Unedited....

************

The next time when Salina woke up, she feel lost as she stare ahead. Her emotions everything feel numb, painfully numb. This time she remember everything even her luck run out, there was not much to begin with. She thought a chuckle will be sounded to compliment her sarcasm but nothing. A tear tickle down her eye. She lost everything. Every little thing she held dear and loved.

'Did not you love Aaron too?" A voice mockingly whispered. Her lips turned up emptiness gawk at her stomach when the door to her room opened.

"Mrs.Valentine, You need to eat something" The butler put another tray of warm soup infront of her. She did not react at all. She even forgot how many times he did that.

"Please eat something, Madam" The butler looked down.

"Take it and get out. How many times do I need to tell you?" She said her voice soft. She feel drained even though a part of her wanted to scream.

"Please Madam"

"Sir specially instructed us to.." She let out a humorless laugh hearing those words. After every thing he did after everything she went through. She scoup a spoon full of soup before throwing the whole bowl at the butler not caring that it hit his hand.

"Don't try my patience, just fuck off" She yelled noticing blood trickling down, her eyes trailed over to his hand. It was a mess.

"Mrs.Valentine, I can understand what are you feeling but..." She froze, understand, how could he say understand her when she herself is struggling? Is he mocking her? Her lips lifted up into a smirk before laughing again. The hollow sound of her laughter echoed inside her.

"Is that so?" She asked standing up her voice low. Her arms crossed.

"Why don't I kill your son and then you tell me the same thing?" Salina said mockingly. She did not know why she is taking it out on him but she feel like drawing. She need to do something about this anything just so she would not feel like this.

"What a pity! He is already dead" She snickered her eyes glint coldly a smile touched her lips. The old man was trembling his head even more lowered.

"You are right, you do understand" She smiled nodding her head before laughing out loud. She know she needs to stop. She had to stop yet bitter words where spilling out of her. And for once she just wanted to cry.

"I am sorry, Madam" A tear rolled down the old man eyes. She blinked as the old man bowed even more. She bite her lips and forced her self to look away. She stayed silent for a while. She could almost hear the sound of breaking. Eyes filled her eyes..

"What am I doing?" She asked herself with a bitter smile. The butler looked at her.

"I am toxic. Are not I?" She asked even though the butler refused to answer, she already know that. When did she become so petty that she needs to hurt someone else to make herself feel better. Just so she could tell herself that, 'You are not alone. There are people even in worse situation then you.'

How could she reassure herself like this? Where is her self esteem?

A tear rolled down her cheek. She sighed shaking her head.

"Leave me alone, please" She said her eyes sad yet her lips turned up in a smile. Why is she hold onto this smile? Who is she trying to prove? They already seen her worse. The old butler stare at his hand which was hurt. Then walked upto the broken girl.

"Please forgive me for my rudeness" He softly pat her head. She bite her lips staring down tears flushed her eyes yet she feel reassure after everything. After what she said to this old man.

"I.. I am sorry" Her broken mumble remind him of a child. She stayed there for a while after that she sat down on her bed.

The old man bring her another bowl of soup. This time she slowly drink it.

"Take rest madam" The old man said taking back the empty tray.

"Jasper take care of your hand" He nod his head. This might be the first time she ever said his name. She stand up walking to the bathroom. Her legs wobble the ache she was feeling before returned, her vision blurred for a bit.

Salina steady herself. Before falling down on the ground. Her lips part she let out a bitter laugh. Her lips tremble. She wanted to be left alone so she pretended that she was fine and drank the soup. Now she feel like throwing up. She finger trembling, she softly put her head against her hand closing her eyes.

"Ah.. I am sorry" She said for who and for what? She can't comprehend.

"I am sorry" Salina looked up this time she know who was the recipient of her apology. A sick smile spread across her face.

"Aaiden" She mumbled out. Even though it's been only two days yet his name feel foreign.

"Aaiden, I am sorry. I am so so sorry" Her lips trembled.

"Will you forgive me my love?"

"I can't do this anymore. I simply can't..." She chuckled  biting her lips.

"I am sorry. I..." She sighed her lips falter as she hold back her sob.

"I feel like I will hate you and blame you for everything even though you are not at fault.."

"I am sorry"

"Mommy?" He smiled at her. Warm tears trickling down her cheeks.

"What is wrong with me?" She mumbled cupping his cheek putting her head against his.

