Thirteen

Aria’s POV

People say the right person comes into your life when you least expect it, when you’re not searching, not praying desperately, not bleeding loudly anymore. They say it happens quietly, almost softly, like a door opening without a sound.

And maybe...just maybe that person is Ethan.

I stood in front of the mirror longer than necessary, my fingers smoothing over the fabric of my dress for the fifth time. It was short, armless, and daring in a way I hadn’t allowed myself to be for years. The back dipped low, revealing my skin I once kept hidden out of habit, out of fear, out of obligation to a title I no longer carried.

My hair fell in loose curls around my shoulders, soft and intentional. My reflection stared back at me, confidently, nervously, and glowing all at once.

"Sexy." The word felt new on my tongue.

After two years, I could finally dress the way I wanted. Not as someone’s wife. Not as someone’s girlfriend. Not as an extension of another person’s expectations.

I wasn’t anybody’s possession. I wasn’t anybody’s “better half.” I was nobody’s ship.

Just... Aria.

Just Ethan and Devi’s friend.

And for the first time in a long while, that felt enough.

It was the weekend, and Ethan had suggested we go out, not casually, not vaguely, not the way he had before like...

“Let’s grab food” or “We should eat out sometime.” He didn't say that.

This time, he had looked me straight in the eye and said

“Will you go out on a date with me?”

I hadn’t even thought before answering.

“Yes.”

The word had left my lips before fear could catch it, before memory could drag it back, before my heart could argue.

I wanted to get to know him, truly and slowly. Without labels choking the air or expectations pressing too tightly against my chest.

I wanted to see where this could go.

My phone rang, the vibration pulling me out of my thoughts. I smiled even before checking the screen.

Devi.

Of course.

I answered immediately and switched to camera mode, holding the phone up so she could see me properly.

“Oh my God,” she screamed, her eyes widening dramatically. “You look stunning.”

I laughed, warmth spreading through my chest.

“Do I?” I asked, tilting slightly.

“You don’t even need to ask that. Uhm… uhm…” She squinted playfully. “Any outing? Who’s the lucky guy?”

I rolled my eyes but couldn’t stop the blush creeping up my cheeks.

“Ethan Yashoda,” I said.

Her gasp was theatrical. “I knew it. I knew both of you—”

“Don’t think deeply,” I cut her off quickly, laughing. “We’re just friends hanging out.”

She laughed too, knowingly, the laughter that said she saw more than I was ready to admit.

“Apply red lipstick,” she ordered.

I smiled and did exactly that, watching the color bring a boldness to my face I hadn’t worn in a long time.

We talked for a few more minutes, about nothing and everything until she finally hung up with a dramatic, “Have fun, Mrs—” which I ended with a groan before the call dropped.

I was still smiling when Ethan walked in.

And then… he stopped.

His gaze locked on me, refusing to look away with honest admiration.

My confidence wavered for half a second.

“How do I look?” I asked, suddenly nervous.

He stepped closer, his eyes still on me.

“You look too pretty to be anyone’s housewife.”

I blinked.

“Shall we?” he asked, extending his hand.

I took it without hesitation.

And just like that, we walked out.

The drive was quiet in a comfortable way, the city lights blurring past the windows as music played softly in the background.

“Where are we going?” I asked, breaking the silence.

“A beach,” he finally said, glancing at me. “I thought you might like it.”

I nodded with a soft smile.

The moment we arrived, the breeze wrapped around me, fanning my face.

Ethan smiled, he moved closer, our eyes locked onto each other's own, heart beating faster than normal. I bashed my lashes, tracing from his eyes to his pink kissable lips.