Chapter 21: (Aaira's pov)
28 July, 2025.

I awoke to the soft sound of a voice calling out to me, pulling me gently from the depths of sleep. Blinking against the afternoon light filtering through the curtains, I struggled to focus on the source of the voice. My eyes slowly adjusted, and I saw one of the maids standing by my bedside.

Maid: Good afternoon, ma'am. How are you feeling?

Her sudden presence startled me, and I tried to sit up, but my hands felt weak, devoid of strength. As I glanced down, I noticed a thin, clear tube connected to my hand, leading to a small device that seemed to be transferring something into me. Panic surged through me. I had never seen such a contraption before, and its purpose was a mystery to me, what is it ?

Aaira: What... what is this?

I tried to pull the tube out. The maid quickly moved to my side, her hands gently stopping me.

Maid: Please, ma'am, don't do this. It's for your recovery.

Her voice was soothing, I had no knowledge of such devices; in my time, healing was a slow and painful process, reliant on natural remedies and the care of those around you. This was something entirely different, something beyond my understanding.

Maid: Ma'am please don't pull out the cannula. It's transferring blood to help you regain everything you've lost.

Her words barely registered as I continued to stare at the tube, my breath coming in shallow, rapid gasps. I felt trapped, what was happening to me ?

Maid: Please, ma'am, try to stay calm. You're safe here.

The maid's calm figure and gentle touch slowly began to soothe my frayed nerves. I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself. Her words, though foreign, still we're doing little to calm my unsurity.

Aaira: I... I don't understand. What is happening to me?

The maid offered a reassuring smile, her eyes filled with empathy.

Maid: You've been through a lot, ma'am. The cannula is helping to restore the blood loss, Please trust us. We're here to help you.

I nodded slowly, still unsure but willing to trust her. My body was too weak to fight, and my mind too weary to resist. The maid adjusted the pillows behind me, helping me sit up more comfortably.

Maid: Is there anything you need? Anything I can bring you?

I shook my head, my thoughts still racing. The room around me felt both familiar and strange, echoes of a past I couldn't fully grasp mingling with the reality of my present. The maid's presence was a small comfort in the sea of uncertainty. But I don't remember coming here, why was I here suddenly in this strangely familiar room ?

Aaira: Just... tell me where I am. How did I get here?

The maid sat down beside me, her voice gentle and patient.

Maid: You're in a safe place, ma'am. Little Prince, brought you here. You're being taken care of, and we'll make sure you get better.

The mention of little prince Reminded me of my son, Aimin. But I know this little prince was someone else, i tried my best to recall everything and i realised, I was here being brought by Ian. I took another deep breath, trying to steady myself, though I was scared what will happen when Jungkook finds out ?

Aaira: Thank you... for everything.

The maid smiled warmly.

Maid: You're welcome, ma'am. Rest now.

As the maid was about to leave, I heard footsteps approaching from outside the door. The door creaked open, and the maids quickly bowed. It was Ian, holding a tray of food. The sight of him standing there, caring and attentive, made me gulp.

It reminded me of Jungkook, how he would bring me food with such tenderness, whenever I'd fall sick or I'd cried myself to sleep, he'd always bring me food, not letting me sleep on an empty stomach.

Maid: Good afternoon, sir.

Ian nodded to the maid.

Ian: Thank you. Please, keep the door open.

She nodded and left, leaving us alone. Ian walked towards me, setting the tray of food beside me on the bed. He then pulled a chair closer to the bed and sat down. I couldn't bring myself to look at him. My eyes were fixed downward, my hands trembling slightly.

Ian: I brought you something to eat.

His voice was gentle, filled with concern. But I couldn't hold back the tears that welled up in my eyes. They spilled over, cascading down my cheeks. The memories of Jungkook flooded my mind-his love, his care, and the life we had shared. Now, not just my hand but my heart ached with an unbearable pain too.

Ian: Aaira...

I shook my head, unable to speak. I didn't want to explain why I was crying. The grief was too raw, too overwhelming. His actions reminded me so much of Jungkook, i hadn't looked at his face properly, cause I was never in a situation to look at him properly.

Ian: You don't have to say anything if you're not ready.

His words were kind, but they couldn't reach the depths of my sorrow. The room felt heavy with silence, broken only by my quiet sobs. Ian didn't press further. He simply sat there.

