Chapter 10
Seeing Tessa again, Aria’s eyelashes fluttered lightly.
Compared to years later, Tessa now looked purer and more
innocent – soft, curved willow leaf brows, clear black eyes that
made the girl seem tender and emotional.
There was a delicate, fragile, exceptional beauty.
Most men loved this kind of weak, protected posture.
The Whitmore family and Asher, all treasured her deeply,
which was understandable.
Tessa looked at Aria. “Sorry, I forgot your gift at the hotel…”
After speaking, her eyes reddened slightly, full of stubborn tears, but she held back from making a sound, biting her lip and
lowering her head.
Everyone had received a gift – except for Aria.
A trace of mocking curled on Aria’s lips.
In this world, whoever cries gets candy.
Clearly, it wasn’t her fault, but if Tessa cried, and she didn’t
Chapter 10
forgive her, then it was her fault.
In the previous life, she hated how Tessa occupied everyone’s
heart, and hated her weak, tearful ways.
Reborn, she still hated it intensely.
Asher quickly stepped forward to cover for Tessa. “Sorry, Aria,
it’s my fault. I missed it when I collected the gifts.”
Lucas’s face darkened. “Forget it, it wasn’t on purpose. We’ll
make it up to you next time.”
Chloe also stepped forward, apologizing with a smile to Aria.
“Aria, they were in a hurry coming back from their trip.”
“Don’t be upset, Mom will get you two gifts next time.”
Everyone was waiting for Aria to blow up, to get angry and
cause a scene.
But Aria just smiled faintly and nodded, showing she
understood. “It’s okay, no big deal.”
See? Her brothers and fiance all instinctively protected Tessa,
afraid of hurting their little flower.
In truth, whether there was a gift or not made no difference.
Chapter 10
She wouldn’t need it anymore – because there was no future.
Her biological mother always said that, but every time, Aria
never got a gift.
After being deceived so many times, Aria no longer cared that
much.
People expected Aria to blame Tessa, but instead, she said
lightly: “Being happy is what matters most.”
Everyone there was stunned.
Aria was actually starting to be sensible. Incredible.
A flicker of unnoticed surprise flashed in Tessa’s eyes.
The usually strong–willed, bossy Aria suddenly changed, no
longer fighting or competing.
But she still couldn’t hide her foolishness.
People who blindly pleased others were the cheapest of all.
Dinnertime arrived, and Zoe knocked on the door. “Aria,
dinner’s ready.”
Aria had already eaten and wasn’t hungry. She almost declined
immediately. But then it struck her: if she refused, the
Chapter 10
Whitmore family would think she was throwing another
tantrum. She opened the door and took her seat at the table.
Everyone was present except for Wade Whitmore and Mason,
who were away on business.
Aria glanced around the table, then silently lowered her gaze
and picked at her food. After a few bites, she set down her fork. For years now, the Whitmore family had treated her like thin
air, maintaining only a surface–level peace.
Chloe noticed Aria barely touching her meal. Lately, Aria had
been quiet and cooperative–much more mature.
And honestly, Tessa and Asher’s engagement photoshoot had
been unfair to Aria.
After a moment’s thought, Chloe placed a piece of fish on Aria’s
plate. “Try the grilled salmon, Aria. It’s delicious–fresh, wild-
caught.”
Aria picked up the fish, took a bite, and mumbled, “Hmm, Zoe’s
cooking’s really improved.”
Suddenly, a sharp clatter shattered the fragile calm.
Tessa slammed her fork down, her eyes red–rimmed as she
stood. “I’m full.”
Chapter 10
She covered her face and hurried toward the stairs. Owen was
the first to follow.
He caught her arm gently. “Tessa, you barely ate anything.
What’s wrong? Didn’t like Zoe’s cooking? Just tell me what you
want, and she’ll make you something else.”
Tears welled in Tessa’s eyes. “Let me go. Aria’s your real sister-
your real family. I’m just an outsider. Once I’m gone, she’ll be
your only sister left.”
The moment Chloe served Aria, Tessa’s internal alarms had
blared. This family used to revolve around her.
But now that Aria was acting differently, Chloe was paying her
attention. It made Tessa’s skin crawl. Whether Aria was faking
it or not, she couldn’t afford to lose.
