Aria's POV
The gathering ended the way it started, tense, strained, and thick with things no one wants to say out loud.
After Lex left, I felt the shift immediately. The laughter fades too fast, conversations don't flow as easily, and everyone suddenly remembers they have somewhere else to be. I don't need anyone to tell me his ego took a hit. I can sense it. The sharpness he left behind lingers in the air like smoke.
But honestly, what was he expecting?
That I would kiss him?
In front of Ian?
In front of everyone?
The thought alone makes my stomach churn.
Ian offers to drive me home not long after, his hand already reaching for my bag as if the decision is his to make. I hesitate for half a second. All I want right now is to be alone, to sit in silence without an