Aaira: I... I miss him.

The words slipped out, barely a whisper. Ian didn't ask who I was referring to. He seemed to understand that some wounds ran too deep to be questioned. Instead, he reached out and gently placed his hand on mine, careful not to disturb the cannula.

Ian: It's okay to miss him.

I nodded, unable to stop the tears. The pain in my heart was as real as the physical pain in my body.

Ian: At least eat something, Aaira?

I shook my head, refusing his offer. He nodded, accepting my decision without protest. I hadn't really looked at him closely before, but now, as I finally raised my eyes, I noticed something. There was a slight resemblance to Jungkook. Not in a way that made them identical, but in certain features.

Jungkook had tattoos, intricate designs that adorned his skin. Ian's arms were bare, his skin unmarked. Jungkook's eyes were a deep, dark brown, capable of conveying a thousand emotions with just a glance.

Ian's eyes were a striking ocean blue, shining almost white in the sunlight, unlike Jungkook's, which would glow golden. I continued to study him. Ian's face didn't entirely match Jungkook's, but there were subtle similarities-those gentle bunny features.

Jungkook had multiple piercings that added to his unique charm, whereas Ian's ears were unadorned, his look clean and straightforward. They were complete opposites in many ways, yet Ian's actions, his caring demeanor, and the way he looked at me reminded me so much of Jungkook.

Aaira: I'm sorry...

Ian: Don't be. I understand.

Jungkook had multiple piercings that added

He stood up and walked to the bedside table, gathering some supplies. I watched with apprehension as he prepared to change the tube connected to my hand. I didn't understand what he was doing; it looked complicated and unfamiliar.

Ian: You must be wondering why you're not in a hospital, but here ?

To be honest, I was not wondering about it, I've never been at the hospital, I've always been treated at home, I've been to the hospital only once, when Aimin was born.

He carefully removed the old tube and replaced it with a new one, his hands steady and precise, I Just watched him. I flinched, the process strange and slightly painful. My main question was, what was this cannula thing ?

Ian: I didn't take you to the hospital because I thought you might not be comfortable there. So I thought, why not heal you here?

His explanation made sense, but it did little to ease my anxiety. I took a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart. Ian finished securing the new tube, ensuring everything was in place before stepping back.

Ian: I wouldn't ask what happened to you unless you tell me yourself.

Ian smiled at me, but I kept my gaze downward, my hands trembling as I watched the blood enter my skin. The sight of it made my stomach churn, and I fought to keep my breathing steady.

Aaira: Aren't you troubled by my presence?

I asked suddenly, but Ian shook his head gently.

Ian: Not at all. My parents are out for some days. We'll find a shelter for you before they return, okay ?

I nodded, But Ian continued.

Ian: Even if they returned, they wouldn't mind you staying here. I'm their only son, and you know the privileges ?

He winked playfully, trying to lighten the mood, but it only made me feel more uncomfortable. I wasn't used to such casual gestures, especially from someone who was a male, or should I say I was not used to these gestures from anyone. Ian stood up and walked towards the door. Before stepping out, he turned back to me.

Ian: Please eat when you feel like it, or ask the maid to heat it up for you, okay ?

I nodded again, Ian gave me one last reassuring smile before leaving the room, closing the door behind him but leaving it slightly ajar. The room fell into a calm silence, the only sound being the faint hum of the device beside me.

I stared at the tray of food, my appetite absent. The room around me felt both comforting and alien, a strange mix of familiarity and foreignness that left me feeling adrift.

I sighed, trying to gather my scattered thoughts, but all I could do was lie back against the pillows and close my eyes. A chuckle escaped my lips, surprising me with its bitterness.

Life as a single child, huh? I was a single child too, but there was nothing called privileges in my life. I wasn't even loved like a normal human being. My childhood was filled with loneliness and neglect, the love and care Ian spoke of were foreign concepts to me.

The world works differently for everyone, I mused. Some are showered with love and attention, their every need catered to, while others are left to fend for themselves, to navigate the harsh realities of life alone.

