Chapter 283 Married to the plan

Chapter 283 Married to the plan
Cynthia’s POV

“Damn it!” I hiss through the phone, my voice sharp. “I knew James would betray me. That fool. Couldn’t even hold out till the end.”

My tone hardens, jaw clenched as I pace slowly. “That’s why I found an alternative. Now, you know what to do. No mistakes. No excuses. Or I swear, the person you love most… I won’t be sorry for what happens to them.”

The other end is quiet. Not even a breath.

Then—click. The call ends.

I scoff, pulling the phone away and staring at the dark screen. “She dares hang up on me?” I mutter. “How rude.”

A smirk curves on my lips as I chuckle coldly, shaking my head.

“Well, you’ve got no choice now, Aria,” I whisper to the empty room. “It’s better you do as instructed… or say goodbye to ever seeing your mother again.”

I move to the window, peering out with narrowed eyes as I let the venom rise in my thoughts.

“Now, Isabel,” I murmur, low and furious, “let’s see how well you protect your precious children. By the time you find out, it’ll be too late. You’ll already be out of the way. Useless. Helpless.”

My mother can have you, since you’re her obsession. But me?

No. I won’t stop until I make you lose those kids—just like I lost mine.

That’s my promise.

A humorless laugh slips out of me, dark and bitter. “How sweet it will be… to watch you cry. To hear you beg for their lives.”

I close my eyes for a moment, picturing it.

And it tastes like revenge.

Let’s see who wins now, Isabel. Me or your perfect little family.



Aria’s POV

I slam the phone down to my chest, heart pounding against it. Rage and helplessness stir like a storm inside me.

James betrayed her. I should feel relieved. But now… now she’s turned it all on me.

Scarlett. Sterling.

They’re just children.

This was never the plan. I only wanted to ruin Isabel’s wedding. Shake things up. But harm them?

No. That’s not what I wanted.

But she found my mother. Cynthia and Selene—those monsters found her. And now they’re threatening to hurt her if I don’t follow through.

What do I do?

My chest tightens as I take a deep breath. I’m trapped.

I glance up when Aunt Victoria’s voice cuts through.

“Aria? Everything okay? You seem lost.”

I quickly paint on a smile, too quick, too rehearsed. “Umm… no, Aunt. I’m fine. Just excited for the wedding, that’s all.”

I lie.

How do I even begin to explain my mother’s condition? That Selene has her locked away, barely surviving, and now Cynthia is holding the thread of her life in her fists?

No. I can’t.

Aunt Victoria smiles gently, unaware. “Yes, me too. Everyone is so excited for today.”

Scarlett giggles beside me. Aurora chats easily from the other side. The car is full of warmth, of laughter.

Then Aunt Victoria gently places her hand on mine.

“I’m really glad you and Isabel made up. It was hard seeing you both on such different pages.”

A small, genuine smile tugs at my lips. For a second… I feel it.

We did make up. She forgave me. Especially after the pregnancy news, it felt wrong holding onto anger.

But now?

After this?

Will she ever forgive me again?

I don’t know.

All I do know is—I have to protect my mother. No matter what.

Aurora laughs at something Scarlett says, and the kids begin complimenting each other’s outfits, excitement bubbling around the car.

Everything feels bright, like the day is too perfect.

Too peaceful.

Then my phone buzzes in my lap.

I look down.

One word.

“Now.”

The text sinks like ice into my spine.

I close my eyes tight, pulse racing. My fingers curl, trembling.

It’s time.

If I don’t do it… my mother dies.

“Oh no,” I say suddenly, clutching my mouth. “I think I’m going to be sick…”

Startled voices echo around me.

Aria?” Aurora leans toward me, concern flickering in her eyes.

“You’re pale… Are you sure it’s just nausea?” she asks, her eyes narrowing slightly.

I nod too quickly, hand still clamped over my mouth.

Aunt Victoria panics slightly, turning back. “Driver, pull over. Stop the car now!”

The car slows. I stumble out, bending as if to vomit.

Aunt Victoria follows, patting my back. “Are you alright? Aria? What’s wrong?”

I don’t answer. My eyes flick to the convoy ahead… pulling away.

Almost out of reach.

My last chance to do what Cynthia asked.

I can’t believe I’m doing this,” I whisper under my breath. “God forgive me.”

Then—

Chaos.

Screams erupt. Tires screech.

An ambush.

Gunfire. Shouts.

Men rush from nowhere, overwhelming the guards. They fight back, but they’re outnumbered.

I linger behind the open car door, hands trembling, watching the chaos unfold just steps from me. My legs won’t move, but my heart races with guilt. I gave them this. I brought them here.

I watch, pretending to panic, but deep down, I know—I gave them this intel.

I did this.

“Who the hell are you people?” Aunt Victoria yells, trembling with rage, shielding the twins behind her. “How dare you!”

A woman steps forward, laughing coldly. “Save it.”

She shoves Aunt Victoria back hard, forcing her and the kids into the car.

A man drags the driver out, throws him aside, and jumps into the front seat.

The car jerks forward, speeding off.

The twins cry out, terrified.

“Shut those kids up!” one of the men growls, waving his gun threateningly.

Aurora grabs them both, holding them close, shielding them with her arms.

I shrink into the corner beside them, my hand to my chest, breathing hard.

Pretending to be afraid.

But inside, I’m screaming.

God help me. What have I done?

I hope this fear doesn’t last long. I hope it ends soon.

Because if it doesn’t… I don’t know how long I can pretend.