Unconscious Husband: Meet Her Love In Silence

#Chapter1 Revenge "Miss Edwards, I need your signature on this consent form for artificial insemination surgery," said the lawyer as he presented the document to Ariana Edwards. Ariana gripped the pen, her knuckles turning white as she stared at the consent form. The surgery was scheduled for tomorrow, and today was her wedding. The donor of the sperm was none other than Theodore Anderson, the eldest son of the wealthy Anderson family, and also her groom. But fate had dealt a cruel hand. Theodore had been in a horrific car accident three months prior and was now comatose, unlikely to ever recover. His life hung by a thread, and it was uncertain how long he would last. The Anderson family, known for their fixation on succession and legacy, was desperate to ensure Theodore's bloodline would continue. So his father, Darian Anderson, took it upon himself to get his son a wife. The sperm that Theodore froze years ago was going to be inseminated into the bride's womb before he died. As Ariana looked down at the consent form in front of her, her complexion was ashen, and her eyes betrayed a subtle sense of panic. "Please, can you give me some space to collect my thoughts? I need to read through it carefully," she said to the lawyer, her voice trembling with emotion. After a few seconds of silence, the lawyer nodded and left the room. The lawyer's departure left the room in an eerie silence. Ariana immediately placed the consent form on the table. She had to call Jasper Anderson, her secret boyfriend, for help. As fate would have it, Jasper, Theodore's half-brother, was the mastermind behind this wedding. Ariana's life had been turned upside down by the recent passing of her father, and the ruthlessness of her stepmother, Glenda Edwards. Ariana was left with nothing, not even her deceased mother's belongings which were also taken away. Just when Ariana felt cornered, Jasper came to her with a proposition: she would pretend to marry Theodore, and they would find a way to sabotage the surgery. After Theodore's death, Jasper would become the sole heir of the Anderson family, and in return, he promised to marry Ariana and help her reclaim her mother's belongings. Ariana, under Jasper's spell, initially agreed to the plan. However, as the wedding drew closer, she realized that she couldn't go through with it. Desperately seeking Jasper's comfort and counsel, Ariana tried calling him, but to no avail. In a state of anxiety, she sneaked out to look for him. She took off her high heels, held them in her hands, and walked down the corridor, her heart racing with fear and anticipation. Ariana's footsteps came to a sudden halt as she approached the last lounge at the end of the corridor. A faint noise could be heard coming from the slightly open door. It was the sound of a familiar giggle. Through the crack, she heard a familiar voice. "Stay with me for a little longer, Jasper. Ariana doesn't have time to look for you now." Her heart sank, and she inched closer to the door, peering inside through the small opening. She saw Brielle Edwards, her half-sister, and Jasper on the sofa. Jasper spoke impatiently as he pushed Brielle away to get up. "I need to keep an eye on her. I'm afraid she will have cold feet about the wedding." But Brielle, carelessly dismissing the concern, got close to him and said, "Oh, stop worrying so much. She always listens to you. Besides, we have her mother's belongings with us. She wouldn't dare to run away." Jasper seemed relieved. "You're right. Thank you, baby. I will get rid of her when I finish the plan. I only want you..." Ariana watched in horror as they talked about their scheme against her. The reality of the situation hit her hard, and she was left reeling, struggling to maintain her balance as she stumbled backward. The betrayal was too much for Ariana to bear. Her heart shattered into a million pieces as tears streamed down her cheeks. Fury surged through her veins, and she balled her fists so tightly that her nails dug into her palms. She listened to them with a mix of disgust and rage. But Ariana was not defeated. She had to take action. She would not let Jasper and Brielle get away with their treachery. With newfound determination, she wiped away her tears, slipped on her high heels, and strode back to the room. Without a moment's hesitation, she signed the consent form, determined to become the true daughter-in-law of the Anderson family. And she would make sure that Jasper and Brielle would pay for their betrayal, no matter what it took. * At night, the Anderson family's residence was illuminated by bright lights, casting a glow over the extravagant surroundings. Ariana was