Chapter 233: A Sigh (Part 2)
“Mom, please step outside. I still have things to discuss with Alison.” Aidan hadn’t expected his mother to burst in.
“Aidan, send this woman away. I don’t want her in your room, before the whole household starts gossiping again.” Cassandra stared coldly at Alison, clearly displeased.
“Mom, this is my personal matter. Please respect me.” Aidan stepped forward, took her by the shoulders, and guided her out. The moment the door shut, he turned the lock with a quiet click.
After Cassandra left, Alison asked, “Aidan, who is that woman? Why did I wake up in your bed that night?”
“Alison, it’s…Aimée Rolland.” Aidan finally uttered, feeling relieved.
“Why? Aimée? But how was she in Jack’s bed that morning instead of yours?” Alison asked, stunned.
“Alison, she switched places with you while you were unconscious, sneaking into Jack’s room,” Aidan explained.
“Then… then her child…” Alison started, but the words died on her lips.
Aidan nodded. “You were right to stop her wedding to Jack. I was selfish, always wanting to possess you. But seeing you with Jack yesterday made me realize I was wrong. I’ve hurt you long enough. Alison, I will always support you. I want to see you happy.”
When he finished, he exhaled deeply — the confession peeling away years of guilt.
Aidan’s words shook Alison — her mind reeled; she could barely process that the child Aimée carried belonged to Aidan.
“Aidan, is Aimée’s child truly yours?” Alison pressed for confirmation.
“Yes.”
“Then can I tell others about this?” Alison asked.
Aidan paused, knowing Alison wanted to tell Isabella the truth.
“Yes, Alison, go tell them. Only by speaking up can you claim what’s rightfully yours.” He covered her trembling fingers with his own.
“Aidan, thank you so much.” Alison was grateful. She could see the battle behind his calm eyes — this truth had cost him.
“Aidan, I need to tell Isabella about this. Could you help me find the kids?” she pleaded, clutching his hand.
“All right, we’ll split up,” Aidan agreed.
Just then, the door opened.
Cassandra stood in the doorway, her expression tense, suspicion flashing across her eyes.
“Aidan, come here. I need to talk to you.”
“Mom, I have things to do. I’ll come find you after that.”
“Just a few things. I’ll let you go soon.” Cassandra grabbed his arm, her grip leaving him no choice but to nod.
“Alison, go ahead. I’ll just talk to Mom for a minute, and then I’ll go find Sophia and Ethan,” Aidan said to Alison.
Alison nodded, hope lighting up her face like sunrise after a storm.
She hurried to Isabella’s door and knocked.
“Who is it?” a wary voice called from inside.
“It’s me, Alison,” she called.
Inside, Isabella yelled, “Get away! I don’t want to see you.”
“I have something important to tell you.”
“Go! I don’t want to hear it!” Isabella refused.
“It’s about the baby Aimée is carrying.” Alison forced the words out, her pulse hammering.
“It’s none of your concern, but Jack and Aimée’s. Just leave,” Isabella remained unyielding.
“Aimée’s baby—” Alison began, only to be cut off.
“Alison, shut your mouth!” A hand suddenly clamped over her lips.
“Mmm…” Alison struggled to free herself from Aimée’s grip.
“My child’s affairs are none of your business. Promise me you won’t say a word, and I’ll let go.” Aimée pressed her fingers against Alison’s lips.
Anger surged within Alison. Because of you, I couldn’t even see my kids.
She kicked Aimée’s leg, forcing her to release her grip.
Just then, Isabella opened the door.
Alison was about to tell the truth. “Isabella —”
Aimée chimed in, her voice dropping to a venomous whisper, “Stop, Alison. You’d better keep my secret. Otherwise, with children involved, you’ll face retribution.”
“Retribution?” Alison sneered. “You know that thing?”
“Alison, what do you mean?” Aimée was flustered.
“Aimée, what happened? Why did you say that? Why did you let Alison off?” Isabella sensed that something was amiss.
Aimée seemed sincere as she replied, “Aunt Isabella, I’m truly exhausted. I’ve had enough of this life. I don’t want to be entangled in these conflicts anymore. You don’t have to worry about me and Jack. Let Alison be your daughter-in-law.”