As soon as Aria left the hotel, she hurried home, her heels clicking softly against the pavement. The night air was cool against her flushed skin, still carrying traces of the orange and herbal perfume she had worn for her secret meeting. Her heart pounded—not from fear, but from the thrill of what she had just done.
Once she reached the mansion, she quietly entered through the back door. The house was silent, filled with the kind of peace only found in the dead of night. She slipped into her room, changed into her soft pajamas, and collapsed onto the bed. The exhaustion from the long, emotional day hit her all at once, and within minutes, she drifted off to sleep.
Moments later, the front door opened.
Adrian DeLuca stepped inside, tall, commanding, and wrapped in the faint scent of cold smoke and expensive cologne. His eyes softened the moment they landed on the sleeping figure curled up in bed. For the first time that day, the hardened expression on his face melted into something gentle.
He stood there for a moment, watching her chest rise and fall in rhythm. A small, peaceful smile curved on his lips before he turned away, heading to his study.
Inside, he lit a cigarette, the faint glow illuminating his sharp features. He took a deep drag and exhaled slowly, the smoke curling around him like a secret he could never tell. His mind replayed the day's events—her smile, her laughter, her soft voice calling him "uncle."
But behind that, another truth haunted him.
The results from his private doctor echoed in his mind. The diagnosis was merciless. The poison running through his veins was slow but deadly, and unless he found a cure, he wouldn't live past thirty-five.
But lucky,he found the mysterious healer, he will have the antidote within a month or more.
He remember his deal with the doctor, E Organization,
He clenched the cigarette between his fingers until the ash fell onto the floor.
He reached for his phone and dialed a number.
Eric, half-asleep, answered groggily, his voice thick with sleep. "Boss?"
"I want you to erase the E Organization within two days," Adrian said coldly, his voice cutting through the silence like a blade. "And make sure the news is broadcast nationwide."
Eric sat up immediately, now fully awake. "Yes, Boss. Two days. Understood."
He hesitated, sensing the dangerous chill in Adrian's tone. "Boss… what did they do to you?"
Adrian didn't reply. He didn't owe explanations. "Just handle it."
Eric nodded, though Adrian couldn't see him. "Understood. And… Boss?"
Adrian's low hum was his only response.
Eric sighed. "Whatever they did, I pity them already."
The call ended with a soft click.
Adrian leaned back in his chair, his gaze fixed on the swirling smoke. After a moment, he picked up the phone again. "One more thing," he said.
Eric's voice came through, alert this time. "Yes, Boss?"
"Investigate everything about Aria."
The order hung heavy in the air.
Eric frowned. "Aria? As in… Miss Aria?"
"Yes," Adrian said flatly. "Everything."
Eric hesitated, confusion evident in his voice. "Got it, Boss."
Adrian dropped the phone on the desk, his thoughts already clouded. He had caught a faint scent from her earlier—something strangely familiar. That same orange and herbal scent he remembered from his encounter with the mysterious doctor at the Golden Hotel. The coincidence was too sharp to ignore.
But no. It couldn't be her.
With a low sigh, he stubbed out his cigarette, left the study, and walked back to their room.
Aria was still asleep, her hair spilling across the pillow like dark silk. The moonlight streamed through the curtains, bathing her in a soft, almost angelic glow. He watched her for a long time, a faint smile touching his lips.
He leaned down, brushing a kiss against her forehead, and whispered, "Keep surprising me, darling."
As if her heart recognized his voice, she shifted in her sleep and snuggled closer to him. A smile appeared on her lips—soft, radiant, pure.
He chuckled quietly, unable to stop himself. Her warmth, her scent, her innocence—they were things he could never get enough of. He tucked her under his chin, holding her like a precious secret.
But the moment stretched too long. Her soft breath brushed against his skin, and something inside him snapped.
He kissed her. Gently at first, then with growing hunger.
Aria stirred, eyes fluttering open. She blinked, disoriented, then bit his lower lip lightly, a pout forming on her face. "Uncle… you're shameless."
Adrian's chuckle was low and hoarse. "You're too tempting, little one. How am I supposed to sleep beside you and not lose control?"
Her cheeks flushed bright red. "You have no self-control," she muttered.
"Only when it comes to you," he whispered against her ear, voice rough with affection.
The night melted into something neither of them could name—warmth, laughter, passion. By the time sleep claimed them again, the stars had long faded from the sky.
---
The next morning, sunlight spilled through the curtains, landing gently on Aria's bare shoulders. She groaned softly and sat up, her body aching in the most embarrassing ways.
She glanced at the clock—still early. Her limbs felt heavy, her skin marked with faint traces of their wild night. When she caught her reflection in the mirror, she nearly yelped.
Her neck and collarbone were dotted with hickeys. "That pervert," she muttered, blushing furiously.
Just then, warm hands slid around her waist. Adrian's deep morning voice rumbled softly, "Good morning, sweetheart."
She turned, pouting at him. "Look at what you did to me, Uncle."
He smirked lazily, pulling her closer. "Hmm, I see. Should I kiss it better?"
Her blush deepened. "No!"
He chuckled, amused, then removed his shirt and turned his back to her. "Then maybe you should look at what you did to me."
Aria blinked in confusion, then gasped. His back was covered in red marks and faint nail scratches. "But my nails aren't even that long!" she said, embarrassed beyond words.
Adrian looked over his shoulder, his grin wicked yet tender. "You enjoyed every second of it, darling. Don't deny it."
Her face went crimson. She remembered how, last night, he had asked her to call him hubby in that deep, teasing tone. She had hesitated, stammered—and then whispered it softly, breathlessly.
She covered her face with her palms. "You're impossible."
He kissed her temple and murmured, "Only for you."
After breakfast, Aria rushed to get ready for school.
When she left, the house felt colder.
---
At school, Aria walked into her class and instantly noticed the stares. Whispers floated around the room like invisible threads. Some students pointed, others giggled behind their hands.
She frowned but chose to ignore them. Sitting at her desk, she pulled out her notebook and began jotting down notes from yesterday's lecture.
Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed a blonde girl sitting alone, glancing her way but quickly looking down. There was hesitation in her movements, as though she wanted to speak but didn't know how.
Aria pretended not to notice.
Moments later, Sophia burst into the room, excitement lighting up her features. "Aria! You haven't heard?"
Aria looked up, confused. "Heard what?"
"The principal just announced the names for the upcoming academic competition," Sophia said breathlessly. "You, me , Henry, and Mercy were all chosen to represent the school!"
"Mercy?" Aria repeated, glancing at the blonde girl, who lifted her head shyly.
"Yes," Sophia confirmed, grinning.
Aria smiled warmly. "Congratulations, Mercy. We'll make a great team."
Mercy's eyes widened in surprise before she smiled back, relief softening her features. "Thank you, Aria."
Sophia looped her arm around Aria's. "Let's include Mercy in our group from now on. She's too quiet and lonely."
Aria nodded without hesitation. "Of course."
Mercy's lips trembled slightly, as if she hadn't expected kindness. "Thank you… really."
Aria smiled and stood. "Then let's go. We have a lot to prepare for."
The three of them walked out of the class together.