Chapter 7 Chapter 7.
Aria made her way back home, her mind heavy and foggy. Going back home meant she had to face the ghosts again.
Her phone rang, this time it was a colleague from work.
With a subtle clear of her throat, she answered the call, "hello."
"Hey, Aria. Wassup! You haven't been at work for days now. Everything okay?" The voice said.
"I'm good, just ummm...a little unexpected circumstance." Aria replied.
"Oh my God!" The voice exclaimed. "I hope it's not something bad."
Aria pressed her lips together for a few seconds, her heart wrenching. "It's not," she answered.
"And I hope you've settled it," the voice pressed.
"Yeah... I have," Aria responded.
"Okay then, take care," the voice said with genuine care.
"I wish I could," Aria whispered unconsciously.
"What did you say?" The voice asked.
"I said I will," Aria quickly replied.
"Alright then, bye."
"Bye," Aria responded and the call ended.
Slipping the phone down from her ear, she exhaled, "that was a close one."
Finally arriving home, Aria packed up her belongings, ready to move into Lucien's house. With each item she packed, her heart sank.
She came across a painting made by her son and her body went numb, her eyes pooling with tears as the memory surrounding that painting crept back to her head.
Aria's hands trembled as she held the painting, the vibrant colors and innocent smile of her son's artwork bringing back a flood of memories. She remembered the day he made it, the way he proudly presented it to her, saying "Mommy, I made this just for you!" The memory was bittersweet, filled with joy and pain.
Tears streamed down her face as she gazed at the painting, her heart heavy with the weight of her decision. She knew she had to leave it behind, but a part of her couldn't bear the thought of separating from this piece of her son.
With a deep breath, Aria carefully wrapped the painting in tissue paper, her fingers tracing the edges of the frame. She placed it in a box labeled "Memories," her eyes welling up again as she sealed the box.
She resumed packing, each item now heavier than the last, laden with emotions.
As the last item dropped into the suitcase Aria zipped up the suitcase, the sound echoing through the emptying space. She took a deep breath, her eyes scanning the room one last time. The walls, once adorned with family photos and artwork, now stood bare. The furniture, once warm with the presence of loved ones, now felt cold and impersonal.
With a quiet resolve, Aria picked up the suitcase and headed for the door. Taking one last glance at the house, she closed the door behind her, the click of the lock a stark reminder that she was truly leaving. As she stepped out into the evening air, Lucien's car waited, its sleek lines and tinted windows a symbol of the unknown. But before she approached the car, she walked to the back of the house, to the graves.
"Hey Nat," she said, gazing at her husband's grave headstone. "I hope you don't get sulky this time like you always do each time I'm set to go on a work trip."
"Don't worry, I'll take care of myself and come back to you again," her voice cracked. "Once again... I'm sorry."
She turned to her son's headstone. "Jamie...be Mommy's good boy while I'm away," her tears dropped. "Don't trouble Daddy too much...make sure to do your homework and go to bed on time... Mommy loves you."
"Mommy is sorry, Jamie...Mommy is really sorry. Because of her, you can no longer trouble Daddy, do homework or even go tl bed..." her her broke into a million pieces. "I'm sorry."
Aria's body shook with sobs as she stood before the graves, her words pouring out in a heart-wrenching apology. She felt like she was abandoning them all over again, leaving them behind without protection or care. The weight of her decision crushed her, and she collapsed to her knees, her hands grasping the cold stone markers as if holding onto the only tangible connection she had left to her family.
The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the yard, but Aria saw only darkness. She whispered her final goodbyes, her voice barely audible over the sound of her own despair. With one last touch on the headstones, she slowly rose to her feet, her eyes fixed on the graves as if memorizing every detail.
Lucien's car waited patiently in the distance, a silent witness to Aria's grief. She took a deep breath, wiped her tears, and turned toward the car, her resolve hardening with each step. She knew what lay ahead, and she was ready to face it, no matter the cost.
As she approached the car, the chauffeur stepped out, his expression unreadable. Without a word, he took the suitcase from her hand and placed it in the trunk. Aria slid into the passenger seat, her mind fixed on the graves receding into the distance.
The engine roared to life, and the car pulled away, leaving the house. The car glided through the city streets, the silence in the air thick with unspoken emotions. Aria's gaze drifted out the window, her eyes dry but her heart still heavy with grief. The cityscapes blurred together, a kaleidoscope of lights and sounds that she barely registered.
As the car turned into a long, winding driveway, Aria's gaze snapped back to reality. The trees parted, revealing Lucien's mansion in all its grandeur. Aria felt a shiver run down her spine as the car came to a stop.
Aria stepped out of the car, taking a deep breath she sighed. "I can't believe I'm really doing this."
Since her break-up with Lucien, she never imagined that she'll ever cross paths with him again. But now, they weren't just crossing paths, they were walking on the same path.
The chauffeur retrieved her suitcase from the trunk, and followed behind her as she walked into the house.
"Welcome!!," Lucian's voice startled her. She took in a sharp breath, calming herself from the shock. She looked up at him from where he was at the grand staircase, her eyes meeting his with a spark of annoyance flashing between them. "Dramatic much?" she said, her voice dry.
Lucien chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Just making an entrance," he replied, descending the stairs with a fluid motion.
The chauffeur discreetly deposited Aria's suitcase at the foot of the stairs and retreated, leaving them alone in the grand foyer.
Lucien's gaze swept over Aria, taking in her disheveled appearance. "Wow!" He breathed, "you look griefingly good," he said, his voice tinged with mockery.
Aria shot him a glare. "Is this why you asked me to move in? To constantly mock my situation?"
With a chuckle, his expression softened, and he reached out to take her hand. "Come," he said. "Let's get you settled in. You can freshen up, and we'll talk later."
Aria put her hands behind her back, her disapproval evident. "Lead the way, I'll follow."
With an amused smile, he turned and began leading the way. She followed behind him, her eyes taking in the opulent decor of the mansion.
As they reached the top of the stairs, Lucien turned to her and said, "Your room is just down the hall. I'll have your suitcase brought up."
Aria gave a simple nod.
Lucien's eyes locked onto hers, his gaze piercing. "You're safe here, and if you need anything, you know my bedroom," he said, his voice low and reassuring.
Aria gave another nod, and with one last glance at her, Lucien walked away, retreating from the hallway.
















