Chapter 027

~~Aiden~~ As the night drew to a close, we finished our family dinner and began to retire to our rooms. My dad had called in earlier to check on my mom, but he was out of town and couldn't visit. Despite the distance, they had a great time catching up, and their conversation filled the room with warmth and laughter. As we prepared for bed, I noticed Hailey's eyes growing heavy, her exhaustion from the day's trip evident. I quickly offered to escort her to her room, but as we climbed the stairs, my mom's voice stopped us. "Uh... what do you think you're doing, son?" she asked, her eyebrow raised in curiosity. Her eyes sparkled with amusement, and I could sense a hint of mischief in her tone. I hesitated, feeling a flush rise to my cheeks. "I'm taking her to her room, mom. She's tired from today's trip." My grip on Hailey's waist tightened, a subconscious gesture that didn't go unnoticed by my mom. Her eyes narrowed, her expression playful. "I know she's tired, but what I don't understand is why you're not taking her to your room." Hailey intervened, her voice weak but laced with a hint of embarrassment. 'It's okay mom, I think it's best he takes me to my room." Mom's eyes sparkled with amusement. "Uh... no. The two of you are going to Aiden's room. Don't tell me you've been sleeping in separate rooms all this while." The silence from Hailey and me was all the confirmation she needed. Her expression turned stern, but her eyes still twinkled with mischief. "Oh, come on... you two are married. Married couples stay together. Now, move." I tried to protest, but mom was relentless. "No buts, Aiden. Don't you know you've been starving Hailey for too long?" Her words were laced with a hint of teasing, but also a deep concern for our well-being. I felt my face heat up with embarrassment. "What do you mean, mom?" I asked, trying to play dumb. Hailey's eyes dropped, and she blushed deeply, her laughter barely suppressed. Mom's expression turned serious, but her eyes still sparkled with amusement. "Hailey, didn't the doctor tell you how important it is for you to get intimate with your husband during pregnancy to aid easier passage of the baby?" mom asked, her voice matter-of-fact. I felt like I'd been punched in the gut. "Mom?!" I exclaimed, mortified. Mom's expression turned sly, and she smirked. "It's okay, son. It shouldn't be that hard. I did it countless times with your father when you were still inside me." Her words were laced with a deep affection and a hint of nostalgia. I stood there, frozen, as mom's words hung in the air. Hailey's laughter was barely suppressed, and I could sense her embarrassment. Mom's expression turned serious, and she urged us on. "Go already, you two. And don't make me have to come looking for you." Her words were laced with a deep love and concern, but also a hint of mischief. As we turned to head to my room, I couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions - embarrassment, amusement, and a deep affection for my mom's meddling ways. Hailey's hand brushed against mine, and I felt a spark of electricity run through my body. I knew that this night was going to be one to remember, or so I thought. As we entered my room, Hailey's eyes widened in awe. The spacious room, with its stunning view, seemed to take her breath away. "Nice room you've got here, Aiden," she said, her voice filled with genuine admiration. I smiled, pleased that she liked it. "I'll take the couch," I said, heading to the closet to grab a duvet. But Hailey stopped me. "No, I don't want to be cruel. The bed is wide enough for both of us. I'll just create a demarcation, and you have to stay on your side." I agreed, and we made the necessary adjustments. After freshening up, we retired to bed, the tension between us palpable. It was past midnight when I woke up to find Hailey's side of the bed empty. Panic set in as I frantically searched the room. That's when I spotted her figure standing outside on the balcony, gazing out at the breathtaking view. I rubbed my eyes, wondering if I was still dreaming. As I approached her, the sound of her sobs hit me like a ton of bricks. My heart racing, I rushed to her side. "Hey, hey, hey, what's wrong?" I asked, alarm etched on my face. She turned to me, tears streaming down her face. In her hand, she clutched a small card, which she had pulled out of an envelope. My heart sank as I recognized the card's format – it was similar to the previous one. But this time, the message was different: "You're close, Ms. Kilman. Remember it all." Hailey's voice trembled as she spoke. "Someone is watching me, Aiden." Her words sent a chill down my spine. I wrapped my arms around her, pulling her close as I tried to comfort her. But my mind was racing – who was behind these sinister messages, and what did they want from Hailey?