Lyla stepped further into the room, her expression a perfect mask of concern.
“Oh my God… what’s going on here?” she asked softly, looking between Aria and Damian.
Aria wiped her tears quickly and turned away, hiding her hurt. Damian lowered his hand slowly, guilt flickering across his face for the briefest second, but his pride wouldn’t let him acknowledge it.
“It’s nothing,” he muttered coldly. “Stay out of it.”
Lyla walked closer, placing a gentle hand on Damian’s arm. “I couldn’t help but hear… I know things are tense, but can’t you both just talk things through calmly?”
Aria turned sharply. “You don’t need to pretend to care, Lyla.”
Lyla blinked innocently. “Aria, I’m really not trying to take sides. You’re both important to me. I just want peace in this house.”
Damian exhaled
