Five

(Aria’s POV)

I step out of my car and shut the door quietly behind me. The night air brushed against my skin, cool and calming, but my hands were trembling so badly I had to clench them into fists. Sweat clung lightly to my face, sliding down my temples, even though the weather wasn’t hot.

For a whole week, I had lived without Lucien Volkov. Without his voice filling rooms. Without his moods dictating the air I breathed. Without constantly shrinking myself to fit into a marriage that only knew how to take peace of mind from me.

I still couldn’t believe it.

A week ago, I had been certain I wouldn’t survive this. That I would break, crawl back, apologize for sins that weren’t mine. But I didn’t, I stayed away. I endured the nights, the mornings, the silence. And standing here now, staring at the massive mansion in front of me, I felt gratitude in my chest.

Thank God, I whispered inwardly.

My phone vibrated in my hand, pulling me out of my thoughts.

Devi called, and I dialed her number immediately. She answered on the first ring.

“Aria?” her voice came through, relieved and warm.

“I’m here,” I said softly. “I just got back to the mansion.”

She exhaled loudly. “Good. I was worried. Are you inside already?”

“Not yet.” I started walking toward the mansion, my heels clicking lightly on the pavement. “I just parked my car not quite long.”

“Okay, listen,” she paused briefly, then said, “is Ethan back from his business trip?”

I shook my head instinctively, even though she couldn’t see me.

“No, he texted me earlier. He said he’ll be back today.”

There was a beat of silence on the line. Then Devi laughed.

“Whoa,” she said teasingly. “I thought I’d have to come back home and matchmake you two myself.”

I rolled my eyes, though a small smile tugged at my lips.

“Devi, please. I’m not in the mood.”

“I know, I know,” she said more gently. “I’m just saying, you’re safe there. And I trust my brother. He’s a good man. Besides, since you left Lucien, move to the next one, and enjoy your life.”

I hummed in response, my steps slowing as I reached the front door. “I know. And thank you, for everything.”

“Anytime, my love.” she replied. “Get some rest, okay? And be strong...I love you.”

"I love you too."

The call ended, and I slipped my phone into my bag before pushing the door open and stepping inside.

The mansion was quiet. The soft glow from the chandeliers lit up the hallway, casting elegant shadows along the walls. I inhaled deeply as I walked inside, my body still adjusting to the feeling of existing without constant tension.

I headed toward the living room area, my throat suddenly dry. I hadn’t realized how thirsty I was until now. My heels echoed faintly against the marble floor as I walked into the open kitchen space.

A glass jug of water sat neatly on the counter.

I grabbed a glass, filled it halfway, and brought it to my lips. I drank too fast, my chest still feels heavy and my breathing became uneven.

The water went down the wrong way.

I choked, the water choked me.

My body jerked forward instinctively as I coughed out, the glass slipping slightly from my grip. I bent over, one hand bracing against the counter, the other pressed to my chest as my lungs burned.

“Aria!” the sudden voice startled me.

Before I could even react, footsteps rushed toward me. A hand gently but firmly supported my back, rubbing slow circles as another took the glass from my trembling fingers.

“Easy, breathe,” the voice said caringly. “Slow down.”

I coughed again, my eyes watering as I struggled to breathe in the air.

“Hey, hey, it’s okay,” he said, “You’re fine. Just breathe.”

I finally managed to inhale properly, sucking in air as the coughing subsided. My chest rose and fell rapidly as I straightened slightly, still clutching my chest.

Then I glance at Ethan. He stood right in front of me, concern etched deeply across his face. He leaned forward slightly, blowing gently near my face, instinctive and protective, as if trying to steady me.

“Are you okay?” he asked sharply, his brows drawn together. “You scared me.”

I nodded quickly, still breathless. “I...yeah. I’m okay. I just drank too fast.”

He exhaled, clearly annoyed but not at me.

“You have to be careful,” he scolded, his voice firm but not harsh. “You don’t drink water like that when you’re already stressed.”

I blinked up at him, momentarily stunned.

When did he come back?

My heart started pounding again, but this time it wasn’t from choking. It was different.

“I didn’t know you were back,” I said quietly.

“I just got in,” he replied, still watching me closely. “And the first thing I saw is you almost choking yourself.”

Despite everything, a weak laugh slipped out of me.

“Sorry.”

He shook his head, his hand still resting on my back as if he wasn’t ready to let go just yet.

“You don’t need to apologize for that.” he said.

He didn't know I was used to always apologising, thanks to my manipulative ex-husband.

Something passed between us, briefly, unexpectedly. I wasn’t used to being cared for without conditions. Without raised voices or accusations. Without being made to feel like a burden.

My heart betrayed me, beating faster under his gaze.

Ethan seemed to notice it too, because he stepped back slightly, clearing his throat.

“Sit,” he said, pulling out a chair for me. “You need to calm down.”

I obeyed, lowering myself onto the chair. He poured another glass of water, this time handing it to me slowly.

“Small sips,” he instructed.

I nodded and did exactly that.

He leaned against the counter, his arms crossed, watching me with an expression I couldn’t quite read. He looked tired, he’d just come from a long journey anyway.

“I’m sorry if I startled you,” I said after a moment.

“You didn’t,” he replied. “I just didn’t expect to find you alone here, struggling like that.”

I swallowed. “I’ve been on my own for a while now.”

“I know,” he said softly.

He didn’t ask questions. He didn’t pry. He didn’t demand explanations. He just acknowledged the truth of it.

Silence settled between us quietly.

“I’ll take you to your room,” he said finally. “You should rest.”

I stood up, my legs a little shaky, and followed him through the hallway. As we walked, I became acutely aware of his presence beside me, the steady rhythm of his steps, the way he adjusted his pace to match mine without making it obvious.

When we reached the room, he opened the door and stepped aside to let me in.

“If you need anything,” he said, meeting my eyes, “anything at all, don’t hesitate to call me.”

“I won’t,” I replied, "thank you."

As the door closed behind me, I leaned back against it, pressing my palm to my chest. My heartbeat was still racing faster than normal.

That frightened me, because for the first time since leaving Lucien, my heart hadn’t raced from pain or anxiety.

It raced because of Ethan.