Chapter 0004

Third Person POV

The bustling noise of the airport surrounded them as Joe walked with wide-eyed curiosity through the busy terminal. His mother, Aria, was a few steps ahead, her mind focused on getting to their gate on time.

They had just returned from a week-long retreat with some of Aria’s high-profile clients, and Joe was buzzing with excitement, the energy of the airport feeding his already vivid imagination.

Joe's small hand tightened around the handle of his carry-on as he craned his neck, trying to take in every sight and sound.

The airport was a place of endless fascination for him, a crossroads of people and possibilities.

His mother, ever composed and professional, drew the attention of many as they passed—her status as a top nutritionist, often working with celebrities and athletes, making her a familiar face in certain circles.

“Mom, can I fix my hair before we leave?” Joe asked, his voice laced with urgency as they approached a restroom.

Aria glanced back at him, a small smile playing on her lips. “Sure, but don’t take too long. We have a flight to catch.”

Joe nodded eagerly and dashed into the restroom, his steps light with the excitement of the day.

Inside the restroom, Joe stood on tiptoes, peering into the mirror as he meticulously combed his hair.

It was a habit he had picked up from watching his mother—always presentable, always polished.

Satisfied with his reflection, he turned to leave, only to freeze as he nearly collided with a tall man stepping out of a nearby stall.

Joe's eyes widened as he took in the man before him.

Dressed in a sharp suit, the stranger had an air of authority and confidence that immediately captivated the young boy. There was something familiar about him, something that made Joe's heart skip a beat.

The man looked down at Joe, his expression softening as he realized the boy had almost run into him.

“Careful there, little guy,” he said, his voice deep and steady.

Joe blinked up at him, his curiosity piqued.

“You look like you’d make a good dad,” he blurted out, his voice filled with innocent wonder.

The man’s eyes narrowed slightly, a flicker of recognition crossing his features as he studied Joe more closely. For a moment, the world around them seemed to pause.

Joe, ever bold, pulled out his small phone. “Can I have your number? Maybe you could be my dad.”

The man chuckled softly, shaking his head. “I’m sure that’s not possible, kid. But you’ve got a good imagination.”

Joe grinned, clearly pleased with the response. “Maybe. But I’m good at making things work.”

With that, he waved at the man and skipped out of the restroom, his heart light with the thrill of the encounter.

As Joe disappeared into the crowd, Liam stood there for a moment, a strange sense of familiarity settling over him. There was something about the boy’s eyes and the way he smiled that felt eerily familiar.

Just then, Liam's assistant approached, hesitating before speaking.

"That boy... he really does look like Aria, doesn't he?" His voice was tentative, unsure.

A surge of irritation flashed through Liam. Aria’s name had become a forbidden word in his life for the past six years.

He clenched his jaw and responded sharply, "Don’t ever mention that lying woman again."

His assistant flinched at his tone, nodding quickly before retreating.

Liam turned away, the uncomfortable feeling lingering, determined to push those memories further into the past where they belonged.

Aria’s POV

As we made our way toward the exit, Joe couldn’t stop talking about his encounter. “Mom, he was so cool! I bet he’s really smart too. Don’t you think he’d make a great dad?”

I forced a smile, trying to keep my voice light. “You’ve got quite the imagination, Joe. I’m starting to think you’re just trying to find my replacement.”

Joe pouted slightly, his enthusiasm dimming just a bit. “No, no! That’s not it, I love you, Mom!”

I sighed, squeezing his hand gently. “Joe, I’m happy with just you. Let it rest, okay?”

His face remained dim, and my heart twinged.

As much as his constant search for a father figure exasperated me, I couldn’t fault him for wanting what he’d never had.

“Aria! Over here!” Isabella’s excited shout rang out as she waved at us from the driver’s seat.

I snapped out of my reverie and guided Joe toward her.

Isabella, my closest friend and confidante, had been waiting for us to arrive. Joe’s face lit up as he spotted her, and he rushed over to give her a hug.

“You’re growing up so fast, little man,” Isabella said with a grin, ruffling his hair. Joe laughed, playfully swatting her hand away.

As we settled into the car, Isabella glanced at me in the rearview mirror. “So, how was the trip? Did you two have fun?”

“Joe had a blast,” I replied, leaning back in my seat. “But I’m just glad to be home.”

As we drove through the city, Isabella filled the silence with gossip and news from our social circle, keeping the mood light.

“By the way,” she said, her tone casual, “I just thought you should know… Liam was searching for you pretty frantically after you left. It was all over the news for a while. But then, out of nowhere, he just… stopped. Gave up. Any idea why?”

I kept my expression neutral, refusing to let her see how much the question rattled me.

“I don’t know,” I replied evenly. “Maybe he’s just out of his mind.”

Isabella shrugged, seemingly satisfied with my answer.

“Well, whatever the reason, he’s certainly changed. Retired from racing not long after you left, took over the family business. He’s one of the most eligible bachelors around now, if you can believe it.”

My heart clenched at her words, but I didn’t let it show. I had spent six years rebuilding my life, and I wasn’t about to let old wounds reopen.

“Good for him,” I said, my voice betraying nothing.

Isabella nodded, oblivious to the turmoil churning beneath my calm exterior.

“Yeah, I suppose. But it’s weird, you know? With Sophia out of the picture, you’d think he’d be living it up. But he’s been so low-key. Makes you wonder if the public even knows she was pregnant.”

At the mention of Sophia, a wave of old emotions threatened to surface. But I pushed them down, determined not to let them take control.

“I’m sure he’s doing just fine.”

Isabella glanced at me, sensing the tension in my voice. But before she could say anything, Joe interrupted, pointing excitedly at something outside the window.

“Look, Mom! It’s the park! Can we go?”

I smiled, grateful for the distraction. “Sure, Joe. We can stop for a bit.”

Isabella pulled over, and we all got out of the car. As Joe ran ahead to the playground, I took a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves.

The day had been far more eventful than I had anticipated, and I needed a moment to collect myself.

Isabella joined me on a nearby bench, her expression more serious now.

“You know, Aria, you don’t have to pretend with me. I know this is hard for you.”

I sighed, leaning back and closing my eyes for a moment.

“It’s not about pretending, Isabella. It’s about moving on. I’ve built a life for myself, for Joe. Liam is part of the past.”

Isabella reached out, squeezing my hand gently. “I get it. But just know that you don’t have to face it alone.”

I nodded, grateful for her support. As Joe’s laughter echoed across the park, I let myself relax, if only for a moment. The past might still haunt me, but I wasn’t going to let it define my future. I had Joe, and that was enough.

“Let’s just enjoy the day,” I said, offering Isabella a small smile. “We’ve earned it.”

She smiled back, and together we watched Joe play, the weight of the past slowly lifting from my shoulders.

I didn’t know what the future held, but I was ready to face it—one step at a time.