บททั้งหมดของ His Heartless Vows : บทที่ 11 - บทที่ 20

Aria's POVThe black dress felt heavier than usual today, scratching rough against my skin as we stood there by the graveside under those dull gray skies that seemed to press down on everything. Damien was right beside me, hands shoved deep in his pockets, face completely blank like this was just another board meeting he had to sit through. Grandma's casket lowered slow into the ground, each handful of dirt hitting the wood with that awful final thud that echoed in my chest. She'd practically raised me and Elara since we were little kids running around her kitchen always smelled like fresh cinnamon cookies straight from the oven, always had hugs that could fix anything from scraped knees to teenage heartbreak. Loved us so fierce when Mom and Dad were too busy fighting over bills or working double shifts just to keep the lights on. Losing her felt like losing the one steady piece left in my whole messed-up world.My sister Elara probably heard the news by now. Word travels fast even

Aria's POV Days dragged on slow and heavy, each one blending into the next as I found myself playing maid to Damien's precious first love right in my own home. Mornings started with checking her medicine schedule taped to the fridge pills at 8 AM sharp, then lunch by noon, dinner by 7, always asking if she needed water or extra blankets. Cooked simple things she liked soup when her throat felt scratchy, toast with jam for breakfast, chicken rice when she wanted something warm. Kept it all polite but distant, barely saying more than "Here's your tea" before disappearing back to my room. Wasn't interested in chatting or bonding. Why bother? She was his problem, not mine, left behind like some houseguest I had to babysit while he jetted off carefree. She kept trying though, always approaching me with that soft smile whenever I passed through the living room or kitchen. "Aria, sit with me for a bit? I feel bad you're doing everything alone," she'd say, patting the couch beside h

Damien's POVWoke up early next morning with my mind already racing from everything I'd uncovered last night, so I grabbed my phone first thing and called the head maid, telling her to get every single staff member back in the house immediately no delays, no excuses. By the time I came downstairs for breakfast, the place already felt different maids moving quietly through the hallways, clattering dishes in the kitchen, that familiar rhythm of a properly run household kicking back into gear. Mom sat at the head of the dining table looking irritated as hell when I walked in, Sophia beside her picking at some fruit, and Aria standing off to the side waiting to serve like she was part of the help. Mom spotted the maids first and her voice sharpened right away. "I gave all of you a month's vacation what are you doing back here so suddenly without any notice?"I stepped in from behind her before she could keep going, keeping my tone calm but firm enough to shut down any argument. "I ca

Aria's POV Got home still raw from the cookie disaster at Damien's office, my hands shaking a little as I climbed the stairs to my room needing just a moment to breathe and collect myself after spilling everything to Tia. Closed the door soft behind me and sank onto the edge of the bed, staring at the wall while trying to push down the lump still burning in my throat. Sharp knock came suddenly at the door three hard raps that made me jump. Opened it cautious to find Damien's mother standing there, her face already twisted with that familiar irritation she never bothered hiding from me. "What the hell is this negligence you're pulling?" she snapped right away, stepping inside without invitation and letting the door swing shut behind her. "Wandering around all day like some street girl where exactly have you been until now? Explain yourself before I lose my patience completely." Tried to keep my voice steady even as my stomach knotted up. "I just went out for a bit. Needed some a

Aria's POV I woke up slowly to soft morning light slipping through the curtains, blinking confused when I saw Damien's arm still draped loose around my waist heavy, unfamiliar weight holding me close from last night's breakdown. Heart jumped hard in my chest, memories crashing back of his protection downstairs, carrying me up here, letting me cling through the tears. For one fragile moment peace wrapped around me like a warm blanket, first real rest I'd found in months. But then he stirred, pulling away quick as we both sat up awkward on opposite sides of the bed, reality snapping sharp back into focus. Door flew open hard without a knock his mother storming in red-faced, eyes blazing fury when she saw us there together. "What absolute nonsense is this?" she spat loud, hands planted furious on her hips. "Her in your bed after the stunt she pulled last night? Have you lost your mind completely?" Damien stood calm, buttoning his shirt casual as he faced her down even-tempered. "Mom