Chapter 2

That was the first time anyone had dared to cause trouble on Ruth's turf.

Ruth didn't take it well. Right away, she posted screenshots of her chat with Jason.

In them, she gave him an ultimatum: cut Aria off, or the engagement's off.

So, that was why Jason showed up at this hour. He probably came to end things with me—once and for all.

But I wondered if Jason could really give me up.

Jason said, "Aria, it's over between us."

My body tensed. The arms I had wrapped around him loosened slightly.

I sniffled and quietly stepped back, putting a little distance between us.

Then I smiled. Eyes rimmed red, I gave him a silly, lopsided smile.

"Okay." That was all I said.

No drama. No begging.

Jason's perfect brows furrowed just slightly before he spoke again. "This apartment is yours. I've left money in your account—it's enough to cover the rest of your life."

I nodded, eyes shimmering with tears.

Then, obediently, I answered, "Okay."

He pressed his lips together, guilt flickering in his eyes. "Name anything else you want," he said hoarsely, "if it's within my power to give."

I opened my mouth, then hesitated.

My voice came out hoarse and choked with unshed tears when I finally spoke.

"You've already given me more than enough. I don't dare ask for anything else," I said.

That seemed to ease some of his guilt, like he found a sliver of redemption. "Just tell me," he insisted. "If it's within my power, I'll do it."

The moment his words left his lips, I couldn't hold back anymore—tears streamed down my face.

I bit my lower lip and shook my head, still trembling, still holding it in.

After a long silence, I finally spoke. "I… I just signed up to take the ACCA exam. And I'm thinking about applying for the bar too. I don't want to work in entertainment anymore. I want to work in an office. So if—just if—one day, I make it through the screening, the interview, and all the tests fair and square… and I qualify for a job at your company… could you not turn me away?

"I just want to work there. Just as a nobody. I won't tell a single soul about our past. I won't go near Ruth. I just… I just want to be somewhere I can maybe catch a glimpse of you from far away. Even if I don't see you… even if I never speak to you… just the chance of maybe running into you is enough to keep me going every day."

"Jason," I almost begged. "Please…"

His body stiffened, and his eyes—those always calm, deep eyes—turned red.

"I'll be good. I'll behave," I added.

I went on, "If you agree, I swear, I'll never upset Ruth again. I know she's the one you truly love. If she's unhappy, you'll be unhappy.

"I don't want you to be unhappy."

And then, a wave of weakness crashed over me.

My body gave out completely, and the next thing I knew—I was in Jason's arms.

Mary Stone, who had always taken care of me, heard the commotion and appeared just in time.

Wiping her tears, she spoke up. "Sir, Miss Sinclair waits every night for you to come home and eat. If you don't show up, she won't eat either. Says she can't stomach anything.

"She has nightmares every night. Wakes up crying your name, begging you not to leave her.

"I wanted to call you so many times, but Miss Sinclair always stopped me, saying she didn't want to bother you or make you upset.

"She… she's depressed. Badly. Once, she even cut her wrist…"

Right before I completely blacked out, Jason touched the scar on my wrist, now fully scabbed over.

I heard him let out a long, shaky breath.

And I knew—he wasn't leaving tonight.