Hours passed as I lay there, my eyes fixed on the tube transferring blood into my hand. The rhythmic flow of the crimson liquid was mesmerizing, a constant reminder of my current reality. I hadn't slept; there was too much on my mind, too much fear and uncertainty. The daylight outside gradually gave way to the soft hues of evening.

The door creaked open, and I turned my head to see another figure entering the room. This time, it was a woman dressed in a crisp white outfit. Though I didn't recognize the uniform, I assumed she was here to help. She approached me with a gentle smile.

Nurse: Good evening, ma'am. How are you feeling now?

I watched as she efficiently changed the blood bag, her movements quick and precise. Once she was done, she helped me to my feet.

Nurse: Mr. Stark is calling you downstairs.

Her words shocked me, sending a jolt through my system. My father? Could he really be here? The thought was almost too much to bear. I hadn't seen him in so long, finally he was here to take his daughter, if not Jungkook atleast he was here.

Aaira: My father... is he really downstairs?

The nurse's expression remained neutral as she assisted me out of the room.

Nurse: Please, follow me.

My heart pounded as we made our way downstairs. The corridor seemed endlessly, it was as if I kept moving and moving but it has no end. I imagined my father's face, his stern but kind eyes, the way he would hold me and reassure me that everything would be alright.

But as we entered the dining room, my hopes were shattered. Sitting at the table was not my father, but Ian. He looked up from his meal, his expression shifting from casual to concerned as he saw the disappointment etched on my face.

Ian: Aaira, please sit.

I stood frozen for a moment. The nurse gently guided me to a chair, and I sank into it, feeling numb.

Aaira: I thought... I thought....

Ian: You thought what?

I didn't complete my sentence as the realization hit me: Ian was Stark too. I glanced around the table, which was filled with an array of meals, but my appetite was gone. Each time someone served me food, the weight of my thoughts made it impossible to eat. I kept my gaze downward, feeling the heaviness of the moment.

Ian: What happened, Aaira?

He asked gently, but I refused to answer, shaking my head. The silence was thick, and the air seemed to buzz with unspoken words. Ian sighed, leaning back in his chair. Ian sighed, Just as I tried to put the first bite of food into my mouth, he spoke again.

Ian: Why did you refuse to go to your home this morning?

The fork slipped from my hand and clattered onto the plate, the sound echoing in the silent room. I looked at him, my eyes wide with shock. The memories rushed back-being nailed down, the blood transfusion, the fear and pain. My body started trembling uncontrollably, and I couldn't hold back the tears.

Aaira: I... I...

Ian's expression turned worried, as he leaned forward.

Ian: What happened, Aaira?

The horror of my recent ordeal overwhelmed me, and I felt a tightness in my chest. The blood transfusion device was still connected to me, the tube reminding me of the invasive procedures and the sheer terror I had experienced. The different maid who had been carrying the blood bag stood quietly nearby, her presence adding to my anxiety.

Tears streamed down my face as I tried to speak but I couldn't, the trauma of the past few days bubbling to the surface. Ian's eyes widened with shock and understanding as he quickly stood up from the other end of the table, he reached out to steady my trembling hands.

Ian: Aaira, I'm so sorry, I shouldn't have asked you that, I'm really very sorry.

I nodded, as I looked down at the uneaten food, the fork still laying in the plate, my appetite completely gone. Who knows when I last ate.

Aaira: I can't... I can't eat right now.

Ian nodded, respecting my decision. He stood up and gently took the plate away, signaling to the maid to assist me back to my room. As I tried to stand up, my legs felt weak and unsteady, and I practically stumbled. Ian quickly moved forward, catching me before I could fall completely.

Ian: Aaira, sit down.

He guided me back into the chair, his hands steady and supportive. I felt embarrassed by my own weakness, but Ian's reassuring presence eased some of the shame.

Ian: Don't rush back all of a sudden.

I nodded weakly, allowing myself to sink back into the chair. The maid hovered nearby, concern evident in her eyes. Ian exchanged a quick glance with her, silently instructing her to give us a moment alone.

Ian: It's okay to take things slow.

I swallowed hard, trying to steady my breathing. The memories of what had happened haunted me, the fear and pain still fresh in my mind. Ian knelt down beside me, his gaze filled with empathy.

Ian: No one will hurt you, Aaira.

I looked at him,

Aaira: Thank you.

Ian smiled gently, his hand resting lightly on my shoulder.