"How could I think about hating you?"

"My baby. My little boy. I love you. You are the best thing happened in my life  and I truly hope when you grow up, you will be nothing like your father, nothing"

"I can't do this anymore"

"So, please forgive me if you ever could because I can't forgive myself" She feel nothing as she said those words just a lingering sadness. She wanted to hold him one last time and hear him call her mommy just once, not this hallucination. Was she asking for too much?

I hope that you will always smile and be happy.

***************

When the driver pulled at the drive way it was already mid night. Aaron opened the door. The house almost feel like haunted. He shake his head his face passive. The old butler greet him when he entered.

His eyes wander around the hall way everything was at it's place.

"Madam drink the soup now she is resting" Those where the words butler said. He froze staring at the butler's bandaged hand.

"S..She drink it?" He rubbed his head turning around. He rushed towards her room. Something is off about the whole situation. A dread filled him. He stand infront of her door taking a deep breath.

After calming down he knocked on her door. The butler followed him handing him the master key.

"Salina, open the door or I will" He said waiting for the bit before opening the door. She was on the bed sleeping peacefully. Nothing seem out of ordinary. Was he overthinking? His eyes raked over her. Aaron walked upto her bed.

He touch her hand feeling her pulse. He narrowed his eyes seeing something poking out of the blanket.

"Get the car ready" He stated calmly pulling out his phone.

"Get the ICU ready for Gastric lavage" He pulled her up in his arm. Aaron walked out. The drive was fast as he looked only for a brief second before staring straight ahead keeping his head as clear as possible .

When the car arrived at the hospital he put her on the stretcher. Aaron immediately sterilized himself before entering the room.

It went on for an excruciating long 4 hours befor she was stabilized.

When he change the doctor who assisted him looked at him worriedly. He narrowed his eyes at first he though it was because of his wife, he was operating but that was not what it seems like. He is giving him a contempt look something he is quite familiar with. Why did he take it for worry? What's wrong with him?

"I have to report you to police Dr.Valentine" His calm voice carried over.

"Dr.Kelvin Matthews right?" He asked calmly.

"Do you know what you are saying? I could accuse you for defamation" Aaron stated testing the water.

"Off course, I know what I am saying.Dr.Valentine. After all you the are one who tried to kill his own wife." Kelvin glare at his senior.

"I tried to kill my wife?" Aaron shake his head chuckling.

"The thing you are saying is quite absurd. Do you have any prove or is this just baseless aquisition for your own benefit?" He asked mockingly though his tone remain blank. The question was answer quite easily as he presented a piece of paper.

The reason for my death is Aaron Alvis Valentine.

His eyes roamed around the neatly written words. Aaron stare at the page for a while. He have no doubt whose handwriting it is. He could almost see her peaking behind the page smirking at him. Her icy blue eyes glazed over him.

"Did you like my surprise?" She whispered.

Dr.Kelvin was waiting for him to react anxiously. Amar rubbed his head, sighing a bit. It was a while before Aaron throw back his head laughing.

"What are you waiting for?" He asked Kelvin, his voice lacking emotions.

"What?" Kelvin was confused.

"This might have been the last parting gift from my dear wife. As a loving husband should not I fulfill her last wish" He told Kelvin. Something is awfully off about his calm behaviour. A shiver run down his spine.

"Make sure to report me. I will be waiting" Aaron slowly softly pat his shoulder turning around leaving Kelvin even more confused.

This might be a defence or reverse psychology. Kelvin rubbed his head glaring at his senior back.

"And Kelvin.." He looked up flinching when Aaron stare at him.

"I am serious"

How the hell did he end up down in this? All he wanted was to blackmail Aaron and secure a position in the hospital. Kelvin close his eyes, "Why should I do?"

***********

Clarissa was walked around the hallway when Aaron walked out. A man standing behind her.

"How is she?" Aaron stare at Clarissa then the crowd which only consist of Priscilla and an older woman who was looking way too pale.

"Alive" Clarissa glare at his statement. He brushed past her walking away.

"Aaron?" Clarissa walked up to him grabbing his hand turning him around.

"Is this the way you are..."

"Then what I am suppose to say?" He snapped back. She froze for a while this was the first time she ever saw him loosing his cool.

"Are you alright?" Aaron blinked his eyes at that question.

"I am fine" She cupped his face staring at him. Clarissa could not describe the heartache she was feeling almost suffocating her.

