Chapter 12
**Aria’s POV p>
The moment Lillian walked out, a wave of fatigue washed over me, pulling me down into a deep, dreamless slumber. I drifted into the night, oblivious to the world, only to awaken to the gentle kiss of sunlight filtering through the gaps in my curtains the next morning.
As I made my way downstairs, the familiar scent of coffee wafted through the air, guiding me to the breakfast table where I found my father already settled in. He was engrossed in his newspaper, a steaming cup of coffee cradled in his hands. Martha, our ever-reliable housekeeper, placed a plate of French toast in front of me, and I mumbled a half-hearted thank you, my gaze lingering on my father, who seemed so absorbed in his reading.
It struck me as odd that he hadn’t uttered a single word about Aiden. The marriage that had caused such a stir on social media was still a ghost in our home. My father flipped through the pages, his brow furrowed in concentration, occasionally muttering under his breath about the latest political developments or the ever- changing landscape of business news.
Tentatively, I took a bite of my breakfast, the sweet syrup mingling with my unease. Perhaps he simply hadn’t heard about the whirlwind that had engulfed our lives. But that notion felt far-fetched; the internet had practically exploded with chatter about our union. Then again, my father had always preferred the tactile experience of print over the digital chaos of online news.
I cleared my throat, my heart racing. “Dad, there’s something I need to tell you about
Just as I began to gather my thoughts, his phone rang, slicing through the tension like a knife. He glanced at the screen, and an immediate shadow crossed his face. “Benjamin Jones,” he answered, his tone clipped and curt.
As he listened, I watched his expression shift, darkening as his jaw tightened—a rare sight that sent a shiver down my spine. When he finally hung up, his knuckles turned white around his coffee cup, a clear indicator of the storm brewing inside him.
“Dad? What’s wrong?” I asked, concern lacing my voice as I leaned forward, instinctively placing my hand on his arm. “Your blood pressure p>
“William White just called,” he said, his voice dangerously calm, a stark contrast to the turmoil radiating from him. “He and Elizabeth want to have dinner with us. Apparently, Liam wishes to apologize to you. On his knees, if necessary p>
I froze, my fork clattering against the plate, the sound echoing in the charged atmosphere. “What p>
“He said—and I quote ‘Liam understands his grievous error and wishes to make amends. The wedding can still proceed as planned once this… unfortunate situation with Carter is resolved.” My father’s laugh was laced with bitterness. “As if my daughter is some discarded toy he can pick up again when he’s bored with his new plaything p>
So he did know. And worse yet, the Whites were already scheming to unravel my marriage to Aiden.
“Dad I began, my voice hesitant, unsure of how to navigate this treacherous territory. “About Aiden and me p>
“That unworthy boy doesn’t deserve to breathe the same air as you,” he interrupted, his voice rising with fervor. “I don’t care if he gets on his hands and knees to beg forgiveness or crawls across broken glass; I won’t let him near you again. I told William exactly where he could shove his dinner invitation p>
I blinked, taken aback by the fierce protectiveness emanating from my typically composed father. “You did p>
“I informed him that my daughter is now Mrs. Carter, and that the Whites had their chance.” He reached across the table, his grip firm as he squeezed my hand, his eyes earnest. “You made your choice, and I stand with you p>
“Are you… not angry that I married Aiden without telling you?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper, searching for an answer in his gaze.
His expression softened, the anger melting away, replaced by a tenderness that tugged at my heart. “Aria, when have I ever not supported your decisions? Even when I disagreed with them?” He sighed, running a hand through his silver-streaked hair, a gesture I had come to associate with deep contemplation. “Like when you chose Liam, despite my reservations p>
“You had reservations about Liam?” I asked, surprised, my heart racing as I processed this new information.
“I’ve known William White for over twenty years. I’ve seen how he operates in business and with his family. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.” He shook his head, a hint of disappointment in his eyes. “But you loved him, so I put aside my concerns p>
A lump formed in my throat, the weight of his words heavy with unspoken truths. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about Aiden p>
“Don’t be,” he replied, a small smile breaking through the tension. “You’re your mother’s daughter-impulsive when your heart is involved. What I want to know is: are you happy with your decision? Does Aiden treat you well p>
His genuine concern washed over me, a soothing balm to my frayed nerves. “Yes,” I answered, the truth spilling from my lips. “It’s not exactly conventional, but… he respects me. He’s been good to me p>
My father nodded slowly, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. “Then that’s all I need to hear.” He exhaled, the tension in his shoulders easing as he looked at me with newfound seriousness. “Right now, we need to discuss what to do about the Whites p>
I pondered for a moment, straightening my back as a sense of determination surged within me. “Actually, I want to meet them p>
“Aria p>
“No, Dad. I want to see Liam grovel. I want him to face what he’s done to me, to our families, to our companies. He deserves to feel every ounce of shame and humiliation he inflicted on me p>
My father studied me, a flicker of respect igniting in his eyes. “You truly are your mother’s daughter.” After a moment of contemplation, he nodded. “Very well. I’ll arrange it. We’ll face them together, as we always have p>
Returning to my room, the weight of everything crashed down on me like a tidal wave. I sank onto the edge of my bed, lost in thought, reflecting on the countless sacrifices my father had made for me throughout the years.
He had lost the love of his life when I was just seven years old, yet he had never once allowed me to feel that absence. He had learned to braid my hair, packed my lunches with care, and sat through every school play, wielding a camcorder that seemed too large for his hands. He had built his entire world around mine.
Even when I chose Liam-someone he had never truly approved of he had remained silent, out of respect for his old friendship with the Whites and his love for
me.
Now, despite my impulsive decision to marry Aiden—another choice I had made without consulting him he still chose to trust me unconditionally. Instead of questioning my judgment or demanding explanations, he simply asked if I was happy and promised to stand by me, no matter the circumstances.
That unwavering love had never faltered, not once in twenty years.
Tears streamed down my cheeks before I even realized I was crying, a sudden rush of emotion overwhelming me. I buried my face in my hands, not from pain this time, but from something softer, heavier: gratitude.
I don’t know how long I sat there, lost in my thoughts and weeping, but eventually,
the storm within me subsided, leaving me drained yet somehow lighter. The chime
of my phone finally pulled me from my reverie. I wiped my tears away with the back of my hand and glanced at the screen.
It was Aiden.
Why is he calling me?