Ethan's POV.
Ethan didn't get his eyes off her throughout the signing process.
Aria managed to steady herself, as heat flushed her cheeks.
The contract sat in front of her untouched, she stared at his signature that was already signed on it.
"Shall we?" Ethan said, handing the pen to her.
Aria kept silent for a moment, and then her hand moved on the paper.
She signed on them even as her hand felt heavy.
"There," her voice came low. "The contract is officially signed and will be processed whenever you're ready."
Ethan nodded, as his assistant slipped the file into his hands.
"You look pale, rough morning?" He asked, yes locked on her.
She tried to avoid his gaze.
"Work has been intense," the lie slipped off her mouth without a second thought.
The air in the room was thick, like she was sitting in a detention cell.
She tried to keep calm, not to let him notice the pressure she felt inside of her.
He sat observant and steady like he already knew what was going on inside her head.
Aria's hand reached for her head, circling the place she had bumped her head this morning.
"Ohh, I bumped into a door, it's nothing."
Ethan didn't push further, he just let the silence linger between them for some moment.
"Sir," his assistant finally said, breaking the silence. "Do we proceed or..."
He waved off his assistant. "Wait for me in the car."
"How's your husband, Mrs. Rossi?" He asked.
Aria froze.
She clenched her hand at her side, breath uneven.
"He's well, just busy with the company, work has been rough lately."
"Hmm," he smirked. "That wasn't my question, Aria. How's your husband treating you?" His tone was cool, not aggressive or forced.
Ethan always knew how to use his words on her.
That was one of the things he does best.
"He's treating me well, marriage isn't a bed of roses."
"Don't lie to yourself. He doesn't care about you, does he?"
Aria didn't answer.
What was he expecting? To tell him how many times she had soaked her pillow with tears?
"You talk as if you know my husband so well."
No matter how Andrea had treated her, she had never said bad words about him, not in public or to anyone.
To her, he was a loving husband.
A man she always believed would change his ways someday.
Ethan leaned in, voice flat. "Of course I know him more than you can ever imagine."
"Enough," She said, her voice cracking.
"Stop lying to yourself, Aria. You can't hide it from me. No matter how you defend and love him..."
"Yes, I'll defend him, I believe that someday, he will change, he will look at me, he will love my kids."
Ethan's heart sank.
He couldn't believe his ears.
She would still choose him, even after what he had done to her?
He curled his hands into a fist on his thighs, heat soaked his legs.
What if she rejects him for the second time? What if she chooses him over her after he's done helping her?
His heart pulsed so hard that he felt it.
Did she really love him that much? Why was she hesitant?
Did she have her reasons for saying that?
Deep down, he swore never to let Andrea have her.
He swore to make her love him, even at the cost of his life.
"Do you still love him?"
The words struck something deep inside of her.
"I don't owe you that answer," She whispered.
"If you still love him," he said evenly, "I'll step back."
Her heart skipped.
"And if I don't?" She asked before she could stop herself.
Something dark flickered in his eyes. "Then I won't."
Ethan stood slowly from his seat, like he owned the place.
"I'll inform Mr. David that you'll be managing the contract directly."
Her brows furrowed. "There are professional staff who are more qualified."
"I want you in charge. I need someone competent and you're that person."
"Why are you making it complicated?"
"You don't have a choice, Aria, unless you want this contract terminated. I guess you don't have what it requires to shoulder the cost."
She knew that tone, and she really had no other choice.
"You can't just make threats because you..."
"Because I what?"
Because he wanted access to her.
Because that was his plan from the beginning.
Because he wasn't done with her and needed proximity over her.
"This is uncalled for, I believe I have the right to consent..."
His voice was cool and precise.
"Everything about this arrangement is legal and professional, unless you have other thoughts on it."
His words hit sharp, shattering her pride.
"I can handle my responsibilities, and won't cross any boundaries."
"Good."
Confidence settled in her. One she hadn't felt in ages.
He walked to the door, adjusting his cuff links.
"You'll receive the documents this afternoon," he added. "Our collaboration takes off immediately."
*****
The drive home felt a little longer and quieter than usual.
Ethan's questions kept replaying in her head.
Does he treat you well?
If you still love him, I'll step back.
If you don't... I won't.
Why did he make it sound more like a declaration than romance.
She pressed her head against the steering as the traffic lights counted.
She was still married to Andrea. Her kids needed a father.
What would people say if she chooses to divorce him?
What if her kids decides they want their father?
Deep down, she was still foolishly believing that things would change.
But Ethan's presence had unsettled her so deeply.
How he had defended her, how he had made her feel seen.
Was his words really a coincidence or he had planned them all along?
*****
The house was loud when she arrived.
Laughter from familiar voices echoed through the sitting room.
Aria froze when she pulled the door handle open.
"Oh, Lily, you're so funny!" Moria's voice followed the rhythm, delighted.
Aria's stomach tightened as she stepped in slowly.
Lily sat elegantly on the couch, dressed in silk, her posture was so composed, as if she owned the house.
A porcelain teacup rested between her fingers.
Andrea's mother sat beside her. Andrea stood near the fireplace, watching.
They looked like a perfect family.
Lily's eyes moved first. "Aria," she said softly. "You're home."
"What are you doing here?" Aria asked calmly.
"What right do you have to question her?" Moria cut in sharply.
"Unlike some people, Lily makes times for family."
Andrea didn't breathe a word, he only watched, observing how she would react.
Aria placed her handbag down with controlled precision.
"I wasn't informed we had guests."
"I don't remember needing your permission before inviting someone into the house."
"I was just keeping auntie company," Lily said gently.
Auntie.
The way she said it, how familiar it sounded.
Her gaze shifted to Andrea, he finally opened his mouth.
"She only dropped by. Don't make it Dramatic."
She almost laughed. Dramatic, really?
Aria nodded once. "Sure."
Luca and Laura ran in from the hallway. "Mama!"
Luca's arms wrapped around her waist, Laura followed, clinging to her leg.
"Baby, look at you!" Her tone steadied at once.
"Did you eat?" She asked softly.
"Yes!" Laura chirped. "Aunt Lily bought cake!"
Cake? Aria's eyes flickered on the table.
A delicate box of cake sat on it.
Luca's hand moved to his neck, he started itching all of a sudden.
"Mama, I feel bad."
Aria eyes sharpened. "Why do you feel bad honey?"
She sees mango filling his finger.
In two strides, she reached for the cake.
Mango cake?
"Did you feed them mango cake?" Aria asked, lungs burning.
"Why are you yelling?" Andrea cut in. "Why are you always ungrateful?"
"How many times do I have to warn you about giving anything that has to do with mango?"
"What do you mean?"
Luca kept itching, almost passing out.
"If my son stops breathing, none of you will forgive yourselves."
