Chapter 0437
AUTHOR'S POV
Sharon is found not guilty of direct involvement in Amie's death, but guilty of conspiracy. She was lucky enough to get a lighter sentence, a shorter jail term. Her attorney made sure of that and it was all thanks to her father. Despite how disappointed her father was in everything that she did, she was his daughter after all, his only formidable heir, there was no way he'd cast her aside.
While she served her jail term, counting down to the day she'd finally be out of there, she got divorce papers sent to her.
She had thought that the morning was too cold for the season. Her small cell room suddenly felt small, it felt like it would close in on her and she had put her head in between the gates to breathe when one of the wardens came to get her.
She was seated, handed a pen and before her, on the iron table, sat the divorce letter. The main reason she got herself involved in all these crimes and dirty acts was to avoid Aiden to leave her. It was sad, really, that she worked hard to avoid this only to get it slammed in her face at the end.
Her eyes pricked with tears as she uncapped the pen.
Aiden wasn't even here, she thought. That was how horrible things had become between them. He hadn't even come to visit her once.
Despite his cruelty, it surprised her that she still yearned for him, wanting his hugs and words of assurances. But she could never get those now. The only thing she could get from him was the one sitting before her, an already signed divorce papers.
If she could, she wouldn't sign the papers. Yes, it was all her fault, but despite all she has been through doesn't deserve another chance to show how remorseful she was? But the law required her to sign. They didn't care if she consented or not. It was more about completing the formalities.
Finally, with trembling hands, she scribbled her signature, her shoulders slouching even more.
It was now finally over.
****
Aiden parked by Ana's home.
Since Aiden has enabled her discharge from the asylum, she has resumed her role in Justin's life, assisting the nanny in caring for her child.
She would usually come home, take care of Justin and return to spend the rest of the day looking after Dennis.
As Aiden made his way up the driveway, he hoped that he'd still be able to catch her at home. His flight leaves in less than an hour and he doesn't have much time.
He pressed the doorbell on the door, and as he waited, his eyes took in the well kept lawn. It had been bushy and dirty the last time he was there. He was sure it was Ana's doing.
He stepped into the house and for the first time, he realized how different his marriage was from Ana's. From the outside, his and Ana's house looked like regular houses, but on the inside was a home. The warmth as he waited for Ana was what made this place a home; the warmth generated by the laughter and love that had been shared.
He never felt this cozy at his own place. Then he realized he never really had a home. He once did, yes, but that was a long time ago and for some reason, fate stripped it from him.
"Aiden?" Ana called, her brows furrowed as she walked over to him, Justin in her arms.
Aiden looked up and was impressed at what he saw. Ana looked better. When she was in the asylum, she lost so much weight. Now, she seemed to have gained a few pounds and her hair was as glossy as it used to be. She really was getting better and it was all because of her love for Dennis.
"What are you doing here?"
"How's the little man?" He ignored the question as his gaze fell on Justin.
She smiled. "Oh, he's doing fine." She raised him and pressed a kiss to his cheeks as she lowered herself in one of the cushioned seats. He quietly said to him, "Say hi to Aiden."
Aiden didn't miss that she said his name and not 'daddy.'
Aiden reached out and allowed Justin to curl his fingers around his thumb. "Hi, Justin, I'm Aiden."
Ana giggled as she also pretended to be Justin, and replied, "Hi Aiden, I'm Justin."
He smiled, then he got to why he had visited. "I just came to apologise, for everything that has happened."
Ana pressed her lips together, but she said nothing.This belongs to NôvelDrama.Org - ©.
"If I could take back the hands of time, I'd have done things differently."
"It's okay." Ana shrugged, "I like to believe that it's all been meant to happen."
He nodded, smiling. "I'll fly out of the country in about an hour. And it's not for a business meeting or vacation I'm going to settle down there just like I'd done before while I manage the company here as another of my branches."
"I wish you the best."
He nodded. Then, he held her gaze. "Before I leave, I'd like to let you know that I still love you. I never stopped loving you, Ana, and I doubt I'll ever stop." Ana's lips parted. She sighed, "Aiden, I-"
"It's okay," Aiden smiled. "You don't have to say anything. I know it's too late. I have seen how you are with Dennis, I see how much you love him, and I respect that so much."
She smiled then, a brilliant look that'd forever be etched in his heart. "Thank you." "Make sure you take care of him, Ana. He loves you, more than you think."
Ana's eyes watered and her lowered and fell on Justin who was toying with the ends of her hair. Whenchis eyes met his mother's, he gave her a toothy grin and cooed.
"So, make sure you take care of him and this little man here."
"That's my priority," she said, sniffing. "Thank you, Aiden. Thank you so much."
He smiled back. "Can I carry him one last time?"
"Of course," Ana said as she stood up and handed Justin over to Aiden.
Justin flashed Aiden a grin and cooed.
These days he is always smiling and cooing nonstop. He was happy to have his mother back.
Aiden smiled back and hugged him to his chest. He placed a kiss on his forehead and handed him back to Ana. "I'd try to check on him from time to time." Ana nodded. "Alright."
"One last hug?" He grinned, arms opened wide.
Ana's eyes glistened with tears as she walked into his arms with Justin still in her arms and hugged him.
Ana walked him outside. She and Justin waved at him as he drove off, headed to the airport; to another state, to heal and start afresh.