บททั้งหมดของ Married Twice, Loved Once : บทที่ 201 - บทที่ 210

8:15 A.M. — Cross MansionMorning sunlight streamed through the large windows of the Cross Mansion, filling the dining room with a warm golden glow.Aria stood quietly in the kitchen, staring down at the plate in front of her.Mashed potatoes.It looked completely ordinary.That was what made her stomach twist.Her fingers tightened around the edge of the counter.For several seconds, she simply stared at it.She could still hear Selene's voice in her head.Don't forget your task.Aria swallowed hard.She didn't want to do this.She didn't want to hurt Damian.But the recording...The threats...Prison...Everything was closing in around her.She slowly carried the plate to the dining table.Damian was already seated, scrolling through his phone.He looked up when she approached.“You made breakfast?”Aria forced a smile.“Yes.”Damian smiled back.“You didn't have to.”“I wanted to.”She placed the plate in front of him.Mashed potatoes with a few other sides arranged neatly beside i

Aria sat on the edge of the bed in the master suite, phone clutched tightly in both hands. The soft glow of the bedside lamp was the only light in the room. Outside, the evening sky had already deepened into indigo.She had been waiting for hours.Waiting for a call. Waiting for any sign that Damian was all right.Her mind kept spinning the same terrible loop."Should I call Lucas and tell him I’ve completed the mission?" "No… no. Not yet." "I’m sure Damian has already been taken to the hospital." God, what have I done?The words slipped out under her breath again and again, a broken mantra. Her fingers trembled so badly she almost dropped the phone.Then it rang.The name on the screen made her pulse spike.""Ethan Cole.""She answered on the first ring.“Hello?”“Where have you been?” Aria’s voice came out sharper than she intended. “Your number hasn’t been going through. I’ve been trying—”“Mr. Richard has been monitoring my movements, dear,” Ethan replied, his tone low and

8:30 A.M. — Carter MansionThe Carter Mansion no longer looked like home.Yellow government tape stretched across the main entrance, while several officials moved in and out of the property.The once-busy driveway was almost empty.No luxury cars.No servants.No security guards standing at the gate.Nothing.Just silence.Elizabeth stood by the window, staring at the government seal placed across the front door.Her fingers trembled.Richard had been arrested.Their accounts had been frozen.And now the mansion had been sealed.She still couldn't believe how quickly everything had collapsed.A few days ago, she had been the wife of Richard Carter.Now she wasn't even sure where she would sleep that night.Footsteps came from upstairs.Vivienne appeared with two suitcases in her hands."Mom."Elizabeth turned."Yes?""Where are we going?"Elizabeth looked at the suitcases.Then at her daughter."I don't know."Vivienne stared at her."What do you mean you don't know?""I mean we have

8:45 A.M. — High CourtThe second day of Richard Carter's trial began under even greater attention.By the time the courtroom doors opened, reporters were already waiting outside. Yesterday's proceedings had made headlines across the city, and everyone wanted to know what evidence the prosecution would present next.Richard was brought into the courtroom shortly before the judge arrived.He looked composed.At least on the outside.His lawyer leaned closer."Today may be more difficult."Richard adjusted his cuffs."I told you. They don't have enough to convict me."His lawyer didn't respond.Richard looked at him."What?""We'll see."Before Richard could answer, the judge entered."All rise."Everyone stood.Moments later, they took their seats.The prosecutor rose."Your Honour, the prosecution would like to call its next witness."The courtroom became quiet.A middle-aged man walked toward the witness stand.Richard watched him carefully.He didn't recognize him.The man took the

10:42 A.M. — Police HeadquartersAria sat quietly inside the interrogation room.Her wrists were still cuffed.She stared at the table in front of her, trying to understand how everything had changed so quickly.Only an hour ago, she had been standing in her kitchen preparing snacks.Now she was sitting in a police station facing murder allegations.The door opened.Inspector Andrew walked in with a folder.A female officer followed him and sat across from Aria.“Mrs. Cross.”Aria looked up.“Yes?”“You're entitled to legal representation before we begin questioning.”“I want a lawyer.”“Of course.”The officer placed a glass of water in front of her.“You can also make a phone call.”Aria immediately reached for the phone.“Damian.”She dialed his number.It rang.And rang.No answer.She tried again.Still nothing.Her eyes filled with tears.“He doesn't know.”Inspector Andrew said nothing.Aria lowered the phone.“Please tell him I'm here.”“You'll be able to speak with your lawye