Sydney quickly recovered over the next two weeks. Her gunshot wound had mostly healed, and she was ready to return home. She just couldn't decide which house to go to. She didn't know what would happen between Aiden and her.
They hadn't discussed it until now. Aiden had been preoccupied with the situation. It was difficult to keep four bodies hidden from the media, one of them being Marilyn. It was all over the news the next day. Aiden's opponents had learned of the event and were quick to investigate.
Reiners manipulated the media as usual, and the truth about his late father was once again hidden.

Mrs Reiner's kidnapping was attributed to William and Marilyn as the masterminds. Marilyn was the dumped girlfriend, and William was the enraged second son, who banded together for vengeance. They bribed Eric, Mike, and Rob with promises of money and movie roles to carry out their orders. That's how the story was presented to the public. Fiona, on the other hand, was too distraught to heal from William's death. She had to be admitted to a mental institution.

"How come Eric's true identity isn't mentioned?" While reading the news, Sydney asked Aiden a question.

"No, it's for the best. Besides, my family owes him. Sweetheart, I understand what you're thinking. We are twisting the narrative, but we cannot afford to reveal the truth about my family to the public. It won't be just my family's name that will be involved. Those who assisted my grandfather in covering up years ago will also be examined. And some of the people who aided us back then now hold positions of authority. It will be a major disaster," Aiden attempted to explain.

"How are they going to justify the murders?" Sydney inquired.

"Rob murdered Emily because she was about to divulge their sabotage attempt. Will and Marilyn kill Rob after he attempts to flee. In the crossfire, Marilyn, Will, and Eric are killed. That is the official report from Detective Conan. I'm not a big fan of lying."He sighed deeply. "But we don't have any other options."

"I understand Aiden, and it wasn't your fault," she answered kindly.

"But why don't you let Mike go free as well?"

Aiden became a little stiffer.

"Is he that important to you?" His words sounded a bit harsh and accusing.

"He is still my friend. He was manipulated. Why do you hate him ?" She asked.

"I don't hate him! I'm sorry, Syd. It's just that... OK! I feel jealous. I hate myself for feeling so, and now that I know he is gay. I feel like an idiot. I was furious that night. Furthermore, I am sorry." He seemed extremely frustrated.

"I've forgiven you," she whispered. " Why else do you think I saved your life?"

He blinked, as if unable to comprehend what she had said. "Sydney, I love you!"

She merely stated, "I know. I heard everything; thank you for talking to me every night."

Thank you, is that all? What else was he expecting? That she would jump in his arms?

"Sydney, we need to talk about something; are you okay with it?" He inquired. He wasn't about to let her leave without a fight. He needed to regain her trust, and he knew exactly how to achieve it.

"What is it that you want to talk about ?"

Her heart pumped faster. She prayed he wouldn't ask her to sign another one of those dreadful contracts. And if he did, she would leave him no matter how often he declared his love for her. She couldn't imagine ever having to look at another contract again. He took a long breath and looked her in the eyes before opening his bag and pulling out that familiar file which she hadn't noticed until now. She cocked her head.

"This is our agreement. I'm cancelling it." He swiftly retrieved the papers from the file. He then ripped it in half, quartered it, and eighthed it before tossing it into the trash.

She was taken aback by his actions and appeared stunned.

"So, what are our options now?" She inquired.

"Well...even if the contract is null and void, we are still legally married...but...you may always serve me with divorce papers if you like." He despised saying the word "divorce," but he had no option. After everything he had put her through, she was entitled to her own opinion. He had no right to force his choice on her, no matter how much he wanted to keep the marriage together.

"Would you like to divorce me?" She inquired, puzzled.

"No way! I love you, sweetheart. I'll never abandon you. But... I haven't treated you well. I'm not sure I deserve you at all. I'd rather not make you stay with me. You have complete freedom to make your own choice."

"I don't want a divorce," she moved forward and cupped his face in her hands, her eyes shining with love, "I love you Aiden, you came to save my life. How could I not love you !"

Aiden couldn't believe what he was hearing. He was still her favourite! He would have crushed her to him and kissed her soundly if she hadn't been wearing bandages and a splint.

"I love you, honey," he exclaimed joyfully, leaning in for a long kiss. "I never thought I'd hear those words from you again."

She muttered back, "Take me home," before succumbing to the exquisite attack of his lips.

"Ahem! Is there any love left for an old man?" Reiner Sr. burst through the door.

Aiden laughed and raised his eyes to his grandfather. Sydney moved away, embarrassed.

"I'm delighted you've finally kissed and reconciled. I believe a honeymoon is the best option right now; let me see if the island near the Bahamas is still available. I've always wanted to purchase an island." As he took a seat in one of the chairs, Sr Reiner stated.

"A honeymoon? Now? But we've been married for months," Sydney said, feeling the blood rush to the face.

"About bloody time I get great-grandchildren!" He said, tapping his cane.

"We're working on it, grandpa," Aiden grinned before returning to kiss Sydney.

"Bah! Love-struck knuckleheads." Sr. Reiner pretended to groan before walking away with a wrinkled smile on his face.