CHAPTER 79
ARIA’S POV
I sneer when I hear that Adam wants me back. My voice drips with disdain when I lash at him.
“The only way I would ever consider getting back with you is if time itself could turn back.”
My words hang in the air, heavy with the finality of their meaning. Adam’s face pales, but he doesn’t respond.
I take a deep breath before telling Adam about what we should do next, instead of him dreaming about getting together.
“We should tell Grandpa about our divorce. He deserves to know the truth.”
The room falls into an uneasy silence. Eva and Elodie exchange nervous glances, their usual smugress replaced by apprehension.
As I stand my ground firmly, the tension in the room tightens like a coiled spring. I am not here to negotiate when the divorce has already been signed. I have taken nothing from Adam and I am proud of it. The purpose for asking for this amount is because I don’t want to be treated as a doormat yet again.
I shall not let them win. I have been patient with all of them, but not anymore.
Anyway, Grandpa’s heirloom is safer with me than with these vultures.
“And as for the money and the antique transaction,” I begin, my voice firm, “I expect everything to be handled immediately. No more delays, no more excuses.”
Adam’s jaw clenches. He looks like he wants to say something, anything, to stop me, but he is paralyzed by the weight of his own guilt and the realization of how badly he is mishandled everything. Eva’s face is a mask of shock and outrage, while Elodie’s expression shifts from anger to a flicker of genuine fear.
I head for the door, my footsteps echoing in the silence. With every step, I feel a mix of anger and liberation. I have had enough of their manipulation, enough of their lies, and enough of being treated like I was nothing.
The moment I exit the room, I feel a weight lift from my shoulders. Outside, the cool air greets me, a great contrast to the suffocating tension inside. I pause for a moment, allowing myself to breathe deeply and steady my emotions.
***
Days go by, and I find a growing sense of peace within myself. The turmoil of the past seems to recede, yet I can’t completely shake Adam’s words from that day at his place. They linger in my mind, gnawing at the edges of my thoughts. As I immerse myself in my work, I try to push them aside, but it’s not always easy.
The project with Wellington Enterprises is now in full swing, demanding much of my time and energy. Almost every two days, I find myself face to face with Adam. Each encounter is a test of my resolve. His presence stirs a mix of emotions–resentment, regret, and a lingering sense of what could have been.
Clark, on the other hand, has been getting on my nerves. His constant meddling and unnecessary commentary are exhausting. Yet, for the sake of the project, I have to maintain my composure. Every time he pushes one of my buttons, I remind myself of the bigger picture. This project is crucial, not just for me, but for the team and our company’s future.
“It’s good to have Aria and Adam together in this team. Ex–husband and ex–wife, yet so professional.”
Did someone pay him to say that? If I’d known he was so close to Adam, I might have avoidea nis project. I suspect the two of them are scheming to bring me back into Adam’s life.
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CHAPTER 79
+23 BOMBS
I roll my eyes as I catch Adam smirking. He isn’t taking me seriously. This suspicion is confirmed by his silence regarding the transaction, which I need to complete to return Grandpa’s antique piece.
I heard that Grandpa is sick, and I wish I could visit him. The reason I haven’t gone is that he would immediately realize that Adam and I are no longer together. The thought of Grandpa being disappointed breaks my heart, tot i can’t face him without revealing the truth. Adam’s silence on the matter only deepens my frustration and sadness.
I reminisce about the days spent with Grandpa, especially when he was unwell. He would hold Grandma’s treasured necklace close to his heart, and a few days later, he would be alright. I wonder what excuse he’s been given this time if he’s asked for the necklace.
The thought of him suffering without it gnaws at me, adding to my frustration with Adam’s silence. This necklace isn’t just a piece of jewelry; it’s a lifeline for Grandpa, a connection to the past that brings him comfort. How I wish I could ease his worries and see that familiar, peaceful smile on his face again.
Anyway, I wonder how will Grandpa react when he gets to know about Adam and I. But now, something is bothering me.
Is Adam trying to get back with me for Grandpa’s sake?