Chapter One: The Groom I Know

Aria's POV

"Aria! Over here!"

I turned and beheld Aunt Mira waving her arms as she had a great big smile on her face. She was running my way before I could think, and threw her arms open and embraced me.

“Oh, dear,” she said , cupping  my face. "Look at you! You've grown so much."

"Aunt Mira, don't embarrass me."  

She ignored me completely. “You have always been studying overseas. Never spent a single holiday at home. You have become a young woman before my very eyes.” 

“I had to complete school,” I said to myself. "You know that. I couldn't just stop."

She nodded, eyes warm. "I know. Nevertheless, it is different to see you once again. You've changed so much."

We entered her car and she began to talk.  I was mostly nodding and smiling and listening. Her voice was soothing, it felt peaceful and good to be home. 

Few minutes later, she abruptly turned into the street that led to the cemetery. I looked at her, but I said nothing since  I already knew why.

She pulled up next to the rusted gate, and I got out holding the fresh flowers which had been lying  on the backseat of her car. Every stride to the grave of my mother was heavier than the previous one. It was so long since I had been here, and as I stood before her grave my chest was tight.

I got on my knees and put the flowers into position, touching my fingers against the engraved letters. "Hi, Mom," I whispered. "I'm back. For good this time. I'm sorry I stayed away so long... I hope I can make you proud."

Aunt Mira remained silent. I took  a deep breath, and attempted to restrain tears. "I've missed you," I murmured. "I should've come sooner."

“You will be all right, Aria,” Aunt Mira said. "You're smart, strong... like her. Your mother would be proud."

I nodded, and it felt as though some of the pain got off my chest.  Then, having passed several silent moments, we returned to the car.

I shared my plans on  the ride home with Aunt Mira. "I'm staying here permanently. I cannot continue staying in a foreign country. And... Caleb and I... we have been having issues. He had asked me to drop out of school and marry him, but I had to complete my education. I was too young to sacrifice my dreams. I want to be like Mom and learn about perfumes. That was always my plan."

Aunt Mira held my hand and squeezed it. "I understand, dear. I wish you all the best.”

I smiled. "Thanks, Aunt Mira. I really  need that."

“So... you will be  attending Selene’s wedding?” 

"Yes," I said firmly. "I was sent an invite weeks ago."

“And... what about you and your father?” she asked cautiously.

I hesitated. “I am not sure  I can remember the last time we spoke.” 

She gave a small nod. “Hopefully this visit will lead to a positive change.” 

After we got to her house, I unpacked very fast and took a long bath, in a bid to clean up the travel fatigue and the nerves. After that, I dressed up and I made up my mind to visit Caleb at his head office. I had to speak with him, to clarify things, hope that we would be able to salvage our relationship.

I arrived in the office and the receptionist stared at me. "Can I help you?" she politely asked. 

"I... I must see Caleb, I said, in an attempt to appear confident.

"Do you have an appointment?" she asked.

I hesitated. "No... but it's urgent."

I was about to say more, when I saw one of his bodyguards standing near by. I knew this one.

"Hello, please I need to see Caleb, is he inside?”

I l asked  rushing to him.

He looked me up and down. "Do you have an appointment?"

“No,” I said, and my throat felt as dry as a cork.

"Then you can't see him." He waved toward the exit. "Security, escort her out."

I froze, humiliated. My chest tightened. I made calls to Caleb, but it was diverted to voicemail. I sent  a number of messages, none of which were responded to.

I went back to the house of Aunt Mira defeated. I told her all and she listened without saying anything, just a quiet and worried look.

I went to my room to sleep but I could not forget about Caleb. My phone continued ringing in my hand and I could not pick it up. Then there was a W******p message. It was my father.

“Where are you? And why is your number not going through?” 

I called him quickly. "Hello father, it's Aria. I called  up to tell you that I am already back.

His response was swift, stinging and outraged. “You are  back in the country and forgot to inform me? Where are you?"

I lowered my voice as I answered. "I'm with Aunt Mira."

His following words  sunk my chest. “I will not have a mansion when my daughter is living  in a rusty apartment with the woman that advised her  mother to leave me when I made a few mistakes. You are coming to me. Now."

He hung up before I could reply.

I went to  Aunt Mira. "What do I do?" I asked after telling her what my father said.

“Don't worry, Aria. It’s  fine. My door is  open at all times, if you ever want to come back. If it ever gets too much, I am one phone call away.”She said. 

I nodded, but I knew it was not as easy as she made it seem. I was forced to accept the fate. I had to go to  my father’s house for dinner and my potential move in. 

The reunion was cold and awkward. I had just swallowed down a body shaming comment from Helena; when a car drove into the driveway. Selene, squealed. “My man!”

She ran to the front door to welcome  her fiance. I stood there waiting, and regretting my decision of attending. 

And then I saw him.

It was none other than Caleb.

Her fiancé was my Caleb!