Aria’s POV
Three days later, the house felt the same, but I didn’t.
I kept cooking, cleaning, doing what I had always done, but no one dared throw words at me anymore. Maddie stayed out of my way, Jordan avoided my eyes, and even Mrs. Blackwood’s silence seemed heavier. Mr. Blackwood didn’t say much either, but when he looked at me, it wasn’t the same look he used to give.
It was late afternoon when the knock came. Not soft, not hesitant. Firm. Confident.
I opened the door and there he was...Cassian.
He stood like the world bent around him, tall in his black hoodie, hands stuffed into his pockets. His hair was a little messy, like he hadn’t bothered brushing it, and there was the faintest smile tugging at the corner of his lips when his eyes landed on me.
“You look different,” he sai
