CHAPTER 2

Aria’s POV

As I walked out, I could still hear them fussing over Shane. The chatter and concerned murmurs filtered through the heavy doors while the waiters gave me strange looks. I felt extremely embarrassed and humiliated, so I hurried outside, desperate to escape their prying eyes.

The rain pelted down relentlessly, soaking me to the skin within moments. Shivering, I struggled to wrap my thin shawl tighter around me. I must have looked ridiculous, standing there drenched and miserable, trying to hail a cab. 

“Please, just let me get out of here,” I muttered under my breath, casting frantic glances down the deserted street.

“Aria!” I heard someone calling my name. My heart sank. Great, just what I needed. Someone to give me more trouble.

I quickened my pace, ignoring the voice, hoping they'd take the hint and leave me alone. 

In my haste, I stepped awkwardly on a slick patch of pavement. Pain shot through my ankle as it twisted beneath me, and I pitched forward, bracing myself for the hard impact. 

But instead of hitting the ground, I was caught in a warm embrace.

Immediately I looked up and saw myself gazing at a familiar face. The handsome man, with his sharp jawline and piercing blue eyes, looked very concerned. His tousled dark hair suited his rugged yet approachable demeanor. “Are you okay, Aria?”

When my name was mentioned, I was taken aback, my mind racing through my memories. Who is this guy? 

“I’m alright, thanks,” I managed to say, though I was wincing with pain. 

He held an umbrella above our heads as he guided me toward the nearby shed. That’s when it hit me how I knew him. 

This is Samuel Thorn, Victor’s older brother! Though half-brother, I could see the resemblance.

We hadn’t met many times before, but I remembered hearing that he worked abroad, running his own business. I hadn’t heard Victor mention he was back in town, but that wasn’t unusual. My husband rarely shared anything with me.  And somehow,  they didn’t seem to keep in touch often.

I stepped back a little, worried about dirtying Samuel’s clothes with my wet and muddy state. “I appreciate your help, but I don’t want to keep you. You should get back to the event.”

Samuel frowned, glancing down at my ankle. “Are you sure you’re okay? It looked like a nasty twist.”

“It’s fine, really,” I insisted, forcing a smile. “I’ll just need to rest it a bit. I really have to go home now.”

“But where’s Victor?” he wondered. 

“He’s still busy with his business associates. I don’t want to bother him.”

I could tell that my ankle was swollen, but I insisted on leaving because I didn’t want to trouble Samuel any further. 

“You know what? Let me just take you home,” he suddenly offered. “That way, you don’t have to keep standing on that ankle and you can rest immediately.”

“I don't want to be a bother,” I muttered.

“Don’t be silly,” he said softly. Before I could protest, he draped his coat over my shoulders, the warmth and faint scent of his cologne enveloping me.

“Come on, let me take you home,” he insisted, his tone leaving no room for argument.

I hesitated, feeling a fusion of gratitude. Finally, I nodded. “Alright. Thanks so much, Samuel.”

He gave me a small smile and led me to his car. The inside was warm and welcoming, a stark contrast to the chilly night outside. I settled into the passenger seat, wrapping his coat tighter around me, giving me a soothing feeling.

Samuel took me home, his arm wrapped around my waist to support my limping form. As soon as we stepped inside, he called out to the maid, “Can you help Aria change clothes? She needs to rest.”

The maid nodded and guided me to my room. I winced as I moved, my ankle throbbing with every step. Once in my room, I gingerly applied a plaster to my swollen ankle. The pain subsided a bit, but I knew it would take time to heal. After a quick shower, I changed into something more comfortable.

I emerged from the bathroom, surprised to see a delicious-looking meal laid out on the dining table.

“Feeling better?” Samuel asked, walking over to me.

“A bit,” I admitted. “Thank you for everything.”

He gave me a warm smile. “Come on, let me help you to the table.” He offered his arm again, and I gratefully took it, allowing him to lead me to the dining area.

“I was hungry, so I asked the chef to prepare something,” he explained, pulling out a chair for me. “Join me?”

I nodded, my stomach growling in agreement. “I'd love to. I didn't eat anything at the business dinner party.”

Samuel chuckled as he took a seat across from me. “I figured. Those things are more about appearances than actually eating.”

I felt a little awkward as I sat down. I didn't know what to say so I just kept quiet. But Samuel naturally started the conversation. Amazingly, he seemed to know how to make people feel comfortable. Gradually, I let my guard down and started talking more. I began to feel very relaxed.

“I haven't had a meal like this in ages,” I confessed. “It's nice to just... enjoy the moment.”

Samuel's expression softened. “I'm glad I could be a part of it.”

Just then, Victor returned home. As he saw Samuel and me chatting happily, his face twisted with anger, as if he'd been robbed of something he owned. His eyes narrowed, and he approached us with a cold tone, asking, "What are you two doing?"

I thought he was still upset about the event at the dinner party. “Hi, Victor,” I greeted him, trying to keep my tone light. “Samuel saw me outside the hotel and offered to bring me home because it was raining.”

He glanced at me without responding. Instead, he turned to Samuel, his brow furrowing. “Samuel, I didn't know you were back in the country.”

Samuel nodded, his demeanor as calm and composed as ever. “I arrived yesterday.”

They stood in silence, an uncomfortable tension hanging in the air. It was a bit weird. The way they treated each other made them seem nothing like brothers. 

Just then, Alicia came in, her eyes immediately lighting up when she saw Samuel. She didn't even glance my way.

“Samuel! It's been ages!” Alicia exclaimed, rushing over to him. Even though she wasn't Samuel's real mother, she always seemed to be good to him. I guessed it was because Samuel was very successful in his career. 

They went off to talk, leaving me alone with Victor.

Victor finally looked at me, his frown deepening. “What happened to you?” he asked, his voice clipped. He motioned to my bandaged foot. 

I was taken aback by his tone. Did he just show concern for me? That’s definitely a first. I never thought he’d ever care for me, and this rare moment left me feeling conflicted as I recalled how he frequently blamed me and made me so unhappy in the past. 

“I twisted my ankle, and it really hurts,” I whispered and found myself expecting more.

He came over and checked my ankle. I felt a glimmer of hope in my chest. 

Perhaps he really is starting to care about me. If I tell him we have a child, will he also start learning to love me?