Somniphobia

Chapter 89. Tragic incident

Aria POV
"Princess," he softly whispered against my cheek, placing gentle kisses that slowly woke me from my sleep. I snuggled into his arms, rubbing my face against his chest as I woke up. "We're home, baby," he murmured.

I looked over his shoulder, noticing we were inside a car, and when I shifted, I realized I was sitting on his lap with Jerry in the driver's seat. "I-I'm h-hungry, d-daddy," I said softly.

"We can stop at In-N-Out for some food. You okay with that?" he asked, already knowing I loved eating there. "Mhm," I nodded. "Jerry, stop at In-N-Out."

"Yes, sir," Jerry replied immediately. I snuggled closer into his arms, shivering slightly as he leaned forward, keeping a hand on my back while turning off the A.C.

He grabbed a small blanket from the seat beside him and covered me gently before pressing a kiss to the top of my head. "Daddy's sweet little princess," he cooed softly, making me smile.

"How was your sleep, baby?" he asked. "G-good, d-daddy," I answered quietly. "D-did y-you s-sleep?"

"No, princess," he replied. "W-why?" I asked.

"I couldn't sleep. It's okay, though. I was making sure everything was alright—making sure nothing happened to you or our baby boy," he explained.

I smiled, loving how protective and caring he was. "T-thank y-you, d-daddy. I a-appreciate y-you s-so m-much," I said, leaning up to give him a few soft pecks.

"Never thank me for taking care of you and our baby. I'll always keep you safe," he said. My heart warmed at his words as the car came to a stop.

I looked out the window, noticing we had arrived at In-N-Out. Jerry opened the door, and Caleb carefully carried me out before setting me gently on my feet.

I held onto his finger, staying close to him as Layla and Aaron approached from the other SUV. "I'm starving," Layla said as we walked inside.

We headed to a table near the window while Caleb and Aaron went to order our food. "We should get our nails done tomorrow," Layla suggested.

"W-we s-should," I agreed. "I w-want t-to g-get m-my t-toes d-done t-too," I added.

"Let's just spend the whole day at the salon without the boys, I need a break from Aaron," she said, making me laugh. I couldn't relate because I hated being away from Caleb.

"After that, we should go to the mall for a shopping spree!" she added excitedly. "Y-yeah, w-we c-can g-go c-clothes s-shopping f-for y-your b-baby," I suggested.

"I love the way you think," she smiled. When they told us they were pregnant, we were so happy for them.

I was due any day with baby Ace, and just thinking about holding him made me emotional. I knew I'd cry the moment I saw Caleb holding him for the first time.

Everything felt surreal—I was finally happy, married, and living the life I once dreamed of. I never thought I'd have this.

Aaron and Caleb came back with trays of food, and the smell was amazing—animal-style burgers and fries. I clapped my hands excitedly.

"I'll feed you, beautiful," Caleb said, making me smile as he brought the burger to my lips. I took a big bite.

"Mhm... just like that. Good girl," he praised, making my cheeks flush. He wiped the sauce from my face with a napkin.

Layla and I laughed, clapping and dancing slightly in our seats as we ate. Aaron and Caleb just watched us with soft smiles.

I leaned into Caleb, resting my head on his chest while he fed me fries. I loved how he took care of me.

I didn't have to do anything except sit there and be with him. I looked up at him with a smile, my mouth still full, and he leaned down, kissing me anyway.

"You're so pretty, baby," he whispered, making my stomach flutter. We continued eating peacefully.

We finished up so we could head back home. I couldn't wait to get into bed and cuddle with him all night long.

⸻

Caleb POV
After we finished eating, we headed home, and Aria fell asleep in my lap as Jerry drove. Thunder rumbled outside, and I was relieved she was asleep.

I knew how much storms scared her. She looked beautiful resting against me.

Pregnancy had only made her glow even more. She had always been beautiful, but now she was radiant.

I loved how clingy she had become, always wanting to be near me. She'd whine if I didn't give her attention fast enough.

Her obsession with pickles drove me crazy sometimes, but seeing her happy made it worth it. Getting her pregnant was the best thing I had ever done.

I never planned on having a child or falling in love. But she changed everything.

Jerry pulled into the driveway just as the rain started pouring heavily outside. Carson opened the door.

I carried Aria inside while she stirred slightly in her sleep, nuzzling into my neck. I took her upstairs and laid her gently on the bed.

I covered her with the blanket as she whimpered softly but stayed asleep. I kissed her forehead before walking off to change.

As I changed, my thoughts drifted back to London and to Lydia. Bringing Aria there had been a mistake.

Lydia wasn't who she pretended to be, and I didn't want her involved in my life. But I also didn't want my son growing up thinking we had no family.

Still, I knew I had to protect Aria and my son no matter what. That was all that mattered.

I finished changing and walked back into the bedroom—but the moment I looked at the bed, my heart dropped. Aria was gone.

A loud thud came from the bathroom, and panic rushed through me instantly. "Aria? Baby, you okay?" I called out, rushing to the door.

I pushed it open—

—and froze.

She was lying on the floor... unconscious... surrounded by blood.

To be continued....