Falling in Love : I love you, Today and Forever

For convenience sake, Ian had taken Aria to the nearest room to the dining hall. While he and Ivy entered the room, Oliver stood outside, silently praying for his daughter's good health.

"Aria, I'm going to lift your shirt. Is it fine?" Ian queried gently.

Although he was gentle and careful, a storm was brewing in his heart, one which was on the verge of bursting out. He was furious with Noah for what he had done. He too did not believe Oliver completely when he accused Jonathan Carter of such unimaginable crimes. However, instead of raising fists and arguing about it, everyone could have sat down and thought about it rationally.

But no. Noah had to lose his cool and now, Aria had been hurt in the process.

Aria was in severe pain. It was as though someone was operating on her abdomen without giving her anesthesia. Cold sweat dripped down her back as she clutched her waist loosely. Even though she was in agony, she still managed to nod at Ian and lay down on her back on the bed.

Ian slowly lifted her shirt and Ivy immediately let out a frightened gasp when she saw the bruise on her stomach. It was ghastly against her white skin and she felt tears pricking her eyes just at the sight.

Ian closed his eyes to control his fury and he picked up the tube of ointment. "This might sting a little. You may shout if you want, Aria."

Again, Aria only managed to nod at him. She did not have any strength to speak to him or anyone else at that time. All her mind was focused on was the pain she was in.

With utmost care and gentleness, Ian started applying the ointment and the next instant, Aria felt a burning sensation on her stomach that slowly diminished as seconds passed. However, those few seconds were enough for her to crumble into pieces in distress. Yet, she did not let out any sounds other than some gasps occasionally.

When Ian was done applying the ointment, the medicine had started its charm and the pain subsided gradually. The cooling sensation after eased her pain a little and Aria let out a sigh of relief. Even her face gained some color and she looked more vibrant than before.

"I'm going to check if you have any internal injuries. Alright, Aria?"

"Yes." This time, Aria managed to speak, although it was barely above a whisper.

"Good." Ian picked up his stethoscope and pressed it lightly on the uninjured part of her stomach and Aria let out a giggle immediately when the cold metal touched her skin.

Ignoring her laughter, Ian increased the force and looked at Aria, only to see her shaking her head at him in response. He then shifted his focus on another part and again, Aria shook her head at him. This continued for quite some time and Ian heaved a sigh of relief once he was done.

"You do not have internal injuries, Aria. The wounds are all superficial. Ivy," Ian turned towards the other sister, only to be stunned when he saw tears in her eyes.

"Hey, hey, hey, Ivy." His voice turned low and soft considerably and he scooted towards her. "Aria is fine. Do not worry." He hugged her by her shoulder, allowing her to lean on him. "Those bruises will vanish soon. I promise. Don't cry, please." He begged, not knowing what else to say. He had never been in such a situation before. So, he did not know how to handle it. He pleaded with Aria to help him through his eyes and his friend came to his rescue right away, much to his comfort.

"Ivy, I'm fine. I'm a doctor too and I know my condition well. These bruises will heal over time. Do not worry and..." She playfully winked at Ian who smiled at her in return. "You look ugly when you cry."

"You..." Ivy stared daggers at her and gritted her teeth and Ian let out a chuckle on seeing their cute banter.

"Sleep for some time, Aria. You will feel better soon. I will come back after some time."

"I'll stay here," Ivy added and Ian nodded at her before he left the room.

On seeing the door open, Oliver, who had been pacing back and forth frantically, dashed towards Ian and looked at him earnestly.

"Mr. West, do not worry. Aria is fine. Other than some bruises on her abdomen, she is well and good."

Oliver let out a sigh of relief and flashed Ian a grateful smile. "Thank you. Thank you so much."

Knowing Oliver's intentions, Ian stepped aside, allowing him to enter the room before he went in search of his friend responsible for all this mess.

Meanwhile, Noah had not budged from his place as he kept staring in the direction Ian had taken Aria. His entire mind was a mess and his heart was in turmoil. Aria's pale face when he had kicked her kept flashing in mind, making his heart wrench in pain. It was more painful than any injury he had suffered in the past. He felt suffocated and the uneasiness spread through his entire body. Please visit 𝒇𝚛𝙚𝙚𝘸𝙚𝗯𝓃𝗼ѵ𝚎𝘭. c𝑜𝘮

"Noah, you were wrong this time." The ever-smiling and amicable Joshua was gone. His expression had turned serious, one that was filled with unhappiness and dissatisfaction. "You did not handle the matter well and see what your anger led to."

Noah remained silent as he gave a deaf ear to his friend. All his mind was focused on was Aria and her well-being.

"I understand your rage and annoyance. But that does not mean you lose your cool completely."

"I agree with Jo this time. You were not right in your actions." Ian too admonished him, not holding back even for a moment. All the pent-up complaints he was holding back were let out once he was out of the room.

Noah ignored his scoldings and rushed to him when he saw Ian's arrival. "How's she?"

"Surviving."

"Ian.." Noah's tone turned dangerous, not liking Ian's choice of words.

"She is fine, other than some bruises on her abdomen." Albeit furious, Ian still replied to him and rolled his eyes.

"That's good," Noah mumbled, and without waiting for anyone else to speak, he walked out of the mansion.