"You are not suppose to be fine though" Her answer make him freeze. He grit his teeth, his eyes glare at her.

"How the hell are you suppose to know?" He cupped her cheek. Clarissa stare at his eye, tears trickling down her own cheek.

"I know" She whispered.

"You know?" He mockingly asked.

"How could you even know?" Aaron narrowed his eyes, shaking his head sighing.

"I know because I am your sister, Aaron" Clarissa's word freeze him in his spot s second time.  This time rather then feeling angry he feel unsettled. His finger tremble a bit as he wiped her tears almost breaking her heart.

"Don't you think you are too late to use those words?"  Aaron smiled his eyes looked down before he sighed letting her go.

"Aaron are you still holding onto that?" She asked trying not to break down her hand gripping his shirt.

"Holding onto what Clarissa? Was there ever anything to hold onto?" He stated his voice calm.

"Then why did you accept me?" She could not help asking that.

"You wanted to be my sister and I let you" that's the most basic answer to this question Aaron could come up with.

"Aaron..?"

"I have enough of this drama" Priscilla stated annoyed.

"It's not about you two so stop making it about yourself" Someone has to say that. Salina lost her father today and the state she saw her something must have happened. Did they forget?

"What the hell did you do Aaron?" She ask rather then beating around the bushes.

"What's your point asking him that?" Clarissa asked brushed her tears away. She took a deep breath as much as she hates Priscilla for once she is right.

"Because I know him more then you" Priscilla said with a mocking smile.  Clarissa glare at her only for a while before staring at Aaron.

Aaron stare at them before smirking at the question shocking everyone standing their. His finger touched his lips.

"Why do you think I did something?" He asked raising his eyebrow.

"We both know how you are. So cut the chase" Priscilla stated frowning a bit that was a big fat lie. She can't for sake of god figure out what is wrong with him.  How could he find this amusing in anyway?

"Police?" The man standing behind silently all this time spoke up for for the first time.

"Aaron Don't tell me you.." before Clarissa could complete her sentence he cut her off.

"If I tell you I did nothing. Will you believe me?" Aaron asked his eyes cold. Clarissa stare at his face devoid of any expression.

"I would" She stated calmly. Aaron looked down his eyes soften as he smiled. She feel a familiar ache.

"I am glad to hear that" He looked away. Priscilla doubt that he was glad to hear that. He might have want her to suspect him.

"So, tell me.." Before she could complete her sentence the police was there.

"We are here to take Dr.Aaron Alvis Valentine in custody" Policeman stated.

"But I am still just a suspect right. You can't take me in until or unless it's proven right" Aaron said his voice calm.

"Yes, sir. We just want you to fulfill some paperwork and then we will take statment form Mrs.Salina Valentine"

"We already have warrent to search your house and office" Aaron nod his head,  staring ahead before he started to away. He stopped and turn towards Clarissa pulling her closer, hugging her.

"I am sorry for what I said before" He looked at her, his eyes soft. A tear trickle down her cheek.

"You did not answer my question" Aaron pulled back even though her hand gripped his shirt. He turned walking away.

"Do you want me to stop this?" Clarissa who was staring at Aaron looked at her husband with tears. Why?

"No" Clarissa stated rather calmly even though she feeling way too much.

"What? Did not you say you will trust him?" Priscilla asked shocked after the show they put up, she was sure that Clarissa will stop all this. She can't let something happen to Aaron. She breathed out.

"I do but he never confirmed that he did nothing" Clarissa breath out pinching the bridge of her nose only to feel a warm hand on her shouder reassuring her.

"Is not his your brother?" Priscilla snapped at her.

"Your point?" Clarissa asked narrowing her eyes.

"Just because he is my brother, should I turn blind eyes to what he did?" She still remember the last conversation with she had with Salina.

"Are you alright?" Clarissa, Aaron's sister was the one to ask her the question. She jumped staring at her eyes wide. Salina looked around to see Aaiden playing with some kid. She sighed.

"What happened?" Clarissa asked something is off about the situation but she could not put her finger on.

"Your brother" Salina said bitterly which leave a bad aftertaste in her mouth. Clarissa did not know if she should ask anymore or stop it. This is between them after all.

"It's not like anything else could happen to me" Salina mumbled looking away blinked her eyes. She won't cry.

"I..." Clarissa sighed shaking her head. She could not come up with anything before utter the most logical thing.