escorted to Theodore's room by the housekeeper, just after the wedding. This was the first time she was meeting her so-called husband. According to Jasper, Theodore was a man with a terrible temper, a bad character, and a cruel personality. He was even cold to his own family. Jasper used every insulting word to describe Theodore, even "ugly." Ariana had believed Jasper's words and was mentally prepared to face a husband who was anything but handsome. However, when she saw Theodore for the first time, even though he was ill, she couldn't help but notice his inherent nobility and incredibly handsome appearance. Ariana stood motionless beside the bed, admiring Theodore's stunning features, and began to doubt everything Jasper had told her. At that moment, Jasper pushed the door open and swaggered into the room, speaking loudly and with no regard for Theodore's condition. "I'm sorry, Aria. I was too preoccupied today, and I regret not answering your call," Jasper uttered, feigning remorse. Ariana had to play along with Jasper's scheme for the time being, so she replied, "It's alright. Don't worry about it." Jasper's smug grin widened. "I knew you would forgive me; you love me too much," he said confidently. Ariana clenched her fists, containing her fury. "It's late now. We can talk about whatever you wanted to discuss tomorrow." Jasper locked the door, plunging the room into darkness, and slowly approached her. Ariana retreated nervously, questioning him, "Jasper, what do you want from me?" With a wicked smirk, Jasper pounced on her, saying, "We shouldn't waste time. If you carry my child, our child will become an Anderson heir." Jasper didn't take Theodore seriously. How dare he want to do that right in front of his brother! Ariana fought back, shouting, "Let me go!" Jasper abruptly halted, and Ariana gazed up at him, dazed. She saw his expression shift to one of pure terror, as if he had seen a ghost behind her. In a trembling voice, Jasper muttered, "Theodore..." #Chapter2 Artificial Insemination Operation Jasper immediately took to his heels. Ariana was confused. What was wrong with him? Did Theodore wake up? She quickly turned around, but she didn't notice anything odd. Theodore was still lying on the bed, and his breath was as steady and quiet as before. The only difference was that one of his hands was out of the quilt. Ariana tilted her head and studied the hand for a while. It looked limp, so she felt that it probably fell out when she bumped into the bedframe while trying to dodge Jasper. "Theodore?" Ariana called tentatively. There was no response. She leaned forward and called out more firmly, "Hey, Theodore!" Still, she got no response. Ariana swallowed hard and slowly walked to the bedside. She carefully took hold of his hand and put it back under the quilt. Theodore still didn't move a muscle during the process. This eased her mind greatly. It turned out he was still in a deep coma. Perhaps Jasper had hallucinated. Ariana breathed a sigh of relief. The room returned to its usual quietness again. Ariana's heart was still beating fast. For some unknown reason, she feared that Theodore would suddenly open his eyes. She sat on the edge of the bed and stared at him closely. A while later, she dozed off due to tiredness. The next day, Ariana woke up to find herself lying on the edge of the bed. She quickly turned her head to look at Theodore. To her relief, he didn't seem to have moved an inch the whole night. Ariana felt the weight of uncertainty drop off her shoulders now. She finally ruled out the possibility that Jasper had really seen Theodore move last night. Ariana went to the bathroom to wash up. While she was brushing her teeth, her eyes fell on a red mark on her neck. It wasn't there before. It looked like someone had pinched her there recently. When Ariana remembered the struggle with Jasper last night, she reasoned that the red mark was his doing. Disgust surged inside her at the thought of that betrayer. Ariana set down her toothbrush and went back into the bedroom. She put on a turtleneck top to cover the mark. When she was all dressed up, she went downstairs. She had just gotten to the bottom stair when Jasper appeared out of nowhere and pulled her into a cubicle nearby. "Did Theodore wake up last night?" he whispered into her ear, fearing that someone would hear them. Ariana felt sick to her stomach at the sight of Jasper. She took two steps back and replied expressionlessly, "No, he didn't." "That's good to know. My eyes tricked me last night. For a second, I thought Theodore opened his eyes and stared daggers at me. Thank goodness it was just an illusion." Jasper took a deep breath, feeling relieved. He flashed his usual