The Devil's Contractual Bride-Chapter 25: Apart

Aria’s POV

The banging on the front door was anything but polite anymore,it was rather excessively violent with each thud shaking the entire penthouse like someone was trying to tear the frame apart.

"Police! Open the door, Mr. Voss! This is your final warning — open up or we break it down!" The loud voice reiterated.

Lucian and I were still halfway across the living room,his hands still on my wrist like he wasn’t sure whether to hold on or let go.

Scared and worried about what might be the problem this time,we both stood staring at the door.

"They’re going to break it," I whispered.

Lucian’s jaw clenched as he stepped in front of me. "Just stay behind me no matter what happens."

I grabbed his sleeve. "Lucian, don’t fight them again, please."

The next bang was followed by a sharp crack, the doorframe gave way and the door burst inward.

Six officers stormed in with their guns drawn and the blinding I and Lucian’s sight.

As the flashlights gave way,I noticed the familiar figure behind them,it was Andre.

His face was pale, evidently showing that he was in a state of panic "Aria!"

He shoved past the lead officer and speedingly pulled me into a crushing hug.

"You’re okay," he breathed against my hair. "Thank God you’re okay."

I clung to him for a second still confused at what was going one

The officers swept the room ,they were not even trying to hide their weapon."Hands where we can see them, Mr. Voss!"

Lucian raised his hands slowly while the officers walked close to him,one officer holding him on each arm.

Andre pulled back,his hands remained in. on my shoulders as he scanned me head to toe.

"Hope you’re not hurt?" he asked.

"I’m fine," I replied firmly as I searched his eyes for an explanation.

The lead officer ,Sgt. Harris, as stated on his badge, lowered his weapon slightly upon hearing my response.

"Ma’am," he said, voice softening. "We received a 911 call from Mr. Andre. He reported hearing loud screaming, banging and threats of violence so given your unhidden strained relationship with Mr Voss,he feared for your safety."

Andre nodded quickly. "I heard her yelling which was followed by a loud thud then a deafening silence" His voice broke,then he turned to me. "I thought he was hurting you again."

Lucian’s face darkened."I wasn’t hurting her!!!," he thundered.

The sergeant looked between us.

"Mrs. Voss," he said. "Can you confirm you’re not injured or under any harm in the hands of Mr Voss?"

I looked at Lucian,he looked back—his pupils were dilated and I could hear him say sorry even though he was mute.

"I’m not injured," I answered, moving my gaze to Sgt Harris. "We were arguing just like every other couple,but he didn’t hit me."

Andre sucked in a breath. "Are you sure Aria?You don’t have to be scared."

Lucian’s gaze snapped to him. "Stay out of this."

The sergeant raised a hand. "Everyone calm down. Mr. Voss, given your history of violence but at home and with Mr Ethan, we’re Miss Aria spends the night with Mr. Andre, at least until the tension here calms down."

Lucian became furious."You’re taking her away?" 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆𝙬𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝒎

"Not permanently," the sergeant said. "Just for tonight or until we can verify that there’s no immediate danger to Miss Arian. She can return tomorrow if she wants but right now, we need to make sure she’s safe."

Andre’s hand found mine and he squeezed his palm into mine

"I have a spare room," he said. "You can stay for as long as you want."

I looked back at Lucian,he was standing perfectly still but his fists clenched at his sides ready to strike.

"Okay I’ll go" I whispered.

Lucian’s entire body tensed."Aria—" His voice cracked on my name.

"I need space," I managed to speak. "You asked for it earlier, now I’m taking it."

He flinched,then lowered his head.

The sergeant nodded. "Alright then,we’ll escort you out ma’am."

Andre kept his arm around my shoulders as we walked to the elevator.

When we got downstairs ,Andre helped me with the doors to the police cruiser and into the back seat.

Lucian stood at the elevator doors, watching as the cruiser pulled away.

I watched him disappear in the rearview mirror. I didn’t know what the heavy feeling in my chest was but I knew that I yearned to be closer to him now than ever before.

Andre reached over and squeezed my hand like before "You’re safe now," he reassured me.

Andre’s apartment was small and cluttered with books and plants and the faint smell of coffee like always.

He gave me sweatpants and an old T-shirt which I changed into in the bathroom

When I came out, he had tea already waiting on the coffee table.

I sat on the couch and he sat beside me.

"You don’t have to talk but I’m here for you anytime."

I stared at the tea."I don’t know what to do," I squeezed out,hot tears rolling down my cheeks before I could stop it."

Andre took my hand.

"You don’t have to think about this tonight Aria, just know that you’re safe. Try and get some sleep, we’ll figure out something tomorrow."

He showed me to the spare room where I crawled into the bed without hesitation and pulled the covers up to my chin.

I placed my hand on my stomach and felt the little life growing inside me"I’m sorry you’re coming into this."

I picked up my phone to call Lucian,I didn’t want to but I missed him.

I hesitated for a minute but as I was about to press call,a message popped into my phone.

**Hello Aria, I know Ethan is lying and I can help you prove it. Meet me tomorrow by 7pm at Monty park if you want to know more. Come alone.**