Chapter 329
Aria’s POV
I led Linda to this adorable dessert café that Lillian and I stumbled upon last week. Hidden on a corner in the old district of New York, it’s one of those gems you’d miss unless someone showed you. The entrance opens to a charming little courtyard with white swing chairs on one side and a vibrant flower garden on the other.
The interior is understated elegance personified-clean lines, soft colors, and that perfect ambient lighting that makes everyone look like they’re glowing. I immediately asked for a private room upstairs. Between Linda’s upcoming violin performance and my recent tabloid appearances as Mrs. Carter, the last thing we needed was someone snapping photos of us through the window.
“So, are you still playing?” I asked once we settled in, my fingers tracing the edge of my teacup.
Linda nodded, but I noticed how her smile dimmed. “I am now. But for two years, the Williams family wouldn’t let me perform. They claimed my touring would ‘damage our marriage p>
God, I hated hearing her talk like this-so matter-of-fact about things that must have cut her to the core.
“My family was practically surviving on their money at that point, so I didn’t have much choice,” she continued, staring out the window overlooking the flower garden. “I still practiced in private though. Every single day p>
Something about the intimate setting of our little room, with its view of blooming flowers and afternoon light filtering through lace curtains, seemed to loosen something in Linda. She wasn’t holding back anymore.
I didn’t interrupt. Some stories need to be told in one piece.
“Those two years were hell, Aria,” she said quietly. “Rowan’s sister was best friends with his high school sweetheart, and she made it perfectly clear I was the intruder. His mother was decent at first, but when Rowan only came home once or twice a month, somehow that became my fault too p>
My heart ached watching her. Under her composed exterior, I could see the shadows of what she’d endured.
“As for Rowan himself Linda shrugged, turning back to me. “We’re divorced now, so what’s the point in trash-talking him? We never had real feelings for each other. It was a business arrangement from day one p>
She glanced out the window again. “His indifference was actually the most predictable part p>
I bit my lip, fighting back tears. Behind her brief summary lay years of loneliness, judgment, and silent suffering – all while I was wrapped up in my own drama with Liam.
“How did you finally get out?” I asked, reaching for her hand across the table.
A cynical smile played across her lips. “My family’s company was dying for two years. When it finally collapsed completely, I had nothing left to lose.” She tapped her spoon against the porcelain. “Of course, Mother Williams didn’t want a divorce right when my family went bankrupt – too much bad PR about them abandoning us in our time of need. But I couldn’t stay another second in that house p>
“But how did you convince them?” I pressed, knowing how powerful families like the Williamses protect their image at all costs.
“Simple strategy,” Linda said with a hollow laugh. “I made sure all the blame fell on me. Once I became the villain in the narrative, they couldn’t sign those papers fast enough p>
My throat tightened. I squeezed her hand. “Lindy p>
She waved me off, suddenly brightening. “It’s ancient history! I didn’t tell you all this for pity points p>
“I’m not pitying you,” I said softly. “I’m celebrating your freedom. You escaped.” “Hell yeah, I did!” She raised her bubble tea dramatically. “To new beginnings p>
I clinked my cup against hers, grateful to see the genuine spark returning to her eyes.
“Now,” she said, leaning forward with a mischievous grin, “enough about my disaster. Let’s talk about how you somehow managed to marry the Aiden Carter within weeks of your breakup p>
I choked on my drink, heat flooding my cheeks as I grabbed a napkin. “I thought I already explained that p>
“Oh no, honey. You gave me the Wikipedia summary. I want the unabridged version p>
My face burned hotter. “There’s not
much more to tell. After the car
accident, when Aiden came to
discuss compensation, I was still
reeling from tiam running out on our
wedding day. Add in Sophia’s smug
posts all over social media, and I
just… snapped. All I coule think
about was making Liam regret what he’d done p>
“So you asked Aiden Carter – billionaire CEO and New York’s most eligible bachelor
– to marry you, and he just… said yes?” Linda’s eyebrows shot up so high they
nearly disappeared into her hairline.
“I regretted it immediately!” I
admittedBut when we went to get
the license, he accused me of
playing games with him Do look.
like someone who play games with Aiden Carter? The man is terrifying p>
Linda studied me silently for a moment. “Aria, are you absolutely certain you didn’t
know him before all this p>
“Lillian asked the same thing! But I swear I didn’t p>
“Then there’s only one logical explanation.” Her eyes sparkled with the same theory Lillian had proposed.
I groaned, already knowing what was coming.
“He’s been secretly in love with you!” Linda declared triumphantly.
“Oh my God, you and Lillian are literally the same person p>
“Great minds, darling.” She smirked. “Now, tell me everything about married life.
And don’t leave out the bedroom details p>
Two hours and far too many personal questions later, Linda’s phone buzzed. I excused myself to the bathroom, and when I returned, she was gathering her things.
“There’s an issue with tomorrow’s performance. I need to get back to the hotel,” she explained.
“I’ll drive you,” I offered immediately.
The midafternoon traffic was light, and we reached her hotel in no time. As she unbuckled her seatbelt and opened the door, she paused, turning back to me with an expression I couldn’t quite read.
“Aria,” she said softly, “I’m never growing my hair long again p>
Before I could respond, she was gone with a quick “Drive safe p>
I sat there, stunned as the meaning of her words sank in. Watching her walk away now, her once waist-length hair cut into a chic bob that swung just above her shoulders, I felt both sadness and pride wash over me.
She wasn’t waiting for anyone anymore. She was living for herself.