He’s unbothered

Aria POV

We’re having dinner at my parents’ house tonight.”

Julian’s voice cut through the silence of our bedroom. I looked up from the book I wasn’t really reading.

“Tonight?” I asked.

“Yes. Be ready by six.” He adjusted his tie in the mirror without looking at me. “And wear something appropriate.”

I nodded, even though he wasn’t watching.

By 5:45, I was dressed in a navy blue dress, hair pulled back, minimal makeup. Julian was already waiting by the car, impatient.

The drive was suffocatingly silent. Julian spent most of it on his phone while I watched the city lights blur past my window.

The Cross family mansion loomed ahead—elegant stone and manicured gardens. Old money that didn’t need to announce itself.

The front doors opened before we reached them.

“Aria!”

Eleanor Cross swept out first, pulling me into a warm embrace before even greeting her son. She smelled like expensive perfume and felt genuinely happy to see me.

“You look lovely, dear. Come, come inside.”

She linked her arm through mine, leading me in while Julian followed behind with his father.

Richard Cross was tall, silver-haired, with Julian’s sharp features. He nodded warmly at me. “Aria. Good to see you.”

“You as well.”

The dining room table was set beautifully. They seated me like I was someone important, someone who mattered.

Dinner started well enough. Business talk between Julian and his father. Eleanor asked about my week with genuine interest, listening when I spoke.

Then she set down her fork with a delicate clink.

“You know my friend Margaret? Her daughter just had the most beautiful baby girl. I visited them last week.”

My chest tightened.

“The baby has those tiny fingers, that new baby smell—oh, it made my heart ache.” Eleanor’s eyes lit up. She looked between us hopefully. “It made me think—when are you two going to give us grandchildren?”

My fork slipped, clattering against my plate.

“Sorry,” I mumbled.

Julian’s jaw tightened. “We’re not having this conversation.”

“Why not?” Eleanor pressed. “You’ve been married four years now.”

“I’m not ready for that, Mother. Having children now is a distraction. I’m busy with the company. The European expansion, the merger negotiations—I don’t have time for children.”

“You’re always busy, Julian,” Eleanor said, frustrated. “But family is more important than business deals.”

Richard nodded. “Your mother’s right. Legacy isn’t just about the company.”

I sat frozen. I was pregnant. Right now. Carrying their grandchild.

And no one could know.

“We have time,” Julian said flatly. “There’s no rush.”

Eleanor’s face fell. She looked at me with gentle concern. “Aria, dear, you’ve barely touched your food. Are you alright?”

The room felt too hot.

“I just need some air.” I stood abruptly. “Excuse me.”

The garden was quiet, lit by soft pathway lights. I walked until I was away from the windows, hand moving to my stomach.

I stood there for a few minutes, then I heard footsteps behind me.

“Aria?”

Eleanor approached slowly. She stood beside me, looking at the garden.

“You know,” she said softly, “I can see it.”

I looked at her, confused.

“The way you look at my son.” Her smile was gentle. “You love him. Really love him.”

My throat tightened. I couldn’t speak.

“Julian can be… difficult. Stubborn. But you’re good for him, Aria. You’re exactly what he needs, even if he’s too blind to see it yet.” She squeezed my hand. “Don’t give up on yourself, dear. You’re stronger than you think.”

Tears burned behind my eyes. “Thank you.”

She pulled me into a brief hug. “Come. Let’s go back.”

As we were leaving, Eleanor pulled Julian aside near the door. I was close enough to hear her quiet words.

“Take care of your wife, Julian.”

He looked surprised. “Mother—”

“I mean it. She’s precious. Don’t take her for granted.”

Julian’s jaw tightened but he nodded.

Eleanor hugged me once more at the door. “Take care of yourself, dear.”

The car ride home was silent. I leaned against the window, exhausted.

Something red slipped from under my seat as we turned.

I picked it up.

A scarf. Silk. Expensive. The exact same I’d seen on Selene, and I could smell her Imperial Majesty perfume lingering on it. I knew she’d intentionally left it in his car, another reminder that she was the one Julian’s heart truly wanted.

I stared at it, my heart pounding. Then without a word, I held it up.

Julian glanced over. His jaw tightened, but he said nothing. Just looked back at the road.

The silence stretched between us, heavy and suffocating.

“Stop the car,” I said quietly.

“What?”

“I need air. Stop the car.”

“We’re almost home—”

“Stop the car, Julian.”

He pulled over sharply. We were on a quiet street, streetlights casting long shadows.

I got out without looking at him.

“Aria—”

I walked a few steps away, wrapping my arms around myself. I could still smell Selene’s perfume in my palm.

I heard his door open. For a moment, I thought he might come to me.

Then his door closed.

The engine revved.

I turned around just in time to see his taillights pulling away.

He left me there. Alone. In the middle of nowhere.

My feet wouldn’t move. I stared at the empty street where his car had been.

My phone—I fumbled for it. 1% battery. The screen went black before I could dial.

I started walking, my heels clicking against the pavement. Each step felt heavier. My vision blurred at the edges as tears filled my eyes. Is this the man I thought one day he’d love me back?

Headlights appeared ahead.

The car slowed, pulling up beside me.

The window rolled down.

“Aria?”

Matthew’s voice. Concerned, shocked.

“Matthew.” Relief flooded through me. “I—”

“What are you doing out here alone? It’s almost midnight.” He was already getting out of the car. “Are you okay?”

“I just… I needed…” The words wouldn’t come. Everything was spinning.

“Hey, hey.” He grabbed my arm gently as I swayed. “You don’t look good. Let me take you to the hospital.”

“No.” The word came out sharper than I intended. “I’m okay.”

“You don’t look okay.” His grip tightened as my knees started to buckle. “Aria? Aria, look at me.”

I tried. I really tried. But the world was tilting sideways.

“Matthew, I—”

My legs gave out.

“ARIA!”

His voice sounded far away, like I was underwater.

Then everything went black.