Chapter 6
This was the man who’d pledged his heart to her–only to later
give every piece of it to Tessa.
There had been a time when Asher’s love felt unshakable. He’d
pursued her with grand, sweeping gestures, declaring to the
world that she was his one and only.
She’d believed him.
But love was fickle.
Somewhere along the way, Tessa became his priority. Every
crisis, every tear–Asher would drop everything to rush to her
side.
Aria had cried. She’d fought. All it earned her was his cold
disdain. “Why can’t you be more understanding?”
In her previous life, she’d wasted years fighting for him. Now,
she was done.
Asher sat at the edge of the bed, hesitating before speaking.
“Tessa’s very ill. I’ll need to stay with her for a while. The
engagement party–we’ll have to postpone it.”
Chapter 6
Of course, it was because of Tessa again.
Aria had expected this. Though a dull ache lingered in her chest,
she no longer cared enough to argue.
The breeze from the window felt like a wake–up call.
Seeming to sense her silence, Asher quickly added, “Don’t worry.
I’m not calling it off–just delaying.”
But she was the one who didn’t want to marry him anymore.
The moment she’d woken up in this hospital–alive–she’d realized
something.
Nothing mattered. Not family. Not love. Not Asher.
A month from now, on May 1st, Logan Vaughn would celebrate
his 80th birthday.
That was the day she’d officially end this farce. And then? She’d
leave the Whitmore family for good.
There would be no more treatments, no more fighting, and no
more pretending she wanted to live.
Not when the people who should’ve cared didn’t even ask about
her injuries–only Tessa’s tragedy.
Chapter 6
Aria smiled faintly. “Of course. Tessa’s health comes first. I
understand.”
Asher stiffened, caught off guard by her compliance.
The Aria he knew would’ve screamed, cried, and thrown things.
This quiet, subdued version unnerved him.
Had the injury changed her? Or was this another act?
His gaze darkened briefly before softening. “Don’t
misunderstand. Tessa and I–it’s not what you think. She’s just in
a fragile state right now!”
Aria almost laughed.
The entire Whitmore family was at Tessa’s beck and call, yet she
needed Asher, too?
How pathetic. How had she ever missed how shameless he was, enjoying her devotion while whispering sweet nothings to
Tessa?
He was a textbook narcissist. Back then, she’d been so starved
for love that she’d ignored the glaring red flags.
Now? The scales had fallen from her eyes.
She tilted her pale face up, lips curving. “It’s fine. Really.”
Chapter 6
Postpone all he wanted. There wouldn’t be a wedding.
Asher frowned, but before he could speak, his phone rang.
The way his entire demeanor softened at the caller ID screamed
Tessa.
After a hushed exchange, his expression tightened. “I’ll be right
there.”
Hanging up, he glanced at Aria. “Rest well. I have to go.”
She nodded serenely. “I will.”
The ease of her agreement visibly relaxed him. Within
moments, he was gone.
Aria padded barefoot to the window, watching Asher’s car
disappear down the street.
Then she returned to bed.
In her previous life, she would’ve thrown a tantrum–demanded
he stay, accused him of betrayal.
Asher would’ve sighed in disappointment. “Must you always be
so difficult?”
He would give her a cold shoulder. And inevitably, she’d be the
Chapter 6
one to apologize.
All it took was for him to pat her head and murmur, “Don’t be
jealous of Tessa.“”
She’d melt and be happy for a few days.
During Aria’s five days in the hospital, there was not a single
visit from the Whitmore family.
It was with her expect.
Hearts don’t turn cold overnight–but sometimes, a single
moment is all it takes to snuff out hope entirely.
With no expectations left, these had ironically been Aria’s most
peaceful days.
Juliet, however, called multiple times daily, her worry palpable
even through the phone. “I’m still at school and can’t bring you
lunch, but I asked Bennet to drop it off for you. Is he here?”
Aria’s scalp prickled. She wanted to refuse–this really wasn’t
necessary.
Before she could speak, she looked up–and froze.
There he stood. Their eyes locked.
