Cathy felt a sudden chill run through her when she heard Aria's voice over the phone. "Aria," she said softly, "have you really moved on from Liam?"
Aria leaned against the headboard, her long hair spilling over her shoulders, her voice calm but distant. "Yes, I moved on the next day," she said lazily, staring at the ceiling. "I don't even know if what I felt for him was love or just gratitude. Either way, I don't care anymore."
Cathy smiled faintly on the other end, relief in her tone. "Good. I'm glad you don't care anymore. You know I hate seeing you cry, or even sad."
A small smile tugged at Aria's lips. Cathy had always been her comfort, her sanity when the world turned cruel. "I know," she murmured softly. "And I promise… I won't cry for anyone again."
The two friends talked for a while — about work, about little things, even laughing at some old memories — until Cathy finally yawned. "Alright, go rest. You sound sleepy."
"I will," Aria said, smiling. "Goodnight."
When the call ended, silence filled the room again. Aria sighed, glancing at the time. It was almost midnight — 11:47 p.m. The mansion felt unusually quiet. The butler had long since gone to his quarters after serving her warm milk, and the ticking clock on the wall seemed louder than usual.
She took the last sip of milk and set the cup down, then hesitated before reaching for her phone. Her fingers hovered over Adrian's contact for a few seconds before pressing the call button.
---
Deep underground, in a massive dim-lit meeting room, the air was suffocating. The atmosphere was thick with fear. Sweat rolled down the faces of several elderly men sitting at the long conference table. No one dared to speak. The only sound was the steady, cold tapping of Adrian's fingers on the table.
His presence alone was enough to silence the entire room. He sat at the head of the table, dressed in a dark tailored suit that fit him like a second skin, his sharp gaze slicing through everyone. The tension was unbearable — even the air felt frozen.
Then suddenly, a phone rang.
The shrill sound echoed in the silence like a death bell.
Every man in the room stiffened instantly. Their hearts stopped. Fear flashed in their eyes. No one dared to move.
Who could be so foolish to bring a phone in here?
The last time someone's phone rang during a meeting, that man was never seen again — rumors said his body was fed to Adrian's dogs.
But the ringing continued.
Their confusion turned to horror when Adrian — the same man who had just been interrogating them with bloodlust in his eyes — suddenly smiled.
He reached into his pocket and answered the phone.
The room froze.
"Do you miss me?" Adrian's deep voice softened into a teasing tone that none of his men had ever heard before.
On the other end, Aria blushed instantly, gripping the edge of her blanket. "Uncle… it's almost midnight. Won't you come back today? I've been waiting for you to have dinner."
Adrian leaned back in his chair, the faintest warmth flickering in his cold eyes. "You've been waiting for me?"
"Yes," she said softly, her voice barely a whisper.
His lips curved into a rare smile — one that would have sent shivers down anyone's spine if they hadn't been witnessing it themselves. "Wait for me, darling. I'll be home soon."
"Okay, Uncle," Aria replied shyly.
When the call ended, silence fell again. Every man in the room looked utterly confused.
Wait… the boss just smiled?
And he's going home early… for dinner?
Adrian rose from his chair slowly, and his gaze swept across them like a blade. Instantly, their thoughts died in their throats.
"The meeting is over," he said coldly. "Go home. Be with your families."
No one dared to question it.
Eric, who had been silently standing nearby, watched his boss's back as he walked out. A small smile tugged at his lips. So the Boss Lady really is a light to his cold heart.
---
When Adrian arrived home, the mansion lights were dim, casting a warm glow across the room. He stepped inside quietly and found Aria curled up on the couch, fast asleep.
Her long lashes rested gently on her cheeks, her head tilted slightly to the side, looking so peaceful that he couldn't help but smile.
He bent down carefully, brushing a few strands of hair away from her face before scooping her up in his arms.
The movement made her stir. Her eyes fluttered open, still hazy with sleep. "Uncle… you're back," she murmured drowsily.
"Yes," he replied softly, his voice unusually gentle. "Let's eat, then go to bed."
She nodded sleepily. "Mn."
