Chapter 199

Lauren's POV

Tears were already streaming down my cheeks before I even realized it. My entire body trembled as I watched Ethan aim the gun at my daughter. My little girl. My heart pounded so hard it hurt, my throat burned, and my knees felt weak beneath me. I wanted to scream, to run toward her, to do something, but I couldn’t. There was nothing I could do, not when he had that gun pointed straight at Aria’s back.

“Please…” I whispered, my voice breaking as I tried to move, but the fear kept me frozen in place. Every breath I took felt sharp, like tiny knives stabbing through my chest.

My eyes darted to my side, desperate for help, for anyone and I searched for Roman. He was right there beside me just seconds ago, standing still and alert, watching Ethan’s every move. But now, he was gone. My heart skipped a beat. Where was he?

Then I looked back at Ethan, confusion filling my chest. Just as his finger tightened around the trigger, a sudden b