sunny smile. This smile used to send excitement through Ariana's body in the past. But now, she hated it. She lowered her eyes so he wouldn't see the resentment in her eyes. Oblivious to the real reason, Jasper felt that she was unhappy because of what happened last night. He apologized softly. "I'm sorry about what happened, Aria. I didn't mean to be rough with you." Ariana forced a smile. "Okay, it's fine." She then made up an excuse so she could leave the cubicle immediately. When she got to the dining room, she saw that Darian was already seated at the table. He was a serious man who rarely smiled. After Ariana greeted him, he only nodded slightly. He exuded a cold and uncaring aura. On the other hand, Sharon, Theodore's stepmother, was enthusiastic. She was Jasper's biological mother, so she probably knew about his plan. It was the only logical explanation for her excessive warmth and friendliness. Ariana felt uncomfortable throughout breakfast. Once they were done eating, Darian took her to the private hospital owned by the Anderson family. Jasper came along. When Ariana was being ushered into the operating room, he gave her a knowing look. Ariana took the hint. She smiled to assure him that she hadn't forgotten the plan. But the moment she turned around, her smile vanished. She walked into the operating room with a cold face. Fear slowly crept into her heart at this time. But when she remembered how Jasper had betrayed her, she gritted her teeth and balled her fists. She was hell-bent on getting revenge and taking back what rightfully belonged to her. The insemination took about an hour. Ariana, whose face was pale, was wheeled out in a wheelchair. The doctor took off his mask and said to Darian, "Everything went well, Mr. Anderson. Now, we have to wait for about a month to confirm if it is successful." Jasper's face darkened as soon as he heard this. In contrast, Darian's usually cold face lit up with a smile. Even a blind man could see that he was pleased with the news. He looked at Ariana with an expression of satisfaction. Afterward, he ordered one of his drivers to drive her and Jasper back home. On the way, Jasper's face was red with anger. Several green veins became visible on his forehead and temples, but he didn't utter a word. Ariana didn't bother speaking to him. She looked out of the window, lost in thought. Once they got out of the car, Jasper flipped out. He grabbed her arm and pulled her to the garden to give her a piece of his mind. "Ariana! I thought we agreed that you would ruin the operation. Why didn't you do so?" Jasper growled. As far as Ariana was concerned, she didn't owe this backstabber an explanation. He disgusted her. She shook off his hand and said coldly, "Mind the way you speak to me, Jasper. I'm your sister-in-law now!" Jasper held his head and let out an angry laugh. He kicked the tree nearby. "What did you just say? Are you kidding me?" Ariana's heart skipped a beat when she saw his bloodshot eyes. She spun on her heels, but Jasper pulled her back. "Did I tell you to leave? Don't even dare walk out on me, Ariana! I'm not done speaking to you!" Sparks of fury burned in Jasper's eyes. Ariana was both scared and annoyed. She tried to break free while glaring at him. "Let go of me!" Jasper grabbed her with both hands and leaned over. "This wasn't what we agreed on. Are you trying to pull a fast one on me now that you are married to Theodore? Just so you know, you can't get rid of me. There's no telling that you would get pregnant. Even if you do, Theodore won't be able to protect you and your baby." "Bah! How are you so sure about that? Theodore is still alive, isn't he?" Ariana sneered. "No matter what happens, I'm still your sister-in-law. You better come to terms with it now!" This comment drove Jasper nuts. He raised his hand to slap her. But before that could happen, a servant rushed out of the house and shouted, "Ma'am! Mr. Theodore Anderson just woke up. He wants to see you!" #Chapter3 He Woke Up Ariana and Jasper were both taken aback by the sudden revelation that Theodore had awakened from his coma. Jasper's face contorted with anger as he tightened his grip on Ariana's arm, accusing her of deception. "You lied to me? What I saw last night wasn't an illusion. You knew Theodore woke up, didn't you? That's why you've been acting so strange today!" Ariana refused to explain, her expression turning into a sneer as she shrugged off Jasper's grasp, leaving him behind as she followed the servant's lead. Jasper seethed with anger, his fists clenching as he watched her retreating form. He kicked a nearby flowerpot in frustration, the sound of shattering pottery echoing through the garden. The sprawling