Ian: Anytime. Now, let's get you back to your room so you can rest, okay?

I nodded. With his help and the maid's support, I made my way back to the room where I had woken up earlier. The bed looked inviting, they made me sit on it.

Ian: I'll stay with you for a while, if that's alright.

I paused and wondered if it was the right thing to do but it was his house and i couldn't say anything to him, besides he would only sit here, and nothing else, right ? So, I nodded again, unable to find the words to express my gratitude. Ian pulled up a chair beside the bed and sat down.

Ian: Just rest, Aaira. I'll be here.

I closed my eyes, allowing myself to finally surrender to sleep. The exhaustion weighed heavily on me, and soon the darkness of sleep enveloped my senses.

In my dreams, I found myself in a familiar place, surrounded by memories of happier times with Jungkook. But the peace was shattered when Jungkook's figure suddenly appeared before me, his expression a mix of disappointment and anger. I gasped, jolting awake in a panic.

Aaira: Jungkook!

Ian had dozed off in the chair beside me, his head resting on his arms,which were resting on the bed. My heart raced as I cried out Jungkook's name. The sound of my voice startled Ian awake, his eyes wide with concern as he quickly sat up.

Ian: Aaira, what happened? Are you okay?

But I couldn't speak through my tears. The pain of seeing Jungkook's disappointed face, even if it was just a dream, tore at my heart. Ian reached out, his hand hovering uncertainly over my shoulder.

Ian: Hey, it's okay. I'm here.

I shook my head, unable to form coherent words. Ian moved closer, he gently placed a hand on my arm.

Ian: Aaira, Whatever it is, you can tell me.

But I couldn't find the strength to explain. Leaving me trembling and unable to control my tears, The ache in my heart was persisted.

Ian: Take deep breaths. You're going to be okay.

His voice was soothing, and I tried to follow his advice, focusing on my breathing. But the image of Jungkook's disappointed face haunted me, the guilt and sorrow too painful to ignore. Was I cheating on him ?

Ian: Do you want me to call someone? A friend? Or maybe your parents?

His concern was genuine, but neither my friends nor my parents existed in this era, and even if he would summon them today it would take them at least two days to arrive, even in my era, but I shook my head again, unable to face anyone else in my current state. Ian sighed softly, his gaze never leaving mine.

Ian: You don't have to talk about it right now. Just know that I'm here, okay?

I nodded weakly, grateful for his understanding. Only I was sniffing in the room, other than my sniffs the room was dangerously silent.

Ian: Try to rest again. I'll be in the next room.

His voice was gentle as he reassured me, and I watched as he quietly left to give me some space. The nurse returned shortly after, efficiently changing the blood bag attached to the cannula. I winced as the process was completed, the discomfort and pain in my hands intensifying. Once she finished, she too left the room, leaving me alone with the rhythmic hum of the medical equipment.

I closed my eyes, attempting to follow Ian's advice and find rest. But the physical ache in my hands was too much. The steady flow of blood through the tube was disturbing too. Despite my efforts, the soft hum of the blood transfusion device providing a surreal backdrop to my restless dreams.

I cried out in pain as I attempted to clasp my hands together in prayer, the throbbing ache in my palms unbearable. Tears streamed down my cheeks as I sank to my knees on the bed, pleading with all my heart to a higher power, praying desperately that Jungkook would somehow come and rescue me.

Aaira: Please.

I whispered hoarsely between sobs,

Aaira: please let him find me, let him save me. Please give me my Jungkook back, Please I beg you. Please let him find me.

But despite my fervent prayers and tears that seemed to never cease, there was no miraculous intervention. Exhaustion eventually overwhelmed me, and I collapsed unconscious onto the bed, my body finally succumbing to the pain and turmoil of both my physical and emotional struggles.

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"Each night, I wished for you to find me, like a prince rescuing his princess from evils. I wished for you to be my hero, even as the pages of my life turned against me. Each night, I cast my wishes into the dark, praying you'd come and turn my story around. I longed for you and your presence, your scent never left me even in your absence, I guess I was just forgetting the cruel truth, with false hopes trying to heal my pain. When the truth was bitter and dark, I was trapped in a cruel novel written by the merciless author, not a princess from one of a fairytale."

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