“Aria?” he called casually, almost cheerful. “I brought you something—Grandma said you might like it.”
He came in holding shopping bags—expensive brands, perfumes, clothes I used to love once, back when life still felt normal.
He didn’t even glance at my face properly. Didn’t notice my swollen eyes. Didn’t see how drained I looked. The funeral card was still on the table, but it didn’t register to him.
Instead, he smiled like everything was fine. “I missed you.”
I just stared at him.
He dropped onto the couch and casually pulled out wedding brochures like we were talking about dinner plans. “So… garden wedding or hotel ballroom? Grandma wants us to decide soon.”
My silence didn’t stop him. He kept flipping pages. “Oh, and I spoke to someone I know who has contacts in London. They can get you into a solid medical program there.”
I blinked slowly. “London?”
He nodded, almost excited. “Yeah. Top schools, great future. You’ve always wanted to be a doctor, right? This is your chance.”
“And… leave?” I asked quietly.
He gave a small shrug. “Long distance isn’t impossible. We’ll manage. Maybe it’s even better. You focus on your studies. And I—” he smiled lightly “—focus on business.”
Something cold settled in my chest.
If this was the old me, I would’ve believed it was love and support. Now I could only see it for what it was—convenience. A way to quietly move me out of the picture when I was no longer useful. A way to pass me around without Grandma noticing.
My fingers curled tightly in my lap. “Do you want me gone?”
He didn’t answer.
That silence was enough.
Something inside me didn’t just hurt—it snapped into place. Like everything suddenly made sense.
I nodded faintly. “I’ll think about it.”
His face brightened immediately. “Good. Really, London would suit you.”
Of course it would. For him.
He stood, straightening his suit as if nothing heavy had just been said. “Actually, I want you to meet someone. Two people, really.”
My body tensed.
He opened the door wider.
And I saw him.
Kieran.
Same face. Same eyes. But the expression was completely different—mocking, casual, like he was already enjoying the moment.
“Aria,” he said with a grin too wide to be genuine. “Nice to finally meet you properly.”
My lungs tightened. My hands went cold.