Andersons' estate was a maze of hallways and rooms, adorned with vibrant flowers in every shade. Ariana made her way down the endless corridor, lost in her thoughts and worries. She finally reached the small villa where Theodore was recuperating, nestled behind the lush garden. The peaceful surroundings were bathed in warm sunlight, a sharp contrast to the chaos in Ariana's mind. She couldn't shake the worries that clouded her thoughts, unsure if Theodore had awoken during the night or overheard her conversation with Jasper. Ariana's heart raced as she contemplated what would happen if Theodore had heard the conversation between her and Jasper. Her face was drained of color, her eyes filled with fear. Her husband was known to be cruel and merciless, with power and connections that reached far and wide, even among the police and gangs. Those who dared to cross him often met with a grisly fate. "Ma'am, here we are." Ariana was jolted back to reality by the servant's voice. She breathed deeply, steeled herself, and took a slow step inside. Coincidentally, Darian dashed toward her, both of them exchanging brief greetings. And in silence, they walked through the villa's entrance. A group of doctors encircled Theodore on the huge bed as they approached. After the examination, the attending doctor sighed and said, "Although Mr. Theodore Anderson has regained consciousness, the accident has taken a toll on his body, particularly his legs. They are too damaged, and he will never be able to walk normally again. Physiotherapy will take a long time." Darian's disbelief was palpable. "You mean he's... he's disabled?" Ariana frowned, and to her surprise, she glimpsed relief in Darian's expression. "I'm afraid so," the doctor admitted with deep regret. "I see. You can leave now." With a flick of his wrist, Darian dismissed the doctors and turned his attention to Theodore, wearing an unusually soft smile. "Rest well, Theodore. You shouldn't worry about anything else. I'll find the best doctor to treat your legs." Then, Darian turned to Ariana and said, "You may have to take care of Theodore from now on." Ariana almost wanted to roll her eyes at Darian. She couldn't help but think that he was making her his son's caregiver. Theodore sat propped up against the headboard, his eyes filled with an icy indifference that sent shivers down anyone's spine. He seemed aloof and detached from everything around him, his face shrouded with an icy chill. Finally, he looked up and locked his gaze with Darian's, asking in a frigid tone, "Who is she?" Ariana was taken aback by Theodore's short question, unsure how to respond to him. Her heart raced, and her mind raced faster. She didn't even know how to introduce herself to him. The thought of Theodore being able to leave this arranged marriage at any moment caused Ariana to shiver. She had to see her plan through; otherwise, it would all be for nothing. "She is your wife, Ariana Edwards," Darian said. Theodore's expression turned colder. "I don't remember having a wife. Where did you find this liar?" he said, disdain dripping from his words. "I arranged her for you," Darian replied in a tone that was uncharacteristically sharp. "Everyone knows it." But Theodore wasn't going to let it go so easily. "Then I'll divorce her!" he spat. "Not just anyone can be my wife. If you want someone to take care of me, you'd better hire a caregiver directly." The words hung in the air, freezing the already tense atmosphere. Darian's face twitched with anger, but he restrained himself. "Divorce is impossible," he said through gritted teeth. Theodore sneered at Darian. "What right do you have to make decisions for me?" The tension was palpable in the room as Ariana stood. She felt like a mere onlooker to the father and son's tumultuous relationship. Darian's voice quivered with fury as he growled, "It was already decided. Ariana just underwent the artificial insemination surgery, and there's a chance she's carrying your child." Theodore's eyes snapped to Ariana, scanning her form as if she was a mere object. It felt like an eternity before he chuckled and asked Ariana, "So, should I arrange a doctor for you to get rid of the baby?" #Chapter4 He Knew It Ariana was in shock after hearing what Theodore had said. She stood there, paralyzed and speechless. Darian was seething with anger and lashed out, "What are you saying? This child is of the Anderson family's lineage!" To this, Theodore replied with icy detachment, "The Anderson family has many descendants. This one can be abandoned. And if you don't want to abandon it, I have ways to make it disappear." Every word was like a crushing blow to Ariana's heart, leaving her unsettled and anxious. Darian