🏙️ Ryan's House🏙️
The maids moved around the dining area—placing dishes, adjusting plates, making sure everything was perfect for supper. The soft clinking of cutlery filled the space, calm and steady.
On the couch, Ryan wasn't paying attention to any of that. He was focused on Aria. Completely. She sat beside him, relaxed, scrolling through her phone and minding her business like he wasn't staring at her.
"You're ignoring me," Ryan said.
Aria didn't even look up. "I'm resting. Something you should try."
Ryan smirked slightly. "I was resting… until you started acting distant."
That made her glance at him. "Distant? I've been here the whole time."
"Physically," he said. "Not mentally."
Aria rolled her eyes. "You're bored."
"Very," he admitted without shame.
She shook her head, trying not to smile, then looked back at her phone. That didn't last long. Ryan leaned closer, slowly invading her space on purpose.
"Ryan…" she warned.
He didn't stop. "What?" he asked innocently.
"You're not supposed to be moving around this much."
"I'm not moving. I'm sitting," he replied calmly.
Aria finally turned fully to him, her eyes narrowing. "You just got discharged today."
"And?" he asked.
"And you need to rest," she said firmly.
Ryan studied her face for a second, then leaned back slightly as if giving in. "Fine."
Aria raised a brow. "That was too easy."
Ryan's lips curved. "I didn't say I'd stop bothering you."
Before she could react, he reached out and pulled her closer. Aria let out a small breath, caught off guard, then placed her hand against his shoulder.
"You're impossible," she muttered.
"And you're still here," he replied.
That shut her up for a second. She looked at him, then smirked. "Don't get used to it."
"I already am."
They stayed like that for a moment—close and quiet—then both of them laughed softly. It was easy and natural, like nothing had happened.
A maid approached from the side. "Sir, madam, supper is ready."
Aria stood up immediately, her tone calm but clear. "Alright, we're coming."
"Yes, madam," the maid replied before stepping back.
Ryan watched her stand, admiring the way she spoke and the way the staff responded to her without hesitation. He followed her without saying anything.
They took their seats at the table. The food was already served, warm and neatly arranged. The maids stood at a distance, ready if needed.
Ryan picked up his cutlery, then paused and looked at her. "Eat properly."
Aria raised a brow. "Or what?"
"I'll feed you."
She stared at him for a second, then scoffed and picked up her fork. "You really don't get tired of yourself."
"Not when I'm right," he said calmly.
They started eating—quiet and comfortable, the kind of silence that didn't need filling. Ryan kept glancing at her without even realising it, and Aria noticed but didn't call him out.
Halfway through the meal, Ryan set his fork down and leaned back slightly. "Tomorrow."
Aria looked up at him. "What about it?"
"We're going to the main Carter mansion. Lunch."
She paused for a second. "Your mother."
Ryan nodded once. "She wants to see you."
Aria leaned back in her chair, thinking. No panic. No hesitation. Just calm. Then she smiled slightly. "Good."
Ryan watched her carefully, as if expecting doubt. There was none. "You're not nervous?" he asked.
Aria met his gaze. "Should I be?"
Ryan's lips curved faintly. "No."
"Then I'm fine," she said.
Ryan leaned back again, satisfied, his expression calm but knowing. Because if there was one thing he understood clearly—Aria wasn't someone who could be shaken.
☀️The Next Morning☀️
Morning light slipped into the room, soft and quiet, resting gently on the bed. Aria stirred awake slowly, her eyes opening without urgency. For a moment, she didn't move—just lay there, breathing, letting the calm settle.
Then she turned her head. Ryan was still asleep.
That alone felt strange. Ryan never slept in; he was always the first to wake up, already dressed, already in control before the day even began. But now he was still, lying beside her, his expression almost too calm.
Aria watched him closely. The faint paleness in his face. The slight tension that hadn't fully left his features. The way his breathing slowed and grew heavier. It made something tighten in her chest.
He looked… weaker. Not broken, never that, but not the same.
Her eyes softened as the memories rushed back—the attack, the hospital, the fear she had tried so hard to ignore. For a second, it hit her all over again, sharp and heavy. Her eyes stung. She blinked quickly, swallowing it down. No, she wasn't going to cry.
