Semua Bab His Heartless Vows : Bab 21 - Bab 30

Aria's POVOne week later and I finally felt human again, color creeping back into my cheeks, strength returning slow but steady to my arms and legs after the hospital scare. Damien asked about me every single day since we got home quiet check-ins morning and night, "How're you feeling today?" or "Need anything from the kitchen?" delivered in that even tone of his without pressure. Noticed small changes too maids hovering less now that his mother stayed away, house running smoother, him lingering sometimes after dinner asking if I slept okay. Made me wonder if something shifted in him after finding me half-dead on the floor, if maybe he saw me different now instead of just obligation.Feeling almost normal today, decided on impulse to surprise him at work with lunch first time since the cookie disaster. Spent morning in the kitchen making his favorites grilled chicken sandwich with crisp lettuce and tomato just how he liked, cucumber salad on side, chocolate brownie for dessert since

Third Person POVDamien watched Mr. Vaswani's car disappear down the driveway, a sour taste lingering in his mouth from the old man's leering gaze and Aria's panicked tears. Guilt gnawed harder than expected should've stepped in sooner, protected her better. Made a decision quick while climbing the stairs two at a time. Knocked soft on her bedroom door before pushing it open, finding her curled tight on the bed hugging her knees, face buried against them still shaking from the humiliation."Aria," he said low, leaning against the doorframe. "Get dressed up. Taking you out to dinner tonight just us. Nice place downtown."She lifted her head slow, eyes red-rimmed and wary like she waited for the catch. "Why?""Because I want to," he answered simple, holding her gaze steady. "Seven o'clock. Wear something nice."***La Belle restaurant glowed warm against the city night, candlelight flickering across crisp white tablecloths as Damien pulled out Aria's chair for her, a small gesture tha

Damien POVOffice was my refuge today papers stacked high, calls back-to-back, anything to drown out the image of Aria standing there in my shirt, eyes wide with that fragile hope I'd stomped flat. Guilt sat heavy in my gut like bad whiskey, twisting every time I remembered her voice cracking on *last night*. Called it a mistake. Meant it to push her away, keep things clean. But now? Regret gnawed constant, whispering I’d fucked up something real. Still, no going back. Couldn’t risk giving her hope. Not when I barely trusted myself around her.Phone lit up again Sophia. *Miss you already. Brunch tomorrow?* Old reflex kicked in, thumb itching to play along. But Aria’s possessive *you’re only mine* echoed loud, cutting through the noise. Typed fast instead: " Busy. Don’t call. "Set it to silent and tossed the phone face-down. Done playing that game. Didn’t feel like victory. Felt like losing something else.***Home loomed dark when I pulled in late, house quiet except the hum of the

Aria POV One Month Later One month has dragged by so slowly it's hard to believe. Every single day, the distance between Damien and me just keeps growing wider, like there's this huge wall between us that I can't find a way to climb. He hardly says anything to me anymore not even good morning or goodnight most days. If I try to talk to him, ask how his day went or if he wants dinner together, he just cuts me off with a sharp "Not now" or walks away without even looking back. It leaves me feeling so lost and sad, lying in bed at night with this heavy ache in my chest, wondering why I keep trying when it feels like I'm the only one who cares about making this marriage work. I've been doing everything I can think of to bridge the gap. I get up early to make his favorite breakfasts, keep the house spotless just how he likes it. But nothing changes. It's like all my efforts disappear into thin air. This morning was another punch to the gut. I'd set out a nice spread fluffy scrambl

Aria POVMorning came too fast after that sleepless night, sunlight slicing through the curtains like it had no business being so bright when my world felt so dark. I lay there for a long time, staring at the ceiling, letting the decision settle deeper into my bones divorce wasn't just an idea anymore, it was the only path left. I'd given everything to this marriage, chased shadows of connection through storms and silences, only to end up hearing him whisper love to another woman in the room next door. No more. Quietly, I got up, pulled on jeans and a sweater, and slipped out while his car was still gone, the house holding its breath around me. Hailed a cab downtown to the lawyer's office I'd looked up late in the night, a small firm with good reviews for handling things discreetly.The meeting felt surreal, sitting across from Mr. Reynolds in his cramped office lined with law books and faded certificates. He listened without judgment as I laid it out irreconcilable differences,