Chapter 58
With cone in his expression, pain in his eyes, and a gentle tons by his voice, Caleb looked at her deeply
It wasn’t just her he was seeing –it was someone else through her.
At that moment, Aria understood. She asked. “You went to Jamelan, didn’t you?
“yeah” Caleb dipped his gen, not wanting to appear too vulnerable in front of his sister.
Ana turned slightly to the side. “Come in, sit for a hit!
“Okay” Caleb gave a small nod.
Once they were on the couch, Aria poured him a glask of water. “Why’d you want to look into my past, Caleb?”
Caleb’s hand paused mid–air as he reached for the glass.
Caleb tried to act calm, but the faint ripple on the water’s surface gave away the turmoil inside. “I just… wanted to know what your life was like back then.”
“Then why not ask me?” Aria thought,
Aria remembered bumping into Everett the other day and suddenly everything clicked. She laid it out plainly. “You probably found out I’ve always known I’m not Dominic and Alice’s biological daughter,”
Caleb nodded
Aria continued, “They were definitely sexist, but they didn’t hate me from the start. I was born with something off–emotionally. I could sense the world around me, but I didn’t want to react to it, I was cold at everything
“At first, they thought i was mute. Then one day they heard me call the old lady next door ‘Grandma. That’s when they started to resent me, calling me an ungrateful brat.”
Because of blood ties, Dominic and Alice didn’t abuse her–at least not to the point of denying her food.
In reality, Aria never cared about whatever scraps of affection they threw her way, and she didn’t feel sad about it either.
Aria had always known she was different. But she had no desire to change. Instead, she chose to outsmart that couple every chance she got.
If Dominic and Alice hit her, Aria would wait until they were asleep and pour hot water on them. They nagged her while she cooked? She’d flip the entire
table
When they threw her out, Aria ran to the village chief. He’d go straight to Dominic and call him out for child abuse.
After a while, Dominic and Alice ignored her. And Arla ignored them right back.
Caleb had met the old woman she used to call Grandina. A kind, warmhearted lady.
When: she learned he was Aria’s brother, she smiled, though there was a touch of resignation in her voice. “Trying to get close to Madelyn, huh? Not easy,
Caleb didn’t hesitate. He nodded.
When Silvia was upset, Caleb could buy her things she liked–clothes, jewelry,handbags or take her to an art exhibit.
But with Aria? Caleb couldn’t figure her out. He didn’t know what she Eked or hated. He didn’t even know how to connect with her.
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Chapter 58
tufigured,” the old woman said with a sigh. “Madelyn’s
“Qut het besit’s also smal, il there’s a broad tie, and you’re only good to her out of gult -not with your whole haart – defalk hesitation. Especially if she sees you treating komeine alte betta”
Caleb thought, “What has the Saron family ever really given Ariat Clothes, handbags, dresses, jewelry.
“But Aria clearly prefers pants, doesn’t like jewelry, and hales carrying bags.
“Everything they give her is what Silvia liked. And then they blame her for being cold and distant.
What Aria really wanted is love not their self righteous, guilt ridden version of “kindness”
“She just wanted a family,” the old woman had said.
She also shared stories from Aria’s childhood. Like the time someone yelled at her, and Aria stared them down until they left.
Or when a dog tried to bite her, and Aria grabbed a knife, ready to stilke. She had a fierce streak. Even the village kids feared her. Dogs avoided her altogether
The old woman didn’t have any family. She’d often feed Aria, and Aria would quietly help around the house.
she lo
Aria’s love was straightforward. If you loved her, she loved you back.
Simple as that. The old woman managed to do it. No one else had.
“Caleb!” Aria spoke up
Caleb’s thoughts snapped back. He looked into her eyes–they were calm and smiling.
Aria said softly. “You don’t have to feel guilty. I actually really like the life I have now.”
No missions. No bloodshed. No scheming. And more money than she could ever spend. Aria genuinely liked her
Caleb didn’t have the courage to meet her gaze. He looked away, a bitter smile on his lips. “These days I keep thinking–if there hadn’t been a switch at birth, maybe things would’ve turned out differently.”
“No.” Aria said without hesitation. “Everything happened the way it was meant to. I don’t regret it.”
Aria didn’t really understand Silvia–but she didn’t resent her either. The process had been messy, but the ending was okay,
Just like today–she managed to grab the knife in time and save the girl who lunged at her
And Black Rose had tried to kill her and failed, ending up being forced to help her find the one who ordered the hit.
