Aria didn’t respond immediately. Instead, she stood still, her gaze fixed on the shadow cast on the wall. The silence stretched between them, heavy and deliberate.Anyone watching her at that moment could see it — the quiet fire of determination burning deep within her.Still unconvinced by Aria’s sudden cold demeanor, Melanie stepped closer, worry creasing her face.“Is anything wrong, Aria? I asked you a question. Are you okay at all?”Aria turned slightly, her expression unreadable. “Of course, I’m okay! I’m perfect. And yes, I heard what you said.”Melanie exhaled sharply. “Then you don’t mind answering the question I’ve been asking?”Aria arched a brow. “You mean the one about what else I’m going to do at the party?”Melanie nodded eagerly. “Yeah! I’m curious. You haven’t shared it with me, and I want to know what it is you plan to do.”Aria turned fully toward her this time, a faint, knowing smile tugging at her lips. “I wish I could tell you, Melanie,” she said, her tone calm y

Tyler chuckled softly, clearly baffled by the question Aria had just asked him. It wasn’t just any random question — it was the kind that struck deeply, one he had been unconsciously waiting to hear for the longest time. And now that it had finally come, he found himself caught between disbelief and joy.Realizing that he was taking too long to respond, Aria tilted her head slightly and brought him back to reality.“I asked a question, Tyler,” she reminded him gently. “You’re yet to give me an answer. Is there anything wrong with the proposal I just made?”Her words snapped him out of his daze. Tyler immediately shook his head, a quick, almost nervous smile breaking across his face.“No! Nothing—there’s definitely nothing wrong with the proposal you just made,” he said eagerly. “In fact, I’m extremely happy to hear this coming directly from you. I’ve been hoping, praying, and waiting for this day to come true—for you to finally say something like this!”Aria studied him quietly, her e

Though Tyler had his own thoughts running through his mind, Aria seemed far more serious than ever. Her intent to uncover the true identity of the mysterious CEO of ABC Company was written all over her face. And in her words, she wasn’t going to stop until she discovered the truth.She believed there were many ways to achieve this, but nothing, in her mind, could beat doing it the normal way—the bold, public way—on the very same day she would announce Tyler as her husband. Coincidentally, that was also the day she planned to celebrate her stepping in as the newest CEO of ABC Companies.Knowing what this meant and the risks involved, Aria was fully aware that her first step had to be simple yet daring—coming out to tell the world the truth. She understood there would be consequences, but she was ready to bear them.She was still deep in thought when a servant knocked gently on her door. The sound pulled her out of her thoughts.“Yes! Who is there?” Aria called out.“Miss Aria! Your Aun

Olga shook her head slowly, stunned by the tone Aria had just used on her. Never in all those years had Aria spoken to her that way—never once had she gone against her wishes, let alone sounded so defiant. The words hit Olga like a slap, leaving her speechless for a moment.Still trying to process what she’d heard, Olga placed the glass she was holding back on the table and stood abruptly, anger flashing across her face.“Are you speaking to me like that, Aria?” she demanded, her voice rising as she tried to play the victim. “You mean to tell me I don’t know my left from my right? That I don’t know who’s best for you? Or are you trying to paint me as the villain in all this? I don’t understand—make it make sense! Did you just imply that I don’t know what’s good for you? Or are you indirectly calling me a supporter of pedophilia?”Aria blinked rapidly, trying to steady her voice though her chest trembled with anger. “No, Auntie… you don’t understand the aspect I’m coming from.”She too

The hug lingered between them for quite some time, but to Aria, it didn’t matter at all. What truly mattered was that they were together again—united, at peace, and living what she believed was their best life.In her heart, Aria was convinced her aunt only wanted the best for her. And if that was true, then she had to do the needful—to meet up with her aunt’s expectations. But deep down, she knew what that meant. To fulfill Olga’s expectations, she would have to do exactly what Olga wanted.That meant marrying Brantley.The thought made Aria’s chest tighten. She tried to shake it off, forcing it out of her mind, but before she could clear her head, Olga’s voice broke through her thoughts.“Aria, my dear, that’s enough,” Olga said gently, pulling back from the hug. “That’s enough, my love. You mustn’t get all emotional. Remember, you’re about to get married soon. You must never show your weak side.”She smiled warmly, brushing Aria’s cheek with her hand. “I was sorry, you were sorry—w