Chapter 396
That warm drop on her shoulder. It wasn’t from a leaky ceilling, and she definitely wasn’t imagining things.
It hit Aria all at once: Owen had seen the scars on her back while bandaging her, and he’ll actually teared up.
For a moment, her mind just… blanked out, a wave of emotion crashing over her, fon tangled to name.
Her heart squeezed painfully and then started pounding so fast she thought it might burst.
Her stare must’ve been way too obvious, because Owen couldn’t ignore it, even if he tried.
He glanced up and met her dazed eyes, caught in the act.
A second later, Aria snapped out of it, raised her hand, and smacked herself Eightly on the forehead, mortified.
Owen’s face turned serious. “Does your shoulder hurt?”
The concern in his voice snapped Aria back to reality, and she wanted to slap herself again.
Finding but Owen had cried for her–sure, she felt a flicker of being moved, but just for a second.
After that? Mostly, she was just curious. He was always so calm and collected, she couldn’t help but wonder, “What does Owen look like when he cries?
She forced herself to stop thinking about it.
“I’m fine,” Aria replied, but there was a strange, guilty note in her voice.
Owen had no idea what was going through her head.
At that moment, Aria’s phone buzzed.
She picked it up to see Vanessa had sent her a post that wasn’t trending, but was definitely juicy:
Vanessa: Film City spotted a total heartthrob wandering around, looking for his way home.]
Vanessa: [He looks a lot like Owen. Can you check?]
Aria opened the link and instantly recognized Owen’s back Comments flooded in.
[This guy is ridiculously handsome. I’m in a daze!]
I overheard an agent trying to recruit him. Turns out he’s a lawyer!]
He went for lunch, everyone–go check him out!
Photo after photo, every angle: Owen, walking, resting, eating lunch
Is he lost or just obsessed with Film City? He’s been on the main street for eight hours.
He went back for dinner–at the same place he ate lunch.)
[He’s back on the same street, still wandering ground.
People joked that he looked like someone who time–traveled from the past and was trying to find his way back.
The best guess? He was waiting for someone
09:52 Frl, 20 Jun
Chapter 396
Then a photo appeared of Owen striding into the hotel.
The hottie just went into the hoteli
And the next picture Aria herrill, getting out of a car.
As soon as this lady got out, he stood up and ran to her.
The post even had a photo of Owen running toward her, and another of the two of them waiting for the elevator together.
He spent the whole day here, just waiting for his galliend. No wonder he kept looking in one direction.
[This is killing me, I ship them so hard.]
[Don’t delete this thread! See if anyone else can catch them–I’m leaving Kanit City, so it’s up to you now
She couldn’t help but marvel at how skilled the internet was at shipping people together.
Owen had planned to explore Film City that day anyway. The reality wasn’t nearly as dramatic as people online made it sound
But still, after dinner, there were plenty of photos showing Owen gazing at the hotel.
She realized as soon as she’d gone inside, he’d shown up.
Was he really waiting for her?
Aria’s expression shifted. She looked up and asked, “Did you take any pictures while you were wandering around Film City?”
Owen’s face was as calm as ever, but there was a spark of amusement in his eyes. “I did. Once I pick out some good ones, I’ll send them to you.”
“Okay”
Vanessa sent a voice message: [Did you see the post? Owen followed you all the way to Film City? Is he that lovesick?
Aria texted back: [He came to Film City to apologize, not just for me.]
Vanessa: Oh, come on. It’s still because of you.)
As Vanessa messaged, she opened the door–only to freeze
Owen was sitting right across from the entrance, and Vanessa nearly jumped out of her skin.
One second she was gossiping about him, the next second he was right there in the flesh.
It startled her so much she blurted out, “Sorry, wrong room!” and immediately slammed the door.
Aria, looking sideways, couldn’t help but laugh.
Three seconds later, Vanessa pushed the door open gain, staring at Aria with wide eyes and immediately started typing: You actually brought him home?
Aria: it’s not what it looks like can explain]
Vanessa: Don’t explain. I don’t want to know.
As Aria and Vanessa continued texting like nobody else was in the room, Owen stood awkwardly by the sofa, unsure whether to speak up.
Finally, Aria put her phone away and called out, “You coming in, or are you planning on guarding the door all night?”
un d
09:52 Fri, 20 Jun
Chapter 396
Vanessa made a noise of agreement and walked in, greeting Owen with a bright, “18, I’m Varianna
Owen nodded, polite as ever. “Nice to meet you I’m Owen”
“Sit down, make yourself at home,” Vanessa said as she dropped her things and bounced over to it beside
She was about to throw an arm around Mia when Owen’s voice cut in: “Don’t touch her
Vanessa froze. “What’s wrong?”
“She’s hurt,” Owen explained.
Vanessa shot to her feet, eyes wide. “You’re hurt?”
Aria waved her off, assuring her she was fine, then added, “Owen already patched me up.”
Vanessa’s gaze was full of melodramatic betrayal–Why didn’t you call me?
Ania could only shrug. I thought I could handle it. Bumping into Owen was a
was a coincidence!
Vanessa shot Owen a side–eye. A coincidence? This guy waited all day for you!!
Aria blinked. ‘Seriously, just a coincidence!
After a flurry of meaningful glances, Vanessa announced, “You’re going back to Mandino City first thing tomorrow morning to recover
She gave Ariano chance to protest. Turning to Owen, she said, “I’m leaving Aria in your care.”
Owen nodded. “Of course,”
“And she won’t be able to wash her hair or shower by herself, so you’ll have to help–well, maybe just help her with her hair. She can handle the rest herself” Vanessa corrected herself mid–sentence.
Owen nodded again, completely unbothered. “Alright.”
Aria gawked at him. ‘He agreed to that? Really?”
Instantly, Vanessa’s opinion of Owen shot up to eighty percent.
Hotels just weren’t as convenient as home, and Aria couldn’t take time off easily.
s
Myla could come help, but Vanessa decided Mayen Garden was best.
Aria could eat home–cooked food instead of takeout, and most importantly, get far away from Russell and all his trouble.
Vanessa didn’t let Aria argue.
She pulled out her phone and started booking tickets. “One o’clock train tomorrow. You’ll leave after lunch.”
Owen nodded. “I’ll take care of her on the way.”
Aria thought, ‘Wow, you two have this all planned out, huh?”
A message popped up from MapleLink. It’s done
Aria smiled, feeling lighter than she had in days
She’d repaid her debt–one bullet for White Fox’s life. She and Russell were oven now.
If only he’d just let it be–stop hiding behind Sara’s name, stop pretending he was
sowed something
09:52 HAF JUN
Chapter 396.
Aria did feel guilt toward Sara. Bit Russell! He had no right to play this game,
