Chapter 16: The Cracks Beneath Control
Liana was still around—still lingering like a scent that refused to fade.
Aria had seen her. Laughing too softly, standing too close, placing her hand on Elias's arm just a second too long. It was calculated elegance. And Elias, as always, remained unreadable.
But Aria no longer asked questions.
She dressed with care. She dined out alone. She laughed with strangers and made friends with her reflection. If Elias wanted distance, she'd give it to him—beautifully.
That night, she returned from a high-profile charity dinner. Her heels clicked against the marble as she entered the mansion. The silence felt heavier than usual.
When she stepped into her room, Elias was already waiting.
Arms crossed. Jaw clenched. That familiar fire in his eyes that usually signaled business—not emotion.
"You've been out again," he said.
Aria set down her bag without glancing his way. "Yes. Dinner. It went well."
"With whose approval?"
She froze for a moment, then turned, her expression unreadable. "Since when did I need approval to leave the house?"
His voice hardened. "Don't play games, Aria."
She raised an eyebrow. "I'm not. I'm just living the life you so graciously offered me. Remember? The one with all the perks, none of the husband."
His fists clenched at his sides. "You're becoming reckless."
"No," she said, calm as a still lake. "I'm becoming indifferent."
Elias stepped forward, voice rising. "You don't get to do that. You don't get to shut down and pretend you don't care."
That snapped something in her.
"I don't have to pretend!" she shouted back. "You made sure of that. You pushed me away, Elias. From day one."
"Because I didn't want you to get hurt!"
"Well, I did anyway!"
Silence thundered between them. The admission hung in the air like a crack of lightning.
Aria's breath shook, but her spine stayed straight.
"You told me this was just business," she said, voice softer now. "So I adjusted. I dressed the part. I smiled when you wouldn't even look at me. I convinced myself that being invisible to you didn't matter."
His expression faltered.
"And then Liana came," she added, her voice barely a whisper. "And I realized... maybe I never even had a place to begin with."
Elias took a step forward, then stopped himself. His eyes searched hers, but there was no accusation in her gaze—only exhaustion. And a sadness too heavy for her young shoulders.
"I never meant for this," he muttered.
"Neither did I," Aria said. "But here we are."
She turned away before he could say another word.
And this time, Elias didn't stop her.