Chapter 026

~~Aiden~~ As we prepared to leave Germany and head back to Nova Haven, I couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions. Relief washed over me knowing that my mom was on the road to recovery, but the tension between Hailey and me was palpable. The doctor's words echoed in my mind - Hailey's presence had been the catalyst for my mom's awakening. Yet, after the confrontation with Sandra, I hadn't mustered the courage to talk to Hailey. As we loaded our luggage onto the private jet, the silence between us was deafening. My mom, confined to a wheelchair, seemed to sense the unease. "Are you two just going to sit there and not say anything to each other?" she asked, her eyes darting back and forth between us. I felt a pang of guilt, but Hailey and I both remained silent, our gazes fixed on nothing in particular. My mom's voice broke the silence again. "Aiden, Hailey saved my life. Have you even thanked her for that yet?" I stuttered, feeling a lump form in my throat. "Uhm... hmm." Hailey intervened, her voice soft and gentle. "It's okay, mom. It's a good thing I was with you then. I didn't do anything special." I felt a surge of gratitude towards Hailey, and my voice came out sincere. "No, mom is right, Hailey. Thanks. For everything." Our eyes met, and for a moment, the tension between us dissipated. My mom's sarcastic remark broke the spell. "You both should kiss already." Hailey's eyes dropped, and I felt my face heat up. I rubbed my palm on my trousers, trying to appear nonchalant. The thought of kissing Hailey, something we had never done before, made my heart skip a beat. It wasn't part of our contract, and I doubted she would be willing to cross that boundary, but mom wasn't aware of that, was she?" I thought. As the pilot's voice echoed through the air, "Prepare for landing," we all held on, bracing ourselves for the touchdown. Our ride was waiting outside, ready to take us home. A few minutes later, we arrived at my place, where I had insisted Mom stay with me until she was fully recovered. As we stepped out of the car, I was taken aback by a familiar figure standing in my front doorway. Sandra. What was she doing here? I thought, my anger simmering just below the surface. My gatekeeper rushed towards me, apologizing profusely for being overpowered by Sandra. I dismissed him with a wave of my hand, my eyes locked on Sandra. Hailey helped Mom out of the car, and her eyes immediately locked onto Sandra's. Her expression turned icy, her eyes flashing with anger. "Aiden, what is she doing here?" Mom asked, her voice firm and commanding. I shook my head. "I don't know, Mom. She just keeps appearing out of nowhere." Mom's eyes narrowed, her gaze fixed on Sandra. Sandra rushed towards Mom, but Mom was having none of it. She shoved Sandra's hands away, her expression stern. "Who are you to me, huh?" Mom fired, her voice dripping with venom. "Our relationship ended when you broke my son's heart." Mom's words were like a slap in the face, and Sandra recoiled, her eyes wide with shock. Mom's defense of me was no surprise. She had been my rock during the darkest moments of my heartbreak, cleaning up after my mess daily. I wasn't shocked that she was reacting this way. Sandra tried to protest, but Mom cut her off. "It's Madam Alora to you from now on, Sandra." The use of Sandra's full name was a clear indication of Mom's disdain. It was a stark contrast to the affectionate "Sandy" she had used during our time together. The hurt and betrayal were still raw, and Mom's words only served to rub salt in the wound. Sandra attempted to approach my mom again, but Hailey swiftly intervened, her baby bump prominent beneath her gown. Her eyes blazed with a fierce intensity as she shot Sandra a warning glance. "Listen up, Sandra, or whatever your name is," Hailey began, her voice firm and authoritative. "I didn't give you a taste of who I am back at the hospital, but I won't let you add to the stress my mom-in-law is already feeling." Sandra's face contorted in pain as Hailey's grip on her arm tightened. "Stop, you're hurting me!" Sandra cried out, pleading for help. Hailey's expression remained unyielding. "It would be best if you just left." With a firm yank, Hailey released Sandra's arm, sending her stumbling backward. I watched, impressed, as Hailey escorted my mom inside. This was a side of Hailey I had never seen before - strong, fierce, and protective. I couldn't help but feel a surge of admiration and affection for her. Sandra grasped my hands, her eyes pleading. "Aiden, please, you have to forgive me. Life hasn't been the same without you. My career is going down the drain." Her words dripped with desperation, but I remained unmoved. I raised an eyebrow, incredulous. "So that's why you're here?" I asked, my tone laced with sarcasm. "Your career?" Sandra's eyes darted downward, and she mumbled, "No, no..." But I cut her off, my anger boiling over. "Of course, you'll always be Sandra, won't you? Always trying to fix things when they're not going well for you, and you need help. You never apologize for anything. And now you think just showing up in my life with some half-hearted apology will make me want to help you? How pathetic." My voice dripped with disdain. "Apparently, this was the only thing I was good for in your eyes - fixing your problems. Well, I've got news for you, Sandra. I'm done being your safety net." I turned to the gatekeeper. "Please escort her off the premises. Make sure she never sets foot in this compound again." The gatekeeper nodded and firmly guided Sandra toward the gate, her protests and pleas falling on deaf ears.