But Jasmine wasn't satisfied with how calm Aria was. “You don't have a problem with it, right?” She asked, still wrapped in Sebastian's arms.
Aria’s eyes dropped to the shattered frame on the floor.
It was the only photo she had ever taken with Sebastian before they got married. And the only time she had truly felt happy.
But now, the only memory that didn’t sting—was broken too.
Aria had no reaction to give. No anger, and no fight. She was fed up enough already.
Now she just looked up at Jasmine with a small, tired smile and said, “It's alright. Sebastian was right…I should have thrown that old, stupid frame away.”
Jasmine had to quickly wipe off the displeased look on her face, “That’s so sweet of you.”
She abruptly turned to face Sebastian, “See, I told you my sister is not that bad. I'm sure she would be willing to accept whatever I ask too.”
Sebastian kept smiling at her even as he asked Aria, “Jasie will be staying in the city for a while, and I don't want her to be alone or far from me.”
“She also has trouble sleeping alone, so… I want her to stay here with me in our room. You can take the guest room, just for the time being.”
He paused.
“You know what…Jasie isn't comfortable with other people around, so what if you just move to the guest house for a while? I'll let you know when it's time to move back in.”
Aria was calm. She knew Sebastian must have prepared a lot to convince her, but she didn't have the strength for any of that.
“I understand.” She agreed with a smile, noticing the shocked look on Sebastian and Jasmine's faces.
They probably didn't expect her to give in so easily.
“I'll move my things to the guest house before the day ends,” Aria added.
Sebastian stepped forward, like he had something else to say, “No, you don't—”
But Jasmine shut him off before he could finish, “You are the best sis ever.”
Aria forced out a tiny nod at her. She looked away, picking up the stack of old books from the floor.
She turned and made her way toward the stairs. The books were heavy, but she held them close.
Halfway down, she missed a step on the stairs, making her lose her balance. She fell hard, the books flying out of her hands and landing everywhere.
Her elbow hit the floor. But the loud crash didn’t get their attention.
Jasmine didn’t move. Sebastian didn’t even turn his head.
She had him wrapped in his arms, as if purposely stopping him from noticing her.
Aria lay still for a moment, staring at the ceiling. Her chest rose and fell with shaky breaths.
If it were Jasmine, Sebastian would never have allowed her to carry the stack of heavy books herself.
He had always been that way. Even at the Hartwells, he always stopped her from doing any sort of house chores and would work in her place instead.
“My Jasie shouldn't be made to do hardcore chores like this. She is too soft for that. I don't even want a scar or a stain on her body.” He would often say with so much love in his voice for her.
But when it was Aria's turn for the house chores, no one ever offered to help. Instead, she would often get criticized for not doing a proper job.
Even after she got married to Sebastian, and thought that he would start to treat her well too—He never did.
While Jasmine got all the love and care. She was expected to quietly do things without complaining. No matter how hard they were.
Aria didn't even bother to question it anymore.
It was evening when she was done moving a few bags to the guest house while most of her things were loaded into a truck.
“You know you don't have to do all these. You'll be moving back into the main house soon anyway.” Sebastian said, staring at the truck as it drove away.
“They are the other things I'm giving out, with the books. It's all for you.” She feigned,
“Yes. But the truck had most of the things you are very attached to. How can you be giving them out so easily?” He asked,
Yes. She was usually the type who found it hard to let things go. Including people.
But that had obviously never worked for her. So why bother keeping them?
'And why even bother being with you any longer?' She thought to herself.
Aria forced out a small smile. “It's okay. They are going to places where they will be very much appreciated. And besides, you've always complained about me having too much stuff. So this is good for you.”
“Okay. Whatever works for you then.” Sebastian didn't bother anymore. Hearing it was for his good was enough again.
“Oh, there is a charity gala happening tonight,” Sebastian said. “I want to go with just Jasie. But I guess you would have to come too, in case of any business talk with partners. Okay?”
Aria shook her head, “No. I don't think I can—”
“You can't refuse, Aria.” Sebastian cut her off immediately. “You are my Executive Assistant. You are in charge of all my company's affairs. You’ve got to be there.”
Aria looked at him with deep silence. She had a reason to be there. Understood. But what did Jasmine have to contribute? Nothing. Yet he wanted her to be there.
“Sure.” She simply nodded. This was going to be the last time anyway.
Night came quickly.
The car pulled up in front of the hotel where the charity gala was being held.
Sebastian stepped out first and helped Jasmine out of the car. Cameras started flashing right away. She smiled brightly, enjoying the attention.
Then Aria stepped out from the other side of the car. No one noticed her. She kept her head down as she followed behind them.
“Oh, welcome Mr. Kingsley,” the host smiled as he walked over. “I heard you’d be attending with your wife tonight. The organizers would love to get a few official photos of you both.”
An obvious frown crowned Sebastian's face. He wondered how the host knew about his marriage. Something he had done so much to keep a secret.
Aria paused for a second, thinking maybe—for once—Sebastian was going to choose her over Jasmine.
But, she had dreamt too big once again.
“I don't have a wife. Do not believe such lies.” He stated firmly.
The host was visibly confused. His eyes were fixed on the two women. “Who are you going to be taking the exclusive photos with then?”
Sebastian didn't waste a second. He gently grabbed Jasmine's hand, “This is Jasmine Hartwell. The only true daughter of the Hartwells. And the heiress to Hartwell & Co. Holdings.”
“My goodness. Jasmine Hartwell.” The host bowed slightly.
Then, Sebastian shot a side eye at Aria before he forced a few words out. “That one is my Executive Assistant. Nothing more.”