was beyond furious and he pointed a trembling finger at Theodore. "How dare you speak to me in that manner? You are an ingrate! Do you not consider me your father?" Theodore let out a cold sneer. "Father? You are not worthy of being called that, Darian." The atmosphere was tense, as Darian's hand came down hard on the lamp, sending it crashing to the floor. Ariana took a step back, wary of the explosive emotions of the father and son. Despite Darian's rage, Theodore remained unperturbed. He appeared to be accustomed to the violent outbursts of his father, casually picking up a glass of water and taking a leisurely sip, unfazed by the intense situation. Darian took a deep breath, his body radiating anger as he realized there was no use in continuing the conversation. "It's too soon to be discussing a divorce," he said, his words dripping with authority. "Ariana just underwent the artificial insemination surgery. We would only find out if it was successful in a month. If you are still adamant about getting a divorce, then we can discuss it." He emphasized the last sentence and leveled a sharp look at Theodore, daring him to object. Theodore, however, sneered and remained silent. Even weakened by his illness, he exuded an aura of power that belied his physical state. "Think about it," Darian spat out, the frustration clear in his voice, before turning and storming off in a huff. Ariana stood there, unsure of what to do to break the tension between her and Theodore. They were married now, and Ariana might have been carrying his child. It would be easier for everyone if they could get along civilly in their future life together. But then, she thought about how much he must be suffering from his disability and his short temper. After careful consideration, Ariana decided to take the first step to mend their relationship. If she could show him kindness and care, perhaps she could use his affection for her to advance her own plans for revenge. Tentatively, Ariana stepped closer to Theodore's bedside and looked upon his handsome face with nervousness. She hesitated for a moment, steeling herself to start a conversation. His gaze was cold and unyielding, but she had to try. "Mr. Anderson, my name is Ariana, and I'm your wife..." Her voice trailed off as his icy stare bore into her. She knew she was telling the truth, but he didn't seem to want to accept it. Suddenly, Theodore's hand shot out and seized hers in a tight grip. Ariana gasped in surprise and stumbled, falling into his arms. His body was warm and his scent was intoxicating, overwhelming her senses. As she struggled to right herself, Theodore put his other hand on her nape and pressed her head closer. Fear welled up inside her as Ariana realized just how dangerous this man could be. "You don't have what it takes to be my wife. This position demands someone who isn't a coward, someone who isn't afraid of me. Do you have a guilty conscience? Is that why you're so nervous around me?" Theodore's breath was hot on Ariana's neck as he leaned in to whisper these cutting words, causing her to shiver in fear. He gazed down at Ariana as his slender fingers slid beneath the collar of her turtleneck blouse and then touched her neck with the tenderness of a doting lover. His gesture sent shivers down her spine and she felt her heart race. Ariana's voice quavered with trepidation as she stuttered, "I... I don't." Theodore sneered with a malevolent glint in his eyes, relishing the fear he had induced in her. Ariana could feel his heartbeat, each thump ringing in her ears like a death knell. What did he mean by this? Theodore's voice was low and menacing. "Did you enjoy your time with Jasper in front of me?" Panic settled in as Ariana realized that Theodore was awake the entire time on their wedding night. He had seen Jasper sneaking into their room. #Chapter5 Terrifying Husband Theodore's eyes bored into her, and for a moment, he seemed to take pleasure in her panic. But when his gaze fell on her belly, his expression twisted into one of pure malice. A cold, cruel glint flickered in his eyes, sending shivers down Ariana's spine. "You'd better hope that you're not pregnant," he hissed, his voice laced with venom. "Because if you are, I'll make sure it never sees the light of day." Her heart sank as she heard the threat in his words. Theodore was every bit as ruthless as Jasper had warned her. Maybe even worse. In a desperate bid to save her own life, Ariana lowered her head, her voice trembling with fear as she tried to explain herself. "Theodore, please listen to me. I broke up with Jasper, and I never..." "Get out!" Theodore's patience ran out, and his face twisted into an icy mask. "I never want to