Still, her hand moved on its own. Slowly and gently, she reached out and brushed his hair back from his forehead, careful not to wake him.
Ryan shifted slightly—a small movement—then his eyes opened, straight on her.
Aria froze for a second, her hand still near him. Ryan didn't move. He just looked at her, then a lazy smirk slowly formed on his lips.
"You've been staring at me for a while, haven't you?"
Aria immediately pulled her hand back. "I wasn't staring."
"Really?" he murmured, his voice low and rough from sleep. "Because you look like you were about to cry."
Her eyes narrowed instantly. "I don't cry."
Ryan let out a chuckle, still not moving much. "Liar."
Aria rolled her eyes but didn't look away this time. "You're the one still in bed. Since when do you wake up after me?"
Ryan stretched slightly, slowly and carefully, as if testing his own strength. "Since someone refused to sleep properly," he replied.
"I slept," Aria said.
"You didn't," he said calmly. "You kept checking on me."
That made her pause just for a second. Ryan noticed—of course he did.
"You were worried," he added.
Aria crossed her arms. "I was making sure you didn't do something stupid again."
Ryan smirked faintly. "Like getting attacked?"
Her expression hardened immediately. "Don't joke about that."
There was a brief silence after that. Not awkward, just heavy. Ryan looked at her for a moment, then reached out and caught her hand. His grip was gentle but firm, pulling her slightly closer.
Aria didn't resist.
"I'm fine," he said quietly. "I'm right here."
She looked at him, really looked this time, like she was trying to convince herself of that. "Don't do that again," she said.
Ryan raised a brow. "Get attacked?"
Aria hit his arm lightly. "Ryan."
He laughed softly—the sound low and warm—then pulled her a little closer again. "Relax," he murmured. "I'm not going anywhere."
Aria stayed there close to him, her expression calmer, but her eyes were still watching him carefully. Because even if he acted as nothing had changed, she knew it had.
🍴Dining🍽️
Breakfast was over. The table was quiet now, plates cleared, and the last traces of the morning fading.
Ryan was already on his feet—perfectly dressed, sharp, and controlled, like the hospital had never happened. Aria noticed that immediately.
He adjusted his cuff slightly, then looked at her, his expression calm and certain. "Baby, I'll be back to pick you up," he said. "We're going to the main Carter mansion for lunch. Be ready by 10 a.m."
Aria stared at him, then slowly stood up. "Ryan…" Her tone shifted—not soft, not playful, but serious. "You've not fully recovered. Where the hell are you going?"
Ryan didn't react to her tone. "I'll be back before you even know it," he said. "The company won't run itself."
Aria frowned, stepping closer. "So you're just going to ignore everything the doctor said?"
"I'm not ignoring anything," he replied calmly. "I just have to take care of something."
Her eyes narrowed. "Something?"
"Business," he said. "One hour. I'm done."
Aria let out a quiet breath, clearly not convinced. "You were literally in the hospital days ago."
Ryan stepped closer, closing the distance between them like it meant nothing. "And I'm standing here now, perfectly fine."
"You're not fine," she shot back immediately. "You're just pretending to be."
That made him pause for just a second. Then a faint smirk appeared. "You worry too much."
Aria crossed her arms. "And you don't worry at all."
Ryan tilted his head slightly, studying her, then reached out and pulled her closer, his hand settling at her waist. "I said I'll be back," he murmured.
Aria looked up at him, not backing down. "And I said you should be resting."
A small silence settled between them—neither moving, neither giving in.
Ryan's eyes softened just slightly. "One hour," he repeated.
Aria held his gaze, measuring him. Then finally, she spoke. "If you're not back in one hour… I'm coming to drag you out of that office myself."
Ryan's smirk returned instantly. "I'd like to see that."
Aria didn't smile. "Try me."
That only made him more amused. He leaned down slightly, brushing his lips against her forehead—quick, soft, unexpected.
"I'll be back before you miss me," he said.
Aria rolled her eyes lightly, but didn't move away. "Too late. I already do."
Ryan paused, then smirked again. "Good."
