Chapter 439
Chapter 439
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Emma’s heart sank as she abruptly hung up on her son. Turning to Aria with regret in her eyes, she sighed, “So, you’re seeing someone now, Aria?”
She thought, ‘Why can’t such a beautiful, talented, sweet–natured, and kind–hearted girl be my own daughter? Or at least my daughter–in–law
‘Why did I have such a hopeless son!‘
It was noisy, so Aria couldn’t quite hear Emma on the phone. After a brief pause, she replied, “I’m not really sure what to call it.”
Even if they were not officially dating, they definitely had feelings for each other.
Emma’s expression softened with regret. “Just let things unfold naturally. Your happiness matters most.”
Aria thought being with Owen really did make her happy. She nodded with a grateful smile and said, “Thank you, Mrs. Shaw.”
Emma excused herself, “Well, excuse me.”
Aria nodded. “Okay.”
Aria didn’t spot Owen, but she did see James. She gave him a quick nod before heading left.
Owen came rushing out of the theater, grabbed her hand without a word, and pulled her along in a hurried escape..
“This way—let’s go,” Owen said, pulling her along.
Aria felt something was off. It wasn’t until they reached the parking lot that the realization hit her.
The way they were sneaking around really did make it look like they were having a secret affair–and they’d nearly been caught in the act.
Aria glanced at Owen as they got into the car. “Was that you calling your mother just now?”
Owen started the car and nodded. “Yeah, I was worried you’d run into my mom.”
Owen stole a tentative glance at her, meeting her gaze as he explained, “My mom really likes you. If she found out we’re, um, together, she might get a little too excited and scare you off.”
As he said the words “being together,” his voice carried a hint of uncertainty.
Aria didn’t really care if they got caught. The moment she ran into Emma, if Owen hadn’t called, she would have admitted their relationship right then
and there.
But Emma didn’t really know what she was thinking. Maybe she thought they were dating and would eventually get married and have kids.
Then, she’d be labeled as Mrs. Shaw.
That wasn’t the life she wanted.
But Owen had considered it for her.
Aria’s heart felt warm, yet a little heavy, as she looked at Owen and asked, “Owen, doesn’t this make you feel… a bit wronged?”
Owen looked up and met her gaze–her eyes, usually so calm, then unsettled.
A complicated look flickered in her eyes, along with a trace of regret so faint it was barely noticeable.
Owen’s heart sank. He leaned closer, reaching out as if to touch her hair, hesitated a moment, then gently rested his hand on her head. “Why would you think that?” he asked softly.
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Chapter 439
He kept his hand there, softly cupping the back of her head.
Aria didn’t answer his question. Instead, she said, “Is three years too long?”
Three years–that was the length of their agreement.
Owen couldn’t keep his composure any longer. His hand slid down to her waist, pulling her into a half–embrace.
They were mere inches apart.
He looked at her, voice trembling. “Are you getting tired of me? Did I do something wrong? Just tell me, okay? I’ll fix it. Please?”
Hurt flooded his eyes, openly displayed for her to see.
Aria shook her head. “No.”
Aria said, “I just feel that you have better options. Being stuck with me, you can’t…”
Before she could finish, Owen leaned in and captured her lips, cutting off her words.
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He didn’t linger for long. Pulling back slightly, he gazed into her eyes with utter sincerity and said softly, “You’re not an option, Aria. You’re the only one.”
Owen said softly, “There’s no one else for me but you.
“Being with you isn’t settling–it’s pure bliss.”
Aria felt her heart race as she listened to Owen pour his heart out.
Aria asked again, her voice soft and uncertain, “What if we have to keep our relationship secret forever? Could you really accept that?”
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