Chapter 18: Crash
[Morning – Knight Mansion]
Aria stands near the car, adjusting Aurora’s school bag.
Aria Knight
Little one, behave in school.
Aurora Walton
Pretty lady, will you come early today?
Aria Knight
*Soft chuckle* I always do, don’t I?
Aurora Walton
*Pouts* But you always look so tired.
Aria pauses. She kneels and cups Aurora’s small face.
Aria Knight
I’m fine. Just a little busy, that’s all.
Aurora Walton
*Whispers* Then take a nap!
Aria Knight
*Smirks, ruffling her hair* Maybe later. Now go inside.
Aurora sighs dramatically before running off into the Academy. Aria watches her until she disappears through the gates. Her vision blurs for a second, exhaustion creeping in. Shaking it off, she gets in the car and drives to the office.
[Knight Corporation – CEO’s Office]
Aria sits at her desk, signing documents. Her assistant, Vivi, enters with coffee.
Vivi (Aria's Assistant)
Boss, you need to rest. You barely slept last night.
Aria Knight
*Not looking up* I don’t have time for that.
Vivi (Aria's Assistant)
*Sighs* You’ll collapse at this rate.
Aria Knight
*Takes a sip of coffee* Not yet.
Meetings. Calls. More paperwork. Hours pass, and the weight of exhaustion presses heavier. When the clock hits noon, Aria stands abruptly, grabbing her car keys.
Vivi (Aria's Assistant)
*Worried* Are you sure you can drive?
Aria Knight
*Coldly* I told you, I’m fine.
Ignoring the dizziness, she leaves to pick up Aurora.
[On the Road – Afternoon]
Aria grips the steering wheel, blinking rapidly to fight the drowsiness. Aurora sits in the back, humming a tune.
Aurora Walton
Pretty lady, you’re driving so slow today!
Aria Knight
*Weakly smiles* That’s because I’m careful.
Her head feels heavy. Her vision flickers. She shakes it off, but her hands feel weak on the wheel.
Aurora Walton
*Noticing* Are you okay?
Aria Knight
*Softly* I’m just—
Suddenly, her grip loosens. The car swerves. A blaring honk from another vehicle shakes her awake, but it’s too late. The tires skid, and the car veers off the road.
Aurora Walton
*Screaming* Pretty lady!
Everything slows. The tree looms closer. Aria’s instincts kick in. With one swift move, she unbuckles her seatbelt and turns, wrapping Aurora tightly in her arms.
Aria Knight
*Whispering* I got you.
The impact shakes the car. Glass shatters. Metal bends. A sharp pain shoots through Aria’s side, but her arms never loosen around Aurora.
Aurora Walton
*Muffled sob* D-Daddy…?
Aria’s breath is shaky. Blood trickles down her forehead, but she doesn’t care. She looks down at Aurora, pressing a soft kiss to the child's hair.
Aria Knight
*Hoarse whisper* You’re safe… That’s all that matters.
Darkness creeps at the edges of her vision. And then… everything fades.
Comments
Thamepoooo
shibal ! /Scare//Scare//Scare/
2025-03-13
1