He turned and walked out, calm and unbothered, as nothing could stop him. But one thing was clear: he meant it, and Aria was already counting the minutes.
After Ryan Left
The house felt quieter the moment Ryan walked out. Not empty, just… different. Aria stood there for a second, staring at the door he had just closed, her arms still crossed like she was holding onto the argument they didn't finish.
"One hour…" she muttered under her breath, like she didn't believe him and was already preparing to go after him.
She exhaled, then turned and walked upstairs. If he wanted her ready by 10… fine. She'd be ready.
Inside her room, she stood in front of the closet and paused. So many options—too many. She frowned slightly. "This is annoying."
She grabbed her phone, and Katy picked up almost immediately.
"HELLO??" Katy's voice came in loud and dramatic.
Aria pulled the phone slightly away from her ear. "Why do you sound like you've been waiting for something?"
"Because I always feel when drama is about to happen," Katy said quickly. "And with you? It's guaranteed."
Aria rolled her eyes, but there was a small smile. "You're too much."
"Don't change the topic," Katy shot back. "What happened? Is Ryan okay? Did something else happen? Are you crying? Wait—are you fighting?"
"Katy," Aria cut in. A pause. "I'm not crying."
"Okay, good," Katy said instantly. "But are you fighting?"
Aria walked closer to her closet, scanning through her clothes. "No. He just left."
"He LEFT?" Katy's voice shot up again. "After everything?? Oh, I don't like that man."
Aria sighed. "He went to work."
"Of course he did," Katy muttered. "Rich men and their unnecessary stress."
Aria ignored that. "We're going to his parents' house for lunch."
Silence. Then—
"WHAT??"
Aria winced slightly. "Can you not scream into my ear?"
"This is important!" Katy said dramatically. "His mother?? The same one who doesn't like you?? The same one who looked at you like you committed a crime just by breathing??"
"Yes," Aria said calmly.
"Oh my God," Katy breathed. "This is serious."
"I know."
A short pause. Then Aria spoke again, more focused now. "What do I wear?"
Katy gasped. "Ohhh, now we're talking. You need something elegant," Katy started immediately. "Not too flashy, but not too simple either. Like… calm but powerful."
Aria nodded slightly, already scanning options. "Go on."
"Something that says 'I respect your house'…" Katy continued, "…but also 'don't try me.'"
That made Aria smirk a little. "I like that."
"I know you do," Katy said proudly. "Also—heels. Not too high. You need to walk in like you own the place, not like you're struggling."
Aria pulled out a dress and held it up in front of the mirror. "What about this?"
"Describe it," Katy demanded.
"Fitted. Simple. Clean. Not loud."
Katy paused for a second. Then—"Perfect."
Aria studied herself in the mirror—calm, confident, unbothered. "Good," she said softly.
Katy's voice dropped slightly. "Are you nervous?"
Aria didn't answer immediately. Then—
"No. I'm not going there to impress anyone," she added. "I'm going because of Ryan."
Katy smiled on the other end. "That's exactly why you'll be fine."
Aria looked at herself one last time, her expression steady and her eyes sharp. "Yeah. I will be."
💕
An hour later, just like he said, Ryan walked into the house. Not one minute late. Not even close.
Aria appeared at the bottom of the stairs, wearing the outfit she and Katy had carefully picked out: elegant, confident, fearless. She smiled at him—the kind of smile that made his chest tighten.
"You were scared I'd come and drag you out of that office," she teased, her voice low and playful.
Ryan didn't answer immediately. He stopped in his tracks, letting his eyes sweep over her—from the way the dress hugged her curves to the spark in her eyes. She moved like she owned the space, like she was untouchable.
"You look…" he began, but the words didn't come out.
She tilted her head, waiting, amused.
"Beautiful," he finally said, slow and deliberate, letting the weight of the word sink between them.
Aria smirked, leaning slightly against the railing. "Is that all you're going to say?"
Ryan shook his head slightly, a faint smile tugging at his lips. He walked closer, each step measured, his gaze never leaving hers. "No," he said quietly, almost a growl. "That's not all I'm thinking."
Her eyes flickered with interest. "Oh really? And what exactly are you thinking?"
