Aria's POV
The night dragged on with Julian making jokes I didn't quite understand and inside references from his past with Maddy that left me standing there like an outsider in my own relationship. Only the two of them were laughing, their voices blending in perfect harmony while I forced smiles that didn't reach my eyes. We were still out on the balcony, the cool evening air doing nothing to soothe the burning in my chest, when Alfred appeared in the doorway.
"Ma'am, I reheated dinner, and Maya is back now." His voice was soft and apologetic, like he could sense the tension radiating from me.
"Thank you so much, Alfred. I'll be right behind you." I turned to Julian, keeping my voice light despite everything churning inside me. "Let's go have dinner."
"Sure, baby!" He said it with a s
