Aria POV
"Fine." I wiped at my eyes, angry at the tears that had escaped. "I'm fine."
But I wasn't.
Seeing Damien had cracked something open inside me. Something I'd sealed shut four years ago.
And Lucas—kind, respectful Lucas—had reminded me what it felt like to be treated like a person instead of a possession.
My phone buzzed again.
This time it was Lucas: Thank you again for tonight. Looking forward to working together. —L
I smiled despite myself, warmth blooming in my chest.
Then another message came through.
Damien again: I know you hate me. I know I don't deserve forgiveness. But if you kept the baby, if I have a child, please. Please just tell me.
I stared at the message for a long moment, my thumb hovering over the screen.
Then I typed: You have nothing. You threw it all away. Don't contact me again.
I hit send and turned off my phone with a decisive click.
The city lights blurred past the window.Tonight, I let myself feel everything I'd been holding back.
