CHAPTER 64
ADAM’S POV
But what my uncle says next shocks me to the core.
“Our Aria is so attractive earning her a lot of suitors, including me. Now I think the competition is getting harder for you, Adam.”
My uncle’s challenge feels like a dagger to my pride, especially with Aria and George watching. Their chuckles echo in my mind, amplifying my humiliation. I can feel the heat creeping up my neck and spreading across my cheeks, betraying my embarrassment. The laughter stings, a reminder of how vulnerable I am in this moment.
My fists clench involuntarily, the urge to lash out warring with the knowledge that doing so would only make things worse. My heart races, a drumbeat of anger and shame, as I struggle to maintain a semblance of composure.
“Gold diggers are very good at attracting all men.”
Having George interfering like this with derogatory statements, fuel my anger even more. However, before I open my mouth, Regis blasts George.
“If you don’t stop, I’ll speak to your father to let him know that the son he raised degrades women.”
Icatch the fear flickering across George’s face, a stark contrast to the confidence he usually exudes. I wish I had
stood up for Aria before Regis did. The opportunity slipped away, leaving in its wake a trail of regret.
་
Too late. Too much damage has already been done. Aria’s eyes, filled with a mix of judgement and disappointment, cut through me like a knife. It’s clear she thinks my uncle is better than me. Each glance she directs at him reinforces my failure. The weight of her silent condemnation is unbearable, and I feel a knot of frustration tightening in my chest.
Suddenly, Aria, who seems utterly fed up with our bickering, nudges Regis. The casual, almost intimate way she does it makes my blood boil with rage. It’s not just the gesture itself, but the underlying familiarity and ease between them that stings the most.
My jaw tightens, and I can feel my hands clenching into fists as jealousy and frustration bubble up inside me.
“Shall we leave, Regis?”
“Certainly.”
Regis agrees immediately, almost as if he’s under a spell. George and I watch them walk away, their figures growing smaller until they finally disappear from sight. The ease with which Aria influences Regis stings, and a heavy silence hangs between us as we process what just happened.
I watch my uncle taking my Aria away from me, as if she is his now and jealousy burns my soul.
Since my mood is really off, I leave George and head straight home. I can’t stop replaying the scenes from today at the club, each moment fueling a whirlwind of emotions inside me.
mix of
Aria looked stunning in her office attire, exuding elegance and professionalism. But what struck me the most was her fiery attitude. She has always been meek around me, but seeing her break those chains filled me w admiration and regret.
Her strength and the way she stands up for herself is incredibly sexy, making me realize how much I’ve underestimated her. My heart aches with the thought of what I’ve lost and the damage already done. The sight of her nudging Regis with such ease and him responding immediately only intensifies my frustration and longing.
As I reach home, I head directly to my room and call my butler. He has been with us ever since the death of Dad
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+25 BONUS
CHAPTER 64
and whenever I need advice or consolation, he has always been there for me. My mother, after Dad’s demise, has been taking care of us, but most of the times, has been emotionally unavailable. She is more indulged into social activities and working on maintaining relationship with the elites.
“You seem to be in a bad mood.”
He is right. He can see right through me.
“I miss Aria.”
My voice is shaky and sad, words barely forming. He can feel me and he tells me that he has always liked Aria, because of her soft heart and especially because she has always taken care of me. He even goes further in revealing to me how one time, when I was hospitalized and unconscious, she stayed in the clinic room with me until morning.
I always thought that it were Eva and my mother who had been there for me and that Aria was at home chilling, not bothered about me. How could I believe her? My mother and Eva always made sure that Aria was depicted as the wrong girl for me.
I realize that Aria loved me immensely and deep down I think I’ve lost that love.
CHAPTER 65