He set her down at the dining table, and they shared a quiet meal together. It wasn't extravagant — just simple dishes prepared by the butler earlier. Yet, sitting there under the soft chandelier light, it felt strangely intimate.
After dinner, Aria suggested taking a short walk to help digest the food. Adrian agreed, and they strolled through the quiet garden behind the house. The night breeze was cool, carrying the faint scent of jasmine.
For a while, neither of them spoke.
Then Aria broke the silence. "Uncle," she said softly, looking up at him, "I'll be starting school next week. And… I want to visit my grandma tomorrow."
He glanced at her and nodded. "Alright. As you wish. Tell the driver to take you."
Her eyes sparkled. "Okay, okay, Uncle!"
He chuckled, the sound low and warm. For a moment, it felt like a normal couple's evening — peaceful and full of quiet affection.
---
The next morning, Aria woke up feeling unusually warm. Something firm and solid was beneath her cheek — not her pillow. Confused, she shifted slightly… and froze.
Her hand had landed on something hard.
Before she could move it, a deep voice rumbled above her ear. "Darling… do you know what you're doing?"
Her eyes flew open. She was lying against Adrian's chest, her fingers resting right where they shouldn't be.
"Ah—!" She gasped and tried to scramble away, but before she could escape, his strong arm pulled her back.
In one smooth motion, he cupped her chin, tilted her face upward, and kissed her deeply.
It was slow, intoxicating, and completely overwhelming.
When the kiss finally ended, Aria was breathless, her lips trembling, her cheeks glowing crimson. Adrian stood up, straightening his tie casually before saying in a low voice, "I'm going to take a cold shower."
He walked into the bathroom, leaving Aria sitting frozen on the bed, staring blankly at the ceiling. Her heart pounded uncontrollably. He's impossible… absolutely impossible.
She pressed a pillow over her face and groaned softly, too embarrassed to even breathe.
---
That afternoon, Aria went to the hospital to visit her grandmother. She wore a simple white blouse and jeans, her long hair tied loosely behind her back.
When she entered the private ward, she saw her grandmother sitting up in bed, knitting slowly. The old woman's face lit up the moment she saw Aria.
"My child!" she exclaimed, setting aside her knitting needles. She stood up carefully and walked toward her granddaughter. "Oh, Aria, how are you doing? You look so thin!"
Aria smiled and rushed into her arms. "Grandma, I'm fine. Don't worry about me."
Her grandmother looked her up and down, concern deep in her wrinkled eyes. "You've been working too hard. You should take care of yourself. I don't want to see my little girl exhausted."
"I promise, Grandma, I'm doing great," Aria reassured her, smiling brightly.
They sat together on the edge of the bed, talking quietly. Her grandmother's voice softened as she asked, "How are things in the Brook family? Is your father still cold to you?"
Aria hesitated for a second, then smiled gently. "No, Grandma. Everything's fine. Everyone's treating me well."
The old woman sighed softly. "I know it's not easy living with your father. You've always been with me since you were little… so I can imagine how strange it must feel."
Aria squeezed her grandmother's hand. "Don't worry. I'm happy now. Really."
Her grandmother smiled — a faint, tired smile — and patted her hand lovingly. "As long as you're happy, that's all that matters to me."
They spent the afternoon talking and laughing, reminiscing about the past until the sun began to set. Before leaving, Aria tucked her grandmother back into bed and kissed her forehead. "Rest well, Grandma. I'll come again soon."
As she stepped out of the hospital, her heart felt warm.
She stopped by the vegetable market on the way home, buying fresh greens, meat, and herbs. Her bag was filled to the brim when she returned to the mansion, humming softly to herself.
Tonight, she wanted to cook for Adrian — to thank him in her own quiet way.
She unpacked the ingredients in the kitchen and began chopping vegetables carefully. The scent of garlic and fresh herbs filled the air. She wanted to make something good for him, something that would warm his body and strengthen his health — a medicinal soup infused with her own healing touch.
As the pot simmered gently, Aria smiled to herself. Maybe she didn't understand love anymore… but caring for him felt right.