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CHAPTER FOUR — MY CHOICE
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2026-01-31 18:41:46Aria's POV
“You want to explain what I just heard?" His voice was soft and laced with danger as the atmosphere in the office became colder each passing second.
"Lucien…"
"You told her you would look at the papers." He took a step toward me as I saw the barely controlled rage in every line of his body. "You told him you missed him. That you were sorry for making him wait."
"I had to…"
"You had to what?" His voice rose slightly, real anger breaking through it. "String him along? Keep your options open? Make sure you have an escape route ready?"
"No! I'm trying to…"
"Trying to what, Aria?" He was right in front of me now and I could sense the pain underneath the anger. The feeling of betrayal running through his charming eyes. "This morning you told me you were done running, that you were done choosing them over me and not even six hours later, you're already making plans to leave with him!"
"That's not what I'm doing!"
"Then what ARE you doing?" He said as he grabbed my phone from where I'd left it on his desk and held it up. "Because from where I'm standing, it looks exactly like every other time you've manipulated me. You say what I want to hear, make me think maybe… just maybe you've changed, and then you go right back to him!"
His voice cracked on the last word as I saw his hand shake before he slammed the phone down on the desk.
"I can't do this anymore," he said, his voice was rough with emotion. "I can't keep watching you choose him, I can't keep hoping you'll wake up and see what he really is. What they both are."
"I do see it!" I said desperately. "Lucien, I see exactly what they are. That's why I'm playing along. I need them to think they're winning so I can…"
"So you can what?" he interrupted, his grey eyes blazing. "So you can turn the tables on them," He laughed harshly. "You expect me to believe that? When every single time I've let myself hope, you've proven it was a lie?"
"It's not a lie this time!"
"Prove it." He said as he moved even closer as I felt the heat of him, the barely leashed fury. "Prove to me right now that this isn't another manipulation, that you're not just playing a deeper game."
"I can't," I whispered. "Not with words. You won't believe anything I say."
"Then show me," he demanded. "Block them, delete their numbers and tell them you're done. Show me you're choosing me, Aria. Not just saying it. Show me."
I stared at him, my mind racing fast.
If I cut them off now, I would lose my chance for revenge. I would lose the only opportunity to make them pay for what they had done.
But if I didn't, I would lose Lucien's trust completely. That is If I even had any left to lose.
"I can't," I said again. "Not yet. I need to…"
"Get out." He said as he retreated and stepped away from me.
His words were quiet and final.
"What?"
"Get out of my office." His voice was empty now and cold. All the emotion drained away, leaving only that terrible, controlled calm. "We're done with this conversation."
"Lucien, please…"
"I said get out, Aria." He turned away from me, his hands braced on his desk, and his shoulders rigid. "Before I do something I'll regret."
I stood there for a moment, tears burning in my eyes.
Then I left, closing the door softly behind me.
Immediately I stepped out, I heard something crash against the wall inside his office, something expensive shattering into pieces.
I leaned against the wall outside, my hands shaking.
I had made my choice, I chose revenge over his trust.
And I didn't know if I'd just made the biggest mistake of my life or the smartest move I could make.
I didn't sleep well that night.
How could I, when every time I closed my eyes, I saw the look on Lucien's face? That terrible moment when hope died in his eyes, replaced by cold resignation.
I had hurt him again, and this time, I wasn't sure he would recover from it.
By the time dawn broke, I had made a decision. I couldn't fix everything overnight but I could start somewhere. I could show him, in small ways that I was trying.
Even if he didn't believe me yet.
I got up and padded downstairs, finding Marcus already stationed in the living room. He looked up, surprised to see me so early.
"Mrs. Blackwood. Is everything alright?"
"I couldn't sleep," I admitted, then hesitated. "Marcus, can I ask you something?"
His expression turned wary. Here it comes, his face seemed to say, the manipulation attempt.
"What does Lucien usually have for breakfast?"
Marcus blinked, clearly not expecting that question. "Excuse me?"
"Breakfast. When he's not... dealing with me trying to escape or drug him or whatever disaster I've caused." I wrapped my arms around myself, suddenly feeling vulnerable. "What does he normally eat?"
Marcus studied me for a long moment before finally replying. "Black coffee, sometimes toast bread. He doesn't usually eat much in the morning."
"Because he's too stressed about babysitting me," I said quietly.
Marcus didn't confirm or deny it, but his silence was answer enough.
"What about lunch? Does he eat at the office?"
"Sometimes. More often, he works through lunch."
Of course he did. Lucien was probably running on caffeine and stress, trying to manage his company while also managing me.
"Thank you, Marcus." I said as I started walking toward the kitchen, then paused. "I know you probably think I'm planning something. That this is another manipulation but I'm not. I'm just... trying to be better."
Marcus's expression softened slightly, just a fraction. "Mrs. Blackwood, I've been with Mr. Blackwood for three years. I've never seen him like this. Whatever you're doing, whatever game you're playing..."
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