After All the Hurt, She Chose Herself novel Chapter 265

Aria found herself back at the police precinct, instantly bumping into a familiar face.

"Ms. Rowan, we meet again. What brings you in this time?" the officer asked.

Aria offered an awkward smile. She had been visiting this local precinct so frequently over the last few days that she was basically on a first-name basis with half the squad.

"I was... almost murdered?"

The officer's lighthearted demeanor instantly vanished, replaced by strict professionalism. "Attempted murder? What was the motive? Did they catch the guy? Is someone trying to silence you?"

Since Lilith's high-profile case was still pending, Aria getting attacked immediately drew wild suspicions.

"By the time we got up there, the suspect was seconds away from choking her to death!" the security guard chimed in quickly. "But we tased him. He's currently in holding with the arresting officers."

"Officer, I have the footage right here. Please take a look," Aria said smoothly. Her deliberate, mocking provocation hadn't been picked up by the audio feed. And even if it had, throwing an insult wasn't a legal justification for attempted murder.

The officer reviewed the footage, his brow furrowing. "Do you know this man?"

Aria nodded. "I know him."

The officer's expression grew grim. "An acquaintance? What is his relationship to you?"

"He's my husband."

"Wait, your husband..." The officer blinked in shock. "This guy is your husband?"

Aria nodded again.

The officer couldn't help but feel a deep wave of pity for her. She clearly had no family support, and after finally settling down, she ended up shackled to a violent abuser.

"You're so young. How could you have such terrible judgment in men? You can't just look at a handsome face and assume he's a decent guy. You need to be more careful."

Aria knew perfectly well that Gideon's elite status meant Aldous would handle this before it ever went to trial. Her primary goal was never to put Gideon behind bars.

The guard was taken to an interrogation room for a routine statement. Aria, now a seasoned veteran of the precinct waiting area, sat quietly on a bench. Aldous would definitely get the news and rush down here to bail his precious grandson out.

"Aria! How dare you frame my son! What exactly are you trying to achieve?! Will you only be satisfied when you completely destroy this family?!"

Aria heard Eveline's screeching voice before the woman even stormed through the double doors. A second later, Eveline charged into the lobby. Aldous arrived right behind her, being pushed in his wheelchair by Raphael.

Raphael's eyes instantly locked onto Aria. "Are you hurt?"

Eveline whipped around. "Raphael! Gideon is sitting in a holding cell, and you—his own uncle—are checking on the woman who put him there?!"

"That is enough!" Aldous barked, coughing heavily. "Aria, tell me exactly what happened."