see your face again." Ariana realized that convincing Theodore was impossible, no matter how much she tried. She hastened to make her escape, but on her way out, she collided with a sophisticated gentleman in a sleek suit. Trembling, she apologized quickly and bolted out of Theodore's room, not daring to look back. Once Horace Silence strode into the room, he immediately observed Theodore's intense gaze fixed on the spot where Ariana had vanished. It was as if he was lost in deep contemplation, mulling over something of great importance. After a moment's reflection, Horace placed a test report on the nearby bedside table. "According to the doctor, your body is healthy, and after some remedial exercises of your legs, you can fully recover. He will continue to cooperate with your orders and pretend that your legs are disabled. Everyone in the Anderson family believes it," Horace reported to his boss. Theodore smiled, the satisfaction clear in his eyes. "Let's keep them in the dark for a little longer. I want them to think they are invincible before I destroy them." Horace then took out another document. "Boss, this contains information about your new wife, Ariana Edwards," he said, fulfilling his duty as a senior assistant. Horace moved to place the document on the bedside table, but Theodore snatched it from him. Horace was a bit surprised. Then he spoke with a touch of hesitancy. "You may be surprised to hear this, boss, but Ms. Edwards lived a miserable life. Her life has been marked by a series of unfortunate events that have left her with little recourse. She lost her mother at the tender age of 13, and shortly thereafter, her father remarried a woman who brought with her a girl. The girl is Ms. Edwards' younger half-sister. The existence of Ms. Edwards' stepmother and half-sister was clear proof that her father had been cheating on her mother for ages. Fueled by anger, Ms. Edwards left for studies abroad as soon as she became an adult, hoping to escape the pain of her past. However, she didn't get to see her father again before his death. Yet even with her father's passing, she was unable to find closure, as her stepmother seized control of the family's assets and cast her out onto the streets. Given her circumstances, it's possible she felt she had no choice but to marry you..." Theodore's eyes narrowed as he perused the report, a slight frown marring his features. "Horace, I can read. I don't need you to interpret," he said in a clipped tone. Horace nodded subserviently, but it wasn't long before he could no longer hold his tongue. "I just feel that Ms. Edwards' past is a little similar to yours. She also has a stepmother, and was—" Theodore's face contorted into a cruel smile as he cut him off. "Do I have to remind you of your surname?" he hissed. Horace gulped audibly and took a step back. His boss's threat was clear. He knew better than to push the issue any further. Theodore let out a disdainful snort as he recalled the fear that had been etched on Ariana's face. The memory only served to deepen his frown. * Meanwhile, Ariana scurried out of Theodore's room and headed to find the housekeeper, Judy Kelly. The warm-hearted, slightly plump middle-aged woman took Ariana's hands in hers as she persuaded, "Mr. Anderson has just woken up and he may need some time to adjust. Love requires patience and understanding. Please, my dear, be obedient and tolerant toward him. Things might turn around for the better soon." Ariana bit her tongue, holding back the retort that she wouldn't please that tyrant even if she was out of her mind. After Judy arranged a guest room for her, Ariana collapsed onto the bed, exhausted from the day's events. She fell asleep in no time. The next morning, Ariana jolted awake to the blaring sound of her phone alarm. As she blinked away the sleep from her eyes, she gazed up at the unfamiliar ceiling, her heart heavy with confusion and worry. Her mind swirled with thoughts of her future and how uncertain it had become. Ariana had foolishly believed that her husband's death was imminent and that she could secure her place as an Anderson family daughter-in-law. But the reality was far from what she had hoped. Not only had Theodore survived, but he also seemed intent on banishing her from the family altogether. Ariana groggily reached over and fumbled with her phone until she found the alarm. As she silenced the ringing, a piece of news caught her bleary eyes. "Hundreds of high-price items are on sale at the auction in Ivebridge..." The headline grabbed her attention, and she leaned closer to read more. Her eyes widened in shock as she saw the first item on the auction block was a necklace that belonged to her late mother.