Rebirth: From Devoted Wife to Ice Queen CEO

Chapter 15: “THIS MONDAY?”

Aria had just placed her tea cup a maid followed her with from the dinning room, back on the tray when her phone lit up, the screen glowing with a familiar name.

A smile bloomed on her face, it was an incoming call from Mia.

She picked it up with a soft sigh. “If this is another lecture about me needing therapy, I’m hanging up.”

Mia’s voice came through instantly, bright and teasing. “Relax, you beautifully complicated woman. I’m not calling to psychoanalyze you tonight. That’s tomorrow’s agenda.”

Aria smiled faintly and walked back toward her bed, curling her legs beneath her as she sank into the mattress. “What’s the agenda today, then?”

“Weekend brunch,” Mia declared. “You, me, and strong caffeine that doesn’t taste like despair. I booked us a spot at Eleven Clover—you know, the place with those ridiculous matcha pancakes you pretend not to like.”

Aria rolled her eyes, her lips twitching. “They’re green and fluffy and trying too hard.”

“You ate two and a half of them last time.” Mia exclaimed.

“I skipped dinner.” Aria retorted.

“You moaned. Don’t lie.” Mia snorted.

Aria laughed softly. “What time?”

“Ten and dress cute. It’s warm today and I refuse to let the internet ruin your weekend.”

There was a beat of silence, that pasted between them.

Then Mia’s voice softened slightly. “You okay, Ri?” she asked.

Aria leaned back against the headboard of her bed, looking out the tall windows where the lights of Linyang blinked like distant stars. “I’m... managing.”

“I figured. I could practically hear the weight of your thoughts through the phone.” Mia murmured softly.

“You sound like your brother.” Aria teased.

“Ugh. Don’t curse me.” Mia groaned. “Anyway, no more work talk today. No Adrian. No Ethan. Just good food, gossip, and me being brilliant.” she ordered.

“Fine,” Aria said, smiling into the phone. “But I’m ordering three different desserts and judging you when you only touch one.” she muttered.

“Rude. But allowed.” Mia exclaimed.

There was comfort in the familiar rhythm of their banter that Aria missed, it's like an anchor in the storm.

This was one of the reasons she was greatfull for having a second chance at life.

When she married Adrian in her first life, he stopped her from associating with all those close to her.

She just allowed her to visit her parents once in a while and that also stop as soon as they had died.

The only place she was allowed to go to was the office and that stopped when she got sick.

“Come early,” Mia said, interrupting her thinking. “I want you glowing, Like... effortlessly ‘I just crushed my enemies and stole their brand equity’ glowing.” she insisted.

“Sounds exhausting.” Aria laughed.

“But sexy.” Mia teased.

Aria chuckled. “See you later, Mia.”

“Yes, boss lady.” Mia replied, laughing as well.

Aria set the phone down, after ending the call.

This... This is what she wants to protect. This feeling of love and knowing that there are people who love and will always have your back at any moment.

After a dressing up in a beautiful knee length flair yellow gown and pairing with brown wedge heels, she went down to the garage to go to the restaurant. And of course her guards followed her, but in a different car.

The smell of warm vanilla, citrus zest, and fresh coffee filled the air at Eleven Clover as soon as she entered.

It was a sun-drenched, ivy-wrapped brunch café nestled in the fashionable Goldleaf District of Linyang.

The tables were dotted with influencer types, power brunchers, and a few low-key celebrities in sunglasses pretending not to be noticed.

Aria stepped through the front doors, her hair swept up into a simple ponytail and sunglasses perched high on her cheekbones.

The hostess blinked upon recognizing her, and gave a quick, reverent nod. “Miss Lin, your table is ready.”

Aria was led through the glass-walled garden patio, where Mia was already waiting, sipping iced lavender coffee in a puff-sleeved sundress and oversized sunglasses.

“You’re three minutes late,” Mia said, her lips quirking. “Were you doing CEO things or just arguing with your reflection?”

Aria slid into the seat across from her. “I was having a deeply philosophical debate with a white blouse.” she replied.

“Did it win?” Mia asked curiously.

“It always does.” Aria Laughed.

Mia grinned and pushed a mini pastry basket toward her. “Eat one. Your cheekbones are starting to frighten children.” she teased.

Aria picked up a raspberry Danish with zero protest. “You promised me gossip.”

“And I have some.” Mia leaned in and whispered. “You know that model Adrian was allegedly dating before you? The one from that skincare brand campaign?”

Aria lifted a brow and waited for Mia to elaborate.

“She’s now dating a pop star who might be seventeen. It’s getting messy.”

“Bold of you to assume I care,” Aria said, chewing the pastry.

“You do care. You just pretend you don’t.” Mia stated.

Aria just smirked. Mia will not understand what she had gone through in the hands of Adrian. Even if he was the last man on Earth, she would never go back to him.

A waiter came by, which interrupted Aria from replying Mia.

They placed their orders—Aria choosing citrus-glazed French toast and black coffee, Mia ordering something colorful with edible flowers and three unnecessary toppings.

“So,” Mia said after the waiter left, sipping her drink, “Ethan.”

Aria sipped her drink and avoided looking at Mia. "What about him?"

Mia stirred her drink, thoughtful now. "you’re really going through with it?” she asked.

Aria leaned back in her seat, crossing one leg over the other. “Yes.”

“A contract marriage.” Mia said.

“Yes.” Aria replied raising a brow at her.

Mia blinked her eyes at her. “You’re a certified lunatic.” she stated.

“I’m also a CEO.” Aria replied smirking.

“That explains so much.” Mia joked.

They both laughed at that, loud enough to turn a few curious heads in there direction.

“You know,” Mia said, her tone softening, “you’re a lot scarier when you’re relaxed.”

“Good.” Aria muttered quietly, sipping her drink.

“No, I mean it.” She reached out and tapped Aria’s hand. “You’re starting to feel like yourself again.”

Aria looked away, letting the sun warm her face through the glass canopy above them.

“I think,” she said slowly, “this version of me... might be the real one.” Aria replied slowly.

Their food arrived moments later, bright and beautiful, the dishes as overstyled as the customers.

They dug in, and for a moment, all the drama of Linyang felt like background noise around them.

Then Mia, mouth full of flower-dusted pancake, said, “So when did you say you were telling Ethan you’re going to marry him?”

Aria picked up her fork. “I was thinking... Monday.”

Mia choked on her food. “THIS MONDAY?”

Aria just smiled, without replying her.

She still don't have the papers ready, but they should be by tomorrow. She was supposed to call her lawyers, to Ave the papers ready but she forgot all about.

She would have to call the lawyers today to let them know.

She doesn't think he would say no to her, because he will also benefit alot from this.

Aria was mid-bite into her French toast when Mia’s smile suddenly faltered.

“Oh, hell no,” Mia muttered, lowering her fork down.

Aria didn’t look up from her food. “What?” she asked.

“Do not turn around. Just... don’t.” Mia whispered her eyes wide.