006

~Aria’s POV~

“Long time no see, Miss Aria.” Kaius said, a smile marrying his face.

My gaze hardened as I stared at him. Why did he look at me as though nothing had happened between us?

I had the urge to laugh–of course, why would he act like something happened?

I was the only one who knew what had transpired between us years ago. I was the only one who knew about the fetus he murdered mercilessly.

And now he looked at me with clear eyes, as though he had done nothing...as though he was a saint. My previous uncertainty turned into rage–immense rage.

“Long time no see.” I replied, smiling beautifully, and I caught sight of Sofia’s arms that intertwined with his.

Perhaps this was to make me jealous? I had the urge to laugh at her childishness.

“Find me when you're ready to customize the dress.” I said to Sofia, my eyes neutral, and she smiled a fake smile before standing on her tippy toes to whisper something into Kaius's ear. If it was two years ago, then maybe I would have felt jealous. Perhaps I would have felt bad, but now? I did not care if they had sex in the open.

I circled my arms with Damien's as he took me to greet Miss Ashley Pierre, the young woman I had customized a dress for, and the owner of the birthday banquet.

I could feel the burning gaze of Kaius as I talked with Ashley, while Damien left for the restroom at some point.

As the night wore on, I had a few glasses of alcohol, feeling myself get tipsy. I never intended to get drunk, but in the end, I had drank too much.

“Shall we head home?” I could hear pieces of Damien's voice as he circled his arm around my waist.

“No, lets dance, Monsieur.” I giggled as I pulled him to the dance floor which was empty.

Ashley and the Pierre family had retired to their rooms, and majority of the guests had left. Right now only I and Damien stood on the dance floor, the faint music guiding our steps.

I stared at the man in front of me, feeling that he was quite good looking. Even more good looking than Kaius, who I had almost died for. The way the lights danced across his face made my breath hitch, and I found myself inching closer for a kiss. He was my husband. Damien Gray was my husband.

Before our lips touched, my stomach churned with something unfathomable, and I excused myself to the rest room.

I made my way through the narrow hallway of the Pierre family mansion, my heels echoing. All I wanted to do was to empty my stomach, but just as I took a turn, a hand yanked me.

“Ah!”

“Don't scream.” I recognized that voice! Kaius!

He pulled me into an empty room.

“What are you doing?” I asked, my eyes glinting with anger as I peeled away from him.

“You ran away.” Kaius stated, his eyes glowing coldly, but I no longer cowered. I stared at him dead in the eye, and I knew he could tell the change in my demeanor.

“If you have nothing else to say, Mr Kaius Blackwood, then I will take my leave.” My voice came, cracking beyond my control. All I could remember was the hideous face of this man on that night he had asked me to get rid of my child. He had not even spared a fetus!

“Do you dare leave my presence, Aria? Did you forget all I taught you?” Kaius asked, his eyes cold, and I shivered.

“Who was that man?” He asked, and my heart stopped. Who? Damien?

As if noticing the change in my eyes, Kaius chuckled.

“You ran away with another man.” He calmly stated. I could tell he was angry, but what do I care? I owed him no explanations.

Pulling the door, I wanted to leave, but he yanked me into his embrace, pressing his lips onto mine.

My eyes widened! He was kissing me!

Slap!

My hand landed on his firm cheek, my eyes blazing with anger I had never felt before.

“How dare you touch me? Who do you think you are!” I yelled, and I saw him spit out a mouthful of blood–I had bitten his tongue.

“You really have forgotten all my teachings. Perhaps I should remind you?” Kaius asked as he licked his lips, and slapped him again.

“Wake up! If you think you can control me just like you did years ago, then you better think again. You murdered my unborn child and act as though nothing happened?” I asked, my voice getting low as my eyes glistened with angry tears. All the emotions I had felt years ago when my child was taken away came rushing back. How dare he think he could control me again?

I was not going to be a mistress for the second time! I was Aria Jenn…the designer. I was not thesame pitiful secretary from years ago. I was back, and I was better.

“Stay the hell away from me.” I finally warned after a moment of silence, blinking away my tears. I was not going to cry in front of him.

Silence reigned, I could tell he was surprised by my sudden lash out. I did not even bother to look at him–I just turned and left. I did not know where I had gotten the courage from, perhaps from the alcohol?

I felt my heart pang with pain as I recalled the incident. Perhaps if my child hadn't died, I would be with her or she by now? It hurt each time I thought about it.

I thought Kaius wouldn't follow me, but was surprised to see him standing in front of me after I got out of the rest room.

“You have forgotten that you still owe me.” he said, and I rolled my eyes. I had mistakenly hurt his sister years ago, and he used it to blackmail me. I chuckled.

“Mr Blackwood is rather shameless, trying to use the same tactics as years ago.” I mocked, and saw his eyes change. I had hurt his ego.

He took two steps forward, closing the space between us as his eyes bore into mine.

“Perhaps I'm out of tactics to use. Or perhaps I could…do something to that man you came with.” Kaius said, his lips curling up, and my heart stopped. Was he planning to hurt Damien?