Meanwhile

Ethan Ashford hadn't slept. His penthouse looked as though a hurricane had happened.

Empty bottles of alcohol littered the floor. His phone had rung non stop for days.

Business partners.

Friends.

Journalists.

He ignored every call. The screen of his phone was cracked from how hard he had thrown it in anger when he realized that Aria had blocked him.

Vanessa walked into the apartment without knocking. Her expensive heels clicked against the marble floor.

“You look terrible.”

Ethan rubbed his eyes, trying to fight sleep.

“I don't need commentary.”

“You need damage control.”

He looked up sharply.

“My engagement is over, my father is furious, and the woman I love won't answer my calls.”

Vanessa rolled her eyes, and his expression hardened.

“I thought you chose me.”

“I did.”

“Then why the fuck are you going on about her? You don't even love her,” Vanessa yelled.

Ethan stood.

“Because I never wanted to hurt her.”

Vanessa let out a bitter laugh.

“Really? You dickhead, you were with me for years. You'd rather stay with me than spend even your anniversary with her. You lied to her for years. You never wanted to hurt her? Funny. You cussed her out multiple times, you whined to me about how clingy she had become, how she was an attention seeker, a bitch, and how she wasn't good at sex. And now you're here acting like a kid who lost his favorite toy.”

He remained silent because, deep down, he knew she was right. He didn't dare admit it. He didn't know how to explain it. He had gotten used to Aria over the years, and it felt weird not having someone call him a million times to check on him.

“Listen to me. You are mine and mine alone. I will kill her if she comes back.”

Vanessa said angrily, holding Ethan by the collar.

“Sir.”

A guard came inside, and Vanessa quickly composed herself.

“The news, sir. Have you checked it?”

The guard questioned.

“No, I haven't.”

“Well, please check it.”

Vanessa pulled out her phone and gasped. Ethan quickly collected the phone from her. He saw images of his father and Aria together, outside a bar and outside a restaurant.

He needed answers.

He didn't even wait or hear Vanessa call out to him. In his disoriented state, he drove straight to the Ashford Manor.

Back at the Manor

Aria poured herself a cup of coffee while touring around with Marcus leading her around. Over time, they had become a little bit close. She had switched off her phone, not ready to face the outside world.

A loud knock echoed throughout the mansion.

It wasn't polite.

It was forceful, impatient.

Marcus frowned. He placed his hand at the back of his trousers, ready to pull out a gun in case he needed it. He wondered where the other guards were.

He walked towards the entrance and opened the door.

Standing outside was a furious Ethan. His shirt was wrinkled, and dark circles framed his eyes.

The moment he saw Aria standing behind Marcus, he wanted to come closer to her.

“There you are.”

Marcus stepped forward.

“Sir, you can't.”

Ethan ignored him.

“Aria.”

She instinctively took a step back. She was just facing the monster from the night of her engagement.

“What are you doing here?”

“I have been looking for you, but you are here hiding.”

“Hiding? I'm not hiding, dumbass. Just tell me what you want.”

“Please, just hear me out.”

“For what reason should I do that? You and I have nothing to say to each other. I know what I saw, not just what I saw but what I heard.”

She scoffed.

“I know what you saw.”

“You mean you know what you did.”

“It wasn't what it looked like.”

Aria stared at him in disbelief.

“You betrayed me with my cousin.”

“I know.”

“You let her humiliate me. She had the guts, the audacity, to tell me how you both had been together behind my back for years. She mocked me for being a fool in love. You stood there and watched while my entire world fell apart, and you claimed it wasn't what it looked like.”

Tears burned behind her eyes again.

“Then what exactly are you here to explain?”

“I still love you.”

The room fell completely silent.

Marcus rolled his eyes secretly and looked at Ethan, irritated. If he had his way, he would have dealt with him himself.

“Love?”

Aria's voice was barely above a whisper.

“If that is your definition, your version of love, then I'd rather never be loved again.”

“Really?”

“Yes.”

“Then what exactly are you doing with my father? You are in his fucking house. You two were barely close. You were scared of him before, and now you are both suddenly being caught together thrice in the span of two days.”

Before she could answer, the door opened again.

Damien entered, removing his suit as though he had expected this exact scene.

His cold gaze landed on Ethan.

“You have embarrassed this family enough.”

Ethan stiffened.

“Father.”

Damien's expression didn't change.

“I'm giving you a simple instruction: stay away from her.”

“I had to see her.”

“No.”

Damien's voice dropped dangerously low.

“You wanted to ease your guilt. Anyway, since you are here, you will be the first I inform about my marriage with Miss Aria Bennett.”

Ethan's breath became ragged.

“No…”

“It isn't true.”

He looked at her for confirmation. Her silence gave him the answer.

For the first time since he had known her, he could read the expression in her eyes.

He looked at her desperately.

“You wouldn't.”

“I would.”

She replied.

“No… You love me. You are mine. Listen, you're just angry, okay? Look at me, Aria. You love me.”

“I used to, but now the sight of you disgusts me.”

“You slut. So this is your way to get revenge by sucking my father dick,You wanted fame and wealth, right?”

Before Damien could react, Aria kicked him.

“Be careful what you say to your stepmother once I marry your father.”

“I will teach you manners.”