. "Oh, look at you. So sweet, so helpless." She crouched beside Advik, putting on a show of being comforting. "Advik, sweetheart, Mummy Siya doesn't want me to become your mommy. Isn't that sad?"

Advik's little face twisted in frustration, and without warning, he pushed Siya. Taken off guard, she tried to regain her balance, but her feet slipped as she stumbled back on the slick, oily surface of the stairs.

Jennifer watched, a wicked smile playing on her lips as Siya reached out for stability, but the oil had been well-placed. Jennifer's eyes gleamed with satisfaction as she leaned closer, her words dripping with malice. "If Advik doesn't accept me, Aryan will never marry me. So, I have no choice but to use him. Aryan loves Advik, after all. And as for this little 'baby' of yours..." Jennifer's smirk deepened, her tone chilling. "Let's just say its chapter ends here."

Tears pricked Siya's eyes as she felt herself sliding down. She could barely hear Jennifer's taunts through the haze of pain.

"Oh, and don't worry, Siya," Jennifer continued, her voice mocking. "Aryan won't miss your child for long. I'm already pregnant with his baby. I'll give Aryan a family... one with a real son and a new child. Advik will get the sibling he wants, and Aryan will forget all about you."

The pain was unbearable as Siya tried to scream for help, but her voice was weak, and her vision blurred. As her body continued to slide, she caught sight of a small figure at the top of the stairs-a little girl. The child's wide eyes filled with shock, and then she ran away.

Moments later, a tall man appeared, his expression filled with urgency and alarm. Siya tried to focus, but her strength was slipping away. The man quickly lifted her up, calling out for help.