Morning light slowly filled the room, soft and warm, slipping through the curtains and resting gently across the bed, highlighting Aria's initial sense of calm as she stirred under the covers, her body slowly waking up.
For a moment, everything felt calm. Quiet. Safe.
Then her eyes opened. And instantly—
"Ryan…"
She sat up quickly, her heart pounding as if she had just remembered something urgent. The room was empty, and her brows pulled together slightly, hinting at her rising worry. She pushed the covers aside and got out of bed, heading straight for the door without hesitation.
Her steps were quick, barefoot against the cold floor. She opened the door and stepped into the hallway, looking around.
"Ryan?"
No answer. She didn't stop. She walked faster now, moving down the hallway, checking one direction, then the other. Then she turned toward his office.
Without knocking—she opened the door.
Ryan was there. Seated behind his desk. Already dressed. Already working. Like always.
He looked up the moment the door opened. His eyes landed on her immediately.
Aria didn't say anything. She just walked in—straight toward him.
Ryan leaned back slightly in his chair, his expression calm and composed as he watched her approach, his tone steady. "And good morning to you too," he said softly, maintaining his usual relaxed demeanour.
Aria reached him and stopped right in front of the desk. "You weren't in the room," she said. Her tone was simple, but the meaning behind it was clear.
Ryan raised a brow slightly. "I noticed," he replied.
Aria crossed her arms lightly. "You should have told me."
Ryan studied her for a second. Then stood up slowly. "You were sleeping," he said. "I didn't want to wake you."
Aria didn't respond immediately. She just looked at him. Then—she walked around the desk, closed the distance between them, and hugged him, just like that.
Ryan paused for a second. Then his arms wrapped around her naturally, as if it were expected.
"You disappeared," she muttered against his chest.
Ryan's hand rested on her back. "I was in the same house," he replied calmly.
"That's not the same," she said softly.
Ryan almost smiled. Almost. His hand moved slightly, steadying her. "I'm not going anywhere," he said, voice firm and reassuring, aiming to calm her and the audience.
Aria stayed there for a second longer, her brow furrowing as she looked up at him. "You better not," she said softly, her voice trembling slightly, revealing her deep worry.
Ryan held her gaze. "I won't." And this time—there was no teasing in his voice.
Aria looked at him carefully. Her fingers were still lightly holding onto his shirt, like she needed that small connection to stay grounded.
"Baby…" she said softly.
Ryan's eyes dropped to her immediately.
"Tell me what you did to Justin."
The question hung in the air. Ryan didn't answer right away. Instead, his expression shifted—just slightly. One brow lifted.
"Aah…" he said slowly. "So you care about him."
Aria's eyes widened instantly. "What?!" She pulled back a little, shaking her head quickly. "No, I didn't say that!" Her words came out fast, almost panicked.
Ryan watched her reaction closely. Silent. Waiting.
"I mean—" she continued, trying to fix it, her hands moving slightly as she spoke, "since he's done horrible things to you… and he kidnapped me…" Her voice softened for a second, remembering it. Then she looked back at him. "And you caught him…" A small pause. "So what did you do with him?"
Ryan held her gaze, still unreadable. Then he turned slightly, walking back toward his desk, calm and unbothered. "He's alive," he said.
Aria followed him with her eyes immediately. "Alive…?" she repeated quietly.
Ryan picked up a file, flipping it open as if this were just another normal conversation. "For now."
The two words were light, but heavy at the same time. Aria's chest tightened slightly. She stepped closer to the desk.
"Ryan…"
He didn't look up yet. "He tried to kill me," Ryan added calmly, his eyes still on the file. "And he took you." Now he looked up, his gaze locking onto hers. "That alone is enough."
Aria swallowed slightly. She understood what he meant. She really did. But still—she walked around the desk again, closer. "Just… don't do anything too extreme," she said softly.
Ryan stared at her for a second, then leaned back slightly in his chair. "Too extreme?" he repeated. A faint hint of amusement touched his tone.
Aria sighed lightly. "You know what I mean."
Ryan studied her face—her concern, her softness, so different from him. Then he reached out suddenly, pulling her closer by the wrist.
Aria let out a small gasp, landing lightly against him. Ryan looked up at her, close. "You're too kind," he said quietly.
Aria frowned slightly. "And you're too scary," she replied.
For a second—there was silence. Then Ryan's lips curved just a little. Not fully a smile, but close.
"Don't worry," he said calmly. "I won't kill him." A small pause. "Yet." His tone carried a subtle warning, making the audience feel the threat beneath his words.
Aria stared at him. "Ryan…"
But he just looked at her—completely serious again. Because to him, that wasn't a joke.