登入Chapter 71Aria Blake ~•~ “Can they stay at the hotel with me until I’m ready to leave for Texas?” I asked Julian on the phone. “After taking them away from me, that’s the least you can do.” “No,” Julian answered sharply. “My kids can’t stay in a hotel when I have a mansion ready for them.” I rolled my eyes. “Nobody cares about your mansion. I just want to spend time with the kids,” I replied, my anger simmering just beneath the surface. “You can come to the house. You can stay here while you spend time with them. You don’t have to be at a hotel.” A sharp exhale escaped my lips. Julian’s audacity never seemed to amaze me. He knew exactly what he was doing. That was just a trap to bring me closer to him. He didn’t care if they were staying at a hotel. He was only pretending not to be comfortable with it, so I would have no choice but to live at his house. But I couldn’t do that. Samuel wouldn’t be comfortable with it. And I didn’t want to leave my kids without knowing that th
Chapter 70Aria Blake ~•~ “Mommy!” Isla and Owen exclaimed as I walked into my mom’s house. I honestly wasn’t expecting to see them in the living room. I pulled them into a warm hug. “How are you doing?” They both had wide smiles on their faces. I could tell they were having a good time. It was surprising. After all, I expected them to be sad because I wasn’t with them. “Fine, we met our grandma and she was nice to us,” Owen replied, pointing at my mom who had a proud smile. “Isla, was she also nice to you?” Isla would always be blunt. To my surprise, she nodded. “Yes.” “Mommy, are you okay now?” Owen asked, tugging at my hand. “You passed out at the airport and Daddy took you to the hospital.” Daddy? My chest tightened. Owen was already referring to Julian as his Daddy. “Yes, I am okay,” I answered quietly. “I hope both of you are also good?” They nodded. After talking to them, they went upstairs. I made my way over to the couch where my mother was sitting. “Won’t
Chapter 69Julian Cross ~•~ How was it so easy for Aria to walk around the house without getting emotional? She didn’t even look like she was nostalgic. And the worst part about everything was that she laughed in my face when I said that I knew she would come back. I wanted us to try again. I wanted a second chance with Aria, but it felt like I was the only one holding on to what we used to have. Well, she had someone else in her life. But I still believed that we would eventually find our way back to each other. As I watched her walk away, I was tempted to follow her. But I decided to stand there and give her space. If I tried to intrude, I would only push her away. I needed to change my strategy if I wanted her to change how she felt towards me.But I had no idea what I was meant to do. At least, I’d gotten the kids and that was the first step to bringing her closer to me. I didn’t know what her plans were, but I knew that if she tried to run with the kids, I would be alerte
Chapter 68Aria Blake~•~ I had no idea when I began laughing. “Come back to where?” I asked; pressing a hand to my forehead. “Please, don’t make me laugh. I don’t want my head to hurt.” His face went slack. “Aria? Really?” I let out a breath. “I’m going outside to wait for my brother, he’s picking me up,” I said as I continued walking. “What? You already asked him to pick you up?” Julian asked with a hint of amusement in his voice. I nodded. “Yes.” “You’ve become so stubborn.” “If that’s a problem for you, then leave my kids and me alone.” “They’re my kids too,” he answered defensively.When I got outside, I stood at the front porch. Julian stood beside me. “So you really want to leave?” “Yes. I didn’t ask to come to New York. And most importantly, I don’t want to be here.” “Why?” He lifted an eyebrow. “Is it because it’s bringing back certain memories that you’re trying to forget?” I bit back a groan. There was no use talking about it with him. “Just leave me alone.
Chapter 67Aria Blake~•~ “You’re awake,” Julian said as he walked into the room. I felt a lot better. “Yes, and I’m ready to leave.” He shook his head. “Not yet.”My face twisted into a frown. “Why?” I demanded, confused. “Why don't you want me to leave?” “The nurse needs to clear you first.” “Clear me first?” I asked with a humorless chuckle. “Why are you acting like I am in a registered hospital and not your house?” I knew what he was trying to do. He didn’t want me to leave. “She’s a registered nurse, and you know I’ll always bring the best people when it comes to your health.” I rolled my eyes at him. “Oh, please.” “Aria…” “I’m still not over the fact that you brought me here without my consent. Do you know the damage your actions have caused?” I replied, irritation palpable in my voice. “What damage did it cause?” I opened my mouth to speak but closed it immediately. I didn’t want to tell Julian that Samuel and I were having issues because of him. “That’s none of
Chapter 66Aria Blake~•~ After taking my medication, I slept for a few hours. I needed the rest to restore my strength.When I woke up, I reached for my phone and dialed Samuel’s number. He still didn’t reach out to me on his own. He answered on the first ring. “Samuel…” “Aria.” His voice was tight and edged with guilt. “How are you doing?” I let out a sharp breath. “You left the house. I texted and called you several times but you ignored me.” There was a beat of silence. Then he cleared his throat. “You know why I left, Aria. You know why I decided to ignore you,” he replied, his voice barely above a whisper. My chest tightened. “I passed out for about twelve hours. You haven’t heard from me for long and you’re comfortable?” “Aria, please don’t blame this on me.” I closed my eyes briefly and let out a sharp exhale. “You can’t blame me either because I didn’t do anything.” Samuel laughed hysterically. “You really believe that you didn’t do anything?” I nodded even thoug