Ryan stopped just a step away from her. "That I don't want anyone else looking at you. Not today. Not ever."
Aria's smirk widened. "Lucky for you, you don't have to worry about that."
Ryan chuckled low and dark, amused, his eyes lingering on her every detail. She was his, and he wasn't hiding it for anyone in the world.
"Good," he said finally, his voice soft but sharp. "Because I plan to enjoy looking at you all day."
She rolled her eyes lightly, playful but teasing. "You better. Otherwise, I might have to start charging you."
Ryan laughed—a short, deep sound—then reached for her hand. "Don't tempt me, baby. I might take you up on that."
Aria didn't pull away. She let him hold her hand, let him admire her, let him be completely captivated. She was calm, confident, and unshakable—and he loved every second of it.
Moments later ✨
The black car moved smoothly along the road. Aria sat beside Ryan, relaxed, a soft smile on her lips. Ryan's hands rested on the wheel, his eyes stayed ahead.
"You ready?" he asked.
"Always," she said.
Silence followed—calm and easy.
After driving for a while, they finally reached the Carter mansion. Ryan parked in front, and the engine went quiet.
Aria opened the door and stepped out, her heels touching the ground softly. Ryan stepped out after her and walked beside her without a word.
Inside, Kim stood near the railing, her eyes going straight to Aria. Mrs Carter came down the stairs, her smile polite and controlled.
"Aria… welcome," she said.
"Thank you, Mrs Carter," Aria replied.
Mr Carter stepped out from the side. "Good afternoon," he said.
Ryan gave a small nod.
Mrs Carter turned. "Let's go to the dining room."
They all walked in. The table was set neatly with everything in place. They took their seats: Ryan sat beside Aria, Kim sat across from them, and Mrs Carter poured water into the glasses.
"Tell me about yourself, Aria," she said.
Aria smiled lightly. "I like simple things. Peace. Learning. Good company."
Mr Carter nodded slowly. Ryan stayed quiet, watching and listening. Kim picked up her glass, saying nothing.
Mrs Carter continued. "And your plans for the future?"
"I'll build something for myself," Aria said.
Mrs Carter looked at her a little longer. Lunch was served; plates were placed carefully, and they started eating. The conversation moved slowly—careful and measured. Mr Carter spoke about business; Mrs Carter added a few things; and Aria listened and answered when needed—calm and clear.
Ryan reached for his glass, his arm brushing Aria's slightly. Kim noticed, her grip on her fork tightening.
She finally spoke. "You seem very comfortable here," she said, her tone light but not warm.
Aria looked at her with a small smile. "I am," she said—simple and steady.
Kim held her gaze for a second, then looked away.
Mrs Carter cleared her throat softly. "Aria carries herself well."
Mr Carter nodded. Ryan remained silent, his eyes moving briefly to Kim—a quiet, clear warning. Kim lowered her gaze to her plate.
The meal continued. Cutlery moved softly, and glasses touched the table lightly. Mrs Carter asked another question, and Aria answered with ease. Kim spoke less—only small words here and there—but her eyes said enough.
The room remained calm, but beneath the surface, tension lingered.
Aria picked up her fork and cut a small piece of fish. The smell reached her—familiar, usually comforting. She liked fish, especially fried fish. She took a bite. For a second, everything was normal.
Then—her stomach turned. Sharp. Sudden.
Her hand froze mid-air. Ryan noticed immediately, his eyes shifting to her.
Aria swallowed slowly. Her expression stayed calm, but the feeling grew like a fast-rising wave. She placed the fork down. Another wave hit—stronger this time—and her throat tightened.
She covered her mouth quickly.
Ryan leaned slightly toward her. "Aria?"
She didn't answer. She pushed her chair back and stood up quickly.
Ryan was already on his feet. "What's wrong?"
Aria moved fast toward the sink. Then it hit: she gagged and vomited. Everything came up.
Ryan stepped right behind her, one hand firm on her back. "Hey… hey," he said, low. "Easy."
She gagged again. He stayed close—steady and supportive.
"Are you okay?" he asked.
She couldn't answer. Another wave hit, and she held onto the sink tightly. Ryan reached for a glass of water and placed it in her hand.
"Rinse," he said, his voice softer now.
