IN LOVE WITH A SOLDIER, VOLUME 2 - Season 9 Episode 94

Sensing his bro was in no mood for small talk, Mike tactfully turned his security detail and ordered, “Guys, get into your car and go to the prison now. We will leave and follow you in a minute.”

Straight away the men dashed to their car and and drove away.

Once they got to the highway Mike stepped on the gas and sped off like a bullet.

“How is she going now?” Lawrence asked anxiously, although he tried to stay still. He was quite nervous. The first thing he wanted to do after his arrival was to meet Aria.

“She wasn’t injured much, but she’s still nursing her wounds, which may take some time to recover fully. After all, she can’t gain good care while in prison,” Mike replied, wishing there was a way they could get Aria proper medical attention. As he said that, Mike peered at Lawrence who sat by, looking both angry and cold while he stared straight ahead like he could see his enemy in the distance.

“What about Rebecca?” Lawrence asked.

“My Dad has arranged for some people to monitor her. She looks quite normal recently, but,” Mike paused for a second. “We’ve found evidence that shows Aria is innocent. Rebecca’s assistant knows all the truth, and as long as she is willing to testify, things will be easy to solve,” he added.

Surprised, Lawrence asked, ‘Will she take our side?”

“Speaking of this, I’m convinced that in this society, everyone pursues money and with money, you can do anything. My family may not be as rich as yours, but we do have enough money to make Rebecca’s assistant tell the truth,” Mike replied.

“So could Aria leave the prison now?” Lawrence then asked. He kicked himself for leaving Aria so vulnerable. Even though he had had a hunch Sally might try to harm her, he hadn’t paid much attention. Now he wanted to bring her out straight away. For the rest of his life, he would never leave her so exposed again.

“Yes, I’ve put everything in order. I was only waiting for you to come and secure her release.” So far Lawrence was very impressed with how Mike had held the fort while he was away.

By now Mike slowed down a great deal, hoping to kill time so they could talk some more. But realizing they had slowed, Lawrence told him to step on the gas again. “We’d better hurry up. Time is of the essence if we’re going to meet Aria now,” he reminded.

When they reached the prison, Mike’s people were already there, standing at the front of the door together with two police officers. They were all waiting for Mike and Lawrence.

As soon as Mike stopped the car at the gate, Lawrence got out and stood in front of the gate, looking at the huge signboard while he waited for Mike.

When Mike finally got out, he stood next to Lawrence, as the two policemen came over to greet.

“Hello, Mr. Lawrence, Mr. Mike,” One policeman greeted, while his colleague just looked very nervous.

“I hope you know why we are here now.” Mike began. “Where is she? Can we take her?” he asked in quick succession.

“Of course, you can,” the policeman who had greeted them replied. “But our leader wants you to go and fill the forms for her release. After that, you can just go with Aria. Besides, Rebecca also happens to be there,” he added.

“He will go fill the forms with you, and I’ll go see Aria right now,” Lawrence instructed at once. He didn’t leave room for anyone to challenge his decision.

Nodding in agreement, Mike motioned the two policemen to do as instructed.

The two policemen looked at each other as if they were silently consulting. Then one offered, “Mr. Lawrence, please follow me. I’ll guide you to Miss. Aria.” The other policeman said, “Mr. Mike, please follow me to fill the forms.”

With no other word, all them left to different directions.

The moment Lawrence walked into the cell, a gust of humid and foul air that smelt of mildew jolted him to the grim conditions. He was horrified to know that on top of her physical injuries, for the past few days, Aria had been living under such appalling conditions. At the thought of this, his heart broke.

Standing in front of a rather high iron gate with a small door to the left, the policeman fumbled for the key in his side pocket. After a moment he pulled out a bunch of about half a dozen and opened the door. “She is here, Sir!” he ushered Lawrence in.

The moment he looked into the room and saw Aria, his heart ached. Crouching in a dark corner, she had curled up into a miserable bundle, holding her arms around the legs with the head slumped onto her knees. Although Lawrence couldn’t see her face, it was apparent she had lost weight.

Walking straight to her, Lawrence totally forgot the repugnant smell and the deplorable bad condition. The light was dim, but he didn’t mind stepping forward and coming to the corner for the woman he loved.

When at long last he reached Aria, Lawrence slowly crouched down and stared at her.

At this moment, Lawrence wanted to lift her and hold her into a tight embrace to warm her up instantly. But on second thought he held back, careful not to scare her.

So he lightly reached out his hand to stroke her tenderly. But the moment he touched her arm, Aria violently threw his hand away.

Shaking and flailing uncontrollably, she screamed at the top of her voice. “Don’t touch me. Don’t. What wrong have I done you?” From the terrible beatings inflicted on her in the past few days, her body still felt raw. When Lawrence touched her, she feared that the heartless gang of criminals was back here to torment her again. She was helpless, weak and vulnerable, and there was nothing she could do to stop them.

Sensing how terrified she was, Lawrence took a step or two back and tried to sooth her. “It’s me darling. Calm down!” he tried to put her at easy.

Aria didn’t realize that it was Lawrence from his voice and she kept shouting, “Don’t…Don’t touch me.” At this moment, she had no hope of meeting Lawrence. She knew Lawrence wasn’t in this city and it was no use thinking he’d come to her rescue.

Unable to control himself anymore, Lawrence tightly held her arms and said firmly, “Hey! Pull yourself together. It’s Lawrence. Look at me.” But Aria kept on shouting, fighting wildly.

That only made her shout louder. “Please, please. Let go of me,” she cried out. But Lawrence still didn’t let her go. Instead, he tightened his grip on her arms.

Now he raised his voice and shouted, “It’s me, Lawrence, please. It’s me, your Larry! Won’t you listen even for a minute?”

Suddenly, the whole world froze in a moment. Aria opened her eyes and met his gaze which reflected conflicted emotions. On the one hand, he was so full of love for her and eager to bring her out of this godawful dungeon. But on the other hand, he seethed with rage and hatred over her tormentors.