"Why don't you just leave him?" She asked. The casually way she put it burn Salina. Her jaw clenched as if that was an option for her to take.

"He would not let me go" She growled not bother that some people look at them. They could listen for all she care.

"Do you think I will stay with him? If I have an option" She said venomously. Clarissa sighed, that's why she should not have said anything in the first place. She didn't know their equation after all. Salina sighed closing her eyes trying to calm her nerve.

"Clare..." She turn towards her hopefully.

"Can't you talk too him? Please" She frowned noticing how distorted Salina was.

"About?"

If only she insisted on that but Aaron cut their communication off. Afterwards when she tried to find Salina. She was already passed out drunk.

"Do you even care about him? Does he even matter to you Clarissa?" She looked at Priscilla. It took everything to keep a blank face was she glad that she was trained to keep this face at any given situation in life

"And when did you start caring?" She asked mockingly. Priscilla glare at her gritting her teeth. She is desperate.

"Ah! Are you doing this for Antonio?" Priscilla breathing out.

"I am right. Are not I?" She chuckled her eyes went to her own fisted hand.

"Tell my dearest father not to intervene if he did I will too" Clarissa warned her.

Priscilla gulped down.

"You don't know anything" Her words were cut off.

"I don't want to know" Priscilla know she could not do anything about this situation anymore. Clarissa Knight, she is a difficult woman to deal with.

"You truly are a cold hearted woman. I wander if you even care if Aaron ends up dead" Priscilla smirked before she turned and walked away. She did everything she could.

"What? Was not he the one declared who I was just pretending to be his sister? Now this is my fault" Clarissa rolled her eyes shaking her head. She blinked her eyes only to feel some tears escaping.

Clarissa breathed out closing her eyes.

"What should I do? Noah" She looked up to the man she loves.

"Have not you already decided?" She smiled at him her eyebrow furrowed. Does it matter that she already decided? Then why is her heart breaking.

"But he is my brother" She bite her lips blinking her eyes again.

"Do you think he could do this?" Noah asked a question she have no idea.

"I..I don't know" She feel the familiar pain. Her inside burn, she feel choked.

It was already too late. 7 days already when Aaron arrived. He looked distorted. Clarissa was seating their with a blank face. She looked up.

"Aaron?" Her father who was busy drinking turn his wheel chair.

"Why are you here?"Her father asked. He looked down blinking his eyes.

"Mother died, she commited suicide, Aaron" Clarissa stated with a matter of fact tone.

"Oh!" Aaron stand their frozen for a while his eyes wander around the room.

"Where is big brother?" He asked. Clarissa looked down blinking her eyes.

"He.. He did something he should have done a long time ago" Aaron stand their frozen.

"And I am glad that woman died" She girt her teeth blinking her eyes. The only reason she is here so that she could see her father miserable. And he did as he throw the glass aiming beside her.

"Clare" Aaron moved forward shielding Clarissa with his body.

"Father, What are you doing? " He hugged her tightly. She stare at him shocked. Clarissa never expected Aaron to help her much less protect her. They never had a relationship to begin with. She blinked her eyes.

"Are you alright?" Aaron asked to see tears in her eyes.

"Are you hurt? Do you need to see a doctor? Should I call Sebastian?" He asked worried.

"I am fine" She pushed him looking away. Their father turn away leaving them alone.

"Do you miss her?" Aaron asked.

"Ha? How could I miss that woman? You need memories to miss someone?" Clarissa spat those words.

"Is that so?" Aaron did not ask anything after that. She stare at him feeling a her heartache.

"Aaron?" She felt unfamiliar as she called his name. He is almost 20 , right? She can't seem to remember anymore. He does not even know anything about their mother. Was he trying to find familiarity?

"She was not always like this when we were younger she use to love us" Clarissa stated feeling a tear slide down her cheeks.

"I am glad to hear that" He forced a smile, she bite her lips walking towards him hugging him tightly.

***************

Thank you for reading.

Do share your thoughts and comment.

A/N: The truth is I never expected life will become so much difficult after passing out of college and entering job world. My life is a big mess and I don't have any time for myself much less time to write anything.

But that does not excuse my behavior even though I said I will update. I am sorry I truly am. And I am really thankful to everyone who commented and still reading.

I will try to post another chapter this month. And those who are asking me about Unconditionally Yours. I will post once both the timeline coincide.

Until Next Time..