chapter 111

Catherine pov.

As I finished talking to Aria about her feelings, I noticed that she had not spoken to me since. Perhaps she had a crush on Sophia's son, but I didn't want her to go through what I went through.

Walking out into the garden, I saw Aria lost in thought sitting on the bench. I slowed my pace as I approached her and sat down close to her. Looking at her, I could see the sadness on her face.

"Are you okay?" I asked her, but she just nodded without saying a word.

Taking a deep breath, I looked up at the sun shining brightly. We sat there in silence for a moment before Aria spoke up.

"Mom," she called me, and I turned to look at her. "Have you ever felt like someone close to you is keeping something from you that they refuse to share?" she asked, confusing me.

As our eyes met, I could sense that something was troubling her that she found difficult to express. I took her hands in mine and spoke softly to her.

"You know you can tell me anything, right?" I said with a smile on my