She rinsed slowly, her breathing uneven. Ryan didn't move away.
"Talk to me," he said quietly. "What's wrong?"
"I'm fine," she said between breaths.
He frowned slightly. "You don't look fine."
She exhaled slowly. "It just came suddenly."
His hand stayed on her back—firm and grounding. "Sit down," he said.
"I'm okay," she insisted.
He didn't argue loudly, but his eyes said enough.
Mrs Carter stood up slightly, concern showing now. "Is she alright?"
Ryan didn't look at her. "I've got her."
Kim watched silently, her expression unreadable.
Aria straightened slowly, and Ryan studied her face. "Still dizzy?" he asked.
"A little," she admitted.
His jaw tightened. "Sit," he said again.
This time, she didn't argue. She walked back to her seat, and Ryan stayed close beside her, watching every movement. She sat down carefully, and though he didn't sit immediately, his attention didn't leave her.
"Better?"
She nodded, and he finally sat, his eyes remaining fixed on her.
The room went quiet. Mrs Carter exchanged a look with Mr Carter. Kim picked up her glass slowly, still watching.
Aria rested back slightly, her breathing steady now. Ryan leaned a little closer. "Tell me if it happens again," he said.
"I will," she replied softly.
Lunch continued, slower now and more careful. Ryan barely touched his food; his focus stayed entirely on her, watching every small movement and breath. The tension in the room shifted—not just from what happened, but from how deeply he cared.
Ryan held her hand, his grip firm and warm. "Baby… if you're not okay, we can go home," he said, his voice low and serious.
Aria looked at him, then smiled softly. "I'm fine 🙂," she said. "I just don't want to smell fish."
Silence. The words settled slowly.
Mrs Carter's hand paused mid-air, her eyes lifting. Mr Carter looked up from his plate. Kim froze, her fingers tightening around her fork.
Ryan didn't speak, his eyes staying on Aria. "You're sure?" he asked quietly.
Aria nodded, still calm. "It's just the smell. I'll be okay."
Mrs Carter placed her fork down slowly, her expression changing—not cold or distant, but thoughtful and calculating. Mr Carter leaned back slightly, observing.
Kim's gaze sharpened, looking between Aria and Ryan, then back at Aria.
A long pause followed. Then Mrs Carter spoke—soft and measured.
"Aria…" She stopped, her eyes moving briefly to Ryan before returning to Aria. "…has this happened before?"
Aria blinked once. Ryan's grip on her hand tightened slightly.
Aria tilted her head. "Not really," she said—simple and honest.
Kim let out a quiet breath, almost a scoff, but said nothing. Mr Carter's gaze turned thoughtful and focused.
Ryan leaned closer to Aria, lowering his voice. "Are you feeling anything else?"
She shook her head lightly. "Just that."
Another silence settled—different this time, heavier.
Mrs Carter sat straighter, her fingers resting against the table. "Sometimes," she said slowly, "the body reacts like that for a reason."
Kim's eyes flicked toward her quickly. Ryan's expression didn't change, but his attention sharpened.
Aria looked between them, still calm. "What kind of reason?" she asked.
Mrs Carter didn't answer immediately, her gaze fixed on Aria. Then came a small, knowing look.
Mr Carter exhaled softly. Kim's face hardened.
Ryan's hand didn't leave Aria's. His thumb moved slightly over her fingers—unconsciously protective and possessive.
"Maybe we shouldn't jump to conclusions," he said—calm and controlled, but his eyes said something else. He was thinking, watching.
Aria noticed the shift and looked at him, a faint smile still on her lips. "You're overthinking," she said lightly.
"Am I?" he replied quietly.
She didn't answer.
Mrs Carter finally leaned back, her expression composed again. "We'll see," she said.
Kim looked away, her jaw tight.
The air in the room changed—subtle, but clear. The conversation didn't return to normal; it moved more slowly now, more carefully. Every glance held meaning, every silence spoke louder.
Ryan stayed close, his hand never leaving hers. Aria sat calmly beside him, unbothered.
But around them, thoughts were forming. Quiet conclusions and unspoken words hung heavy in the air. No one said it out loud, but they all felt it.