Noah's mind was already drafting a plan to destroy Jared and his Godfather. They were done playing with innocent lives, and it was now his turn to play them. He had the pawn, and that was the man who was now lying in the hospital, unconscious. 'What if I cannot harm him inside the hospital?' He smirked, evilness flashing through his eyes. 'I can always end him the moment he takes a step out of this hospital once he recovers. He is on my turf, and here I am the master. Nobody will go unscathed after harming my friend.'

Aria furrowed her brows, noticing the man's strange expression. She had never such a countenance on him, and for a moment, she was rendered speechless. He screamed of pure evilness. 'But why do I find him so sexy? Why does he have to look so handsome in everything he does?'

Unable to stop herself any longer, Aria intertwined her hand with his, leaning closer to him. There were fewer people near the ICU, and Aria did not have to worry about being seen, not that she cared about it in the first place. Ivy was staring at Joshua through the glass pane while Ian attended to him once last time for the day before he handed over his responsibility to Aria.

Aria's sudden action interrupted Noah's thoughts, and he stared at her, wondering what was wrong with her. He raised her eyebrows at her, questioning silently, only to find her gazing at him star-struck. "Aria?"

"Hmm?" She titled her head, smiling at him.

"What is running in your small head?"

"I was wondering what my man was thinking."

"Oh, really? Did you get your answer?" Noah scooted closer to her and pulled her by her waist.

"Maybe, maybe not."

"Tell me about it."

"My man is planning revenge, and from his sinister smile and devilishly handsome expression, I am certain things are going to become chaotic soon."

"Do you think I am sinister and a devil?" Noah mused, his lips rising in amusement.

"Aren't you? Gosh, I love this devilish side of yours." Aria's words surprised Noah, but the monster in him was beyond happy. It was dancing in joy, and all Noah wanted to do at that moment was to kiss her, until she forgot who she was. "You look so sexy and charming that I don't know what to do."

Noah was just about to give her a befitting reply when Ivy interrupted them. "Can't you two control yourself? This is the hospital, and Joshua is still unconscious. How can you two be this brazen and bold?" She chided, her words making Aria blush.

However, Noah remained unfazed, and he stared at his sister-in-law, smiling at her sweetly. "Ivy, wait for Joshua to wake up. I am sure you guys will be horrible than us. You will not be able to control even for a second." Ivy glared at him, cursing him in his mind for blurting out the truth.

"By the way, I am glad that you have stopped crying. I couldn't bear to see a cry baby as my sister." Aria teased, and the next instant, Ivy's glare shifted to her.

"Yeah right." Ivy scoffed, embarrassed by her sister's words. It was true that she had not cried this hysterically after her mother had passed away. The two sisters were strong, and they rarely cried. "As if you have never cried." Ivy's sassed, and Aria rolled her eyes, deciding to keep mum.

Noah did not comment a word, for he was staring at Ivy, formulating another plan to bring Jared down. 'This is not the time to ask her for help. She is clearly affected by Joshua's injury. I need to wait until he wakes up.' He sighed lightly and shook his head. 'Joshua, wake up soon. All my plans are on hold because of you.'

"By the way, what were you thinking?" Aria changed the topic and shifted her gaze to the man beside her.

"I was plotting someone's downfall." Noah lowered his voice as he leaned forward, clasping his fingers. His face was devoid of any expression. But his eyes were filled with anger and wickedness. His words caught Ivy's attention, and she sat beside him, curious to find out more about his plan.

"What plan?" Aria's eyes glowed in excitement, and she held Noah's arm tight, revealing her eagerness. However, the man refused to reveal anything further, much to their dismay.

"I will reveal everything later. I cannot speak about it here." He shushed Aria, and just like that, her curiosity vanished.

"When will Joshua's parents visit him?" Ivy asked after some time.

"Soon. They will be here soon. I just hope they will forgive us for informing them this late." Noah pressed his forehead, thinking about all the problems he would be facing soon. 'I just hope we can tackle the man and end this once and for all.'

Aria noticed Noah's exhausted face and guilt took over her, eating her from within. 'It is all my fault that Noah is in this state. I should have told him soon about my secret. At least, then Joshua would not be lying in the ICU in such a critical situation, and we could have prepared a better plan to deal with Jared and his army.'

"I am sorry, Noah." She breathed, lowering her head in regret. "If I had told you everything before, we would not be meeting such a situation. It is all my fault."

"Hey, hey, hey," Noah turned to face her and cupped her cheek. "Don't blame yourself for things that were not in your hand. Joshua's injury was not your fault, and neither he nor any of us will blame you for the state he is in, for you are not responsible for it. Maybe the situation might have been different if you told us about Maggie before. But we say it with confidence." Noah ran his thumb over her cheek, and Aria had the sudden urge to cry.

"But.. but..." Aria did not know what to say, and Noah understood her problem immediately. Not knowing how to console her, he pecked her lips, assuring her silently.

"Don't worry, Aria. Even though we do not blame you for all of this, I will make sure to punish you for keeping such a huge secret from me." Noah whispered the last part, his promise evident in his voice. "And wait for it, my dear, for your punishment will not let you leave my bed for days." He smirked, and Aria wanted to slap him for his shameless declaration, her rage replacing her grief.

Tired of seeing their display of affection, Ivy cleared her throat. "Guys, please don't forget I am right here."

"Yes, Ivy. We know. We know and let me give you a heads up. I have known Joshua for long, and given his character, he would take care of you well too, thoroughly until you forget everything else." Noah winked her, making Ivy's jaw drop.

Right at this moment, the door to the ICU opened, and Ian rushed out, his face beaming with happiness. "Guys," His sudden thrilled voice garnered everyone's attention, and they stood up at once. "Joshua is awake."