Chapter 245 Aria's Sorrow
As the chilly, damp air from the riverbank crept closer, Aria's grin grew even more triumphant. She shot me a glance through the rearview mirror, her eyes practically screaming that she had everything under control.
Just as she was basking in her victorious daydream, a tiny dog suddenly darted out from the bushes by the roadside, heading straight for the car. Aria's eyes went wide with shock as she slammed on the brakes.
The car jolted violently, and I instinctively reached out to steady myself.
"So, you are awake after all," Aria sneered.
I swallowed my panic and forced a smile, trying to keep my voice calm and gentle. "Aria, where are you taking me? Can't we just talk this out?"
"There's nothing to talk about," Aria snapped, her voice tinged with agitation.
"Look, speeding like this is dangerous. If something happens, it won't end well for anyone," I said, trying to soothe her and get her to lower her guard.
"Just be quiet. You'll find out soon enough," Aria said, her grip on the steering wheel tightening until her knuckles turned white.
My heart was pounding in my chest. I had no idea what she intended to do, but a voice inside me screamed that I needed to buy time and wait for help.
Taking a deep breath, I spoke again, my voice filled with cautious concern. "Aria, I know you must have your reasons. If you trust me, maybe I can help."
Aria's grip on the wheel faltered slightly, and the car slowed down a bit. Her voice was choked with emotion. "You can't help me. No one can."
The car sped up again.
My phone vibrated discreetly in my pocket. I carefully pulled it out and glanced at the screen. It was a message from Lila: [Diana, are you okay? I've called the police. Hang in there and try to stall.]
When I saw this lifeline, my tension eased slightly.
But a stronger wave of anxiety quickly washed over me. Aria was on the brink of an emotional breakdown, and every second counted.
"Aria, no matter what happens, we're still friends. Please, don't do anything rash," I said cautiously.
"Friends? You never treated me like a friend. There's no such thing as real friends in this world," Aria's voice grew more agitated.
I was about to say something to calm her down when she suddenly slammed on the brakes again. The car stopped in a secluded spot by the river. My heart leapt into my throat.
Aria looked at me coldly through the rearview mirror. "Diana, I'm sorry."
Just as Aria was about to get out and move me, flashing police lights and the sound of sirens shattered the silence.
Several police cars quickly surrounded the area, trapping Aria's car. Edward, Lila, and others followed closely behind the officers. The cops jumped out of their cars, guns drawn, and formed a tight circle around Aria.
Aria's eyes went wide with shock, her madness giving way to panic. She looked around frantically. "How did they get here so fast?" she muttered, her lips trembling.
She turned to me with a fierce glare. "You! You were awake the whole time and called the police! How dare you?"
Her hands gripped the steering wheel tightly, as if trying to regain control.
"Aria Howard, you're surrounded! You're under arrest for fraud, kidnapping, and other charges. Step out of the vehicle with your hands up!" the lead officer shouted through a megaphone.
When Aria didn't move, the officer continued, "Surrender now and don't resist!"
"No! You must be mistaken! I didn't commit fraud!" Aria screamed, her voice shaking with fear.
"The evidence is clear. Stop resisting and come with us!" the officer replied sternly.
Aria looked around at the stern faces and the guns pointed at her, her body trembling uncontrollably.
Taking a deep breath, I gathered my courage and spoke. "Aria, please, stop. You're only hurting yourself and others. Think about your family. They wouldn't want this for you."
"Family? I don't have family." Aria's voice broke.
"You're only digging yourself deeper. We can help you if you just get out of the car and let Diana go. I won't press charges for what you did to the Howard Group," Edward said, stepping forward anxiously.
Aria shook her head. "Edward, this is the last time I'll call you that. Do you know what I've been through? My life was peaceful and happy until everything changed."
Aria's voice was filled with sorrow. She wiped away her tears, but they kept flowing.
"I had a happy family. We weren't rich, but we had love. Those were my most cherished memories," Aria said, her voice trembling.
"Then, because of an accident, we got caught up in the Howard family's business rivalry. We were just an ordinary family, but you destroyed us to eliminate a potential threat." Aria's voice choked with emotion, her hands clenched into fists, her body shaking.
"That car accident took my parents' lives. I was there, watching them die in a pool of blood. From that day, I was an orphan, taken in by the Howard family out of pity. You gave me a big house and sent me to a fancy school, but it was all because you owed me. I became a tool for the Howard family, with no one caring about my pain or my longing for my parents." As Aria finished speaking, she seemed drained of all energy. Her words moved me deeply.
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