Chapter 181: Sophia’s Disappearance
Chaos erupted among the crowd. While some searched for Sophia, others surrounded Alison and Aidan.
The sudden turn of events left Aidan shaken, staring at Alison limp in his arms, lost for what to do.
A woman nearby urgently reminded him. “Quick, pat her back!”
“Okay.” He held Alison and began patting her back.
“You’re patting so lightly, like you’re trying to put a baby to sleep. It won’t work.”
The clamour made Ethan cry—his mum had fainted and Sophia was gone.
“Sir, start CPR on your wife now,” someone urged Aidan.
He laid her on the ground and pinched her philtrum, but she showed no response.
“Sir, hurry up! Do mouth-to-mouth!”
Aidan couldn’t think of anything else. He looked at Alison’s pale lips. Taking a deep breath, he pressed his own lips against hers.
Air filled Alison’s throat.
Once.
Twice.
…
Alison’s fingers twitched slightly.
Ethan spotted it. “Look! Mummy’s fingers moved!”
Knowing it worked, Aidan took another breath and blew into Alison’s mouth.
Her lips were soft and icy, carrying a faint fragrance—but he had no time to linger. He never imagined his first kiss with her would happen under so many eyes.
“Ah…” A soft moan made Aidan stop. He watched Alison, waiting.
Alison opened her eyes—Aidan’s face loomed closer, framed by countless staring eyes.
She felt as if it were a dream, as if Jack were there. Her lips moved slightly; she raised her hand, fingers brushing Aidan’s face instinctively.
“Sophia… Have you seen Sophia?” she asked.
Although Aidan was anxious about Sophia’s disappearance, Alison’s touch filled him with joy. He believed she still cared for him.
His voice brought her back.
The man before her wasn’t Jack.
It’s Aidan! Oh my God, what have I done?
She quickly withdrew her hand and struggled to stand.
“Aidan, you go find Sophia! Search over there, and I’ll take Ethan the other way.” Her words tumbled out in a frantic rush as she pushed him forward.
“Alison, but what about your body?” Aidan asked worriedly.
“I’m fine! Hurry!” Alison shoved him aside and staggered to her feet.
Grabbing Ethan’s hand, she hurried on, her heart pounding with dread.
“All right, I’ll go now.” Aidan broke away to search. He couldn’t bear the despair in her eyes—it tore at him.
Noticing Alison’s deathly pallor, the KFC waitress tried to reassure her. “Ma’am, please don’t panic. Check if the child wandered back inside. The little girl said she was going to the toilet.”
“Go check the restroom. Let me know if you find her,” Alison commanded.
She forced herself to calm.
Would Aimée be cruel enough to kidnap Sophia? She berated herself for not watching the children more closely.
When Alison rushed back to KFC, she asked, “Aidan, did you find her?”
Aidan shook his head. “No, Alison, we haven’t found her.”
“Mummy, what should we do? Sophia is gone,” Ethan cried, terrified. Alison’s mind spun, unsure how to comfort him.
“Alison, I’ll search the nearby area again. You and Ethan should go inside and sit. Wait for me to return.”
Alison could only nod dazedly.
The waitress beside her kept apologizing.
Alison couldn’t even cry; only endless fear remained.
“Mummy, talk to me, okay?” Ethan pleaded, tugging her arm.
Looking at her son, Alison forced a faint smile. “Don’t be scared. Mummy will find your sister.”
She pulled out her phone and dialled Aimée’s number.
How despicable! Just to marry Jack, she’d hurt a four-year-old girl!
Aimée answered quickly. “Alison, did you convince Aidan to come to my wedding?”
Ignoring her question, Alison demanded, “Where’s Sophia? Put her on the phone. I need to know she’s safe. Otherwise, I won’t attend your wedding tomorrow.”
“Sophia? Who’s Sophia?” Aimée asked, feigning puzzlement.
“My daughter! Where did you take her?”
Aimée froze. After a beat, she said, “Alison, I haven’t seen your daughter. I didn’t take her, and I have no idea where she is. Keep an eye on your own child instead of making baseless accusations. I’m not someone to be trifled with.”